Strategic lead volunteer roles

Creative Support is a national not-for-profit social care and supported housing provider with charitable status. We deliver personalised care and support for younger and older adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical disabilities and those at risk of homelessness or social exclusion.

Creative Support is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees with expertise across social care, health, housing, finance, legal and related fields. As our current Chair approaches the end of her term, we are seeking a new Chair with senior social care experience and a strong understanding of commissioning, quality, risk, workforce, regulation and partnership working. The ideal candidate will champion our values and mission and lead with clarity and compassion.

About Creative Support:

We are one of the UK’s largest social care providers, supporting over 6,000 people each year across 70 local authorities and employing around 5,000 staff. With an annual turnover of £197 million, we are also a registered social housing provider with over 1,000 supported housing units and significant housing assets.

Creative Support is an Investor in People Gold employer, a Stonewall Diversity Champion and an inclusive organisation committed to increasing Board representation from BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, with zero tolerance for discrimination.

Our Mission and Values:

Creative Support promotes independence, inclusion, and wellbeing. We do this by working with the people we support, their families and others to meet individual needs and aspirations in a person-centred way. We provide high quality homes and support, enabling people to say:

- I live my best life in a place I call home

- I feel listened to, respected and valued

- I enjoy choices and rights and have control over my life

- I am supported to feel safe

- I am doing the things that matter to me

- I enjoy relationships with others

- I am connected to my community

- I am supported with my wellbeing

- I feel able to reach my full potential

Our We Care values underpin everything we do at Creative Support. We are: Welcoming, Empowering, Compassionate, Aspirational, Respectful, Effective.

About the Role:

The Chair is responsible for leading the Board, ensuring effective governance, and holding the Chief Executive and Board to account for delivering our mission, vision and strategy. The role involves providing inclusive leadership, ensuring Trustees understand their responsibilities, and working closely with the Executive Team to offer oversight, support and constructive challenge.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with senior-level social care expertise, a commitment to our charitable purpose and person-centred values, and a belief in co-production with the people we support. The Chair must demonstrate vision, sound judgement and an inclusive, respectful leadership style.

The Chair is expected to commit sufficient time to:

- Attend six annual Board meetings, and relevant committee meetings (typically 2–3 hours in duration);

- Prepare thoroughly for meetings, including reading papers in advance;

- Lead the induction, support and supervision of Trustees;

- Undertake appraisal and support of the Chief Executive Officer;

- Act as an ambassador for Creative Support at internal and external events.

- Visit national services and engage with staff, the people who we support, and tenants.

The estimated time commitment for the Chair is approximately 4 days per month/48 days per year, although this may increase in response to organisational needs or during periods of change. Appointments are made for an initial period of 3 years and are subject to an annual appraisal. Terms begin at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting in which the Chair is appointed.

The role of Chair of the Board of Trustees is remunerated in recognition of the significant time, responsibility and contribution required. The current remuneration for the Chair is £12,000 per annum, payable in monthly instalments of £1,000. This payment is taxable and is processed through the organisation’s payroll. Trustees, including the Chair, are appointed as office holders and are therefore neither workers nor employees. Remuneration arrangements are subject to periodic review in line with the organisation’s governance and remuneration policies.

We also pay all reasonable expenses associated with the role, including travel, overnight accommodation, subsistence and child care expenses if needed. Appointment will be made subject to the following satisfactory checks:

- References

- Declarations of Interest

- Fit and Proper Person Check

- Personal Declarations

- Enhanced DBS

- A £1.00 payment for shareholding membership (this can be provided in person when you first attend our Head Office)

We can send you a copy of our most recent Annual Report & Accounts - details on how to request this can be located on this roles listing on our company website or consult the FCA Mutuals Website, type in Creative Support and search under ‘documents’. You will find all previous annual reports and accounts listed and these can be viewed or downloaded at no cost. 

Please note that Creative Support is a Community Benefit Society with charitable status registered with the FCA, not a company or registered charity so you will not be able to access information about Creative Support via Companies House or the Charity Commission.

