Growth and development officer volunteer roles

Are you ready to help shape the future of mental health support for racialised communities?

Mary Seacole House is Merseyside's leading wellbeing service for Black and racialised communities. For over 30 years, they've stood as a beacon of hope in Liverpool, offering advocacy, emotional support and wellbeing activities designed with the ethos of "same rights, different needs."

Now, as the charity enters a pivotal period of transformation, we're seeking a Treasurer to join the Board of Trustees and help steer the organisation towards change, growth and greater impact.

Location: Liverpool (Either mostly remote or hybrid meetings, open to a flexible approach)
Time commitment: Approx. 1 Board meeting per month, plus additional involvement during a period of change
Remuneration: Voluntary, with reasonable expenses covered

About Mary Seacole House

Originally founded to address the lack of understanding around Black mental health. Today, Mary Seacole House provides culturally appropriate advocacy, runs a multicultural wellbeing service and fights for the rights of racialised communities across Liverpool.

Under the leadership of an exceptional new CEO and working alongside a refreshed and reenergised Board, they're building strong foundations for the future - and we need your skills to achieve big, bold ambitions.

About the role

As Treasurer, you'll play a vital role as a Trustee and with delegated responsibility for ensuring financial stability and good governance. You'll:

• Oversee financial reporting and ensure clarity for all trustees.
• Support the CEO and Chair with budgeting, forecasting and financial compliance.
• Help shape financial policy and guide strategic decisions during a period of change.

This is genuinely unique and exciting opportunity to join the Board of a small, but mighty charity. It's a chance to roll your sleeves up and make a tangible difference, at a significant time of change.

About you

We're looking for someone who brings:

• Financial expertise (accounting qualification required; charity experience desirable).
• Leadership experience at Board or senior level.
• Commitment to anti-racism and an understanding of marginalised communities.

If you have lived experience of racism or migration, or deep knowledge of Liverpool's cultural context, we'd especially love to hear from you.

Why join now?

• Be part of a charity tackling racial injustice in mental health.
• Shape strategy and governance during a critical period of growth.
• Gain satisfaction and a sense of pride, working alongside passionate trustees and a visionary CEO with shared values.

To apply: Please send your CV and a short statement (around 300 words) on why this role matters to you to Amelia Lee at Charity People.

If you prefer an informal conversation about time commitment (or anything else) first, please connect with Amelia and we'll find a mutually convenient time to talk.

Deadline: 9am on Friday 13th February. However, please do get in touch ASAP if interested - we'll never close early, but it would be great to start conversations as soon as possible.

Interview dates to be confirmed soon.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Greater Manchester Moving is a leading Greater Manchester charity which exists to change lives through movement, physical activity and sport. This drives everything that we do and motivates every single person engaged with our organisation.

We lead, support and connect people and partners across our brilliant city-region to enable Active Lives for All, uniting communities and creating more equal and inclusive places so that people can lead happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives.

Nationally, we are one of 42 Active Partnerships. Together, we work to create the conditions for an active nation. We work closely with Sport England to support the local implementation of the Uniting the Movement Strategy.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional leader to serve as Chair of our Board. The successful candidate will provide inclusive, values-led leadership and strategic direction, uphold the highest standards of governance and financial oversight, and drive the growth of the charity’s value and impact.

As an ambassador and advocate, the Chair will champion the transformative benefits of movement, physical activity, and sport, foster strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, and promote equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The role requires a commitment to nurturing an already high-performing Board, modelling integrity and accountability, and ensuring the charity operates in line with its values, regulatory responsibilities, and the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles).

The Chair will work in close partnership with the Chief Executive, offering support, providing constructive challenge, and holding the executive leadership to account in delivering the charity’s objectives.

We are an organisation guided by our core values of passion, integrity, and purpose. We acknowledge and champion the advantages of a diverse and inclusive Board, and view enhancing diversity and inclusivity at the Board level as a vital factor in achieving our goals and objectives.

