Youth trustees volunteer volunteer roles

Location: UK - Wide (meetings mainly in person, some virtual)
Contract Type: Volunteer
Term: 3 years (with potential renewal)
Campaign Closes:19th February 2026

Interviews: W/C 9th March & 16th March 2026 – Trustee/SLT interviews
                    W/C 16th March or 23th March 2026 – STARboard interviews
                  31st March 2026 (approximately) – Recommendation expected
                  6th May 2026 – Final Board approval

Join Our Board as a Trustee – Make-A-Wish UK
At Make‑A‑Wish UK, we create joy, hope and life‑changing moments for children facing critical illness. We are seeking an inspiring Chair of the Board to provide strategic leadership, champion our mission and ensure strong governance as we work towards our vision: a wish for every eligible child.

Why join us?

• Shape the strategic direction of a national charity transforming the lives of children with critical illness.
• Lead a purpose‑driven, inclusive board, ensuring diverse voices including young people influence decision‑making.
• Use your experience where it matters most, providing governance, stewardship and support to an ambitious executive team.
• Be part of a deeply rewarding mission, helping ensure every eligible child can experience the power of a wish.

If you are ready to make a lasting impact and lead with purpose, we would love to hear from you. 

For the full recruitment pack, and to apply for this role, please visit our website.

Requirments 

Essential Criteria

• Leadership Experience: Demonstrable experience of chairing boards, committees, or senior leadership teams, ideally within the charity or non-profit sector.
• Governance Knowledge: Strong understanding of charity governance, legal responsibilities of Trustees, and regulatory environment in the UK.
• Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to drive organisational strategies and build commitment to a collective vision.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to facilitate balanced discussions and consensus.
• Commitment to Diversity: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the charity’s work.
• Passion for Mission: a deep commitment to Make-A-Wish UK’s vision, values and behaviours.
• Integrity: Highest standards of integrity, probity, and professionalism

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of leading transformational change to significantly increase reach and scale in operations
• Strong personal networks that can benefit the charity
• Understanding of the challenges facing children with critical illnesses and their families

Personal Attributes 

• A child focused approach always
• A consultative, inclusive, and collaborative style of leadership with the ability to listen and engage effectively 
• Strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities, including empathy and sensitivity, especially when interacting with wish families and children
• Sound judgement and decision-making ability.
• Ability to commit time to the role, including travel and attending events out of office hours

Eligibility
The successful candidate must be eligible to act as a Trustee under UK charity law and willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Governance: Provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance practices and compliance with statutory responsibilities.
• Board Meetings: Chair Board meetings, ensuring clear agendas, productive discussions, and timely decision-making.
• Strategic Direction: Work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and Trustees to set and review the charity’s strategic objectives and performance.
• Support and Supervision: Provide guidance and support to the Chief Executive, undertaking annual appraisals and ensuring their continued development as an effective leader.
• Board Development: Lead on Trustee recruitment, induction, and ongoing development, reviewing board effectiveness and taking actions for continuous improvement
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all the charity’s activities and ensuring that diverse voices, including those of young people and lived experience, are heard by the Board.
• Risk and Compliance: Oversee the charity’s risk management, ensuring that policies and procedures are robust and regularly reviewed.
• Financial Oversight: Ensure the Board fulfils its duties regarding financial stewardship, budgeting, and monitoring performance against objectives
• Advocacy: Champion the charity’s values and mission, advocating for Make-A-Wish UK within the sector and the wider community. Represent Make-A-Wish UK externally, fostering relationships with stakeholders, donors, and partners.

Overview:
Lead the design and delivery of all educational and life-skills programmes for children and young people. Ensure high-quality, inclusive learning experiences that promote wellbeing, confidence, and personal development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and oversee delivery of alternative education and life-skills programmes

• Line-manage tutors, youth mentors, and programme volunteers

• Develop curriculum materials and evaluation frameworks

• Build partnerships with schools, youth organisations, and local authorities

• Monitor safeguarding and child welfare in all sessions

• Report impact data and outcomes to the CEO and trustees

Skills & Experience:

• Background in education, youth work, or social development

• Experience managing staff or volunteers

• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection

• Excellent communication and organisational skills

• Creative, passionate, and able to motivate others

Are you interested in giving back to your local community?

Can you bring the relevant experience to help us extend our reach and enable us to reach more young people and sustain our growth?

