Quality volunteer roles
Message from the Chair of Trustees
The Trustees represent different backgrounds and experiences, but what pulls us together is a
commitment to SEED’s work on the ground in Madagascar. Several of us have been to Madagascar
and have either volunteered or worked with SEED, so we have seen first-hand how important our
work is, and the positive impact SEED has in the communities we serve. Madagascar is an
extraordinary country with exceptional biodiversity but has severely lacking infrastructure and a
high level of anthropogenic threats due to extreme poverty and considerable dependence on
natural resources.
We are looking forward to welcoming a new Chair of our Board of Trustees to join the amazing
team of dedicated staff and volunteers who are delivering sustainable development, conservation
and community work through a range of projects based on local needs. The current Chair has been
in post since 2022 and served as a Trustee for 2 years prior to that. A change of leadership and a
fresh perspective is timely and will ensure we approach the next phase of our growth and
development with new ideas. You will be assured of a warm and supportive welcome with the
benefit of a team containing years of experience, combined with new members who bring global
expertise in their field.
SEED is growing thanks to successful marketing, fundraising project development and delivery. We
are now looking to build on our implementation of our strategic plan, to deliver sustainable
development for the people of southeastern Madagascar. We are privileged to work with its
wonderful people, and we hope that you will want to join us.
Introduction to SEED
SEED has been working in the southeast corner of Madagascar for over 20 years. SEED stands for Sustainable, Environment, Education and Development and we focus on building meaningful, sustainable change in one the poorest regions of one the poorest countries in the world.
Our projects range from school building to maternal health, from Agroforestry to Lemur Conservation and rights.
We are active on social media where you can find us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. The majority of our staff are Malagasy, working in Fort Dauphin to design and deliver projects on the ground, alongside our international team, who bring external expertise and international best practices. In Madagascar, we have 95 staff in total (70 Malagasy and 25 international). They are supported by a small UK-based and remote working team of 10.
Governance structures
SEED’s Board of Trustees has 8 members, including the Chair, who meet quarterly. There are three sub-committees of the board focusing on: Audit and Risk; Marketing and Fundraising; and HR. These are chaired by a Trustee and consist of at least one other Trustee and up to two of the Senior Management team. We also have lead Trustees for Safeguarding and Whistleblowing.
The Board is international with Trustees based in a number of different countries, so the Board works remotely.
The operations are run by the Managing Director and the Director of Programmes and Operations who are both long standing senior managers.
The Chair of Trustees role
Chair of Trustee Board
In addition to the general role of Trustee, the Chair of SEED’s Board of Trustees holds overall accountability for the charity delivering its mission. Working closely with the Board and the staff senior team , they will provide leadership and direction to ensure SEED fulfils its charitable aims and objectives and abides by its governing documents and relevant legislation. They will work collaboratively with board members and senior management to ensure SEED delivers maximum benefit to the communities it serves.
Chair Role Description
Terms and conditions: Voluntary role
Responsible to: Board of Trustees
Base: The Board works remotely
Line manager of: Managing Director
Overview of SEED
SEED Madagascar is a successful, growing British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high-quality community health, rural livelihoods, schools and conservation programmes to support long term, sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication.
SEED has been working in Madagascar for over 20 years and has a wide range of impactful projects ranging from school building to sexual health, from beekeeping to improving lemur habitats. More recently, SEED has been working to address the famine in the southeast with emergency food distribution.
Employing most of its staff in Madagascar, SEED also engages international staff and interns as well as running a volunteer programme. Full details of our operations can be found on our website which includes our annual report and accounts, fundraising advice and information on our staff and Trustees.
The role will carry the usual responsibilities of a Trustee as defined by the England and Wales Charity Commission and we encourage all applicants to read through this prior to making an application.
Accountability:
As a Trustee you are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity and are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders including service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House.
SEED Trustees should uphold the fiduciary duty required of all charity trustees to act in the best interests of both current and future beneficiaries of the charity, being held personally liable for any breach of that duty.
Key Responsibilities
- To ensure that the Board of Trustees understands and fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation
- To provide strategic oversight and ensure that all decisions are taken in the best interests of SEED and its charitable aims.
- To provide leadership for the Board of Trustees in their role of developing and agreeing the strategy of the organisation.
- To ensure that SEED has the effective policies and procedures needed to function properly, legally and safely including those for safeguarding, whistleblowing and anticorruption.
- To effectively chair the Board meetings, facilitating debate and bringing about consensus and clear decision making.
- To work with the Board to bring about strong and constructive working relationships and sharing of the workload across the areas of expertise.
- To oversee the membership of and effective working of the subcommittees
- To build and maintain a constructive and supportive working relationship with the MD. To be overall line manager for the MD, assessing their performance and discussing development needs with them.
- To work closely with the MD to support them in achieving the vision of the organisation ensuring they have the support needed for the effective running of SEED and bring scrutiny as needed so they are held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives.
