Independent domestic violence advocate volunteer roles in Hendon, greater london
Working Chance is a unique, pioneering, award-winning national charity that supports women with criminal convictions into employment. We support women to create independent purposeful lives through helping them to build careers, we break cycles of reoffending and we inspire employers to embrace inclusive hiring.
This is an exciting time for Working Chance as we start developing our new three-year strategy which will come into effect from 1 September. The new strategy will see us taking an ever bolder stance on speaking up for women with convictions, solidifying our position as a thought leader on how to improve the employment rate of these women, and moving into providing consultancy for employers seeking our guidance and input on their recruitment and employment practices.
We are looking for an inspiring and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our Board at this exciting point in our development. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a highly respected and impactful charity, while championing a mission that addresses inequality, social justice and economic inclusion.
As Chair, you will work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow trustees to ensure strong governance, clear strategic focus, effective oversight and financial sustainability, while acting as an ambassador for Working Chance and its values. Download the Appointment Brief to learn all about the role, the charity and the recruitment process, and if you think you might be the person we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date: 9am on Monday 16 March
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Do you want to help to make a real difference to the lives of women and girls?
We are looking to appoint a Trustee, who can support our communications and fundraising ambitions and act as the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee
Role Type: Voluntary
Location: London
Renumeration: While the role of a Trustee is not remunerated, reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Time commitment:
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Five Board meetings per year (in person in Hammersmith west London), plus membership of at least one board sub-committee (four meetings a year online)
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Ad hoc availability as matters arise (by telephone)
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Participate in one strategy away day each year (on a Saturday, usually held in January)
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Commit to the Board of Trustees for at least three years
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Note - the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee will be expected to chair a committee meeting four times a year (online) in addition to the Board meetings
Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, satisfactory DBS check and relevant legal and regulatory compliance checks.
Advance is committed to equality and diversity and aims to have a board of trustees that reflects the communities we work with. We strongly encourage applications from women including those with disabilities, from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds and those from LGBTQ+ communities.
About us
Our vision is a world where women and girls lead safe, just and equal lives. Advance is a women’s organisation delivering systems change, and trauma and gender-informed community-based support for women and girls affected by domestic abuse, including those in contact with the criminal justice system. We work nationally through our innovative, best-practice approach and systems change initiatives. We deliver wraparound frontline services across the South and East of England, including Greater London.
Our expertise lies in decades of providing specialist support by women and for women and girls, to achieve safety, justice and equality at the intersection of domestic abuse and the criminal justice system.
Our whole-system approach is aligned with our values of collaboration and innovation, partnering with other statutory and non-statutory providers, to deliver a coordinated community and gendered response, improving access to services across the whole system, enabling consistency and continuity of support throughout a woman’s journey.
Through our advocacy and awareness-raising work, we focus on systemic change and sustainable impact to meet women’s needs and improve their outcomes.
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join our experienced, committed and fully inclusive Board.
You will join a dedicated and skilled board comprised of women and men to support the charity through a significant period of growth. Our staff team now includes over 170 skilled and passionate women across our programmes and our 10 women's centres in London and the South and East of England.
About the role
We are looking to appoint a Trustee to act as the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee. This is a vital role for an experienced and strategic thinker who can guide Advance’s efforts to grow income, diversify funding streams, and enhance our visibility and voice. As Trustee, you will work closely with fellow trustees and the senior leadership team to provide leadership, to challenge, and support in developing sustainable income strategies and impactful communications.
Key Responsibilities
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Chair and help shape the agenda for the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee
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Provide strategic oversight and governance for fundraising (grants and trusts, corporates, individuals), income diversification, and partnership development with brands and events
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Support the delivery and monitoring of income generation plans and KPIs
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Work with the internal team and guide our brand strategy, messaging, and stakeholder communications
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Advise on business development opportunities
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Ensure that fundraising and marketing activities reflect and align our mission and values
Experience required
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Senior experience in fundraising, business development, communications, marketing, or income strategy, ideally in the charity, public, or commercial sectors
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Confident chairing meetings, building consensus, and offering challenge in a constructive way
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Ability to think strategically and spot opportunities for innovation and growth
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An understanding of governance, impact, and how to balance ambition with sustainability
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Successful experience of operating within a board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation
Knowledge, skills and understanding required
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Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
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Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board, and a willingness to speak their mind
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Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis
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Good, independent judgement and strategic vision
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An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
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An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
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An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 22nd March 2026
Interviews: On a rolling basis
First-round interview, via Microsoft Teams.
Second-round interview will be in person at Advance Hammersmith
*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.
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Reasonable Adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have additional needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Our vision is a world in which women and children lead safe, equal, violence-free lives so that they can flourish and actively contribute to society.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About The Creighton Centre
For over 100 years, The Creighton Centre has been at the heart of its community, providing connection, care and opportunities for generations of local people. With a rich heritage and an ambitious future, we are now seeking someone to become our next Chair of Trustees.
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to provide leadership to a well established, values driven charity at a pivotal moment in its history.
About the role
As Chair, you will lead our Board of Trustees and work in close partnership with our new CEO to ensure strong governance, clear strategic direction and long-term sustainability.
Over the coming year, the Board will be setting the charity’s strategic priorities and overseeing an exciting programme to renovate and future proof our historic building, unlocking new opportunities for community use and income generation. The Chair will play a central role in guiding this work at Board level.
Who we’re looking for
We are seeking a Chair who brings strong interpersonal skills, good judgement and a collaborative leadership style. You will be someone who values good governance, inclusive decision-making and clear strategic thinking.
You will bring:
- Significant board experience and a strong understanding of governance
- The ability to lead a Board effectively, encouraging constructive challenge and collective ownership
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- An appreciation of the privilege and responsibility of stewarding a long-established community charity with premises
Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an organisation with deep community roots and real impact.
What's in it for you?
- A chance to chair a respected charity with over a century of community impact
- An opportunity to help guide a significant period of strategic development and renewal
- The privilege of stewarding an organisation with a strong sense of purpose, place and heritage
- A supportive, engaged Board and an experienced Chief Executive team
If you are looking for a meaningful Chair role where your leadership can make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.
Please provide a CV and cover letter outlining your interest in the role and what skills and qualities you might bring. Please do refer to the attached Role Decsription for guidance on preparing your cover letter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.