Hr support officer volunteer roles

Join our team to help make sure children, young people and vulnerable adults are always protected and can participate fully in the life of the church.

The Team Safeguarding Officer plays a vital role in building a strong safeguarding culture across our 16 churches. They are the key link between the central Safeguarding Team, local clergy and churches concerning safeguarding matters. They will have an overview of all church activities involving children, young people and vulnerable adults, working closely with Parish Safeguarding Officers to implement safeguarding policy. 

The key aspects of the role are:

• Safeguarding point of contact: Respond well to safeguarding concerns or disclosures and, with the Team Rector or Team Vicars as appropriate, refer them to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and relevant statutory agencies.

• DBS and training oversight: Ensure staff and volunteers have up-to-date DBS checks and safeguarding training recorded and monitored within the Safeguarding Hub.

• Promote good practice: Uphold Church of England safeguarding policies and guidance 

• Trustee engagement: Keep the Team Council and PCC (Parochial Church Council) members informed about safeguarding developments and risks.

• Compliance and safer recruitment: Use online tools such as Safeguarding Hubs and Dashboards to support compliance.

The role of the Team Safeguarding Officer does not need to be fulfilled by one individual and instead could be shared, with one person taking an outward facing lead (e.g. named point of contact) and another focussing on administrative functions (e.g. managing DBS and training)

About You

We are looking for one or more people who can fulfil some or all of these aspects:

• Approachable and trustworthy, able to listen and respond sensitively to concerns.

• Organised and detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records.

• Committed to safeguarding and willing to champion best practice across the parish.

• Willing to learn online tools such as Safeguarding Hubs and Dashboards.

The role requires an Enhanced Adult & Child DBS with Barring and is subject to the Church of England’s Safer Recruitment process and leadership level safeguarding training. You will be supported by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, an out of hours service and your local clergy.

Sift is a UK charity providing specialist support, information and advocacy for people affected by self-harm. We work alongside people who have been directly affected by self-harm at every level of our organisation. We are service-user centred, and ensure our service users are at the heart of everything we do. Following an exciting rebrand and the launch of a new website, we are entering a new phase of growth, visibility and influence.

To support this next chapter, we are expanding our Board of Directors and are seeking professional, values-led individuals who share our commitment to compassion, dignity and meaningful change.

All Board roles are voluntary, unpaid positions. Reasonable expenses such as travel will be reimbursed. Please note that we are only accepting applications through the dedicated application form which can be found on the Volunteering page of our website and will not be accepting CVs sent via email. More information can be found in our downloadable recruitment pack - see our website for details. 

The Roles:

Board Secretary

Role Purpose

The Board Secretary helps ensure that Sift is governed with clarity and accountability. This role supports the Board to function well, ensuring that decisions are properly recorded and that governance processes enable the charity’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare agendas and papers for Board and sub-committee meetings with the Chair and CEO.
• Take clear, accurate minutes that reflect decisions, context and agreed actions.
• With support from the Head of Operations, maintain key governance records, including trustee details, conflicts of interest and policies.
• Support compliance with the charity’s governing document and Charity Commission requirements.
• Assist with timely statutory filings and good governance practice.
• Act as a trusted point of reference for governance-related queries.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear, inclusive written communication.
• Respect for confidentiality and sensitive information.
• Commitment to Sift’s mission and lived-experience-informed values.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance, company secretarial work or

trustee roles.

• Familiarity with Charity Commission guidance.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, plus preparation time.
• Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol based office.

Business Development Lead

Role Purpose

The Business Development Lead supports Sift to grow sustainably, so that more people affected by self-injury can access support. This role brings a strategic lens to income generation, partnerships and opportunity development, grounded in the charity’s values and ethical approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and oversight of Sift’s income generation strategy.
• Support exploration of new funding, partnership and collaboration opportunities including the expansion and relaunch of our national in-person and online training programme.
• Offer insight and challenge on fundraising, commercial or social enterprise ideas.
• Network with key players in the mental health and wellbeing field.
• Help assess risk, impact and alignment with Sift’s mission.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in business development, commercial income generation, partnerships or strategy.
• Ability to balance ambition with care and ethical decision-making.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Commitment to SIFT’s mission and lived-experience-informed ethos.

