19 Public affairs officer for volunteer roles

Opportunity: Chair of the Finance and Risk Sub-committee, Board of Trustees

Open School East is at a pivotal moment in its development and is seeking a Chair of the Finance and Risk Sub-committee to help shape its next chapter.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 30th September 2026

We are interested in hearing from candidates with expertise in:

• Finance: A person with experience in finance management or accounting, with the capacity to provide a strategic overview of finances, ensuring viability, compliance with relevant legislative frameworks, effective use of resources and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

We are especially keen to hear from people with knowledge of, or an interest in, education and the arts. By committing your time and expertise to our two meetings a quarter (full Trustee meeting and Chairing the Finance and Risk Sub-committee meetings), you can become part of a leading arts education charity, making a real difference to emerging creatives of all ages and from all backgrounds.

We also warmly welcome people who bring lived experience of the barriers OSE seeks to dismantle including people of colour, disabled people, those from working class backgrounds, or people with experience of marginalisation in the arts or education sectors.

Are you passionate about improving health and wellbeing outcomes, especially for older people?

Do you value the “magic dust” of real human relationship?

Claremont Project is a mental health, arts and wellbeing charity based in Angel, Islington. We are seeking a Treasurer Trustee to strengthen our charity as we step into our next chapter.
 

About us

Claremont has been around since 1819 and serves mostly older people through a powerful blend of social prescribing, low-cost psychotherapy and a programme of arts and wellbeing activities.

Claremont is a place of innovation and creativity, underpinned by a Relational Approach which emphasises real listening, self-awareness and an awareness of how we are being in relation to other people. We were the UK’s first Wellbeing Centre long before the term was ubiquitous; and in the 1920s and 30s we ran programmes that became models for the Welfare State.

At our beautiful and well-loved building at 24–27 White Lion Street, we nurture a vibrant, inclusive community, underpinned by our conviction that everybody matters.

About the role

The Treasurer is a key member of the Board of Trustees, helping to ensure Claremont’s financial health, sustainability and good governance.

Working closely with the Chair, CEO and bookkeeper, the Treasurer supports the Board in overseeing the charity’s financial affairs and ensuring appropriate financial stewardship.

The Treasurer will:

• Support the Board in fulfilling its financial governance responsibilities.
• Help ensure that effective financial controls and reporting systems are in place.
• Provide oversight and constructive challenge regarding budgets, forecasts and financial planning.
• Assist the Board in understanding Claremont’s financial position and long-term sustainability.
• Support compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House financial requirements.
• Chair or participate in finance-related committee meetings where appropriate.
• Contribute strategically to the future development of the organisation.

As set out by the Charity Commission, Trustees at Claremont are collectively responsible for:

• Advancing the charitable purposes of Claremont and ensuring we carry out our purposes for public benefit.
• Ensuring Claremont complies with its governing document and the law.
• Acting in Claremont’s best interests.
• Managing Claremont’s resources responsibly.
• Acting with reasonable care and skill.
• Ensuring that Claremont is accountable as a charity.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking someone who:

• Has financial expertise, accountancy qualifications and/or senior financial management experience.
• Understands governance and financial oversight within charities or not-for-profits.
• Can think strategically and communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• Shares Claremont’s mission, values and relational approach.
• Brings warmth, emotional intelligence and collaborative working.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would also be valuable:

• Charity finance and fundraising
• Property or buildings management
• Income generation and lettings

Alongside technical expertise, we are looking for a certain “Claremontiness” — aspirational and personal qualities that embody a genuine relational approach to life.

Time commitment

Quarterly Board meetings (held in the evenings), plus preparation, emails and committee work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Claremont is a community where people from all backgrounds are loved and wanted, and which is diverse in terms of characteristics like race and ethnicity, gender, disability and socioeconomic status. We seek to ensure that our Board represents the people we serve and welcome applications from candidates coming from backgrounds that have historically been underrepresented on charity boards.
 

