Grants and trusts officer volunteer roles

Funding Officer (Self-Employed) | Flexible Remote Working | 15% Commission on Secured Funding

Do you have a proven track record in fundraising, bid writing, or securing grants? Are you looking for a flexible role where your success directly supports vulnerable individuals and families?

Compassion is seeking a driven and experienced Funding Officer to help secure vital funding that enables us to tackle and prevent domestic abuse across Babergh, West Suffolk, and beyond.

Join a growing charity, work remotely on a flexible schedule, and use your expertise to create meaningful social impact while earning 15% commission on all funding secured.

✅ Flexible remote role (typically 2–3 days per week)
✅ Commission-based earnings
✅ Make a genuine difference in your community
✅ Build strategic partnerships and secure life-changing funding

Your skills could help transform lives. Apply today and become part of Compassion's mission to create safer communities for everyone.

Location: Flexible / Remote (primarily covering the Babergh and West Suffolk area)
Contract Type: Self-Employed
Remuneration: 15% commission on secured and received funding
Hours: Flexible as required, typically 2–3 days per week (may vary)
Reporting to: The Trustee Board

About Compassion

Compassion is a charity dedicated to tackling and preventing domestic abuse, supporting individuals and families to achieve safety, recovery, and long-term wellbeing. We work closely with communities and partner organisations to deliver meaningful support and create lasting change. We see and support almost 300 victims a year

As we continue to expand our impact, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Funding Officer to help secure the resources needed to sustain and grow our services.

The Role

We are looking for a proactive and results-driven Funding Officer to identify, develop, and secure funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, grant-making bodies, businesses, and other third-sector stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong bid-writing and relationship-management skills to make a real difference. Working independently and flexibly, you will play a key role in ensuring the financial sustainability of the charity by generating new income streams and contributing to a strategic funding approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify suitable funding opportunities aligned with Compassion’s mission and objectives.
• Prepare and submit high-quality funding applications, grant proposals, and expressions of interest.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with funders, grant-makers, and sector partners.
• Develop a pipeline of funding opportunities and maintain records of applications and outcomes.
• Work closely with leadership to understand organisational priorities and funding requirements.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of a strategic funding plan.
• Monitor funding trends, opportunities, and sector developments.
• Support reporting requirements for successful funding applications where required.
• Maximise opportunities to secure sustainable income for the charity.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience in grant fundraising, bid writing, or income generation within the charity or voluntary sector.
• A strong track record of securing funding from trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, or corporate funders.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce compelling and persuasive funding applications.
• Strong research, planning, and organisational abilities.
• The ability to build and maintain productive relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• A self-motivated and proactive approach to work.
• An understanding of the challenges faced by charities and the domestic abuse sector would be advantageous.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the wider team.

What We Offer

• Flexible, remote working arrangements.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an important cause.
• Independence and autonomy in managing your workload.
• A commission-based remuneration structure rewarding successful funding outcomes.
• The chance to help shape and support the future growth and sustainability of Compassion.

Remuneration

This is a self-employed position offering 15% commission on all secured funding generated through successful applications and funding bids.

​

Closing Date: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Join Compassion and help us secure the resources needed to support individuals and families affected by domestic abuse and build safer communities across Babergh, West Suffolk, and beyond.

The national charity for the Neighbourhood Watch Movement is seeking new trustees – could you be one of them?You’ve probably heard of us. You’ve probably seen Neighbourhood Watch signs. But you might be surprised at the range of work our volunteers carry out.

As the national umbrella organisation of the largest voluntary movement for crime prevention in England and Wales, we support people to prevent and reduce crime by coming together with their neighbours to create safer, stronger and active communities. We estimate that our 93,000 Neighbourhood watch Groups engage with over two million people in a spirit of local activism that can address the issues that often give rise to crime and anti-social behaviour and help prevent them from becoming more serious. In the past year we have partnered with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to provide training on being an “active bystander” and our “Are You OK?” campaign that showed how to respond in the event of witnessing aggression aimed at women, racial minorities or LGBTQ+ people. During 2022/23 we also launched a Community Safety Charter which has been endorsed more than 2500 times by Police Forces, local authorities and many different public and commercial organisations as well as by individuals and local communities.

Neighbourhood Watch Network supports these activities through a small central team of dedicated staff, led by our Chief Executive. Our work is funded mostly by grants from government, trusts and foundations, and partnerships with businesses but we are also developing ways for individuals to contribute to our work.

