Trusts and foundations volunteer roles

Make a difference in the lives of children, families and women. Become a PACT Trustee.

We are seeking two voluntary trustees to join our exceptional Board of trustees: One with professional experience in Safeguarding and one with professional experience within the Violence Against Women and Girls sector, or closely aligned areas.

If you are committed to making a lasting impact and guiding a charity that makes a positive difference to hundreds of lives every year, this is an incredible opportunity to join us on our mission.

You do not need previous trustee experience as we provide a full induction and ongoing training. This is a unique chance to apply your expertise at strategic level, playing a pivotal role in ensuring we continue delivering high-quality, trauma-informed services, championing the welfare of vulnerable families, and shaping supportive policies that protect children and strengthen communities.

PACT (Parents and Children Together) has been building and strengthening families since 1911 through outstanding adoption services and specialist therapeutic and trauma informed support services across Reading, the Thames Valley, and southern England. As one of the UK’s leading voluntary adoption agencies, we place children with loving, permanent families (over 81 placements last year) and offer lifelong specialist support through services like our Strengthening Families Team, CATCH and Adopter Champions. Alongside our adoption service provision, we empower women facing multiple disadvantages through our Alana House women’s centre and help children and their non-abusing parents recover from trauma via our Bounce Back 4 Kids programme.

Who we are looking for

We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and actively encourage individuals from underrepresented groups, including those with lived experience of adoption, care or disadvantage to apply. Diversity of thought and experience strengthens our Board, and we value perspectives from different communities, cultures and lived experiences. Your expertise will help us deliver inclusive, high quality services for children, families and women.

These trustee roles are voluntary positions that are home-based with occasional travel to our Reading head office for in person board meetings or to collaborate with PACT colleagues relevant to your lead role (reasonable expenses covered) and support for our events. The time commitment is around one day per month, including quarterly Board meetings and input into wider charity matters. We aim to be flexible and will make adjustments where we can support accessibility and your availability.

For the Safeguarding Lead Trustee role, we would welcome applications from interested individuals who have current strong understanding and experience of safeguarding legislation, especially in children’s social care.

For the Violence Against Women and Girls Trustee role, we are looking for individuals with demonstrable experience of working in this sector, or in closely aligned areas (e.g. domestic abuse, sexual violence, women in the criminal justice system, safeguarding, trauma informed services). You will have a strong understanding of the policy, commissioning and funding landscape relating to this field.

What would you get as a PACT trustee?

· Satisfaction of helping vulnerable children, women and families, and giving something back

· An opportunity to exercise your skills and knowledge, possibly in a different environment or context

· A chance to contribute to the charity’s strategic growth

· A chance to expand your experience of charities and gain new skills

· An opportunity to work alongside other skilled and committed trustees

· High-quality induction, training and support from us and other charity-support organisations

· Being a Trustee can support the acquisition of valuable skills and experience that support career development

We understand that becoming a trustee is a commitment and you want to ensure that you are applying for a role that matches your values and requirements. You will find lots more information about PACT on our website and one of our trustees also kindly provided this short video with further details.

If you believe you can contribute to the skills and diversity of our Board and would like to apply, please visit the volunteer page of our website  where you will find the trustee recruitment pack and application form.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need the information in a different format or require adjustments during the application process, please let us know.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The closing date for applications is 9am on Tuesday 01 September 2026.

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.

Girls in Sport: Fundraising Trustee

Voluntary role: This is an unpaid trustee position, with reasonable expenses reimbursed where agreed.

Location: Remote but Trustee must be UK based 

Role Specification

This is an opportunity to join us at a pivotal moment: helping to shape the next chapter of a niche, sports for social impact initiative that works to deliver meaningful change to communities, and provides a safe space for many girls who are exposed to risks associated with their gender.  

You will join the Trustee Board in leading tranformative development from a successful grassroots pilot, towards a road-map that reinforces robust, cross-cutting outcomes and sustainability.  

As we move through 2026, we are seeking an experienced fundraising and grants practitioner who can bring sector insight, constructive challenge and strategic oversight to the Board. 