Recruitment Timeline:

Closing Date for Applications: 13 May 2026

Meet and Greet and Stakeholder interview panel: 17 June 2026

Final panel interviews: 30 June 2026

Offer and recruitment checks: July - August 2026

Co-opt at Board meeting: 10 September 2026

Formal vote at Annual General Meeting: 24 September 2026

Please keep these dates available upon application

Chair of Trustees - Voluntary Role

Aid Box Community (ABC)

We are looking to appoint someone with leadership qualities and high motivation, initially 
to join us as a trustee in June and then to take on the position of Chair in November. In 
close co-operation with our dedicated team of trustees and inspirational director, you will 
be guiding our charity through the next phase of our journey. This is a very exciting 
opportunity to play an important role in the development of Aid Box’s strategy over the 
next 5 years and to oversee the deepening of our charity’s impact on our community, 
made possible by our recent move into our new home. 

About Aid Box Community

We are a charity based in Bristol and for nearly nine years have been providing vital support, supplies and sanctuary to men women and children seeking asylum in this city. You are welcome to come and have a look at the work we do by visiting, by prior arrangement, our Welcome Hub and Free Shop. 

What are our trustees responsible for?

We are all jointly responsible for:

• The overall management of our charity.
• Setting and monitoring Aid Box’s strategic direction and ensuring it is financially sound.
• Ensuring the charity carries out the purposes set out in our constitution for the benefit of our community and in line with the Charity Commission’s guidance.

Main duties and responsibilities as a Chair:

• leading our charity’s strategic direction in close collaboration with the board and our director.
• Chairing quarterly trustee meetings as well as our HR sub committee meetings.
• Representing trustees in contacts with other charities and organisations.

This role is for you if:

• You have leadership experience (formal or informal), either within or outside the charity sector.
• You have specialist skills that may benefit Aid Box Community. Motivated by ABC’s vision, mission and values, in particular upholding the basic human rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
• Teamwork and communication skills with ability to listen and build a consensus.
• Living in or near Bristol . You would like to join a fantastic community of staff, volunteers and service user

This role is for you if:Our Commitment to You:

We will provide practical support, principally through our deputy chair, along with a full induction programme including the legal framework and other key areas such as safeguarding. During your time with Aid Box, you will be able to join training workshops relevant to your role as a trustee, along with the opportunity to be involved in a range of charity activities.

See our website for more information about our charity (where you can also find our Impact Report 24/25): Our Financial Statements for year ended 31 March 2025 filed with the Charity Commission: 

Want to know more?

If you would also like to have an initial informal chat, please email our Chair, Richard Annandale or Susan Qazi the Charity Administrator.

Safeguarding Statement

ABC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its service users and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, trustees and volunteers to share this commitment.

ABC operates Safeguarding Policies for the purpose of protecting Young People and Vulnerable Adults. All staff and trustee members are required to undergo Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS checks.

Statement on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ABC aims to be an anti-discriminatory organisation committed to the promotion of quality and diversity and, in line with the Equality Act 2010. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups and those with lived experience.

Thames Reach is a leading London-based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets. As well as street outreach work, our services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment. We work across London and the South East.

Thames Reach is a strong organisation that is growing in response to need. Our services are rooted in our understanding of the issues surrounding street homelessness, and we use this understanding to influence decision making at a local, regional, and national level. We have an excellent reputation for effective service delivery, working with people who may have very high levels of need, and using our experience of delivering services to develop and improve our approach. The majority of our services are delivered to local and regional authorities on a contract basis and we understand that our continued effectiveness requires us to sustain and develop our financial viability; and to retain and grow our excellent employees and volunteers.

We have just over 400 employees and around 150volunteers, and our organisational turnover is around £28 million per annum.

We have an effective and long-standing non-executive Board with a wealth of relevant experience in both the public and commercial sectors. They provide valuable support to the Executive team, as well as attending around five Board meetings every year, sitting on one of the three Board sub-committees (Finance, Audit and Fundraising; Services; Governance and People) that meet around four times a year. Board members are also asked to participate in an annual away day, usually in the autumn, with separate preparatory visits to our services.

We are now looking for up to three new members. As well as interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness as a board member and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for the organisation, we are hoping to recruit members with specific skills in the following areas:

People/ Human Resources

Candidates with current understanding of the recruitment, management, retention and development of staff (and volunteers) in an organisation of Thames Reach’s size.

Lived experience

Candidates with lived experience of street homelessness and/or service use (for example substance misuse or mental health services), and an understanding of how this lived experience can improve and develop services.

Finance/accounting

Candidates with knowledge of financial management in medium large complex organisations, particularly those with knowledge of Charity Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) requirements.

