Programme officer volunteer volunteer roles

Background information:

Harry’s HAT is a UK-based charity focussing on paediatric hydrocephalus. Our mission is to make life better for children and their families who are affected by hydrocephalus. We work towards this aim through:

• Awareness: raising awareness of paediatric hydrocephalus through workshops and training.

• Research: supporting research and funding training (for front-line medical, health and social care workers) to increase understanding of the condition.

• Signposting and support: directing families affected by the condition to organisations that can offer support, advice and guidance and by providing access to our peer-to-peer programme. We do not, however, provide advocacy.

We currently have a vacancy on our Trustee Board for an individual with experience in fundraising and income generation. The Charity is ambitious about extending its reach and ensuring that more families and professionals can benefit from our work. To achieve this, we recognise the importance of growing and diversifying our income.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Actively participating in Trustee Board meetings.

• Attending quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings, held in the evening for approximately 1.5 hours.

• Working closely with the CEO to support the fundraising pipeline and to ensure all grant applications complement the mission and values of the charity.

• Working with the CEO and other Trustees to strengthen the charity’s fundraising strategy and ensure it aligns with our long-term goals.

• Supporting the development of sustainable income streams, including grants, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and community fundraising.

• Providing ad-hoc input on subjects raised by the Trustee, staff, and volunteer teams.

• Voting on grant applications from medical professionals and clinical researchers. Trustee would also be able to participate in specific projects if they wished to.

Required skills and experience:

The ideal candidate will have experience of fundraising or income generation in a charity or relevant setting. The key attributes for the role are as follows:

• Knowledge of different fundraising approaches such as grants, corporate partnerships, or community fundraising.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to display sound judgement and objectivity.
• Experience of working in partnership with healthcare or other relevant organisations or programmes.

• Clear understanding of the importance of safeguarding.

• Discretion when working with sensitive information, and strict adherence to confidentiality when required. Time commitment

• Attendance at six Trustee Board meetings per year (usually Sunday evenings, 18:00–19:30, via Teams).

• Attendance at quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings (1.5 hours, evening).

• Attendance at two 1-2-1 meetings per year with the Chair of Trustees.

• Participation in the AGM and other relevant meetings as needed.

• Timely responses to communications from Trustees, staff, and volunteers.

• Completion of mandatory online training modules. Term and remuneration

• The initial term is 1–3 years, which can be extended by agreement.

• This is a voluntary role. Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

• All new Trustees, including the Vice Chair, will serve a 3-month probation period.

#trustee #fundraising 

Dancers’ Career Development (DCD) is the national charity that enables and empowers dancers to thrive professionally and personally leading up to and beyond their performance careers.

We are seeking a new Co-opted Committee Member with finance expertise and an interest in dance to join our welcoming and experienced Finance, Audit & Risk Sub-Committee of the Board of Trustees. Our ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the requirements of charity governance and risk.

For full details, including how to apply, please download the role information pack from our website. 

Application deadline: Monday 9 February 2026.

We are seeking someone who has experience of being a Treasurer or Finance, Audit & Risk Committee Member (preferably in the charity sector) and has a good understanding of the requirements of charity accounting and governance.

If you are excited by this opportunity and resonate with DCD’s values, please get in touch; we would love to hear from you.

Applications close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026

Location: Home-based but with regular travel, including to periodic board meetings in London or other locations within the UK

This is an opportunity to chair a charity transforming lives by helping more people experience the positive impact of learning. You can help shape the future of this remarkable charity and lead the Board of Shannon Trust to broaden, deepen and mature what we deliver.

Who we are

Picture this: a person in prison who struggles with literacy and numeracy reads their first sentence, they write their first letter home to their children or completes their first numeracy task. They begin to imagine a future beyond the prison walls.

This is what happens when someone learns with Shannon Trust, and it happens thousands of times each year across prisons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Currently, 65% of people in prison can’t read, or struggle to. Even more struggle with numeracy.

