Membership and community executive volunteer roles

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity, offering a range of support to asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants seeking refuge in and around Oxford. We provide everything from advice, visits, legal support, education, assistance finding employment and even helping secure free bus passes.

We currently have a strong and capable Board with a wide-ranging skill set and we are seeking a Chairperson who can provide strong leadership and a collaborative approach.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxfordshire community to help strengthen our governance and our approach. We are seeking a new Chair with a range of skills and experience. In particular, we are looking for people who can demonstrate :

· Experience of leadership

· Commitment to the aims and values of Asylum Welcome

· Tact and diplomacy

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Good facilitation skills

· Impartiality, fairness and discretion

· Empathy with the challenges of running a highly diverse. largely volunteer-based organisation in a subject area which is both topical and challenging.

As Chair you will play a key role in enabling us to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers, primarily in the Oxfordshire area, empowering them to rebuild their lives here in safety.  This role offers a valuable opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to make a meaningful difference to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes and livelihoods.

We welcome expressions of interest from people of all ages and backgrounds, and a job share arrangement would be considered. The role is currently shared by two Trustees as Co-Chairs who are retiring as Trustees after many years of service.

The Chair position is not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Teams and in-person) 6 - 8 times a year, currently early evening on a Thursday. Dates are agreed a year in advance.

This is an exciting time to join the Trustee Board at Asylum Welcome and a fantastic opportunity to influence the growth and future of a dynamic charity.

For more information see the full role description.

IKWRO is a registered charity which provides advice and support to Middle Eastern, North African and Afghan women and girls living in the UK, who have experienced, or are at risk of all forms of “honour” based abuse, including; forced marriage, child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), or domestic abuse.

We work with women and girls of all ages, including lesbian women, bisexual women and trans women. We offer services in Kurdish, Farsi, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Turkish and English.

The overall role of a treasurer is to:

• Maintain an overview of the organisations’ affairs
• Ensuring its financial viability
• Ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

General responsibilities

• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects (the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are).
• To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds.
• If the charity employs staff, to appoint the chief executive officer and monitor his/her performance.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve:

• Scrutinizing board papers
• Leading discussions
• Focusing on key issues
• Providing guidance on new initiatives
• Other issues in which the trustee has special expertise

Additional duties of the treasurer

• Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy
• The preparation and presentation of financial reports to the board
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
• Liaising with any paid staff and volunteers about financial matters
• Advising on the financial implications of the organisation's strategic plans
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy
• Ensuring that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity
• Monitoring the organisation's investment activity and ensuring its consistency with the organisation's policies and legal responsibilities
• Ensuring equipment and assets are adequately maintained and insured
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, e.g. The charity commission and/or the registrar of companies
• If external scrutiny of accounts is required, ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the annual general meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required

Treasurer person specification

• Commitment to the organisation
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgment
• Ability to think creatively
• Willingness to speak their mind
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
• Financial qualifications and experience
• Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes
• The skills to analyses proposals and examine their financial consequences
• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board
• Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

About Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre 

Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre is a community organisation and registered charity that exists to champion LGBTQ+ lives. We provide a safe, inclusive space for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Our work spans direct support, connection, advocacy and celebration. 

What we do 

• Counselling: We offer professional counselling, including a specialised domestic abuse service, to help people navigate challenges and build resilience. 

• Social and support groups: We run groups for young people, adults, trans and non-binary people, and for family members and allies. These groups create stable communities, reduce isolation and offer peer support. 

• Creative and social activities: Our community choir and other creative activities provide space for expression, confidence and belonging. 

• Training and advocacy: We work with schools, health providers, councils, businesses and community organisations to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion and awareness. 

Our vision and direction 

We envision a region where LGBTQ+ people are visible, safe and thriving. Over the next five years we will deepen our presence across Leicestershire and Rutland, improve access in areas with fewer services, and secure a permanent venue that reflects our ambitions. We will continue to co-create our offer with communities, keep services accessible, and champion equity and inclusion in everything we do. 

Governance and the role of the Board 

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the charity’s strategy, governance and financial health. Trustees safeguard the charity’s assets, ensure compliance with law and regulation, and work with the Chief Executive to ensure the charity is running effectively. Trustees support, challenge and advise the Senior Leadership Team in a spirit of partnership. The Chair leads the Board and ensures it functions well. 

Trustees are also directors of the charitable company. We provide trustee indemnity insurance. 

The role of Chair 

Purpose 

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance, a positive culture and a shared focus on impact. The Chair works closely with the Chief Executive to ensure the organisation delivers its strategy and remains well run. 

Strategic focus for the next 12 to 24 months 

• Oversight of our three-year National Lottery funding programme, including delivery assurance and risk management. 

• Support for regional expansion so that services reach communities across Leicestershire and Rutland in a measured and sustainable way. 

• Governance oversight of venue acquisition and the preparatory work that will enable a successful opening and long-term viability. 

Core responsibilities 

• Provide leadership to the Board and ensure trustees discharge their duties effectively and in line with the Charity Governance Code. 

• Set Board agendas with the Chief Executive, plan and chair effective meetings, and ensure clear decisions, minutes and action tracking. 

• Maintain a strong, constructive relationship with the Chief Executive, including monthly one-to-ones and an annual appraisal led by the Chair with Board input. 

• Ensure the Board receives timely, relevant information and is able to scrutinise performance, finance, risk and impact. 

• Oversee Board composition, skills and performance, including recruitment, induction, training and periodic reviews. 

• Champion an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and respected. 

• Model the Centre’s values in every setting. 

• Represent the Centre as an ambassador with key partners and stakeholders when appropriate. 

• Approve or co-approve extraordinary funding decisions with the Treasurer where required by policy and delegations. 

