Trustees volunteer roles in Birmingham, west midlands

Trustee Opportunities

Hodan  is a small but long-established voluntary organisation in North Kensington, focusing on advice, support and wellbeing for the Somali community and other racially minoritised groups in West London. It is a registered charity operated as a company limited by guarantee.

We are looking for two new Trustees who can help us increase our reach, attract new funding, and continue to develop our services. We are particularly keen to recruit members of the local community in West London who have one or more of the following:

· Lived experience of issues faced by our service users, e.g., economic disadvantage, unemployment or unstable employment, migration, racism / discrimination, digital exclusion, and/or social isolation

· Experience in marketing, PR, or event management

· Experience in fundraising, especially non-grant approaches (e.g., corporate social responsibility, individual philanthropy, or building a supporter base)

· Experience of working with children and young people from racially minoritised backgrounds and/or in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

· Experience in charity leadership and governance

Board meetings are held every three months at Canalside House, Ladbroke Grove. The Board is responsible for setting the strategy and policies of Hodan, and guides and supports the Executive Director and staff.

Rainbow Migration, the longest-running UK charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is seeking a trustee who is or has been a refugee due to persecution as an LGBTQI+ person. This is part of an ongoing commitment to increase leadership in the organisation by people with lived experience of the issues we work on.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about our vision that LGBTQI+ people can settle in the UK and lead fulfilling lives, and our mission to support LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system and influence policy and practice.

At Rainbow Migration, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We particularly encourage applications from people who have sought asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. 

More information on Rainbow Migration is in appendix 1 of the application pack.

If you would like to find out more before applying, you can attend a webinar on Friday 17 April 2026 from 1 to 2pm. This is an opportunity to meet Rainbow Migration’s Executive Director and a trustee and ask us any questions. It is not part of the application or selection process. Please register using the form linked in the application pack and a Zoom link will be sent to you. If you cannot attend, you can still fill out the form and request a recording afterwards.

If you would prefer to have a one-to-one conversation, or have any questions about the role, the webinar or how to apply, please contact us using the email address in the application pack.

The role of trustees

Trustees are volunteers who bring their skills and experience to shape our strategic direction. They have legal responsibility for the charity, ensure good governance, and make sure our finances and resources are used well to implement our mission. Trustees also play a role as ambassadors for the organisation and our work.

Trustees do not get involved in operational decision-making. For example, decisions on which social media platforms we use or what group activities we run for service users are taken by staff.

Because trustees are volunteers, they do not receive payment for their time. Rainbow Migration can pay your costs when incurred solely for fulfilling trustee duties (e.g. travel, phone top-ups if needed exclusively for trustee work).

You can find out more information about what being a trustee involves at the links available in the application pack.

Time commitment

We are looking for people who can commit to being a trustee for at least three years. Trustees can then be re-elected for another three years. The maximum term limit for our trustees is nine years (in line with Charity Commission guidance).

Trustees meet on a weekday evening, from 6 to 9 pm, five times per year. There may be additional meetings in 2026 as part of our work on anti-oppression and to develop our next organisational strategy.

Meetings are usually held on Zoom except in December when we meet in-person in London, with an informal dinner first. For in-person meetings, travel costs (and meals and accommodation if relevant) can be covered.

You will need to spend two to four hours reading 8 to 30 papers before each meeting. Papers are provided a few days in advance of meetings. The “Board Buddy” (see below under Support for Trustees) can help with understanding them. You can also ask to meet with the Executive Director or Chair to explain them.

You can see examples of topics of discussion at board meetings in appendix 2 of the application pack.

You will also need to give some time between meetings. This includes, for example:

• Spending 10 to 30 minutes reviewing and correcting the minutes (written record) of the last board meeting
• Spending 30 to 60 minutes reviewing and giving feedback on documents, such as a new or updated draft organisational policy (e.g. data protection, safeguarding, health and safety)
• Reading and responding to emails within one or two days.

The board has two subcommittees: one on HR and one on finance. You may be asked to join one of these a few months after you become a trustee. If you do, there will be up to four more meetings a year and there will be papers to read for each of these meetings.

Support for trustees

We provide numerous resources for trustees. Below are some examples but they are not exhaustive and we are open to suggestions. Support can be accessed throughout the time someone is a trustee.

Training:

• We can pay for trustees to access training on good governance, the duties of a trustee, and charity finance.
• We give access to webinars and online training e.g. on safeguarding and cyber-security.
• We provide internal training (by staff) on areas such as safeguarding and data protection.

