Volunteering and young people director volunteer roles

We are now at a particularly exciting moment. Following multi-year funding from Creative Scotland and the success of productions such as Small Town Boys, we are looking ahead to our next phase of growth with confidence and ambition. This is a wonderful time to step into the role of Chair and help shape what comes next.

As Chair, you will lead a committed and thoughtful board, working closely with our artistic and executive leadership to set strategic direction, champion our values, and ensure the organisation continues to flourish. You will be an advocate for dance, for Dundee and for the artists and communities we serve. Your ability to build strong relationships, communicate clearly and create a supportive, well-governed environment will be central to our continued success.

It is a role with responsibility and also with enormous reward.

We run creative programmes, workshops and performances that are inclusive and accessible. We nurture talent and provide opportunities for people to develop their creative practice and skills. We create high- quality productions that tour throughout Scotland and the UK.

Our work is inspired by stories and ideas from the people and communities we work with in Dundee and beyond.

We would be delighted to hear from you and to learn how your experience, perspective and passion could help lead Shaper/Caper into its next chapter.

Trustee

We are seeking three committed Trustees to join a national fostering Board at a pivotal time, supporting strategic growth and championing foster care across the UK.

Position: Trustee (Volunteer)
Organisation: The Fostering Network
Location: UK wide. Particular interest in Wales and Northern Ireland
Hours: Approximately 10 to 15 days per year
Term: 3 years, renewable for up to two further terms
Remuneration: Voluntary role. Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed
Closing Date: Monday 23 February 2026
Interview Dates: W/C 16 and 23 March 2026

About the Role

This is an opportunity to join the Board of Trustees at a national fostering charity, following the launch of a new organisational strategy and the appointment of a new Chair in 2025. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction, ensuring strong governance and supporting the organisation to deliver meaningful change for children and young people in foster care.

Key responsibilities include:

· Providing strategic oversight and constructive challenge at Board level

· Supporting delivery of the five year organisational strategy

· Acting as an ambassador for the charity and its values

· Contributing to effective governance, risk management and financial oversight

· Building strong relationships with fellow Trustees, senior leaders and stakeholders

· Attending Board and committee meetings, both in person and online

About You

You will bring personal experience of the foster care sector and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

· Are based in Wales or Northern Ireland

· Are qualified social workers working within fostering services

· Have skills in finance, particularly qualified accountants

· Have experience in commercial or business development

You will demonstrate sound judgement, strategic thinking, discretion and the ability to contribute confidently within a Board setting.

About the Organisation

The UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation. Founded 50 years ago by foster carers, it works across all four nations to influence policy, improve practice and strengthen the fostering community. At the heart of its work is a belief in the power of relationships to transform lives.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Trustee, Non Executive Director, Board Member, Independent Board Member, Social Work Leader, Finance Director, Commercial Director, Strategic Advisor.

The role of the Governing Body includes collective oversight of the College’s activities and setting and reviewing
our strategy and mission. The governor role is comparable with the non-executive directors of a public company
but instead of being accountable to shareholders, governors are accountable for public funds. As the College is an exempt charity, all governors are charity trustees.

Being a governor is a hugely rewarding leadership role. Governors can make a real difference and give something
back to the local community.

The College is currently looking for two new governors to join the Board. We are seeking experienced individuals, who
are looking for an opportunity to use and develop their professional skills in a board-level environment.
You don’t need to have prior board experience to apply.

The Board is currently looking for two new governors will have experience of one, or more, of the following areas: FE, education, apprenticeships. 

The Board also values the diversity of our students and staff, who come from a variety of ethnic, cultural and
religious backgrounds. The Board is determined to reflect this diversity amongst our Governing Body and
encourages people from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Please get in touch if you don’t feel you have the time to join the Board but would be interested in being co-opted to one of our committees. Co-option can provide an excellent introduction to voluntary governance roles. We are currently looking for co-opted members to join our Search and Governance Commitee, Resources Committee and Audit and Risk Committee. 

Taunton Brewhouse is looking for trustees from all backgrounds.  Key is sharing our vision for a bold, brilliant cultural venue in Taunton, adding to our existing skills and expedrience and prepared to to play an active role in meeting the challenges ahead.

If you have experience in general management and/or in HR, marketing or fundraising do get in touch.   We also seek a lead trustee on finance - please see separate announcement.

As a trustee, you'll share responsibility for:

• agreeing strategy and goals for Taunton Brewhouse
• appointing and setting salaries for senior management
• giving oversight and support to management
• paying attention to financial management
• ensuring due diligence in all regulatory matters including safe-guarding
• ensuring a robust approach to management of risk.

You'll attend Board meeting although much work is carried out in projects or committees.  You'll be an ambassador for Taunton Brewhouse and support our wider endeavours through attending press and community events.

There are 5 formal meetings pa held in evenings at Taunton Brewhouse.  Other meetings are generally in the day and are organised around the diaries of those involved.  We also aim for an annual 'away-day' to enable trustees time to reflect, plan and develop the organisation and themselves.