1. Introduction from the Board

Girls in Sport is a niche but ambitious sport-for-social-impact charity using locally led programmes to challenge gender inequality and create safer, stronger opportunities for girls in hard-to-reach communities. Our Secretariat is in the UK, and we are currently working with communities in Sierra Leone.

We are entering a transformative phase: moving from a grassroots initiative with proven impact into a stronger regional model with the potential to reach more girls, families and communities. To support that growth, we are building out our Trustee Board with more practitioners across the charity, fundraising and social impact sectors. 

You will help direct and provide leadership at Board level in guiding us to unlock pathways to funding that is both restricted and unrestricted, strengthen financial sustainability, and support the responsible growth of our impact in Sierra Leone and other communities where our model can be replicated.  It is very imprtant that you recognise fluctuating capacity challenges associated with scaling from start-up in the non-profit space. 

We are in this for the long term and foster an ethos of quality over quantity.

If you are as invested as much as we are, we want you to join with us as we drive transformative change in our communities and our organisation. 

Sport for Social Impact

We believe sport can be a powerful conduit for social change from the grassroots. Through locally led programmes in protected settings, we use sport, nutrition, education and safeguarding awareness to challenge gender stereotypes, strengthen confidence and resilience, and support girls affected by poverty, trauma, gender-based violence, FGM and child marriage, and preventing trafficking and exploitation. 

Our work is designed to shift attitudes in communities through soft power, while providing a safe space for girls to access sport without barriers, learn, lead and thrive.

2. About Girls in Sport

Our Mission:

We use the soft power of locally led sport programmes to promote sustainable development in advancing gender parity in communities facing poverty, conflict, and gender-related risks. Our Sponsor a Champion initiative uses sport and access to education to foster equal opportunities and support safeguarding awareness, literacy, and child protection.

Key Areas of Impact:

• Sport for Social Impact: Using sport to challenge attitudes to gender, and to empower young women to build self-reliance, resilience, and confidence to achieve the same aspirations as the boys. 
• Education & Literacy: Closing the gap in literacy between boys and girls through targeted school sponsorship interventions. 
• Social Welfare: Beneficiary and community sensitisation in safeguarding and protection, targeting the most at-risk beneficiaries, and signposting pathways to social welfare and trauma-support stakeholders in-Country. 
• Location: Remote:Secretariat - Girls in Sport UK (GISUK)

3. Job Description: Fundraising Trustee

Role Purpose:

The Fundraising Trustee will bring experienced fundraising insight to the Board, helping Girls in Sport strengthen its income-generation strategy, funding readiness and long-term sustainability. This is a strategic governance role, not an operational fundraising post. Working with fellow trustees and the programme lead, you will provide advice, constructive challenge and sector expertise to help us build a credible, diversified funding approach across trusts and foundations, institutional grants, high-value partnerships, major donors and aligned corporate supporters.

The right person will help professionalise our fundraising governance, strengthen Board capability and support good decision-making, while recognising that delivery capacity must be proportionate to an unpaid trustee commitment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Governance: Act as a member of the Board of Trustees, sharing legal and financial responsibility for the charity’s management.

·Fundraising Strategy: Advise on fundraising strategy and priorities, with particular focus on trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships and institutional opportunities.

·Income Generation Oversight: Champion fundraising at Board level, support informed decision-making and help identify opportunities, introductions or partnerships where appropriate.

• Compliance: Ensure all activities adhere to fundraising regulations and best practices, including the Code of Fundraising Practice.

·Ambassadorship: Act as a thoughtful ambassador for the charity, helping raise its profile and credibility within relevant philanthropic, charity and social impact networks.

4. Person Specification

Essential:

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values regarding gender equality, sustainable development, and youth empowerment.
• Robust knowledge and experience of fundraising (e.g., trusts, corporates, or major donors).
• Strategic thinker, able to balance long-term planning with practical advice.
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trusteeship.
• Experience of fundraising in an international development or small charity context.
• Existing networks that could support the charity’s fundraising efforts.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with Sierra Leone, West Africa or regional sub-Sahara socio-economic contexts and cross-border programming challenges in navigating funding and grant-making agencies 
• Existing networks that could support the charity’s fundraising efforts.

