Internal communications officer volunteer roles

About Us

Our Vision is to be the leading provider of therapeutic care, education and treatment for children and young people who have experienced early childhood trauma.  ​

​​Our Mission is to transform the lives of children and young people who suffer severe emotional and psychological difficulties, so they can relate well to others and fulfil their potential. ​

​​Our Approach is a form of psychotherapeutic group living and learning modelled on healthy relationships, adapted to the developmental needs of children and young people suffering early childhood trauma. We call this Integrated Systemic Therapy (iST). ​

Role descriptions and person specification

Role description attached provides more information on the role and responsibilities. For this Trustee role we are particularly seeking individuals with demonstrable  experience in education for children with special educational needs, in particular with insights into school governance.

For more details about Childhood First, please visit our website. 

Commitment

• Each year, our Trustees are expected to attend four regular board meetings, from 5 to 7 pm in Central London. In addition, Trustees would attend potentially four meetings of any sub-committee of which they are a member. Further time is required for reading of papers before meetings.
• You would also receive invitations to various Childhood First events in the communities, which are optional but strongly encouraged to help better understand the work and feel a connection to the charity.
• We are particularly cognisant of the need to be flexible in the demands we make of Trustee colleagues. Each year there is an opportunity to meet with the Chair for mutual feedback and to discuss ways in which Trustees might wish to develop their roles.​

Successful candidates will be invited to attend a board meeting will be on 15 September 2026 in Central London.

We hope you will consider making an application. If you have questions about the role and would like an informal conversation before applying please contact Michael Joseph, Director of Finance and Corporate Services.

All trustee roles will be subject to background vetting, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (which may include overseas checks) which will be maintained by Childhood First for the duration of their term.

We would also be grateful if you would complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form on the online application process. This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.

About Us

Our Vision is to be the leading provider of therapeutic care, education and treatment for children and young people who have experienced early childhood trauma.  ​

​​Our Mission is to transform the lives of children and young people who suffer severe emotional and psychological difficulties, so they can relate well to others and fulfil their potential. ​

​​Our Approach is a form of psychotherapeutic group living and learning modelled on healthy relationships, adapted to the developmental needs of children and young people suffering early childhood trauma. We call this Integrated Systemic Therapy (iST). ​

Role descriptions and person specification

Role description attached provides more information on the role and responsibilities.   For this Trustee role we are particularly seeking individuals with demonstrable Social Care practice experience in an organization of comparable size and scale, in particular with insights into safeguarding. 

For more details about Childhood First, please visit our website. 

Commitment

• Each year, our Trustees are expected to attend four regular board meetings, from 5 to 7 pm in Central London. In addition, Trustees would attend potentially four meetings of any sub-committee of which they are a member. Further time is required for reading of papers before meetings.
• You would also receive invitations to various Childhood First events in the communities, which are optional but strongly encouraged to help better understand the work and feel a connection to the charity.
• We are particularly cognisant of the need to be flexible in the demands we make of Trustee colleagues. Each year there is an opportunity to meet with the Chair for mutual feedback and to discuss ways in which Trustees might wish to develop their roles.

Successful candidates will be invited to attend a board meeting will be on 15 September 2026 in Central London.

We hope you will consider making an application. If you have questions about the role and would like an informal conversation before applying please email Michael Joseph, Director of Finance and Corporate Services.

All trustee roles will be subject to background vetting, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (which may include overseas checks) which will be maintained by Childhood First for the duration of their term.

We would also be grateful if you would complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form on the online application process. This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.

Treasurer Roles & Responsibilities 

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial health. The Treasurer plays a key governance role, strengthening financial literacy at Board level and supporting sustainable growth. The Board is responsible for governance and strategy and does not manage day-to-day operations.

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) is a growing charity registered with the Charity Commission (Charity No. 1189561). For the financial year ending 31 March 2025, RBB reported a total income of £423,041 and total expenditure of £373,007. As a charity with income above £250,000, we prepare annual accounts in accordance with the Charities SORP and undergo independent examination.

As our current treasurer prepares to step down, we are expanding our Board of Trustees to support the growth and future plans of our ambitious small charity. Board meetings take place every 12 weeks via video call, with opportunities for in-person gatherings throughout the year. Additional meetings may occasionally be required, either more frequently, in smaller groups, or one-to-one, depending on specific needs or exceptional circumstances. 

• Responsible to: Chair, Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

• Purpose: To oversee the management and reporting of charity finances.

