Head of policy and communications volunteer roles

Description
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Working Relationships: C-Level Executives, National Research, Policy, Ethics, Research Reporting, and Local Operations
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: Part-time | Flexible hours | Long term commitment

About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership across our national and local operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective delivery of projects and research, maintaining ethical and operational standards, and driving continuous improvement across all organisational systems and processes.

This is a senior voluntary position ideal for an experienced operations or strategy leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make an impact in the not-for-profit or research sector.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of Policy, Ethics and Research Reporting, National Operations, and Local Operations (including projects and research).

• Oversee operational delivery to ensure smooth, ethical, and effective implementation of all projects.

• Lead the optimisation of systems, structures, and processes to maximise organisational efficiency.

• Ensure resource allocation is effective and aligned with strategic goals.

• Support and collaborate with C-Level colleagues to drive organisational progress.

• Attend high-level meetings and provide regular operational updates and recommendations.

• Act as a key decision-maker in operational strategy, compliance, and performance management.

• Support and coach department heads and senior managers to strengthen internal leadership capacity.

• Step in to provide hands-on support to other C-Level officers and direct reports when needed.

What We're Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, experienced, and adaptable leader who can bring structure, strategy, and calm to a dynamic environment. You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
• Significant experience in operations management, project delivery, or organisational leadership.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple teams or departments in complex environments.
• Strong ethical grounding and commitment to compliance and transparency.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to balance strategy and execution.
• Experience mentoring or managing senior leaders or functional heads.
• Comfort working remotely with cross-functional, volunteer-led teams.
• A collaborative, supportive leadership style and openness to learning and adaptation.
• An understanding of the not-for-profit, research, or policy sectors (advantageous but not essential).

What You’ll Gain
• The opportunity to lead national operations for a values-led organisation making a tangible impact.
• Executive-level experience within a collaborative, mission-driven C-Suite.
• The chance to refine strategic and operational leadership skills in a complex, real-world setting.
• Recognition through:
o LinkedIn testimonial and reference
o A public thank you post
o Permission to list the organisation as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
o A written reference upon completion of your commitment

Important Information
This is a voluntary position. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. This opportunity is ideal for seasoned operations leaders or executives seeking to contribute their expertise to a meaningful, values-driven mission and support the growth of an impactful organisation.

Apply Now
If you’re ready to help shape the strategic and operational backbone of a growing organisation and support our mission through effective leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

We are looking for a new independent trustee who can bring fresh perspectives and objective judgment from outside our immediate membership to join our very committed board. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of charity law and regulation.

Location: Attendance at 4 board meetings (mainly online but with 1-2 in London) each year, and attendance at the Board strategy day.

You may also be required to attend the Council’s annual general meeting and any other general meetings. There may also be additional requirements upon appointment and periodically thereafter for training days in the Council’s office in central London. There will be a full induction as part of the onboarding process.

Remuneration: This is as voluntary unpaid role. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

About: The Council of Deans of Health is a membership organisation and charity representing over 100 UK universities and colleges engaged in education and research for nursing, midwifery, and the allied health professions. At any one time, our members educate around 200,000 current and future professionals and carry out research that improves the population’s health and wellbeing.

Our Board of Trustees is responsible for oversight of the administration and management of the Council, which is led by the CEO who is accountable to the Board. The role of the Board includes setting and monitoring the implementation of the Council's strategy, and ensuring its financial sustainability and its compliance with legal requirements. The Board of Trustees will play an important role in taking forward the Council’s strategy, overseeing the continued growth of the Council, ensuring its financial sustainability, and avoiding exposing the charity’s assets, beneficiaries or reputation to undue risk. The Board comprises a mix of trustees drawn from our member organisations and independent trustees from a range of different professional backgrounds and experience.  