We are currently recruiting for Chair, Treasurer and Trustee Board Members. 

What will you be doing?

Welcome to YMCA Thames Gateway and thank you for taking the time to look into our voluntary leadership roles. This is an exciting time to get involved in our YMCA. We work across a number of geographical locations, including East London, Essex and Kent, with a commitment to making a positive difference within the communities in which we work.

To help us in the next chapter of our journey, we are looking to recruit Trustees who can help us shape our new strategy and develop the strength; depth and resilience of our charity’s work, helping more people belong, contribute and thrive.

We have a strong and vibrant Trustee Board and we are looking to extend its diversity and skills base so that we are well prepared for the future.

Though we actively encourage people of all faiths and world views to work, volunteer and become members of our Association, it is a requirement that two thirds of those who sit on our Board are Christian in order to maintain the Christian purposes of the Association. We recognise that faith is a deeply personal part of our lives and that part of the great mystery is the uniqueness by which our faith lives and breathes in our lives and actions. There is no test or specific criteria for how an individual makes manifest their Christian commitment, rather we ask Board colleagues to self-identify on their faith basis and agree to live out and champion the Christian values that underpin the work of our YMCA in their service.

We would particularly like to hear from people who self identify as Christian and who have experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:-

• Capital Developments
• Social Housing Management
• Fundraising
• Working with Children & Young People
• ICT
• Governance
• Finance

Our trustees are required to attend 8 evening meetings per year.  8 of those are Board meetings and usually in Dartford, the other 8 will be for an agreed board sub-committee.

In addition, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Trustee Board reach sound decisions. These may involve scrutinising board and committee papers, contributing to discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

If you believe you have the experience and skills to help us on our journey, we would like to hear from you.

What are we looking for?

• To develop and agree the long-term vision, mission and strategic plan for the Association
• To ensure the Association acts within the aims and purposes of the Association and the wider Movement and to ensure the board expresses the Christian mission of the Association within its work
• To ensure plans and annual budget reflect the agreed strategic direction and are appropriate
• To monitor progress against key outcomes from the plan and against budget and to hold the Chief Executive and Executive team accountable for these
• To contribute actively to the work of committees and task groups
• To pro-actively review the level of risk annually
• To agree the Association’s key policies and ensure they contribute to the achievement of the Association’s intended outcomes
• To ensure the Association has effective and appropriate financial control systems and procedures
• To ensure the Association complies with the requirements of its multiple regulators
• To ensure governance is of the highest possible standard
• To work in partnership with board, committees, Chief Executive and staff
• To reflect annually on the Board’s performance, collectively and individually
• To appoint the Chief Executive, and to set their terms and conditions
• To play a part in representing YMCA Thames Gateway on a regional, national and international level
• To promote and develop the role of the Association in the community and with its stakeholders

What difference will you make?

YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.

Before you apply

To express an interest in becoming a trustee, please send an up to date CV together with a supporting statement via Reach explaining how you believe your experience and skills are relevant and what you are able to bring to the role.

The Pirate Castle is a buzzing charity based in the heart of Camden.  From our iconic castle base we offer boating, kayaking and canoeing as well as community space to hire.  As we enter our 60th anniversary year, we are looking for a Company Secretary for our engaged trustee board to minute our meetings and to lead on governance and compliance matters.  We look forward to hearing from candidates with governance experience who are keen to contribute to the future of a well-loved community charity as it reaches a major milestone.

Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. As Treasurer at Behind Closed Doors, you will work alongside our Trustee Board, CEO and Admin & Finance Manager to oversee the financial strategy of our organisation, ensuring sound financial governance and legal compliance. This is a pivotal role for our charity, helping to shape our future and support our vision: to build lives free from domestic abuse.

We’re looking for an experienced finance professional keen to undertake this rewarding voluntary role that ensures the financial health and accountability of Behind Closed Doors. You will be joining an established trustee board made up of dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive individuals. Please note that we are also currently recruiting to general trustee roles, find out more on our website.

Taking on a Trustee role is an excellent way to broaden your leadership experience and strengthen skills that you can then put to use in your core role, to the benefit of your career progression opportunities and the organisation that you work for.