As an organisation we believe we should be reflective of the people within our communities and as such we encourage applications from underrepresented groups who can strengthen our already talented and committed Board.

If you are seeking a role that is inspirational, developmental and one which can make a difference to the lives of people in Greater Manchester, then we would love to hear from you.

The recruitment pack (which includes the role profile and person specification), application form and equal opportunities monitoring form are available to download from our website.

Become a Young Trustee of Young Citizens and help light the spark of active citizenship for children and young people!

With citizenship education set to become statutory in primary schools, votes at 16 on the horizon, and growing concern about the health of our democracy, this is a pivotal moment to join Young Citizens as a Young Trustee.

For over 35 years, Young Citizens has helped children and young people understand society, engage in democracy and make a positive impact in their communities. Through flagship programmes like The Big Legal Lesson, The Big Democracy Lesson, the Make a Difference Challenge and National Mock Trial Competitions, we bring citizenship to life in classrooms and communities across the UK – reaching 300,000+ young people every year.

Our five-year strategy, Lighting the Spark, is focused on making sure every young person in the UK experiences powerful, practical and immersive citizenship learning. As a Young Trustee, you will help shape this next phase of growth, strengthen our financial sustainability, and ensure we make the most of the opportunities ahead.

This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed) and a chance to play a strategic part in strengthening UK democracy through education.

Role Snapshot: 

• Contribute to shaping Young Citizens’ strategic direction and monitoring performance
• Help ensure compliance with charity law and our governing document (training provided)
• Safeguard the charity’s values, reputation, and financial integrity
• Support effective use of resources and long-term sustainability
• Work with fellow trustees to advise and support the CEO
• Act as an ambassador for Young Citizens, promoting our mission and building connections

Why join as a Young Trustee?

• Play an important role in guiding a national charity at a critical time for civic education.
• Bring your perspective as a young person to Board discussions - your lived experience matters.
• Gain governance experience, develop leadership skills, and learn how charities operate.
• Receive full induction, safeguarding training, and ongoing support, including a mentor trustee.

In short, you’ll help ensure hundreds of thousands of young people every year gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in society.

What We Are Looking For

We’re looking for young trustees who bring fresh ideas, big-picture thinking, and a collaborative spirit. You’ll approach the role with openness and integrity, ready to learn, grow, and champion Young Citizens beyond the boardroom.

We welcome applications from young people aged 18–25 who are passionate about active citizenship and youth voice. You do not need prior board experience - training and support will be provided. We’re looking for potential, and learning as you go is part of the role. If you have experience or interest in any of the following areas, that’s great (but not essential):

• Citizenship education or youth engagement
• Marketing, communications, or influencing
• Business growth and partnerships
• Digital innovation or technology
• Fundraising and income generation

We also welcome diverse experiences or educational backgrounds, including leadership, public service, law, finance, policy, or community involvement.

If you want to play an active role in guiding strategy and making decisions that matter, ensuring hundreds of thousands of young people every year have the skills and confidence to engage fully in society, we’d love to hear from you!

Role Requirements

The role requires around 4–6 hours per month, including preparation and engagement between meetings. Trustees attend four board meetings a year (usually weekday evenings in London), monthly online finance updates, and an annual Away Day. Appointments are for an initial three-year term, with potential renewal. While day-to-day operations are led by the Chief Executive and senior team, trustees hold ultimate responsibility for governance and compliance. 

To learn more about the role and the application process, please refer to the job pack for full details.

After six transformative years, our Chair is stepping down. This is your chance to lead a charity that's reached 2.5 million LGBTQ+ young people – and heard them say "I'm still alive because of you."

Full description:

It Gets Better UK is at an exciting moment. Over the past six years, we've grown from a grassroots initiative into a charity reaching millions of LGBTQ+ young people across the UK. Through digital storytelling, educational resources, and community engagement, we're combating isolation and discrimination – ensuring every young person knows their power and worthiness as individuals.

Now we're looking for our next Chair of Trustees to lead us into our next chapter.

What makes this role special?

