Legal trustee volunteer volunteer roles

About International Lawyers Project

ILP is an alliance of talented and passionate lawyers drawn from diverse countries and cultures across the globe. We pull together teams of pro bono experts to support the policy and legal needs of individuals, communities and organisations that would otherwise not have access to expert advice.

A UK registered charity founded in 2005, we are staffed by a group of lawyers dedicated to using the law to achieve economic and environmental justice through strategic pro bono legal support. Our focus areas are environment and sustainable development, sustainable finance, governance and accountability (with a focus on anti-corruption measures), and protecting the civic space of those working on these themes. Over twenty years we have supported partners in more than 100 countries.

We are proud to have a diverse staff team from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, reflective of the communities we support. Our staff have extensive experience in our focus areas, as well as international law and development. We work primarily in the Global South, with active projects across sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe.

As a charity, our ultimate aim is to help our partners create long-lasting change, in line with our vision of a just and sustainable world in which law serves as a tool for those who need it the most.

You may find out more about ILP’s work at its website.

About the Role

ILP has a 13-member Board, with members based in the UK, Spain, Kenya and the USA. Successful candidates will be joining a collegial team with a wide range of expertise in the thematic areas of ILP’s work and experience in charity governance.

ILP is a growing and ambitious organisation, with its budget more than doubling in size over the course of the last few years. Currently with a budget of approximately £500,000 and an additional £6 million value mobilised in pro bono hours, we are looking for a trustee and ultimately a Chair who is able to support the team as the organisation continues to grow and move to the next level.

Successful candidates will be appointed initially as an ordinary Trustee. The term of the current Chair comes to an end in mid-2027. Shortly before then the Board will decide on the appointment of a new Chair, with the expectation that the successful candidate will be elected from the Board in accordance with the Articles of Association.

The key responsibilities of Board members are to ensure that the organisation has a clear strategy for the fulfilment of its charitable purposes, and to provide oversight of and support to the executive team, in accordance with the Articles of Association and the guidance on governance obligations established by the Charity Commission.

 In addition to these general obligations the Board Chair’s key responsibilities are to:

• Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees in oversight of the strategic direction and execution of the governance responsibilities of the Charity.

• Chair and facilitate meetings of the Board (hybrid meetings held from ILP’s London office), ensuring that they are conducted in an effective and inclusive manner and monitoring the implementation of decisions taken at such meetings.

• Support ILP’s Executive Director in leading the day-to-day management of the Charity and preparing for Board meetings.

• Take lead responsibility on behalf of the Board for the relationship with ILP’s Executive Director, appraising their performance and holding him or her to account.

• Give direction to Board policy making.

• Act as an ambassador for the Charity, representing its strategy and contribution to its partners and funders.

• Plan for the recruitment and development of Board members as needed in order to improve the performance of the Board.

Term of Office: Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term, serving a maximum of 3 consecutive terms.

Expected Time Commitment: Variable, but up to two days a month as Board Chair. Ordinary trustees attend four two-hour Board meetings annually, for which moderate background reading is required, and may be requested to assist with other contributions.

Compensation: This is a volunteer role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Specification for Board Chair

• Experience serving on the Board of one or more other registered UK charities.

• Understanding of the Charity Commission’s governance requirements, and the balance of roles between governance and management.

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support the charity.

• Professional background related to ILP’s thematic areas of focus and familiarity with the non-profit sector working in an international context.

• Commitment to ILP’s strategic objectives.

• Good communication and people management skills and strong independent judgement.