Desirable:

• Experience working with charities or social enterprises.
• Knowledge of trusts, foundations, corporate giving or

commissioning.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, with occasional

input outside meetings.

• Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol

based office.

Leadership & Governance Director

Role Purpose

The Leadership & Governance Director helps ensure that Sift’s leadership, culture and governance remain strong, inclusive and fit for purpose. This role supports the Board to be reflective, effective and accountable as the organisation grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and constructive challenge on governance, leadership and culture.
• Support trustee recruitment, induction and ongoing Board development.
• Contribute to succession planning and long-term organisational resilience.
• Ensure governance arrangements evolve appropriately with growth.
• Champion equity, inclusion and lived experience at Board level.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in senior leadership, governance, HR or organisational development.
• Strong understanding of effective Board dynamics.
• Confidence in offering thoughtful challenge and strategic insight.
• Commitment to Sift’s mission and values.

Desirable:

• Experience as a trustee, Chair or committee lead.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and people governance in charities.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, with some additional

involvement as needed.

• Up to 4 in-person meetings at our Bristol based office.

Founded in 1879, Together for Mental Wellbeing is the longest-established mental health charity in England. We work to ensure that everyone who experiences mental distress is valued, can live the life they choose and can determine their own future.

What we do

Together for Mental Wellbeing is a national charity that supports people who experience mental distress to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

We work with approximately 4,500 people every month via 70 projects throughout England, but we aspire to reach many more people through our recently refreshed five-year strategy.

Our services include:

• personalised support in the community
• accommodation based support
• advocacy services, including in secure hospitals
• criminal justice services, including in courts and probation services

What makes us stand out is that we put people at the centre of their own support – they set their own goals and are in control of how we work alongside them to achieve these. We value people as experts in what works best for them, and draw on their skills and strengths to build resilience and support networks so they can eventually manage without us

This means we value people as experts in what works best for them, and each individual we work with influences and shapes the support they and others receive from us. It also means we provide opportunities for people experiencing mental distress to work with Together to draw on their experiences to help us improve the quality and experience of the services that we provide.

We are committed to promoting service user leadership wherever possible; this is why we recently launched our Lived Experience Network, a free, members-based community.

Our values

We work together to facilitate choice through involvement, by doing what we say, never giving up on people, and looking to constantly improve how we work.

Our Board

We have an effective and collaborative Board of enthusiastic, friendly and committed trustees, who lead the development of Together and ensure that the charity exemplifies good practice.

The opportunity

We wish to add new trustees to our Board and have identified some recruitment priorities:

• We are seeking at least one individual with lived experience of mental distress who can draw on their unique knowledge and insights as to how mental distress impacts on people’s lives, and share their passion and enthusiasm to drive the aspirations of the organisation.

Our approach is for the individual to determine whether or not they have lived experience of mental distress. One person’s lived experience is no more or less important than another’s. 

• We wish to increase the gender diversity of our leadership at Together; we currently have a high proportion of men.

Having completed a recent Board skills audit we also encourage applicants with experience of the following areas:

• Human resources and workforce planning
• Forensic psychiatry
• Public sector procurement/contracting
• Knowledge of health and wellbeing service providers from the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector
• Digital development and innovation
• Auditing and risk management
• Financial management and accounting

However, all applications are welcomed and will be considered. We also recognise that people are often juggling multiple commitments and can offer flexibility as to when you take up the role.

We offer a full induction, along with ongoing training and development opportunities. Although our trustees are unpaid volunteers all expenses related to the role will be paid in full.