• Hours: Approximately six to eight hours a month.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary, unpaid Trustee role. Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteer policy.

Role Summary 

The Treasurer will work closely with our team members including volunteers, other Trustees and with the CEO, advising on all financial matters including regulatory compliance. The Treasurer will be expected to attend Board meetings which last approximately an hour and a half every twelve weeks. The Treasurer will: 

• Actively participate as a key member of the Board of Trustees. 

• Act as an ambassador for Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

• Oversee and analyse the development of the annual budget and cash flow forecasts, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and sustainability.

• Support with fundraising and financial strategic planning 

• Advise on all financial matters, including regulatory compliance. 

• Oversee the development and observation of financial policies 

• Advise the board on fund management and ensure an appropriate reserves policy

• Advise fellow Trustees on a regular basis of the financial status of the charity and where necessary recommend action. 

• Oversee and administer financial processes including Gift Aid claims and payroll, ensuring appropriate financial controls, transparency and board oversight are maintained. (There is currently only one person on payroll.)

• Work collaboratively with the CEO and Chair to ensure appropriate financial segregation of duties within the constraints of a small charity.

• Support the Board in monitoring financial risk, reserves policy and international financial compliance.

• Ensure appropriate internal financial controls are in place and regularly reviewed.

• Work with professional advisors including any contracted accountants 

• Review financial transactions on a monthly basis via digital accounting software, Xero

• Arrange the compilation and agreement of Refugee Biryani & Bananas’ annual report

• Lead Trustee liaison with the independent examiner and oversee the preparation and Board approval of the annual accounts and report.

The Treasurer will play a key role in strengthening financial sustainability as RBB continues to grow its international programmes and funding base.

Person Specification 

The ideal candidate will have innovative ideas and sound financial knowledge. All Trustees are expected to assist Refugee Biryani & Bananas to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation. 

Essential 

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

• Support for the values and mission of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas

• Familiarity with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), or willingness to develop this knowledge.

• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information 

Desirable 

• A qualified accountant (formal qualification preferred) with financial and commercial awareness, experienced in managing finances, payroll, and the needs of smaller organisations. 

• An understanding of the voluntary sector and previous experience as a Trustee or Treasurer. 

• Good communication and competent IT skills 

• Extensive experience in senior strategic management and leadership, combined with strong analytical and evaluation skills. 

About Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) began as a grassroots movement in 2015, in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. What started as a group of friends distributing 2,500 portions of biriyani and bananas in the unofficial camp for displaced people in Dunkirk, Northern France, has grown into a community-driven humanitarian organisation. Initially working under the umbrella of another organisation, RBB became independent to better address gaps in aid and advocacy for displaced people worldwide. 

What We Do 

RBB supports people facing displacement, war, and inequality, tailoring actions to the needs of each situation. From food distributions to medical support and human rights advocacy, our work is versatile and responsive. We have provided aid in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, squats, and other unstable settlements along migratory pathways, including: 

• France: Calais, Dunkirk & Paris 

• Greece: Idomeni, Thessaloniki, Athens, Lavrio, Samos & Chios (our main base) 

• Northern Iraq: Duhok 

• Serbia: Belgrade Barracks 

• Bosnia & Herzegovina - Croatia Border: Vucjak Camp 

• Turkey: Istanbul 

• Poland, Belarus & Lithuania Border

• Ukraine Border (Poland and Ukraine sides) 

• Palestine: Gaza

• Egypt: Cairo

Our Approach 

RBB is a mobile grassroots organisation, designed to respond rapidly and flexibly to emerging crises. Our main base of operations is on Chios Island, Greece, where we provide ongoing support to people who are displaced.

Since October 2023, we have also established community-led initiatives to support people affected by the war in Gaza, Palestine, as well as Sudanese and other displaced communities in Cairo, Egypt.

Beyond emergency relief, we remain committed to ongoing support through volunteers, translation services, medical care, aid, and advocacy until either local capacity builds or the situation changes. In addition, our Community Humanitarian Leaders Programme (CHLP) plays a vital role in this approach by strengthening the leadership of people who are displaced by building on their existing skills, networks and lived experience in humanitarian efforts. 

Our field team comprises 90% individuals from refugee and asylum-seeking communities, representing Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Gambia, Ethiopia, Palestine, and Yemen. This diverse team is led by our founder and CEO, Ruhi Akhtar, alongside field coordinators / project managers. 

