Senior stories executive volunteer roles in Bristol

Chair of the Board of Trustees and Trustee Opportunities (Voluntary)

Ben is the charity supporting the health and wellbeing of people who work or have worked in the UK automotive industry. As the sector continues to transform, Ben is entering an ambitious new phase to significantly expand its reach, strengthen its role as the industry’s trusted wellbeing partner and deliver its goal to treble impact and double fundraising by 2030. With strong financial foundations and clear ambition for growth, we are now seeking a new Chair and several Trustees to help shape this next chapter.

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, support and challenge the CEO, and ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and clarity of purpose. They will lead the Board in setting strategy, driving impact, stewarding significant reserves and acting as an ambassador across the sector.

We are looking for:

• Non-executive experience including as committee or board chair
• Strong governance and financial acumen
• Experience of organisational change or growth
• A collaborative, values driven leader who brings sound judgement, strategic insight and excellent relationship building skills.

The Board meets 4 times a year, with approximately 50% of those taking place in-person. The Chair will serve up to 4 years.

BCT is governed by a Board of Trustees (BoT), which comprises a maximum of fourteen Trustees. Included in this number are four officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer). Trustees have a collective responsibility. This means that Trustees always act as a group and not as individuals. The BoT meets four times a year, currently one in-person meeting and three video conference meetings.

We always consider individual Trustee circumstances and needs, and are happy to make any reasonable adjustments. We strive to be as flexible as possible to ensure our meeting arrangements are inclusive and suitable for all. Currently, fifty two percent of BCT staff consider themselves to have a disability and so we have experience of accommodating different requirements. 

Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that BCT achieves its core purpose. They oversee the wider management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that BCT has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the Senior Management Team to enable BCT to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission to work collaboratively and with a diversity of people to achieve resilient populations of bats and improve their habitats in an ever-changing world. Being a Trustee can be rewarding for many reasons – from knowing that you are making a difference to the charity’s cause, to gaining knowledge and building relationships. Trustees do not need any prior knowledge about bat conservation but must become a member of BCT if they are not already.

Trustees are elected at BCT’s Annual General Meeting and serve for an initial term of three years, with the option to stand for a further two three-year terms if they wish to. 

The BoT may co-opt members onto the Board should a vacancy arise, but only until the next AGM when they must seek election.

BCT’s Chief Executive attends BoT meetings, as can other relevant staff, other specialists and observers.

Trustees will receive an induction on joining BCT where they will have the opportunity to talk to different members of staff and fellow Trustees. 

The role of Trustee is not a paid role, although travel and subsistence to attend board meetings will be covered.

Potential Trustees need to be eligible to stand as a Trustee in accordance with Charity Commission rules.

Treasurer Roles & Responsibilities 

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial health. The Treasurer plays a key governance role, strengthening financial literacy at Board level and supporting sustainable growth. The Board is responsible for governance and strategy and does not manage day-to-day operations.

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) is a growing charity registered with the Charity Commission (Charity No. 1189561). For the financial year ending 31 March 2025, RBB reported a total income of £423,041 and total expenditure of £373,007. As a charity with income above £250,000, we prepare annual accounts in accordance with the Charities SORP and undergo independent examination.

As our current treasurer prepares to step down, we are expanding our Board of Trustees to support the growth and future plans of our ambitious small charity. Board meetings take place every 12 weeks via video call, with opportunities for in-person gatherings throughout the year. Additional meetings may occasionally be required, either more frequently, in smaller groups, or one-to-one, depending on specific needs or exceptional circumstances. 

• Responsible to: Chair, Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

• Purpose: To oversee the management and reporting of charity finances.

• Hours: Approximately six to eight hours a month.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary, unpaid Trustee role. Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteer policy.

Role Summary 

The Treasurer will work closely with our team members including volunteers, other Trustees and with the CEO, advising on all financial matters including regulatory compliance. The Treasurer will be expected to attend Board meetings which last approximately an hour and a half every twelve weeks. The Treasurer will: 

• Actively participate as a key member of the Board of Trustees. 

• Act as an ambassador for Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

• Oversee and analyse the development of the annual budget and cash flow forecasts, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and sustainability.

• Support with fundraising and financial strategic planning 

• Advise on all financial matters, including regulatory compliance. 

• Oversee the development and observation of financial policies 

• Advise the board on fund management and ensure an appropriate reserves policy

• Advise fellow Trustees on a regular basis of the financial status of the charity and where necessary recommend action. 

• Oversee and administer financial processes including Gift Aid claims and payroll, ensuring appropriate financial controls, transparency and board oversight are maintained. (There is currently only one person on payroll.)

• Work collaboratively with the CEO and Chair to ensure appropriate financial segregation of duties within the constraints of a small charity.

• Support the Board in monitoring financial risk, reserves policy and international financial compliance.

• Ensure appropriate internal financial controls are in place and regularly reviewed.