At a time when charities are facing rising demand, increasing competition for funding and growing pressure on unrestricted income, investing in fundraising capacity has never been more important. Yet funding for fundraising, organisational development and core infrastructure is often the hardest support to secure.

Afrocats is entering an exciting period of growth and is seeking an experienced fundraising professional who wants to use their skills to make a meaningful difference. We are looking for someone who can help us strengthen our core-funding pipeline by identifying new opportunities, reviewing and improving applications, and increasing the number and quality of bids submitted.

Working alongside the CEO and team, you will help build the foundations that enable us to reach more people, deepen our impact and secure long-term resilience.

The role would suit an experienced fundraiser, retired fundraising professional, charity consultant, grants specialist, corporate fundraiser or development professional who is looking to give back, share their expertise and support a growing organisation at a pivotal stage in its journey. Your knowledge and guidance will help unlock resources that directly benefit women, children, young people, refugees, asylum seekers and diverse communities across Greater Manchester.

By volunteering your expertise for just 8 hours per week, you can make a lasting contribution to the sustainability and future success of Afrocats.

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic people to help us in our brand-new Visitor Centre at Crystal Palace Park!  

The Visitor Centre is a welcoming hub where visitors can discover the history and heritage of Crystal Palace Park through a permanent exhibition, browse our gift shop and find information to help them make the most of their visit to Crystal Palace Park. The building also includes a flexible space available to hire for community events, meetings, and activities.

Volunteers will play a vital role in ensuring that visitors have an informative and positive visit. You’ll volunteer in pairs, supported by paid staff, to welcome visitors and support our Visitor Centre shop and membership opportunities.

This role will suit you if you are a friendly, outgoing individual who is keen to gain retail and customer service experience while learning more about working for a charity.

What’s involved: 

• Welcoming visitors to Crystal Palace Park and helping to ensure that we provide an inclusive and friendly environment for all our visitors. 

• Supporting the Visitor Centre shop, including serving customers, processing sales through our cashless till system and helping to ensure the stock is monitored and the space is welcoming and tidy. 

• Wayfinding – helping visitors map out their route around the park, including information about park services; toilets, cafes and seating areas 

• Promoting Crystal Palace Park, including our aiding visitors to join as Crystal Palace Park Members using our membership tablets. 

Time involved: 

This role is available Wednesday – Sunday throughout the year. Hours involved will be across two shift patterns, AM: 9.45 – 1.00pm and PM: 12.45 – 4.00pm. 

There will also be ad-hoc evening openings throughout the year which volunteers can also be involved in.

We encourage volunteers to take part in this role for at least 3 months to get the most out of the opportunity.

This role will suit you if: 

• You are a friendly and welcoming person, and you enjoy talking and meeting a wide variety of people 

• You’re happy to volunteer as part of a team 

• You’re interested in learning more about our history and communicating information to our visitors 

• You’d like to gain retail experience and customer service skills

• You’re interested in learning more about working for a charity and gaining understanding of the importance of membership and donations.

Support and training: 

We will provide you with all the training necessary for your role, including: 

• An induction and full briefing before your first session 

• Training in how to assist in the shop and membership engagement 

• Support from Trust and Freelance staff.

• Volunteers are covered under Crystal Palace Park’s public liability insurance 

We will offer you:

• A volunteer uniform (lanyard or pin badge) 

• Reimbursement of travel expenses up to maximum of a zone 1-6 travelcard 

• Support from a dedicated volunteer officer 

• Access to facilities, water and light refreshments 
• Ongoing support and supervision from Trust staff 

Access information: 

This role takes place inside the Visitor Centre in Crystal Palace Park which is step free. We want to make our volunteer roles accessible and if you have access requirements or would like to discuss whether this role is suitable for you, please get in touch. 

Fundraising Volunteer

Every year, RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch CIO rescues, cares for and rehomes hundreds of unwanted, stray and abandoned animals.
We also support local pet owners who are struggling to afford essential veterinary treatment, helping animals get the care they need and stay with the people who love them.

We are a local RSPCA branch and we raise our own funds. The money we bring in through donations, grants, gifts in wills and local support makes a real difference to what we can do for animals in our area.

We are looking for a Fundraising Volunteer to help us find new ways to raise money and build support for our work.

This could be a lovely role for someone who has some fundraising experience and would like to use their skills for a cause they care about. You do not need to be an animal welfare expert. What matters most is that you care about animals, enjoy bringing ideas together, and can help us explain clearly why our work needs support.