As a Trustee, you will develop skills in:

• Strategic planning
• Governance
• Budgeting and financial analysis
• Risk management
• Chairing meetings

As you learn about a new organisation and potentially a new sector, you will also gain confidence in:

• Acting as a 'Critical Friend'; asking questions and providing support
• Experiencing the difference between a strategic role, and a hands-on operational role
• Absorbing and processing new information, and learning where you contribute value
• Finding your feet with a brand new team of people

Please download the recruitment pack for full details, including how to apply and who to contact for an informal discussion about the role and organisation.

As a board, we strive to be as diverse and representative as the communities we serve and would welcome those from underrepresented or marginalised groups. We also recognise hugely the value that lived experience brings to our board, so would welcome further representation in this area, but only when it is safe for you to engage with us in this way.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to improving inclusive recruitment practices. If you would prefer to apply for this position or express your interest in an alternative format (such as audio or video upload) or require any adaptions at this initial stage, please get in touch.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A standard DBS disclosure will be required before taking up this position

Solace is seeking to recruit 3 new Shadow Board members, with lived experience of VAWG to work alongside and act as a critical friend to the Board of Trustees. We are looking to culminate a diverse Shadow Board with a range of expertise and skills, to work together with the Board of Trustees in fulfilling responsibilities for the strategic direction and overall governance of the organisation.

By joining our Shadow Board, you will have the exciting and important opportunity to use your lived experience, skills and expertise to drive the success of a growing organisation that makes a profound and positive impact on the lives of women and girls who have suffered from violence and abuse.

Background information:

Harry’s HAT is a UK-based charity focussing on paediatric hydrocephalus. Our mission is to make life better for children and their families who are affected by hydrocephalus. We work towards this aim through:

• Awareness: raising awareness of paediatric hydrocephalus through workshops and training.

• Research: supporting research and funding training (for front-line medical, health and social care workers) to increase understanding of the condition.

• Signposting and support: directing families affected by the condition to organisations that can offer support, advice and guidance and by providing access to our peer-to-peer programme. We do not, however, provide advocacy.

We currently have a vacancy on our Trustee Board for an individual with experience in fundraising and income generation. The Charity is ambitious about extending its reach and ensuring that more families and professionals can benefit from our work. To achieve this, we recognise the importance of growing and diversifying our income.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Actively participating in Trustee Board meetings.

• Attending quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings, held in the evening for approximately 1.5 hours.

• Working closely with the CEO to support the fundraising pipeline and to ensure all grant applications complement the mission and values of the charity.

• Working with the CEO and other Trustees to strengthen the charity’s fundraising strategy and ensure it aligns with our long-term goals.

• Supporting the development of sustainable income streams, including grants, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and community fundraising.

• Providing ad-hoc input on subjects raised by the Trustee, staff, and volunteer teams.

• Voting on grant applications from medical professionals and clinical researchers. Trustee would also be able to participate in specific projects if they wished to.

Required skills and experience:

The ideal candidate will have experience of fundraising or income generation in a charity or relevant setting. The key attributes for the role are as follows:

• Knowledge of different fundraising approaches such as grants, corporate partnerships, or community fundraising.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to display sound judgement and objectivity.
• Experience of working in partnership with healthcare or other relevant organisations or programmes.

• Clear understanding of the importance of safeguarding.

• Discretion when working with sensitive information, and strict adherence to confidentiality when required. Time commitment

• Attendance at six Trustee Board meetings per year (usually Sunday evenings, 18:00–19:30, via Teams).

• Attendance at quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings (1.5 hours, evening).

• Attendance at two 1-2-1 meetings per year with the Chair of Trustees.

• Participation in the AGM and other relevant meetings as needed.

• Timely responses to communications from Trustees, staff, and volunteers.

• Completion of mandatory online training modules. Term and remuneration

• The initial term is 1–3 years, which can be extended by agreement.

• This is a voluntary role. Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

• All new Trustees, including the Vice Chair, will serve a 3-month probation period.

#trustee #fundraising 

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. 

NFYFC is seeking a trustee with strong finance experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector to join its Board and support delivery of our five-year strategy.

This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on support. Following a sustained operating deficit since the Covid period, NFYFC is focused on strengthening financial sustainability, improving financial discipline, and building long-term resilience. We are looking for a trustee who is willing to roll up their sleeves, work constructively with the Executive team, and help guide the organisation through this recovery phase.

We’re looking for a Treasurer who wants to join our friendly and committed Board of Trustees to support and develop the work of Maa Shanti.