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the Council, including taking forward the Council's agreed strategy.
• Ensure the Council complies with its governing document, company law, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Oversee the Council’s financial management with the overall aim of achieving financial sustainability.
• Safeguard the organisation and advise on diversification of income to support the Council’s development.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with the Chair and other Board members in providing support and effective scrutiny to the Council's senior staff team.

Some of the essential competencies we are looking for all Trustees:

• Demonstrate a commitment to understanding the Council's business, the sector context and wider policy issues across the four nations of the UK.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills and an enabling, inclusive approach.
• Ability to think strategically and offer advice, guidance, support and constructive challenge to oversee the effective delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives.
• Demonstrate a track record of collaborative working in an organisation with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ideally, have experience at senior management or board level in other organisations and experience of charity governance.

Full details of the role and responsibilities required can be found in the candidate information pack. Please apply by following the instructions in the candidate information pack. The closing date is 22 May 2026 at 4pm. 

About us

My Life Films is an award-winning charity that uses film and TV to enrich and support the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. My Life TV is our specialist on-demand streaming service, specifically designed to meet the cognitive needs of people living with dementia, for use within care settings and at home.

My Life TV is carefully curated to enable people living with dementia to feel stimulated and connected to the world, improving their mental health and supporting their essential care. 

Our high-quality content includes interactive shows like quizzes, singalongs, drawing and chair yoga; calming content, including animal and nature programmes and slow TV; a wide range of reminiscence programmes, from the 1960s onwards, and much more. 

Since launching in 2021 we work with highly respected content partners, as well as producing our own programming, in partnership with trusted organisations in the dementia care field, and more widely. The Alzheimer’s Society, BFI, Royal Parks, Museum of Brands, BBC Archive and National Trust are just some of the partners we are proud to work with.

We have ambitious plans to scale up its use, so we can reach and support as many people living with dementia as possible.

About the role

Stepping in at the helm of a well-established Board, and working closely with the highly experienced Executive Director, our new Chair will lead My Life Films through its next phase of growth and impact.

The new Chair will review and reinvigorate the charity’s governance, ideally including a board audit, as well as challenging and interrogating the group’s strategic plan.

This role will suit potential candidates who are ready to step-up to chair a not for profit organisation. This means they are likely to bring current or previous board experience as a non-executive or trustee. Candidates may have experience in the care sector, health sector, charity or foundation, possibly an organisation involved in supporting people living with dementia. This experience could enable candidates to draw on networks in the care, health, charity, voluntary sectors, social enterprise or foundation. It will be important that the new Chair can demonstrate a personal passion and commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia.

The Chair will also help guide the Executive in optimising the existing model, developing new opportunities by helping expand networks and making introductions when necessary. They will act as a critical friend to Executive Director, coaching and challenging as required and providing leadership and strategic direction to the Board.

They will hold the organisation to the highest ethical standards, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and that My Life Films is run in the best interests of its stakeholders.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the charity and is collectively responsible for its success. All trustees must take decisions in the interests of the charity.

My Life Films has a trading subsidiary – MLF Productions Limited – and it is expected that the Chair of My Life Films will also Chair the trading company.

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Selection Criteria

When applying, we ask candidates to highlight any areas of expertise they can bring in the areas identified below.

• Skills and Experience –

Governance / leadership

• Any experience of operating at Board level in the voluntary, public or private sector preferably with a knowledge of the Social Care sector.

• Understanding of good charity governance, including trustees’ legal duties, financial oversight and risk management.

• Experience of chairing effective meetings and facilitating inclusive, robust discussion and decision-making Experience of fundraising, advocacy, campaigning, or working with regulators, commissioners or major funders.

Strategy and finance

• Ability to think strategically, interrogate complex information and focus the Board on priorities, impact and long-term sustainability.

• Strong financial literacy and ability to scrutinize budgets, management accounts and risk registers (not necessarily as a finance professional).

People leadership

• Track record of leading senior individuals or teams; able to coach, support and hold to account a CEO

How to Apply

If you are interested in the role, Maana Ruia a trustee with My Life Films and a member of Enter The Boardroom Community would be happy to fix up a time to talk to you. 

