Senior development executive volunteer roles

Title: Trustee (Safeguarding & Young People Lead)
Salary: This is a voluntary role
Location: Remote with very occasional (1-2 times a year) travel to London (expenses
reimbursed)
Commitment: Approximately 8-10 board meetings per year, plus additional input as
required.
Reporting to: Chair of Trustees

About us
The Ben Kinsella Trust is one of the UK’s leading anti-knife crime charities. We were set up
following the tragic murder of 16-year-old Ben Kinsella in 2008, and everything we do is
guided by his legacy. Our mission is to prevent knife crime by educating and campaigning:
we help young people to stay safe.
Ben was a kind, creative young person who loved art, music, Arsenal FC, and making
people laugh. He had big dreams of becoming a graphic designer. His death was a
senseless act of violence, and the outpouring of grief and public support that followed
marked the start of a movement. Ben’s own words, written shortly before his death, called for
change, and his voice continues to inspire our work.
Through immersive workshops in our Choices and Consequences Exhibitions and free
online resources, we have reached over 50,000 young people. Our work challenges myths
about knife crime, strengthens peer influence, and sparks meaningful conversations. As we
grow, we remain committed to honouring Ben’s life by making a real, lasting difference to
young people across the UK.
We’re a small team of 10, growing shortly to 14, working across Programmes, Fundraising
and Communications, Finance and Operations and Leadership.
Ben’s legacy is our guide – we exist to stop knife crime.
Trustee – Safeguarding & Young People

What you’ll be doing
As the Trustee leading on Safeguarding & Young People, your expertise will guide the Ben
Kinsella Trust in maintaining the highest standards of education, youth work and
safeguarding practice. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the Trustee will
provide strategic oversight, guidance and appropriate challenge on education, youth work
and safeguarding and child protection matters across the organisation.
This role will act as the Board’s safeguarding lead, ensuring safeguarding remains central to
the charity’s governance, culture and decision-making. The Trustee will also act as a Deputy
DSL for escalated or complex safeguarding incidents where additional oversight or support
is required.
This is a highly rewarding role for someone with senior experience in an educational, youth,
community or charitable setting who wants to use their professional expertise to make a real
difference. We are looking for someone who will bring energy, insight and ambition and will
play an active part in shaping the charity’s future. As a key member of the Board, you’ll help
to ensure that Ben’s legacy continues to change lives and prevent knife crime across the
UK.

Strategy and Governance
• Act as a full member of the Board of Trustees, contributing to the overall governance,
strategy, and direction of the charity.
• Lead on education and youth work at Board level, keeping young people at the centre of
our decision making, and ensuring our programme delivery is grounded in best practice.
• Lead on safeguarding and child protection matters at Board level, ensuring safeguarding
remains a key strategic priority for the organisation.
• Support the Board in understanding and carrying out its safeguarding responsibilities and
regulatory obligations.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including the Charity
Commission and funders.
Safeguarding Oversight and Support
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture across the organisation, centred on the safety
and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults.
• Support the review, development and implementation of safeguarding-related policies,
procedures and practices.
• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to provide strategic advice and support
on safeguarding and child protection matters.
• Provide oversight and appropriate challenge regarding safeguarding incidents, themes,
risks and organisational responses.
• Act as Deputy DSL in cases involving escalated, high-risk or complex safeguarding
concerns where additional support or oversight is required.
Support and Guidance
• Provide professional education, youth work, and safeguarding expertise and mentorship
to the Board, Senior Leadership Team and relevant staff.
• Support the organisation in developing safe, inclusive and trauma-informed approaches
to working with young people.
• Provide appropriate challenge and scrutiny to ensure all decisions are centred around
young people and their safety, whilst aligning with the charity’s values, responsibilities
and risk mitigation strategies.Who we are looking for
We are seeking a Trustee (Safeguarding & Young People Lead) who will bring youth work,
education and safeguarding expertise,
We actively encourage people from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and
perspectives to join our Board and help shape the future of The Ben Kinsella Trust.
We recognise the value that diverse voices bring to our decision-making and to the way we
work. We are particularly keen to hear from people who are currently underrepresented on
our Board or within the wider charity sector, and who can bring different insights to our
governance and strategy.
While we’re looking for candidates with the skills and experience listed, we know no one is
perfect in every area. If you meet some of the criteria, we’d still really love to hear from you.
Please feel free to reach out for a friendly chat about the role and your application.

