Independent committee member volunteer roles in Bristol

As a Co-opted Committee Member (CCM) on our Clinical Services Committee, you'll have nursing expertise and want to influence positive change, share your expertise, and help us deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care. This is an exciting opportunity to bring your skills and experience to help shape and oversee our clinical services.

A CCM is not a board member but an opportunity to contribute your specific professional expertise without the commitment or responsibility of a full trustee.

You will:

• Provide independent advice and scrutiny on clinical governance and service delivery.

• Support the committee in ensuring high standards of patient care and compliance with best practice.

• Bring your professional insight to inform decision-making and strategic planning.

What we're looking for:

• A proven commitment to improving palliative and end-of life care

• A senior registered nurse with experience in clinical practice and healthcare leadership.

• Strong understanding of clinical governance, patient safety, and quality improvement.

• Commitment to our mission and values, with the ability to work collaboratively.

• Knowledge of the national healthcare landscape

The role is voluntary, with a commitment of approximately 4 meetings per year.

Closing date: Monday 2 February 17:00

Interview date: Monday 9 February - morning

We are seeking one or two new members to join the Committee. Members bring expertise, objectivity, and strategic insight to ensure TASO’s financial and risk frameworks remain strong, proportionate, and future-focused.

You will:

• review and comment on TASO’s financial plans, forecasts, and management accounts
• advise on financial and risk implications of strategic developments
• provide independent scrutiny and challenge to ensure effective governance
• contribute to periodic reviews of policies such as reserves and risk management
• support the Senior Leadership Team as a source of advice and critical friendship.

This is a voluntary position. We expect the time commitment to be approximately half a day per month. The Committee meets quarterly, typically online, with papers circulated in advance. Additional engagement between meetings may be required from time to time.

About TASO 

TASO (Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education) is an independent charity working to eliminate equality gaps in higher education. As an affiliate What Works Centre, and part of the UK Government’s What Works Movement, we generate evidence, share insight, and support universities and colleges to make meaningful, data-informed change so that every student – regardless of their background – can succeed.

We are looking for new members to join our Finance and Risk Committee to help ensure TASO’s financial sustainability, compliance, and effective risk management as we continue to grow and evolve.

Who we’re looking for

We are interested in hearing from individuals who can bring experience, insight, and constructive challenge to our financial and risk oversight.

You do not necessarily need to have any experience of being a trustee; TASO will give you a full induction and support to help you develop into this role.

Knowledge or experience in one or more of the following:

• Accounting or financial management
• Risk management or audit
• Financial governance in a charity or similar organisation
• The ability to analyse complex information and provide clear, strategic advice
• Commitment to TASO’s mission and values

Desirable criteria:

• A recognised financial qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Experience in the charity, education, or research and evaluation sectors
• Understanding of the regulatory context for UK charities

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – particularly LGBTQ+ people, disabled people and Black, Asian and minority ethnic people who are currently underrepresented on our boards and committees.

To help deliver our work across our social channels, we are inviting young people, aged 16-25, to join our Communications Committee youth voice group at The Mix. 

Our goal is to connect with young people in a meaningful way that resonates with them and to do that authentically, we need young people involved. So, if you have a talent (or even just an interest!) for creating engaging content and are excited about building impactful social media campaigns, this is the perfect opportunity for you. 

As a member, you'll participate in monthly Teams meetings where you'll collaborate with others to develop and execute campaigns across our social media platforms and online community. You'll work both independently and as part of a team to create dynamic content for TikTok and Instagram, brainstorm upcoming partnerships and exciting campaigns, have an exclusive sneak peek at The Mix's content calendar, and network with fellow young people. Between sessions, you might be asked to take on fun tasks or work on independent projects!

Who are The Mix?

The Mix is here to help 25s and under get to grips with any challenge they face – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Anywhere and anytime; online, over the phone or via social media. 

We are powered by the charity Mental Health Innovations, which also powers Shout, the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

So, what do you get out of it?

Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in content creation, enhancing your skills in video production, social media, and campaign design.

Collaboration: Work closely with peers and network with like-minded young people, fostering valuable connections and teamwork skills.

Leadership: Through independent projects and leading small tasks, develop leadership qualities and learn to take initiative in a highly supportive environment.

Real-World Experience: Being involved in the planning and execution of social media campaigns provides practical experience that can be valuable for future career opportunities. We are always more than happy to provide a reference!