Please submit your application to Julian Freeston  The application should comprise a Cover Letter detailing your suitability and desire for the role (no more than two pages) and an up-to-date CV (no more than four pages).

The application deadline is 5pm, 29th May 2026

Help us make sure no one faces suicidal thoughts alone.

Samaritans is looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Fundraising Events Admin Volunteer to support our busy Community and Events Team. Your support will help us raise the vital funds needed to ensure people can access emotional support whenever they need it most.

What is the role?

As a Fundraising Events Admin Volunteer, you will play a key role in helping our team focus on delivering successful fundraising events and supporting our incredible fundraisers. From managing enquiries to sending out fundraising materials, you’ll help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in events, fundraising, marketing, and supporter stewardship while making a meaningful difference.

This role will give you the opportunity to:

• Experience volunteering within a busy events team within a large UK charity.
• Develop strong communication skills working within a diverse network.
• Gain an insight into event marketing
• Support our Third-Party Events (TPE) fundraisers, taking part in events like London Marathon, Great North Run and Paris Marathon as well as fundraisers who take part in primarily virtual events, such as Dawn Walk and our Dog Walking Challenge.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Community and Events team to help us deliver our successful fundraising events and stewardship.
• Support our do your own thing (DYOT) and events fundraisers.
• Support with moderation and creating content to make our Stream for Samaritans, Discord server a warm and welcoming place.

Qualities and experience

• Enthusiasm and passion for community and events fundraising
• Excellent organisation skills and attention to detail
• Personable, approachable and able to develop relationships with a wide range of individuals

Please see the role description below for more details about this role.

Time commitment

Ideally we would like the successful candidate to support us one day a week, but we can be flexible with this depending on the work required within the team and the needs of the candidate

Applications

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted with video interviews offered to the right candidates as soon as possible. 

Trustee (Non‑Executive Board Member) – Mitie Foundation

Location: UK (meetings in person at The Shard, London)
Time commitment: Approximately 4 Board meetings per year plus occasional sub‑committee/ambassadorial commitments; preparation required for papers and strategic discussion
Term: Three years, renewable once (subject to Board agreement)
Start date: April 2026

The Mitie Foundation is looking for passionate and purpose‑driven Trustees to join its Board. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who want to use their professional expertise to make a meaningful social impact and help people across the UK access brighter, more sustainable futures.

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding the Foundation’ as they enter new strategic phase, supporting inclusive employment programmes, and ensuring the charity delivers real, measurable change. You’ll collaborate with a committed Board, engage with senior leaders across Mitie, and contribute to initiatives that help people build confidence, develop skills and move into meaningful work.

Whether your background is in business, charity leadership, social value, finance, HR, community engagement or lived experience of overcoming employment barriers — your insights could influence national‑level social impact.

This is a rewarding, purpose‑led role where your contribution truly matters — helping to shape programmes, strengthen governance, and open doors for individuals who need it most.

About the Mitie Foundation
The Mitie Foundation is the independent charitable arm associated with Mitie Group which was established in 2013 to create meaningful, sustainable opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
The Foundation delivers programmes that improve employability, inclusion and opportunity for people facing barriers to work, collaborating with partners, communities and colleagues to create measurable social value.

Help shape a charity that unlocks potential, removes employment barriers, and creates life‑changing opportunities.

Purpose of the role
Trustees work collectively to ensure the Mitie Foundation is well governed, financially sound, and achieving its charitable purposes. The Board provides strategic direction, oversight and constructive challenge so the Foundation delivers meaningful social impact while operating with integrity and independence.

We are seeking Trustee’s within the following key areas to support and form the Mitie Foundation Board;

• Finance & Risk Trustee – bringing specialist financial governance expertise, oversight of risk management, and assurance in line with Charity Commission expectations. 