For more than a century, the RAF Benevolent Fund has stood beside the RAF Family;
through war and peace, hardship and change. From the first day in uniform to the final
years of life, we have been a constant source of emotional, practical and financial support.
Today, our work reaches serving personnel, veterans, families and the bereaved in more
than 30 countries.
We are seeking a Welfare and Safeguarding Trustee for an initial term of four years,
(ideally) commencing 1 October 2026.
You will have a relevant background with safeguarding experience (such as nursing, medical,
social care, teaching or other healthcare professional, ideally at a senior level). You will
understand the needs of those who are vulnerable whether its due to age, health and
wellbeing or socio-economic factors and will have the skills and knowledge to advise and guide
on appropriate strategies to ensure the Fund is best able to meet those needs. It is key that
you are able to provide relevant specialist knowledge, support and information and to clearly
articulate issues relating to safeguarding which will be invaluable to the Fund in ensuring it
complies with all legal and good practice requirements in relation to safeguarding and that it
has clear and up-to-date policies and procedures.
Interested?
If you have the experience we are seeking and are as passionate about the RAF Family as we
are, we would love to hear from you. To apply please send an up-to-date CV and covering
email / letter outlining how your background, skills, experience meets the person
specification (see final page) to Lisa Harmshaw (email address in role information attached) our Head
of Governance. If you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal
discussion prior to applying, please contact Lisa on phone number given in role information attached or via email.
We welcome applications from anyone who has the experience we are seeking, irrespective of
background, community, industry or protected characteristics. If you require any reasonable
adjustments as part of your application process, please let us know. We operate safer selection
practices; this will involve the successful candidate being required to have a Disclosure and
Barring Service check.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and this position will remain open until we
have found our ideal candidate. No agencies please.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) gives old buildings a future - and we’re looking for an experienced strategic thinker and inspiring leader to be our new Chair of Trustees in our 150th anniversary year and beyond.

As Chair, you'll guide us at Board level, champion the SPAB Approach, attend meetings, support our activities and be an ambassador for the country’s oldest heritage organisation.

About Us

We help people to look after old buildings, making them fit for the future while keeping their historic character. We do this through casework, technical research and advice, education and training, awards, outreach and events across the UK and Ireland. 

Our work is underpinned by a conservation philosophy that encourages people to preserve historic fabric. The SPAB Approach provides a well-tested basis for practical decision-making in building conservation. We also encourage excellence in new design to enrich and complement the built historic environment. 

Founded in 1877 by William Morris and his fellow campaigners, the SPAB continues to advocate for old buildings almost 150 years later. 

About the Role

We're looking for someone...​​

• Able to direct the business of the Board efficiently and effectively​

• Skilled in developing and nurturing productive working relationships​

• Willing to challenge and introduce new ways of thinking and acting​

• Nurturing of positive engagement amongst staff, volunteers and members​

• Committed to the SPAB Approach to the conservation of built heritage​

• A member of the SPAB​

Experience Required

You will be...​​

• Familiar with charity or corporate governance​

• Capable of high-level advocacy across a range of media​

• Successful at fundraising and/or entrepreneurial experience​

• Able to deliver growth and change management in an organisation​

• Competent in difficult situations and with resolving conflict​

​Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Board in its strategic and policy roles​

• Chair the Board and other meetings to facilitate positive discussion and development​

• Ensure the Board fulfils its legal and charitable responsibilities for the governance of the SPAB​

• Establish a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive and Honorary Treasurer​

• Reviewing the performance of the Chief Executive and Board​

Key Tasks

• Campaigner: for the SPAB Approach and the conservation of built heritage​

• Strategist: implementing and refining the SPAB’s strategy for 2025-30 by responding to emerging opportunities and risks​

• Fundraiser: supporting the SPAB in fulfilling its fundraising needs​

• Networker: making connections and influencing at a senior level (not just in the heritage sector)​

• Publicist: raising the professional and public profile of the SPAB and its members in the UK and overseas​

• Teambuilder: developing Board members and staff​

• Organiser: facilitating Board processes and leading on improving governance practice​

What We Offer

• The Chair’s role is the most senior voluntary position within the SPAB​

• The postholder will have the opportunity to lead the UK’s oldest building conservation organisation into its 150th Anniversary year and beyond​

• The position of SPAB Chair is highly regarded within the heritage sector and elsewhere​

• The post is voluntary and unremunerated, but reasonable expenses can be claimed​​

​How to Apply

Please submit a CV (maximum two pages) and a covering letter (maximum two pages) clearly explaining why you believe you are well suited to the role by Friday 21 August 2026, 5pm​.

Interviews will be held at ​37 Spital Square, London, E1 6DY​ in early-mid September 2026​ (date tbc)​.

Equal Opportunities​​

We particularly welcome applications from people with backgrounds underrepresented in building conservation.​​

China Plate are looking for new Trustees to join our friendly and dynamic Board. If you are interested in the ways arts and culture can have a positive impact on the world, we’d love to hear from you.