5. Commitment & Timeline

• Time Commitment: Approximately two hours per month.
• Meetings: We currently hold bi-annual Board meetings (online/in-person mix) plus occasional sub-group meetings.
• Term: two years, renewable three times. 

6. How to Apply

To apply, please submit a CV including relevant expertise, and an expression of interest and commitment to the mission.

Girls in Sport (Charity No. 1175997). Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England and Wales.

Our charity funds around £100 million of research each year into all heart and circulatory diseases and the things that cause them. Heart diseases. Stroke. Vascular dementia. Diabetes. They're all connected, and they're all under our microscope.  Our volunteers help us fund lifesaving science to improve the lives of families and loved ones living with heart and circulatory disease. Volunteering with us is easy, flexible, and inclusive. If you can spare a few hours a week, or a couple of hours occasionally, we’d love you to join our volunteer team. 

Could you be the friendly face of your local British Heart Foundation shop? With support around you and full training provided, you will be processing sales through the till as a volunteer cashier, talking to customers and thanking every donor - helping us continue to fund life saving research. This is a customer focussed role where you will meet and interact with a wide range of people.  

Just so you know, we are unable to accept volunteers aged under 17 or with unspent criminal convictions. Please note this is an unpaid voluntary position in a friendly charity shop.  

Typical tasks include:

• Engaging with customers and serving them in a helpful and friendly way
• Answering questions from customer, donors and supporters
• Communicating with fellow volunteers about what has sold and needs re-stocking
• Honing your retail and cashier skills behind the till and taking payments
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area
• Promoting Gift Aid and sales campaigns

Volunteering with British Heart Foundation comes with plenty of benefits too… 

• A 25% discount on donated goods and 10% discount on New Goods in our shops
• Unlimited, free, and confidential support by Retail Trust
• Access to training and development 
• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed 
• Refreshments available  
• Volunteer certificates, references and long service awards provided
• Access to discounts with other retailers 

The Organisation

Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity supporting low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.

We help thousands of families every year with essential grants, services and practical support. But we do much more than that. We champion families’ voices, challenge inequality and help shape the conversation on disability, childhood illness and disadvantage. 

The Roles

The need for our support has never been greater. Maintaining and growing that support requires us to find ever more creative and innovative ways to increase funding, communicate our work, and strengthen our brand profile so that we can continue to reach the families who need us most. Alongside this, we must ensure we are working efficiently so that every £1 of funding goes further for the benefit of those we support.

Trustees play an active role in governing the charity and are responsible for setting the vision and strategic priorities, while ensuring we comply with all legal, charitable, and financial requirements. We are now seeking two Trustees to join our Board and help shape the next stage of our development and impact.

Trustee – Income Growth

We are seeking a Trustee with the knowledge and experience to help us grow and diversify our income streams across both the Charity and Family Fund Business Services, working seamlessly and efficiently as one Group. We want to maximise the income streams, partnerships, and relationships we already have, while also exploring and moving at pace into new areas that align with our strategy and goals. This will require courage, resolve, and teamwork, and we are seeking a Trustee who can advise and work with us on this exciting journey.

Trustee – Fundraising & Philanthropy

We hope to find a Trustee with experience in major fundraising to advise us on strategies to strengthen and broaden our fundraised income. We want to enhance and grow our core fundraising functions, focusing on individual giving, legacies, and community engagement, to sustain current delivery and unlock new income streams that enable the development of future services and support. We will have clear plans for major donors and high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporate partnerships to build unrestricted and core funding.

For both roles, we are seeking Trustees who can bring thought leadership, constructive challenge, and fresh ideas as we strengthen and diversify our income base by growing existing and developing new income sources across fundraising, philanthropy, government, and commercial ventures.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop skills and experience while giving back to a nationwide charity that makes a real and practical difference to the lives of families every day.