You don't need to be an expert in everything listed below, but some experience in one or more of these areas would be helpful.

What you will be doing

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you may help with:

• Researching suitable grant-making trusts, foundations and local funding opportunities

• Helping to prepare information for grant applications and funding bids

• Supporting donation appeals for specific projects, such as veterinary care, animal accommodation, equipment or rehoming work

​We are looking for someone who has

• Previous fundraising experience

• An interest in animal welfare and the work of the Branch

• Good written communication skills

Time commitment

This is a flexible role and much of it can be done from home.
You are welcome to spend time in our office if you would like to work alongside the team.

Support and guidance

We want our volunteers to feel confident, supported and valued. You will receive guidance from the Branch, along with relevant information, policies and processes to help you carry out the role well.

The wellbeing of our people is important to us. We are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and everyone we come into contact with through our work.

What you will gain

By volunteering with us, you will:

• Make a direct difference to the welfare of local animals

• Help secure the funds needed to rescue, treat, rehabilitate and rehome animals

• Support pet owners who are struggling to afford essential veterinary care

• Use your fundraising skills for a cause with local impact

• Gain or build on charity fundraising experience

• Strengthen your CV

• Join a friendly, committed local team

• Help shape the future sustainability of an independent RSPCA branch

Interested?

If you care about animals and would like to use your fundraising skills to help secure vital support for their care, we would love to hear from you.

Volunteer Fundraising & Partnerships Officer

Organisation: Skills Development Training
Location: Flexible (Remote with occasional meetings and community events in London)
Commitment: Minimum 1 day per week (Flexible)
Role Type: Volunteer

Help Create Opportunities for Disadvantaged Young People

Are you passionate about making a real difference? Do you enjoy developing creative ideas, building relationships, and helping worthwhile causes grow?

Skills Development Training is looking for a proactive and enthusiastic Volunteer Fundraising & Partnerships Officer to help us raise vital funds that support disadvantaged young people across our programmes.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to gain valuable fundraising experience while helping transform the lives of young people through education, skills development, mentoring, and employability projects.

About Us

Skills Development Training is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting disadvantaged and underrepresented young people by providing skills training, creative opportunities, mentoring, and pathways into employment and further education.

Our mission is to remove barriers, inspire confidence, and equip young people with the skills and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.

The Role

As our Volunteer Fundraising & Partnerships Officer, you will play a key role in helping us secure the funding needed to expand our impact.

You will have the opportunity to develop and implement creative fundraising ideas while building meaningful relationships with businesses, community groups, and individual supporters.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative fundraising campaigns and ideas.
• Identify new fundraising opportunities and income streams.
• Approach local and national businesses for sponsorship and corporate donations.
• Build relationships with corporate partners and community organisations.
• Research charitable trusts, foundations, and grant opportunities.
• Support online fundraising campaigns and digital donation initiatives.
• Promote fundraising activities through social media and online platforms.
• Help organise fundraising events and community initiatives.
• Encourage regular giving and supporter engagement.
• Work alongside the charity's leadership team to develop long-term fundraising strategies.

We're Looking For Someone Who

• Is passionate about supporting disadvantaged young people.
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Is creative, proactive, and full of ideas.
• Enjoys networking and engaging with businesses and communities.
• Can work independently and take initiative.
• Has an interest in fundraising, sales, business development, marketing, or partnerships (experience is welcome but not essential).
• Is confident using email, social media, and online research tools.

What You'll Gain

• The opportunity to lead your own fundraising initiatives.
• Experience building corporate partnerships.
• A professional reference after successful volunteering.
• The chance to make a genuine difference to the lives of disadvantaged young people.
• Experience that strengthens your CV for careers in fundraising, charity management, business development, marketing, corporate partnerships, and the voluntary sector.

Time Commitment

• Minimum commitment of 1 day per week.
• Flexible volunteering to fit around work or study.
• Remote volunteering available, with opportunities to attend meetings and fundraising events where appropriate.

Why Join Us?

Every donation helps us provide opportunities that many young people would otherwise miss. Your creativity, enthusiasm, and determination could directly help fund life-changing programmes, workshops, mentoring, and employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people.

By joining Skills Development Training, you'll become part of a passionate team committed to creating brighter futures and stronger communities.