• Ensure statutory accounts are signed and submitted and that key reports to funders and regulators are timely and accurate. 

• Manage conflicts of interest and uphold high standards of conduct. 

• Hold the casting vote if a Board decision is tied. 

Relationship with the Chief Executive 

The Chief Executive is accountable to the Board. The Chair undertakes regular supportive one-to-ones with the Chief Executive and leads their annual appraisal. The Chair works with the Chief Executive to set clear priorities, manage risk and unlock barriers to delivery. 

Time commitment and meeting pattern 

• Estimated at a maximum of two to three days per month. This includes preparation, meetings and ambassadorial duties. 

• Maximum of six Board meetings per year. Meetings are held in person at The Centre. 

• Monthly Chair and Chief Executive one-to-one meetings. 

• Quarterly committee and working sessions may be convened as needed for finance, risk, governance or venue planning. The Chair provides oversight across these areas. 

• An annual strategy and reflection session with trustees and senior staff. 

• Attendance at key public events, including Pride and major Centre occasions. 

Person specification 

Essential 

• Commitment to the mission, values and future direction of Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre. 

• Inclusive leadership with the ability to chair purposeful meetings and to build consensus. 

• Experience as a vice-chair, committee chair or equivalent governance role. 

• Good understanding of charity governance, finance and risk. 

• Sound judgement, integrity and the confidence to hold senior leaders to account while providing support. 

• Strong communication skills and the ability to represent the Centre externally. 

• Lived experience of LGBTQ+ issues or strong allyship and understanding of the challenges our communities face. 

• Knowledge of equity, inclusion and social justice and how these principles are applied in governance and organisational development. 

• Direct knowledge of or links to Leicester and Leicestershire. 

• Availability for the stated time commitment and for key Centre events. 

Desirable 

• Prior experience as a charity chair. 

• Understanding of venue development or capital projects. 

• Local residency or the ability to attend meetings in person. Non-local candidates will be considered if they can meet in-person requirements and demonstrate strong regional commitment. 

Eligibility, safeguarding and conduct 

Trustees must be at least 16 and not disqualified under charity law. The role is subject to two satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. A short code of conduct applies to all trustees. Conflicts of interest must be declared at appointment and kept up to date. A whistleblowing route is in place. 

What we offer 

• A purposeful leadership role with visible impact for LGBTQ+ people across the region. 

• A collaborative Board and staff team with a positive culture. 

• A tailored induction. Briefings will be arranged with the Chief Executive, Centre Manager and staff leads. A handover meeting with the outgoing Chair will be provided. 

• Access to training and development relevant to the role. 

• Opportunities to represent the Centre at events, build networks and celebrate our community, including Pride. 

• Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed in line with policy. 

• Membership of the Association of Chairs 

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

We warmly encourage applications from trans and non-binary people, people of colour, disabled people and those from other underrepresented groups. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and to removing barriers. Interviews can be adapted to meet access needs. Meeting venues are step-free. Papers can be provided in accessible formats on request. Please tell us what you need and we will do our best to provide it. 

Privacy notice 

Your application will be used for recruitment purposes only and handled in line with our data protection policy. We will retain applicant data for a limited period and then delete it securely. If you would like your data deleted sooner, please let us know.

The Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) is seeking an exceptional individual to join its Board of Trustees as Honorary Secretary, a pivotal governance position at the heart of a respected UK professional body and learned society. As Honorary Secretary, you will contribute at a strategic level, helping to ensure strong governance, supporting effective Board leadership, and shaping the future direction of the charity with real impact across the UK healthcare system.  You will work closely with the President, Trustees and CEO, contributing to strategic decision-making and helping to ensure the Board operates effectively and transparently. 

IPEM operates as a professional body, a learned society, and a registered charity, working across hospitals, universities, and industry. IPEM is supported by a professional and collaborative staff team, working in partnership with its volunteer community. With over 4,700 members working across healthcare, academia and industry, IPEM plays a critical role in advancing physics and engineering in medicine to improve patient outcomes and transforming lives.

This is an unpaid role, with expenses paid for travel and sustenance for in person meetings. We anticipate a time commitment of no more than 12 days per year. It's essential that you are not a member of IPEM and eligible to become a Trustee. This is a 3 year term, renewable once. 

If you would like an informal chat, you can contact IPEM President Mark Knight or CEO Gill Collinson. An information pack and more details about IPEM can be found on our website. To apply for the role, please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your suitability by 5pm Friday 8th May to Jenny Slack, Operations and Governance Manager.

At this exciting time, the Base71 Youth Zone team is seeking to strengthen its Board of Trustees, expanding to bring in fresh perspectives, skills, and experience. We are currently looking to appoint a Vice Chair.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a project of real scale and ambition. As Base71 continues to grow and make a lasting impact, you’ll play a key role in shaping its future—helping to create meaningful, positive change for young people across Barnsley, both now and for years to come.

We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of governance, alongside the ability to provide strategic oversight and support. Just as important is your commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and ensuring that young people’s voices remain at the heart of everything the organisation does.

In this role, you will:

• Ensure the charity operates within the requirements and rules set out in its governing document, remaining true to its charitable purpose and objectives
• Support compliance with relevant legislation and any regulatory bodies overseeing the charity’s activities
• Work closely with the Chair to review Board skills and diversity, implement annual reviews and trustee self-assessments, and identify development needs
• Oversee the recruitment, registration, and induction of new trustees
• Deputise for the Chair when required, acting as a trusted sounding board and intermediary for fellow trustees where appropriate

If you’re ready to bring your expertise, insight, and passion to a forward-thinking organisation, we would love you to consider finding out more about the difference you could make in Barnsley—for today and for tomorrow.