Volunteer roles in Richmond upon thames

As Social Media & Marketing Manager with The Skateboarding Foundation, your role is to develop and support our digital presence, raise awareness, and engage with our audience across various platforms.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference to young people's lives, supporting a small but growing charity.

Our Community Volunteers are vital in enabling us to continue to feed the 3 million children we feed every day and to help us reach the next child. They use their talents in their communities to spread the story of Mary’s Meals.

What is the role of a Community Volunteer?

Some of the things you can do as a community volunteer:

• Help us to share our story – arrange and give Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds
• Use your networks and contacts to book talks, stalls and events and help us share our story
• Organise fundraising events in your local area such as coffee mornings, quizzes, supermarket bag packs and bucket collections
• Organise film screenings in your community to show Mary’s Meals films
• Volunteer at local fundraising and awareness events such as film screenings, bucket collections or concerts
• Promote Mary’s Meals’ fundraising campaigns and events in your community and across their networks and contacts
• Distribute and display promotional materials
• Place collection tins in local community areas
• Host community engagement events about Mary’s Meals’ work
• Come together as a group with other local volunteers to support each other with this work
• Lead a group in your community to fundraise for Mary’s Meals

What support and resources will I receive?

• Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
• A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
• Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
• Training and if desired, public speaking training
• Resources to fulfil your role
• A regular volunteer update e-mail

What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?

• Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
• Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
• Meeting new like-minded people
• Increasing confidence and team-working skills.
• Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
• Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.

Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) is recruiting six volunteers to sit on our new Advisory Council, which will support the work of the organisation by helping to guide our strategy and direction, develop new thinking around our grassroot activism, research, campaigning and advocacy work, and strengthen our solidarity networks, coalitions and allyships, especially with and amongst marginalised and racialised communities. 

The Advisory Council will complement our governing board (the Steering Committee). The aim is for the Council to take a broader, more long-term and strategic view of CAAT’s activities, provide fresh perspectives, and expand our networks. The Advisory Council will not have responsibility for financial, legal, or HR oversight of CAAT.

We are particularly warmly inviting those with lived experiences of international conflict and structural violence, and those involved in anti-militarist and intersecting social activism in collectives and movements. We also warmly encourage applications from people from marginalised communities and groups, including but not limited to LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodiverse, and disabled people.

More details are available in the attached Recruitment Pack or on the CAAT website. 

Our Mission

Brain tumours do not discriminate, and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly.

Each volunteer is vital to making The Twilight Walk, a walking event that raises funds and awareness for brain tumours, such a special and successful day. No matter the role you play, you’ll make a big difference to us and all our walkers.

How can you help?

As a Route Marshal you will work as a team alongside section leaders (staff), to ensure participants are safe and looked after throughout the walk. You’ll get to cheer on, support and motivate our walkers throughout The Twilight Walk 5km and 10km route, and help create an exciting, energetic and enjoyable walking experience. You will not be alone for this role, all volunteers will be with at least 1 other volunteer at different aid stations along the route.

Responsibilities:

• To ensure all walkers keep to the pavements and walkways and don’t overspill on to the roads.
• To direct walkers to go in single file where appropriate and to ensure that all pedestrians have an equal opportunity to use pavements and walkways.
• To ensure that all walkers remain on the designated walk route, unless otherwise instructed to by yourself, your section leader or a member of the emergency services.
• To ensure that no walker walks alone. There will be designated front, back and middle walkers to make sure we do not lose anyone.
• To ensure that all walkers are respectful of the local community and try to keep noise to a reasonable level, especially through the residential areas of the route.
• If you are near to an item that could cause injury – i.e. a bollard, advise all walkers as they pass.
• Walkers will let you know if they need a first aider, if they have lost a child or if they would like to drop out of the walk. You will be given full details on how to deal with situations like this in your briefing on the day of the event.
• To ensure that children are properly supervised by their parent or guardian when crossing any roads. It is not your responsibility to cross the walkers or stop traffic – you are only there as assistance if needed

What impact will you have?

The Twilight Walk London is our biggest fundraising event of the year, where 1,300 supporters come together to raise vital funds for The Brain Tumour Charity. However and wherever you get involved, you’ll be part of our dedicated community, uniting around the same goal – beating brain tumours for good.

We’re looking for

As part of our volunteer team you will be enthusiastic, friendly and approachable at all times, ensuring our walkers safety comes first.

• Clear communication skills
• Responsible and reliable
• Able to walk up to 10km (potentially more) and stand up for long periods of time
• This role involves being outside for the duration of the walk so warm clothing and comfortable shoes are essential.

The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities.

What can you gain from volunteering?

• You’ll have the opportunity to develop your communication and people skills through giving clear directions and instructions to participants.
• You’ll develop an understanding of how the Events team organises our flagship event.
• You’ll help the Events team raise more than £3.9 million a year, helping fund life-changing support and pioneering research.

Time commitment

The Twilight Walk London is taking place on Saturday 21st March 2026 at Lindley Hall. Route marshals will need to arrive at 10:30am and will be able to leave from 18:00pm (these times are estimates and subject to change).

We appreciate not everyone can commit to volunteering for the whole day. If you can commit to a few hours and would like to volunteer, please select the shift that suits you. If you need to leave early, let us know so we can ensure there is someone available to check you in and out. We ask that you arrive at the shift start time to receive your on-the-day briefing. Any time you can volunteer is greatly appreciated.