• Trustee with Lived Experience – ensuring the views, needs, and realities of the communities we serve are represented at Trustee Board level. Anticipated to Chair a lived experience working group to provide insights and feedback to inform Foundation activities and support Foundation leadership and Governance. 

• Campaigns & Events Trustee – providing expertise in public engagement, fundraising, and brand-led campaigns to support the Foundation’s growth and visibility. Anticipated to Chair a campaigns and engagement working group to provide insights and feedback to inform Foundation activities and support Foundation leadership and Governance. 

• Inclusive Hiring Trustee – contributing specialist knowledge in fair-chance recruitment and employment pathways, supporting the Foundation’s commitment to inclusive hiring and social mobility. Anticipated to Chair a referral partner working group to provide insights and feedback to inform Foundation activities and support Foundation leadership and Governance. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & governance: Shape and review the Foundation’s vision, mission and strategy; ensure alignment with charitable objects and Charity Commission guidance, uphold high standards of transparency and accountability.
• Oversight & assurance: Monitor performance against strategic priorities, outcomes and impact measures; approve budgets, management accounts and the statutory report and accounts; oversee risk management and ensure compliance with governing document, law and regulation.
• Executive support & challenge: Provide guidance and robust, respectful challenge to the Head of Foundation and team; maintain a clear distinction between governance and operations; participate in leadership appraisal/objective‑setting where appropriate.
• Representation & advocacy: Act as an ambassador for the Foundation within Mitie Group and externally; use professional networks to build partnerships and unlock opportunities for collaboration, funding or volunteering; protect and promote the Foundation’s independence and reputation.
• Conduct & integrity: Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across governance and programmes; uphold the Seven Nolan Principles of Public Life—selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Person specification
The Board seeks a balanced mix of skills and backgrounds; individual trustees will bring some (not all) of the following:

• Strategic or senior leadership experience in business, charity or public sector
• Charity governance and/or financial oversight
• Expertise in one or more of: HR, social value, finance, legal, ESG, communications, or programme delivery
• Ability to analyse complex information and contribute to sound, evidence‑based decisions
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to collaborative, inclusive Board culture
• A demonstrable passion for social impact, employability and inclusion aligned to our mission

Eligibility, standards and conflicts

• Candidates must be eligible to serve as a charity trustee under the Charities Act and willing to declare/ manage conflicts of interest, particularly given the Foundation’s corporate linkage.
• Appointment is subject to reference and other checks as appropriate to the role and the Foundation’s policies.
• Trustees are expected to prepare for meetings, attend regularly and contribute actively to collective decision‑making.

Remuneration and expenses
This is a non‑executive, pro‑bono trustee role. Reasonable expenses incurred in the course of duties will be reimbursed in line with policy.

Creative Support is a national not-for-profit social care and supported housing provider with charitable status. We deliver personalised care and support for younger and older adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical disabilities and those at risk of homelessness or social exclusion.

Creative Support is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees with expertise across social care, health, housing, finance, legal and related fields. As our current Chair approaches the end of her term, we are seeking a new Chair with senior social care experience and a strong understanding of commissioning, quality, risk, workforce, regulation and partnership working. The ideal candidate will champion our values and mission and lead with clarity and compassion.

About Creative Support:

We are one of the UK’s largest social care providers, supporting over 6,000 people each year across 70 local authorities and employing around 5,000 staff. With an annual turnover of £197 million, we are also a registered social housing provider with over 1,000 supported housing units and significant housing assets.

Creative Support is an Investor in People Gold employer, a Stonewall Diversity Champion and an inclusive organisation committed to increasing Board representation from BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, with zero tolerance for discrimination.