Communications

Candidates with current knowledge of approaches to internal and external organisational communication, with understanding of both conventional and new media. 

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We particularly welcome applicants who may have experience of homelessness and/or of using services that support people with complex support needs.

The Vacancy

Are you passionate about the way the Methodist Church stations its ministers?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for you to be the first Deputy Chair of the Stationing Strategy Committee. This Committee, which will replace the Stationing Committee, will provide a strategic overview of stationing across the Connexion, for all ministers (deacons, presbyters, probationers and ministers of other Churches and Conferences).

The Deputy Chair supports the Chair in ensuring the effective functioning of the SSC, leads operational coordination and specific delegated workstreams, and provides continuity of leadership by deputising for the Chair when required.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• is a lay person who is a member in good standing of the Methodist Church in Britain;
• has an awareness of the variety of contexts that exist within the Methodist Connexion;
• has a proven ability to handle sensitive material/conversations discretely;
• relishes the chance to work closely with colleagues;

Duration

A term not exceeding three years in the first instance and, which may be extended for a further period of one or more years thereafter.

Time Commitment

Between 30-40 days a year of which up to 12 will be away from home, including overnight stays.

Closing date: 7 April 2026

Shortlisting:  10 April 2026

Interview date: 22 April 2026

Overview:
Drive the charity’s income growth by leading fundraising, partnerships, and donor engagement to secure sustainable funding for programmes and community work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy

• Identify and apply for grants, trusts, and foundations

• Build relationships with corporate and community partners

• Oversee donor stewardship and reporting

• Lead fundraising events and campaigns

• Support digital fundraising and storytelling

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in fundraising or business development (preferably nonprofit sector)

• Track record of successful grant applications

• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills

• Creative, strategic thinker able to work independently

* We agree to pay a percentage for each succesful Bid or Grant. To be discussed futher during the interview.

Would you like to make a positive impact for rural communities across England? Would you like to help tackle rural deprivation and ensure rural areas have fairer access to essential services? Would you like to help rural communities reach their full potential?

We are seeking a finance professional to join our Board who shares our vision and will help us to deliver lasting change.

About the Role

We are seeking a Treasurer with strong financial skills and relevant qualifications to join our Board. The Treasurer will act as the lead trustee for financial oversight and provide guidance on budgeting, planning and sound financial management. With a solid understanding of the regulatory and governance landscape, they will chair the Finance Sub-Committee and provide ad hoc advice and support to the Finance Manager. The post holder will also be a member of the Officers’ Group, consisting of the Chair, two Vice Chairs and Chief Executive/Company Secretary. The group acts as an additional source of advice for the Chief Executive between Board meetings.

The Treasurer will also be expected to use their experience to oversee the delivery of ACRE’s new strategy and charitable objectives, to represent the interests of all stakeholders, and to act as an ambassador for the charity. This includes ensuring we have a robust financial model that will enable us to increase our impact and plan for the longer term. As we increase our financial resilience, we will also work with ACRE network members to help them increase their own, so that together we can make an even greater positive change for rural communities.

Requirements

• Four Board meetings a year – two online and two overnight meetings in person
• Three Finance Sub-Committee meetings a year – online
• Two Officers’ meetings a year – online and in person

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, traditions and ways of life.

The ACRE Team is home based. The meetings that take place in person are held in different locations in central England.

Appropriate expenses will be reimbursed in line with our policy.

How to apply

Please follow the link to apply for the role.

Please note that we will only accept applications submitted via the form within this link.

Closing date: 6pm, Monday 6 April

Online interviews: Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 April

LUX is looking for new Board members to support our work and bring new skills, expertise and ideas for the future of our organisation. This is an important moment in LUX’s history as we embark on a process of rearticulating our purpose and shaping our future with a new executive team. Maintaining a strong, dynamic Board of Trustees is essential to guiding LUX’s mission and working in collaboration with the team to develop and implement the organisation’s vision.

We are currently seeking up to five Trustees, each bringing expertise in one of the following areas:

• Legal
• LUX artist
• Fundraising
• Gallerist or collector with artists’ moving image experience
• Senior level expertise in digital, IT and new technologies

We are keen to hear from people who are enthusiastic about and committed to contemporary art and artists’ moving-image practice, and who are sympathetic to the needs of artists.