China Plate is an arts charity based in Birmingham and working across the West Midlands, the UK and internationally. We’re producers: we work with people to make creative projects happen. Our projects include theatre shows, training programmes, audio anthologies, short films and bus stop galleries.

Our artistic programme is underpinned by our four core values: creativity, optimism, integrity and inclusivity. We’re now looking for new Trustees who share these values and who, like us, are interested in bringing communities together to produce creative projects that fire the imagination, make positive change and are open to all.

Our Trustees meet four times a year to discuss the company’s strategy and progress, and to ensure we are meeting all our legal requirements. These Board meetings are hybrid: you can join us online or in our Birmingham office.

Trustees are not paid: they are volunteers who give their time to support charities. However, at China Plate we can cover costs like travel expenses for meetings and events. If Trustees have access requirements – for example if you require BSL interpretation, captioning, or information provided in particular formats – we will also put these into place.

You do not need to have been part of a Board before to join. You could be based in the West Midlands or elsewhere in the UK. We are looking to recruit new Trustees from either inside or outside the arts sector, including those who may not yet be familiar with our work. We’re interested in hearing from anyone who shares our values, is excited by what we’re doing and is keen to support, question and challenge us.

We would particularly like to recruit one Trustee who is a young person (18-30) who has previously taken part in one of China Plate’s Training & Development programmes – such as The Optimists, Young Producers, or our internships and placements.

Deadline to apply is 12pm (midday) on Wednesday 30th September 2026.

If you’d like to find out more, please visit our website to download the Trustee Recruitment pack.

If you’d like to have a conversation about the role prior to applying, please email our Executive Director Chloe. 

Rights & Security International (RSI) is offering this exciting opportunity for new volunteer Trustees to join our Board.

About us

We are a small, expert charity dedicated to promoting the freedoms of expression, belief and identity, while stopping governments from treating people as ‘terrorism’ threats simply because of who they are.

We challenge religious, racial and gender bias in national security programmes, promote justice and transparency, and ensure that the voices of communities facing discrimination are heard.

We were founded by a group of women activists in Northern Ireland in 1990 to seek justice for rights violations committed as part of the conflict in the region, and now work throughout the UK and internationally.

Today, we focus especially on ending Islamophobia and racism in counter-terrorism programmes, stopping governments from treating migrants and asylum-seekers as ‘security’ threats unfairly, and upholding the rights of peaceful protesters.

Globally, we work primarily to support civil society and expose harmful ‘security’ or ‘emergency’ laws in several parts of Latin America and East Africa; our project on environmental human rights defenders also brings together activists from Southeast Asia. We raise the profile of rights violations and help develop new narratives and strategies.

We have a large impact for our size, publishing groundbreaking investigations and carrying out effective advocacy in Westminster, at the UN and elsewhere.

About you

The successful candidates will bring a dedication to upholding human rights and equality, especially in the counter-terrorism and national security contexts. You should have a strong dedication to human rights principles and an understanding that human rights are for everyone.

You should have experience in a field that is relevant to charity work, such as community organising/grassroots activism, law, communications, advocacy, accounting, management or supporting human rights defenders.

We are especially interested in applications from candidates with lived experience of:

· Migration to, or seeking asylum in, the UK; OR

· Promoting people’s fundamental rights in El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru or Chile.

About the Trustee role

As a Trustee, you will have an active role in shaping our organisation and ensuring that we are well run. We welcome enthusiastic, active governance and a curiosity about why and how we do our work. You would have an impact by shaping our strategies, helping us build our networks and (as appropriate) collaborating directly with staff. We work from the grassroots level (advising migrants) to the international one (drawing UN attention to rights violations), so your impact as a Trustee will ultimately make a difference to both individual lives and broader systems.

Trustees are expected to attend remote Board meetings approximately six times per year.

Trustees who live in/near the UK are also expected to attend one annual in-person ‘away day’ in London.

We are looking for Trustees who will enthusiastically promote RSI, including to potential donors.

All Trustee roles are unpaid, although reasonable expenses arising due to the role will be reimbursed.

Application Details: If you are interested in this volunteer role, please send a statement of interest (no more than two pages) and your CV through Charity Job.