If you're ready to use your skills to make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Volunteer Executive Assistant to the CEO

Organization: Bright Futures & Hillel Bright Futures Trust Community Hub
Location: Croydon, South London (Office-based)
Time Commitment: Main office days - Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday/Online the remaining days (Potential Job Share available)
Start Date: Immediate (Following successful interview and reference checks)
Benefits: Free hot lunch, travel expenses, free training, and EAP support

About Us

Bright Futures and the Hillel Bright Futures Trust are proud to be South London's leading SEND community hub. Based in Croydon, we offer a vital range of education, training, and well-being services. We mainly serve children aged 4 to 19 years, extending up to 25 years for individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

We are deeply family-centred. We firmly believe that "a happy parent is a happy child." Because we champion equal opportunity and community support, over 90% of our services are delivered completely free of charge. This life-changing charitable work is only possible through the dedication of our incredible team and volunteers.

The Opportunity

Are you looking to use your professional skills to make a real social impact? We are seeking a highly organized, proactive Volunteer Executive Assistant (EA) to support our Chief Executive Officer.

This rewarding role offers the chance to gain high-level experience in the charity sector. You will act as a central pillar across our organization, directly contributing to our growth and community outreach.

What You Will Do: arrange of business admin duties - 

• CEO Support: Manage diaries, schedule meetings, and handle administrative workflows.
• Project Assistance: Coordinate tasks for community initiatives to support free service delivery.
• Human Resources: Assist with volunteer onboarding records and training schedules.
• Fundraising Support: Help track grant applications and coordinate local fundraising events.
• Communications & Social Media: Create content using Canva and manage our active social media profiles.

What We Are Looking For

Essential Skills:

• Tech Literacy: Mastery of the full Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Teams.
• Design Tools: Proficiency in Canva to create engaging social media and marketing graphics.
• Communication: Warm, professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Organisation: Excellent time management and the ability to manage diverse administrative tasks.

Desirable Criteria:

• Driving License: A clean, valid UK driving license is highly preferred.
• Background Checks: A current Enhanced DBS check is ideal, though we can arrange this for you.

Commitment & Flexibility

• We require a commitment on our core days: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Online days: Tuesday and Friday (will consider job share across 3 days)
• We welcome applications from individuals looking for a job-share volunteer arrangement to cover these days.

What We Offer You

• Free Hot Lunch: Provided daily at our hub.
• Travel Expenses: Full reimbursement of reasonable travel costs.
• Well-being Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (via Bright HR).
• Professional Development: Free targeted training where required to enhance your performance in the role.
• References: A high-quality reference upon successful completion of your placement.
• Environment: A friendly, supportive team environment making a genuine difference.

The Organisation
Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network working towards one vision: a world where every child grows up in a safe and loving family. We support the transformation of child protection and alternative care systems, shifting away from institutional care and strengthening families and communities to keep children safe.
The unique composition of our Foundation brings together our Key Assets teams in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and represents a network of over 1,000 foster care and child care practitioners. We combine this practical expertise with international advocacy and grant making through our MJF Global division to champion global care reform and support local organisations working to prevent family separation.

Structure
Our structure enables us to share and build on our collective experience, knowledge, practitioner skills, and proven best practice models as we continue to deliver innovative and quality services. Each organisation within the Martin James Foundation has its own strategy and mission of how it works towards our shared vision of a world in which children grow up and thrive in safe and loving families.
In addition, a set of shared strategic objectives enables us to achieve a greater combined impact. These objectives span a range of interventions that seek to support children, families and communities, as well as the structures and systems designed to protect them. Our work is informed and guided by the principles of the Guidelines of Alternative Care for Children, designed to enhance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Role of the Martin James Foundation Board
The Board of Trustees has strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that ambitious strategic goals are set and worked towards effectively. The Board of Trustees works in collaboration with the Executive team to make decisions on key issues, offering support and challenge on a range of matters. The Board of Trustees acts as a point of escalation for internal and external stakeholders, for example any complaints or grievances, in line with agreed processes. The Board of Trustees also has legal oversight of the charity, including responsibility for ensuring that statutory and reporting requirements to the Charity Commission are met.

Board Statement of Values and Decision Making
Board Members embrace the entrepreneurial ethos of the Martin James Foundation. The Board is keen to take innovative approaches to delivering the Foundation’s work and commits to working collaboratively and effectively, as a collective decision-making body, to ensure the success of the charity. In doing so, board members commit to upholding the seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

The Role of the Martin James Foundation Trustee
All Martin James Foundation Trustees contribute to the effective governance of the Foundation, through supporting the Board to make objective, long-term decisions on key issues in order to advance the charity’s mission and goals. Typically, such key issues will include: strategy, goal-setting, programme or project design, relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. government), public relations, finance, safeguarding, or any other legal matters. The Chair will hold the Board of Trustees and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. Each Trustee will support the Chair and Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives.