Our Mission and Values:

Creative Support promotes independence, inclusion, and wellbeing. We do this by working with the people we support, their families and others to meet individual needs and aspirations in a person-centred way. We provide high quality homes and support, enabling people to say:

- I live my best life in a place I call home

- I feel listened to, respected and valued

- I enjoy choices and rights and have control over my life

- I am supported to feel safe

- I am doing the things that matter to me

- I enjoy relationships with others

- I am connected to my community

- I am supported with my wellbeing

- I feel able to reach my full potential

Our We Care values underpin everything we do at Creative Support. We are: Welcoming, Empowering, Compassionate, Aspirational, Respectful, Effective.

About the Role:

The Chair is responsible for leading the Board, ensuring effective governance, and holding the Chief Executive and Board to account for delivering our mission, vision and strategy. The role involves providing inclusive leadership, ensuring Trustees understand their responsibilities, and working closely with the Executive Team to offer oversight, support and constructive challenge.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with senior-level social care expertise, a commitment to our charitable purpose and person-centred values, and a belief in co-production with the people we support. The Chair must demonstrate vision, sound judgement and an inclusive, respectful leadership style.

The Chair is expected to commit sufficient time to:

- Attend six annual Board meetings, and relevant committee meetings (typically 2–3 hours in duration);

- Prepare thoroughly for meetings, including reading papers in advance;

- Lead the induction, support and supervision of Trustees;

- Undertake appraisal and support of the Chief Executive Officer;

- Act as an ambassador for Creative Support at internal and external events.

- Visit national services and engage with staff, the people who we support, and tenants.

The estimated time commitment for the Chair is approximately 4 days per month/48 days per year, although this may increase in response to organisational needs or during periods of change. Appointments are made for an initial period of 3 years and are subject to an annual appraisal. Terms begin at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting in which the Chair is appointed.

The role of Chair of the Board of Trustees is remunerated in recognition of the significant time, responsibility and contribution required. The current remuneration for the Chair is £12,000 per annum, payable in monthly instalments of £1,000. This payment is taxable and is processed through the organisation’s payroll. Trustees, including the Chair, are appointed as office holders and are therefore neither workers nor employees. Remuneration arrangements are subject to periodic review in line with the organisation’s governance and remuneration policies.

We also pay all reasonable expenses associated with the role, including travel, overnight accommodation, subsistence and child care expenses if needed. Appointment will be made subject to the following satisfactory checks:

- References

- Declarations of Interest

- Fit and Proper Person Check

- Personal Declarations

- Enhanced DBS

- A £1.00 payment for shareholding membership (this can be provided in person when you first attend our Head Office)

We can send you a copy of our most recent Annual Report & Accounts - details on how to request this can be located on this roles listing on our company website or consult the FCA Mutuals Website, type in Creative Support and search under ‘documents’. You will find all previous annual reports and accounts listed and these can be viewed or downloaded at no cost. 

Please note that Creative Support is a Community Benefit Society with charitable status registered with the FCA, not a company or registered charity so you will not be able to access information about Creative Support via Companies House or the Charity Commission.

Recruitment Timeline:

Closing Date for Applications: 13 May 2026

Meet and Greet and Stakeholder interview panel: 17 June 2026

Final panel interviews: 30 June 2026

Offer and recruitment checks: July - August 2026

Co-opt at Board meeting: 10 September 2026

Formal vote at Annual General Meeting: 24 September 2026

Please keep these dates available upon application

Could your leadership skills help shape the future of a Hopian?  Hopian is a registered charity that provides advice and support for adults and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse through the provision of refuge accommodation and community support services.  We also provide support and access to counselling for people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation.

The Role of Trustee and executive Trustee roles are voluntary positions. A Trustee for the Board is expected to meet the requirements of the board in line with the charities governing documents, governing good practice and legal requirements.  We also have a vacancy for a Treasurer should you be interested please visit our Hopian website - recruiter link below for further details.

Trustee Responsibilities :

The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for the success of the charity. A Trustee is a Board Member and has a number of responsibilities in order to ensure robust management of the charity including:

• Make decisions objectively in the interests of the charity.
• Implement Hopian’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Lead on the aims and objectives of Hopian by raising awareness of domestic and sexual abuse, and child sexual exploitation and abuse and its impact on individuals and their families.