These are not just statistics; they represent people who have been locked out of opportunity, who struggle with daily tasks, such as helping their children with homework or filling out a job application. At Shannon Trust, we believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, and that literacy and numeracy skills help build the foundations upon which people can rebuild their lives.

Where we are now

Shannon Trust has experienced remarkable growth over recent years. We have gone from a team of twelve people to one hundred staff today, supported by a volunteer base that brings us close to 250 people working to change lives through learning. The core of what we do is one-to-one peer mentoring in prisons. In 2025 alone, more than 11,000 learners used our reading and numeracy programmes, with 2,000 new volunteer peer-mentors trained to support them. We work in around one hundred prisons across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, delivering our Turning Pages reading programme and Count Me In numeracy programme. We are increasing our reach into the community, too. This growth is the result of sustained focus, strong relationships with funders who believe in our work, and the proven impact of our peer-led learning model.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a Chair who is strongly motivated by our cause, with a genuine empathy for the people we serve and a commitment to the person-centred language and inclusive thinking which are woven into everything we do. You will bring an engaged and engaging leadership style, have resilience and a personal gravitas.

You will be someone who is comfortable with complexity as we shape our organisation for the next chapter of our development. You will understand the importance of process, culture, and effective operations as the means of delivering a successful strategy and sustaining an organisation.

You will be someone who can help us be better advocates whether that is supporting our Chief Executive to build relationships with policymakers, helping us think through how we position ourselves in the education and criminal justice landscape, or using your own networks to create opportunities for Shannon Trust to influence and inform. We need a Chair who sees advocacy as part of the role.

Most importantly, our new Chair must be a strong partner for our CEO, a mentor, challenger and support.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026

This Role Builds Strategic Alliances That Multiply Impact

At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., building sustainable partnerships with businesses and organisations is central to our mission. The Corporate Sponsorship and Partnerships Officer ensures that our vision connects with external supporters who share our values and want to contribute meaningfully to systemic change. You will identify, cultivate, and manage relationships that provide financial support, in-kind contributions, and strategic collaborations, helping the C.I.C thrive while maintaining ethical and values-aligned partnerships. This is not a transactional sales role. It is a strategic, high-impact, and relationship-focused role critical to the C.I.C’s sustainability.

Why This Role Matters

• Corporate partnerships and sponsorships:
• Provide vital funding to expand CIC programmes
• Enable community projects, events, and campaigns
• Strengthen credibility and visibility in the broader ecosystem

Without this role, potential opportunities for collaboration, funding, and influence could be lost. With it, the CIC can scale its impact ethically and strategically.

Purpose of the Role

This role exists to:

• Research, identify, and approach potential corporate partners and sponsors
• Develop partnership proposals and sponsorship packages aligned with CIC priorities
• Manage relationships with sponsors, ensuring transparency, alignment, and mutual benefit
• Support the Fundraising Director in building strategic alliances that amplify impact
• Ensure all corporate engagements uphold CIC values, trauma-informed practices, and anti-exploitative principles
• You are the connector that turns shared values into actionable support.

About the role:

To create, manage, and optimise content and communications that engage donors and the community, ensuring consistent messaging, ethical standards, and alignment with campaigns and organisational values.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Experience in copywriting, communications, journalism, or similar.
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms and newsletter creation (e.g., Mailchimp, CiviCRM, or equivalent).
• Experience developing content for fundraising or donor engagement.
• Social media content creation for organisational impact.
• Strong editing, proofreading, and content planning skills.
• Ability to write clearly, persuasively, and in a tone consistent with the C.I.C’s values.
• Understanding of audience segmentation and personalised communications.
• Awareness of data protection, confidentiality, GDPR, and safeguarding requirements.
• Experience tracking engagement metrics and refining communications based on results.
• Collaborative skills to work with multiple teams and volunteers.
• Ability to adapt content for different audiences, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Experience producing multi-channel campaigns (email, social media, print).
• Knowledge of design and layout tools for content (e.g., Canva, InDesign).
• Volunteer coordination and mentoring experience.
• Analytical skills to interpret donor response data.

