Legal volunteer roles

Bath Area Play Project are passionate about every child's right to play and enabling children to thrive. We are looking for a Chair of our small Trustee Board to support our vision and ethos, enabling the continuation of our support services for children and families, leading strategic oversight and ensuring we are resilient for change.

Our volunteer Trustees meet early evening, every 6 - 8 weeks, alternating in person in Bath and online. They are responsible for ensuring we are compliant with operational management delegated to the Director and other staff, allowing them to focus on governance and strategic decision making. Trustees support the staff to be the most effective they can be in their various roles through good knowledge and understanding of regulatory and legal frameworks.

Perhaps you have or are involved at a senior level in a Charity, have skills such as Marketing, Business or Early Years which can be used to help BAPP develop services for children and families.

BAPP provide a range of services including an Ofsted registered Nursery & Pre-school, Ofsted registered Holiday Playschemes for disabled children and those with additional needs, Children & Family Support, Alternative Provision for children with SEND and our long standing Community based Family Playdays. More information is available on our website  

As we work with vulnerable children, Trustees are required to have an Enhanced DBS and to register as one of our Trustees as part of our Ofsted registration. There are 8 Trustee Meetings each year, alternating in person in Bath and online which includes our AGM. Other commitments in addition can include attending events, representing BAPP, supporting with recruitment/staffing and policy review. 

For further information or if you have any questions, please get in touch.

The Fishermen's Mission is the only charity solely dedicated to supporting fishermen and their families (both active and retired) in the UK. Working closely with our maritime partners, our aim is to relieve despair or deprivation 

What will you be doing?

The Board of Trustees (The Council), consists of up to 15 Trustees. Today there are 10 Trustees with a variety of backgrounds and skills and we are seeking around 5 new Trustees.

The Fishermen’s Mission is ever keen to increase the diversity of The Council and is looking for potential Trustees with a range of skills and who come from differing walks of life each with their own unique life experiences to help bring direction and focus to the delivery of vital provision in fishing communities. 

The Council meets four times a year: twice ‘in person’ during the day and usually in London, and twice online. One sub-committee meets three times yearly and two others meet twice yearly (sub-committee business is also conducted online). 

The Council also seeks to meet once annually for an in-person ‘away day’ (afternoon session / overnight stay / morning session / disperse).

We welcome interest from Christian Ministers; fishermen and family members; those who have experienced our work; healthcare practitioners; those experienced in law; HR and governance and PR. 

What are we looking for?

The Fishermen’s Mission is an incorporated charity, meaning it is a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. The charity is directed by a Board known as the Council of Management (or ‘Council’) consisting of up to 15 Trustees. 

Trustees are also company directors and are responsible for the overall direction of the charity, the general control and management of the administration of a charity and to ensure that the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team delivers the charity’s services efficiently, effectively and legally.

Currently there are 10 Trustees with a variety of backgrounds and skills. The Fishermen’s Mission is ever keen to increase the diversity of the current board and is looking for potential Trustees with a range of skills and who come from differing walks of life each with their own unique life experiences to help bring direction and focus to the delivery of vital provision in fishing communities. 

Main responsibilities of Trustees. There are six main responsibilities of a Trustee:

1. Ensure the charity is conducting its purposes for the public benefit.
2. Compliance with the Charity’s governing document and the law.
3. Act in the charity’s best interests.
4. Manage the charity’s resources responsibly.
5. Act with reasonable care and skill.
6. Ensure the charity is accountable.

Trustees must have and accept ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of The Fishermen’s Mission, ensuring effective and efficient administration, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place and holding the Chief Executive to account when necessary. 

Trustees must ensure that the charity pursues its stated charitable objects, in compliance with the Articles of Association, establishing a clearly defined vision, set of values and strategy, ensuring that there is a common understanding of these by trustees, staff and associated personnel and evaluating output performance against agreed targets.

Trustees must ensure there are regular reviews of the environment in which the charity operates, identifying changes that might affect the way the charity operates - political, financial, demographic, competitive, partnerships, alliances.

Management of Resources. It is a Trustee’s legal duty to responsibly manage the resources and ensure the financial stability and solvency of The Fishermen’s Mission, including the proper investment of its funds. 

Personal conduct . It is a Trustee’s legal duty to act with reasonable care, skill and prudence in all matters relating to The Fishermen’s Mission. 

Conflict of interest . It a Trustee’s legal duty to act in the best interests of The Fishermen’s Mission. 