Diverse Representation

LUX is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to addressing inequality in the arts sector. We want our Board of Trustees – and our organisation as a whole – to reflect the artists we work with and the audiences we seek to engage.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as global ethnic majority, d/Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, LGBTQI+, and from those who experience barriers due to their socio-economic background.’

We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who demonstrate skills and knowledge in the areas outlined above. Please indicate whether you identify as d/Deaf or disabled in your application.

The Deputy Treasurer aids the Treasurer in fulfilling their duties. The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing financial strategy, governance, and compliance. The Treasurer role exists to ensure that the Pagan Federation’s finances are kept in good order and that we remain a financially sustainable organisation which supports its members effectively and meets its aims and objectives. This also includes ensuring that the PF meets its statutory obligations by submitting annual returns and accounts to the Charity Commission, and advising the Board on financial matters. This is a critical role which requires a financial background, preferably in non-profit/charity accounting. The Deputy Treasurer also aids the Treasurer in managing a team of treasurers who each maintain and keep appropriate financial records for individual teams within the Pagan Federation. 

Your line manager is the Treasurer.

You must not have an IVA, bankruptcy or conviction to apply for this role.

You will help the Treasurer to:

• Lead on financial strategy, ensuring alignment with the charity’s objectives and sustainability. This includes overseeing the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year. 
• Ensure the charity has an appropriate reserves policy and finance manual.
• Liaise with relevant staff, trustees and/or volunteers to ensure the financial viability of the organisation and that all record keeping is kept in accordance with relevant legal requirements.
• Make trustees aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.
• Regularly report the financial position at trustee meetings (balance sheet, cash flow, fundraising performance etc).
• Monitor financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies 

Ensure compliance with specific legal and regulatory requirements including the submission of annual returns and accounts to the Charity Commission.  This includes:

• Overseeing the preparation of the annual report and accounts in line with charity law.

• Ensuring the annual report and accounts are independently examined or audited as required

• Timely submission of annual report and accounts to the Charity Commission

Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place, ie:

• Cheque signatories

• Purchasing limits

• Purchasing systems

• Petty cash/ float

• Others as appropriate
   

You will also:

• Appraise the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.

• Lead on appointing and liaising with auditors/an independent examiner.

• Undertake bookkeeping duties and/or oversee the finance volunteer(s) ensuring posting and bookkeeping is kept up-to-date.

• Maintain the petty cash system and regularly process petty cash claims.

• Regularly carry out reconciliations/ oversee regular reconciliations.

• Arrange payments to creditors as appropriate and arrange appropriate signatures on payments.

• Raise invoices for paid services provided by us, i.e. advertising space in Pagan Dawn.

• Make the necessary arrangements to collect payments from debtors and bank payments promptly.

• Provide training and guidance on financial procedures and compliance

Thames Reach Housing is the registered provider subsidiary of Thames Reach Charity, a leading London-based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets. As well as street outreach work, services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment. We work across London and South East England.

Thames Reach Housing completed the process of registration with the Regulator of Social Housing in February 2023 and has taken ownership of one of the hostels managed by Thames Reach Charity. Becoming a registered provider offers the opportunity to consider the transfer of other hostels and supported housing schemes where this is the best way to secure their future; as well as possible ownership of new hostel and supported housing developments where revenue funding is available.

The Thames Reach group (Thames Reach Charity and Thames Reach Housing) is a strong organisation that is growing in response to need. Our services are rooted in our understanding of the issues surrounding street homelessness, and we use this understanding to influence decision making at a local, regional, and national level. We have an excellent reputation for effective service delivery, working with people who may have very high levels of need, and using our experience of delivering services to develop and improve our approach. The majority of our services are delivered to local and regional authorities on a contract basis and we understand that our continued effectiveness requires us to sustain and develop our financial viability; and to retain and grow our excellent employees and volunteers.

The group has just over 400 employees and around 150 volunteers, and our turnover is around £28 million per year. The employees at the hostel which is owned by Thames Reach Housing are employed by Thames Reach Charity under a local authority contract. Thames Reach Housing therefore does not have any direct employees and its key function as the owning registered provider is to ensure the delivery of high-quality accommodation that supports the work carried out by Thames Reach Charity.

