National practice leads volunteer roles in Pudsey, west yorkshire

WELCOME
The Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK) is a 96-year-old national youth charity dedicated to improving the life chances of young people and is the official charity supporting the national youth movement known as the Army Cadet Force (ACF). We help disadvantaged young people access the opportunities and benefits available in the Army Cadet programme and, through doing so, enable them to develop and achieve their own potential. We provide grants both to individual cadets and cadet counties so that they can train, go on camps, and learn valuable new skills that will benefit them well into their adult lives. We also support the adult volunteers who deliver the training and whose support is vital to the work of the Army Cadets.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity. It is important for us to be representative of the community we serve, and this starts with the diversity of our board members. We ensure that all of our trustees are valued equally and able to contribute on an equal footing, regardless of their background or identity.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Finance specialist trustee will be an important member of ACCT UK’s Board. You would be part of our team of trustees overseeing the strategic direction of ACCT UK to ensure that it achieves its charitable objects with the particular role of monitoring its financial management. Our charity is financially secure and stable, nevertheless we are looking for an additional trustee with finance experience to work in partnership with the charity’s Treasurer (Chair of the Finance and General Purposes Committee) in monitoring the work of the Charity’s finance team, thus providing fellow board trustees with financial insight and reassurance. We would say it, wouldn’t we (!), but we think you would really enjoy being a trustee and also find it hugely satisfying and rewarding. A fuller description of the role is at Annex A.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are seeking a volunteer with a strong professional track record in finance or accountancy, who can provide senior level oversight on our Finance and General Purposes Committee. You will have an understanding of best practice in financial
reporting, controls and governance. A background in charity finance is not essential but would be advantageous. We are seeking a Trustee with sound judgement, the highest professional standards and integrity and strong communication skills who would enjoy contributing to the overall governance of the charity. This role would suit someone with a finance background looking for their first trustee position or who has been a Treasurer for a smaller charity and is not looking for a larger Treasurer role at this time.

TENURE
Once elected as a trustee, you will be asked to serve for a three-year term, following which by mutual agreement you could be elected for a further three-year term.
On election you will have a probationary period of 3 to 4 months depending on your joining date and dates of board meetings and committee group meetings. In the probationary period you should attend one board meeting and at least two committee meetings as a trustee. This will give you an insight into the work done by trustees and the commitment required to be a trustee and will allow both the board and you to assess whether this role is suitable for you. You will have full trustee voting rights during the probationary period.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are seeking a volunteer with a strong professional track record in finance or accountancy, who can provide senior level oversight on our Finance and Compliance Committee. You will have an understanding of best practice in financial reporting, controls and governance. A background in charity finance is not essential but would be advantageous. We are seeking a Trustee with sound judgement, the highest professional standards and integrity and strong communication skills who would enjoy contributing to the overall governance of the charity. This role would suit someone with a finance background looking for their first trustee position or who has been a Treasurer for a smaller charity and is not looking for a larger Treasurer role at this time.

THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please see the How to Apply section further below to apply for this role.
We will have an informal selection panel to consider volunteer applications and if you are selected you will be one of the people who will lead the CCFA and decide how it is run.
Working with our other trustees, your skills and experience will be key to the success and development of the CCFA. The successful candidate will benefit from being part of a dynamic and successful trustee body of a charity which demonstrates great social value to young people and to society, and to those adult volunteers who train and develop the cadets, inspiring them to achieve their full potential.
As you will become a charity trustee and company director, and as we work with young people, there are a number of eligibility criteria which we will cover with you. Please ask us if you have any questions around your eligibility for this role.
You can find out more about what we look for in a Trustee in Annex B.

TENURE
Once elected as a trustee, you will be asked to serve for a three-year term, following which by mutual agreement you could be elected for a further three-year term.
On election you will have a probationary period of 3 to 4 months depending on your joining date and dates of board meetings and committee group meetings. In the probationary period you should attend one board meeting and at least two committee meetings as a trustee. This will give you an insight into the work done by trustees and the commitment required to be a trustee and will allow both the board and you to assess whether this role is suitable for you. You will have full trustee voting rights during the probationary period.

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

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

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

We are now recruiting:

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

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

What You’ll Do

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

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

What You’ll Bring

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

Why Join Us?

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

Ready to Make a Difference?