- To plan with the MD the annual cycle of Board meetings, setting agendas and monitoring the decisions taken at meetings are enacted.
- To review the Board’s performance and composition to ensure that SEED has a diverse, high performing Board working together in support of SEEDs strategy and Charitable objectives.
- To support recruitment and onboarding of new members to the board as needed to ensure continuity of the board responsibilities.
- To work with each Trustee to support them fulfilling their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
- To ensure the Board regularly reviews major risks and associated opportunities.
- To lead the Board in fulfilling its duties to ensure the sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to verify financial accountability and that SEED is operating within the legal and financial guidelines set out in the current legislation
- To represent the interests of the board and charity externally as and when needed
Person specification
- Knowledge and understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Chair of a Charity and Board Membership – experience as a board member as a minimum
- An understanding and experience of strategic planning within the corporate or charity setting.
- A proven leader with the ability to think strategically and creatively and to challenge proposals with clear logical thinking
- A strong commitment and passion for international development and an understanding of this sector, ideally able to bring experience of working within it.
- Demonstrable alignment to the charity’s mission, vision, and values
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience of people management and able to build strong relationships with people who are working on a voluntary basis at senior level
- An understanding of, or a willingness to understand, the strategic, legislative, political and cultural contexts that affect and influence SEED’s work
- Enthusiasm and commitment to equality and diversity in all aspects of SEED’s work
- An interest in Madagascar and an understanding of the challenges of working within different cultures and environments
- Be able to work to and advocate for all of SEED’s policies and procedures, safeguarding those that SEED works with and investigating and/or reporting any concerns appropriately
SEED Madagascar actively encourages equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and aims to create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination, where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued
Time commitments and requirements
There are a minimum of four Board meetings per year with the potential for additional Board meetings and Trustee only discussions. The Chair will discuss and agree the agenda in advance with the Managing Director, Chair the meeting and ensure follow up actions take place. These meetings are on a Sunday, are virtual and typically last 3 hours.
The Chair will participate on one sub-committee which has its own quarterly cycle of meetings. The Chair will manage the MD and have regular discussions about progress and undertake the annual review process. The Chair and all Trustees are required to undertake mandatory training as part of their induction and regular updates and additional training. The Chair will work with the Board to ensure each member is taking an active part in the Board and sub committees.
The Trustee Board are encouraged to have one trustee a year take a trip to Madagascar to familiarise themselves with the environment the SEED works in and to meet and get to know the staff in country (some expenses will be covered).
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Lead Volunteer Role Description
- To update the Volunteers’ Rota from the Court diary and ensure that each Volunteer in the team and the CCSS office has a copy. Wherever possible, the Rota should be kept on a computer for updating and emailed to the rest of the team and the office.
- Ensure sufficient numbers of Volunteers are on duty for effective and appropriate support for bereaved families and witnesses who attend the Inquests.
- To arrange and re-arrange the Rota between the Volunteers, noting any holiday or leave of absence dates.
- Ensure a finalised Rota is sent to the office at the end of each month in order for volunteer expenses to be checked and processed.
- To ensure that all the Volunteers have each other’s contact details and the Volunteer emergency contact details are included in the court file and updated when changes occur.
- To ensure monthly and yearly statistics are kept up to date and to send the Monthly Statistics to the Volunteer who collates the stats at the end of each month.
- To ensure there are sufficient Report Forms for the Volunteers’ use if collecting stats in paper format. If alternative methods of collecting stats are used, to ensure that the team are all using the same method.
- To inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office of the need for more Volunteers or of any leavers.
- To assist with the recruitment interviews and induction of new Volunteers.
- Responsible for the support of new Volunteers and their final sign off. Where the Lead Volunteer has concerns about the level of support required or the competency of a new Volunteer, they should refer those concerns to the Operations & Training Manager.
- To organise Volunteer team meetings (minimum of 3 meetings per year) and to inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office via email of the dates of these so they can attend if necessary/appropriate.
- To immediately refer any serious concerns raised by the Coroner or Coroner’s Officers to the CEO.
- To inform the CEO immediately of any issues or concerns that arises at the Court that might impact on the CCSS.
- To provide local information for the Helpline Court Information Sheet when requested.
- To ensure the team follow the practices of the court and work in partnership with the court staff.
- To forward any testimonials about the support provided by our volunteers to the CCSS office.
- Responsibility for maintaining the stock of CCSS leaflets.
- Organise cover for themselves when they are on holiday or need to take time off.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum of 2 court days per month attendance requiured. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have an exciting opportunity for a new Treasurer to join our board.
As Treasurer, you will work alongside our Finance Manager, the finance sub-committee and our trustee board to oversee the financial strategy and risk management processes of our organisation, to ensure its financial viability and legal compliance. To apply, you must have some financial qualifications (or relevant experience) and have some knowledge or experience of charity finances, fundraising, financial consequences and pension schemes.