Skills and experience
You’ll have:
• Education and / or Youth work experience: A recognised qualification in education,
youth work, social work or a related field, alongside senior leadership experience in an
organisation that works with children and young people
• Safeguarding experience in a senior role: Substantial safeguarding leadership
experience (5+ years) in a senior leadership, executive or board level role; with current
or previous experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Strategic leadership experience: Proven strategic experience at executive or board
level, recognising the impact of strategic decisions on outcomes for young people, whilst
overseeing service delivery and protecting the organisation from risk.
Values
We are looking for someone who:
• Is ambitious and proactive. You’re driven to make a tangible impact and actively
contribute, and you’ll take the initiative to help the charity grow and achieve its mission
• Is passionate about making a difference, and committed to preventing knife crime and
improving outcomes for young people
• Values equity and inclusion and actively promotes diversity in decision making and
governance.
• Works collaboratively. You’ll engage with other members of the board and senior
leadership team, work together, and bring both constructive challenge and support.What you’ll be expected to do
• The role requires attendance at approximately 8-10 Full Board meetings per year,
usually held virtually.
• Additional commitment includes preparing for meetings, reviewing programmes related
reports and policies, and engaging with safeguarding matters or staff meetings as
required.
• Occasional attendance at charity events, strategy days, or stakeholder meetings may
also be requested.
• Overall, the role is expected to require 6–8 hours per month on average, with some
months busier than others.
External resources
The following documents and links will help you understand the legal duties, responsibilities
and liabilities that being a Trustee involves:
• What is a trustee? - NCVO Knowhow
• The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do - 
How to apply
If you would like to apply, please submit a CV and include a supporting statement, detailing
why you are interested in the role and your relevant experience and suitability.
Applications close: Tuesday 7th July, 5pm
Interview schedule:
● 1st stage, online via MS Teams. 14th / 15th July
● 2nd stage, online via MS Teams. 21st / 22nd July

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the CEO on matters of urgency and importance to the organization.
• Manage the agenda for meetings the CEO holds ensuring all actions are allocated for actioning
• Sign post management across the organisation as required
• Handle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
• Organizing and coordinating meetings, appointments, and events to ensure efficient time management for the CEO
• Handling Communications: Acting as the first point of contact for the CEO, managing correspondence.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and other documents needed for meetings and decision-making.
• Assisting with various administrative tasks such as record-keeping and office management.
• Coordinating specific tasks as assigned by the CEO
• Acting as a bridge between the CEO and other senior management, ensuring smooth communication

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience in fast-paced environments.
• Good IT skills.
• Ability to use remote systems.
• Ability to engage with others well.
• Good people skills.

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.
• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.
• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Our trustees and non-executive directors play a vital role in making sure that the group achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that there is a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.

Just as importantly, they support and challenge the CEO and executive team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs, to enable Thrive Social Housing and Emerging Futures CIC to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

The Board operates under the leadership and guidance of the chair and works in partnership with the chief executive officer and the executive team.

Board members are expected to always act in the best interests of the organisation and its stakeholders, and to use their background knowledge and skills to work with the chair and other board members to ensure that the Board, supported by its committees, carries out its responsibilities effectively and lead from the top in demonstrating our culture, values and behaviours.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

About IDEMS

IDEMS is a UK-based social enterprise developing the novel human-centred technology infrastructure and products needed to affordably, sustainably scale expert-developed social interventions in variable low-resource communities globally for the greatest social impact. 

IDEMS is now at an inflection point of innovation and growth. 

Our innovation emerges from applied R&D in long-term multidisciplinary innovation collaborations. IDEMS impact-trained mathematical scientists and applied technologists partner with field-leading experts, UN agencies, global and local NGOs and researchers, and affected stakeholders to address grand challenges in areas including education, public health and climate resilience. 

Across variable multiyear, multidisciplinary grand-challenge collaborations, IDEMS has validated the need for and is piloting impact-enabling socio-technical innovation to address a major unmet challenge: How to enable local stakeholders to adapt, take ownership of, and continuously improve, in collaboration with global experts, impact programming to meet the needs of their communities–and do this affordably, sustainably, at scale across variable low-resource contexts? 