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

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

We are looking for our next Chair of Trustees – someone who will work closely with our Executive Team and Board to guide the organisation through what is both a challenging and genuinely exciting time. The funding environment is tough. The political context is difficult. And yet the need for what we do has never been greater.

This is an unpaid voluntary role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.

The successful candidate will lead a vibrant, well-established, national charity as it navigates the next chapter of its story.

Main tasks

• Developing and setting our future strategy, alongside the Executive Team and other Trustees
• Helping shape and deliver our future, identifying opportunities in an evolving landscape
• Leading the Board of Trustees, including regular 1:1s and providing space for reflection
• Acting as a 'critical friend' to our Executive Team, as well as formal line management to the CEO (and COO in their absence)
• Acting as an ambassador for the charity – raising awareness of what we do and engaging potential supporters and other key stakeholders
• Responsibility, along with the other trustees, for the governance of the charity
• Contributing to the ongoing strategy of the charity, in line with our charitable objectives
• Participating in board meetings and sub-committees in an inclusive and thoughtful way

Please download our Chair Application Pack for more information.

Are you passionate about using your skills and expertise to help support and develop a UK-wide relationships and sex education charity?

Sexpression:UK provides high quality, comprehensive relationships and sex education workshops to young people between the ages of 11-18 in schools and youth groups. We operate across the UK through our unique network of affiliated branches and volunteers based at universities and students’ unions in 15 towns and cities.

You will have strong empathy with our mission to educate and empower young people to make individual, informed decisions about their bodies and their health. You will be committed to using your expertise to contribute to the future development of the charity and ensuring high quality governance of the organisation.

We are looking for a motivated individual with demonstrable experience in leadership or governance to join our board as Chair of Trustees.This is an exciting time to join our charity with the opportunity to contribute to a unique youth-led charity playing a leading role in some of today’s biggest issues.

thrivin' together is a national, grassroots Community Interest Company supporting women impacted by their own or someone else's gambling. Incorporated in July 2022, we meet women where they are, offering support that fits around complex, time-poor lives.

We have built strong trust, reach, and credibility. We are now entering a phase focused on:

• Strengthening governance and infrastructure
• Moving beyond founder-reliant leadership
• Clarifying our proposition and impact
• Building sustainable systems for long-term growth
• Increasing our influence in policy and system change

This is a moment of consolidation, clarity, and intentional growth.

As a Board Member, you will help guide the strategic direction of thrivin' together, ensuring we remain values-led, sustainable, and responsive to the women we serve. You will:

• Contribute to governance and strategic planning
• Support the development and sustainability of our services
• Ensure alignment with our mission and lived experience ethos
• Provide constructive challenge and oversight
• Act as an ambassador and help build partnerships 

This is a non-operational role focused on oversight, support, and direction.

We are looking for women who bring a genuine passion for women's wellbeing and social impact. Commitment to supporting those affected by gambling harm and a collaborative, thoughtful, and values-driven approach. Desirable experience:
Finance or accounting
Fundraising
HR or organisational development
Chair or governance experience
Policy, influencing, or systems change
Lived experience of gambling harm (your own or someone else's)
We welcome first-time Board Members and will provide support and induction. 

What you'll gain

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in women's lives
• Experience of governance and strategic leadership
• Being part of a supportive, women-centred team
• The chance to shape a growing, innovative CIC

The International Youth Federation (IYF) addresses the challenges of youth inequality by creating global platforms that empower young people through education, leadership training, advocacy, and international collaboration.

The Challenge: Young people worldwide face unequal access to quality education, leadership opportunities, civic participation, and employment pathways—particularly in marginalized and conflict-affected communities. There is also a growing disconnect between youth voices and decision-making spaces, limiting their ability to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and peacebuilding.

The Solution: IYF delivers youth-led programs, conferences, capacity-building initiatives, and policy engagement opportunities. By providing these platforms, we equip young leaders with the skills, networks, and confidence needed to drive social impact both locally and globally, ensuring youth voices are at the heart of national and international decision-making.

Overview
The International Youth Federation is an international non-profit youth organisation. It is neutral politically and non-denominational, aiming to empower youth worldwide.

The Finance Commission manages and oversees the financial resources of the IYF, ensuring the highest efficiency of financial management, the provision of accurate and adequately documented financial information, effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilisation of financial resources and effective financial controls.

