244 Public policy volunteer roles

Help us to shape the future of a specialist organisation advocating for rights, justice and action for Black and minoritised migrant women. 

About Hibiscus 

The women supported by Hibiscus have been subjected to violence against women and girls (VAWG) including trafficking, modern slavery, sexual violence, rape, violence against women in war, conflict and post-conflict and institutional violence among other forms of violence. Hibiscus continues to develop specialist services from an intersectional feminist and trauma-informed perspective addressing everyday experiences of violence to which women are subjected and institutional harms.

Hibiscus is seeking new Trustees to join our Board and support the next stage of our work. This is an opportunity to contribute to the governance of an intersectional feminist, anti racist organisation and support women navigating complex immigration and criminal justice systems to drive lasting change for the women we serve.

As a Trustee, you will work collectively with the Board to provide strategic direction, uphold Hibiscus’ values, ensure sound governance and compliance, oversee financial sustainability, and support effective organisational decision-making.

About You

We are looking for Women who can bring:

• A commitment to Hibiscus' mission, values and objectives
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• The ability to contribute effectively to Board discussions and decision-making
• A willingness to provide constructive challenge and support
• An understanding of good governance and accountability
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

What will your gain 

By becoming a Trustee, you will have the opportunity to use your skills and experience to influence meaningful change, support a vital organisation, and help improve the lives of women facing multiple and intersecting disadvantages.

Join us in creating a fairer and more equitable future for the women we serve!

Please note: This post is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010.

Please read our Application Pack Provided with instrutions on how to Apply.

Closing date: Wednesday 30th September 5pm.

West Midlands Heritage Trust, along with its three partner project trusts, is seeking to appoint a new Trustee Treasurer to its board. This is an exciting opportunity to help guide our work in rescuing, restoring, and finding sustainable new uses for historic buildings in our region.

Who are we?

We are four building preservation trusts all based in the West Midlands, working together to share our knowledge and experience to save Historic Buildings at Risk.

West Midlands Heritage is made up of: West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust, and Wolverhampton Heritage Trust.

We aim to safeguard buildings of historical and/or architectural importance, within the West Midlands, Worcestershire and Warwickshire which are in danger of being lost. Our previous projects range in age and type from a 16th Century farmhouse to a Georgian townhouse and a Victorian Cemetery Chapel. 

As well as projects to protect and rescue historic buildings, the Trusts organise a range of activities and events to encourage and involve our members and local communities, as well as contribute to professional development within the sector.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a volunteer Trustee Treasurer with an interest in saving historic buildings at risk and contributing to their local community.

The Treasurer plays a key role in supporting the financial governance of the Trusts and helping to ensure their long-term sustainability. Working with fellow Trustees and staff, including a Finance Officer, the Treasurer will oversee financial reporting, budgeting and financial controls, and provide advice on financial matters affecting the organisation.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in:

• Finance, accountancy or bookkeeping
• Financial management of charities, businesses, or within the public sector
• Strategic financial planning
• Risk management or governance

A recognised accounting qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.

It is not necessary to have previous trustee experience, as support and guidance will be given.

What the role entails

• Attendance at up to SIX evening meetings of The Council of Management per year, plus the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Attendance at finance sub-committee meetings.
• Optional attendance at other meetings and site visits within the West Midlands, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
• Preparation of financial reports for the Council of Management and the AGM
• Responsible for overseeing Finance Officer role and activities
• Oversight of Trust bank accounts and authorisation of payments, monthly, with Finance Officer
• Oversight of Restricted Fund Management, with Finance Officer
• Liaison with the Trust’s appointed accountants (book-keeping) and auditors, with Finance Officer

Trustees are elected for a 3-year term of office, and may offer themselves for re-election thereafter. Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

We are keen to make the role of Trustee Treasurer accessible to all and will endeavour to make necessary arrangements for individuals unable to attend in person, including the use of online meeting platforms.

ABOUT US 

Central and North West London (CNWL) Trust has almost 7,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. 

Arts in Health (AiH) is a step-down service from the Community Mental Health Hubs (CMHH), offering a programme of regular creative activities to support adults with lived experiences of mental health difficulties.

Our programme consists of weekly sessions on a Thursday – taking place at an art studio in W9 and cultural visits to museums and galleries across Central London. 

Participants can attend Arts in Health for roughly 8 months. Therefore, we request that volunteers commit to 8 months (1 term) or the whole year (2 terms) if possible. 

