Major gifts manager volunteer roles
Use your fundraising expertise to champion life-changing research and give hope to people living with debilitating, overlooked health conditions – join us as Trustee of the Medical Research Foundation.
The Medical Research Foundation is looking to appoint a trustee, with senior-level experience working within fundraising, preferably in biomedical science and with corporate or high value gift fundraising, to join our Board of Trustees.
Many of the diseases and conditions that affect human health have been cured or overcome as a result of medical research, but there will always be more to do and there are areas of medical need that receive little or no support – and people’s lives that see no improvement. That’s where we step in. The Medical Research Foundation is an independent charitable foundation, investing the power of our donations to change medicine and change lives.
In 2026, we are entering the third year of our current five-year Organisational strategy that focuses on changing the health of children and young people, those with neglected mental health conditions and those whose health will be impacted by the changing climate. Underpinning our mission is a strategic aim to secure our future for the generations to come, with a focus on increasing our fundraising capability and our voluntary income to at least £3m per annum by the end of 2029. We are looking to complement the current strengths of our Board with a trustee who brings senior‑level fundraising expertise, preferably in biomedical research and major donor giving, and will play a key role in helping us realise our vision and deliver on our five-year strategy to give hope through medical research. Ideally you will be familiar with the principles of corporate governance in the public or charitable sector.
Diversity and inclusion are a priority for us, and we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Trustees are supported throughout their appointment with training and development opportunities, and we welcome applications from individuals are who new to charity trusteeship.
The Board typically meets four times a year in Central London. As part of their appointment, trustees are also asked to sit on the Board’s committees and attend occasional evening events. The position is voluntary and not remunerated, although reasonable expenses are paid, such as travel and childcare while attending our meetings and events.
The appointment will commence in May 2026 for a three-year term in the first instance.
How to apply
You can find full details of the role and how to apply by visiting our website.
Closing date: 23 March 2026 at 12:00 (noon)
Interview date: 14 April 2026
Please note that interviews will be in person in Central London.
Registered Charity 
21 - 50
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2028, we are looking for committed new trustees with energy, passion and time who will continue to drive us forward.
Musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn't: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. Young Sounds is here to change this.
For nearly 30 years we've supported talented young people from low-income families, helping them to overcome financial and social barriers. Whether they're making or creating music our programmes help young musicians from across the UK to fulfil their musical potential.
Trustees are expected to engage with and support all aspects of the charity, helping to foster stakeholder relationships, representing the organisation regionally and nationally and ensuring compliance and safeguarding.
Principal responsibilities are:
- Strategy - contributing actively to the formation of strategy, the Young Sounds business plan, and evaluating the performance of the organisation against the plan.
- Oversight - ensuring that the charity is well run, efficient and compliant with the charity's Articles of Association, its policies, including safeguarding and EDI, governance codes of practice, legal responsibilities and upholding the organisation's reputation and values.
- Advocacy - advocating for the charity at all times, supporting fundraising efforts and promoting the work of the charity in the trustee's daily life.
Requirements:
Previous trustee experience is not necessary, and we welcome trustees who can bring a diversity of life experiences, cultural knowledge and expertise.
As a national charity we are keen to attract trustees from all parts of the UK, and particularly those who are based outside London and the South East.
For this round, we particularly welcome expertise in the following areas:
- EDI and CSR programmes in the creative industries
- Youth culture and content creation
- Music Hub and/or National Curriculum expertise
- Fundraising
- Contemporary music performance and production
Above all we are looking for trustees who are passionate about, and willing to advocate strongly for, giving all young people the opportunity to have a musical life, particularly those facing the most barriers. We also expect trustees to have an overarching commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Please see the Role Information Pack for full details including how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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We’re seeking committed new trustees to help guide a small but ambitious charity supporting children and young people with cerebral palsy, ensuring our funds deliver meaningful, life-changing impact.
Our Board is made up of a small, committed group of trustees who bring a mix of professional expertise and personal connection to our cause. Together, we oversee a grant-making charity that has a long heritage and a clear ambition: to increase our income and ensure we can support more children and young people with cerebral palsy in meaningful, practical ways.
Like many small charities, our challenge is balancing strong governance with growth. We are financially stable and well run, but we want to think more strategically about our future: how we prioritise funding, how we grow awareness and income, and how we ensure every grant we make delivers real, lasting benefit for families. The new trustee will play an active role in shaping these conversations and helping the Board move confidently from steady state to sustainable growth.
The role is hands-on and collaborative. Trustees are expected to attend four board meetings a year, contribute thoughtfully to discussion and decision-making, and engage between meetings when specific issues arise. Depending on interest and experience, the new trustee may also be invited to take a lead role in an area of work or join a small working group, for example around fundraising development, investment oversight, or grant assessment.
This is an opportunity to influence how limited charitable funds are used where they matter most. Trustees are directly involved in decisions that enable children to access therapy, specialist equipment, and support that may not otherwise be available. For someone who wants to make a tangible difference, this is a role where your contribution can be clearly seen in the lives of the children and families we support.
The Board values open discussion, shared responsibility, and a supportive culture, making this an especially rewarding role for someone who wants their time and judgement to have genuine impact.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.