• Work with professional advisors including any contracted accountants 

• Review financial transactions on a monthly basis via digital accounting software, Xero

• Arrange the compilation and agreement of Refugee Biryani & Bananas’ annual report

• Lead Trustee liaison with the independent examiner and oversee the preparation and Board approval of the annual accounts and report.

The Treasurer will play a key role in strengthening financial sustainability as RBB continues to grow its international programmes and funding base.

Person Specification 

The ideal candidate will have innovative ideas and sound financial knowledge. All Trustees are expected to assist Refugee Biryani & Bananas to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation. 

Essential 

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

• Support for the values and mission of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas

• Familiarity with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), or willingness to develop this knowledge.

• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information 

Desirable 

• A qualified accountant (formal qualification preferred) with financial and commercial awareness, experienced in managing finances, payroll, and the needs of smaller organisations. 

• An understanding of the voluntary sector and previous experience as a Trustee or Treasurer. 

• Good communication and competent IT skills 

• Extensive experience in senior strategic management and leadership, combined with strong analytical and evaluation skills. 

About Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) began as a grassroots movement in 2015, in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. What started as a group of friends distributing 2,500 portions of biriyani and bananas in the unofficial camp for displaced people in Dunkirk, Northern France, has grown into a community-driven humanitarian organisation. Initially working under the umbrella of another organisation, RBB became independent to better address gaps in aid and advocacy for displaced people worldwide. 

What We Do 

RBB supports people facing displacement, war, and inequality, tailoring actions to the needs of each situation. From food distributions to medical support and human rights advocacy, our work is versatile and responsive. We have provided aid in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, squats, and other unstable settlements along migratory pathways, including: 

• France: Calais, Dunkirk & Paris 

• Greece: Idomeni, Thessaloniki, Athens, Lavrio, Samos & Chios (our main base) 

• Northern Iraq: Duhok 

• Serbia: Belgrade Barracks 

• Bosnia & Herzegovina - Croatia Border: Vucjak Camp 

• Turkey: Istanbul 

• Poland, Belarus & Lithuania Border

• Ukraine Border (Poland and Ukraine sides) 

• Palestine: Gaza

• Egypt: Cairo

Our Approach 

RBB is a mobile grassroots organisation, designed to respond rapidly and flexibly to emerging crises. Our main base of operations is on Chios Island, Greece, where we provide ongoing support to people who are displaced.

Since October 2023, we have also established community-led initiatives to support people affected by the war in Gaza, Palestine, as well as Sudanese and other displaced communities in Cairo, Egypt.

Beyond emergency relief, we remain committed to ongoing support through volunteers, translation services, medical care, aid, and advocacy until either local capacity builds or the situation changes. In addition, our Community Humanitarian Leaders Programme (CHLP) plays a vital role in this approach by strengthening the leadership of people who are displaced by building on their existing skills, networks and lived experience in humanitarian efforts. 

Our field team comprises 90% individuals from refugee and asylum-seeking communities, representing Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Gambia, Ethiopia, Palestine, and Yemen. This diverse team is led by our founder and CEO, Ruhi Akhtar, alongside field coordinators / project managers. 

We prioritise dignity and equity, involving displaced individuals in decision-making and collaboration. RBB's direct aid includes food, water, shelter, medical supplies, clothing, hygiene packs, and season-specific items like sunscreen or firewood. Needs assessments and communication with affected communities guide our actions, ensuring targeted, person-centered care. 

Advocacy & Awareness 

RBB amplifies the voices of displaced people by sharing their stories and raising awareness about often-overlooked realities. Through storytelling and advocacy, we aim to challenge injustice and inspire action. 

Please read the attached Trustee Information Pack for more detail

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in the governance and strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that we operate effectively, achieve our mission, and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are collectively responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets, ensuring they are used exclusively to further our objectives, and overseeing the charity’s financial health, including budgets, financial controls, and reporting. Acting with integrity and in the charity’s best interests is at the heart of the role.

The Treasurer oversees the financial affairs of the charity and ensures that they are conducted legally, transparently, and in line with the charity’s governing document. Working closely with the Chair, Managing Director, Trustees, and any staff or volunteers, the Treasurer helps safeguard the charity’s financial sustainability.

We welcome candidates from professional backgrounds who share our commitment to supporting those affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder. If your current or previous skills or experience align with this post, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving meaningful change.

Please note, this role is being advertised on an ongoing basis, with interviews conducted on an ad hoc basis. 

Do you want to support kidney patients and their families? Do you want to be part of a large team of volunteers, within a national charity? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Welsh kidney patients and their families?

“I draw on my personal experience of kidney disease to support others during their kidney journey; providing information, advice and emotional support to anyone affected by kidney disease” –Volunteer

Organisation

Popham Kidney Support

Organisation Overview

Popham Kidney Support is a leading kidney charity based in Swansea, dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, young people, and adults living with kidney disease across Wales. The charity was founded in 2013 in memory of Paul Popham and received full charitable status in 2015. Its mission is simple: to ensure that no kidney patient faces their journey alone.

