Senior philanthropy officer volunteer roles
Trustee and Chair of Trustees
Help shape the future of environmental philanthropy and strengthen funding for climate, nature and people.
Location: Remote, UK wide
Remuneration: Voluntary, unremunerated. Reasonable expenses covered
Term: Three years, renewable once
Time commitment: Approx. 8 days per year for Trustees, approx. 12 days per year for Chair
Closing date: Monday 30 March, 17:59
Interviews: From Wednesday 22 April
About the opportunity
An established and respected network within the environmental funding community is seeking a new Chair of Trustees and two additional Trustees to join its board.
This organisation works to create an effective, flourishing ecosystem of environmental philanthropy that is supporting people and the planet to thrive together. With a growing membership of funders, advisors and fundraisers, it plays a vital role in convening, connecting and strengthening the sector.
As a Trustee, you will provide strategic oversight and guidance across finance, programmes, communications and relationships. As Chair, you will lead the board, act as a line manager to the Executive Director and ensure strong governance and effective decision making.
You will bring sound judgement, a willingness to offer constructive challenge and a commitment to high standards of governance. Above all, you will share a belief in the importance of environmental action and effective philanthropy.
About the Trustee role
Trustees are responsible for ensuring:
· Clear strategic direction and delivery of charitable objectives
· Effective stewardship of resources
· Robust governance and regulatory compliance
· Thoughtful risk management
· Insight into the wider global context affecting environmental funding
We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:
· Environmental funding, including international funding
· Financial and operational management
· Strategic communications and influencing
· Network coordination and development
· Philanthropy advisory or working with family offices
· Fundraising and membership models
About the Chair role
In addition to the above, the Chair will:
· Lead quarterly board meetings
· Support and line manage the Executive Director
· Ensure the board has the right balance of skills and perspectives
· Act as an ambassador and external figurehead
We are looking for prior leadership or chairing experience, strong strategic capability, an understanding of charity governance and experience engaging with funders.
Commitment
Board meetings are held online quarterly, with additional sub-committee meetings and preparation time. There is one in person team and trustee away day each year. The Chair role includes monthly meetings with the Executive Director and additional preparation responsibilities.
These are voluntary roles. Expenses are provided.
Inclusion
Diversity of background, perspective and experience strengthens governance and impact. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals from marginalised communities and those most affected by climate change and nature loss.
If you would like to play a meaningful role in strengthening environmental philanthropy at a critical time, we would welcome your application.
You may also have experience in areas such as; Non Executive Director, Board Member, Committee Member, Advisory Board Member, Charity Trustee, Foundation Trustee, Trust Director, Philanthropy Advisor, Grant Maker, Environmental Programme Lead, Director of Fundraising, Head of Partnerships, Chief Executive, or Senior Strategic Leader.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client - Not For Profit People.
Eastside seeks expressions of interest from prospective trustees who believe that they can make a significant and positive contribution to the organisation as we enter our 4th decade of delivery.
Remuneration: This is a pro bono role. Domestic travel expenses will be covered and reimbursed where required.
Reports to: Chair of the Trustees
Key Relationships With: Trustees, CEO / Artistic Director, Eastside Team, Key Stakeholders and Partners
Term of Appointment: 3 years +
Location: Eastside’s office on Hackney Road, E2 7NX, with occasional project visits across London and annual away day
Role Specification
Eastside is seeking Trustees to provide guidance and support for the CEO and senior executive team as well as expertise to the Board of Trustees. The organisation is in a strong position going into 2026 and is set on significant growth and expansion, aiming to maximise the opportunities created by recent successes; these include outstanding results on our national projects: Creativity Live (streaming live creativity workshops into schools and classrooms across the UK); SPOKEN WORD POWER (which has engaged and captured the voices of thousands of young people from deprived neighbourhoods across the country); sell out West End Gala fundraising nights (APRIL FOOLERY) and a national lottery heritage fund supported 30th anniversary project.