One-to-one support:

• New trustees have induction meetings with Rainbow Migration staff.
• An existing trustee can act as a “Board Buddy” for new trustees, which includes formal and informal meetings and support around board meetings and papers.
• We can help you to find a mentor e.g. The Experts by Experience Employment Initiative can provide mentoring for people with lived experience of migration.
• We can discuss accommodations that are needed for disabled people and other ways to ensure trustees feel fully included and able to participate

Equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-oppression

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and we know this is ongoing work. We are also reviewing what we do and how we do it through an anti-oppression and anti-racism lens, as well as investing in being more informed and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum. We want our organisation — including our trustee board — to be increasingly shaped and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum. That is why this trustee position is specifically for someone who has been granted refugee status in the UK as an LGBTQI+ person.

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, identities and experiences – including from people who are trans (including non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, gender non-conforming and agender) and intersex. We recognise that people have different journeys, strengths and access needs, and we are committed to removing barriers wherever we can. If you share our vision, mission and values, we encourage you to apply and let us know how we can support you through the process.

To support candidates during the interview process, we send some of the questions in advance to give applicants more thinking time. You are welcome to bring notes with you and also take notes in interviews to help process information. Please let us know if we can make other adjustments to support you through the application and selection process.

Once appointed, trustees can continue to access a range of support options throughout their time on the board.

Person specification

Essential

For this role, we are looking for someone who has been awarded refugee status in the UK on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. At this time, we are not accepting applications from people who still in the process of applying for asylum, or who have leave to remain in the UK on other grounds (e.g. work, human rights, marriage) as these experiences are already represented on our board.

We welcome applications from people who have used our services as well as those who have never interacted with us before.

In addition to having been granted asylum in the UK as an LGBTQI+ person, the following are necessary:

• Commitment to Rainbow Migration’s mission, vision and values
• Ability to work constructively with other trustees and staff
• Good English (so you can understand spoken conversations in meetings and contribute)
• Ability to read and understand long documents (e.g. trustees must be familiar with our policies, such as our safeguarding policy, and the key points in our publications such as Still Falling Short)
• Courage and enthusiasm to learn, encourage, challenge, influence and support other people and the organisation
• Confidence to ask questions (this helps everyone learn and improve) or request training or support
• Ability to analyse and scrutinise information provided by staff and trustees (the Board Buddy and other trustees can assist you in this)
• Ability to use independent judgement and share your thoughts with trustees and the Executive Director
• Willingness to share your opinion and give guidance to the board in areas where you have knowledge or experience
• Commitment to speak well about the organisation to others (e.g. funders, other charities)
• Regular access to a secure, private email account and a quiet, private space for joining online meetings and telephone calls
• Be living in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)
• Aged 16 or over
• Not be previously disqualified as a trustee or company director, have an undischarged bankruptcy or have unspent criminal convictions for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud).

Desirable

It would be beneficial if you have work or volunteer experience in an area relevant to Rainbow Migration’s work (e.g. service delivery, communications, campaigning, lobbying, fundraising, HR, IT) but this is not a requirement.

Trustees for innovative Charity reducing social isolation and loneliness

Haringey Circle is a membership-based charity with c.800 members, free to join, open to anyone over the age of 50 and disabled adults in Haringey. We provide social activities, events and information to help our members to connect, get active, keep learning, and to stay as independent as possible.

If you are over 50 years of age living in the London Borough of Haringey (member) or live outside Haringey and have knowledge and /or experience to contribute to the Board (co-opted member) we would like to hear from you.

We welcome applications from those whose voices are often unrepresented, and can provide a viewpoint from, for example our ethnic minority, from LGBTQIA+ or disability communities.

Honorary Treasurer and Trustee
The Royal Air Forces Association
Remuneration: Volunteer Role (Reasonable Expenses Paid)
Time Commitment: Four meetings a year, plus attendance at Committees and annual strategy day. Trustees are also invited to attend our Annual Conference.
Term: An initial term of three years, which may be renewed by agreement.
Location: National – meetings are hybrid (in person, or on Teams) as travel and professional commitments require. HQ is in Leicester.

Who we are

The RAF Association has a clear objective: to help sustain a resilient and empowered RAF community, including serving personnel, RAF veterans and their families. Through our sector leading services, we offer friendship to the isolated and lonely, dedicated casework to support individuals, sheltered housing for those who want to remain proudly independent and high quality childcare on RAF Stations for serving families. Safeguarding and respect are at the heart of everything we do.

We work together to make sure no one is ever left behind. We have a long and proud track record of supporting the RAF community, and helping people maintain independence, build resilience and stay connected to the RAF community.