Please note that exceptional expenses are paid by prior agreement.

We aim to be in touch quickly both those who make a full application and those who prefer an informal initial discussion. 

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic individual to lead our Board of Trustees as Chair. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation committed to ensure the voices of long term prisoners are heard, and to enable them to realise their potential.

The Chair is responsible for leading the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation. The Chair’s role is also to work in partnership with the CEO, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and to optimise the relationship between the Board and staff. (See also the Charity Commission’s Essential Trustee Guidance)

Key responsibilities

Strategy, Governance, and Financial Management

• Lead the Board in providing strategic direction to the Hardman Trust.
• Ensure, with Trustees, that the organisation operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives in compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.
• Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the charity and ensure that the Board regularly monitors that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.
• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

Board Leadership

• Ensure a high performing and effective Board through review of Board structure, Trustees and Board performance.
• Enhance the overall contribution of the Board, through mentoring of other Board members and encouraging participation in training/coaching/development. 
• Review and ensure Trustees have the right skillsets, training and development to support effective governance of the organisation.
• Chair Board meetings inclusively, bringing impartiality and objectivity in the decision making process.

Support to Hardman Trust CEO

• Line manage The Hardman Trust CEO including annual performance reviews and regular check-ins.
• Maintain appropriate distance between the Board and the leadership team, but where necessary, provide support and guidance on operations. 
• Work with The Hardman Trust CEO to support them to achieve the aims of the charity.

General Chair responsibilities

• Where appropriate, represent the Hardman Trust at meetings and events and act as spokesperson.
• Lead the Board in fostering relationships with external partners and potential funders/donors.

Person Specification

We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know that diverse groups of people make better decisions.  We are keen to hear from people who can bring perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us progress our vision.  

Essential

• Commitment to the Hardman Trust’s aims and values.
• Prior experience as a charity trustee and solid understanding of good governance practices.
• Experience (voluntary or paid) within the criminal or social justice sector at leadership level.
• Experience of chairing meetings, committees or boards.
• Robust planning and organisational skills.
• Willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
• Sound independent judgment and strategic vision; ability to think creatively and challenge constructively.
• A collegiate attitude and willingness to work with others.
• Honesty, integrity and commitment to act in the best interest of the charity at all times.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Chair in the charity sector.
• Expertise of lived experience of the justice system.
• Experience of charity fundraising and/or grant making.
• Understanding of the needs of people serving long sentences and of the systemic issues within our justice system .
• Experience of building partnerships and networks.
• Experience of public speaking and willing to represent the Hardman Trust externally.

About Proteus

Proteus is an award-winning theatre company that believes the audience is as vital as the artist. The company holds that truly dynamic and relevant theatre emerges when audience and artist inspire each other’s imagination. Quality, integrity, and innovation lie at the heart of Proteus’ work and form the criteria by which its success is measured. Founded in 1981 and based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Proteus has a long-standing history of creating and presenting high-quality work that serves both local and national audiences.

The Role

Proteus is actively seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The company is committed to transforming society through radical acts of kindness and believes in the universal value of the performing arts. Trustees will support Proteus’ mission to make culture thrive within the local community while helping to deliver theatre that tours across the UK.

Trustees contribute to creating innovative theatre and support leading artists working in the performing arts today. They help bring diverse forms of art—including theatre, circus, music, spoken word, visual art, cabaret, and film—to Basingstoke communities at accessible prices.

Beyond producing touring theatre, Proteus operates as a non-profit organisation that runs an arts centre, artists’ studios, a gallery, a café, and a wide-ranging programme of support for artists. Trustees engage with a dynamic organisation whose activities span local and international stages.

Serving as a Trustee offers a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, providing opportunities to meet artists from across the industry, collaborate with Proteus staff and fellow board members, and help shape the future of one of the South’s most exciting arts organisations.

Who Proteus is Looking For

Proteus seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about the arts as a force for social change. Prospective trustees should share the company’s conviction in the transformative power of the arts and its commitment to inclusivity. Proteus actively encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences.

Even those who feel they may not meet every criterion are encouraged to get in touch, as the organisation values the whole person and provides support for new trustees to develop their skills on the job.

Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis. The primary purpose of the board is to ensure that Proteus achieves its objectives. Trustees are expected to:

• Attend four board meetings per year (usually via Zoom) for a minimum term of three years and participate in an annual one-day board retreat in Basingstoke.

• Attend Proteus performances and events when possible.

• Support fundraising activities where possible.

• Provide advice and guidance to staff as required.

• Commit to the mission and values of Proteus.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee.

• Ensure Proteus is well-governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives.

• Act as ambassadors for Proteus, opening doors and helping expand networks and contacts.

• Contribute actively to Proteus’ strategic direction and development, offering ideas, connections, and support in growing its network of partners, supporters, and donors.