Positive Impact: Make a meaningful difference by helping to create content that resonates with and reaches other young people, amplifying young voices!

What are we looking for from you? 

• Must be aged 16-25 and based in the UK. Those under 18 will need parental consent.
• Someone who enjoys creating content (both written and video.)
• To be available monthly - both to attend online meetings and complete remote independent tasks.
• To be able to access the internet for monthly meetings.
• Be enthusiastic about representing the voice of young people.
• Be creative with ideas of how we can create content on issues impacting young people.
• Be willing to join our wider youth voice network. 

Where: Google Meet
When: Every second Monday of the month, 6-7pm
Who: Anyone aged 16-25

You don’t need to upload a CV for this application. If the form asks for one, just upload a blank document. What we’re really looking for is your answers to the questions. 

The role

Are you passionate about the work of Methodist schools and a strong advocate for them?

We are seeking an inspiring Chair for the Methodist Schools Committee, someone who can offer strategic direction, nurture relationships, and support the Methodist schools at a pivotal time. 

About you

We are looking for someone who:

· Is a member of the Methodist Church in Britain.

· Has a strong understanding of, and the ability to articulate and communicate, a Methodist vision and ethos for education.

· Has a strong grasp of the range of Methodist schools and their role within the life of The Methodist Church.

· Has proven ability to offer effective strategic direction and oversight, balancing support and constructive challenge

· Is relational and collaborative, with an ability to bring different stakeholders together to work in a common cause;

This post carries an occupational requirement for the post holder to be a Christian (in accordance with the Equality Act 2010).

Duration

An initial three‑year term, with the possibility of extension for another term, up to six years in total.

Time Commitment

Normally four MSC meetings per year, with occasional attendance at Methodist Academies and Schools Trust (MAST) and Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST) committee meetings and the Connexional Council.

The Chair typically liaises with the Director of Methodist State Schools, members of the Senior Management Group of the Connexional Team, Trustees, and key partners.

If you have questions about the role or require reasonable adjustments to be made at any stage of the recruitment process, please email HR Team.

Closing date: 16 February 2026

Shortlisting date (updated): 26 February 2026

Interview date (updated): 13 March 2026 (in person interview)

Dancers’ Career Development (DCD) is the national charity that enables and empowers dancers to thrive professionally and personally leading up to and beyond their performance careers.

We are seeking a new Co-opted Committee Member with finance expertise and an interest in dance to join our welcoming and experienced Finance, Audit & Risk Sub-Committee of the Board of Trustees. Our ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the requirements of charity governance and risk.

For full details, including how to apply, please download the role information pack from our website. 

Application deadline: Monday 9 February 2026.

We are seeking someone who has experience of being a Treasurer or Finance, Audit & Risk Committee Member (preferably in the charity sector) and has a good understanding of the requirements of charity accounting and governance.

If you are excited by this opportunity and resonate with DCD’s values, please get in touch; we would love to hear from you.

Safeguarding Panel Member
Volunteer role

3-year term

Location - The post-holder will be expected to participate in regular Panel meetings, held on a quarterly basis. Some meetings will be online, while others may be held at the Provincial Office at Callaghan Square, Cardiff or another suitable venue to facilitate travel by Panel members from across Wales. Expenses will be reimbursed to cover the cost of travel.

Hours - Meetings are normally scheduled for 2 to 3 hours. In addition, a further 2 to 4 hours reading time may be required to peruse meeting papers and casework in advance of discussion. Papers are circulated a week in advance of meetings.

The Representative Body of the Church in Wales is the national administrative body of the Church in Wales. We have an exciting opportunity for a Safeguarding Panel Member to provide independent scrutiny and expert advice in relation to Provincial safeguarding casework, including responses to concerns relating to clergy, church officers and employees of the Church in Wales, support for survivors, safeguarding risk assessment and offender management.

Additionally, the Panel Member will be required to review and make recommendations to Bishops made by Provincial Safeguarding Officers in respect of casework and safeguarding risk management.  (The committee does not hold decision-making responsibility for safeguarding concerns and risk management but exists to provide quality assurance of the response to safeguarding casework within the Church in Wales). 

We believe that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility, and that good safeguarding must be at the heart of all that the Church in Wales does.