Typically trustees will attend around 10 meetings per year, occasional virtual attendance is possible, and be invited to events and visits. With preparation time for meetings this can equate to a commitment of 1-2 days per month.

As a Trustee you will:

• Join a committed and friendly Board
• Help shape our strategic development as a charity
• Influence our innovative projects and initiatives, especially with service users
• Develop new skills and knowledge
• Be supported to attend relevant conferences and other training events
• Help improve the mental health and wellbeing of people and communities

The Nehemiah Project is a small charity that supports men with experience of addiction to break the cycle of addiction and crime. We do this through supported living, programmes, key worker support, rebuilding family connections and providing move-on support to aid transition to independent living. We currently operate from houses in Streatham and Croydon.

We are a Christian-based charity open to men of all faiths and none. We have a partnership with the British Association of the Order of Malta who provide expertise, funding and volunteer support.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Nehemiah Project (TNP) achieves its core purpose of breaking the cycle of addiction and reoffending. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that TNP has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable TNP to grow and thrive.

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of the Nehemiah Project' s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The Nehemiah Project is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

Treasurer Role

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with Chief Executive
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.
• Lead on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.
• Oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting corporate risk.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies, for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Chief Executive to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

What we are looking for?

• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists. Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors
• We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees. Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on TNP' s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee TNP' s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve TNP’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to TNP’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs. Keep abreast of changes in TNP’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of TNP' s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect TNP’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of TNP’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Personal skills and qualities

• To be sympathetic to and supportive of our Christian ethos. Practising Christian preferred.
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• 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 equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission

Trustee Role Overview

Term: 4 years, renewable up to 7 years, with possible extension in exceptional cases under the Memorandum and Articles.

Remuneration: Voluntary role; reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Meetings: Attend four Board meetings a year (in person in Putney, with remote option).

Strategy Days: Up to one per year.

Events: Four annual celebration events at our houses; Trustees are encouraged to attend where possible

Committee Membership

Trustees may join one of three sub-groups — HR, Finance, or Fundraising — which meet remotely four times a year, with occasional ad hoc support to working groups or the executive team. 

Financial Commitment No donation is required, though regular modest giving is encouraged.

More Information can be found in the Trustee Pack below.

Taunton Brewhouse is looking for trustees from all backgrounds.  Key is sharing our vision for a bold, brilliant cultural venue in Taunton, adding to our existing skills and expedrience and prepared to to play an active role in meeting the challenges ahead.

If you have experience in general management and/or in HR, marketing or fundraising do get in touch.   We also seek a lead trustee on finance - please see separate announcement.

As a trustee, you'll share responsibility for:

• agreeing strategy and goals for Taunton Brewhouse
• appointing and setting salaries for senior management
• giving oversight and support to management
• paying attention to financial management
• ensuring due diligence in all regulatory matters including safe-guarding
• ensuring a robust approach to management of risk.

You'll attend Board meeting although much work is carried out in projects or committees.  You'll be an ambassador for Taunton Brewhouse and support our wider endeavours through attending press and community events.

There are 5 formal meetings pa held in evenings at Taunton Brewhouse.  Other meetings are generally in the day and are organised around the diaries of those involved.  We also aim for an annual 'away-day' to enable trustees time to reflect, plan and develop the organisation and themselves.

Please note that exceptional expenses are paid by prior agreement.

We aim to be in touch quickly both those who make a full application and those who prefer an informal initial discussion. 

Lead a Movement. Shape a Legacy. Become the Volunteer CEO of Unlock YOUR Potential

Take the helm of a new social‑mobility charity determined to break barriers and transform futures

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we believe that an accident of birth should never determine a person’s destination. We exist to challenge the structural inequalities that hold people back — and to create pathways to employment, wellbeing and opportunity for adults living in the UK’s most deprived communities.

We are building a charity with a bold mission: to unlock the potential of people who have talent, ambition and drive — but face the highest barriers to opportunity.