Trustee Duties :

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e., the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects) .
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• To work in the interests of the charity and not for personal gain.
• To ensure that the Board Members takes proper professional advice on matters in which it does not have competence.
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Tasks:

• To work with other Board Members to form an effective governing body for the charity.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings.
• Ensure that the charity’s focus places services users centrally.
• To understand and be committed to the mission of the charity.
• To maintain a long-term overview of the charity and its work.
• To make strategic and major decisions about the charity objectives, policies and procedures.
• To attend sub-group meetings as appropriate.
• To participate in other tasks that may arise from time to time such as interviewing for new staff, helping with appeals and fundraising.
• To keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work.
• To monitor and evaluate the work of the charity on a regular basis. This includes receiving reports from staff, staff supervision, receiving feedback from service users and other agencies .
• To ensure that the charity is a good employer of its paid and voluntary staff .
• Provide opportunity for staff to meet with the board.

Person Specification

We are looking for a  Trustee who has an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship. It is expected that a Trustee takes ownership to develop and maintain this understanding and application of duties. In addition to having:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Experience & Knowledge

• Understanding and evidence of commitment to equal opportunities and diversity statement 
• Be objective and unbiased 
• Be supportive and approachable 

Time Requirements

To be able to attend scheduled committee meetings each year and read papers for each board meeting. To be available to for consultation, support and guidance on an ad hoc basis. Much of this contact will be via online, telephone or email.

Finance Trustee - Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is seeking a trustee with financial experience to help shape the future of our high-performing advice charity.

With offices in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford, plus outreach centres across the region, we support a population of 225,000 people. Last year, we helped 14,000 clients with 60,000 issues and secured over £7 million of additional income for them. We are here for everyone to help people move on with their lives.

As a trustee, you will join a well-known, respected charity, influence strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to meaningful change. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with other professional, dedicated trustees, gain valuable experience, build on your leadership and strategy skills, and increase your employability. Previous Board experience would be an advantage, but is not essential.

You will guide the Board and the Chief Executive Officer on the key assumptions and financial implications of budgets and plans. You will use your financial knowledge and understanding to oversee the financial management of the charity and advise the Board.

You will monitor the charity’s financial performance and support the CEO and financial team in areas such as budgeting, clear and accurate financial reporting and financial compliance. This is an opportunity for you to:

· join a respected national charity

· make a positive impact for people in your local area, and

· gain valuable board experience and build leadership and strategy skills.

The time commitment is four in-person Board meetings and four or five remote committee meetings a year, a Board Away Day and an involvement of 1-2 days per month with the Finance Team. 

What do you need to become a trustee?

Trustees don’t need specific qualifications, but we expect all trustees to have 
six core skills: 

● Insight into the organisation: considering CASL’s objects and its public 
benefit strategically 
● Challenging constructively: clarifying facts; stimulating thought 
● Analysing issues: being objective; evaluating risks; using evidence; 
planning ahead 
● Weighing up opinions: using evidence; balancing long- and short-term; 
prioritising value 
● Interpersonal skills: communicating clearly; listening actively; 
supporting a healthy culture, and 
● Confidence and self-awareness: collaborating with others; treating 
everyone with respect.

In addition, as Finance Trustee you will need:

● financial literacy, including experience of creating and managing 
budgets 
● ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly, and 
● strong analytical skills. 

For this role, we also value:

● experience of working in finance, accounting and/or audit 
● experience in charity finance, SORP, or nonprofit financial management 
● familiarity with financial software, and/or 
● experience of Board or committee work.