The successful candidate will provide strong, and informed advice to our organisation and bring a breadth of experience and specialist knowledge that helps protect our staff and congregation.  We are therefore looking to recruit a person with experience within statutory safeguarding organisations.

If you can think at a strategic level, quickly absorb complex information, and be decisive in your decision making, why not apply to be a panel member.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory Basic DBS check.

Closing date: 30 January 2026 at 10:00am

Interview Date: 11th February 2026 via M/S Teams

TO APPLY:Please complete an application form which can be donwloaded from the Church in Wales website.

The Co-operative College is undertaking a radical change in approach, transitioning into a charity that will leave society a lasting learning legacy, run a grants programme to advance co-operative education and work closely with partners to deliver our vision for a more co-operative world. 

As we embark on this journey, we are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Board and Committees to help shape our future.  

We are recruiting for two Trustees (one of whom we hope will serve as Vice Chair) and up to two independent members for our Audit and Risk Committee. 

While our standard Trustee Job Description applies to all roles, we are looking for specific expertise to strengthen our board in the following areas: 

1. Vice Chair (Trustee Role) x1 

We are looking for an individual with experience in chairing, facilitation, or strategic leadership. As Vice Chair, you will act as a deputy to the Chair, working with them closely to support board effectiveness. This is an ideal role for someone looking to step into a senior governance leadership position. 

2. Trustee x1 

In addition to the Vice Chair, we are seeking a Trustee who brings professional strength in at least one of the below: 

• Finance and accounting 

• Charity governance 

• Grants and investment management 

3. Independent Audit and Risk Committee Members x2 

These are non-Trustee roles - we are looking specifically for independently minded finance professionals who will bring constructive challenge and fresh perspectives. We are looking for applicants with experience in at least one of the below: 

• Finance and accounting (qualified or part-qualified, highly desirable) 

• Grants management 

• Investment management 

As an educational charity, we believe in the power of learning. New appointees will be signposted to relevant training and will take part in our induction programme, so that they feel confident in contributing their unique skills and experiences. They will also have the opportunity of being appointed a buddy, who can support them as they begin their time with us.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role?

Our Trustees play a critical role in the organisation, helping set the strategy and review progress in relation to it, providing support, challenge and expertise to the Chief Executive and Directors.

A Trustee plays an essential role in seeking to maximise VoiceAbility’s positive impact as well as to stretch and hold to account the Chief Executive.

The role also has ultimate responsibility for the compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as ensuring that the organisation acts in line with its charitable objectives and is financially stable. Trustees work as a team, applying good judgement and taking collective responsibility.

About you

We are looking for a Trustee with sound independent judgement, strategic vision and the ability to think creatively.  You will embody the organisations values and act in the best interests of the charity at all times. 

You will be engaged and motivated by the work of VoiceAbility and be able to build strong relationships and have experience of working as a non-Executive director or Trustee; however, lived experience is equally important.

We are seeking to recruit Trustees who bring Expertise in Finance, Safeguarding, Human Resources, Commercial and Operational Delivery.

Time commitment

Approximately one day per month.  Please note that this time commitment will be spread across multiple days and is likely to be cyclical.

There are four board meetings per annum.  Board meetings tend to be online, but face-to-face, or hybrid meetings may take place from time to time.  There would also be a commitment of two to four committee meetings per annum, a board strategy or development day and site visits.  Each trustee will also belong to at least one committee.

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values, and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.  If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

Please follow the link to our latest vacancy page

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications: 

28 February 2026

 Interviews to be held: ongoing

Main responsibilities 

Provide thought leadership on the role of safeguarding in Easing Anxieties’ fundraising, marketing, communications, and help keep everyone involved safe and to the standards set.

Translate the risks and opportunities of digital for other trustees, to enable the board as a whole to engage in an informed way.

Take the lead in evaluating safeguarding procedures for the future of Easing Anxieties for the board.

Provide strategic oversight of Easing Anxieties implementation.

Draw on your networks to support our work.

Help ensure that the executive / operations teams have the capabilities that they need to implement the strategy.

Provide safeguarding training for all board and trustee members

Qualities of a safeguarding trustee

Having an investment and understanding of children’s safety 

Have clear past in safeguarding or HR roles 

Have good and clear interpersonal and communication skills 

Ability to work with conflict and emotionally distressing matters.