IDEMS is developing the novel socio-technical frameworks, infrastructure and products to address this challenge. At the heart of our work is pioneering “meaningful semantic interoperability”. Grounded in the application of frontier mathematical theory and made possible by advances in AI, IDEMS innovation transforms impact programme code and content into structured, reusable atomic data elements that can be malleably reordered, recombined or replaced to create unlimited, entirely new programme applications, interoperable down to the structured atomic data element level. 

IDEMS innovation unlocks impact at scale by enabling: 1) local programme adaptation to meet the highly variable digital, social and economic realities of low-resource contexts, 2) multidirectional data sharing and sensemaking for continuous systemic and local programme improvement, and 3) local ownership and control for a new model of affordable, sustainable, and community-accountable impact innovation. 

In this context, IDEMS faces the challenge of being a deeply innovative technology company, requiring significant mission-aligned impact financing to develop pioneering innovation, with an uncompromising mission to serve the public good. 

The Opportunity
IDEMS is seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Director to join its Board at this exciting stage of growth.

Role Purpose
The Non-Executive Director will provide independent oversight, strategic guidance, and constructive challenge, helping ensure IDEMS delivers on its social mission while strengthening organisational sustainability and impact.

While IDEMS operates at a deep academic and technical level, the role does not require deep technical or mathematical expertise. The Non-Executive Director’s value lies in their ability to develop an understanding of the systemic barriers to responsibly, inclusively scaling social impact in low-resource contexts–and of how existing approaches to scaling impact with technology at best often fail to deliver meaningful impact and at worst introduce new harms and dependencies. 

From that understanding, the Non-Executive Director will bring clear strategic perspective that includes offering high-level challenge and insight to help shape direction, identifying funding and partnership opportunities, strengthening decision-making, and ensuring alignment with social mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation
• Provide independent scrutiny and governance oversight
• Support the executive team through challenge and advice
• Help ensure alignment between mission, impact, and sustainability
• Act as an ambassador for IDEMS, supporting fundraising, partnerships and visibility

Person Specification
We are particularly interested in individuals who bring a combination of the following (we do not expect any one person to have all of these):

• Senior leadership or board-level experience
• Interest in social impact, international development, or education
• Strong understanding of, or experience with, social and non-equity-based enterprise investment (of particular interest)
• Understanding of technology, data, or innovation ecosystems (desirable)
• Experience in governance, finance, scaling organisations, partnerships, or impact evaluation

A commitment to IDEMS’ values is essential, including collaboration, respect for complexity, and a focus on long-term impact.

Time Commitment
Approximately 5–10 days per year, including Board meetings and at least one full day at an in-person team meeting.

Why Join IDEMS?

• Be part of a globally recognised social enterprise addressing complex challenges
• Work with a diverse, international team
• Contribute to innovative approaches to technology for public good, including advancing new models for responsible, accountable AI
• Help shape an organisation focused on long-term, meaningful impact

As our Chair of Trustees, we offer you a deeply rewarding role with the opportunity of personal fulfilment, leadership development, purpose and connection through your vital contribution to shape the strategic direction of a highly respected charity. You will ensure we achieve our mission to provide outstanding, free end-of-life care within our community.You will work alongside a skilled and passionate Board and executive team and have the chance to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of local people and their families.

We are seeking a passionate Chair of Trustees to help shape the future of our hospice and champion our vision that everyone has the opportunity to die at home with our community-based hospice care.

Trustee

We're looking for a Trustee to be part of a school trust helping to shape strategy, strengthen governance and support positive outcomes for children and young people.

Position: Trustee

Salary: This is a voluntary role however expenses can be paid in line with the allowances policy

Location: Derby - Meetings are in person, but with an online option.  Being local to Derby, or at least having an understanding of the community is important.

Closing date: 29th June

Time commitment: Around 8 meetings a year, mostly in the evening. Plus visit schools during the school day about twice a year.

About the role:

As a Trustee, you will be responsible for governing a charitable company and directing how it is managed and run. Trustees must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements. Trustees should seek the advice of the board’s governance professional and other professional advice as appropriate.

The trust board works closely with the CEO and other executives. The CEO and colleagues are responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the trust and its schools, whereas the role of the board is strategic.

Key responsibilities will include:

· Determining the trust's mission, values, and long-term ambitious vision.