Term 1 runs from Sept 2026 – March 2027 and Term 2 runs from April 2027 – Dec 2027.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

We are looking for a local volunteer ‘travel buddy’ to accompany and support a participant from home to the Arts in Health session locations, every Thursday. This would best suit someone living close to Westminster or Kensington & Chelsea due to travel time, but we are open to further afield. 

Participants may need support because they feel anxious travelling alone, going to a new place, taking public transport, have fluctuations in their mental health, or need the accountability of having a travel buddy.

You won’t be attending the 2 hour sessions (2-4pm) of the project, but you will be free to spend those two hours looking at shops, museums, reading, or going to a cafe.

COMMITMENT AND LOCATION 

You will need to be available on Thursday afternoons, from late September, to provide weekly support - arriving with your participant at the selected venue by 1.45pm and picking up just after 4pm. This means you'll approximately be needed from late morning until early evening, depending on travel times. 

Travel buddies will have an online induction with the Arts in Health team before the project starts to share more about the project, learn about safeguarding within the team and to answer any questions. 

Programme dates and locations for 2026-27 confirmed once in post. 

Locations 

1. Art Studio -Maida Vale area W9

1. Cultural visit to a museum / gallery* - various locations across central London

*There may be slight changes to time on occasion according to the venue 

KEY TASKS 

• Travel to the participant’s home or a mutually agreed location nearby; meet them outside 

• Supporting a participant to travel to and from the venue, from their home, using public transport, to ensure they get to the session with time to settle before it starts

• Plan the journey from where you greet participant, to the session location in advance 

• Wait patiently for two hours without attending the session, and then travel back to their home location at the designated time

• Encourage the regular attendance of participants 

• Report any issues or concerns to the AiH team 

• Read and follow our policies & procedures - designed to keep you safe, including guidance around confidentiality 

KEY TRAITS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• A kind, caring and supportive nature, with an ability to relate positively with both staff and clients 

• Be organised, with the ability to plan travel routes and travel confidently using public transport 

• Empathetic, compassionate, patient, tolerant and considerate 

• Good communication skills, including responding to emails and calls in a timely manner 

• An interest in working with mental health, adults with complex needs and learning more about using the arts for wellbeing and self expression. 

• An understanding of individual patients’ needs taking into consideration cultural and religious requirements 

• Reliability: to be someone we can rely on 

• Committed: to be consistent and dependable

• The ability to work independently whilst staying within the role’s boundaries, recognising what should and shouldn’t be done, when to seek advice or report concerns. 

• Committed to the values and policies of the Trust, including Data Protection and Equal Opportunities

WHAT IS IN THERE FOR YOU? 

• The opportunity to gain experience and develop knowledge and skills of working with adults with experiences of mental health issues 

• Provide a supportive and empathetic service 

• Learn about safeguarding adults 

• Learn more about the ethos and work of Arts in Health 

• Experience and insight into working within the NHS and healthcare sector, and working within a community environment

• Full support and a range of relevant training, including local induction and orientation 

• Access to the Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme to support you enter careers in the NHS through volunteering once 30 hours of volunteering have been completed 

• A reference for future volunteering or employment, following completion of at least 60 hours of volunteering 

• Following our expenses policy, reimbursement of agreed expenses

We are looking for 1 Helpline Volunteer to play an essential role in ensuring service users (SUs) receive timely, empathetic, and confidential support, as well as clear signposting to relevant services.

You will support the SBS Helpline in providing high-quality, trauma-informed advice, information, and emotional support to Black and minoritised women and girls affected by domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence, including forced marriage, rape and sexual abuse, so-called honour crimes, and related issues such as immigration and No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public.

Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include:

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. You will be supported and guided from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

We're looking for someone with the following:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public.

Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include:

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. You will be supported and guided from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

We're looking for someone with the following:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our publicity team leaders have the important role of supporting a wider team of publicity volunteers. As a team our publicity volunteers collectively keep members of the public informed of the vital and varied ways we help our cats in need. Raising awareness is crucial to us being able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. A higher profile can help raise funds, raise awareness of adopting a cat, promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about feline welfare.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Communicating with others including newsletter, social media and website volunteers
• Advising others on the content of newsletters and web posts
• Interacting with others to make sure information is positive, accurate and consistent
• Liaising with your volunteer group and our Head Office to organise media campaigns
• Responding to local media requests if required

Time expectation 

Our publicity team leaders usually spend 3 to 4 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Join Us as a Trustee and Help Shape the Future of Specialist Diabetes Education & Research

Our charity exists to advance diabetes care by funding and supporting activities that improve understanding, treatment, and outcomes for people living with diabetes. Our work focuses on both healthcare professionals and the public. We are looking for new Trustees who want to make a meaningful impact on healthcare education and research across the UK. If you believe in improving patient care through knowledge, innovation, and evidence, this is a chance to use your expertise for genuine public good.