Under direct supervision of the Secretary-General, the Chair of the Finance Commission (CFC) is responsible for supervision and guidance of the IYF Head Office financial operations, providing technical advice and support to the IYF Senior Management Team (SMT), and ensuring cross-unit cooperation and coordination. The CFC ensures a client-orientated approach and consistency with the IYF rules and regulations and good management practice.

The Chair supervises and leads the staff of the finance team and works in close collaboration with the Senior Management Team, Bureau of Management, programme and project teams, IYF HQ staff, and other partners, ensuring successful performance in Finance.

Mission Statement
To voluntarily represent, positively promote, and uphold the mission of “Empowering youth for a better world” in various programmes and opportunities throughout the IYF interventions across member countries.

Responsibilities
(A) Under delegated authority from the SG/USG, and in close consultation with the other management team members, the CFC provides strategic direction of the IYF financial operations with the following expected results:

• Advises senior management on finance-related issues affecting programme delivery and overall operations;
• Identifies approaches and modalities to achieve management targets and increased cost-effectiveness; and
• Promotes knowledge sharing and learning and active participation of the staff in the management practice.

(B) Under delegated authority, the CFC is responsible for the management of finance
operations:

• Financial management: the CFC will work to support and ensure the integrity of financial systems, review of budget requirements and consistently apply rules and regulations;
• Adjusts and realigns corporate systems to be more responsive to new directions and strategies;
• Proposes economies and plans to reduce operational overhead;
• Manages formulation of strategic budget, and
• Provides policy support, guidance and advocacy on the development, establishment and management of common services arrangements to/by participating organisations/agencies at all levels.

(C) Under the overall guidance and leadership of the SG/USG, the CFC supports partnership building on operational issues:

• Represents the IYF in inter-agency administrative meetings, ensures smooth cooperation between agencies on joint programmes;
• Advocates for the IYF services and delivery capacities with government counterparts, donor community, international financial institutions and the UN; and
• Identifies new approaches and measures to further enhance IYF delivery capacities, professional management and cost-effectiveness.

Location
The candidate must be based in the UK.

Experience
Finance experience, including financial systems and grant receiving, within an NGO, non-profit, INGO or IGO (such as the United Nations or European Union), government, charity, civil service, diplomatic, international development, or youth empowerment or similar organisation is ideal. 

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Are you interested in making a difference to the lives of children and young people? Is there a skatepark in your area? If so, this role could be for you.

We are a UK registered youth development charity that uses teaching and learning to skateboard in a structured and supportive environment as a platform to develop the skills and abilities of children and young people.

The Role: Chapter Leader

As a Chapter Leader with the Skateboarding Foundation (SF), your role is to set up and run a Local Chapter that gives young people access to skateboarding and life skills through the SF ‘Eduskate’ programme.

Training, materials, resources, equipment and ongoing support, advice and guidance will be provided.

Key responsibilities

Your key responsibilities include:

• Setting up and running the chapter
• Recruiting coaches
• Recruiting learners
• Coordinating the delivery of the coaching programme
• Raising funds and spreading the word
• Helping us monitor and evaluate the programme
• Giving three/four hours a month of your time

You’ll have overall responsibility for the chapter’s activities, compliance, and smooth running. You’ll provide direction and support to your chapter committee, chair meetings, and ensure volunteers, coaching programmes, and fundraising are well managed.

The role involves motivating the team, planning chapter development, and stepping in where needed to keep things on track. You’ll also liaise with the national Board of Trustees, keeping them informed of key decisions and changes. 

Strong leadership, organisation, and a passion for youth development (and ideally skateboarding) and the charity’s mission are essential.

Help us support families to get the right education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

We are seeking new people to join our Board of Trustees to support the good governance of our charity. It is an exciting time to join us as we work to launch our new strategy; an important timeframe as we review the Government’s White Paper on SEND and consider how best to adapt our services to ensure we reach those who need us most.

Who we are

Founded in 1983, IPSEA is a leading national charity focussed on supporting families to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are legally entitled to. Since our formation, we have actively helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people with SEND. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

Who are we looking for?

We wish to recruit a number of new trustees who are committed to our vision and values and who bring complementary skills to those of our current Board members.