RSI strives to be diverse, equitable and inclusive. We treat all staff, trustees and interns like team members and encourage everyone to bring their full selves to our work. We welcome applications from candidates from groups that have historically been underrepresented in the human rights, legal or policy fields, and/or who are from communities that have been directly impacted by the issues we address. All applications are considered on an equal-opportunity basis.

By submitting your application, you consent to our processing and retention of your personal data to the extent, and for the time period, necessary to consider the application. We will keep your application on file for no more than one year.

About the Trustee role

We have a detailed role description and person specification over the next few pages to

help you understand the requirements of the role.

The main purpose of our role:

As trustees at Back Up, we are volunteers with a specific legal responsibility to:

· Ensure our aims and objectives are being met

· Act in the best interest of the charity

· Manage responsibility for what we have (our people, our money etc)

· Act with reasonable care and skill

You can find more information from the charity commission.

What you will gain:

· An insight into how a charity runs, particularly how a charity board runs

· A new group of friends and colleagues

· A sense of pride when hearing about the difference our services make and that you

· A role in transforming lives affected by spinal cord injury.

· Confidence in building relationships with a wide range of people and speaking up at meetings

· An opportunity to develop your skills and experiences

· An opportunity to use your skills and experience to the benefit of the charity

Being a trustee is a voluntary role, therefore unpaid, but expenses including for travel are reimbursed.

You will receive a full induction to help you in the role at Back Up. In addition, where there is a training need, a range of training courses are on offer. You’ll need to commit time and energy to attend these, building up your knowledge so that you feel confident in the role. This often takes longer than you think, but we understand that – we were all new trustees once too.

Trustee Person Specification

Key Skills:

· Ability to support, motivate and inspire people to get involved

· Excellent communication skills in person, in writing and on the telephone

· Respect for others, for confidentiality and able to treat people equally

· Highly organised: able to manage multiple tasks, conflicting priorities, and responsive to deadlines

Qualifications and Experience:

Specific experience that would be useful to Back Up. You may have one or more of these:

· Accountancy

· Third Sector Knowledge

· Fundraising knowledge

· Personal experience of spinal cord injury

Personal Attributes:

· Integrity and honesty

· Proactive – seek out answers to your questions without a prompt

· A demonstrable commitment to Back Up's aims and values

· Honest, reliable, enthusiastic and conscientious

· Team player, flexible and adaptable

· Willingness to understand and hear about issues relating to spinal cord injury

Time Commitment:

· Currently, three and a half hourly board meetings four times a year, evenings in SW London

· One to two away-days per year

· Two-hour committee meetings (four times per year)

· Spending two to three hours prior to meetings, reading and absorbing information

· Reflecting and discussing by telephone

· Follow up to meetings – reading and commenting on minutes, carrying out any

· agreed actions

Requirements:

You must be…

· Over 18

· Not bankrupt

· Subject to satisfactory DBS check and references

· Not excluded by Companies House or Charity Commission

· Not bound by conflicts of interest that would be so significant as to undermine the role in general e.g. a member of a group that discriminates against people based on gender or ethnicity

Specific responsibilities

Role Description: Trustee

Reports to: Chair of Trustees

Accountable to: People affected by spinal cord injury, Charities Commission and Companies House

Summary:

The Board supports the vision and mission of the organisation. We ensure the delivery of the strategy, so that people affected by spinal cord injury can realise their full potential.

Vision and Mission

· To uphold the values of the charity, undertaking the duties of trusteeship in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity

· Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to grow and maintain its relevance to society

· To support decisions that are in the best interest of service users, donors, volunteers and stakeholders at all times

· To take big decisions about the future

Compliance, quality and effectiveness

· Support development of policies that further the aims and objectives of Back Up and to monitor their success

· Ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles

· Ensure Back Up’s accountability and legal obligations

· Maintain sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisation’s objects and investment activities meet accepted standards and policies

· Ensuring resources are used in an efficient and cost-effective manner

· Maintain effective board performance

· Remain aware of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and act in accordance with liabilities

· Manage/declare any personal conflicts of interest.

· Strive for best practice in governance, through proactive learning and Development

Connect: North Korea works with North Korean escapees to recover, rebuild, and succeed. We were established in 2018 to address the complex challenges North Koreans face in building new lives after escaping the North Korean regime and reaching safety.