· Deciding the principles that guide trust policies and approving key policies.

· Appointing and appraising the senior executive leader and making pay recommendations.

· working with senior leaders to develop a strategy for achieving the vision.

· Ensuring that stakeholders are involved, consulted, and informed as appropriate.

· Ensuring that all schools in the trust deliver a broad and balanced curriculum such that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education and adult life.

· Taking ownership of the trust’s financial sustainability and ensuring effective resource management across the trust.

About you

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about making a difference and can contribute strategic thinking, professional expertise and sound judgement.

You may bring experience from areas such as:

• Leadership or senior management
• Finance, audit or accountancy
• Human resources and people management
• Legal, governance or compliance
• Education, public services or the charity sector
• Business development, operations or organisational strategy

You will also have:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to analyse information and ask constructive questions
• A commitment to good governance and accountability
• The ability to work collaboratively with a diverse board and leadership team
• A willingness to dedicate time to meetings, preparation and ongoing learning

Previous trustee, governor or non-executive experience is welcome but not essential.

Contributions to the trust board

Trustees should ensure that they are making a positive and meaningful contribution to the board by:

· Attending meetings (typically around 10 meetings each year), reading papers and preparing questions for the senior executive leader in advance.

· Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with senior executive leaders and colleagues on the board of trustees.

· Getting to know schools within the trust, including visiting occasionally during school hours.

· Undertaking induction training and developing knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis.

About the organisation

The organisation is committed to delivering high-quality education and ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed. Through strong leadership, effective governance and a clear strategic vision, it aims to create positive outcomes for pupils, staff and communities.

Trustees play a vital role in supporting this mission and helping the organisation achieve its long-term ambitions.

Areas of expertise you may have experience with could include: Finance, education, legal, estates management, compliance, charity work, health.

WIILMA exists to reduce loneliness and isolation and increase community cohesion, through community education projects centred around world music, arts, history, heritage and culture.

We are offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced, reliable Volunteer Executive Assistant PA who can develop a CEO's office function that can support the important work of WIILMA. Providing admin, CRM support and high-level support to its Founder/CEO and working across different teams and senior members of the organisation.

This crucial role focuses on setting up, maintaining, and shaping up the role and function, organising essential organisational records and systems, ensuring the long-term sustainability of WIILMA’s mission.

You will have the opportunity to bring your own ideas to a creative community environment.

Key Requirements

• Experience: Candidates should have a background in executive support, senior administration, or project management, a bonus if you have some experience within the not-for-profit sector or public sector.

• Professionalism: High standards of integrity, reliability, and openness are required.

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal skills are essential for representing a high-profile community organization.

• Passion: Candidates must be mission-driven, with a strong interest in the arts, diversity, and social cohesion.

• Capacity: Volunteers must have the time availability and capacity to actively contribute. 

This is an opportunity to directly support the leadership of a mission-driven organization, during a very exciting time as we grow our presence and reach, helping to build the organizational infrastructure needed for long-term success.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Support: Manage the CEO’s  schedule and mailbox, ensuring communications are handled with total confidentiality and professional flair.

Stakeholder Liaison: Act as a primary point of contact for external partners, including local councils, cultural institutions, grant makers, and businesses, directly working with CRM/Community engagement colleagues to keep track of our relationships.

Strategic Documentation: Represent WIILMA at high-level meetings, documenting minutes and tracking actionable outcomes to ensure organisational momentum.

Logistics & Events: Help coordinate volunteer and equipment logistics for our vibrant community events and workshops.

Leadership & Management: Based on your level of experience as an executive assistant, you may have the opportunity to help recruit, train, and mentor other executive assistants within the CEO’s office.

Operational Excellence

We are looking for passionate people to join our team! We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment and as an equal opportunity organisation strongly encourage people from all backgrounds, communities, identities, and experiences to apply.

Note: Because we are a 100% volunteer-run organization, our response to your inquiry may be slightly delayed, but we appreciate your patience and interest!

We are looking for passionate people to join our team and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Note: Because we are a volunteer-run organisation, our response to your inquiry may be slightly delayed, but we appreciate your patience and interest!

Role Summary

If you have a senior financial background and a passion for global justice and disability inclusion, we’d love to hear from you. The role will serve on both our Board and our Finance and Audit Committee. Experience working with UK charities, either in finance, governance or audit, is desirable, but not essential. The role would suit an experienced Trustee, or someone considering their first Trustee role. This role will oversee the charity’s financial performance and position, financial governance, and investment management. 