About Maa Shanti

We offer practical support, advocacy, emotional support, and activities tailored to the needs of South Asian mothers. Services are available in person, online, or in a blended format, and the team speaks Bengali, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi to ensure culturally sensitive engagement.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities: 

• To oversee, approve and present all yearly budgets, quarterly and annual accounts and other relevant financial statements.
• Review budgets, accounts, and financial statements in advance of Board meetings.
• Present regular reports on the organisation's financial position.
• Advise fellow Trustees on a regular basis of the financial status of the charity, and where necessary, recommend action.
• Ensure the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements with regards to financial matters.
• Maintain sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the agreed budget and investment activities meet accepted standards and policies.

Time Commitment

• Quarterly Board meetings (which are currently held online).
• 2 away days a year. In addition to Board meetings, there will be some ad hoc work support required in between meetings.
• Overall estimated time commitment is 1 day a month.
• Remote/hybrid working offered if needed.

What are we looking for?

You do not need previous governance experience to join the board. We will provide an induction an ongoing support. 

Skills and experience: 

• Practicing finance professional (i.e. Accountant, Finance Manager, Finance Director).
• Ideally you will have charity finance experience.
• Ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board.
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• Enthusiasm for the work of Maa Shanti. 

We warmly welcome applications from individuals who bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to our Board. As a woman only and led-by-and-for organisation, all board members must be women, and at least 90% of the board must come from South Asian backgrounds.

What difference will you make?

Joining Maa Shanti’s Board is an opportunity to be part of a values-led, survivor-centred organisation making a real difference in the lives of women and children affected by domestic abuse. As Treasurer, you will help shape the future of a trusted, community-rooted charity at a time of growth and increasing need. You’ll work alongside a thoughtful, supportive Board and leadership team, contributing your perspective, skills and lived experience to ensure survivors’ voices remain at the heart of everything we do.

Harry’s HAT is a UK-based charity focusing on paediatric hydrocephalus.

Our mission is to make life better for children and their families who are affected by hydrocephalus. We work towards this through:

1. Awareness: delivering workshops and training to help people understand paediatric hydrocephalus.

2. Research: supporting research and funding training for professionals in health, social care and related fields.

3. Signposting and support: helping families find organisations that can offer advice, guidance and peer support.

4. Campaigning for early diagnosis of the condition.

We are now recruiting a Governance Trustee to strengthen our Board and help ensure our governance framework remains robust as the charity grows.

The Governance Trustee will play a key role in supporting good oversight, strong policy development and effective decision-making across the organisation.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Supporting the Board in maintaining strong and effective governance.

• Helping review and develop the charity’s policy framework, including safeguarding, governance, finance and operational policies.

• Ensuring policies are reviewed regularly, compliant with current legislation and embedded in day-to-day practice.

• Working closely with fellow Trustees and the CEO to ensure decisions reflect our mission, vision and values.

• Contributing to the work of the Fundraising and Risk Group, ensuring governance considerations inform the group’s discussions.

Attending and actively participating in:

• Six Board meetings per year (usually held on the third Sunday of every other month from 18:00–19:30 via Teams).

• Quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings (1.5 hours, evening).

• Two 1-2-1 meetings per year with the Chair of Trustees.

• The charity’s AGM and any additional meetings or events as needed • Providing occasional input on matters raised by the CEO, Trustees, staff and volunteers.

• Acting as an ambassador for Harry’s HAT and representing the charity with professionalism and warmth.

#trustee #governance 

Varndean Governors are seeking committed individuals to join their effective cohesive team of people to hold the school to account, to shape the vision of the school and to set the strategic direction.

At Varndean School we firmly believe that our Governing Body should reflect the rich diversity of our community, that we proudly serve. We are committed to creating an exclusive school and to provide diverse role models for our young people.

To uphold this commitment we have collected a range of diversity data from the current Board membership to inform our recruitment process. We may also collect data from anyone applying to be a Governor to ensure that we have an array of perspectives and skills around the governing table.

Varndean School is a truly exciting school to be involved in as a governor. Our aim is that all our students should leave us equipped to achieve their full potential – in whatever field they choose. Underpinning this vision is our rich and varied curriculum, our stimulating range of out of school activities and our unique schools within a school structure. This structure creates a caring community in which students can thrive and is frequently mentioned by parents as one of the key reasons they choose Varndean.