The Person

We are looking for Trustees who can demonstrate:

• Commitment to the organisation and its mission
• Integrity, strategic vision, and good independent judgement
• The ability to make decisions in the best interests of the organisation
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role
• Strong communication skills, including the confidence to speak constructively and listen to the views of others
• Tact, diplomacy, and the ability to build positive relationships
• The ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team
• An understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of being a trustee

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who have the skills and experience required to be a Trustee. We would particularly encourage applications from people with disabilities or long-term conditions, and from parents or carers of children and young adults with disabilities or serious illnesses, to help bring valuable lived experience and fresh perspectives to our Board.

Guardian Light Foundation

Location: Remote
Commitment: Flexible – approx. 20 hours per month
Role Type: Volunteer
Reports to: Board of directors

�� About Guardian Light Foundation

Guardian Light Foundation exists to protect, support, and empower children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and extreme hardship.

Many of the individuals we serve are navigating complex legal situations while already dealing with trauma, fear, and instability. Access to safe, ethical, and compassionate legal advice can be life-changing — and that’s where you come in.

⚖️ About the Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Solicitor with experience in family law, safeguarding, or domestic abuse-related legal matters to provide initial legal guidance, signposting, and referrals to vulnerable individuals supported by Guardian Light Foundation.

This role is advisory and supportive, not high-volume casework. Your expertise will help people understand their rights, options, and next steps at critical moments in their lives.

�� Focus Areas

�� Children’s Arrangements

• Custody and contact arrangements

• Child safeguarding concerns

• Schooling and parental responsibility guidance

• Early advice on family court processes

��️ Domestic Violence Injunctions

• Non-molestation orders

• Occupation orders

• Restraining orders

• Emergency protection guidance and referrals

��‍�� Single-Parent Legal Support

• Family court guidance

• Child maintenance advice

• Housing rights and homelessness-related legal signposting

• Referrals to specialist legal services where appropriate

�� What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing initial legal advice and guidance (not ongoing representation)

• Supporting safeguarding decisions where legal insight is required

• Advising on urgent legal options in high-risk situations

• Signposting individuals to appropriate external legal services

• Working closely with GLF’s safeguarding and support teams

• Maintaining clear professional boundaries and ethical practice

��️ Safeguarding & Compliance

Because this role supports vulnerable individuals:

• An Enhanced Volunteer DBS Check is required

• DBS checks are conducted via our trusted partner Serve (Rushden)

• All work must align with GLF’s safeguarding policies

• Confidentiality and GDPR compliance are essential

�� Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Qualified UK Solicitor (or equivalent legal professional)

• Experience in family law, domestic abuse, or child safeguarding

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice

• Ability to explain legal concepts clearly and compassionately

• Commitment to ethical and client-centred practice

• Solicitor must hold - Their own Professional Indemnity Insurance and/or Public Liability Insurance cover

Desirable:

• Experience working with charities or vulnerable populations

• Knowledge of housing or homelessness law

• Familiarity with referral pathways and support services

�� Who We’re Looking For

You are someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for protecting children and families

• Believes access to justice should never depend on income

• Can balance professionalism with empathy

• Understands the emotional impact of legal uncertainty

• Wants to use their expertise to create real social impact

⏰ Time Commitment

• Approx. 20 hours per month

• Flexible scheduling

• Fully remote

�� What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact

• Professional fulfilment through purpose-led legal work

• Recognition and appreciation within a growing social enterprise

• Networking with professionals across counselling, housing, and social care

• Opportunity to join an Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the organisation grows

What does it look like to Chair a charity at a pivotal moment of change?

Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is an established infrastructure charity supporting, connecting and championing voluntary and community organisations across North Somerset and beyond.

With a strong local reputation and a clear ambition for the future, VANS plays a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing organisations together, amplifying collective voice, and enabling others to deliver impact.

Now, at an important point in its development, the organisation is focused on building on its strengths, refining how it works, and positioning itself to be futureproof. We’re looking for a new Chair to lead the charity into its next phase.