Our work is focused in areas ranked among the top 10% most deprived nationally for employment and skills. The need is urgent. The stakes are high. And the opportunity to create lasting change is extraordinary.

Now we are looking for a leader who can help turn this vision into reality.

Volunteer CEO (Founding Leadership Role)

Steer a new charity from concept to impact

This is a rare and remarkable opportunity to become the founding Volunteer CEO of a start‑up social‑mobility charity at the most pivotal moment in its creation.

You will work closely with the Founder to shape the organisation’s direction, culture, strategy and early operations — and play a defining role in building a charity designed to transform thousands of lives.

This is not a ceremonial title. This is hands‑on, mission‑critical leadership.

As our Volunteer CEO, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction as we move from start‑up to launch

• Work with the Founder to define our vision, values, priorities and long‑term roadmap

• Oversee the development of early operational structures, governance and systems

• Lead and inspire a growing volunteer team across design, operations and service development

• Drive forward key decisions that shape our programmes, partnerships and impact

• Champion our mission publicly and help build credibility, trust and momentum

• Ensure we stay focused, organised and aligned as we prepare to launch our services

• Play a central role in recruiting the wider volunteer team that will deliver our work

Your leadership will directly influence how quickly and effectively we can begin supporting adults who face the highest barriers to employment and skills.

Who we’re looking for

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• An experienced leader with a background in strategy, operations, organisational development or charity leadership

• Someone who can bring clarity, structure and direction to a fast‑moving start‑up environment

• A visionary thinker who can also roll up their sleeves and get things done

• A collaborator who enjoys building something from the ground up

• Deeply committed to social mobility, fairness and expanding opportunity

• Able to commit time over the next few weeks/months to help us reach launch

This is a short‑term, high‑impact volunteer role — but if you wish to continue with us after launch, that option is open.

Why this role matters

This is your chance to lead a charity at the moment of its birth. To shape its identity, its strategy, its culture and its future. To build something that will outlast all of us — and change lives for years to come.

• If you believe in a fairer society…
• If you want to use your leadership to create real, measurable impact…
• If you want to help build a movement that unlocks potential where it’s needed most…

We would be honoured to hear from you.

The Trustees of NCEPOD are empowered to manage the business of the charity/company and to oversee and approve the strategy of the Enquiry. They also have a duty to scrutinise the financial affairs of the organisation and to act as its directors. In addition, they are responsible for appointing the members of the company, that is the members of the Steering Group, the Chief Executive and the Lead Clinical Co-ordinator.

The objects of the company that they have to manage are broadly defined as being to improve standards of healthcare for the benefit of the public.

The purpose of NCEPOD is to improve standards of healthcare for the benefit of the public by undertaking confidential reviews into patient care. Since 1988 the organisation has published over 50 reports which have resulted in significant, positive changes across all aspects of healthcare.

As a registered charity and company limited by guarantee NCEPOD has a board of Trustees to oversee the governance of the organisation.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to appoint new Trustees.

Applications are invited from anyone with an interest in NCEPOD; however, applications would be particularly welcome from those with a background in one of the following:

§  Law

§  Finance

§  Fundraising

The appointed Trustees will work with the existing Board to advise the Chief Executive on ways to develop the organisation whilst maximising the financial income to the charity.

Are you passionate about sustainability? Do you want to make a real impact on household carbon footprints and promote sustainable living? Can you help us deliver our innovative E-Save app and outreach programme?

What will you be doing?

To support delivery of the E‑Save app, you’ll provide essential administrative support to our volunteer‑led, largely remote organisation. 

You’ll help keep the charity running smoothly by supporting the board and key personnel with communications, record‑keeping, document updates, online meeting organisation, task tracking and maintaining clear, well‑ordered systems.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking a UK‑based volunteer with at least three years’ administrative experience, including confident use of Microsoft tools. 

You’ll be organised, detail‑focused and able to manage your own workload. 