Minimum age. Trustees must be at least 16 years old.

Disqualification. You must not act as a trustee if you are disqualified under the Charities Act unless your disqualification has been waived by the Commission. 

Fit and proper persons. All trustees must be ‘fit and proper persons’.

Disclosure & Barring Service checks. The Fishermen’s Mission will conduct appropriate DBS checks.

Personal Qualities. Trustees will be committed to the values and goals of the charity including a commitment to equal opportunities and the active promotion of diversity across the charity. 

Professional skills. Trustees are expected to provide Council with knowledge, experience and skills from a wide range of areas.

What difference will you make?

Commercial fishing remains the most dangerous occupation in the British Isles. 

The Fishermen’s Mission is the only charity solely dedicated to providing emergency support alongside practical, financial, spiritual and emotional care for fishermen both active and retired and their families.

As a trustee, your passion will help support those members of one the UK's traditional industries. 

Overview of the role

This role involves leading on any and all Health & Safety issues, policies and concerns, ensuring that the Board of Trustees are aware and kept up to date in regard to the legal, regulatory, and governance responsibilities of the charity regarding health and safety.

Key tasks

Trustee (Health & Safety Lead) Responsibilities:

• to ensure that the trustee board understand their legal and regulatory responsibility on matters of health & safety (including manual handling & fire safety, etc.) for the charity

• to ensure, along with operational management support, that all health and safety policies and risk assessments are in place, relevant, and up to date

• to continuously keep up to date with all current health and safety legislation/regulations, informing the board of any changes needed to operational procedures relating to health and safety

• to be the allocated contact for health & safety as outlined on Health and Safety Executive (HSE) poster in each centre

• along with operational management support, to ensure that all relevant staff, trustees and/or volunteers are suitably trained and aware of the correct process to follow if any health and safety concerns arise, including the filling out of incident reports.

Other responsibilities, along with the Bboard of Trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives 

• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity.

• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate

• to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately

• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated

• to review and approve financial statements 

• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries

• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection.

• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

About you:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Warrington Foodbank

• a strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and a charity’s responsibility

• an ability to lead on any health & safety matters in a supportive and confident manner

• add any further essential qualities the food bank is looking for, to fit in with any strategic objectives the food bank may have.

Benefits of volunteering:

• feeling you are making a difference whilst volunteering with us

• meeting new people and being part of a motivated team who share a passion to eradicate poverty in our community

• building a movement of change with our volunteers, staff, and the people who use our food bank

• bringing our staff, volunteers, and trustees together to achieve our vision

• gaining a greater insight and understanding of local agencies and partnerships.

Impact of your role

By leading on Health & Safety matters for the food bank, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with, Warrington Foodbank.

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training. 

Please Note:

• You must be 16 or over and must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee and declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee.

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office.

• This is a voluntary position.

About us:

Write Back is a young charity helping marginalised young people develop their self-esteem, literacy and creativity through storytelling. Currently based in Barking & Dagenham, since 2020 we have run storytelling programmes for more than 200 young people, helping them tell their stories and printing and celebrating their work. 9 out of 10 participants on our programmes see significant improvements in their self-esteem, and in our short period of operations, we have published over 20 anthologies of young writers’ work, exploring themes like immigration, identity and social isolation.

What we do:

We run 10-week long storytelling programmes in Barking and Dagenham, east London, to build self-esteem among young people aged 13-16. In each session we do confidence building activities, engage with the writing of a young author and then develop the participating young people’s own stories. The 10-week project involves developing their ideas individually and collectively and culminates with the publication of their work, including in books, local museum exhibitions and much more.

We are working with six secondary schools in Barking and Dagenham, who have been referring young people to our programmes or inviting us into their premises to run bespoke programmes for selected students Barking and Dagenham is the 9th most deprived local authority in the country and 37% of the young people and children live in poverty. Despite this recent research shows that Barking and Dagenham has the joint fewest charities per head in the country.

About the role:

Write Back has grown considerably since its founding five years ago. Now with paid part-time staff, strong local networks, secure medium-term funding and proof of impact, we are entering a new phase of organisational growth.

To oversee this, we are looking for a new Chair of Trustees to oversee a significant period of strategic choices. We are looking for someone who wants to get closely involved in setting the strategy, direction and priorities of Write Back as we transition from new ‘start-up’ into a more established charity. As a small charity, the Chair will be someone who can think ‘big picture’ but also is happy to get involved with day-to-day matters when necessary - securing new funding, overseeing our staffing model, building networks with other organisations and more. We are therefore looking for an individual with:

• Experience of organisational governance (ideally experience being on a board of trustees before).