The Trustees will support the team in delivering exciting new projects across the creative arts, with particular focus on spoken-word poetry, the dramatic arts and film/digital media programmes. The Trust's work in schools is expanding and, while London remains a priority, there are clear plans to bring Eastside's offering to a national and international audience.
Person Specification
Eastside is looking for individuals who are passionate about its work with children and young people, and its mission to transform educational provision and learning experiences across the capital city and beyond through the application of art, culture and creativity. Applicants will have strong professional experience and networks, as well as stakeholder, funder and partner leverage.
Trustees will advise on how to reach wider audiences, grow corporate partnerships and provide support for Eastside's educational programmes. We particularly encourage applications from those representing diverse backgrounds and those with relevant lived experience. Experience at a senior level within the Arts/Youth Fundraising and Philanthropy sectors, Digital or creative arts (particularly film, TV and theatre), Legal, Education and Facilities management sectors (with revenue generation experience) would be welcome.
We welcome candidates who have experience of fundraising, either for a non-profit or a commercial organisation. Those without direct experience but who have good connections to high-net-worth individuals, grant-giving Trusts & Foundations or Corporate/Family Foundations are also highly encouraged to apply.
In addition to attending Board meetings, it is hoped that Trustees will attend Eastside projects where possible to engage with the creative delivery and the organisation's artists, advocate for its work within their own professional and personal networks, and promote individual and company-wide fundraising initiatives. Sitting on a trustee board requires the ability to take a more advisory approach than in executive roles. If you have not previously held any trustee or non-executive positions, you should demonstrate a track record of influencing the direction of your organisation at board level. If you already have significant trustee or non-executive experience, please detail this.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.
DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:
• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm
The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.
Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached).
We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.
Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews
Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.
External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.
Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.
Person Specification:
Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector
Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).
Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.
If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in March (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams.
The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.
Please use the following contact details for any questions or queries you may have about the role or the charity:
info at ddmcphail dot org
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.
DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:
• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm
The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.
Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached).
We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.
Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews
Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.
External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.
Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.
Person Specification:
Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector
Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).
Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.
If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in March (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams.
The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.
Please use the following contact details for any questions or queries you may have about the role or the charity:
info at ddmcphail dot org
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting time to join the Endometriosis UK trustee board, as the organisation expands and develops to achieve the changes that are needed to support those affected by the disease and to drive down diagnosis time. We are looking for a new Treasurer to build on this momentum to strengthen our organisation and bring about change for those with endometriosis. We have a skills-based board, with Trustees having one or more identified skills, with the overall membership of the Board providing the complete set of skills.
Endometriosis UK is the largest UK charity for those with endometriosis. Endometriosis UK works to:
• Provide support to those with endometriosis and their families and friends
• Provide clear, objective information about the condition and its treatments
• Raise awareness amongst health professionals and the general public about the condition
• Support research into endometriosis.
This is an unpaid role. Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be paid.
Time commitment:
• Five meetings a year, including preparation for meetings, reading papers etc; and attendance at an annual strategy day and AGM (held on the same days as Board meetings).
• Trustees have the opportunity to take part in Board sub-groups and project groups to develop aspects of the organisations’ work. Current sub-groups include the Finance Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Group. Trustees are also invited to attend Endometriosis UK events.
We are recruiting for one new treasurer to join the board. We are particularly looking for:
• Personal or professional experience of diversity and inclusion issues
• Marketing and digital marketing
• Communications and social media
• Campaigning and achieving change
• Experience of working in Primary Care
• Charity finance experience
• Currently living in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
Personal experience of living with, or having a close family member with, endometriosis, is vital on our Board. Whilst we look favourably on applications from those in the endometriosis community, we already have Trustees with first hand lived experience and new trustees do not need to have endometriosis.
We also particularly welcome applications from trustees from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to diversity.
The role will start at a Board meeting on 28th November 2026, when our current Treasurer reaches the end of their 6-year term of office. Prior to the roles starting, the incoming Treasurer will have the opportunity to observe a Board meeting in September, and induction will be planned in October.
Our Network is here to offer those affected by endometriosis the support and information they need to understand the condition and take control


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.