Trustees are expected to gain an understanding of the organisation’s purpose, and to contribute their own expertise, ensuring IPSEA fulfils its objectives, and in accordance with our charitable objects and Articles of Association

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• IT / Digital transformation / cyber security
• Governance
• Marketing and social media
• Equality, diversity and inclusion

Please note: a lack of expertise in these areas does not mean that an application will not be considered.

Our Board should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• an in-depth induction programme, training and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
• the opportunity to be involved in making strategic decisions and developing new skills
• the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience to an important cause
• a buddying system for new trustees as you settle into the role

The expected time commitment is six trustee meetings per year (meetings are held on weekdays in central London or at IPSEA’s office in Takeley, Essex with the option to join some meetings virtually), usually one strategic planning/training day and some other ad hoc time for occasional meetings and events.

To apply 

​Please visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form. 

Closing date for applications: 5pm on 29 May 2026

First-round interviews: week commencing 29 June 2026

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

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Scope in their search for their next Chair of Trustees!

About Scope

Scope is the national disability charity. We have been at the forefront of disability equality for 7 decades. We work with disabled people to break down barriers in society and challenge the injustices which persist to this day.

Our strategic ambition is to achieve An Equal Future with disabled people by 2033.

We have 3 goals.

First, to close the employment gap. So that all those disabled people who want to work have the opportunity to.

Second, to end the Disability Price Tag. So that there is no longer a financial penalty associated with disability.

Third, to grow the movement for disability equality. With partners, communities, individuals, funders and supporters to help us.

About the Chair of Trustees opportunity

Primary Objectives:

• Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees. So the Board steers the charity for its future. Guide the Board in setting the charity’s direction and strategy. So strategy achievement is in line with Charity Commission guidelines.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive (CEO). Make sure the Board and the executive team work together to deliver disability equality with the 16 million disabled people in the UK.
• Uphold Scope’s mission and values. Develop and carry out Scope’s aims in line with our mission, vision, values, and legal responsibilities. Promote a “One Scope” culture of teamwork, where the Board and executive team work in a collaborative way that reflects Scope’s values. 
• Support and oversee the CEO’s performance. On behalf of the Board, support the CEO to lead effectively. This includes setting clear objectives and running annual performance reviews. 
• Empower every Trustee. Help get the best from every Trustee by encouraging everyone to bring their unique talents and skills. Encourage Trustees to support relevant executive team members.

Person Specification

Experience and Qualifications (Essential):

• Leadership experience. Experience of leading at a senior or Board level in a high-profile organisation. 
• Commercial awareness. Experience of taking a commercial perspective. Willingness for a considered risk appetite.
• Understanding of governance. A clear understanding of being a Trustee. This includes the duties and responsibilities that come with the role.
• Ability to lead meetings. Skilled in chairing meetings and encouraging participation. Clear communication and working well with people skills. Able to represent Scope externally with high profile individuals.
• Strategic vision and engagement. Able to guide others to focus on big picture strategy and lead decisions on it. 
• Building consensus. Skilled at finding consensus with others. 
• Network and influence. A network of contacts that can support Scope’s work. 
• Supporting executive performance. Ability to work with and support the Chief Executive. 

Desirable (Bonus) Experience:

• Understanding of the disability and charity sectors. Knowledge of issues affecting disabled people and the voluntary sector. 
• Personal or lived experience of disability is considered a strong advantage.

Settle Stories is recruiting a new Chair of the Board and up to five Trustees, as several long-serving trustees reach the natural end of their terms after years of outstanding service.

Who We Are

A world where every voice, empowered by story, helps build our shared future.

Settle Stories is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation based in the Yorkshire Dales. Since 2010, we have used the power of story to educate, to empower, and to endure. We have reached over 200,000 people across 44 countries and 6 continents. We pioneered hybrid live-streaming for storytelling events in 2019, a year before the pandemic made it necessary. In 2025, funded by the British Council, we collaborated with Msitu Wa Ndoto to broadcast live performances from Africa's oldest burial site, a 76,000-year-old cave in Kenya, connecting artists from the UK and Kenya to audiences worldwide. We are now looking to expand this work, broadcasting from unusual and culturally significant places across the globe.