How to apply

Please send a CV and covering letter describing why you are interested in the role and summarising the expertise you bring.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 30th September

Please note:

• You must be 18 or over and must not be disqualified from acting as a Trustee.
• Trustees are required to declare any conflict of interest while carrying out their duties.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Birmingham Cathedral is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join its Chapter as a trustee (non-executive member). This is a unique opportunity to contribute as a trustee to the cathedral's strategic direction, provide governance and oversight, and share responsibility for the stewardship and sustainability of the resources that support its mission and ministry.

About Birmingham Cathedral

Birmingham Cathedral is where prayer and praise have been offered to God for more than 300 years. This daily worship continues to be at the heart of our cathedral life today. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. Most striking to visitors and worshippers is the exceptionally important set of stained-glass windows designed by Birmingham born artist Edward Burne-Jones and made in the workshop of William Morris. The cathedral is the spiritual home for a lively Christian community where worship, from the simplest prayer to soaring musical excellence, is always accompanied by a warm welcome. We aspire to pray, to serve and to grow in the love of God and our care of God’s people. More than an artistic treasure, Birmingham Cathedral offers a place of peace, hospitality and welcome. 

About The Role

As a member of the Cathedral Chapter, you will share with the Dean in the oversight of cathedral life. Chapter members are invaluable in shaping the direction of the cathedral and ensuring we continue to fulfil our mission and purpose. You will work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers and external partners to uphold the cathedral’s mission, vision, values and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities of Chapter Members

· Perform the requirements of Charity Trustees for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011.

· Take full part in the discussions and decision making of the Chapter as it fulfils its statutory responsibilities to exercise general control and management of the administration of the cathedral.

· Order the worship of the cathedral and promote its mission;

· Formulate, after consulting the bishop, proposals relating to the general direction and mission of the cathedral.

· Ensure the approval of an annual budget.

· Ensure the preparation and approval of an annual report and accounts for audit and subsequent approval.

· Keep under review the Constitution and Statutes.

· Ensure the appropriate management of cathedral property and income, including necessary repairs and maintenance.

Key Individual Responsibilities of Chapter Members

· Attend Chapter meetings, held a minimum of six time a year for approximately three hours on a weekday afternoon, including one all-day away-day (all held in Birmingham City Centre).

· Offer an average time commitment of six hours per month, unevenly spread.

· Attend and contribute to worship at the cathedral.

· Contribute to the ministry of hospitality offered at the cathedral, and other cathedral activities as may be appropriate.

· Attend civic and community events.

· Act as an ambassador for the cathedral.

· Carry out the objects of the cathedral.

· Expect to serve for the full three-year appointment period, with opportunity for reappointment.

Who We Are Looking For

To support delivery of the cathedral’s strategic plan, we particularly welcome applications from individuals at this time with skills in:

· Strategic finance, financial management or stewardship

· Audit, assurance or internal controls.

· Property and heritage asset management

· Fundraising and income generation

· HR, organisational development or governance.

Candidates are not expected to hold experience across the multiple of these criteria to meet the eligibility threshold.

Experience in arts and heritage, community engagement or social justice initiatives, digital communications, investment planning, partnership-building across sectors and urban mission and inclusion would also be welcome.

Person Specification

Essential

· Commitment to the Christian faith and to the cathedral’s mission, vision and values, including wisdom, compassion, justice, inclusion, courage and collaboration.

· Eligibility to serve as a charity trustee.

· Commitment to safeguarding excellence, including completing safeguarding training and contributing to a safe, healthy and positive cathedral culture.

· Ability to think strategically and long-term, exercise sound judgement, and contribute to complex organisational governance.

· Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the responsibilities of a charity trustee, including accountability, confidentiality and collective decision-making.

· Commitment to the cathedral’s strategic priorities.

· Strong communication skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively, collaborate effectively and build trust across diverse groups.

· Willingness to undertake trustee development and continue learning in support of effective governance.

· Ability to commit the time and energy required for the role, including meetings, preparation and training.

Desirable but not required

· Local knowledge or community context.

Other Information

This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Training and support will be provided.

Birmingham Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of those under 18 and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Closing date for applications is noon on Monday 5 October 2026.

Join us in making a meaningful difference at one of Birmingham’s historic and spiritually significant places.

Our Recruiting Approach

As applications are received, interviews may take place prior to the advertised closing date.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
We kindly ask no contact from recruitment agencies please.