• Experience in a leadership role in a growing organisation (either teams/departments or the whole organisation).

• Strong fundraising and networking skills and experience.

• Knowledge and expertise of the charity sector.

• A strong commitment to the work of Write Back and empowering young people.

• The passion and enthusiasm to throw themselves into a new and exciting charity for young people to help us in our next phase of growth.

• The ability and experience of working at a strategic level, providing expert oversight, advice and guidance, but willing to get involved day-to-day where necessary.

• The skills and temperament to collaborate effectively in a small, growing organisation.

• A good understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship and an appreciation of the personal implications.

• A demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity.

• Experience in the education sector, or in legal, HR or other operational or governance matters, is a plus but not required.

Core requirements:

• This is a voluntary unpaid role, for which any reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

• Your initial term will be for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.

• Attendance at trustee meetings every two months (either online or in person, for roughly 90 minutes), as well as preparation for these meetings and any follow-up tasks.

• Working with the Director and the Treasurer, overseeing all governance, financial and operational matters and reporting requirements as necessary.

• Fulfilling any or all other requirements for trustees as outlined by the Charity Commission.

• We estimate the time commitment to be no more than two days per month in total.

Settled is recruiting new trustees to join its Board and support EU citizens and Ukrainian refugees to access their rights in the UK. This is a voluntary role, open to first-time trustees and those with board experience. We are particularly interested in skills relating to finance, fundraising, governance, or equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as lived experience. Meetings are mainly online, with one in-person away day per year. Closing date: 5pm, Monday 2 February 2026.

Education Volunteer Role Description 

Are you passionate about changing the way we treat animals? Do you want to help reduce environmental damage? Do you want to inspire people to enjoy healthy vegan food that both looks good and tastes great? 

The Vegan Society aims to make veganism more accessible. We help people to adopt a vegan lifestyle by supporting individuals, policy- and decision-makers, caterers, manufacturers, healthcare professionals and the media. 

Why do we need you? 

Laura Chepner is our Education Officer, and she is looking for a volunteer to support her in her role. Laura has a background in education, with a degree in Primary Education which preceded a decade of teaching and a short stint in the role of SENco (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). Shortly after that, Laura theorised vegan-inclusive teaching, published An Educator’s Guide for Vegan-Inclusive Teaching and worked as the UK’s first vegan-inclusion education specialist until joining The Vegan Society. 

At The Vegan Society, Laura supports vegan learners in education who have been discriminated against by acting as an intermediary between their families and the institution. Additionally, Laura supports educators by creating resources and delivering training sessions on what it means to be vegan-inclusive in their practice. Furthermore, Laura empowers parents/guardians to ask for vegan-inclusion by creating documents, with the help of The Education Network, that they can present and highlight their rights. 

What does this role involve? 

We support vegan learners and their families by offering practical resources, including tips for discussing veganism with schools, understanding legal protections and addressing concerns like catering and inclusivity. Our resources aim to help create an educational environment where vegan families feel respected and valued. This role will involve creating resources for families and educators. For example, template letters, guidance on legal protections, policy review requests, learning materials for children and much more.

What training and support is available? 

The ideal candidate for this role will have a background in Primary Education and be comfortable working independently. However, we are always willing to invite volunteers along to staff training when possible and to deliver training on specific skills in-house, as identified throughout the volunteering period. This role is remote, so support from the Education Officer will be available through email and phone calls as required. Monthly reviews with the Volunteering and Engagement Officer will also be conducted to ensure the volunteer is happy in their role. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

• Qualified teacher

• Good written English

• Competent using Microsoft Office

• A strong understanding of the aims, campaigns and tone of voice of The Vegan Society 

• The ability to work independently. 

What does my availability need to be?  

This is an ongoing role and tasks will be requested by Laura on an ad hoc basis, volunteers can accept or decline each task. Volunteering can be done outside traditional working hours and in any time zone, although meetings and staff support will only be available between 9am and 5pm UK time. We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of six months to make the best use of recruitment and induction time and to get the best out of their volunteering experience.

Who does this role report to?

Laura Chepner, Education Officer and Kaya Gromocki, Senior Volunteering and Engagement Officer.