Finally, competent trustees should have these six personal qualities to some 
extent, and demonstrate them in their behaviours: 

● Committed - motivated, dedicated, persevering; plays an active role. 
● Responsible - accountable, independent, reliable; accepts collective 
responsibility. 
● Trustworthy - ethical, principled; is a critical friend and focuses on 
continuous improvement. 
● Collaborative - team-oriented, approachable; builds relationships and 
seeks consensus. 
● Confident - independent; contributes constructively and expresses 
opinions courageously. 
● Thoughtful - curious, adaptable, open-minded; appropriately challenges 
the status quo. 

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Scope in their search for their next Chair of Trustees!

About Scope

Scope is the national disability charity. We have been at the forefront of disability equality for 7 decades. We work with disabled people to break down barriers in society and challenge the injustices which persist to this day.

Our strategic ambition is to achieve An Equal Future with disabled people by 2033.

We have 3 goals.

First, to close the employment gap. So that all those disabled people who want to work have the opportunity to.

Second, to end the Disability Price Tag. So that there is no longer a financial penalty associated with disability.

Third, to grow the movement for disability equality. With partners, communities, individuals, funders and supporters to help us.

About the Chair of Trustees opportunity

Primary Objectives:

• Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees. So the Board steers the charity for its future. Guide the Board in setting the charity’s direction and strategy. So strategy achievement is in line with Charity Commission guidelines.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive (CEO). Make sure the Board and the executive team work together to deliver disability equality with the 16 million disabled people in the UK.
• Uphold Scope’s mission and values. Develop and carry out Scope’s aims in line with our mission, vision, values, and legal responsibilities. Promote a “One Scope” culture of teamwork, where the Board and executive team work in a collaborative way that reflects Scope’s values. 
• Support and oversee the CEO’s performance. On behalf of the Board, support the CEO to lead effectively. This includes setting clear objectives and running annual performance reviews. 
• Empower every Trustee. Help get the best from every Trustee by encouraging everyone to bring their unique talents and skills. Encourage Trustees to support relevant executive team members.

Person Specification

Experience and Qualifications (Essential):

• Leadership experience. Experience of leading at a senior or Board level in a high-profile organisation. 
• Commercial awareness. Experience of taking a commercial perspective. Willingness for a considered risk appetite.
• Understanding of governance. A clear understanding of being a Trustee. This includes the duties and responsibilities that come with the role.
• Ability to lead meetings. Skilled in chairing meetings and encouraging participation. Clear communication and working well with people skills. Able to represent Scope externally with high profile individuals.
• Strategic vision and engagement. Able to guide others to focus on big picture strategy and lead decisions on it. 
• Building consensus. Skilled at finding consensus with others. 
• Network and influence. A network of contacts that can support Scope’s work. 
• Supporting executive performance. Ability to work with and support the Chief Executive. 

Desirable (Bonus) Experience:

• Understanding of the disability and charity sectors. Knowledge of issues affecting disabled people and the voluntary sector. 
• Personal or lived experience of disability is considered a strong advantage.

St Basils is looking for a new Non-Exec Director / Trustee to join our Board as the Designated Safeguarding Board Member.

About Us

St Basils works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to enable them to find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills, increase opportunities and ultimately prevent homelessness.

We help just over 4,000 young people each year across the West Midlands, with services in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Our services range from providing supported accommodation to outreach, advice, support, employability and engagement services to help young people regain the stability they need to rebuild their lives, gain skills, confidence and employment and move on. The aim is to help them successfully break the ‘cycle of homelessness’ so that they can go on to experience a bright, fulfilling future and never return to a state where they are at risk of homelessness again.

About our Board

We are a registered provider of social housing, a charity and a company limited by guarantee, meaning our Board members are both Directors and Trustees.

To navigate our challenging regulatory landscape, we need to be tightly governed. At the heart of this is a Board with the right knowledge, values, skills and diversity, all whilst working towards our vision that homelessness should not be part of growing up.

As a member of St Basils’ Board, you will be a guardian of St Basils’ charitable purpose. You will be responsible for holding the Senior Leadership Team to account through constructive challenge and support, and for ensuring St Basils’ strategic priorities are met.