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications not required.
• Equivalent professional experience in communications, content creation, or donor engagement is highly valued.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Develop compelling, clear, and accurate content for donor and community communications, including:
  • Emails and newsletters
  • Campaign materials and updates
  • Fundraising appeals and donor acknowledgements
• Maintain consistent organisational voice and messaging across all communications channels.
• Collaborate closely with the Fundraising Director to align content with fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies.
• Work with the Social Media Team to ensure content complements online campaigns and wider communications.
• Track donor engagement and responses to communications, using feedback to refine messaging, segmentation, and targeting.
• Support segmentation and personalisation of donor communications to maximise relevance and impact.
• Ensure all communications comply with data protection, confidentiality, and ethical standards (GDPR, safeguarding, and organisational policies).
• Adapt content for different community audiences, ensuring accessibility, clarity and inclusivity.
• Proofread, edit, and review communications for accuracy, tone, and impact before distribution.
• Contribute to content planning and calendars, coordinating timing and messaging with campaign schedules.
• Provide guidance and support to other volunteers involved in communications or content creation.
• Maintain documentation of communications templates, processes, and donor engagement metrics.
• Actively participate in team meetings to share insights, track performance, and improve communications strategy.

What You Gain

• Founding-level experience in corporate partnerships and sponsorship strategy
• Leadership exposure in high-stakes negotiation and collaboration
• Opportunity to shape sustainable funding models for a high-impact C.I.C
• Priority consideration for future paid roles
• Direct contribution to community empowerment and systemic change

This role builds strategic influence, partnership management, and ethical fundraising skills.

This role is not suitable if you:

• Prefer transactional sales over relationship building
• Avoid high-responsibility or strategic thinking roles
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Are uncomfortable negotiating or representing an ethical, trauma-informed organisation

Important to Be Clear

• This is a volunteer role during the C.I.C’s build phase
• It carries real responsibility for relationship-building and fundraising sustainability
• Paid roles will emerge as funding and sustainability allow

Formal qualifications are not required, but desirable.
Essential equivalent experience mandatory.

Next Steps:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about event planning, coordination, and execution

If you believe that well-organised, purposeful events can change communities, and that experiences inspire action, this role is for you.

A Final Word
Partnerships are about values, not logos.

If you know that:

• Ethical funding protects the mission
• Who we align with reflects who we are
• Long-term impact beats short-term gain

Are you ready to build a legacy that saves lives?

In England today, too many men are fighting silent battles. They are navigating the complexities of mental health and personal growth without a compass or a tribe. At MINDSET, we are changing that narrative. We believe that through brotherhood, community, and intentional self-improvement, every man can reclaim his strength and purpose.

We have the vision. We have the board. Now, we need the Growth Architect.

The Volunteer Opportunity: Business Development Manager (Volunteer)

As our first-ever Business Development Manager, you won’t just be "finding leads"—you will be the engine of our expansion. You will identify opportunities for growth, forge strategic partnerships, and secure the relationships that will put MINDSET on the map across every city in England. You are the one who turns our mission into a sustainable, national movement.

Who You Are

We aren't looking for a CV; we’re looking for a character. We need a strategist who is:

• A Natural Entrepreneur: You thrive in a "start-up" environment. You see a new charity and immediately start mapping out how to scale its impact.

• A Master Connector: You have the people skills to walk into any room—be it a corporate boardroom or a community hub—and inspire people to get behind our cause.

• A Person of Action: You are results-oriented. You have the passion and dedication to take our key milestones and turn them into tangible, long-term growth.

• A Believer: You are deeply committed to men’s mental health and believe that personal growth is the most valuable investment a man can make.

The Volunteer Role

Working directly with the Founder and CEO, you will lead the charge in "opening doors." You’ll develop our growth strategy, seek out corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships, and identify new avenues to bring our brotherhood to the men who need it most. You are the bridge between where MINDSET is today and where it will be tomorrow.

Why Join Us?

This is a chance to be there at the "Day One" of something massive. You will have a seat at the table, helping to steer the direction of a charity with national ambitions. You’ll gain high-level experience in nonprofit scaling and strategic networking, but more importantly, every partnership you secure will provide a lifeline for a father, a brother, or a son.