We are seeking a Legal Trustee to join our Board of Trustees at an exciting stage of growth. As we scale our programmes and deepen our impact in the UK and internationally, we are looking for an individual with strong legal expertise to support our governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic development.

If you have a legal background, this is an excellent opportunity to play a highly rewarding role in supporting our mission. The successful candidate will help ensure robust governance, provide legal insight on risk and compliance, and support the organisation to grow sustainably. Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with our work and vision and share our values and commitment to social and racial justice. 

CNK’s small Board of Trustees is committed, friendly and comprises trustees from a broad range of professional and personal backgrounds at different points in their careers. If you are invested in CNK’s mission and from a legal background but have questions about the role or are unsure if your experience matches the criteria below, please do get in touch for an informal conversation.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Legal Trustee

LOCATION: Remote / 78 Coombe Road, New Malden, KT3 4QS

We usually hold board meetings online, but this is open to change.

COMMITMENT: 2 – 3 hours per month. We hold one annual away day we’d expect the board to attend.

Our Board meets every quarter for 2 hours. There is expected support between meetings. Our terms are capped at 3 years with potential for renewal for one additional term.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to good governance and strategic decision-making, ensuring the Board fulfils its responsibilities in line with our constitution, governance framework, and applicable legislation.

• Provide legal insight and oversight on regulatory compliance, risk, and organisational development, ensuring alignment with relevant legal frameworks

• Support the Board in maintaining high standards of governance, accountability, and transparency

• Use your networks and influence to promote the charity’s mission, acting as an ambassador to build relationships with donors, partners, and advocates.

• Work collaboratively with fellow trustees and the Chair to maintain a supportive, ambitious, and effective governance environment.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Demonstrable experience in a legal role (e.g. solicitor, barrister, in-house counsel).

• Understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to charities

• Interpersonal and relationship-building skills and comfortable in an ambassadorial role.

• Demonstrable communication and teamwork skills with proven ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

• Able to make difficult evidence-based decisions, negotiate challenging conversations, and be able to balance competing interests

• Experience working or volunteering in diverse and cross-cultural environments.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience of charity law, regulatory compliance, or governance

• Lived experience of migration or of a refugee background is highly desirable.

• Korean speaker

• Be actively engaged in refugee and migrant rights, social change, and/or a related field

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Due to the nature of CNK’s work with people in vulnerable circumstances, including at times children, a DBS or criminal record check is required for this role, although a criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to working at CNK. 

• Candidates are required to commit a minimum of 2-3 hours per month to this role for at least one term of three years. 

• Charity trustee positions are unpaid voluntary roles. Any reasonable expenses will be reimbursed inline with CNK’s expenses policy. 

CNK’s values are rooted in inclusivity and equity and we encourage applications from people of all ethnicities, working ages, genders, sex, sexual orientations, faiths (or non), marital status (or non) and pregnancy status. People with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds are experts by experience and are particularly encouraged to apply. 

We also respect that people’s identity is not defined by their past experiences and do not expect candidates to describe their lived experience during the interview process unless they wish to. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a CV and cover letter for the attention of Emma Shore, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis. 

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.

Our vision is that all carers are recognised, valued and supported. We work closely with the NHS, local authorities and voluntary organisations, and hold the Trusted Charity quality mark

Main duties would include:

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

You do not need previous chairing experience. We are looking for someone with solid board or committee experience who can guide a group and support strong governance.

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

 There’s lots more we could tell you, but why not apply and come and see for yourself.  If you’d like any further information, please email our recruitment team with your details and we’ll arrange for someone to call you back.

Please visit our website for all the information you need and details of how to apply.  All expressions of interest and CV’s should be returned to our recruitment inbox.

Closing date for applications is 30th September 2026 (however this vacancy may close early if we find a suitable candidate).

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and our workplace is free of barriers and fully accessible for people with disabilities.  We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults; from recruitment of staff through to supporting our team working with families and carers in crisis.

Registered Charity No:  1063226

TRUSTEE VACANCY | COVENTRY CITIZENS ADVICE
Volunteer | Board Role | Coventry | ~5–7 hours/month | Reviewed regularly

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Coventry Citizens Advice is recruiting new trustees to join its Board of Directors.