Location: Based in North Somerset working across the South West and beyond
Remuneration: Voluntary, with expenses covered

Time commitment: Governance commitment supported by a Vice-Chair. Currently, 4 Board meetings and 2 Development days per annum, 3-4 Governance group meetings, regular meetings with the CEO, as well as ad-hoc meetings, preparation and urgent matters arising.

About the opportunity

This is a Chair role with real scope to shape both direction and approach. You’ll work alongside a committed Board and Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership, focus on achieving growth, and building a high-performing team and organisation as it continues to evolve.

As Chair, you’ll play a key role in:

• Keeping the Board focused, effective and forward‑looking
• Providing support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive
• Ensuring clear governance, decision-making, and delivery

About you

We’re open to different backgrounds and pathways into this role. You may already be a Chair, or an experienced trustee or senior leader ready to be one. What matters most is your ability to provide confident, thoughtful and effective leadership.

We’re particularly interested in people who can:

• Operate at a senior strategic level and see the bigger picture
• Build strong, effective relationships across a Board and executive team
• Balance support and challenge in a constructive way
• Bring a level of commercial awareness and focus on sustainability

Experience of the voluntary sector, health or place‑based working would be valuable, but it’s not essential if you can quickly build that understanding.

Why this role matters

VANS has laid solid foundations under the previous Chair’s tenure, with a strong local reputation, passionate people and now gathering momentum.

The next Chair will play an important role in ensuring the organisation is:

· Strategically-focussed, well governed and meets its goals

· Investing in building VANS and financially resilient

• Ready to grow its impact across North Somerset and beyond

This is a unique and special opportunity to meaningfully contribute to an organisation at the heart of community life.

How to apply

A CV or short profile is a great first step. We’d also welcome an informal conversation if you’d prefer to ask some questions first.

Amelia Lee at Charity People is leading this search.

Deadline: As this role has been advertised previously, we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. If you feel this approach disadvantages you in any way at all, please get in touch with Amelia, who will ensure you are given full and fair consideration and do not miss out.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

OOEF runs free music sessions for children aged 7–11 at two primary schools in Twerton and Whiteway. The sessions are so valued by the schools that children are released from maths lessons to attend. We need volunteers to sit alongside children as they practise — listening, encouraging, celebrating their progress. No musical experience needed. If you love music and care about young people, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at St Michael's Junior School in Twerton and Roundhill Primary in Whiteway — two schools in nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

As a Practice Buddy you sit alongside small groups of children as they work through their instruments — listening, encouraging and celebrating their progress. You will work in a team of 5–10 at all times; no one ever works alone with children. Training and mentoring are built in from day one.

What you'll bring

• A warm, patient approach with primary-school-age children

• Reliability — children build trust with familiar faces, and a volunteer who keeps coming back has a disproportionate impact

• Comfort working as part of a team in a school environment

• A love of music — you don't need to play a note

Time commitment

Most volunteers come in weekly or fortnightly during term time — a typical session is around 1.5–2 hours on a Wednesday afternoon (more days planned). Some come via company or organisation rotas (like Camella estate agents and Bathavon Rotary Club), others as University of Bath students fitting volunteering around their studies. One-off or ad hoc sessions are also very welcome. We will work around whatever suits you.

What you'll get from it

• The chance to see children grow in confidence and ability in real time — often children who struggle in conventional classroom settings

• A supportive, welcoming team with training and mentoring provided

• The knowledge that this is genuinely high-impact work — these children's lives are being changed

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF

Our charity funds around £100 million of research each year into all heart and circulatory diseases and the things that cause them. Heart diseases. Stroke. Vascular dementia. Diabetes. They're all connected, and they're all under our microscope.  Our volunteers help us fund lifesaving science to improve the lives of families and loved ones living with heart and circulatory disease. Volunteering with us is easy, flexible, and inclusive. If you can spare a few hours a week, or a couple of hours occasionally, we’d love you to join our volunteer team. 

Our Sales Floor Volunteers are the first point of contact for customers when they enter our charity shop. You will be greeting customers, helping them find the items they’re looking for and answering their questions, with help on hand from the shop team. You will provide invaluable help in the running of the shop, keeping it stocked and attractively displayed. 