We prioritise dignity and equity, involving displaced individuals in decision-making and collaboration. RBB's direct aid includes food, water, shelter, medical supplies, clothing, hygiene packs, and season-specific items like sunscreen or firewood. Needs assessments and communication with affected communities guide our actions, ensuring targeted, person-centered care. 

Advocacy & Awareness 

RBB amplifies the voices of displaced people by sharing their stories and raising awareness about often-overlooked realities. Through storytelling and advocacy, we aim to challenge injustice and inspire action. 

About the Role

We are seeking enthusiastic and committed volunteers to join our team as a Charity Support Officers. This is a flexible position where you can tailor your contribution by choosing the area that best suits your skills and interests:

• Events Support – Help plan, coordinate, and deliver charity events, including fundraising initiatives and community engagement activities.
• Policy Review – Support the review, updating, and development of internal policies to ensure compliance and best practice in governance.
• Performance Management – Contribute to monitoring and evaluating our projects, analysing outcomes, and identifying areas for improvement.
• Social Media Strategy – Assist in shaping and delivering our online presence, developing engaging content, and growing digital reach.

Key Responsibilities
Depending on your chosen specialism, you may:

• Assist in planning and delivering successful events.
• Review and update organisational policies in line with legal and sector standards.
• Collect and analyse data to support impact reporting and performance improvement.
• Develop social media content calendars and strategies to engage supporters online.

Person Specification
We are looking for volunteers who:

• Have strong organisational and communication skills.
• Can work independently as well as part of a team.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and reliability.
• Bring enthusiasm and an interest in the charity sector.
• Have relevant skills or a willingness to learn in their chosen specialism (e.g., events planning, policy research, data analysis, or digital communications).

What You’ll Gain

• A meaningful opportunity to contribute to a growing charity.
• Hands-on experience in a specialist area aligned to your interests.
• Training and mentoring opportunities to develop your skills.
• The chance to be part of a supportive and passionate volunteer community.

Take a look at our events and pop down and visit us! https://www.mentalfightclub.art/whats-on 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key responsibilities:

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

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

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

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

ADMIN MANAGER & COMPANY SECRETARY (VOLUNTEER ROLE)

SUNSHINE Charity – Because No One Should Live in Lockdown Forever

Do you remember lockdown?

1. The stillness.
2. The uncertainty.
3. The feeling of being cut off from the world.
4. The long days where connection felt far away.

Now imagine living like that every single day — not because of a pandemic, but because loneliness has quietly become someone’s whole life.

At SUNSHINE, we refuse to let that be anyone’s reality. Not in London. Not in our communities. Not while we’re here.

We’re here to bring back joy, connection and human warmth — and we need someone organised, steady and compassionate to help keep our young charity running smoothly behind the scenes.

Who We Are

SUNSHINE is a brand‑new, grassroots, 100% volunteer‑powered charity on a mission to brighten the lives of people experiencing loneliness and social isolation. We’re small, passionate, and building something hopeful from the ground up. We’re awaiting our charity number — but our mission is already alive, growing and ready to shine.

Now we need someone who can help us stay organised, compliant and confident as we grow.

Your Role: Admin Manager & Company Secretary

This is a vital role at the heart of our charity’s operations.

You will be the person who keeps us organised, compliant and functioning — the calm, reliable presence who ensures SUNSHINE runs smoothly as we build our services, our team and our impact.

You will:

• Manage our core administration, ensuring documents, records and processes are kept up to date

• Support the Board and CEO, helping prepare agendas, minutes and paperwork

• Ensure good governance, keeping us aligned with legal and regulatory requirements

• Maintain key policies, updating them as we grow

• Oversee filing systems, digital organisation and internal communications

• Support volunteer onboarding admin, helping us stay structured and efficient

• Be the organisational backbone, helping SUNSHINE stay steady, safe and well‑run

Your work will help us build a charity that people can trust — one that is safe, organised and ready to support those who need us most.

Who You Are

• You’re someone who loves order, clarity and good organisation.
• You’re reliable, detail‑focused and calm under pressure.
• You care deeply about people and want to use your skills to make a real difference.
• Maybe you’ve worked in admin, office management, governance, compliance or PA roles.
• Maybe you’ve supported Boards or senior leaders before.
• Maybe you’re simply brilliant at keeping things running smoothly.

What matters most is your heart, your steadiness, and your belief that loneliness should never be a life sentence.

Why Join Us Now?

Because this is the moment everything begins.