Please note that we will review applications as they are received, so early applications
are encouraged.

About Us

For over 115 years, CBM has been transforming lives around the world. We work with local partners, making sure people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest communities have access to healthcare, education and a future where they can thrive. As an organisation based on Christian values, we welcome staff of all faiths and none in our work to build an inclusive world in which all people with disabilities enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential.

Please download the Recruitment Pack for full details and how to apply.

Looking to Make a Difference? Join Where Next as a Board Trustee!

Are you a passionate professional who wants to make an impact beyond the workplace?

About Where Next
Where Next is a charity based in Redditch, Worcestershire and Studley, Warwickshire providing support to adults with learning disabilities.  Founded over 40 years ago by caring parents it has grown from strengthen to strengthen and now provides day care for 150 clients.  The care and support is centred around horticultural and social activities but it also covers many other activities for the clients ensuring that is a varied and engaging programme of activities, nurturing the potential of everyone who attends Where Next

The charity is led by a Chief Executive and a passionate and experienced Board consisting of an excellent Senior Management team and Trustees.  There are 20 staff in total 

The charity has just commenced a developmental journey which will be looking at redesigning the facilities and services ensuring that the charity continues to be relevant going forward. 

Our webpage provides mor information and insight to the work of the charity

What we are looking for.

The Board are looking to strengthen existing skills and knowledge that currently exists and would like to appointment Trustees with any of the following skills and experiences.

Ø  Parent/ carer of an individual with Learning and Disabilities - living or professional experience – bringing day to day experiences to ensure that the Charities strategy is appropriate from a user’s perspective

Ø  Health and safety contract management – providing expertise in all aspects of safety aspect

Ø  Fund raising and PR/marketing including social media - Bringing innovative ideas to expand our reach and connect more people with our cause.

Ø  Project management – sharing skills to aid strategy of charities developments

Ø  Business planning and/or Business Case development -providing skills for the creation of business cases

Ø  Horticultural management – Bringing leadership to support the activities of the charity

Ø  Education /Training/ skills and personal development - offering insights to help improve and develop our Board and workforce

Why Become a Trustee While Working Full-Time?

• Enhance Your Professional Skills: Gain leadership, governance, and strategic experience that complements your career development.
• Broaden Your Network: Collaborate with like-minded professionals, build relationships across sectors, and expand your influence.
• Flexible Commitment: We understand your time is valuable. Our trustee roles are designed to fit alongside your job, with regular meetings and flexible involvement options.
• Make a Real Difference: Your expertise can shape the future of a charity that empowers individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

What’s Involved?

• Board Meetings: Attend approximately 4 meetings per year (held in person and/or virtually).
• Strategic Guidance: Work with fellow trustees to set the long-term vision and strategy of "Where Next" and oversee its implementation.
• Support & Advice: Provide expertise in your specific area while supporting the leadership team on key decisions and projects.
• Advocacy: Use your professional network to champion our cause and help us grow.

The application process

Applications are welcomed and applicants should send CVs and a supporting statement detailing what has attracted the applicants to Where Next to the Chief Executive. 

The shortlisted applicants will be invited for initial discussion with the chairman and CEO.

We believe all dance professionals should be able to lead a fulfilling life in dance safe from hardship.We are looking for new Trustees to help us achieve our aim. 

Who are Dance Professionals Fund? 

Dance Professionals Fund is an award-winning registered CIO providing financial and wellbeing support to dancers, dance teachers and choreographers. Our dedicated services bring together a range of effective ways of supporting dance professionals, including financial grants, signposting to support services, injury rehabilitation, career upskilling support and access to professional counselling. Dance professionals will receive holistic support from us whatever their situation. 

Role Description 

We are seeking trustees to join us from January 2027 for an initial term of three years.We are looking for a range of skills and experience, including: 

• Experience and/or specialism in commercial dance or street dance

• A recreational dance teacher and/or owner of a dance school 

• Background/experience in finance in a senior role or on a charity Board 

• Experience within a benevolent fund as either as staff or trustee

• Background in legal expertise, in a senior role or on a charity Board 

• Strong communication skills, comprehensive networking experience 

We welcome applications from anyone who is passionate about helping the Dance Professionals Fund achieve its objectives. Full trustee training will be provided.  