"A man’s mindset is the foundation of his future. Help us build the partnerships that make that foundation unbreakable."

If you have the business acumen to lead and the heart to serve, we want to hear from you. Help us turn the tide on men’s mental health by building the future of MINDSET.

RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside & District Branch

We are looking for a Branch Trustee & Treasurer to help us manage the RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside and District Branch. As a Trustee you will be a full and equal member of our leadership team, making strategies, deciding what we focus on, how we raise and spend money, organising events, working as a team to improve animal welfare in our community. As Treasurer you will take the lead in ensuring compliance, control and sound financial management of the charity.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

Trustees manage the charity. Like any organisation we get involved in people, finance and legal topics, making strategies and assessing which projects to support, tracking progress on animal welfare programs, working with local vets to offer more support out of hours, or making sure our volunteers are well managed and motivated. More importantly, we focus on raising funds, managing volunteers and spending money where it is needed to support animals in our community - YOUR community. So, whatever your background or skills there is a role you can play.

As Treasurer you will take the lead on developing a sustainable financial strategy, managing financial reporting, bank accounts, investments and liaising with the RSPCA national finance team. In addition, you will oversee external processes such as payroll, audit and reporting to HMRC and Charities Commission.

You may be an experienced Trustee or new to the role (we can help with training). You will be an experienced finance professional (preferably a qualified accountant) who can provide expert financial leadership and translate complex topics for those without a finance background. You will bring the ability to lead people, motivate teams of volunteers, collaborate with partners and manage change. You will be able to understand complex topics, ask logical questions and be willing to hold an organisation accountable for fulfilling its responsibilities. You will be willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into the details, make decisions and speak up.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we undertake significant expansion and conversion to CIO. Your voice will be heard, and you can significantly influence the direction and focus of the charity. Together we can make a huge impact on animal welfare in our community.

Benefits to becoming a RSPCA Branch Trustee:

• Using your existing skills to do something useful and learning new ones.
• Delivering a real leadership experience.
• Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in our community.
• You’ll have access to the RSPCA Learning Hub and a wide range of training materials
• You’ll be a leader, not a follower - you’ll shape our future direction and make your mark.

Please note that Trustees must be at least 18 years of age. This is a volunteer role (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed).

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Wheels for All is a national charity that helps people of all abilities enjoy cycling in a way that works for them. Supporting more than 100 inclusive cycling hubs with over 30 years of experience, we’ve seen first-hand how cycling can change lives - improving health, confidence and community connection.

We’re now growing our national reach and impact, and we’re looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide us through this exciting next stage.

About the role

As a Trustee, you’ll help shape the direction of the charity, support good decision-making, and make sure we stay focused on our mission to make cycling accessible for everyone. We’d especially like to hear from people who:

• Have experience in communications, PR, campaigning or public engagement, and can help us share the power of inclusive cycling with more people across the UK
• Have strong networks or local knowledge in areas that are currently least well served by inclusive cycling - especially the North East, East Midlands or South West

If that’s not your background, please don’t be put off. We welcome people from all walks of life who share our passion for inclusion and want to make a difference.

Our Trustees also get involved in one or more of our focus groups, including:

• Governance and Risk
• Nominations, People and EDI
• Welfare, Safety and Safeguarding
• Finance
• Income Generation

We follow the Tier 3 Code for Sports Governance, which means we’re serious about running the charity to the highest standards - but we do it in a supportive, friendly and collaborative way. Full induction and training is provided.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before - we’ll help you learn the ropes. You just need to bring:

• A thoughtful, practical approach
• Willingness to ask questions and share ideas
• The ability to work well with others
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and fairness
• A bit of time and energy to get involved

How to apply

• Apply via othe link, and please upload your CV and a cover letter showcasing how you’re the perfect fit for the role

Taunton Brewhouse is looking for trustees from all backgrounds.  Key is sharing our vision for a bold, brilliant cultural venue in Taunton, adding to our existing skills and expedrience and prepared to to play an active role in meeting the challenges ahead.