You won’t just be joining a charity — you’ll be helping to build it. Your organisation will shape our foundations. Your attention to detail will shape our safety. Your presence will help us bring sunshine into lives that have been dark for far too long.

If you want to be part of something hopeful, human and life‑changing, this is your moment.

How to Apply

Send us your CV and a short statement about why this role speaks to you.

We welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences and walks of life.

Let’s build a charity full of sunshine — together.

Job Title: Personal Assistant to the CEO (Volunteer Role)

Location: London -Hybrid / Remote
Contract Type: Volunteer (with potential to become a paid salaried role)
Hours: Flexible - up to 20 hours per week

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and reliable Personal Assistant to support our CEO with day-to-day responsibilities. This voluntary role offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience working closely with a busy CEO, supporting both business and personal commitments, while building valuable skills in executive support and leadership administration.

While this position will initially be unpaid, there is strong potential for it to develop into a salaried role as the organisation continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide proactive diary and inbox management for the CEO.

• Schedule and coordinate meetings, calls, and travel arrangements.

• Assist with the preparation of agendas, presentations, and follow-up actions.

• Act as the first point of contact with internal and external stakeholders.

• Manage confidential information with the utmost discretion.

• Support with ad hoc personal tasks and lifestyle management, as required.

• Undertake general administrative duties, including filing, expenses, and record keeping.

Skills & Qualities We’re Looking For

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

• Discretion, integrity, and professionalism in handling sensitive matters.

• Competence with Microsoft Office Suite and/or digital collaboration tools.

• A proactive and adaptable approach, with the ability to work independently.

• A positive and approachable attitude, with strong interpersonal skills.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to work closely with a CEO and gain insight into executive-level leadership.

• Hands-on experience in administration, coordination, and project support.

• The opportunity to build a long-term role as the organisation expands.

• Flexibility to fit around other commitments.

Additional Information

This is a volunteer role to begin with, so flexibility and commitment will be key. We are committed to ensuring that your time with us is rewarding, developmental, and supportive, with the real prospect of progression into a permanent salaried role in due course.

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is looking for three exceptional Trustees to help realise our vision: a world where children live free from the threat of sexual abuse.

For over 30 years, we’ve led the way in child protection — preventing abuse before it happens, supporting families, influencing policy, and running the world‑leading Stop It Now helpline. Our work is challenging, essential, and life‑changing.

Our charity has recently grown with remarkable pace and purpose. We are proud of the progress we have made and the strong financial footing we now stand on. As several of our long‑serving trustees prepare to retire, we are seeking three exceptional individuals to join our Board and help guide the next stage of our development.

We are now recruiting:

• Research Trustee who brings enhanced research expertise to strengthen the Board’s oversight of research strategy, quality, ethics and impact.
• Finance Trustee who brings enhanced financial expertise to strengthen the Board’s oversight of financial governance.
• Scotland Representative Trustee who is based in Scotland who can strengthen our strategic presence, partnerships and governance within the Scottish context.

If you bring strategic insight, strong leadership, and a commitment to safeguarding children, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

• Shape the charity’s strategy and culture
• Support and challenge the CEO and Senior Leadership Team
• Oversee finances, risk, safeguarding, and compliance
• Champion our mission and raise our profile
• Attend four Board meetings a year (mix of in‑person and online), plus the AGM and relevant committees

This is a voluntary role; reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed.

What You’ll Bring

• Passion for protecting children
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the Nolan Principles
• Ability to collaborate, challenge constructively, and lead with integrity

Why Join Us?

You’ll help steer a pioneering UK charity with national impact, working alongside experts dedicated to keeping children safe. Your contribution will shape prevention efforts today — and protect children for generations.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you share our values and want to play a vital role in child protection, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us build a safer future for every child.

Independent Chair and Non-Executive Director Recruitment

Somerset Skills & Learning CIC (SS&L)
Voluntary roles | Somerset / Hybrid

Changing lives through learning

Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) is a thriving Community Interest Company delivering education and skills to around 4,000 learners each year. Working with over 145 employers, we improve confidence, wellbeing, employability and life chances across Somerset and beyond.

We are now seeking two Independent Non-Executive Directors to join our Board at an exciting and pivotal time.

Following seven successful years on the Board, our Chair will step down in November 2026. As part of this recruitment, we will identify our next Non-Executive Chair, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of a values-driven organisation making a tangible difference.