This isn't just governance for governance's sake. The impact is immediate and profound. Young people tell us our content helped them through their darkest moments – some say we're the reason they're still alive. You'll work with a passionate board and our CEO/Founder Dr Alex Rhys OBE, whose vision, resilience and commitment to the mission has been extraordinary. The team – both volunteer and paid – is genuinely special.

The opportunity:

You'll provide strategic leadership at a pivotal time, helping us build on our momentum while navigating the challenges every growing charity faces. We need someone who can balance big vision with practical governance, understand charity finance and risk, and chair meetings that drive real decisions while creating space for genuine discussion.

What we're looking for:

Essential:

• Demonstrable commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and youth rights
• Proven governance experience, ideally as a trustee or board member
• Strong understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities
• Excellent chairing skills with ability to facilitate constructive discussions
• Strategic thinking balanced with practical implementation
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Desirable:

• Experience in charity/voluntary sector, particularly youth or LGBTQ+ organisations
• Understanding of digital engagement and online community building
• Financial management and fundraising knowledge
• Networks within funding, policy, or LGBTQ+ advocacy circles
• Experience with organisational growth and transformation
• Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks

Why now matters:

LGBTQ+ young people face unprecedented challenges – rising hate crime, attacks on trans rights, mental health crises. Our work has never been more vital. The next Chair will help ensure we're here for every young person who needs us, with the governance, strategy, and sustainability to deliver real impact.

If you care about LGBTQ+ equality, have governance expertise to share, and want to make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Time commitment: Approximately 6 hours per month | Term: 3 years (renewable) | Location: Remote (quarterly video meetings, occasional in-person) | Deadline: 10pm Sunday 1st February

The Organisation

Applied Microbiology International (AMI) unites the global microbiology community, breaking down borders and bridging disciplines. It empowers researchers and professionals, fostering collaboration that drives real-world scientific impact. Through strategic funding, inclusive events, and championing diverse voices, AMI addresses the sustainable development goals most aligned with its mission.

AMI promotes knowledge and innovation through its industry-leading magazine, The Microbiologist, and three internationally acclaimed journals in partnership with Oxford University Press. The organisation supports early careers, celebrates excellence with prestigious awards, and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration worldwide.

By amplifying the voices of applied microbiologists, AMI shapes evidence-based policy, inspires the next generation, and acts as a catalyst for scientific discovery, turning knowledge into solutions that benefit society.

The Role

AMI is seeking a Lay Trustee to join its modern, forward-thinking Board.

The Board meets at least three times per year via Teams, with scheduling accommodating trustees globally. One annual face-to-face meeting is held in the UK.

Trustees play a vital role in guiding and strengthening AMI. They provide support and advice on the organisation’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities, while overseeing high-level strategies, policies, and financial plans. Trustees help identify and manage key risks, review financial statements, and support the Chief Executive in delivering AMI’s mission. They contribute their expertise and networks to promote AMI’s reputation, actively engage in committees or advisory groups, and champion membership growth. Acting independently, legally, and in good faith, Trustees prioritise AMI’s interests and stay informed about its operating environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Approving strategies, policies, budgets, and monitoring progress

• Ensuring effective risk management and financial oversight

• Supporting and challenging leadership while contributing expertise

• Promoting AMI’s aims, reputation, and membership growth

In addition, the Lay Trustee will:

• Advise on the development of a new commercial strategy aligned with AMI’s mission to drive revenue growth and diversify income streams

• Provide guidance on sales, market dynamics, customer segments, business development, product/service commercialisation, new product development, and commercial partnerships

• Serve on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (5 meetings per year, held remotely)

The Person

AMI is seeking individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset, fresh perspectives, and energy to contribute to a dynamic organisation with global reach. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping AMI’s future, including contributing to a major strategic review planned for 2026.

Candidates do not need to be UK-based but must share and actively support AMI’s values and be motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference through good governance and strategic leadership.

Essential experience and qualities:

• Background in business or commercial development, ideally within the STEM sector

• Proven track record of senior commercial leadership in STEM

• Strong integrity and personal credibilityMicrobiology expertise is not required.