The organisation provides a wide range of services designed to support emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing. These include peer mentoring, counselling, Kidney Café support groups, welfare advice, patient grants, education programmes, and wellbeing initiatives such as activity weekends and involvement in transplant sports.

As a trusted voice for kidney patients in Wales, Popham Kidney Support collaborates with clinical teams, other charities, and Welsh communities to advocate for better services and improved patient experience. Its impact has been recognised nationally — in 2025, the charity was honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award for voluntary groups in the UK.

With a growing network of volunteers, peer mentors, supporters, and community partners, Popham Kidney Support continues to expand its reach, championing compassionate, patient‑centred care across Wales

Role Title

Treasurer, Board of Trustees

Location of Position

Wales Wide – Remote. (The Charity is based in Swansea, covers Wales)

Responsible to

Chair of Trustees

Purpose/Summary of Role

The Treasurer is a trustee responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the organisation, ensuring that finances are managed in line with legal requirements, good practice, and the organisation’s charitable aims.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Ensure the organisation’s financial resources are managed responsibly and sustainably.
• Lead on financial strategy, planning, and risk management.
• Oversee the development of annual budgets and financial forecasts.
•  

Financial Monitoring and Reporting

• Present clear, accurate financial reports to the Board.
• Monitor financial performance and alert the Board to any risks or variances.
• Ensure proper accounting records are kept in line with legal requirements.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure the organisation complies with financial regulations, charity law, Companies House regulations (if applicable), and funder requirements.
• Support the preparation and submission of annual accounts, reports, and returns.

Internal Processes

• Oversee financial controls, reserves, and investment policies.
• Support staff or volunteers responsible for day‑to‑day financial administration (e.g., bookkeeping, payroll).

Supporting Fundraising & Sustainability

• Provide insight on financial implications of fundraising plans, grants, and new projects.
• Ensure restricted funds are managed and reported correctly.

Time Commitment

Typically 4–8 board meetings per year + financial oversight duties

Person Specification

 Essential

• Financial literacy and experience managing budgets.
• Ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills.
• Commitment to the organisation’s values, aims, and governance responsibilities.

Desirable

• Professional accountancy qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW).
• Experience in charity finance, SORP, or non‑profit financial management.
• Familiarity with financial software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, Sage

Training and Support

· PKS Trustee Induction

· Safeguarding

·Various training courses relating to governance

Reimbursement of Expenses- Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Benefits to being a Trustee

Becoming a Trustee with Popham Kidney Support (PKS) means joining a passionate, award‑winning charity dedicated to ensuring that no kidney patient in Wales faces their journey alone. It is a meaningful way to contribute to a cause that transforms lives every day.

1. Make a Tangible Difference to Kidney Patients Across Wales

As a trustee, you directly influence services that support emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing — including peer mentoring, counselling, grants, Kidney Cafés, activity programmes, and more. Your decisions help improve the day‑to‑day lives of children, young people, adults, and families affected by kidney disease.

2. Shape the Strategic Future of an Award‑Winning Charity

Popham Kidney Support has been formally recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest honour for volunteer groups in the UK. Joining the Board means contributing to a respected, ambitious organisation that continues to expand its impact and drive positive change.

3. Develop High‑Level Leadership & Governance Skills

Trustees gain valuable experience in:

• Strategic and organisational planning
• Financial oversight
• Governance and risk management
• Charity law and regulatory compliance

This is ideal professional development for anyone seeking board-level experience or aspiring to leadership roles.

4. Be Part of a Warm, Supportive Community

At PKS, lived experience, compassion, and community spirit are at the heart of everything we do. As a trustee, you’ll work alongside:

• Dedicated volunteers and peer mentors
• A committed senior team
• Patients and families whose stories inspire change

You join a community that supports each other as much as it supports the people we serve.

5. Strengthen Your Professional Profile

Being a trustee demonstrates:

• Leadership
• Integrity
• Strategic thinking
• Commitment to social impact

It is a strong addition to any CV, career portfolio, or personal development journey.

 6. Use Your Skills — or Lived Experience — for Good

Whether your strengths lie in finance, governance, HR, communications, community engagement, healthcare insight, or lived experience as a kidney patient or carer, your voice matters. Trusteeship gives you the chance to use what you know to create real, lasting change.

7. Enjoy Personal Fulfilment Through Purposeful Work

Trustees often describe the role as:

• Inspiring
• Emotionally rewarding
• A unique opportunity to “give back”
• A chance to leave a positive legacy

Your contribution helps ensure that every kidney patient in Wales has access to the support they need — emotionally, physically, and practically.

8. Contribute to a Legacy of Compassion and Progress

PKS was founded in memory of Paul Popham and has grown into a national support organisation. As a trustee, you help carry that legacy forward, ensuring that every person affected by kidney disease feels supported, valued, and empowered.

Application Procedure

·CV to Lynne Orton Chair of Trustees

·Informal interview with Chair of Trustees and CEO

·Trustee application form, DBS & references

·Application presented to board

·Decision communicated in writing from Chair of Trustees