You’ll support meetings, maintain online files, update documents, manage data and contact lists, and provide general admin support to the Board, Operations Director and volunteer HR team as needed.

What difference will you make?

Your work will provide the operational backbone needed for the organisation to grow and deliver its ambitious programme. 

By ensuring effective administration and communication, you’ll help enable drive the  focus on environmental impact—supporting the delivery of the E‑Save app and helping bring practical climate action into everyday homes across the UK.

Are you passionate about health justice? Medact is seeking a new Chair of the Board to help oversee our governance and support our work.

About Medact

Medact organises the health community to work towards a world in which everyone is able to live healthy, dignified lives, supported by political and economic systems that centre health justice. Our priority work areas are some of the most pressing threats to health and wellbeing, including ending state violence, housing & energy justice, and migrant access to healthcare. Medact seeks systemic solutions to major social problems, and is unafraid to hold decision-makers to account. We launched our new five-year strategy at the end of 2025, embedding our vision for how we win and how we grow.

We’re member-led, and our membership spans a range of people who work in health, including nurses, doctors, midwives and clinical researchers, as well as people from the wider health community. 

We are now looking for a new Chair of our Board of Trustees. If you share our vision and passion, why not join our Board and help us fight for health justice?

About the role

Our Board of Trustees provides guidance, governance and final sign-off on major decisions on behalf of our membership. Trustees are collectively responsible for the governance of the organisation in line with the requirements of the Charity Commission. Trustees also contribute to the development of Medact's strategy and participate in a range of other activities to support the Director and staff with our work.

There are four planned board meetings per year, which are hybrid, and it is expected that each Trustee will attend most Board meetings. Trustees are also sometimes asked to give their views or sign off on issues between Board meetings if an issue cannot wait. It is hoped that each Trustee will have the capacity to use their unique skills to support the team more broadly with Medact’s work.

As Chair, you will support the Executive Director and staff to help build on our achievements and realise Medact’s vision. You will work with fellow Trustees to make up a strong and effective Board governing the Charity. 

Acting as a Trustee is a voluntary role but reasonable travel expenses can be paid. 

Who we are looking for

Our current Board brings a broad range of skills, but we recognise that we do not yet reflect the diversity of the health community. There are also specific types of experience and expertise we would like more of on the Board. In particular, we are looking for potential Trustees with one or more of the following attributes:

• Lived experience of an issue that Medact campaigns on, for instance the Hostile Environment, the health impacts of economic or housing injustice, the health impacts of armed conflict or UK security policies

• Experience as a frontline health worker of any sort, preferably current

• Legal and safeguarding expertise

• Fundraising expertise, particularly individual giving or major donor fundraising

• Human resources expertise

As Chair, you will be actively networked within the health community or broader social justice movement and highly experienced in governance or strategic leadership of a charity or NGO. You will have the skills to line-manage the Executive Director. And you will have the ability to advocate on behalf of Medact’s work, as well as helping to build the membership and public image of the organisation. 

We hope all Trustees will: 

• Share our vision for a fairer and safer world, and our analysis of the transformational change needed to get closer to it

• Approach Board discussions and conversations with the team with an open mind, able to listen to and genuinely engage with others’ views

• Display collaborative behaviours which promote harmony and good team working which supports Medact to be an effective, well-governed organisation

Previous experience on a charity board or in another governance role is useful but by no means essential. If you are interested in becoming a Trustee but aren’t sure you have the right skills and experience, or would like an informal conversation with an existing board member before applying, please get in touch.

Timeline

Applications are open until 9am on Monday 9th March. 

We aim to interview candidates in March. Please let us know when applying if you are unavailable during this period.

This is an exciting time to join the Endometriosis UK trustee board, as the organisation expands and develops to achieve the changes that are needed to support those affected by the disease and to drive down diagnosis time. We are looking for a new Treasurer to build on this momentum to strengthen our organisation and bring about change for those with endometriosis. We have a skills-based board, with Trustees having one or more identified skills, with the overall membership of the Board providing the complete set of skills. 