We are one of the largest local Citizens Advice charities in England, helping more than 14,000 people each year with issues including debt, housing, welfare benefits and fuel poverty. For over 80 years we have been a trusted source of free, independent advice for the people of Coventry — and demand for our services has never been higher.

This is a genuine governance role. You will help set our strategic direction, oversee our finances, ensure we meet our legal duties as a charity, and hold the organisation accountable to the communities it serves. We want trustees who engage with the detail and bring their professional judgement to decisions that matter.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

No previous trustee or board experience is required — just sound independent judgement, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience in:
→ Law
→ Fundraising
→ Research and Campaigns

These areas are of direct strategic importance to our work, and applicants with this background will be especially welcomed.

THE ROLE

- Time commitment: approximately 5–7 hours per month (meetings held in the evenings)
- Voluntary and unpaid; reasonable expenses reimbursed
- Full induction and ongoing training provided

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

- Real experience of charity governance and strategic leadership
- Development of financial, legal and governance skills
- A meaningful leadership credential for your CV
- The opportunity to make a direct difference to thousands of lives in Coventry

WHO WE WANT TO HEAR FROM

We are committed to a board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. All backgrounds and employment histories are welcome.

HOW TO APPLY

Download the application form and read our Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Please do not send a CV without an application form — it will not receive a response.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Closing date: 30 July 2026.

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Coventry Citizens Advice | 1–7 Station Street East, Foleshill, Coventry CV6 5FL
Registered charity. Trustee positions are voluntary and unpaid.

Charity Trustees (volunteer) – North West, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire and Staffordshire

This is an opportunity to join a Board engaged in real strategic decisions, where your contribution will have direct and lasting impact. 

About us

Adoption Matters is a children’s charity and one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the UK. We recruit, train and support individuals, couples and families looking to adopt and offer ongoing support and training. We also offer a support service for adopted adults and birth families, and a specialised therapy service.

In 2024, we launched our not for profit fostering agency, Foster Care Matters. As a non profit provider, the service is committed to reinvesting resources to deliver high quality support and ongoing training for foster parents. More recently in 2026, we acquired 1st Affinity Fostering Service in Wrexham, securing a not-for-profit future for the agency in Wales.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking Trustees to join our purposeful and dedicated Board of Trustees and contribute to our organisation and the lives of children and families. We are looking for individuals who share our ambition and have the skills and ability to make a meaningful contribution.

This is a meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of a children’s charity that transforms the lives of children who cannot live with their birth families. For many of the children we support—often older, in sibling groups, or with complex needs - adoption can be life-changing.

For further information, please refer to the Person Specification in the Trustee Recruitment Pack. 

Term commitment 

The term of appointment will be three years initially, with a review of performance for renewal for a further three years and again after this period, up to a maximum of nine years. In exceptional circumstances, the term may extend beyond this period.

Remuneration and expenses 

This position is unremunerated; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Why become a Trustee? 

Make an impact, gain experience, expand your network, and enhance your skills and knowledge. If you are passionate about what we do and believe you can add value to the current Board of Trustees, we would be very interested to hear from you. 

What we offer in return 

• Our values: Honesty, Empathy, Ambition, Respect, and Together — which we hope align with your own. 
• The opportunity to make a difference, feel valued, and achieve the role satisfaction you’ve always wanted. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement 

At Adoption Matters, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our ambition is to create a culture that embraces diversity, promotes equality, and ensures inclusion for all. 

We are open to discussions about any adjustments or flexible arrangements you may need at any stage of the process. If you join us, we will support you to reach your full potential. The only aspect we assess in your application is how you have demonstrated your ability to meet the essential requirements of the role. 

Together, we can build a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive future.

Our values: Honesty, Empathy, Ambition, Respect, and Together - which we hope to align with your own.

The opportunity to make a difference, feel valued, and achieve the role satisfaction you’ve always wanted.

What’s next? It’s easy!

How to apply

Apply with your contact details and we will be in touch with the full Recruitment Pack and Application Form.

CVS Cheshire East exists to ensure local voluntary and community groups are strong, empowered organisations that make a difference in our community. We are seeking trustees with a passion for the VCFSE sector, a desire to make a difference and achieve change, and the commitment and dedication to engage with the Board and senior leadership to actively drive the organisation forward.