Thames Reach Housing has an effective and experienced non-executive board. They are supported by group sub-committees shared with Thames Reach Charity with a focus on the specific areas of Governance and People, Finance, Audit and Fundraising, and our Services. The Board meets around four times a year and participates in an annual group awayday in the autumn. There are currently three board members; one Thames Reach Housing Board member is shared with the Thames Reach Charity Board, and acts as the link between the Finance, Audit and Fundraising and Governance and People sub-committees. The Chair and other Board member are independents, not forming part of the Thames Reach Charity Board structure.

We are now looking for a new independent member, with an interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for Thames Reach Housing.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who may be considering becoming a Board member for the first time and we want to prioritise interest in homelessness and understanding of how housing associations operate above existing governance experience. We are able to provide governance support and training to new Board members and you would be joining a board with considerable governance experience aligned with a competent Thames Reach Charity senior team to support you in your role.

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We particularly welcome applicants who may have experience of homelessness and/or of using services that support people with complex support needs.

RC Archdiocese of Southwark
Lay Trustee Appointments
Unremunerated

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark covers the geographical area of the whole of London south of the Thames, all of Kent and the eastern parts of Surrey.  With currently 180 parishes, 171 schools and 450 employees it is one of the largest dioceses in the UK.

The Diocese Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is run by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for determining the strategic direction of the Diocese, management of the assets, the smooth running of the day-to-day administration and the legal discharge of its responsibilities.

The role of a Lay Trustee is about helping the Archdiocese achieve its ambitious vision for evangelisation and leading people to Christ, while especially promoting our diverse and vibrant communities. The Archdiocese is seeking to secure a range of skills and expertise in the appointments, which include legal, property or safeguarding. Experience within the education sector may be helpful.

In addition to the general duties and responsibilities outlined by the Charity Commission of England and Wales, Lay and Clerical Trustees collaborate to help shape the strategic vision of the charity and work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and his team focussed on key functions including education, fundraising and property management.

This will mostly be achieved through attendance at the Trustee meetings, which take place at least once a quarter. There is a minimum requirement of three meetings a year, with additional meetings for the first year.

Lay Trustees must be practicing Catholics, but they do not have to be Southwark Archdiocese parishioners.

How to apply

Application is by way of CV initially followed by a Supporting Statement, which should concentrate on motivation, credentials, experience and knowledge and be around 1,000 words max.

Expressions of interest and applications will be reviewed and progressed on a rolling basis.

Candidates taken forward to interview will be required to complete a formal declaration of eligibility to become a Trustee.

Every effort will be made to facilitate an informal visit to the Archdiocese Offices and the opportunity to meet with the Financial Secretary prior to formal interview.

Role Purpose

The Manager leads the Ethics Team as a volunteer, ensuring that all research conducted across the organisation meets high ethical standards. They translate strategic goals into practical plans, support volunteers in their development, and maintain a positive, inclusive team culture. The Manager provides oversight, guidance and operational leadership to ensure ethical, responsible and consistent research practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and support the Ethics Team to deliver high‑quality ethical oversight.

• Translate strategic objectives into clear operational plans and manageable tasks.

• Allocate volunteer capacity effectively and ensure smooth day‑to‑day functioning.

• Provide expert guidance on ethical standards, research integrity and data management.

• Support project teams in designing ethically robust research methodologies.

• Make operational decisions that maintain compliance and effective team performance.

• Monitor and evaluate volunteer performance, supporting development and confidence‑building.

• Promote a positive, inclusive and supportive volunteer environment.

• Resolve conflict, encourage collaboration and strengthen team cohesion.

• Supervise Senior Officers/Senior Researchers/Senior Advisors and provide ongoing support.

Competency Requirements (Manager)

To succeed in this volunteer leadership role, the Manager should demonstrate:

• Strong ethical awareness and the ability to guide others in applying ethical principles.

• Clear, confident and sensitive communication skills.

• Collaborative leadership that encourages shared responsibility for ethical practice.

• Professionalism, integrity and fairness in all interactions.

• Confident problem‑solving and risk‑aware decision‑making.

• The ability to translate strategy into practical, achievable plans.

• Supportive people‑management skills, including coaching, feedback and conflict resolution.

• Effective resource and capacity management.

• A commitment to volunteer wellbeing and positive team culture.

Role Requirements (Manager)

Because this is a senior volunteer leadership role, the following experience is required:

• At least 4 years of experience conducting research and managing ethical considerations, including applying ethical frameworks and handling data responsibly.