Endometriosis UK is the largest UK charity for those with endometriosis. Endometriosis UK works to:

• Provide support to those with endometriosis and their families and friends

• Provide clear, objective information about the condition and its treatments

• Raise awareness amongst health professionals and the general public about the condition

• Support research into endometriosis.

This is an unpaid role. Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be paid.

Time commitment:

• Five meetings a year, including preparation for meetings, reading papers etc; and attendance at an annual strategy day and AGM (held on the same days as Board meetings).

• Trustees have the opportunity to take part in Board sub-groups and project groups to develop aspects of the organisations’ work. Current sub-groups include the Finance Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Group. Trustees are also invited to attend Endometriosis UK events.

We are recruiting for one new treasurer to join the board. We are particularly looking for:

• Personal or professional experience of diversity and inclusion issues

• Marketing and digital marketing

• Communications and social media

• Campaigning and achieving change

• Experience of working in Primary Care

• Charity finance experience

• Currently living in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales

Personal experience of living with, or having a close family member with, endometriosis, is vital on our Board. Whilst we look favourably on applications from those in the endometriosis community, we already have Trustees with first hand lived experience and new trustees do not need to have endometriosis. 

We also particularly welcome applications from trustees from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to diversity.

The role will start at a Board meeting on 28th November 2026, when our current Treasurer reaches the end of their 6-year term of office. Prior to the roles starting, the incoming Treasurer will have the opportunity to observe a Board meeting in September, and induction will be planned in October.

As the Thackray Museum of Medicine looks to build on a period of bold strategic growth since our 2021 redevelopment, we are seeking an experienced, ambitious and community-minded Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. The Thackray is the UK’s largest independent medical museum: a dynamic, civic museum in East Leeds with a nationally significant collection of over 50,000 objects and a clear mission to inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare - past, present and future. Since reopening we have grown audiences, deepened community partnerships and developed an ambitious plan to be the UK’s leading medical museum by 2030.

Role: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Term: Minimum three years from 12th May 2026, renewable (maximum six years)
Commitment: Approx. 1–1.5 days per month (voluntary; reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed)
Your location: Ideally Leeds (nationwide considered); Board meetings four times a year (three may be hybrid; in-person presence preferred).

The Role:
The Chair will lead and steward an engaged, forward-thinking Board to support the CEO and senior team as the Museum consolidates recent gains and secures long-term resilience. You will ensure excellent governance, provide constructive challenge and support to the CEO, strengthen relationships with funders and partners, champion the Museum’s commitment to equity and community co-curation, and be an ambassador for the organisation locally and nationally.

Key responsibilities:

· Set strategic direction: Lead the Board in shaping, approving and monitoring delivery of the CEO’s strategy to meet the Museum’s mission and 2030 ambitions.

· Own governance & risk: Ensure high standards of governance, legal and regulatory compliance, and effective oversight of the risk register.

· Build board capability: Drive trustee recruitment, induction, appraisal and succession planning to secure the skills, diversity and lived experience needed.

· Partner with the CEO: Line-manage and support the CEO - offering constructive challenge, guidance on operations and people matters, and ensuring strong executive accountability.

· Champion income & profile: Use networks to open doors to major funders, partners and donors, and actively raise the Museum’s profile.

· Ensure financial stewardship: Oversee budgets, reserves and trading activity with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, and scrutinise financial reporting.

· Lead effective meetings: Chair Board meetings, encourage robust discussion, ensure timely decisions and follow-through on agreed actions.

· Represent and advocate: Act as an ambassador to civic partners, funders, media and diverse local communities.

· Steward the estate: Support oversight of capital, maintenance and estate priorities for the Museum’s Victorian building.

Who you are:

· Seasoned governance leader: Experienced chair or senior trustee with sound knowledge of trustee duties, charity & company law and governance best practice.