Just so you know, we are unable to accept volunteers aged under 17 or with unspent criminal convictions. Please note this is an unpaid voluntary position in a friendly charity shop. 

Typical tasks include: 

• Helping customers on the shop floor & providing good all-round customer service 
• Promoting our campaigns and any instore sales to customers 
• Working on window and shop displays to make them look their best
• Keeping the shop tidy, clean and well organised – some light housekeeping 
• Helping your fellow volunteers and staff with customer queries 

Volunteering with British Heart Foundation comes with plenty of benefits too… 

• A 25% discount on donated goods and 10% discount on New Goods in our shops
• Unlimited, free, and confidential support by Retail Trust
• Access to training and development 
• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed 
• Refreshments available  
• Volunteer certificates, references and long service awards provided
• Access to discounts with other retailers 

When children finish Year 6 in our primary programme, many of them don't want the music to stop. So we have started an evening youth club to keep it going. It runs in partnership with Youth Connect South West, and the Police Early Intervention Team back it because they see music as a practical tool against gang recruitment and knife crime. We need musicians or singers who want to teach instruments and support creative projects with young people in their community.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at two Bath primary schools in Twerton and Whiteway — nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

The youth club runs in partnership with Youth Connect South West and is endorsed by the Police Early Intervention Team and the Bath & North East Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership — who see music as a frontline tool against gang recruitment and knife crime.

As a Youth Club Music Leader you will draw on your musical skills to teach instruments, support group projects, and help young people develop creatively and socially. You will work in teams with other musicians and youth workers. Formal teaching qualifications are not required.

Note: this role is specifically for people who play an instrument or sing. If you are interested in a pastoral or support role at the youth club without a music requirement, please get in touch to ask about our Youth Club Support Volunteer role.

What you'll bring

• The ability to play an instrument or sing — any genre or style welcome

• Genuine warmth and consistency with young people, including those from complex backgrounds

• Musical credibility alongside the ability to connect with and earn the trust of young people

• Reliability — these young people need familiar, dependable adults in their lives

Time commitment

Most volunteers usually come in one evening per week or per fortnight — sessions run for 2 hours, but if you can only make part of that then we will work around your availability. Some come via community or employer rotas; others commit individually. We will work around your schedule and build the arrangement around what suits you.

What you'll get from it

• Deeply rewarding work in a community that genuinely needs what you can offer

• Skills in youth engagement, informal education and community music

• The chance to work alongside an experienced, passionate and supportive team

• Training, mentoring and references provided

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF 

We are looking for exceptional people from a variety of backgrounds, to join AvMA’s Board of Trustees at an important point in our development, this being the midpoint of implementing our 5-year strategy.

AvMA is the UK charity for patient safety and justice. We provide free advice and support to thousands of people each year who have been affected by avoidable harm in healthcare, and we work to influence improvements in patient safety and to see people treated fairly when things go wrong. We also provide an accreditation scheme for lawyers specialising in clinical negligence work and a competence scheme for more junior lawyers, recognising that this is a highly complex area of law requiring strong specialist knowledge.

We are now seeking to appoint up to three new Trustees and/or Associate Trustees. Each appointment will strengthen the Board by bringing a particular area of specialist expertise alongside the wider skills, judgement and commitment expected of all Trustees.

About the roles:

AvMA is governed by a Board of Trustees who come from a range of backgrounds and bring different experiences. This recruitment is intended to strengthen the Board further by bringing in new specialist expertise alongside strong governance capability.

Important application instruction - Applicants must make clear in their covering letter which of the three specialist skill sets they are applying for and whether they are applying as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee.

• Trustee: a full member of the Board, taking on the legal and governance responsibilities of trusteeship and contributing to collective decision-making.

• Associate Trustee: a supported development role for people with relevant expertise and potential who may have less prior Board or Trustee experience. Associate Trustees participate actively in Board life and will work towards a full Trustee role, subject to appraisal and mutual agreement.