Working with the Finance Manager, finance sub-committee (including the CEO) and trustee board, the Treasurer will oversee the financial strategy and risk management processes of the organisation, to ensure its financial viability and legal compliance.
We want our board to have a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds and are looking for strategic thinkers with a commitment to good governance and a willingness to work collaboratively and challenge constructively.
We are committed to being an inclusive workplace and we value diversity - we welcome and encourage applications from all walks of life, whatever your background or situation.
This is an exciting opportunity to be able to influence the direction of our charity, making a real difference. You will work alongside passionate and skilled colleagues and use your experience to create positive change for thousands of people in the Winchester district every year.
Citizens Advice Winchester District provides free advice to over 5,000 local people each year, many of whom are in desperate and extremely challenging situations and have nowhere else to turn.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Registered Charity
11 - 20
To help people overcome their problems and uphold their rights through advice, support and campaigning, ultimately creating a fairer society for all.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Health Sciences University in their search for two Independent Governors.
Health Sciences University (HSU) stands at the forefront of health and care education, research, leadership and practice. Formed in July 2024 through the merger of AECC University College and the University College of Osteopathy, HSU brings together a proud legacy of innovation and global leadership in health education, spanning over a century.
With a diverse community of around 2,500 students and over 400 staff, HSU offers more than 30 courses across allied health, sport and exercise sciences, psychology and mental health, chiropractic, osteopathy, and healthcare leadership and management. HSU’s commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in their growing portfolio of apprenticeships, accredited CPD, and masterclasses, supporting the health and care workforce across the UK and internationally.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of our university, ensuring we continue to thrive in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.
About the Governor Opportunities:
We are seeking to appoint two new Independent Governors who have significant senior level expertise in finance, accountancy and risk. In addition to their Board roles, candidates will join either our Finance and Performance Committee or our Audit and Risk Committee as a result of existing members retiring at the end of their terms of office.
We anticipate that to demonstrate the required competencies for the role, suitable candidates will have experience of
- Working at a senior level in a complex, regulated environment with multiple stakeholders and
- Hold a professional financial qualification such as CIMA, ACCA and ACA (ICAEW)
Candidates will:
- Provide strategic oversight into how the University can strengthen its long-term financial resilience and prepare effectively for future opportunities and risks.
- Help the Board to critique and articulate the commercial value and strategic implications of potential growth, capital investment appraisals, diversification opportunities, mergers and acquisitions.
- Maintain a strategic perspective while interrogating risk management processes, decision making and financial assumptions.
- Contribute to the development of institutional strategy and provide informed oversight of progress against agreed objectives and measures of performance.
- Demonstrate a genuine commitment to the University’s vision, mission and values and the wider social purpose of health sciences education and clinical services.
Thank you!
Do you have a passion to make a difference in the lives of children and families? Spurgeons is seeking new trustees to join our current Board in bringing prayerful wisdom and strategic guidance over the coming years.
Spurgeons is one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families for 150 years. Inspired by Christian faith and our founder Charles Spurgeon, we’re here for all families. Together, we create family hubs where we’re needed most, with counselling, early years and family support. We partner with local councils, churches and communities to care for every family, putting children and young people first in everything we do. Our services also include parenting support and resources, mental health support for children and young people, and working with families affected by domestic abuse and imprisonment.
These services are needed more than ever, and our current strategy focuses on growth, innovating in partnership with churches, developing online family hubs to expand our reach and ensuring fundraising is a strategic priority. We are ambitious and hopeful about how we can grow to make a significant impact on many more children’s lives in the future.
To support Board succession planning, we are seeking to appoint five new trustees with a range of skills and experience including:
· Fundraising and marketing
· Finance
· Children’s services e.g. senior leadership experience within social services, the care sector, local authorities, health, education, or charitable contexts
· Safeguarding
· Cultural change and transformation
Given an occupational requirement for these roles to be filled by Christians, we are seeking candidates with a personal and active Christian faith who are comfortable and aligned with the statement of faith outlined on our website.
In order to build on our Baptist heritage, we are also keen to ensure that at least one of our trustees is a member of, or has a connection with, the Baptist church.
Spurgeons values diversity, promotes inclusion, and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those with lived experience of children’s support services. We recognise the need to increase the diversity of the Board, for example in terms of age, ethnicity, disability, gender and LGBTQ+ representation.
In terms of location, at present, Board meetings take place in London and committee meetings take place virtually via Teams.
For further information, including full details of how to apply, please see our Appointment Details Pack which can be downloaded from the application resources/ supporting documents section below. Application is by submission of CV and cover letter via email to Laura Bagley at Macaulay Search (please see Appointment Details Pack for contact details).
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 2nd March 2026.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We create family hubs where we’re needed most, so, when a family member needs support, turn to us.