Ability to produce and develop guidance and resources.

Long-term commitment to Easing Anxieties

In addition to the above, the Digital trustee has the same responsibilities and qualities as all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

Support and provide advice on Easing Anxieities’s purpose, vision, goals and activities. 

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

Oversee Easing Anxieites’ 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 [charity name]’s financial statements.

Provide support and challenge to [charity name]’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

Keep abreast of changes in [charity name]’s operating environment.

 Contribute to regular reviews of [charity name]’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 Easing Anxieites’ interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party  interests.

Contribute to the broader promotion of Easing Anxieites’ objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

 Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees

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.

Willingness to lead according to our values Easing Anxieites. 

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

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

Trustees are appointed for a [2] year term of office, renewal for [2] further terms to a maximum of [10] years.

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment

Attending [4] Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely.

You will be a member of a sub-committee which will meet [6] times in a year.

Transparency International is a global movement sharing one vision: a world in which government politics, business, civil society and the daily lives of people are free of corruption.

Transparency International UK is the UK national chapter of this movement. Our work with the British government, parliamentarians, and the private sector plays a critical role in tackling corruption at home, addressing the UK’s global corruption footprint and helping multinational companies prevent corruption by operating with integrity. We are also home to two major global programmes tackling corruption in the Defence and Security sector and Global Health on behalf of the wider Transparency International movement.

We are currently looking for two trustees who can add to the diversity of our decision making. We are particularly looking for skills and experience in charity governance; strategic international programming; and the strategic use of big data and artificial intelligence. Your expertise may also include skills from lived experience of dealing with corruption, or that help us better understand Britain’s role in facilitating global corruption or ensuring across the UK that we adapt to the corruption risks in the devolved governance structures in the nations and regions.

If you are inspired by what we do and would like to contribute, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

More information on the role can be found in the ‘Recruitment Pack’ on our website.

Role of Trustees / Board members

The Board are principally accountable to members of TI-UK, the Charity Commission and the TI movement and they also ensure that the activities of the charitable company meet public benefit expectations. The employees are a key stakeholder group and the Board actively engages with them on governance matters and in sharing decisions taken.

The broad areas of the work of the Board include:

• Strategic direction, ensuring that we are responding to the changing external environment across programme areas
• Performance, monitoring the performance of the executive against strategic and operational plans; including programme delivery
• Assurance, contributing to the identification and monitoring of risk. Ensuring there are adequate short and longer term financial plans in place to deliver the strategy. Adhering to the highest standards of charity governance.

The skills and experience that the Board draw upon include:

• Anti-corruption expertise
• Government and business policy setting
• Legal / regulatory / financial / audit / risk
• Strategic international programming experience
• Fundraising / partnerships
• Marketing / public relations
• Use of big data and artificial intelligence
• People, including diversity and equality
• UK and international charity experience
• Board or non-executive experience in the private or third sector

The qualities that Trustees demonstrate include:

• Ensuring that delivery of the mission of the organisation is at the centre of all that is done
• Intelligent analysis, constructive questioning and challenge
• Collaborative teamwork
• Understanding and respect for the role of a non-executive
• Integrity and sound independent judgement.
• Commitment to evidence-based decision-making, which requires reading papers, gathering knowledge of TI-UK and the wider movement and willingness to speak one’s mind and listen to the views of others
• Acting as an advocate externally including fundraising and income generation opportunities that arise 
• Ability to build constructive relationships and engage at all levels, with other trustees, the Senior Leadership Team and employees as opportunities arise
• Willingness to act in the best interests of the charity.

The skills and experience we are looking for contribute to the diversity of the Board as a whole. We recognise that no candidate will have all this expertise or qualities and that you may have had less opportunity to demonstrate them. Your application should highlight where you see yourself in terms of meeting the various elements.

Appointment

The term of office is for three years. Reappointment is for a maximum of three terms (nine years cumulative). Board members are eligible for appointment/re-appointment by the members of TI-UK at their AGM.

This is a voluntary, unpaid role but all reasonable expenses are paid. As the movement has Chapters in more than 100 other countries, we are only able to appoint individuals who are permanently resident in the UK. 