We are particularly seeking Trustees with:

• Financial expertise — including accountancy, financial oversight, investment management, or charity finance
• Governance experience — especially in regulated environments or the charity sector
• Legal expertise — charity law, contracts, compliance, or risk management

If you bring one of these skill sets, your contribution will be pivotal to strengthening our governance, ensuring financial sustainability, and supporting our mission.

What you’ll do

• Provide strategic leadership and help shape the charity’s long‑term direction
• Oversee governance, risk, and regulatory compliance
• Support financial planning, budgeting, and reporting
• Champion our work in healthcare education and research
• Work collaboratively with a small, dedicated board and team

What we offer

• A meaningful opportunity to influence healthcare education and research
• A welcoming, committed board that values diverse perspectives
• The chance to apply your professional expertise to a cause with real societal impact
• Flexible, part‑time voluntary commitment (typically board meetings plus occasional additional input)

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need prior Trustee experience — just the right expertise, sound judgement, and a commitment to good governance. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are especially keen to broaden the diversity of our board.

If you want to use your skills to strengthen a charity that improves healthcare through education and research, we would love to hear from you.

Mulberry Cancer Support, is looking for new volunteers with flexible availability to help us set up and run our stall at a variety of fun community fundraising & enagement events, mainly in West London - Hounslow, Richmond & Ealing areas - and occasionally at our Centre in Isleworth. Come and sell rafle tickets, inspire donations, hold a collection bucket, give out leaflets and engage with the public at our own events and at fetes, fairs and stadium days.

Volunteers must be age 18+. Most events take place March - July and October - December.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public.

Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include:

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. You will be supported and guided from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

We're looking for someone with the following:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public.

Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include:

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. You will be supported and guided from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

We're looking for someone with the following:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. 

Outline of the Publicity Organiser role
You will be helping your local community understand what a Read Easy group does; how local people can get the reading support they need; and how volunteers can help. There are two distinct forms of publicity, one requiring raising awareness by giving talks, putting up posters and talking to people generally about Read Easy. The second is using social media effectively to raise awareness and publicise your group. This roleis commonly supported by other members of 
the team, with specific skills to offer.

How we will support you 
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, policies, training/induction and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional and national forums which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other 
groups. 

What you will be doing 
● Liaising with the Management Team to decide on the group’s publicity needs.
● Creating content for your group’s page on the Read Easy website.
● Being instrumental in raising awareness by giving talks, putting up posters and talking to people generally about Read Easy.
● Setting up and/or maintaining the group’s Facebook page, Twitter and/or other social media platforms to raise your group’s profile.
● Becoming familiar with the resources available to you on the Read Easy website. © Read Easy UK 2 June 2023
● Organising the printing and placement of posters, leaflets, and other publicity materials.
● Identifying any specific opportunities for publicity in the local media.
● Ensuring that you have written permission from all parties to use any such material for the purposes you intend. 
● Providing stories and photographs for the Read Easy UK website and newsletter about your group’s activities and achievements. 
● Following ‘Read Easy Brand Guidelines’ to preserve a clearly recognisable and consistent Read Easy identity.
● Attending Management Team meetings, typically every six to eight weeks.

The skills you will need
● Knowledge and previous experience of publicity/marketing are an advantage.
● Good communication and people skills.
● Knowledge and ability to use social media effectively is useful for the role. 
● The confidence to promote the work of Read Easy and a strong commitment to improving the lives of people who struggle with reading. 
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role.

What is in it for you? 
● Develop publicity and marketing skills for a specific purpose
● Meet and work collaboratively with new people
● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community

The opportunity

The Finance and Audit Committee (FAC) provides BIICL’s Board of Trustees with oversight and assurance on our finances, controls, investments, and audit. We're looking for a chartered accountant or senior finance leader to chair the Committee and join our Board of Trustees at a pivotal moment: a new Director and CEO, a new Director of Operations in post, and a new strategy launching in 2027. You'll bring real technical credibility and the judgement to translate financial detail into confidence for a Board whose backgrounds are mostly legal and academic. In return, you'll help shape the next chapter of one of the world's most respected independent legal institutes.