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and especially those from Global Majority groups. We are keen to add more voices with lived disability experience to the Board – helping us evolve our aims with all disabilities in mind.  

Closing date 
5pm, 24 June 2026 

Dancers’ Career Development (DCD), the national charity that enables and empowers dancers to thrive professionally and personally leading up to and beyond their performance careers, seek two new Trustees to join our welcoming and experienced Board.

We are looking for people with lived professional dance experience or senior management experience in the performing arts, with a broad knowledge of the dance sector.

Trustees work closely with the Chair, fellow Trustees and the Executive Director to set and deliver DCD’s strategic priorities and realise the organisation’s charitable objectives. 

No former Governance experience is required. The role of a Trustee is voluntary (unpaid). The time commitment is approximately two days a year.

If you are excited by this opportunity, resonate with DCD’s values and are passionate about making a positive difference to dancers’ lives, please get in touch; we would love to hear from you. 

Please download the Recruitment Pack from our website for further information on becoming a DCD Trustee, and how to apply, please go to our website.

Applications must be submitted by 9am, Tuesday 23 June 

The e-Assessment Association (eAA) is the leading professional membership body promoting better assessment through technology. We bring together awarding organisations, education providers, technology suppliers, researchers and policymakers to advance high-quality, innovative assessment practice in the UK and internationally.

We are now seeking a new Chair of the Board to lead the next phase of the Association’s development.

This is a high-impact governance role for an experienced senior leader who is passionate about assessment, education and technology, and who enjoys working collaboratively to make a difference across a complex and evolving sector.

Why this role matters

The Chair plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction, influence and effectiveness of the eAA.

Working with a committed Board of Directors and a small, professional operational team, the Chair provides strategic leadership, ensures strong governance, and acts as an ambassador for the Association and its members.

The Chair of the eAA Limited also serves as Chair of the Board of e-Assessment Services Limited, the Association’s trading subsidiary, supporting the sustainability and growth of the organisation.

This is an opportunity to:

• lead a respected, member-led organisation at the forefront of digital assessment;
• influence policy, practice and debate across assessment and education technology;
• support the continued professionalisation and growth of the Association; and
• work with a knowledgeable, engaged Board and an experienced executive team.

The role is supported by an annual honorarium of £6,000 in recognition of the time commitment and responsibility involved.

What you’ll be doing

As Chair, you will:

Provide strategic leadership

• Lead the Board in setting the strategic direction of the Association and monitoring progress against agreed objectives.
• Support the long-term sustainability, relevance and impact of the eAA.

Ensure strong governance

Ensure the Association operates within its governance framework and complies with all statutory and fiduciary duties.
Foster a positive, inclusive and professional Board culture that encourages open discussion, diverse perspectives and collective decision-making.
Work closely with the Vice-Chair and other Directors to maintain continuity and effective governance processes.
Support and challenge the Executive

• Provide support, guidance and constructive challenge to the CEO and operations team.
• Oversee performance against strategic and operational goals.
• Review budgets, management accounts and strategic plans in collaboration with the Treasurer and executive team.

Represent and advocate

• Act as an ambassador for the Association with members, partners, sponsors and external stakeholders.
• Represent the eAA at key events, including the e-Assessment International Conference and Awards.
• Use your networks and credibility to enhance the Association’s profile and influence.

Essential experience and attributes

• Senior leadership experience within assessment, education or educational technology.
• A strong understanding of assessment principles and the role of technology in transforming assessment practice.
• Demonstrated Board-level governance experience, ideally within a company limited by guarantee, charity or membership organisation.
• Excellent chairing and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead a diverse Board effectively.
• Strategic thinking, integrity and the confidence to provide constructive challenge.
• Strong communication and ambassadorial skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working in or alongside professional associations or member-led organisations.
• Established networks across education, assessment and technology sectors.
• Experience representing an organisation publicly at conferences or sector events.

What does it look like to Chair a charity at a pivotal moment of change?

Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is an established infrastructure charity supporting, connecting and championing voluntary and community organisations across North Somerset and beyond.

With a strong local reputation and a clear ambition for the future, VANS plays a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing organisations together, amplifying collective voice, and enabling others to deliver impact.