Person Specification
1. A strong and visible passion and commitment to Martin James Foundation, its strategic objectives, values and cause
2. Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
3. Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees. An understanding and experience of international issues and the challenges facing NGOs working internationally is desirable
4. Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
5. Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
6. Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events.
7. Desirable: Broad knowledge and understanding of children’s protection and social care and current issues affecting it.
8. Desirable: Lived experience of foster care or other family-based care.
9. Essential: Expertise in charity law and regulations gained through operating as a legal professional for Not-For-Profit / Charitable organisations.

Commitment and Conduct
The average time commitment is approximately 1 day per month, encompassing the following activities:
• Attendance at four quarterly Board meetings including review of all relevant papers and policies in advance of meetings. Meetings are held remotely with one in person annual general meeting. Papers for these meetings are circulated one week in advance. Meetings will focus on new projects, annual report and accounts, and other strategic decisions.
• Occasional exceptional Board meetings may be convened as required and are held by video call.
• Attendance at four quarterly Finance, Risk and Audit sub-committee meetings. Additional Board Committees are under consideration to which new Trustees would be invited to join in accordance with relevant skill sets.
• Meetings with executive leadership team members in relation to specific policies and projects, linking to relevant skills and specialisms brought by Trustees.
• Optional monthly meetings with the Chief Executive.

The Martin James Foundation strives to enable a diverse range of participation and contributions to the Board, and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. People with lived experience of alternative care, and from people outside of the UK are encouraged to apply. All Board positions are voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, and any training costs will be fully covered.

New Trustees will be provided with a structured induction and ongoing training and one-to-one support as appropriate.
As part of the appointment process, all Board members are required to adhere to the Martin James Foundation Code of Conduct and complete the Declaration of Eligibility and Interest form. The content of the Declaration of Interest form may require you to withdraw from specific discussions where you, a partner or close relative stands to gain or where you are so close to a matter being discussed that it will be difficult for you to be impartial.

About The Stray Cat Charity (TSCC)

The Stray Cat Charity is a newly established UK-registered CIO working to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome stray cats in Greece, starting in Patras. Our current priority campaign is to raise £35,000 to build a dedicated stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece, which will provide safe housing, veterinary care, and a pathway to adoption for vulnerable cats. As a growing new charity, we are building our fundraising and outreach network across the UK.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a motivated volunteer to support the growth of our charity by helping identify and connect with potential supporters in their local area. This includes community groups, schools, corporates, and potential major donors who may be interested in supporting or fundraising for stray cats in Greece. The aim of this role is to help generate awareness, build relationships, and support fundraising activity for our current and future campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

The volunteer may support with:

• Researching local community groups, schools, faith groups, and businesses
• Identifying potential corporate partners and supporters in their region
• Contacting organisations to introduce The Stray Cat Charity and its mission
• Encouraging groups to support the charity through donations or fundraising
• Promoting our current campaign to raise £35,000 for a stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece
• Supporting or initiating community fundraising activities where appropriate (e.g. sponsored events, school fundraisers, awareness campaigns)
• Helping to raise awareness of stray cat welfare issues in Greece through local outreach

Fundraising Options

Volunteers may either:

• Focus on outreach and relationship-building, or
• Actively support or lead local fundraising efforts for the charity’s campaigns

Ideal Volunteer

We are looking for someone who is:

• Confident communicating with people and organisations
• Passionate about animal welfare
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Comfortable researching and reaching out to potential supporters
• Interested in community engagement or fundraising

About the Charity

The Stray Cat Charity is a new organisation, meaning volunteers will play a key role in shaping our growth, impact, and fundraising success from the ground up.

Support Provided

We will provide:

• Guidance on messaging and outreach
• Information about the charity and campaigns
• Ongoing support and communication from the founder/trustee

Impact of This Role

Your work will directly contribute to raising vital funds to build a safe shelter in Patras, Greece, improving the lives of stray cats and creating long-term sustainable welfare solutions.

The Lifescape Project is a quickly growing UK-registered charity whose mission is to protect and restore wild, natural landscapes. We use the skills and expertise of our multi-disciplinary team (spanning science, law, economics, technology and culture) to develop projects that pursue this mission.