• A minimum of 2 years of progressive supervision experience in a research or ethics‑related context (e.g., supervising researchers, overseeing ethical review processes, or leading project teams).

• A strong understanding of research governance, ethical risk and responsible data management.

• Experience supporting others’ development, ideally in a volunteer or mixed‑experience environment.

What will you be doing?

As our Technical VR Advisor you'll act as a senior technical voice for the team, providing strategic technical guidance and sharing your experience rather than day-to-day management. Working alongside our Lead Developer and a motivated team of four software developers, you will have the opportunity to:

This role has two sides, and you might lean more towards one than the other:

Product and strategy guidance:

• Advise on hardware decisions, particularly our upcoming transition to standalone VR headsets
• Share knowledge of the VR landscape: tools, platforms, what's working in the industry to help us make smart choices with limited resources
• Help us think about user experience design for an educational audience aged 14–18

Technical and development guidance:

• Advise on software architecture, tooling, and development practices for our Unity/C# VR application
• Mentor volunteer developers, helping them think through technical problems and grow their skills
• Guide the team on performance optimisation and best practices
• Help flag technical risks or opportunities as our product evolves

Note: Strength in either area is valuable (both together is ideal). This is a flexible advisory role and you can shape your involvement around where your experience has the most impact.

What are we looking for?

• Solid knowledge of the VR/XR space
• Familiarity with the VR hardware landscape, particularly standalone headsets (e.g. Meta Quest)
• We'd ideally love someone with professional or substantial hands-on experience in VR, but if you've built that depth through research, teaching, or personal projects, we'd still love to hear from you
• Experience with Unity and/or C# is a bonus but not essential - product and strategic experience in VR is equally valuable
• An interest in mentoring or teaching
• Someone who can commit roughly 1–3 hours per week, with the flexibility to scale up occasionally
• Passion for education, equity in STEM, or making technology accessible to young people

Nice to have: experience with educational software, interactive design, or working with non-profit / volunteer teams.

What difference will you make?

By lending your experience you'll be directly contributing to our goals to:

• Educate students aged 14–18 on the real-world applications of physics using VR
• Increase equitable access to super-curricular STEM activities in disadvantaged communities
• Show young people that physics can lead to exciting careers beyond academia

Carers Support Chair of Trustees 

Carers Support is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our development. This is an important voluntary role for someone with strong board or senior governance experience who wants to make a real difference to unpaid carers. 

About Carers Support 

We are an independent charity supporting thousands of unpaid carers of all ages across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. We provide advice, information, practical help, emotional support, training, young carers services and more. 

About the role 

As Chair of Trustees, you will: 

• Lead the Board and help set the charity’s strategic direction 
• Support and work closely with the Chief Executive 
• Make sure the Board fulfils its legal and governance duties 
• Encourage a positive, open and inclusive Board culture 
• Ensure meetings are well-run and support good discussion and decision-making 
• Help the charity respond to the needs and views of unpaid carers 
• Ensure risks, finances and performance are monitored effectively 

What we’re looking for 

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

We are looking for someone who can bring: 

• Board, governance or senior decision-making experience 
• Calm, confident leadership and good people skills 
• The ability to facilitate effective meetings or a willingness to learn 
• Sound judgement and the confidence to ask questions 
• A commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers 
• Time to prepare for and attend meetings 

Time commitment 

• 4 board meetings per year (2 hours each) 
• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive 
• Occasional committee meetings, events or development sessions 
• Additional committee meetings, events or development sessions, as required

What you’ll gain 

• A meaningful leadership opportunity with social impact 
• Strategic experience in a respected local charity 
• Supportive induction, training and ongoing guidance 
• A warm and collaborative Board environment 

What is Trafford Centre Foundation:

Trafford Centre Foundation (TCF) is in the process of being set up and will be a registered charity, supporting charitable causes across the Greater Manchester region. The Foundation is independent of  Trafford Centre and governed by a board of trustees who decide which good causes will receive support. Our Trustees act in the Foundation’s best interests, applying donations to advance charitable purposes.

The Foundation will fund a wide range of charitable purposes (subject to the law of England and Wales). We seek to enable transformational change through partnerships with organisations operating in the Greater Manchester area who can demonstrate a clear understanding of the issues facing our local communities and the ability to make a significant impact.

Trafford Centre Foundation’s current funding priorities are for local good causes relating to:

· Education

· Young people and those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship, or other disadvantages.