The current Chair’s term ends in December 2026. We are seeking a successor to join in October, allowing time for handover and induction ahead of the November FAC meeting and the December Board meeting.

Purpose of the role

The Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee provides strategic, non-executive financial oversight rather than day-to-day accounting.

As a trustee, you hold joint legal and fiduciary responsibility for the charity’s overall governance, strategic direction and financial health.

As Committee Chair, you will act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to the Director and Chief Executive and the Director of Operations, ensuring that BIICL’s income is robustly governed, financial risks are mitigated, and resources are deployed optimally to deliver maximum social impact. BIICL outsources financial management to a specialist non-profit accountancy firm, overseen internally by the Director of Operations; you’ll evaluate how well that arrangement is working and recommend change if needed. 

Key responsibilities

Strategic financial oversight

· Budgetary scrutiny: oversee the annual £2.5m operational budget and financial forecasts provided by the executive team.

· Performance monitoring: review quarterly management accounts, analysing variances, cash flow health, and performance against key performance indicators (KPIs).

· Reserves management: champion the regular review of a robust Reserves Policy to safeguard the charity against sudden funding fluctuations.

· Investment assets: oversee the performance of the charity’s cash reserves and any investment portfolios, ensuring alignment with ethical investment strategies.

Audit, risk and internal controls

· Statutory reporting: lead the FAC in reviewing the Annual Report and Accounts, ensuring compliance with Charity SORP FRS102 and statutory filing deadlines.

· External audit: manage the relationship with the External Auditor, leading on the tender process and reviewing the post-audit management letter.

· Risk mitigation: oversee the financial section of the organisation’s risk register, ensuring internal controls are sufficient to prevent fraud and compliance failures across complex funding streams, and ensure FAC oversight of the wider Risk Register.

· Fiscal compliance: monitor compliance with complex tax regimes relevant to this scale, including VAT, Gift Aid, and trading subsidiary operations (as applicable).

Committee leadership and Board reporting

· Meeting governance: set the agenda and chair quarterly FAC meetings, fostering an environment of collaboration, constructive, and high-quality challenge.

· Board communication: report clearly to the full Board of Trustees, translating complex financial positions into strategic insights for non-financial board members.

Statutory trustee duties

· Legal compliance: ensure the charity complies with charity law, company law, and all other relevant legislation or regulation.

· Strategic direction: contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in setting the charity’s overarching vision, mission, values, and strategic goals.

· Asset protection: act as a responsible custodian of the charity’s assets, ensuring funds are spent solely in furtherance of its charitable objectives.

· Effective governance: attend and actively participate in full quarterly Board meetings, the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and strategic away days.

· Collective decision-making: maintain the principle of collective board responsibility, upholding and supporting decisions made by the wider board.

Legal and regulatory frameworks

The postholder is required to understand, uphold, and apply the following core regulatory frameworks:

· The 6 Essential Trustee Duties (Charity Commission Guidance CC3): You share collective legal liability to ensure the charity carries out its purpose for the public benefit, complies with its governing document, acts in the charity's best interests, manages resources responsibly, acts with reasonable care and skill, and remains fully accountable.

· Financial Reporting Standards 102 and the Charities SORP: Because our annual income exceeds £250,000, the accounts must be compiled under the Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP), transparently separating restricted, unrestricted, and designated funds.

· The Charity Governance Code: Our Board intends to benchmark itself against this code. You will directly champion Principle 5 (Board Effectiveness) and Principle 6 (Risk and Control) to ensure internal controls are regularly evaluated.

Person specification

Experience and qualifications

· Financial qualification: chartered status (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) is essential.

· Senior leadership: proven experience operating as a CFO, Finance Director, or partner in a professional services practice in an organisation of similar or larger scale.

· Sector expertise: strong working knowledge of Charity SORP, restricted and unrestricted funding, and UK charity law is highly desirable.

· Governance background: previous experience as a trustee, non-executive director, or committee member is advantageous.  

Core skills and attributes

· Strategic clarity: ability to look past the numbers to see systematic risks and strategic opportunities.  

· Collaborative challenge: ability to robustly hold senior staff and third-party advisors to account while maintaining a supportive, professional working relationship.

· Communication: ability to explain intricate financial matters plainly to non-financial audiences.