In schools, our Stories for Schools platform brings the nation's finest storytellers into classrooms through filmed content aligned to the national curriculum. The Storyful Way, our mindfulness-integrated storytelling methodology, is validated by Sheffield Hallam University for its outcomes in emotional well-being and resilience. Judges for our annual Children's Story Competition have included Sir Michael Morpurgo, Joanne Harris MBE, and Anne Fine. Closer to home, Settle itself sits at the heart of everything we do: for 15 years we have preserved the stories of the Yorkshire Dales through oral history projects, heritage archives, and the world's first Listening Gallery, housed in a phone box, keeping local voices alive for future generations.

We have a strong and committed Board, and several trustees have stayed well beyond their original terms. That is a testament to the organisation. In line with good practice, the time has come to bring in fresh voices.

Our current Chair has served two distinguished terms, steering Settle Stories through the pandemic and into its strongest ever position. The organisation is well placed for Arts Council England's next NPO round and the opportunities ahead.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Chair and Trustees who share our values and our passion for the power of story. We are also keen to hear from individuals who would welcome supporting us in a specific area on an advisory basis.

What we are looking for

We are recruiting for Trustee roles and, for those who cannot commit to a Board seat, non-voting Advisor positions. 

Applications for both roles are particularly welcomed from women, those from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and Person of Colour) backgrounds, and from those based in Yorkshire and the North. 

All Trustees must:

• Have an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

• Be confident to work digitally using Zoom/GMeet and shared docs.

• Have strong networks and the willingness to build and share them.

• Exercise good, independent judgment.

• Have the ability to think creatively.

• Have a willingness to speak their mind.

• Have the ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

• Adhere to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, 

accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

We are seeking Trustee candidates with one or more of the following:

• arts practice - people with working experience of the cultural sector from a practitioner and/or manager perspective;

• business skills - commercial experience in earned income growth, B2B sales, or scaling subscription or digital products.

• digital expertise – specifically including:

  • web design and user interfacing (UX/UI);

  • digital security and infrastructure;

  • digital marketing/performance marketing;

• HR and people development - strategic people leadership: organisational culture, equality and inclusion, workforce development.

• finance, legal, and governance experience - commercial finance, charity law or governance, with experience of mixed-income organisations.

Advisors should:

• Be able to demonstrate a high level of skill in one of the areas listed above, and be willing to support the Chief Executive and her team whenever advice or views on service delivery and development is needed. An understanding of Charity Commission requirements is also desirable.

Being an advisor is a flexible arrangement between the charity and the individual.  The length of the term will be agreed on an individual basis.

The Chair role

We are looking for a committed individual who has a passion for story and literacy.

• the skills and time to be able to lead a medium-sized Board effectively and efficiently within the legal and best practice guidance set out by the Charity Commission; 

• the skills and time to provide regular support (remotely and in person) to the CEO and staff team at Settle Stories; 

• An understanding of the issues facing small, ambitious charities, and specifically cultural/arts council-funded charities.

The Wren Project is a volunteer-led charity that provides free, remote, one-to-one, ongoing listening support for people in distress and living with autoimmune disease. There are over 120 autoimmune diseases currently diagnosed by the NHS and these include Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn's disease- they are all chronic illnesses which can have life altering impacts.

Volunteers at the Wren Project provide emotional listening support to people with autoimmune disease (our Wrens). In appointments, volunteers offer listening support, where Wrens can talk about how autoimmune disease is impacting their life, without giving advice or offering solutions. Volunteers join a regular fortnightly shift during which they meet with up to 2 Wrens in two 50-minute appointments. 

Volunteers do not need to have qualifications or any knowledge or experience of autoimmune disease. We are looking for warm, empathetic, caring and resilient individuals who want to help others and have the time to offer ongoing, non-judgemental, listening support. 

We are the only charity in the UK who provide support for all autoimmune diseases. Our vision is to build support and community for all four million people in the UK diagnosed with autoimmune disease. Our service would not be possible without the commitment, empathy and support of our volunteers.

WHAT VOLUNTEERING FOR US INVOLVES:

Application and training process:

• Send an application form via our website;

• Attend a group information and discovery conversation where you will learn more about the Wren Project and the listening role 

• Applicants will be invited to participate in a remote, 5-week training programme focusing on listening skills, courageous inquiry, turning towards difficulty and living with autoimmune disease;

• A final one-to-one assessment of readiness before being matched with a Wren.

• Please note, we access an applicant’s suitability for the role throughout the process.