Time Commitment

• The Board meets at least four times a year generally between 12 noon and 5:30pm on a weekday
• A day-long Trustee and Senior Leadership Team Away Day occurs each year
• Meetings are scheduled a year in advance to ensure maximum attendance
• Papers are available electronically one week before each meeting
• Board members are expected to be a member of at least one Committee (Finance, Risk & Audit, Research, GTNI (global programmes), or Nominations & Governance) with these meeting at least two times a year during working hours.
• Additional time will be required to be on hand for advice on an ad hoc basis either to the Board or the Senior Leadership Team and to attend occasional events.

Face-to-face Board meetings of all Trustees are encouraged and these are held at the TI-UK office in central London. Trustees can be based outside of London and contribute virtually.

Trustees are invited to attend supporter engagement and fundraising events as well as learning events. 

What the role offers

We recognise that this role can help secure non-financial rewards including contributing to the charitable sector and providing the role holder with opportunities to grow and develop their leadership aspirations and to enhance confidence as a Board member/Trustee.

Experience

It is not necessary to have previous board or committee experience, although applicants should have regard to the role description above. Where learning and development support may be required this can be highlighted in the application process.

Specific sector experience of Anti-Corruption and Bribery is not essential.

Diversity

The Board recognise that a broad range of perspectives, insights and challenge support effective leadership and good decision-making. Such diversity encompasses skills, experience, perspectives and characteristics. The Board seek to demonstrate, support and encourage an equal and inclusive leadership culture at TI-UK through combining the visible signs of diversity with those of thought and lived experience.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all identities and backgrounds, particularly those that are under-represented. Diversity monitoring will be undertaken for all candidates.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: Monday 16 February
• Shortlisting/Selection: by Friday 27 February
• Panel Interviews: between 9 March – 27 March
• Selection decision: 10 April
• First Board Meeting: 21 May

How to apply

If you are interested in applying to be a Trustee, please provide:

• An up to date CV
• A supporting statement (maximum two pages) that outlines your interest in TI-UK and the Trustee role, and your fit against the information provided. Please also highlight any specific dates you are unable to attend a panel interview.
• A completed TI-UK Diversity Monitoring Form (link can be found in the Recruitment Pack on our website)

Please send your CV and supporting statement by midnight on Monday 16 February together with your diversity monitoring form.

If you would welcome an informal discussion with a Trustee in advance of your application, please be in touch via the Company Secretary.

GFS is a charity dedicated to enabling girls and young women to become unstoppable. We are seeking people who are committed to gender equality, passionate about youth development, and who value safe, inclusive spaces for girls and young women. 

Roles: Various Trustee positions, including Safeguarding, HR and Treasurer

As a Trustee you will provide leadership and contribute to the Board of Trustees enabling the fulfilment of responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of GFS.

We are looking for Trustees who care deeply about our mission and who bring experience, skills and enthusiasm to help steer the charity into its next chapter.

• The Treasurer is a member of the GFS Board of Trustees and is responsible for leading the Board’s oversight of the organisation’s financial strategy, governance, and sustainability.
• The Safeguarding Trustee provides strategic leadership and assurance on all aspects of safeguarding across GFS. They ensure that the Board of Trustees fulfils its collective duty to protect all children, young people, and adults at risk who come into contact with GFS’s activities.
• We are also looking for Trustees with experience in Human Resources and being part of People teams.
• See Treasurer and HR Trustee roles for more details.

Overall Purpose

Provide leadership and contribute to the Board of Trustees enabling the fulfilment of responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of GFS. Assist in developing GFS’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the Memorandum & Articles, Bye-Laws and legal and regulatory guidelines. Help drive the organisation forward, increasing its effectiveness for the benefit of girls and young women.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring that the values and mission of GFS are upheld in all of the decisions and decision-making processes of the Board.
• Contributing actively to the Board’s discussions on the strategic plans for GFS and supporting the Leadership Team to implement them.
• Ensuring that GFS operates in accordance with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Maintaining oversight of GFS’s performance, safeguarding, finances, and risk management.
• Supporting the CEO and Leadership Team by providing constructive challenge and guidance as required.
• Acting as an advocate for GFS, promoting its work and representing the organisation externally when appropriate. 