· Commitment to the cause: a demonstrable passion for the charity’s core mission and alignment with its values. 

Terms of appointment

Term:

Trustee appointments are for a three-year term, renewable for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Time commitment:

Trustees are required to commit approximately 8-10 days per year. There are four board meetings, four FAC meetings per year, a strategy day, plus approx. 2-3 hours per month for executive consultation. 

Location:

London/Hybrid – FAC meetings usually take place online; Board meetings and strategic away days are in-person, usually at our London office.

Remuneration:

This is a voluntary role and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration; however, all reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Reporting to:

Board of Trustees / Chair of the Board

How to apply

To apply formally, please submit a CV and supporting statement, each no more than two sides of A4, clearly outlining your suitability for the role against the criteria in the person specification and your motivation for applying.

Please include your home address, contact email, and mobile number.

We aim to acknowledge receipt within 2-3 days.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We expect to interview candidates from mid-September with a view to appointing by the end of October.

For further information about the role or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Tom Asher, Director of Operations

Location: Worldwide

Term: Voluntary – Unpaid (reasonable travel expenses can be claimed)

Closing date: Friday 2nd October 2026

Inspired by the Islamic faith and guided by our values, we envisage a caring world where communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled, and people respond as one to the suffering of others.

We provide lasting routes out of poverty, empowering people to transform their lives and serving all communities without prejudice.

As an independent faith-based humanitarian and development organisation, Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) has been serving humanity for over 40 years. With an active presence in over 40 countries across the globe, we strive to make the world a better and fairer place for the three billion people still living in poverty.

Since we were founded in 1984, Islamic Relief has grown into one of the world’s largest relief and development charities, touching the lives of over 120 million people.

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is seeking to appoint additional independent members to join our International General Assembly (IGA).

Following appointment to the IGA, independent members are eligible for nomination to the BoT after 1 year as an IGA independent member.

Appointments on the BoT are for a 4-year term limit.

The IGA is the highest body of the new Islamic Relief Worldwide governance structure and consists mainly of representatives elected by Islamic Relief family members across five continents, creating a body that is truly globally representative. It is from the IGA that IRW draws its trustees.

We would like to hear from exceptional applicants with considerable experience and specialist knowledge in a range of professional backgrounds: law, accountancy, audit, humanitarian programming, PR/communications, marketing or fundraising, IT, charity financial policy and strategy, shariah compliance. Those selected will play a vital role in IRW’s strategic work and in helping us respond to key challenges.

As a member of the IGA, it is expected you will be fully committed to the organisational objectives of IRW, sharing our vision, mission and values. You will be expected to attend meetings and be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role and to act in the best interest of IRW’s work and its rightsholders.

The Role

Key responsibilities:

• Participate in the oversight of the organisation in accordance with its statutory obligations, making sure that IRW satisfies its regulatory and legal requirements as a charity
• Act in a manner which supports the organisation in meeting aims and objectives as set out in IRW governing documents and in ensuring IRW long-term security
• Focus on strategic planning and governance when setting IRW priorities and objectives
• Participate in the approval of annual plans, strategies and budgets

• Support the financial stability of the charity and contribute to its effective and efficient administration, reviewing and approving financial strategies and monitoring income and expenditure, to ensure the organisation is in good financial health
• Promote IRW’s vision, mission and values and demonstrate IRW’s values in all of the IGA’s work.

About You

We are seeking exceptional candidates with a breadth of leadership experience who can enhance the strategic development of IRW and have the following skills and qualities:

• A deep commitment and passion for IRW’s faith-inspired values, vision and mission
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Considerable professional experience and specialist knowledge in one or more of the following – law, accountancy, audit, humanitarian programming, PR/communications, marketing or fundraising, IT, charity financial policy and strategy, shariah compliance
• Strategic vision and critical thinking skills
• Skills in problem solving and conflict resolution
• Legislative and operating framework for charities/voluntary and community sector organisations, especially an understanding of Charity Commission requirements
• A good understanding of the context IRW operates within
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; enjoys teamwork
• Willing to be an ambassador for IRW
• Demonstrates past public conduct, statements and behaviour that are in line with IRW’s values and expectations of the role

If you are interested in this role, please review the information pack before applying.

How to apply:

To make your application for the IGA position, please send a current CV and cover letter.

The deadline for applications is Friday, 2nd October 2026

PLEASE NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications without a cover letter will not be accepted.