If you have experience in general management and/or in HR, marketing or fundraising do get in touch.   We also seek a lead trustee on finance - please see separate announcement.

As a trustee, you'll share responsibility for:

• agreeing strategy and goals for Taunton Brewhouse
• appointing and setting salaries for senior management
• giving oversight and support to management
• paying attention to financial management
• ensuring due diligence in all regulatory matters including safe-guarding
• ensuring a robust approach to management of risk.

You'll attend Board meeting although much work is carried out in projects or committees.  You'll be an ambassador for Taunton Brewhouse and support our wider endeavours through attending press and community events.

There are 5 formal meetings pa held in evenings at Taunton Brewhouse.  Other meetings are generally in the day and are organised around the diaries of those involved.  We also aim for an annual 'away-day' to enable trustees time to reflect, plan and develop the organisation and themselves.

Please note that exceptional expenses are paid by prior agreement.

We aim to be in touch quickly both those who make a full application and those who prefer an informal initial discussion. 

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Scope in their search to appoint two new Trustees. 

Scope is the UK’s disability equality charity. They campaign to transform attitudes to disability, tackle injustice and inspire action. They create opportunities and provide information and support that empowers.

About Scope

Scope wants a society where all disabled people enjoy equality and fairness. We provide practical advice and emotional support to people and families who need it most. We use our collective power to deliver social change and end injustice for disabled people. We do this by working to change attitudes. We inspire policy change, by both local and national government. We work with organisations as employers and product or service providers. Our shops are at the heart of communities around the country, each one increasing impact. Last year, we supported over 4 million disabled people through our services, our online advice and online community forum. This also importantly gives us the authority to speak to power on behalf of disabled people and their families across the country.

Scope’s new strategy was approved by the Board in 2023 and focuses on achieving seismic change for and with disabled people and their families. We want to build on the impact we have achieved over the last few years. We want to go further in driving social change, achieving equality for all disabled people. Our work is underpinned by our commitment to diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and our values. We are pioneering, courageous, connected, fair and open.

About the Trustee opportunities:

Scope is seeking to strengthen the Trustee Board further and want to welcome 2 new Trustees with expertise in the following areas:

• A qualified accountant with audit/risk or governance experience
• Fundraising

Trustees act as ambassadors for the organisation, engaging with stakeholders such as donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries. They foster relationships, build networks, and advocate for the organisation’s mission, enhancing its visibility and impact.

The Trustees we appoint will work closely with other Trustees, the Chief Executive and the Executive Leadership Team. Together they will oversee the delivery of our ambitious new strategy. They must be committed to equality, and to involving disabled people in decision making.

RSPCA Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch

We are looking for volunteers to join our Trustee board with expertise in any of these areas:

• Charity finance/ Treasurer
• Marketing/ Social Media
• Fundraising/Retail
• Project management

You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help animals in our area.

Overview

We are looking for enthusiastic people to take the role as a Charity Trustee, who could devote some time to volunteer for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch and support us in boosting our local animal welfare work. Alongside using your expertise, this role will enable you to enhance how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow Trustees, in the running of the Branch and the implementation of a development plan. At a minimum, you would normally be expected to attend a monthly online committee meeting and to spend further time driving forward our activities.

The Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield RSPCA Branch

We are the local branch of the national RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area.

The Branch is in an enviable financial position and employs an experienced member of staff as Branch Manager. Once additional Trustees are in place, we expect to move towards CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) status.

Our main current activities are:

• Providing financial assistance to local people unable to afford unexpected vets’ bills. In the past year, we have allocated £40,000 to this area.
• Collecting petfood donations, which we collate and then pass to our local foodbanks.
• Re-homing cats in the Alton part of our area, organised in co-operation with the neighbouring RSPCA Branch.
• Some fundraising activities, including organising fun Dog Shows.
• We are looking to recruit at least three new trustees to work on significantly developing the Branch over the next few years. Initiatives we are considering are:
• Establishing a comprehensive fostering and re-homing network, across the entire Branch area.
• Major income generation initiatives, including opening our own shops.
• Developing our own animal centre resources, possibly in co-operation with private sector providers in the Branch area.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow Trustees and Branch Officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interests of the Branch and the RSPCA.
• Assist the Branch, as appropriate, to work with and assist national RSPCA staff, including but not limited to Inspectors.
• Actively participate in Branch committee meetings and to attend the Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new Trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with fellow Trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions.