Our governors have a wide range of experience, but all share a commitment to helping the school’s dedicated staff deliver this vision.

Although governors are volunteers, excellent support and development opportunities are provided through an induction process and full programme of training both face-to-face and online to suit individual needs. There are also opportunities to volunteer alongside experienced governors and to take on a responsibility for an area of the school improvement plan.  We don’t expect you to be an expert in education and welcome governors from all walks of life to bring different perspectives and views. You just need to be committed to supporting our vision for the school community and the educational outcomes of our students.

Our school is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our care and you will be expected to share this commitment. All Governors will be subject to an enhanced DBS check on appointment.

Based in Newtown, Powys, Rekindle is a vibrant and committed charity, providing mental health support to young people aged between 16 and 25 years, in Mid Wales and the Shropshire Borders. As Chair, you’ll play a key role in shaping Rekindle’s future and building on the momentum of recent successes.

What will you be doing?

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will be responsible for ensuring that the charity trustee board functions effectively, meetings are led inclusively, and the board carries out its duties. You will lead the board in governing itself well, setting the strategic direction of the charity, creating a positive culture within the charity and holding staff accountable. You will monitor the agreed actions from board meetings to ensure that decisions are implemented properly and in a timely manner and build a strong, positive and respectful relationship with staff, volunteers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders. You will also act as an ambassador for the charity, representing its interests and values to stakeholders.

Time commitment

• 4 board meetings per year, plus minimum 16 hours per month (to be reviewed annually)
• There may be additional time commitment required however there is no fixed requirement as we appreciate that each Board member has different amounts of time they are able to offer
• Ideally the Chair will be local to the charity.

 What are we looking for?

We are looking for an individual with a natural leadership style that is inclusive and collaborative. Rekindle is about to embark on some restructuring of its managerial tier; this will be with the help of Pilot Light and their 360 programme, and we would like the new Chair to be a part of this ideally.

Rekindle is currently developing a Youth Advisory Board that will consult and advise with the Board of Trustees once established, and so experience of this, although not essential, would be welcome.

Skills and experience:

• Demonstrable experience in leadership roles.
• Previous experience serving on a Board of Trustees.
• Ability to think strategically and drive organizational growth and impact.
• Experience in supporting and developing organizational strategy.
• 5-15 years of experience in governance and financial oversight.
• Must be located in commutable distance to Newtown, Powys.
• Experience in chairing meetings and creating an inclusive environment.
• Passionate about mental health, wellbeing and young people.

We aim to reflect the diverse communities, young people, and families we serve, and welcome applicants with lived experience relevant to our work.

What difference will you make?

Joining Rekindle's board as Chair offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing and dynamic charity. In recent years, Rekindle has expanded its operations, including employing seven staff members and moving to a larger premises, while maintaining its core services. The board is in a good, stable place. As Chair, you’ll play a key role in shaping Rekindle’s future and building on the momentum of recent successes.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Rekindle with their Chair recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. 

To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills and experience would add value to the board. 

VOLUNTEER VACANCIES AT THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS’ FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (ESFA)

The English Schools’ FA is seeking to further diversify its decision-making bodies to better reflect the needs and aspirations of those with disabilities and to improve inclusion in this area.  We are seeking to make two appointments within our governance structures, as follows:

• To our Governing Council. You can find further details about the Council and the role Vacancies – English Schools' Football Association
• To our  Inclusion Advisory Network. You can find further details about the IAN and the role here too: Vacancies – English Schools' Football Association

Council is responsible for decisions about football delivery strategy and the IAN is responsible for providing specific inclusion advice to both Council and the Board of Trustees across all aspects of the ESFA, as illustrated below. The candidate appointed to Council will also be co-opted to serve on the IAN.

Candidates interested in either vacancy should carefully review the information on the ESFA website before completing the short application form. Candidates are also encouraged to complete our EDI form which will be separated from your application prior to assessment and then anonymised with the sole purpose of monitoring our EDI policy.  Should candidates wish to submit their application in an alternative format, or have questions about the posts, please contact the CEO.

Deadline for applications for both posts is 8th February 2026

The ESFA is committed to safeguarding children and adults a risk. The successful candidate may need to complete an enhanced DBS check through the FA DBS process. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining the post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

As an equal opportunities Association the ESFA welcomes applications from all parts of the community.

Candidates should note that checks on their online presence may be undertaken as part of this process

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.