We use the approach of combining disciplines to design and deliver our work because the biodiversity crisis is driven and impacted by social, economic, legal and other complex factors. It is increasingly recognised that the urgent transformative change needed for a sustainable future on our planet is most effectively achieved through this approach. The Lifescape Project has a unique ability to apply these diverse areas of expertise to our mission whilst maintaining the agility of a smaller organisation in delivering our work.

Working in pursuit of our 2020-2026 strategy, the Lifescape Project has seen rapid growth in its impact, team and revenue since commencing work in 2020. Our annual revenue has increased from £265,000 in FY 2020/2021 to £1.3m in FY 2025/2026, with further growth expected in the current FY. Our team has grown from just one to a team which will number 23 at the time of the new trustees joining.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the Lifescape Project ("Lifescape") achieves its purpose. Trustees oversee the management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Lifescape has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision: We want to live in a world rich in wild landscapes, providing a sustainable future for life on earth. 

Just as importantly, trustees support and challenge the executive team to enable Lifescape to grow and thrive, to achieve our mission of catalysing the creation, restoration and protection of wild landscapes by through building and employing our expertise in science, technology, law, economics, and culture. 

Duties include: 

• Support and provide advice on Lifescape’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation. 

• Oversee Lifescape’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

• Review and approve Lifescape’s financial statements. 

• Keep abreast of changes in Lifescape's operating environment, and ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively. 

• Provide support and challenge to Lifescape’s CEO . 

• Contribute to regular reviews of Lifescape's own governance. Attend Board meetings, prepared to contribute to discussions. 

• Apply your expertise and knowledge and make use of your professional networks to contribute to the promotion of Lifescape's objects and aims, and to enhance the charity’s reputation.. 

As a small charity, there are times when trustees need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may include assisting with recruitment, developing internal policies, ad-hoc reviews of strategic decisions or providing guidance to the executive team on specific subject areas within your expertise.

What we are looking for 

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role. 

Prior experience of working or volunteering for, or acting as trustee of, an NGO would be an advantage but is not required. We will provide a full induction and training.

For this round of trustee recruitment, we welcome interest from all candidates who believe they have something to offer. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in the following areas:

• Planning and delivering conservation or rewilding programmes in Europe, or in Eastern or Southern Africa; or having relevant professional networks in those geographies. 

• Environmental economics / natural capital accounting. 

• Major donor or grant fundraising for charities.

• Strategic communications.

Personal skills and qualities 

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member. 

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

• A strong personal commitment to our mission to protect and restore wild landscapes globally.

• A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. 

We are happy to consider trustees based in any geographic location.

We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, and are keen to broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Prior experience of serving on a board is not required, and you don't need to meet every single requirement listed in order to apply. 

Our top priority is finding someone who is as passionate about Lifescape's mission and vision as we are and has time to commit to it 

Terms of appointment 

Terms of office 

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office, subject to renewal at a designated board meeting. 

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed. 

Time commitment 

• Trustees attend quarterly board meetings which last approximately two hours. These are usually scheduled towards the end of the UK working day (e.g. 5pm – 7pm) but timings can be varied if required.

• Board meetings are usually held virtually, with one in-person meeting a year (see below).

• An agenda and pack of supporting materials will be circulated in advance of the meeting. We would normally recommend allowing at least an hour to read these and prepare for the meeting.

• In addition, we may call ad hoc meetings of the board as needed, e.g. to discuss strategy or where an urgent board approval is required.

• Lifescape is a remote organisation and relies on periodic in-person meetings to bring team members together. The trustees are asked to attend an annual offsite, which may be held in the UK or abroad. Travel, accommodation and meals are paid for and organised by Lifescape. The length of the annual offsite varies depending on location but is usually four days, requiring trustees to spend at least three nights away from home. 

Committee membership

• The board delegates certain functions to committees. We currently have a Governance Committee and a Finance & HR Committee. There may be new committees in future. These committees meet approximately once a month, and the timing of the meetings is flexible to suit the availability of participants.

• If you would like to see the Terms of Reference for either committee, then please let us know. We would be delighted if new trustees were keen to get involved in our committee work. 

How to apply 

To apply, please send your CV (max two pages) and a statement of no more than 500 words explaining your interest in and suitability for the role.

Applications close at the end of 31st July 2026, although we may close applications earlier if we receive a sufficient number of qualified candidates before this date. 

There will be at least one interview for candidates who pass the first stage of review. 

If you have any questions about the role or the application process, please contact us. If you require any information in a different format, please let us know.