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 Safeguarding and HR Trustee roles for more details.

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. Working closely with the Chair, fellow Trustees, and GFS staff, the Treasurer ensures that GFS manages its resources responsibly and in line with its charitable aims to support girls and young women.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Governance & Oversight

• Ensure that GFS operates within its financial policies, charitable objects, and legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., Charity Commission guidance).
• Oversee the financial strategy of GFS and provide leadership to the Board on financial planning, sustainability, reserves, and investment decisions.
• Review and monitor financial reports, management accounts, and forecasts, ensuring the Board receives clear and accurate information to support decision-making.

Budgeting & Reporting

• Work with the CEO and finance staff to review the annual budget and recommend it for Board approval.
• Oversee the preparation of annual statutory accounts and ensure timely submission of all regulatory filings.
• Present the annual accounts at the AGM in a clear and accessible way for members.
• Ensure that financial information is understood by all Trustees, supporting good collective financial stewardship.

Risk & Control

• Oversee financial risk management processes, including internal controls, cashflow, reserves, and investment management.
• Ensure GFS maintains appropriate financial procedures, controls, and delegations.
• Provide scrutiny and challenge where needed to support robust governance.
• Committee Leadership, Co-Chair the Finance and Fundraising Committee

Collaboration & Support

• Act as a key support to the Chair on matters requiring financial insight.
• Work in partnership with the CEO and finance staff, acting as a sounding board while respecting the boundary between governance (trustees) and operations (staff).
• Provide financial guidance to Trustees, helping to build confidence and capability across the Board.

Time Commitment

• 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.
• Additional time for reviewing reports, advising staff, and supporting financial planning cycles.
• Attendance at the Annual General Meeting

Closing date: Monday 16 th February, 9am 

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

Interviews: Thursday 26th and Friday 27th February 

What will you be doing?

People in Harmony (PIH) is a membership organisation dedicated to supporting mixed-race individuals, and interracial families, and couples. Established in 1972, PIH aims to promote positive experiences by challenging racism, prejudice, and ignorance. We provide information, support, and advocacy to our members and the wider community through education, celebration, and research.

We are seeking a new Chair at a pivotal moment in the Charity’s history. Following a strategic review, we are at the start of a five-year plan focused on building capacity, strengthening governance, and establishing a strong operational structure. Concurrently, in the next 10 years we aspire to expand training, consultancy, and policy influence, positioning PIH as a leading national organisation for mixed-race advocacy. As Chair, you will be central in delivering the organisation's strategy.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience at board level in a senior strategic leadership role, within the charity sector or a similar environment.
• Strong governance, strategic planning, and organisational skills.
• An inclusive leadership style; able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
• Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Able to listen and engage effectively; comfortable with challenge and debate and can encourage that in others while promoting a collaborative board environment.
• Passionate about the mission of PIH and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Lived experience and understanding of the challenges faced by mixed-race individuals and communities is preferable.

What difference will you make?

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction and ensuring effective governance.
• Ensure the Board operates within its charitable objectives and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Plan and facilitate cyclical committee meetings, ensuring they are well-organised, inclusive, and productive.
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Act as an ambassador for PIH, representing the charity at events and in the media.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with members, partners, and stakeholders to further the charity's mission.
• Oversee the organisation’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure key risks are identified, monitored and mitigated effectively.
• Support fundraising and grant application efforts and help secure resources necessary for the charity's sustainability.

Volunteer Opportunities at Coombe House Farm
Our farm is in the early stages of an exciting journey. We are already cultivating a vibrant mix of fruit and vegetables, including our no-dig beds, polytunnels and orchard. We currently care for chickens, ducks, sheep and guinea pigs with more animals being introduced as the site develops. We are expanding and would love volunteers to join our friendly team! 

Interested in volunteering? Please contact Claire Taylor, Assistant HR Manager for further details.  We are always happy to discuss how you can get involved. We can then advise you of the application process and next stages. 

Trustee Role

Carers Support is looking for new Trustees to join our Board. We are seeking people with previous board, committee or senior governance experience who want to use their skills to support unpaid carers and strengthen a respected local charity.

About Carers Support 

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

About the role 

As a Trustee, you will: 

• Help set the charity’s strategic direction 
• Ensure the organisation meets its legal duties 
• Monitor performance, risks and finances 
• Bring constructive challenge and independent judgement 
• Support a positive, inclusive and open board culture 
• Help ensure the voices and needs of carers guide our work 

You don’t need to be an expert in every topic. We welcome people who can read papers, ask thoughtful questions and contribute confidently as part of a team. 

