Sexual violence advocate 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).
Registered Charity 
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About Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre
Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre is a community organisation and registered charity that exists to champion LGBTQ+ lives. We provide a safe, inclusive space for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Our work spans direct support, connection, advocacy and celebration.
What we do
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Counselling: We offer professional counselling, including a specialised domestic abuse service, to help people navigate challenges and build resilience.
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Social and support groups: We run groups for young people, adults, trans and non-binary people, and for family members and allies. These groups create stable communities, reduce isolation and offer peer support.
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Creative and social activities: Our community choir and other creative activities provide space for expression, confidence and belonging.
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Training and advocacy: We work with schools, health providers, councils, businesses and community organisations to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion and awareness.
Our vision and direction
We envision a region where LGBTQ+ people are visible, safe and thriving. Over the next five years we will deepen our presence across Leicestershire and Rutland, improve access in areas with fewer services, and secure a permanent venue that reflects our ambitions. We will continue to co-create our offer with communities, keep services accessible, and champion equity and inclusion in everything we do.
Governance and the role of the Board
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the charity’s strategy, governance and financial health. Trustees safeguard the charity’s assets, ensure compliance with law and regulation, and work with the Chief Executive to ensure the charity is running effectively. Trustees support, challenge and advise the Senior Leadership Team in a spirit of partnership. The Chair leads the Board and ensures it functions well.
Trustees are also directors of the charitable company. We provide trustee indemnity insurance.
The role of Chair
Purpose
The Chair leads the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance, a positive culture and a shared focus on impact. The Chair works closely with the Chief Executive to ensure the organisation delivers its strategy and remains well run.
Strategic focus for the next 12 to 24 months
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Oversight of our three-year National Lottery funding programme, including delivery assurance and risk management.
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Support for regional expansion so that services reach communities across Leicestershire and Rutland in a measured and sustainable way.
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Governance oversight of venue acquisition and the preparatory work that will enable a successful opening and long-term viability.
Core responsibilities
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Provide leadership to the Board and ensure trustees discharge their duties effectively and in line with the Charity Governance Code.
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Set Board agendas with the Chief Executive, plan and chair effective meetings, and ensure clear decisions, minutes and action tracking.
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Maintain a strong, constructive relationship with the Chief Executive, including monthly one-to-ones and an annual appraisal led by the Chair with Board input.
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Ensure the Board receives timely, relevant information and is able to scrutinise performance, finance, risk and impact.
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Oversee Board composition, skills and performance, including recruitment, induction, training and periodic reviews.
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Champion an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and respected.
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Model the Centre’s values in every setting.
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Represent the Centre as an ambassador with key partners and stakeholders when appropriate.
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Approve or co-approve extraordinary funding decisions with the Treasurer where required by policy and delegations.
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Ensure statutory accounts are signed and submitted and that key reports to funders and regulators are timely and accurate.
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Manage conflicts of interest and uphold high standards of conduct.
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Hold the casting vote if a Board decision is tied.
Relationship with the Chief Executive
The Chief Executive is accountable to the Board. The Chair undertakes regular supportive one-to-ones with the Chief Executive and leads their annual appraisal. The Chair works with the Chief Executive to set clear priorities, manage risk and unlock barriers to delivery.
Time commitment and meeting pattern
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Estimated at a maximum of two to three days per month. This includes preparation, meetings and ambassadorial duties.
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Maximum of six Board meetings per year. Meetings are held in person at The Centre.
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Monthly Chair and Chief Executive one-to-one meetings.
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Quarterly committee and working sessions may be convened as needed for finance, risk, governance or venue planning. The Chair provides oversight across these areas.
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An annual strategy and reflection session with trustees and senior staff.
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Attendance at key public events, including Pride and major Centre occasions.
Person specification
Essential
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Commitment to the mission, values and future direction of Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre.
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Inclusive leadership with the ability to chair purposeful meetings and to build consensus.
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Experience as a vice-chair, committee chair or equivalent governance role.
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Good understanding of charity governance, finance and risk.
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Sound judgement, integrity and the confidence to hold senior leaders to account while providing support.