Time Commitment

• GFS’s Board Members serve an initial three-year term and are eligible for reappointment for an additional term.
• Three Virtual Board meetings and an in person in either in Central London or a central city (meetings are currently held on Saturdays).
• Occasional strategy days, workshops or working groups.
• Quarterly Sub - Committee membership depending on skills and capacity.
• Ad-hoc support to the GFS Staff team in line with personal experience 

Closing date: Monday 16th February, 9am 

Optional Q&A Session: To be booked individually by contacting our recruitment team. 

Interviews: Thursday 26th and Friday 27th February 

Carers Support Chair of Trustees 

Carers Support is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our development. This is an important voluntary role for someone with strong board or senior governance experience who wants to make a real difference to unpaid carers. 

About Carers Support 

We are an independent charity supporting thousands of unpaid carers of all ages across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. We provide advice, information, practical help, emotional support, training, young carers services and more. 

About the role 

As Chair of Trustees, you will: 

• Lead the Board and help set the charity’s strategic direction 
• Support and work closely with the Chief Executive 
• Make sure the Board fulfils its legal and governance duties 
• Encourage a positive, open and inclusive Board culture 
• Ensure meetings are well-run and support good discussion and decision-making 
• Help the charity respond to the needs and views of unpaid carers 
• Ensure risks, finances and performance are monitored effectively 

What we’re looking for 

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

We are looking for someone who can bring: 

• Board, governance or senior decision-making experience 
• Calm, confident leadership and good people skills 
• The ability to facilitate effective meetings or a willingness to learn 
• Sound judgement and the confidence to ask questions 
• A commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers 
• Time to prepare for and attend meetings 

Time commitment 

• 4 board meetings per year (2 hours each) 
• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive 
• Occasional committee meetings, events or development sessions 
• Additional committee meetings, events or development sessions, as required

What you’ll gain 

• A meaningful leadership opportunity with social impact 
• Strategic experience in a respected local charity 
• Supportive induction, training and ongoing guidance 
• A warm and collaborative Board environment 

Trustee

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

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

About the Role

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

Key responsibilities include:

· Providing strategic oversight and constructive challenge at Board level

· Supporting delivery of the five year organisational strategy

· Acting as an ambassador for the charity and its values

· Contributing to effective governance, risk management and financial oversight

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

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

About You

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

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

· Are based in Wales or Northern Ireland

· Are qualified social workers working within fostering services

· Have skills in finance, particularly qualified accountants

· Have experience in commercial or business development

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

About the Organisation

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

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

Charity Trustee

You and Me Counselling are currently recruiting volunteer trustees to complement the committee members already in their role.

This is a home working role and will be for immediate start.

Our charity

You and Me Counselling is a charitable organisation established in 2011. We are a counselling and psychotherapy service based in Hornchurch, Essex that works with children, young people, adults, and their families in the boroughs of Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest. Our counsellors and therapists work both within schools and from our counselling rooms located in Hornchurch and Ilford.

You and Me Counselling are an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). This means we are fully governed by the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

Job Description

As a trustee you will need to:

• Acknowledge emails at least once a day.
• Give a minimum of one hour per week to the role.
• Attend quarterly trustee meetings online.
• Ensure that You and Me Counselling pursues its stated objectives
• Ensure there is regular review of changes that might affect the organisation (political, financial, demographic, etc.)
• Ensure that the charity complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Monitor finance to ensure that the charity applies its resources exclusively for its charitable objectives.
• Uphold the good name and values of You and Me Counselling.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Supervise, support and appraise the chief executive officer.
• Hold the chief executive officer to account for the management and administration of the charity.
• Ensure that the organisation acts in accordance with employment law and exercises a duty of care to its employees.
• Identify major risks to the organisation and put systems in place to mitigate or minimise the risks.
• Ensure that the organisation has a governance structure that is appropriate to a charity of its size/complexity, stage of development, and its charitable objectives
• Regularly review your own training needs and create an expectation of continuous professional development throughout the organisation.
• Ensure that trustees have an agreed code of conduct and comply with it, and that there are mechanisms for the removal of trustees who do not abide by the principles stated therein.

Person Specifications

All trustees should demonstrate the following skills and values:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of their legal duties and responsibilities as a trustee
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data.

Specific Skills

The ideal candidate would have one of more of the following:

• Experience in law and governance
• Experience in charity fundraising
• Knowledge of counselling or psychotherapy (as a therapist or client)
• Experience in accounting or financial management
• A parent of a young person who has experience of mental health issues