What we’re looking for 

We are particularly interested in people with board or senior committee experience, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 

We are looking for: 

• Strategic thinking and good judgement 
• Understanding of governance or senior decision-making 
• Confidence contributing to discussions 
• A commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers 
• The time to prepare for and attend meetings 

Time commitment 

• 4 board meetings per year (2hours each) 
• Membership of at least one sub-committee (4 meetings per year) 
• Additional committee meetings, events or development sessions, as required 
• Most meetings take place early evening, online or in person. 

What you’ll gain 

• A rewarding role with real social impact 
• Opportunities to influence strategy and services 
• A full induction and support from experienced trustees 
• A friendly and engaged Board 

ABOUT PEDS

Personalised Eating Disorder Support (PEDS) is a nurse-led specialist eating disorder charity based in Peterborough and serving individuals, families, carers and professionals across the UK. We deliver early intervention, tailored one-to-one support, family sessions, training and education — all with compassion and respect — helping people manage symptoms and build lives not defined by their illness.

Our work is driven by our core values: Hope, Compassion, Honesty, Autonomy, Holistic care and Empathy. These values guide every aspect of our work and shape how we support those affected by eating disorders.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

At this exciting stage of growth, strong financial leadership and governance are critical to ensuring PEDS remains sustainable, accountable and able to expand its impact. The Treasurer will play a central strategic role on the Board of Trustees, helping guide financial decisions that shape the future of the charity.

ROLE SUMMARY

We’re seeking a values-driven, committed volunteer Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. As Treasurer you will fulfil all statutory trustee duties, ensuring the charity operates in line with its governing document and legal requirements, while providing strategic financial oversight and guidance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring transparency and accountability 

• Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies and procedures are in place 

• Provide clear and accessible financial reports to the Board 

• Support budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning 

• Liaise with independent examiners/auditors during the annual accounts process 

• Advise the Board on financial strategy, risk and sustainability

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Have relevant financial experience (accounting, finance, audit, governance or similar) 

• Understand charity finances or are willing to learn 

• Are committed to the values and mission of PEDS 

• Enjoy collaborative working at board level 

• Can commit to quarterly board meetings and preparation

Formal accounting qualifications are desirable but not essential.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a growing charity 

• Valuable trustee and governance experience 

• The chance to support individuals and families affected by eating disorders 

• The satisfaction of contributing your skills to a vital cause

Who We Are

South Asian Arts-UK (SAA-uk) is a Leeds-based charity and recognised centre of excellence dedicated to celebrating, teaching, and evolving South Asian classical music and dance. The organisation delivers weekly academies, concerts, festivals, and community engagement and education programmes that nurture talent, foster cultural pride, and ensure high-quality artistic experiences are accessible to all. By preserving tradition while inspiring creativity, SAA-uk enriches communities and champions South Asian arts across the UK and beyond.

The Role

Who the Organisation Is Looking For

SAA-uk welcomes applications from both emerging professionals and experienced leaders. The organisation is particularly interested in individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising (particularly individual giving)

• Capital development

• HR and/or legal expertise

• An interest in non-formal performing arts education

• Strong knowledge of the UK arts sector and the cultural policy landscape

Applicants who bring passion, commitment, and skills that can strengthen the organisation’s mission are encouraged to apply.

Organisational Commitment

SAA-uk is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equitable governance.

Curious About Becoming a Trustee?

Prospective applicants are invited to join an informal session to gain insight into how the Board operates:

• Online group or one-to-one “Let’s Talk Board!” sessions (20–30 minutes), taking place during the week commencing 19 January 2026. These sessions offer a friendly conversation with a Board member, facilitated by the Senior Administration Officer, including an overview of Board responsibilities and time for questions. Interest can be indicated within the application form.

• In-person sessions at the office, available on request during the week commencing 26 January 2026. These sessions will be scheduled only if requested, to ensure they remain manageable for Trustees.

  Interview Panel Composition

  Chair or Vice-Chair, one Trustee, and one senior staff member.

  Key Dates

• Application deadline: 6 February 2026

• Shortlisting completed: Week commencing 10 February 2026

• Interviews held: 17–27 February 2026

• Outcome communicated: By 6 March 2026

Individually and as part of the Trustee team to be the ‘guardians of charitable purpose’, making sure that all Board and Committee decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first; safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation ensuring these assets are used well, and in ensuring that the charity is run sustainably. 