Trustees are collectively responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of CVS Cheshire East. They develop the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with its governing document, legal obligations and regulatory guidelines, ensuring the charity operates effectively and delivers genuine public benefit.

Being a trustee is both a privilege and a responsibility. It means lending your experience, skills and insight to strengthen not just CVS Cheshire East, but the wider VCFSE sector across Cheshire East.

Key Responsibilites

• Legal and Governance Duties
• Financial Responsibility and Risk
• Safeguarding
• Strategic Leadership
• Supporting the Chief Executive
• Collective and Individual Responsibility for descisions

Time commitment

Trustees are expected to read all Board papers in advance of meetings and come prepared to contribute. In addition, trustees may receive requests for information or decisions between meetings and are expected to respond in a timely manner: we anticipate that in addition to the meetings outlined above, trustees will need to spend between 2-4 hours per month contributing to CVSCE governance.

Skills

CVS Cheshire East welcomes applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

What matters most is passion for the VCFSE sector, a desire to make a difference and achieve change, and the commitment and dedication to engage with the Board and senior leadership to actively drive the organisation forward.

We are particularly keen to recruit trustees who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, and those with lived experience of being an employee or trustee of one of our member organisations.

Role- Head of Governance and Legal (Voluntary)

Reporting- CEO/CPO

Location- Remote, UK-based

Commitment: We estimate this role requires 4–6 hours per week, with flexibility to manage your own time. All meetings are remote and scheduled in advance.

Compensation: Voluntary role (non-paid)

About YouthAdvantage UK

YouthAdvantage UK is a volunteer-led, research-based organisation championing the rights and wellbeing of young people aged 11 to 25 across the UK. We influence national policy, deliver grassroots projects, and elevate youth voice in key debates; from education to mental health, climate action to justice reform.

We are seeking a passionate, committed Head of Governance & Legal to join our senior leadership team and help shape the strategic foundations that support our work.

About the role

As Head of Governance & Legal, you will lead a small team focused on risk, compliance, and governance excellence. You will ensure our work is rooted in sound legal and ethical frameworks and will support our growth with robust, transparent policies and guidance. You’ll also provide strategic support to our Board of Trustees and act as the senior point of contact for all legal matters.

This is an ideal opportunity for a governance, legal, or compliance professional looking to gain sector leadership experience while supporting a values-driven youth organisation.

 What you’ll gain

• Strategic leadership experience in a national charity
• A portfolio of governance and legal work with social impact
• Board-level exposure and public recognition of your contribution
• A flexible and supportive remote-first culture
• Testimonials, references, and public acknowledgment upon completion
• A chance to help shape youth policy at a systemic level

What you’ll do

• Lead and support the Governance & Legal Support Manager and team
• Design, update, and implement governance frameworks and organisational policies
• Maintain regulatory compliance across charity law, safeguarding, and data protection
• Liaise with the Board of Trustees - prepare agendas, minutes, and reports
• Oversee legal documentation and contracts
• Maintain and review the organisation’s risk register
• Build relationships with regulators and external legal advisors
• Embed a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from a broad range of professional backgrounds. You might be:

• An experienced lawyer, company secretary, or governance lead
• A compliance or legal professional seeking strategic exposure
• A postgraduate in law or non-profit management looking for leadership experience
• Returning to work and keen to rebuild your senior-level skillset
• Recently semi-retired and passionate about giving back

 Essential:

• Experience in governance, legal, or compliance leadership (minimum 12 months)
• Familiarity with UK charity law and regulatory frameworks
• Ability to lead and support others with tact and clarity
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to equity, youth empowerment, and ethical standards

To Apply

If you’re interested, just send us your CV and a few lines about why the role appeals to you — this can be a short paragraph in your email or a separate note. If you'd prefer an informal chat before applying, we’d love to hear from you. Just drop us a message and we’ll arrange a time.

Volunteer Acknowledgement

Although this is a volunteer role, we’re committed to recognising your contribution. Upon successful completion of your commitment, you can request:

• A LinkedIn testimonial or written reference
• A public thank-you post on our social media
• Permission to list your role with YouthAdvantage UK on your CV and LinkedIn

We are seeking an inspirational Chair of Trustees and a Vice Chair to lead Studio Upstairs into its next exciting chapter.

