18 Volunteer trust and foundations officer volunteer roles

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support University of Birmingham Guild of Students in their search for their next Chair of Trustees. 

The Guild of Students plays a key and pivotal role in the student experience at Birmingham, offering a range of services and activities which not only help to attract students to the University, but which also contribute to a vibrant student experience, as well as supporting the wider sense of community and belonging.

The breadth of the Guild’s service and activity portfolio is comparable with other large students’ unions in the Russell Group and as an organisation the Guild is well regarded within the sector. As leaders in the field, the Guild has paved the way in key areas such as representation, student groups and societies, social opportunities, events and activities.

About the Chair opportunity

This is a brilliant opportunity to join an award-winning, multifaceted, and complex charity as our next Chair of Trustees. The Trustee Board is collectively responsible for overseeing the affairs of the Guild and ensuring that the Guild works for and with its membership in all that it does.  The Chair’s role is to steward this at the highest level. They act as a role model for the Board, maintaining the highest standards of good governance, with a focus on strategy, risk, and long-term sustainability.

They must ensure a culture of inclusion, trust, and openness where all Trustees contribute their views and expertise, and champion student democracy. The Chair will work closely with the President and Chief Executive Officer, supporting them to achieve the aims and objectives of the Guild’s strategy and vision, and ensure the Guild meets the needs of its diverse student membership.

We are in the final year of the Guild’s 2022-27 strategy (aligned to the University’s priorities under its strategic framework, ‘Birmingham 2030’), making this a formative time as we look beyond 2027, in a challenging time for the Higher Education sector. We are seeking skilled leadership to continue to support us to deliver excellence and are, therefore, looking for an experienced non-executive, with demonstrable experience of supporting organisations at Board level.

The Guild values applications from a wide range of backgrounds that are reflective of the full diversity of Birmingham’s community, in particular from Black, Asian, and minoritised ethnicities as we seek to continually enhance diversity within our governance structures.

We would encourage candidates with current or previous experience in charities or the public sector, with experience of chairing meetings and of non-executive leadership, to apply. A connection to the Guild or University and/or to the West Midlands area is also beneficial, but not essential. Full details are outlined in the role description and person specification.

Birmingham Cathedral is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join its Chapter as a trustee (non-executive member). This is a unique opportunity to contribute as a trustee to the cathedral's strategic direction, provide governance and oversight, and share responsibility for the stewardship and sustainability of the resources that support its mission and ministry.

About Birmingham Cathedral

Birmingham Cathedral is where prayer and praise have been offered to God for more than 300 years. This daily worship continues to be at the heart of our cathedral life today. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. Most striking to visitors and worshippers is the exceptionally important set of stained-glass windows designed by Birmingham born artist Edward Burne-Jones and made in the workshop of William Morris. The cathedral is the spiritual home for a lively Christian community where worship, from the simplest prayer to soaring musical excellence, is always accompanied by a warm welcome. We aspire to pray, to serve and to grow in the love of God and our care of God’s people. More than an artistic treasure, Birmingham Cathedral offers a place of peace, hospitality and welcome. 

About The Role

As a member of the Cathedral Chapter, you will share with the Dean in the oversight of cathedral life. Chapter members are invaluable in shaping the direction of the cathedral and ensuring we continue to fulfil our mission and purpose. You will work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers and external partners to uphold the cathedral’s mission, vision, values and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities of Chapter Members

· Perform the requirements of Charity Trustees for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011.

· Take full part in the discussions and decision making of the Chapter as it fulfils its statutory responsibilities to exercise general control and management of the administration of the cathedral.

· Order the worship of the cathedral and promote its mission;

· Formulate, after consulting the bishop, proposals relating to the general direction and mission of the cathedral.

· Ensure the approval of an annual budget.

· Ensure the preparation and approval of an annual report and accounts for audit and subsequent approval.

· Keep under review the Constitution and Statutes.

· Ensure the appropriate management of cathedral property and income, including necessary repairs and maintenance.

Key Individual Responsibilities of Chapter Members

· Attend Chapter meetings, held a minimum of six time a year for approximately three hours on a weekday afternoon, including one all-day away-day (all held in Birmingham City Centre).

· Offer an average time commitment of six hours per month, unevenly spread.

· Attend and contribute to worship at the cathedral.

· Contribute to the ministry of hospitality offered at the cathedral, and other cathedral activities as may be appropriate.

· Attend civic and community events.

· Act as an ambassador for the cathedral.

· Carry out the objects of the cathedral.

· Expect to serve for the full three-year appointment period, with opportunity for reappointment.

Who We Are Looking For

To support delivery of the cathedral’s strategic plan, we particularly welcome applications from individuals at this time with skills in:

· Strategic finance, financial management or stewardship

· Audit, assurance or internal controls.

· Property and heritage asset management

· Fundraising and income generation

· HR, organisational development or governance.

Candidates are not expected to hold experience across the multiple of these criteria to meet the eligibility threshold.

Experience in arts and heritage, community engagement or social justice initiatives, digital communications, investment planning, partnership-building across sectors and urban mission and inclusion would also be welcome.

Person Specification

Essential

· Commitment to the Christian faith and to the cathedral’s mission, vision and values, including wisdom, compassion, justice, inclusion, courage and collaboration.

· Eligibility to serve as a charity trustee.

· Commitment to safeguarding excellence, including completing safeguarding training and contributing to a safe, healthy and positive cathedral culture.

· Ability to think strategically and long-term, exercise sound judgement, and contribute to complex organisational governance.

· Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the responsibilities of a charity trustee, including accountability, confidentiality and collective decision-making.

· Commitment to the cathedral’s strategic priorities.

· Strong communication skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively, collaborate effectively and build trust across diverse groups.

· Willingness to undertake trustee development and continue learning in support of effective governance.

· Ability to commit the time and energy required for the role, including meetings, preparation and training.

Desirable but not required

· Local knowledge or community context.

Other Information

This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Training and support will be provided.

Birmingham Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of those under 18 and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Closing date for applications is noon on Monday 5 October 2026.

Join us in making a meaningful difference at one of Birmingham’s historic and spiritually significant places.

Our Recruiting Approach

As applications are received, interviews may take place prior to the advertised closing date.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
We kindly ask no contact from recruitment agencies please.