• Global experience and mindset, open to cross-border collaboration

• Commitment to AMI’s mission, strategic objectives, and values

AMI is committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcomed regardless of age, ethnicity, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, social background, or disability. Reasonable adjustments will be supported wherever possible.

Migrateful is looking for new Trustees to help guide our next chapter! Migrateful runs cookery classes in London and Bristol led by refugees and migrants to support them on their journey to integration & employment.
 

Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction, strengthening governance and acting as critical friends to the executive team, ensuring Migrateful continues to deliver high quality, impactful work in line with its charitable purpose.

We are currently looking for a trustee with financial qualifications and experience, ideally including charity finance and fundraising, who will support the Finance and Risk Subcommittee. This includes overseeing budgets, monitoring financial performance, reviewing financial and operational risks, and providing assurance on internal control systems to support financial decision-making.

Trustees will play a pivotal role in ensuring Migrateful can continue to grow and deliver meaningful impact for migrant and refugee communities. They will help support the continued expansion of our cookery class programme, which provides vital training, employment and integration opportunities and a platform for migrant-led cultural exchange. 

For more information please see our trustee recruitment pack. 

The Events Assistant will support the planning, coordination, and delivery of Hidayah’s events and activities. Working closely with the Events Officer and wider team, this role ensures that all events run smoothly, are well-promoted, inclusive, and aligned with Hidayah’s mission. The ideal candidate is organised, proactive, and passionate about creating meaningful community experiences.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

1. Event Planning & Delivery 

· Support the Events Officer in planning, organising, and delivering a range of events, both online and in person

· Liaise with venues and caterers to confirm logistics, costs, and facilities, ensuring value for money and guest satisfaction

· Manage event listings and guest registrations through OutSavvy, ensuring all attendees have active Hidayah memberships

· Assist with event setup, registration, and on-the-day coordination, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment

· Support with risk assessments, accessibility considerations, and general event compliance

2. Marketing & Communications 

· Collaborate with the Social Media team to schedule and promote events across Hidayah’s social channels

· Create or support the design of promotional materials and graphics using Canva

· Draft event descriptions, newsletter content, and updates for review by the Events Officer

· Coordinate the monthly newsletter, liaising with the Social Media team to finalise and distribute

· Engage partner charities, community groups, and networks to share event information via email and social media

3. Stakeholder & Community Engagement 

· Build and maintain relationships with organisations, partners, and individuals aligned with Hidayah’s mission

· Send thank-you messages to venues, partners, and attendees following events

· Distribute and collect feedback forms, compiling responses to support continuous improvement

· Represent Hidayah at community events and networking opportunities where appropriate

4. Administrative Support 

· Maintain and update the contact database and event records

· Manage the Events Team inbox, responding to or triaging queries promptly

· Attend regular Events Team meetings, contributing updates and ideas

· Track and report on event expenses and participation data as required

What do we expect from the Events Assistant? 

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Essential: 

· Excellent organisation, communication, and time management skills. - Ability to work independently with minimal support but also as part of a team. - Proactive attitude with strong attention to detail. 

· Confident using (or willing to learn) tools such as OutSavvy, Google Suite (Docs, Calendar, Meet), HootSuite, and Discord

· Familiarity with social media platforms and an understanding of their role in event promotion

· Commitment to Hidayah’s values of inclusion, respect, and community empowerment

Desirable: 

· Experience with Canva or other design tools

· Basic data management or CRM experience 

· Understanding of accessibility and safeguarding in events

· Ability to track budgets or handle basic event finance administration

· Analytical skills to interpret feedback and produce summary reports

Personal Attributes 

· - Warm, approachable, and confident engaging with diverse communities

· Flexible and adaptable, able to respond calmly to challenges during live events

· Creative thinker who enjoys finding new ways to engage the audience

· Passionate about creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for all attendees

How much commitment is required?

This is a voluntary role with flexible hours, and can be carried out around your existing commitments. The role will take approximately 3-5 hours per week (flexible depending on needs and availability). 