To act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and always bear the interests of The Hospice of St Francis in mind.

In certain circumstances, provide high-level entry to other organisations and institutions to which the charity might not otherwise have access, to further the interests of the beneficiaries of the charity

Individually and as part of the Trustee team to be the ‘guardians of charitable purpose’, making sure that all Board and Committee decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first; safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation ensuring these assets are used well, and in ensuring that the charity is run sustainably. 

To act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and always bear the interests of The Hospice of St Francis in mind.

In certain circumstances, provide high-level entry to other organisations and institutions to which the charity might not otherwise have access, to further the interests of the beneficiaries of the charity

Main duties and Responsibilities:

· Set and maintain vision, mission and values

· Develop strategy, set overall policy, define strategic objectives and evaluating performance against agreed targets

· Assure continuous compliance with the legal and regulatory standards governing the operation of the charity, the charity governing document and any other relevant legislation, updating the articles of association as required.

· Assure proper financial control and ensure the application of resources is exclusively in pursuance of the charitable objects i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are

· Assure the effective and efficient administration of the charity including funding, insurance and premises

· Assure that The Hospice of St Francis pursues its objects as defined in its governing document (e.g. the promotion of any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the district of providing palliative care at the Hospice, at patients home, in our Spring Centre and in the community, and in particular the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of distress and sickness)

· Assure employment procedures and policy and procedures for volunteering are compliant with legislation and regulation, subject to regular review and support the fulfilment of strategic objectives

· Assure risk assessments for all aspects of the business are carried out including accurate and timely reporting using the format of risk registers

· To contribute to, assure and maintain effective performance of the Board and Committees, including systems and processes for external assessment of these arrangements

· Support the CEO and Executive Team to fulfil their delegated responsibilities and hold them to account for delivery of strategic objectives

· To attend Board meetings quarterly, up to two Board awaydays annually and serve as a member of up to two Committees.

· Operate as a member of the Board of Trustees

· Able to be registered as a Directors of the Charity at Companies House, sharing ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run. 

· Act as an ambassador supporting the work of the Hospice in generating income and in its relationship with the communities served.

Term of Office

Appointments are made on an initial 4 year term, with annual appraisal, with the option to serve a second term.

Where a Trustee has completed two terms and is selected as Chair of the Board of Trustees, or asked to undertake specific project work their term of office will be reset by People Governance Committee and ratified at the AGM.

Are you interested in joining Acorn’s board of trustees?

We’re looking for someone who wants to make a real difference. If you’re passionate about social impact and excited by the idea of helping to shape the future of a vibrant, friendly charitable social enterprise, we’d love to hear from you.

Who are Acorn Early Years?

Acorn Early Years is a charitable social enterprise providing high‑quality childcare and early education across day nurseries, forest schools, out‑of‑school clubs, and specialist early years catering and training services. We are continuing to grow, despite the challenges facing the early years sector, and now operate 18 nurseries with just over 500 employees.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our welcoming team of voluntary trustees. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, and we warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with finance, property, charity law and compliance, or local government expertise. You’ll bring:

• Strong communication and leadership skills
• A commitment to our values and mission
• Experience from any professional or personal context — previous trustee experience is desirable but not essential. We will support you to grow confidently into the role.

Our commitment to inclusion and support:

We want volunteering with us to be accessible to everyone. To support this, we:

• Reimburse all reasonable volunteer expenses, including travel to meetings
• Offer flexibility around meeting times where possible
• Provide accessibility support or adjustments as needed
• Foster a culture where every trustee’s voice is valued and respected

What does the role involve?

Being a trustee is an unpaid voluntary role, usually lasting at least three years. You will attend five Board meetings each year in Milton Keynes, and you may also choose to join one of our specialist trustee committees.

To find out more about the duties of a charity trustee, please see ‘The essential trustee (CC3)’ on the Gov. website. 

What difference will you make?

Our trustees play a very important role in our organisation, shaping and supporting our current work and the future direction and development of the organisation. As a trustee you will be joining the Trustee Board which has been making an impact since our charity was established in 2012.

How to apply:

To find out more, please see our Trustee Application Pack via our website - 'Work With Us/Become a Trustee' page.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Santa Svike, Governance Lead, by visiting our website ('Work With Us/Become a Trustee' page)

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to the same email address.