· Strategic thinker: Track record of leading strategy in museums, heritage, culture, health or education - or in complex, stakeholder-facing organisations.

· Fundraising connector: Proven at building relationships with major funders, trusts, corporates or donors and supporting successful income-raising and profile activity.

· Financially literate: Comfortable with budget scrutiny, risk oversight and the commercial realities of earned income models or trading subsidiaries.

· Capital & estate experience: Practical experience of overseeing capital projects, estate stewardship or major building maintenance.

· ED&I and community champion: Committed to equity, inclusion and co-creation, with evidence of widening participation and diversifying leadership.

· Confident ambassador: Excellent interpersonal and public-facing skills; able to represent the Museum credibly to varied audiences.

· Supportive leader: Able to challenge and develop senior executives while fostering a collegiate, high-performing board culture.

· Local affinity desirable: A strong connection to Leeds or experience working in diverse urban communities is an advantage.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief . To apply, please send an up-to-date CV, a Supporting Statement (no more than two A4 pages) outlining your interest and relevant experience, in confidence to Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button.

For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence. There is also the opportunity for suitable interested candidates to speak to The Thackray’s CEO in advance of submitting an application.

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026.

First stage interviews: w/c 13 April 2026 (tbc).

Second stage interviews: w/c 20 April 2026 (tbc).

The Thackray is actively committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We are a Disability Confident employer (registration number DCS036392) and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic individual to lead our Board of Trustees as Chair. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation committed to ensure the voices of long term prisoners are heard, and to enable them to realise their potential.

The Chair is responsible for leading the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation. The Chair’s role is also to work in partnership with the CEO, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and to optimise the relationship between the Board and staff. (See also the Charity Commission’s Essential Trustee Guidance)

Key responsibilities

Strategy, Governance, and Financial Management

• Lead the Board in providing strategic direction to the Hardman Trust.
• Ensure, with Trustees, that the organisation operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives in compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.
• Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the charity and ensure that the Board regularly monitors that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.
• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

Board Leadership

• Ensure a high performing and effective Board through review of Board structure, Trustees and Board performance.
• Enhance the overall contribution of the Board, through mentoring of other Board members and encouraging participation in training/coaching/development. 
• Review and ensure Trustees have the right skillsets, training and development to support effective governance of the organisation.
• Chair Board meetings inclusively, bringing impartiality and objectivity in the decision making process.

Support to Hardman Trust CEO

• Line manage The Hardman Trust CEO including annual performance reviews and regular check-ins.
• Maintain appropriate distance between the Board and the leadership team, but where necessary, provide support and guidance on operations. 
• Work with The Hardman Trust CEO to support them to achieve the aims of the charity.

General Chair responsibilities

• Where appropriate, represent the Hardman Trust at meetings and events and act as spokesperson.
• Lead the Board in fostering relationships with external partners and potential funders/donors.

Person Specification

We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know that diverse groups of people make better decisions.  We are keen to hear from people who can bring perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us progress our vision.  

Essential

• Commitment to the Hardman Trust’s aims and values.
• Prior experience as a charity trustee and solid understanding of good governance practices.
• Experience (voluntary or paid) within the criminal or social justice sector at leadership level.
• Experience of chairing meetings, committees or boards.
• Robust planning and organisational skills.
• Willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
• Sound independent judgment and strategic vision; ability to think creatively and challenge constructively.
• A collegiate attitude and willingness to work with others.
• Honesty, integrity and commitment to act in the best interest of the charity at all times.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Chair in the charity sector.
• Expertise of lived experience of the justice system.
• Experience of charity fundraising and/or grant making.
• Understanding of the needs of people serving long sentences and of the systemic issues within our justice system .
• Experience of building partnerships and networks.
• Experience of public speaking and willing to represent the Hardman Trust externally.