What we are looking for in a volunteer

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and encourages people from any background to apply. You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• Ongoing support provided by our Branch Manager and assistance from relevant national RSPCA staff.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that will enhance local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• To become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and have become a member of our Branch.
• Trustees are elected annually.
• You must not be disqualified from being a Trustee. Please read the Charity Commission’s guidance on who can be a Trustee of a charity.
• You will need to sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act, clarifying that you are not disqualified from being a Trustee.
• References will be required.

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield branch

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

About Proteus

Proteus is an award-winning theatre company that believes the audience is as vital as the artist. The company holds that truly dynamic and relevant theatre emerges when audience and artist inspire each other’s imagination. Quality, integrity, and innovation lie at the heart of Proteus’ work and form the criteria by which its success is measured. Founded in 1981 and based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Proteus has a long-standing history of creating and presenting high-quality work that serves both local and national audiences.

The Role

Proteus is actively seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The company is committed to transforming society through radical acts of kindness and believes in the universal value of the performing arts. Trustees will support Proteus’ mission to make culture thrive within the local community while helping to deliver theatre that tours across the UK.

Trustees contribute to creating innovative theatre and support leading artists working in the performing arts today. They help bring diverse forms of art—including theatre, circus, music, spoken word, visual art, cabaret, and film—to Basingstoke communities at accessible prices.

Beyond producing touring theatre, Proteus operates as a non-profit organisation that runs an arts centre, artists’ studios, a gallery, a café, and a wide-ranging programme of support for artists. Trustees engage with a dynamic organisation whose activities span local and international stages.

Serving as a Trustee offers a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, providing opportunities to meet artists from across the industry, collaborate with Proteus staff and fellow board members, and help shape the future of one of the South’s most exciting arts organisations.

Who Proteus is Looking For

Proteus seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about the arts as a force for social change. Prospective trustees should share the company’s conviction in the transformative power of the arts and its commitment to inclusivity. Proteus actively encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences.

Even those who feel they may not meet every criterion are encouraged to get in touch, as the organisation values the whole person and provides support for new trustees to develop their skills on the job.

Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis. The primary purpose of the board is to ensure that Proteus achieves its objectives. Trustees are expected to:

• Attend four board meetings per year (usually via Zoom) for a minimum term of three years and participate in an annual one-day board retreat in Basingstoke.

• Attend Proteus performances and events when possible.

• Support fundraising activities where possible.

• Provide advice and guidance to staff as required.

• Commit to the mission and values of Proteus.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee.

• Ensure Proteus is well-governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives.

• Act as ambassadors for Proteus, opening doors and helping expand networks and contacts.

• Contribute actively to Proteus’ strategic direction and development, offering ideas, connections, and support in growing its network of partners, supporters, and donors.

Make a difference – become a school governor

You do not have to be a parent or member of staff to be a school governor – applications are appreciated from all with an interest in the local community. School governors come from all walks of life and specialist knowledge is not always needed. What IS essential is a desire to get involved in children’s education and make a difference to their lives.

We welcome applications from those with educational, health & safety and safeguarding experience but school governors are all volunteers and training and support is provided. The University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust partners new governors with a ‘buddy’ – a trusted and more experienced colleague on the governing body – who initially acts as their mentor. Briefing information and assistance is also available through newsletters, websites and helplines provided by the Department for Education.

Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. As Treasurer at Behind Closed Doors, you will work alongside our Trustee Board, CEO and Admin & Finance Manager to oversee the financial strategy of our organisation, ensuring sound financial governance and legal compliance. This is a pivotal role for our charity, helping to shape our future and support our vision: to build lives free from domestic abuse.