· The advancement of citizenship or community development.

· The advancement of environmental protection or improvement.

Background:

· With an established set of Trustees, TCF is at an exciting stage of the establishment process and seeks an experienced Chair to lead the board of trustees through its first grant giving cycle and beyond.

· The role is an exciting opportunity to establish robust ways of working (with established support) to deliver significant results and impact in the local community.

Role Purpose:

Chair of Trustees is a high-profile role responsible for the strategic direction and operational management of  Trafford Centre Foundation ensuring effective governance and strong oversight to maximise the Foundation’s impact for its beneficiaries.

You will oversee and provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring it operates effectively, sets clear strategic priorities, and governs in line with the Foundation’s charitable objectives, legal obligations, and values with integrity and transparency. You will provide both strategic vision and practical leadership, ensuring that all operational functionsspanning Trafford Centre Foundation are optimised to benefit all stakeholders and the wider community.

By fostering an inclusive and collaborative Board culture, you will enable trustees to contribute their expertise, uphold the Foundation’s values, and make well-informed decisions that maximise impact for beneficiaries and the wider community. As an ambassador for the Foundation, you will build influential relationships with key stakeholders and champion its vision at every level. 

Key Responsibilities:

The role includes a variety of tasks including the following:

• Act as an ambassador for Trafford Centre Foundation, showcasing exemplary behaviour and actively promoting team recognition within the business. Lead by example, creating a positive and inclusive environment that values diversity, while cultivating a strong team culture. Take ownership of your role, providing ongoing coaching, constructive feedback, and recognition for outstanding contributions. Continuously seek ways to infuse energy, personality, and innovation into your leadership approach to inspire your team.

· Set a clear vision for the delivery of the Foundation’s charitable objectives, legal obligations, and values, demonstrating a passion for creating exceptional experiences. Leading by example as a role model for high standards of service and inspiring the team to deliver outstanding service to all stakeholders and the wider community. Cultivate a culture of excellence where each team member feels empowered to deliver outstanding service at every touchpoint.

· Champion operational excellence through a focus on compliance, clear communication, consistency, and collaboration. Ensure the Board operates within its charitable objects and complies with all legal, regulatory, and policy requirements

Who are we looking for?

Person Specification:

• Experience of chairing Boards of Trustees, grant giving, CIO leadership or extensive experience as an established trustee.
• Proven leadership experience with exceptional influencing and motivational skills and the ability to inspire, influence, and foster collaboration at Board level. Able to inspire and drive high performance.
• Strategic vision, sound judgement, and resilience, with the ability to analyse complex issues and make balanced decisions. Outstanding organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance priorities. Adaptable and calm under pressure.

· Strong communicator with the ability to interact at all levels, respecting workplace diversity, with the confidence to challenge constructively and facilitate consensus.

· Effective in briefing, networking, and fostering a team-oriented culture. Polite, approachable, confident, and self-motivated with high personal presentation standards.

• Strong business or financial acumen, integrity, and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Strong oral and written communication, report writing, and presentation skills. Analytical mindset for navigating complex situations, maintaining energy, and building credibility quickly.

 What difference will you make?

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the Board in setting and delivering its strategic priorities, ensuring decisions align with the Foundation’s charitable purpose and long-term interests.
• Ensure the Board fulfils its duties for effective governance, sound financial stewardship, and robust risk management, with appropriate policies and controls in place.
• Facilitate effective and inclusive Board meetings, setting agendas, commissioning papers, and ensuring decisions are well-informed and implemented.
• Appraise Board and Trustee performance, oversee succession planning and renewal, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

· Act as an ambassador for the Foundation, representing it at external meetings, events, and within the wider community in line with agreed policies and strategy.

· Develop the knowledge, capability, and diversity of the Board, ensuring a balance of skills and experience is maintained.

· Address and resolve conflicts within the Board constructively, and encourage positive change where needed.

 Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with trustees, the Chief Executive, partners, government bodies, and key influencers to support the Foundation’s goals.
• Act as spokesperson and advocate for the Foundation, promoting its purpose and impact across relevant networks and stakeholder groups.
• Commit to attending and leading approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year, as well as key committees, events, or working groups where required.
• Participate in Board evaluations, training, and appraisals, undertaking any identified development.
• Serve a term of up to three years (renewable once subject to review).