Start your board journey with Citizens Advice LeicesterShire

We are looking for a Board Associate to join our team. This is a unique, developmental role designed to give you firsthand experience of how a charity board operates while you build the skills and confidence to become a Trustee in the future.

Who We are:

Citizens Advice LeicesterShire is an independent and local non-profit organisation. Our purpose is “Sharing knowledge to transform lives”. By listening to the needs of our communities and clients, we act to provide accessible, high-quality information, advice and education to anyone who needs it. We empower individuals with the tools and support they need to build resilience and thrive. By working in partnership with national and local organisations, we’re able to advocate for a fairer society, amplifying the voices of those often unheard. We demonstrate and uphold our values: we care, we help, we excel and we challenge to achieve positive outcomes for the people we help. Last year we supported over 31,000 people across Leicester and Leicestershire, securing them £14 million in additional income.

What is a Board Associate?

Think of this as a “governance apprenticeship”. You won’t carry the legal liability of a Trustee just yet, but you will be right at the heart of the action.

You will work closely with our CEO, Chair and Trustees to support the smooth running of the board. Your role will involve:

• Supporting board effectiveness: Helping to arrange meetings, prepare agendas and keep accurate records of our decisions.
• Learning by doing: Observing board discussions, participating in strategic projects and understanding how we make decisions that affect thousands of people.
• Governance support: Helping ensure we meet our legal requirements and monitoring the implementation of board actions.

What we offer you

We don’t expect you to be an expert from day one. This role is about your growth. You will receive:

• Mentoring: Direct support from experienced board members.
• Board-level exposure: A rare opportunity to see inside the strategic engine room of a major local charity.
• Skill development: Build your experience in leadership, strategy, and governance—a huge asset for your CV.
• Training: We’ll help you learn about charity law and board procedures.

What we’re looking for

You don’t need previous board experience. We are looking for someone who is organised, eager to learn, and shares our values: We Care, We Help, We Excel, We Challenge.

You might be a great fit if you have:

• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• An interest in how charities or businesses are run.
• The ability to exercise good judgment and act independently.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, those with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, as we want our leadership to reflect the diverse communities we serve.

Practical details

• Role Type: Volunteer (Non-Executive).

• Time Commitment: Approximately 3.5 hours every two months for board meetings (usually evenings), plus some additional time for prep or projects. We can be flexible.

• Location: Meetings are typically face-to-face in Leicestershire.

• Expenses: All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Closing date for applications: 1st March 2026

Planned date(s) for interviews: 23rd March 2026

To apply, please read our trustee information pack, full role description and complete the application form on our website.

We’re a not-for-profit landlord who have been having a positive impact on young people’s lives for nearly 100 years, by addressing the shortage of affordable rented housing for those working in London.

We’re the only organisation in London that specifically offers accommodation to working young people, many of whom are key workers, in entry level employment who have no other means of support and are unable to stay within their family networks.

Our current flagship residence, HYELM-Old Street, opened in 2008 and provides 125 young workers who cannot afford to rent or buy properties through the private sector, with contemporary, secure, hassle-free accommodation.

This is an exciting time for us. In response to the considerable and growing demand for high quality affordable accommodation, we are exploring several development opportunities to increase the number of young workers who we are able to house.

The Role of a HYELM Board Member is to:

• Play a key role in helping to shape the direction of our organisation. In the shorter term this will include supporting the review of our future strategy, the delivery of new housing and the implementation of our commitment to put our people at the heart of our business.
• Work collectively, with other Board members, oversee our compliance with relevant regulations; quantify & manage current, new & emerging risks that the organisation faces and regularly review our performance and delivery against our Strategic and business plans.

You will be valued for

• Your entrepreneurial spirit to drive HYELM forward whilst also keeping keen prudent control and avoiding any conflicts of interest.
• Your understanding and/or experience in the small charity/business environment.
• Your commitment to work with our very small team to further evolve our organisation to provide a better living environment to young people and key workers.