We’re looking for an experienced finance professional keen to undertake this rewarding voluntary role that ensures the financial health and accountability of Behind Closed Doors. You will be joining an established trustee board made up of dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive individuals. Please note that we are also currently recruiting to general trustee roles, find out more on our website.

Taking on a Trustee role is an excellent way to broaden your leadership experience and strengthen skills that you can then put to use in your core role, to the benefit of your career progression opportunities and the organisation that you work for.

As a Trustee, you will develop skills in:

• Strategic planning
• Governance
• Budgeting and financial analysis
• Risk management
• Chairing meetings

As you learn about a new organisation and potentially a new sector, you will also gain confidence in:

• Acting as a 'Critical Friend'; asking questions and providing support
• Experiencing the difference between a strategic role, and a hands-on operational role
• Absorbing and processing new information, and learning where you contribute value
• Finding your feet with a brand new team of people

Please download the recruitment pack for full details, including how to apply and who to contact for an informal discussion about the role and organisation.

As a board, we strive to be as diverse and representative as the communities we serve and would welcome those from underrepresented or marginalised groups. We also recognise hugely the value that lived experience brings to our board, so would welcome further representation in this area, but only when it is safe for you to engage with us in this way.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to improving inclusive recruitment practices. If you would prefer to apply for this position or express your interest in an alternative format (such as audio or video upload) or require any adaptions at this initial stage, please get in touch.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A standard DBS disclosure will be required before taking up this position

Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Later Life.
Are you ready to guide a dynamic, forward-thinking charity? At Age UK Merton, we believe later life should be lived with dignity, joy, and opportunity. For nearly seventy years, we've been supporting older adults in Merton with advice, practical help, and social connection. Now, as we navigate an ever-changing landscape and deliver on our ambitious strategic plan, we're seeking an exceptional Chair of Trustees to help us steer the next chapter.

Time Commitment: Approx. 2-3 days per month
Location: Merton (Board meetings and events)
Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

About Age UK Merton
We're a 'small but mighty' charity with a big impact. Our mission is simple: to provide quality advice and services that meet the needs of older adults in Merton. From befriending and activity programmes to practical home support and accredited advice, we help thousands of people each year to love later life. With an income of £1.2m, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and strong partnerships across health, care, and community sectors, we're proud of our achievements and excited about what is to come.

Why This Role Matters
As Chair, you'll lead a committed Board and work closely with our CEO to ensure Age UK Merton thrives in a challenging environment.
You will:
* Shape strategic direction: Drive delivery of our three-year plan, focusing on outreach, sustainability, and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.
* Champion collaboration: Strengthen partnerships across health, care, and voluntary sectors to reduce inequalities and improve lives.
* Ensure strong governance: Uphold charity law and best practice, ensuring financial resilience and effective administration.
* Be a visible leader: Represent Age UK Merton externally, inspire stakeholders, and help diversify income streams for long-term sustainability.

What Makes This Opportunity Inspiring
* Impact and Purpose: Your leadership will directly improve the lives of older adults in Merton.
* Strong Foundations: Accredited for quality advice and befriending services, with a clear strategic plan and committed team.
* Exciting Growth: We're expanding outreach and engagement, co-designing services with clients, and building a sustainable future.
* Collaborative Culture: Trustees and staff share values of quality, integrity, kindness, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Ideal Candidate Profile
Essential Skills and Experience
* Previous Board-level experience, ideally as Chair or Trustee.
* Strategic vision, financial acumen, and strong leadership skills.
* Ability to build relationships and represent the organisation publicly.
* Commitment to Age UK Merton's mission and values.

Desirable
* Understanding of adult social care or health sectors.
* Knowledge of Merton and its communities.

Recruitment Timeline
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold AgeUK Merton's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, they will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the outgoing Chair. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Wednesday 11th February 2026 and we will send you a link.

Application Deadline: 9th March 2026
Interviews: w/c 13th April 2026

How to Apply
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to AgeUK Merton on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack in the first instance.
For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.