Now, at an important point in its development, the organisation is focused on building on its strengths, refining how it works, and positioning itself to be futureproof. We’re looking for a new Chair to lead the charity into its next phase.

Location: Based in North Somerset working across the South West and beyond.

Remuneration: Voluntary, with expenses covered

Time commitment: Currently in period of transition, to be considered and agreed with the successful candidate. Currently, 4 Board meetings and 2 Development days per annum, 3-4 Governance group meetings per annum, regular meetings with the CEO, as well as ad-hoc meetings, preparation and urgent, unplanned matters. Governance commitment supported by a Vice-Chair.

About the opportunity

This is a Chair role with real scope to shape both direction and approach. You’ll work alongside a committed Board and Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership, focus on achieving growth, and building a high-performing team and organisation as it continues to evolve.

Following a period of growth and change, there is clear ambition to move further towards a more strategic and robust operating model, strengthening internal structures to deliver and support greater external impact.

As Chair, you’ll play a key role in:

• Keeping the Board focused, effective and forward‑looking
• Providing support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive
• Ensuring clear governance, decision-making, and delivery

This may require someone comfortable and willing to move between strategy and hands-on support, particularly in the early stages. It will suit someone able to work in a changing environment, who is willing to invest time and leadership where it’s needed most. The exciting opportunity here is to leave a legacy of sustainability and impact.

About you

We’re open to different backgrounds and pathways into this role. You may already be a Chair, or an experienced trustee or senior leader ready to be one. What matters most is your ability to provide confident, thoughtful and effective leadership.

We’re particularly interested in people who can:

• Operate at a senior strategic level and see the bigger picture
• Build strong, effective relationships across a Board and executive team
• Balance support and challenge in a constructive way
• Bring a level of commercial awareness and focus on sustainability

Experience of the voluntary sector, health or place‑based working would be valuable, but it’s not essential if you can quickly build that understanding.

Why this role matters

VANS has laid solid foundations under the previous Chair’s tenure, with a strong local reputation, passionate people and now gathering momentum.

The next Chair will play an important role in ensuring the organisation is:

• Strategically-focussed, well governed and meets its goals
• Investing in building VANS and financially resilient
• Ready to grow its impact across North Somerset and beyond

This is a unique and special opportunity to meaningfully contribute to an organisation at the heart of community life.

How to apply

A CV or short profile is a great first step. We’d also welcome an informal conversation if you’d prefer to ask some questions first.

Amelia Lee at Charity People is leading this search.

Deadline: 9am on Wednesday 17th June

Interview dates to be confirmed.

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.

The role of the board is to govern Breaking Barriers effectively, in service of our vision and mission, and as required by our constitution. Trustees provide support and challenge to the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and are ambassadors for the charity.

 Essential Duties of the Trustee Role

· Ensure Breaking Barriers is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

· Comply with Breaking Barriers' governing document and other laws that apply

· Act in Breaking Barriers' best interests: prioritise Breaking Barriers' objectives, avoid conflicts of interest, and follow procedures to manage any conflicts. 

· Ensure Breaking Barriers is accountable: meeting legal, accounting and reporting requirements

· Manage Breaking Barriers' resources responsibly: managing risks, protecting assets and people, getting the resources we need, having appropriate controls and procedures

· Act with reasonable care and skill using your skills and experience, deciding when you need professional advice, ensure Breaking Barriers remains solvent. 

Other Responsibilities

· Understanding the vision, mission, goals and values of Breaking Barriers together with a good grasp of the operational context and the expectations of partners. 

· Strategic leadership and vision: help to guide the organisation with a strategic vision, aligning the board and staff's efforts with the mission. Ensure that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.

· Leveraging opportunities: Support and participate in fundraising strategies, leveraging networks, and engaging with donors and stakeholders to secure necessary resources for the organisation's work. 

· CEO and SLT support: Maintain a constructive relationship with the CEO and SLT,

creating a positive and strong working relationship to jointly set and achieve appropriate targets, staying in regular contact and acting as a sounding board to discuss strategic or staffing related matters, issues - coaching, supporting and challenging as necessary. 

· Ambassadorship: Act as an ambassador, representing and promoting the organisation's mission, values, and interests to external stakeholders, enhancing its reputation, and fostering collaboration, fundraising and promotional opportunities