We are seeking new Trustees who can bring their ideas and experience to our Board, who can champion our activities and advocate for us both locally and regionally. Our current Trustees are committed to the performing arts and enjoy sharing their expertise and experience, to make the Theatre stronger and more resilient.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds. You don’t need experience of being a Trustee, or of being in the performing arts. All we require is that you have a passion for live theatre. Induction, mentoring and training will be provided.

We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have experience in these areas:

• Finance, commercial and/or business operations
• Fundraising
• IT and systems
• Facilities or venue management
• Or…..tell us what you can offer!

We welcome candidates who can demonstrate:

• A passion for the Lawrence Batley Theatre and our vision and mission, along with a commitment to arts and culture as a force for change;
• A good understanding of effective governance and management;
• Strategic vision and creative thinking;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• An understanding of the barriers which some people within our communities face and a commitment to effect change; Values of equalities, diversity and inclusion.

For more information please download the recruitment pack on our website.

To apply please email us with your CV and no more than one side of A4 outlining: your experience, why you are interested in becoming a Trustee of Kirklees Theatre Trust (Lawrence Batley Theatre) and what you will bring to the organisation. Deadline for applications is 12noon on Fri 3 April.

All applications will be reviewed and selected candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Chair and Chief Executive to understand a little more about you and what you can bring to the Board. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to observe a Board meeting before deciding whether they wish to formally join as a Trustee.

Job Description

We are seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board. The ideal candidate will have experience and interest in Financial matters. This application process is rolling, meaning there is no deadline - so please enquire and apply sooner rather than later! We anticipate the process will conclude in mid-2026.

Who are we?

We are a disability-led arts organisation which works to improve access to culture for disabled people by providing opportunities for disabled creatives, training cultural institutions to be more open to disabled people, and through running participatory arts and development programmes.

Our programmes have run for fifty years, supporting disabled creatives and those facing disabling barriers to creative careers or audience participation. Our current programme finds us opening new avenues for disabled creatives through commissioning, exhibitions, and learning-based support such as residencies, advice, and guidance.

We continue to break new ground in digital spheres and advocating for disabled people struggling to access the arts and creative industries through our consultancy services.

We work across three main areas:

1. A creative programme, working directly with disabled creatives
2. Heritage projects, documenting the social history of disabled people
3. Access consultancy, including training and auditing

We receive funding from Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund to support our creative programme and heritage projects.

We are recruiting disabled and non-disabled voluntary Board members. As a member of our Board, you will gain an insight to how the arts and cultural industries in the UK work. From lived experience to professional experience, we are looking for people from all backgrounds who are passionate about the arts and its potential to change disabled people's lives to join our Board.

Please read or listen to all guidance on our site before applying!

Job Requirements

The Board and Shape's Executive Team meet four times a year - once every three months. Each meeting takes up about half a day.

In addition, Trustees are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the yearly Away Day, both of which happen once per year.

The main responsibilities of any Charity Trustee are outlined by the Charity Commission. You can browse their '5-minute guides' for Trustees on their website.

The Nolan Principles of Public Life set the standards for how our trustees are expected to conduct themselves. These are:

• Selflessness
• Integrity
• Objectivity
• Accountability
• Openness
• Honesty
• Leadership

You can read more about these principles on the UK Government's website.

Job Responsibilities

Our team of Trustees are responsible for ensuring that:

• Shape complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, and that it pursues only the objectives which are defined in it
• Shape complies with charity law, employment law and other relevant legislation or regulations
• Shape is financially viable
• the Board is defining goals and setting targets for the organisation, and that performance is evaluated against these targets
• Shape's ethos and reputation are safeguarded
• Administration is effective and efficient and we are accountable to our stakeholders and funders

The Board are also responsible for:

• Contributing to the Board's role in giving firm strategic direction
• Appointing the Chief Executive and monitoring their performance
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels, as required
• Attending either the Finance, HR and Risk, or Programme and Development Sub Committees