You will form part of St Basils’ governance framework, providing oversight of key business areas, such as business planning, safeguarding, risk, finance, health and safety, EDI and business development. 

Our Board is made up of 14 members, 2 of which are designated for young people who have lived experience of homelessness and / or St Basils’ services.

St Basils has adopted the RACE Equality Code and is actively seeking applications for Board members from Black communities to ensure our Board is reflective of both the young people that we serve and our dedicated workforce.

About the Role

We are looking for a voluntary Director / Trustee with a professional background in safeguarding to join our Board as the Designated Safeguarding Board Member. Our new Board member will need to have a strong understanding of safeguarding, ideally with experience in supporting vulnerable young people.

As the Designated Safeguarding Board Member, you will:

• Work with St Basils’ Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to regularly review safeguarding reports, trends and serious incidents
• Act as a safeguarding champion at Board level, supporting other Directors / Trustees to develop their understanding and confidence in safeguarding
• Provide oversight of allegations or safeguarding concerns relating to staff, volunteers or Board Members
• Attend regular meetings and engage with services, staff and young people to maintain visibility of safeguarding in practice
• Support the Chair, CEO and DSL in ensuring appropriate governance oversight of serious safeguarding incidents, including reputational considerations
• Ensure the Board receives appropriate assurance on safeguarding risks and how they are managed

Our new Director / Trustee will sit on our Service Delivery & Development Committee which oversees both the housing elements of our services as well as the support / progression we provide to our young people. This committee meets virtually, one a quarter.

Although the role is voluntary, reasonable expenses will be paid for costs incurred in undertaking the role.

About You

You will be a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or have significant experience in a senior safeguarding role.

You will demonstrate sound judgement and be able to challenge confidently and constructively, although you do not need to have Board experience.

You will work within the principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and understand the needs of the diverse young people we serve.

You will put the needs of young people first, be passionate about ending youth homelessness and share our mission, vision and principles.

Time Commitment

You will need to be able to attend the majority of Board and Committee meetings, one of each is held each quarter (8 meetings total per year). Each meeting will last around 2 hours and will normally be held late afternoon/early evening (usually 4pm – 6pm). Board meetings are held in person at St Basils’ Head Office in Birmingham, and Committee meetings are held virtually via Microsoft Teams. The dates for meetings are set by calendar year, towards the end of the previous year.

Meeting papers will be shared via an online portal one week in advance of the meeting to allow for sufficient preparation time.

A Board away day is held each year, usually October, and every other year this includes an overnight stay. This will be fully paid for by St Basils.

We encourage Board members to visit our accommodation services to deepen understanding of our work and support effective governance and decision-making. We would like all Board members to make 2 visits a year if possible.

All travel expenses incurred in attending Board meetings / conducting site visits will be reimbursed by St Basils.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a series of essential online training courses (for example GDPR, Cyber Security, EDI, Safeguarding, Risk Management) and the opportunity to do additional online or in-person training, such as Psychologically Informed Environment training. As part of our commitment to race equality, we provide mandatory Anti-Racism training for all staff and Board members.

You will be part of a knowledgeable and supportive Board and have the opportunity to work alongside young people with lived experience.

You will have the guidance of a knowledgeable Chair to support your development as a Director / Trustee, and you will have access to St Basils’ Senior Leadership Team to help you fulfil your role.

St Basils is a learning organisation and therefore we are able to support and develop Board members who are new to the role. In addition, St Basils has membership with the Board Development Agency, which provides our Board Members with access to webinars and development tools specific to housing sector Boards.

Being a Director / Trustee at St Basils is more than just attending meetings – if you would like to contribute to an organisation that has young people at its core, where you can visibly see the difference you are making, then this is the role for you.

For further information please see the link to the full job pack.

We welcome early applications and will interview on a rolling basis.