About the role

The Council of the Association acts as its Board of Trustees. The role of Trustee is a rewarding and stimulating one, which places you at the heart of the Association. As a Trustee you shape the Association’s strategic direction and ensure we remain financially strong, well‑governed and able to deliver life‑changing support.

We are now seeking an Honorary Treasurer to join Council and provide expert guidance on financial strategy, risk management and stewardship. This is a vital role that helps safeguard the Association’s long‑term sustainability and ensures our resources are used responsibly and effectively in service of our mission.

We are seeking an individual who shares the values and ethos of the RAF Association and who brings:

• Strong financial expertise—ideally a qualified accountant or senior finance professional
• Experience in financial strategy, risk management, or audit
• Understanding of charity finance, SORP reporting and good governance principles
• The ability to communicate financial information clearly and constructively
• Sound judgement, independence of thought and the highest standards of integrity
• A collaborative, supportive approach to working with other Trustees and Executive leaders

This role suits someone who wants to use their financial acumen to make a positive and lasting difference to the RAF community.

Closing Date Wednesday 15 April 2026

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.

The RAF Association is a Disability Confident Employer, please get in touch if you require any assistance with the application process.

No agencies please.

We are looking for a dedicated Lay Trustee who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. We are member-led, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in our Lay Trustee role here at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall. We're very pleased to announce the opening of applications for our esteemed Board of Trustees. We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for a dedicated Lay Trustee who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.

Our membership comprises of students studying with both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall) which creates a unique and special experience of which we love to be a key part of.

The role of Lay Trustee provides an opportunity to support our Sabbatical and Student Trustees foster a culture of student leadership and deliver a student-focused service.

You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are within the first year of our 2025-2030 Strategy.  If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.

We are especially keen to hear from applicants based in the South West, with experience in any of the below areas:

· Finance:

o Financial planning and management

o Development of income streams and financial sustainability

· Law and Compliance:

o Charity Law

o Employment Law

· People:

o HR management 

o Learning and development

· Fundraising:

o Grant fundraising 

o Social investment and enterprise

o Developing commercial income streams 

For full details of the role, please see the Lay Trustee Recruitment Pack below. 

Why Should You Become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience. You’ll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and support our President and Student Trustees. As a Lay Trustee, you are eligible to become Deputy Chair of the Board, or Chair of one of the sub-committees. This is dependent on vacancies for these roles.

You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.

Job Description

We’re looking for someone to work collectively with our Board of Trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our Students’ Union.

Remuneration: Lay Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.

Hours: Hours can vary however typically each year:

· Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long conducted online.

· Additional four (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 1 hour.

· There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid).

Term of office: three years, up to three terms.

Location: Homebased with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.

Role Purpose:

The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy, approving and monitoring delivery plans.

How To Apply

Please visit the role posting on our website for further details on how to apply. We require the completion of a Person Details form, and Skills Audit spreadsheets, along with your CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Monday 13 April. Applications will be considered and shortlisted upon receipt, with interviews to take place (online) on a rolling basis.  

Ideally, you will be available to attend a Trustee Induction on the morning of Tuesday 23 June, ahead of the first Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday 24 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Wednesday 01 July.

For full details of the role, please see the Lay Trustee Recruitment Pack below. 

Who We Are

ExtraCare is a registered charity established in 1988. Our vision is better lives for older people, and our mission is to create sustainable communities that provide homes older people want, lifestyles they can enjoy, and care when it is needed.All surpluses generated by the organisation are reinvested to improve the lives of our residents. We have no shareholders and are governed by an unpaid Board of Trustees.

ExtraCare is the UK’s leading not-for-profit developer of housing for people aged 55 and over. We operate 14 retirement villages and four smaller retirement schemes, supporting more than 4,329 residents across 3,778 homes.

To support our work, we operate a subsidiary company, ExtraCare Retail Limited, which runs charity shops and donates its profits to the charity. Additional income is generated through fundraising activities.

The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of ExtraCare Charitable Trust at a time of continued growth and impact.

Our Trustees work collaboratively, bringing energy, insight and constructive challenge to support the organisation’s mission of improving the lives of older people and creating vibrant communities. With the Trust in a strong position and preparing for its next corporate plan, new Trustees will play an important role in helping to shape future strategy and supporting the organisation’s long-term sustainability and success.

We are seeking two new Trustees to join the Board as part of our ongoing Board development. Through these appointments, we are looking to strengthen the Board’s expertise in key areas that will support the Trust’s continued growth and governance.

Trustee – Finance and Treasury
For one of these roles, we are particularly seeking significant experience in treasury and financial management. This includes a strong understanding of treasury strategy and oversight, alongside experience in financial management, financial reporting and control systems.