The Opportunities

Non-Executive Director – Finance & Sustainability

You will bring senior financial leadership experience to help guide SS&L’s long-term sustainability.

You will contribute to:

• Financial strategy, oversight and resilience
• Risk management, audit and governance
• Supporting sustainable, values-led growth

Non-Executive Director – Further Education Quality & Impact

You will bring expertise from the further education or skills sector to help ensure high-quality outcomes.

You will contribute to:

• Quality assurance and continuous improvement
• Learner outcomes and progression
• Strategic curriculum development aligned to community need

About the Roles

As a Board member, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight, challenge and support
• Help shape organisational direction and impact
• Work collaboratively with fellow Directors and the Executive team

From these appointments, we are particularly interested in individuals with the capability and interest to step into the Chair role.

Commitment

• Approximately 4–5 hours per month
• Four Board meetings per year (hybrid)
• Participation in sub-committees
• Voluntary roles (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About You

We are looking for individuals who:

• Bring senior leadership or Board-level experience
• Can offer constructive challenge and strategic insight
• Share our commitment to inclusion, learning and community impact

We particularly welcome applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
 

How to Apply

Full details about this opportunity in the attached brief. For a confidential discussion, please contact Anna Jay, Managing Director, Public Leaders Appointments

Closing date for applications: Midday, 21st May 2026. Interviews 10th or 11th June 2026.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to help shape an organisation that is transforming lives through learning, we would love to hear from you.

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

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

Trustee Responsibilities :

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

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

Trustee Duties :

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

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

Tasks:

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

Person Specification

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

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

Experience & Knowledge

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

Time Requirements

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

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to become our next Chair of Trustees — and help shape the future of Little Village. 
 
What began as a grassroots response has grown into a London‑wide baby bank network, supporting thousands of families every year. But with more than one in three children in London living in poverty, our work — and our ambition — has never mattered more. 
 
Over the next chapter, we plan to expand our reach across London and scale our advocacy, including our national leadership as a co-founder of the Baby Bank Alliance, to drive lasting systems change for families experiencing poverty. 
 
As our current Chair’s term comes to an end in early 2027, we’re seeking someone with strong governance experience, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to social impact — someone ready to help lead an organisation with growing influence, reach and responsibility. 

We’d love to hear from you if you:  

• Have experience chairing boards, committees or senior leadership meetings.  

• Have strong understanding of governance (best practice)  

• Have experience of charity fundraising and income generation  

• Can commit the time and expertise to play a key role on our Board.  

• Share our passion for tackling child poverty and supporting families.  

This is an opportunity to play a defining role in a movement for change. 

We are especially keen to diversify our Board and particularly welcome applications from men and people under-represented in charity governance, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people with lived experience of poverty.  

Next steps  

If joining the Little Village family sounds appealing, we’d love to hear from you. You can find more details in our recruitment pack, including how to arrange an informal chat before applying 

Find out more and apply here: Recruitment - Little Village 

Closing date: 12pm, Wednesday 3rd June 

Friends of the Earth [England, Wales and Northern Ireland] is part of the world’s most extensive grassroots network devoted to the cause of environmental and social justice. We are an environmental justice organisation that recognises that the climate and ecological breakdown deepens and amplifies existing economic and other inequalities that affect many marginalised communities. That means ensuring responses deliver a fair share of resources for all human societies, while safeguarding the planet and its eco-systems. Our 2021-25 strategy (currently being updated) worked towards our goal for 2030: that the next generation will enjoy an environment that’s getting better, including a safer climate, flourishing nature, and healthy air, water and food.

To help us deliver our mission, we need a top-quality Company Director and Treasurer to join us and work with the Board to lead us through a both a strategic and corporate governance review.

Being a member of the Friends of the Earth Limited Board is highly rewarding. As an independent member of the Board, you will be part of the governance team of the UK’s most successful and vigorous environmental justice organisation and you will be asked to advise on, develop, and scrutinise impactful strategies and initiatives.

The role is split between being an independent member of the Board of Directors and acting as the Treasurer for Friends of the Earth. As a member of the Board of Directors, you will be responsible for ensuring that Friends of the Earth is achieving its objectives and purpose, and is complying with its governing document and other legal requirements. The role of Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the organisation’s financial health and viability and ensure that clear financial information is presented to the Board. The Treasurer also chairs the Finance Committee, through which they will support with accounting and audit compliance, and ensure adequate financial controls and procedures are in place.

To apply, please see information pack for all details