Ideally, you would be able to support us in bolstering our Board representation with knowledge and experience of finance and accounting as well as IT and Technology.

You’ll be contributing to a great cause.

• You’ll be able to develop and hone your critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills as well as develop and gain additional experience in strategic planning.
• You’ll grow your professional networks.
• You’ll be able to access complimentary training, support and attend industry events, conferences, and seminars. If this is your first trusteeship, we will design a bespoke development package to help support you in your new role.

Skills sought: Charity Finance, accounting, AI/Tech

Commitment: 6 meetings per year (4 in person, at our Old Street scheme)

Impact Initiatives is seeking a trustee with financial expertise to join our Board at an exciting time of growth and innovation.

This is an opportunity to support a values-driven charity working creatively to address complex social issues and to learn and work with a motivated committed team to make a positive difference to thousands of peoples lives each year. 

As a Trustee, you will:

• Contribute to long-term financial planning and resilience in a changing funding environment
• Ask the right questions at the right time, helping the Board understand risks, explore options, and make well-balanced decisions
• Support responsible innovation that aligns with Impact Initiatives’ values and risk appetite

Being an Impact trustee is a great way to:

• Support a cause you believe in
• Develop new skills,
• Enhance your CV
• Work with a wide range of people,
• Gain work experience
• Give yourself a new challenge
• Use skills for for purposes other than financial gain

Trustee

We are seeking three committed Trustees to join a national fostering Board at a pivotal time, supporting strategic growth and championing foster care across the UK.

Position: Trustee (Volunteer)
Organisation: The Fostering Network
Location: UK wide. Particular interest in Wales and Northern Ireland
Hours: Approximately 10 to 15 days per year
Term: 3 years, renewable for up to two further terms
Remuneration: Voluntary role. Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed
Closing Date: Monday 23 February 2026
Interview Dates: W/C 16 and 23 March 2026

About the Role

This is an opportunity to join the Board of Trustees at a national fostering charity, following the launch of a new organisational strategy and the appointment of a new Chair in 2025. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction, ensuring strong governance and supporting the organisation to deliver meaningful change for children and young people in foster care.

Key responsibilities include:

· Providing strategic oversight and constructive challenge at Board level

· Supporting delivery of the five year organisational strategy

· Acting as an ambassador for the charity and its values

· Contributing to effective governance, risk management and financial oversight

· Building strong relationships with fellow Trustees, senior leaders and stakeholders

· Attending Board and committee meetings, both in person and online

About You

You will bring personal experience of the foster care sector and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

· Are based in Wales or Northern Ireland

· Are qualified social workers working within fostering services

· Have skills in finance, particularly qualified accountants

· Have experience in commercial or business development

You will demonstrate sound judgement, strategic thinking, discretion and the ability to contribute confidently within a Board setting.

About the Organisation

The UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation. Founded 50 years ago by foster carers, it works across all four nations to influence policy, improve practice and strengthen the fostering community. At the heart of its work is a belief in the power of relationships to transform lives.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Trustee, Non Executive Director, Board Member, Independent Board Member, Social Work Leader, Finance Director, Commercial Director, Strategic Advisor.

Become a Trustee at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Newcastle Theatre Royal is one of the best loved and most recognised large scale, regional theatres in the UK creating moments of magic both on and off-stage. Our iconic Grade I listed building sits in the heart of Newcastle city centre and presents a diverse programme showcasing world class musicals, dance, opera and drama as well as our annual show-stopping pantomime, entertaining people of all ages from across the region.

Committed to creating a love of theatre for everyone, that lasts a lifetime, our wide-ranging Creative Engagement programme is central to our creative and artistic programme and provides pathways and opportunities to access, explore and enjoy creative activities for people of all ages, and support talent development in Newcastle and across the North East.

As an independent charity which receives no regular funding, ensuring financial resilience by broadening our income streams is key to our long-term future. Our Executive and staff team are supported by a committed and ambitious Board of Trustees.