The successful candidate will help provide robust scrutiny and guidance on the Trust’s financial position, supporting the Board in ensuring long-term financial resilience and sustainability.

Trustee – Social Housing and Housing Services
For the second role, we are looking to bring deeper expertise in social housing and housing services. We welcome candidates with experience in the social housing sector, including a strong understanding of the regulatory framework and the management and delivery of housing services.

This knowledge will support the Board in overseeing our housing provision, ensuring high standards of service, strong regulatory compliance, and the continued development of thriving communities for older people.

We are committed to ensuring that our Board reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences. We warmly welcome applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from those who may be underrepresented on charity boards, and who can bring additional insight and lived experience to our governance.

For further details about the organisation, the role description, and the person specification, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this role, please provide:
•  A comprehensive CV, including your recent achievements and the details of two referees
•  A supporting statement outlining your motivation for applying (maximum one side of A4)

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact: Melissa Baxter – Managing Partner, Charities

Closing date for applications: Monday 13 April 2026
Interviews with ExtraCare Charitable Trust: Thursday 30 April 2026
Interviews will take place at a location in the Birmingham region.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Make a difference to the lives of disabled and elderly consumers.

The Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) is looking for two new board trustees.

Are you an enthusiastic and creative individual who enjoys a challenge?

• Do you want to join a team that is determined to grow the reach and impact of the organisation?
• Do you have a lived experience of disability or a long-term health condition?
• Do you have the time to commit to helping us grow the impact of RiDC?

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with strong financial expertise who can help safeguard and strengthen RiDC’s long-term sustainability. This may include experience in accountancy, investment management or broader financial services, with a sound understanding of investment principles, portfolio oversight and financial markets, ideally including experience of advising on charitable or smaller funds.

TRUSTEE

Are you a committed Christian with a heart for evangelical mission? Do you bring sound judgement and governance insight to board-level decision-making?

Childs Charitable Trust is a long-established Christian grant-making charity, founded in 1962, distributing significant funding to UK-registered charities advancing the Christian gospel in the UK and overseas.

We are seeking up to three Trustees to strengthen and refresh the Board. As a Trustee, you will help steward financial resources drawn from property and investments, discerning where funding will have the greatest Gospel impact. You will review and assess grant applications, engage directly with mission partners, and contribute to strategic oversight, governance and risk management.

This Trustee role offers the privilege of combining faith, wisdom and practical judgement to enable ministries to grow, respond to crisis and reach those who may never otherwise hear the Good News.

Key responsibilities:

• Shape and approve strategic grant-making decisions
• Provide governance oversight, safeguarding integrity and sustainability
• Review and score applications, weighing impact and risk
• Support and appropriately challenge the Chief Executive
• Contribute actively to prayerful, values-led board discussions
• Time commitment – 4 meetings per year

Benefits:

• Direct influence on gospel-centred mission impact
• Engagement with UK and international Christian organisations
• Reasonable expenses reimbursed

Closing date: 19 April 2026
Interviews with Childs Charitable Trust: weeks commencing 4 and 11 May

Full details, role requirements and application instructions are available in the candidate pack.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

*In accordance with the equality act 2010 it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian.

We’re looking for trustees

We’re looking to recruit dynamic, committed and motivated people with professional skills and experience who are as passionate as we are about empowering individuals to work through and beyond their experience of sexual abuse.

Specific qualifications are not necessarily required and we welcome applicants with lived experience. A genuine interest in learning about our charity and our services within the local community is essential.

These trustees will help to form a new board dedicated to supporting the charity and contributing to the effective and quality governance of Trust House. You will play an active role in developing the strategic direction of the charity and provide guidance to ensure the charity continues to support anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area.

Are you passionate about using your skills and expertise to help support and develop a UK-wide relationships and sex education charity?

Sexpression:UK provides high quality, comprehensive relationships and sex education workshops to young people between the ages of 11-18 in schools and youth groups. We operate across the UK through our unique network of affiliated branches and volunteers based at universities and students’ unions in 15 towns and cities.

You will have strong empathy with our mission to educate and empower young people to make individual, informed decisions about their bodies and their health. You will be committed to using your expertise to contribute to the future development of the charity and ensuring high quality governance of the organisation.

We are looking for a motivated individual with demonstrable experience in leadership or governance to join our board as Chair of Trustees.This is an exciting time to join our charity with the opportunity to contribute to a unique youth-led charity playing a leading role in some of today’s biggest issues.