This pivotal role requires integrity, compassion, and strategic vision to ensure our much-loved arts and mental health charity fulfils its charitable objectives, maintains the highest standards of governance, and continues to thrive as a respected and trusted organisation.

The Board of Trustees plays a vital role by steering and supporting the charity development. 

We are seeking to appoint a Chair,Vice Chair or initially to join the board as a Trustee.. The Studio Upstairs Board is drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and has a variety of skills. To complement the current Board, we would envisage that the Chair had a wide experience of running organisations and a particular interest in the charity sector. We are keen to hear from candidates with skills in the areas of Corporate Governance and Business Development ie: Charity Financial Management, Partnership working or Fundraising as well as those within Digital Technologies, Health or Legal expertise.

Studio Upstairs exists to transform lives through creativity. We have branches in Bristol and London. We are a trusted arts and mental health charity offering open studios and a creative community. We help people overcome challenges through therapeutic art practice and supportive peer interaction.

In addition to the full board meetings  there may be occasional committee meetings or meetings of specific task groups. It is expected that the Chair will also maintain regular contact with the Managing Director and other Board members.

The Board Meetings are to be held four to six times a year in London (currently online). 

A clear empathy with the aims of the charity are essential. You can find out more about our work on our website. 

The shortlisted candidates will be offered an opportunity to discuss the role informally prior to an interview. 

Charity Trustee Opportunity – Protecting Animals, Changing Lives

Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking for a meaningful way to make an impact?

The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust (JSAWT) is seeking new Trustees to join its dedicated and collaborative Board.

What we do:

JSAWT supports UK-registered charities that rescue, rehabilitate, release, and rehome animals by providing vital grant funding.

We focus on smaller organisations—where our support can make a real difference—helping transform the lives of animals and the people who care for them. From volunteer-led hedgehog rescues to international wildlife conservation initiatives, our work spans a diverse and inspiring range of causes.

Applications are reviewed three times a year by the Board of Trustees. Awards are given on a case-by-case basis to charities that meet our criteria and clearly demonstrate how the funding will benefit animals in their care.

Why join us?

By joining us, you will be able to:

• Gain valuable governance and leadership experience.
• Play a vital role in shaping the future of a leading animal welfare grant provider.
• Join a collaborative and supportive Board of Trustees with diverse expertise.
• Learn about a wide range of animal welfare initiatives in the UK and internationally.

What you will do:

• Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight of the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust, informing the charity’s governance and financial sustainability.
• Share your expertise to help JSAWT strengthen its resilience and ensure sustainability.
• Act as an ambassador for JSAWT. You may be invited to represent JSAWT at events hosted by charities we support. Trustees are also encouraged to visit applicants and previous grant recipients, helping to strengthen relationships and ensure our awards are used as intended.
• You will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Administrators to ensure JSAWT achieves its mission and long-term objectives.

What we are looking for:

You will be able to demonstrate a commitment to JSAWT’s values and a passion for improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

We welcome applications from individuals with knowledge and experience in any of the following areas:

• IT and cybersecurity, especially for a small non-profit organisation.
• Legal aspects of charity management and compliance.
• Communications and marketing, ideally for a small non-profit organisation.

Previous Trustee experience is not essential – we welcome applications from people new to charity governance. Full induction and support will be provided.

Potential Trustees must be able to commit to reviewing documents and applications in advance of meetings and be able to communicate their decisions.

The Board is friendly and inclusive and welcomes discussion and expression of opinions in a respectful and supportive environment.

Terms:

• Three Board meetings are held in March, July/August, and November. The meetings are held at the London office. They are usually in the afternoon and can last 4-5 hours.
• Attendance in person is encouraged; however, Trustees may attend virtually if this is preferable.
• The office has step free access and is all on one level.
• There may be occasional sub-committee meetings or events (virtual or in person).
• Reasonable expenses incurred by attending meetings (or other agreed work) may be reimbursed: for example, travel, subsistence, and childcare.
• The initial term is three years, with the option of renewal for a further three years.

JSAWT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Appropriate checks will be carried out on shortlisted candidates.

Further details are available on our website or can be obtained by contacting the Administrators.