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Strong communication skills and the ability to represent the Centre externally.
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Lived experience of LGBTQ+ issues or strong allyship and understanding of the challenges our communities face.
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Knowledge of equity, inclusion and social justice and how these principles are applied in governance and organisational development.
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Direct knowledge of or links to Leicester and Leicestershire.
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Availability for the stated time commitment and for key Centre events.
Desirable
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Prior experience as a charity chair.
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Understanding of venue development or capital projects.
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Local residency or the ability to attend meetings in person. Non-local candidates will be considered if they can meet in-person requirements and demonstrate strong regional commitment.
Eligibility, safeguarding and conduct
Trustees must be at least 16 and not disqualified under charity law. The role is subject to two satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. A short code of conduct applies to all trustees. Conflicts of interest must be declared at appointment and kept up to date. A whistleblowing route is in place.
What we offer
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A purposeful leadership role with visible impact for LGBTQ+ people across the region.
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A collaborative Board and staff team with a positive culture.
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A tailored induction. Briefings will be arranged with the Chief Executive, Centre Manager and staff leads. A handover meeting with the outgoing Chair will be provided.
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Access to training and development relevant to the role.
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Opportunities to represent the Centre at events, build networks and celebrate our community, including Pride.
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Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed in line with policy.
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Membership of the Association of Chairs
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We warmly encourage applications from trans and non-binary people, people of colour, disabled people and those from other underrepresented groups. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and to removing barriers. Interviews can be adapted to meet access needs. Meeting venues are step-free. Papers can be provided in accessible formats on request. Please tell us what you need and we will do our best to provide it.
Privacy notice
Your application will be used for recruitment purposes only and handled in line with our data protection policy. We will retain applicant data for a limited period and then delete it securely. If you would like your data deleted sooner, please let us know.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Trustee Opportunity at Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is seeking new trustees to help shape the future of our high-performing advice charity.
With offices in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford, plus outreach centres across the region, we support a population of 225,000 people. Last year, we helped 14,000 clients with 60,000 issues and secured over £7 million of additional income for them. We are here for everyone to help people move on with their lives.
As a trustee, you’d join a well-known, respected charity, influence strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to meaningful change. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with other professional, dedicated trustees, gain valuable experience, build on your leadership and strategy skills, and increase your employability. Prior Board experience is not required.
We welcome expertise in digital media, finance, fundraising, HR, IT, law, marketing, PR, risk management, senior management, local government, or strategy.
What do you need to become a trustee?
Trustees don’t need specific qualifications, but we expect all trustees to have six core skills:
● Insight into the organisation: considering CASL’s objects and its public benefit strategically
● Challenging constructively: clarifying facts; stimulating thought
● Analysing issues: being objective; evaluating risks; using evidence; planning ahead
● Weighing up opinions: using evidence; balancing long- and shortterm; prioritising value
● Interpersonal skills: communicating clearly; listening actively; supporting a healthy culture
● Confidence and self-awareness: collaborating with others; treating everyone with respect.
The Board also values specialist skills as assets among its members:
● experience or qualifications in:
‣ business or charity leadership
‣ equity, diversity and inclusion
‣ facilitation
‣ finance and accountancy
‣ human resources
‣ IT, AI or digital media
‣ law or governance
‣ local government
‣ marketing, PR or communications
‣ risk management, or
‣ strategy development
● past experience as a client or service user of this (or a similar) organisation
● a track record of charitable fundraising, or
● being an effective chair.
Finally, competent trustees should have these six personal qualities to some extent, and demonstrate them in their behaviours:
● Committed - motivated, dedicated, persevering; plays an active role.
● Responsible - accountable, independent, reliable; accepts collective responsibility.
● Trustworthy - ethical, principled; is a critical friend and focuses on continuous improvement.
● Collaborative - team-oriented, approachable; builds relationships and seeks consensus.
● Confident - independent; contributes constructively and expresses opinions courageously.
● Thoughtful - curious, adaptable, open-minded; appropriately challenges the status quo
Please see the attached Information Pack for the Trustee Role Description and how to apply.
Also attached is the Trustee Application Pack and Trustee Recruitment Advert
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.