SLOW, an award-winning charity supporting bereaved families, is excited to welcome an experienced Chair to lead our Board of Trustees, when our current Chair retires in June 2026. The appointee will be tasked with moving the organisation to the next level in delivering the sustainable growth of its bereavement services. 

The Chair of SLOW is entrusted with the vital task of leading the Board of Trustees and its Director to ensure it fulfils its legal and governance responsibilities while remaining true to the mission and values of the charity.

This is an exciting opportunity for an engaged individual to come into SLOW and utilise their extensive charity governance experience to help the charity on its strategic journey. As the Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in guiding and further developing the charity's strategic direction and acting as an ambassador for the organisation. The Chair will be required to lead the Board to consensus-based decisions, as well as provide strategic and critical support to its Director. The Chair will ensure that the organisation continues to fulfil its objectives and work towards its goals and mission, while also promoting the highest standards of charity governance. The Chair reports to the Board of Trustees. 

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.

Are you passionate about health justice? Medact is seeking a new Chair of the Board to help oversee our governance and support our work.

About Medact

Medact organises the health community to work towards a world in which everyone is able to live healthy, dignified lives, supported by political and economic systems that centre health justice. Our priority work areas are some of the most pressing threats to health and wellbeing, including ending state violence, housing & energy justice, and migrant access to healthcare. Medact seeks systemic solutions to major social problems, and is unafraid to hold decision-makers to account. We launched our new five-year strategy at the end of 2025, embedding our vision for how we win and how we grow.

We’re member-led, and our membership spans a range of people who work in health, including nurses, doctors, midwives and clinical researchers, as well as people from the wider health community. 

We are now looking for a new Chair of our Board of Trustees. If you share our vision and passion, why not join our Board and help us fight for health justice?

About the role

Our Board of Trustees provides guidance, governance and final sign-off on major decisions on behalf of our membership. Trustees are collectively responsible for the governance of the organisation in line with the requirements of the Charity Commission. Trustees also contribute to the development of Medact's strategy and participate in a range of other activities to support the Director and staff with our work.

There are four planned board meetings per year, which are hybrid, and it is expected that each Trustee will attend most Board meetings. Trustees are also sometimes asked to give their views or sign off on issues between Board meetings if an issue cannot wait. It is hoped that each Trustee will have the capacity to use their unique skills to support the team more broadly with Medact’s work.

As Chair, you will support the Executive Director and staff to help build on our achievements and realise Medact’s vision. You will work with fellow Trustees to make up a strong and effective Board governing the Charity. 

Acting as a Trustee is a voluntary role but reasonable travel expenses can be paid. 

Who we are looking for

Our current Board brings a broad range of skills, but we recognise that we do not yet reflect the diversity of the health community. There are also specific types of experience and expertise we would like more of on the Board. In particular, we are looking for potential Trustees with one or more of the following attributes:

• Lived experience of an issue that Medact campaigns on, for instance the Hostile Environment, the health impacts of economic or housing injustice, the health impacts of armed conflict or UK security policies

• Experience as a frontline health worker of any sort, preferably current

• Legal and safeguarding expertise

• Fundraising expertise, particularly individual giving or major donor fundraising

• Human resources expertise

As Chair, you will be actively networked within the health community or broader social justice movement and highly experienced in governance or strategic leadership of a charity or NGO. You will have the skills to line-manage the Executive Director. And you will have the ability to advocate on behalf of Medact’s work, as well as helping to build the membership and public image of the organisation. 

We hope all Trustees will: 

• Share our vision for a fairer and safer world, and our analysis of the transformational change needed to get closer to it

• Approach Board discussions and conversations with the team with an open mind, able to listen to and genuinely engage with others’ views

• Display collaborative behaviours which promote harmony and good team working which supports Medact to be an effective, well-governed organisation

Previous experience on a charity board or in another governance role is useful but by no means essential. If you are interested in becoming a Trustee but aren’t sure you have the right skills and experience, or would like an informal conversation with an existing board member before applying, please get in touch.

Timeline

Applications are open until 9am on Monday 9th March. 

We aim to interview candidates in March. Please let us know when applying if you are unavailable during this period.

Chair of Trustees role:

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Who are we looking for?

• Previous chairing experience
• Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, health inequalities (including deaf community), local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Good, independent judgement
• The ability to challenge and ask questions
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

NB: We are looking for both a Chair of Trustees and additional Trustees (particularly those with a finance background, but other functions are also welcome). If you are interested in a Trustee role instead of the Chair role, please mention this in your covering letter when applying. 

Both the Chair and Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

• Peer support
• Long-term health conditions
• Cancer diagnoses and prevention
• Voluntary sector support
• Health inequalities (including the deaf community)
• Under-served communities