The role:

• Join a regular fortnightly shift, whereby you will support two Wrens in two separate, one-to-one sessions of 50 minutes via telephone/video call/online.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development supported by staff-led reflective practice sessions. Monthly attendance required for the initial six months.

• Access to ongoing support from other volunteers and the Operations team;

• Opportunities to support the charity in a variety of additional roles.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN VOLUNTEERS:

• A desire to support people in times of distress.

• An empathetic and understanding attitude.

• A commitment to offering ongoing support to those in distress and to reflect upon the experience.

• A quiet and private space to conduct appointments.

• Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection.

• Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability.

• The commitment to volunteer at the Wren Project for at least one year.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR VOLUNTEERS:

• Lifelong skills in deep listening.

• Extensive training in empathetic listening and supporting distress.

• An excellent opportunity to engage in ongoing personal reflection and development in a supportive charity environment.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development.

• An insight into life with chronic illness and mental health.

About us

My Life Films is an award-winning charity that uses film and TV to enrich and support the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. My Life TV is our specialist on-demand streaming service, specifically designed to meet the cognitive needs of people living with dementia, for use within care settings and at home.

My Life TV is carefully curated to enable people living with dementia to feel stimulated and connected to the world, improving their mental health and supporting their essential care. 

Our high-quality content includes interactive shows like quizzes, singalongs, drawing and chair yoga; calming content, including animal and nature programmes and slow TV; a wide range of reminiscence programmes, from the 1960s onwards, and much more. 

Since launching in 2021 we work with highly respected content partners, as well as producing our own programming, in partnership with trusted organisations in the dementia care field, and more widely. The Alzheimer’s Society, BFI, Royal Parks, Museum of Brands, BBC Archive and National Trust are just some of the partners we are proud to work with.

We have ambitious plans to scale up its use, so we can reach and support as many people living with dementia as possible.

About the role

Stepping in at the helm of a well-established Board, and working closely with the highly experienced Executive Director, our new Chair will lead My Life Films through its next phase of growth and impact.

The new Chair will review and reinvigorate the charity’s governance, ideally including a board audit, as well as challenging and interrogating the group’s strategic plan.

This role will suit potential candidates who are ready to step-up to chair a not for profit organisation. This means they are likely to bring current or previous board experience as a non-executive or trustee. Candidates may have experience in the care sector, health sector, charity or foundation, possibly an organisation involved in supporting people living with dementia. This experience could enable candidates to draw on networks in the care, health, charity, voluntary sectors, social enterprise or foundation. It will be important that the new Chair can demonstrate a personal passion and commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia.

The Chair will also help guide the Executive in optimising the existing model, developing new opportunities by helping expand networks and making introductions when necessary. They will act as a critical friend to Executive Director, coaching and challenging as required and providing leadership and strategic direction to the Board.

They will hold the organisation to the highest ethical standards, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and that My Life Films is run in the best interests of its stakeholders.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the charity and is collectively responsible for its success. All trustees must take decisions in the interests of the charity.

My Life Films has a trading subsidiary – MLF Productions Limited – and it is expected that the Chair of My Life Films will also Chair the trading company.

.

Selection Criteria

When applying, we ask candidates to highlight any areas of expertise they can bring in the areas identified below.

• Skills and Experience –

Governance / leadership

• Any experience of operating at Board level in the voluntary, public or private sector preferably with a knowledge of the Social Care sector.

• Understanding of good charity governance, including trustees’ legal duties, financial oversight and risk management.

• Experience of chairing effective meetings and facilitating inclusive, robust discussion and decision-making Experience of fundraising, advocacy, campaigning, or working with regulators, commissioners or major funders.

Strategy and finance

• Ability to think strategically, interrogate complex information and focus the Board on priorities, impact and long-term sustainability.

• Strong financial literacy and ability to scrutinize budgets, management accounts and risk registers (not necessarily as a finance professional).

People leadership

• Track record of leading senior individuals or teams; able to coach, support and hold to account a CEO

How to Apply

If you are interested in the role, Maana Ruia a trustee with My Life Films and a member of Enter The Boardroom Community would be happy to fix up a time to talk to you. 

Please submit your application to Julian Freeston  The application should comprise a Cover Letter detailing your suitability and desire for the role (no more than two pages) and an up-to-date CV (no more than four pages).

The application deadline is 5pm, 29th May 2026