The three specialist skill sets we are seeking:

1. Clinical negligence law

We are seeking someone with senior-level expertise in clinical negligence law, ideally with experience on the claimant side.

• Ideally claimant-side experience with clinical negligence accreditation.

• Understanding of access to justice issues affecting injured patients and families.

• Insight into Alternative Dispute Resolution practices including mediation.

• Ability to support strategic thinking about AvMA’s public-facing services, policy influence and accreditation work.

• Awareness of the importance of managing conflicts of interest carefully.

Applicants with this background may apply either as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee.

2. Senior charity fundraising/income generation expertise

• We are seeking someone with senior-level charity fundraising or income generation expertise.

• Understanding of fundraising strategy and income diversification.

• Knowledge of individual giving, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major donor fundraising, legacy fundraising or supporter engagement.

• Ability to advise strategically on fundraising opportunities and risks.

• Understanding of ethical fundraising and donor stewardship.

• Ability to support AvMA in widening its reach, profile and supporter base.

Applicants with this background may apply either as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee.

3. IT/digital expertise for a growing charity

We are seeking someone with IT, digital, data or technology expertise relevant to a growing charity.

• Senior experience in IT, digital, data, systems or technology strategy.

• Understanding of digital transformation in small or medium-sized organisations.

• Ability to advise on systems, data quality, knowledge management, cyber security and digital risk.

• Appreciation of how technology can improve service delivery, governance and organisational effectiveness.

• Understanding of how AI can be exploited whilst maintaining safety, confidentiality and ethical principles.

Applicants with this background may apply either as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee.

Generic Trustee skills and qualities we are seeking

In addition to one of the three specialist skill sets, all applicants should be able to demonstrate the core qualities and capabilities needed to contribute effectively to AvMA’s Board.

Essential for all applicants

• Commitment to AvMA’s mission, vision and values.

• Demonstrable interest in patient safety and justice for people affected by avoidable harm.

• Ability to think strategically and see the bigger picture.

• Sound judgement and independence of thought.

• Willingness to offer constructive challenge while working collaboratively.

• Ability to contribute to collective decision-making.

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Willingness to prepare for and participate actively in Board and committee meetings.

• High standards of integrity, confidentiality and accountability.

Desirable

• Previous trustee, non-executive or committee experience.

• Understanding of charity governance.

• Lived experience of avoidable harm in healthcare, either personally or as a family member.

• Experience of working with or alongside people affected by trauma, injustice or complex systems.

Trustee role description

Governance and oversight: ensure AvMA operates in accordance with its governing document, policies, charity law and relevant legislation or regulation; oversee implementation of AvMA’s strategy; provide accountability; and ensure resources are managed responsibly.

Strategic leadership: contribute to development and implementation of AvMA’s strategy, including setting objectives and monitoring progress against them.

Financial stewardship: monitor AvMA’s financial health; ensure sound financial controls and systems are in place; review and approve annual budgets, management accounts and annual reports; and ensure funds are used effectively.

Risk management: identify and assess risks facing AvMA and ensure appropriate systems, policies and procedures are in place, including for safeguarding and data protection.

Advocacy and ambassadorship: act as an ambassador for AvMA, promote its values and mission externally and use networks and contacts, where appropriate, to support AvMA’s work.

Board meetings and committees: attend and actively participate in Board meetings, committees and other relevant meetings; read papers in advance and contribute to discussion and decision-making.

Support and supervision: provide support to the leadership team, offer guidance and act as a sounding board when needed. Where appropriate, take on a mentoring role with key staff or volunteers.

Associate Trustee role description

Associate Trustees are not full Trustees when appointed but are expected to participate actively in Board life and develop their understanding of charity governance, AvMA’s work and the responsibilities of trusteeship.

• Attend and participate in Board meetings.

• Join relevant discussions and contribute their expertise.

• Develop their understanding of charity governance and AvMA’s strategic priorities.

• Participate in mentoring, induction and development.

• Contribute to committees and other work where appropriate.