We seek new Trustees to join our board – individuals who bring skills and lived experience to broaden the range of voices and perspectives in our leadership. We are looking to appoint a number of Trustees across a range of skill sets to complement the make up of our current board members, but in this round of recruitment, we are specifically looking for trustees with experience in:

• HR and overseeing People & Culture Strategies
• Creative, artistic or engagement experience in large scale cultural venues
• Catering and retail
• Capital Projects and Fundraising (related to listed buildings or cultural venues)

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference and support our aim to be a theatre for everyone. We encourage and welcome interest from candidates who will bring different lived experiences and perspectives to the Trust.

Applications close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026

Location: Home-based but with regular travel, including to periodic board meetings in London or other locations within the UK

This is an opportunity to chair a charity transforming lives by helping more people experience the positive impact of learning. You can help shape the future of this remarkable charity and lead the Board of Shannon Trust to broaden, deepen and mature what we deliver.

Who we are

Picture this: a person in prison who struggles with literacy and numeracy reads their first sentence, they write their first letter home to their children or completes their first numeracy task. They begin to imagine a future beyond the prison walls.

This is what happens when someone learns with Shannon Trust, and it happens thousands of times each year across prisons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Currently, 65% of people in prison can’t read, or struggle to. Even more struggle with numeracy.

These are not just statistics; they represent people who have been locked out of opportunity, who struggle with daily tasks, such as helping their children with homework or filling out a job application. At Shannon Trust, we believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, and that literacy and numeracy skills help build the foundations upon which people can rebuild their lives.

Where we are now

Shannon Trust has experienced remarkable growth over recent years. We have gone from a team of twelve people to one hundred staff today, supported by a volunteer base that brings us close to 250 people working to change lives through learning. The core of what we do is one-to-one peer mentoring in prisons. In 2025 alone, more than 11,000 learners used our reading and numeracy programmes, with 2,000 new volunteer peer-mentors trained to support them. We work in around one hundred prisons across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, delivering our Turning Pages reading programme and Count Me In numeracy programme. We are increasing our reach into the community, too. This growth is the result of sustained focus, strong relationships with funders who believe in our work, and the proven impact of our peer-led learning model.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a Chair who is strongly motivated by our cause, with a genuine empathy for the people we serve and a commitment to the person-centred language and inclusive thinking which are woven into everything we do. You will bring an engaged and engaging leadership style, have resilience and a personal gravitas.

You will be someone who is comfortable with complexity as we shape our organisation for the next chapter of our development. You will understand the importance of process, culture, and effective operations as the means of delivering a successful strategy and sustaining an organisation.

You will be someone who can help us be better advocates whether that is supporting our Chief Executive to build relationships with policymakers, helping us think through how we position ourselves in the education and criminal justice landscape, or using your own networks to create opportunities for Shannon Trust to influence and inform. We need a Chair who sees advocacy as part of the role.

Most importantly, our new Chair must be a strong partner for our CEO, a mentor, challenger and support.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026

Verture has been supporting communities and organisations to adapt to a changing climate for over 30 years. We are looking to appoint four new Trustees to join our engaged Board at an exciting time, as we launch our new strategy for 2026–2031.

We are interested in hearing from people who have knowledge, skills, and experience in:

• Income diversification and fundraising
• Social justice
• HR leadership and the development of learning and education programmes
• Finance / Treasurer experience
• Legal & Governance / Charity law

We are seeking Trustees who are strategic thinkers, collaborative, constructive, and able to act as charity ambassadors.

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We welcome applications from those seeking first-time board experience and are actively seeking to attract and support a diversity of backgrounds, experience, and thinking on our Board.

Application Notes

If you would like to have an informal chat before submitting an application,  we will be happy to arrange a call with you.

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and covering letter (no longer than two pages) outlining your relevant experience and addressing the following:

• What is your motivation for being a Trustee of Verture?
• What relevant skills, expertise, and experience can you contribute to the role?
• How do our vision and values resonate with your own personal values and goals?

Closing date and time: 11:59 pm on Sunday, 8 February 2026