• Work towards readiness for a full Trustee role, subject to appraisal and mutual agreement.

As part of the Government led Communities for Afghans programme, we are looking to recruit individuals or groups (UK BASED ONLY) to make up a team of 6 volunteers to support an Afghan family - you could be friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations are welcome.

We are currently focused on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible.  With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family. 

You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!

The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee families into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.

How community sponsorship work

1. Form a Sponsor Group: Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
2. Training & Ongoing Support: Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
3. Identify Suitable Housing: With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
4. Welcome & Support the Family: Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
5. Be the Local Point of Contact: You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
6. Commit for Three Years: Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.

Why Your Support Matters

Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.

Your support helps families: 

• Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
• Access education, healthcare, and employment
• Learn English and integrate into the community
• Become confident and independent

And your community benefits:

• Stronger local connections
• Celebrated diversity
• Practical meaningful humanitarian action

Full training and expenses covered.

Audit & Risk Committee Chair

Action for Children has been supporting children, young people and families across the UK for more than 150 years. Each year, we provide vital services that protect vulnerable children, strengthen families, and help young people thrive – from homelessness support and youth employability programmes to fostering, residential care, early years provision and specialist services for disabled children. Guided by our mission to ensure every child has a safe and happy childhood, we deliver life-changing support through 342 services nationwide, reaching more than 551,000 children, young people and families last year.

Our impact is built on a dedicated workforce and a strong culture of compassion, inclusion and advocacy. We step in when times are tough – offering protection, practical help and emotional support – while working tirelessly to create the long-term change needed so that those out of reach today are within reach tomorrow. Diversity and anti-racism sit at the heart of our work, and we are committed to ensuring our Board reflects the communities and families we serve.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board as a Trustee – someone with the skills and experience to be the Chair of our Audit and Risk Committee.

We seek an individual who embodies our values and demonstrates integrity whilst at the same time providing strategic challenge, championing diversity and inclusion, and showing empathy for the pressures faced by vulnerable children and families. This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The term of office is three years, renewable for up to two further terms.

This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute your expertise to one of the UK’s most respected children’s charities, joining a committed and values-led Board dedicated to transforming childhoods and improving life chances for those who need us most.

Applications should be received by Friday 14 August.

As a charity, our Trustees are the governing body of our organisation. They fulfil a vital role and help ensure that the Mayor’s Fund for London delivers on its mission and purpose and uses its resources effectively. Much more than that, they help set and shape the strategy of the Charity, they live its values, and they are ambassadors on its behalf.

We are currently recruiting for 3 new Trustees.

As a charity that supports and champions better outcomes for young people in London, we are especially interested in recruiting some new trustees aged 24-30. This may be through direct experience of the challenges young Londoners are facing, through experience and knowledge of our programmes and activities, and/or a desire to take a step into a strategic governance role with a charity whose mission matters to them.

The Board already has a wide range of diversity, experience and expertise, and we are keen to continue to broaden that experience through this recruitment. In particular, we are looking for some knowledge in:

•  Charity Finance 
•  Data and Technology 
•  Funding and Income Generation 

At the Mayor’s Fund for London, we want our Trustees to feel part of our team. To bring insights and experience into our organisation, and to be prepared to work collaboratively with staff and young people, to shape opportunities for the future.

The Board meets four times per year (March, July, September, and December), and has one sub-committee covering Finance, Audit and Risk (FAR), which meets two weeks before the Board. Trustees are expected to attend all full Board meetings, and those nominated to join the FAR Committee are expected to attend those meetings too. All of our meetings are currently online to allow flexibility, and there is an expectation that, from time to time, Trustees will engage with the staff team and be present at our events.

How to apply

Please provide a copy of your CV and, in no more than 1-2 pages, a written response to these two questions:

• Why are you interested in becoming a Trustee of the Mayor’s Fund for London, including your interest and connection with our mission and values?

• What are the particular attributes, experience and/or expertise you can bring to the role of Trustee?

Application deadline: midday on Tuesday, 11th August 2026

Full details and further information, including support during the application stage, can be found in our recruitment pack.