Practical considerations

You will receive training for the role, as well as ongoing direction from one of the team, who will be your key contact. Volunteers must be over 18. We encourage volunteers to claim for any reasonable expenses that are incurred in the course of their volunteering with The Charity.

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through

the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate

to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

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.

Trustee and Treasurer
Rainbow Migration, the longest-running UK charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is seeking a trustee who will also serve as the organisation’s Treasurer.

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

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

The role of trustees and the Treasurer

Being a trustee is a rewarding role. Trustees are volunteers who bring their expertise to shape our strategy and direction, and help ensure we remain an authoritative organisation on LGBTQI+ asylum and immigration. They have overall legal responsibility for the charity, make sure our finances and resources are well used to implement our mission, and are required to participate fully in the governance of the charity. Trustees also play a role as ambassadors for the organisation and our work.

The Treasurer takes a lead role in ensuring Rainbow Migration’s financial affairs  are conducted within legal requirements, accounting conventions and good practice to ensure the financial viability and sustainable development of the organisation. A detailed role description for the role of Treasurer is appended.

Time commitment

We are looking for people who can commit to being a trustee for at least three years.

Trustees meet on a weekday evening five times per year. Meetings are usually held on Zoom except in December when we meet in person in London.

Preparation for the meetings involves a time commitment of two to four hours for detailed reading of papers, which are provided several days in advance.

The Treasurer also chairs the Finance Subcommittee, which meets on a weekday evening at the end of each quarter. The present Treasurer prepares the primary financial statements and notes, from the underlying accounting records at the year-end, for inclusion in the Annual Report and Accounts; the successful candidate will need to decide whether to continue with this approach or if there is a suitable alternative.

Key responsibilities

Financial oversight:

• Support the Trustee Board to maintain a clear and timely picture of the financial health of the organisation
• Ensure the Trustee Board and management team fulfil all required fiduciary and regulatory responsibilities
• Keep up to date on developments in charity finance regulations and best practice
• Chair the Finance Subcommittee to oversee Rainbow Migration’s financial management, ensuring robust processes and controls are in place
• Ensure the committee develops a long-term financial strategy (including a reserves policy) for the organisation, with objectives which can be monitored
• Advise the Board on financial strategy, risk management and resource allocation
• Support the Executive Director and Operations and Office Manager to develop and improve financial policies and procedures
• Work with the Executive Director, Operations and Office Manager and Fundraising Manager to monitor budgets, cash flow and financial performance
• Oversee the production of clear and accessible financial reports to the Board and its sub-committees by Rainbow Migration staff, and lead discussions during meetings

Reporting:

• Ensure regular financial reports (i.e. management accounts, annual budgets, cash flow projections, etc) are accurate, comprehensible, timely, correctly formatted, and properly discussed and understood by the Trustee Board (as required by law)
• Ensure the timely preparation of annual accounts in accordance with charity regulations (UK SORP)
• Oversee the appointment of the Independent Examiner or auditors and provide overall oversight of the annual examination or audit process

Systems and controls:

• Ensure the charity has proper systems in place for budgeting, financial control, insurance, and reporting
• Ensure compliance with all HMRC tax requirements, as appropriate

The Fixing Factory is a community repair hub where we teach repair skills, repair and refurbish electrical waste, and help people keep their electrical items in use for longer.

Our work is made possible with the support of a team of volunteers who help people to get their electronic items fixed, learn repair skills and provide valuable support to environmental charities Possible (The 10:10 Foundation) and The Restart Project.

We’re looking for Experienced Fixers to join our volunteer team and help diagnose and repair electrical items at the Haringey Fixing Factory. Your skills will help keep valuable items in use for longer — supporting our mission to reduce waste and support our community.

What you’ll be doing:

• Diagnosing and repairing electrical items such as lamps, kettles, toasters and laptops
• Testing and signing off items ready for sale or donation
• Supporting less experienced fixers with more complex repairs
• Talking one-on-one with members of the public about how items can be repaired
• Helping keep the workshop safe, tidy and welcoming

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has strong electrical repair skills and experience fixing a range of items
• Can work independently and confidently troubleshoot faults
• Is organised, reliable and safety-conscious
• Enjoys sharing knowledge and supporting others
• Cares about sustainability, reducing waste and community impact

What you’ll gain:

• Hands-on experience repairing a wide variety of electrical items
• Opportunities to share and develop your skills
• Safety and role-specific training
• The chance to work with a friendly, like-minded team
• References for volunteers who have been attending for over three months

The Fixing Factory is a community repair hub where we teach repair skills, repair and refurbish electrical waste, and help people keep their electrical items in use for longer.

Our work is made possible with the support of a team of volunteers who help people to get their electronic items fixed, learn repair skills and provide valuable support to environmental charities Possible (The 10:10 Foundation) and The Restart Project. 

We’re looking for a Volunteer Videographer to help film our events, workshops and behind-the-scenes moments at the Haringey Fixing Factory — and turn them into engaging video content that helps grow the Fixing Factory brand.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys storytelling, wants to build their portfolio, and cares about sustainability, community and reducing waste.

What you’ll be doing:

• Filming events and activities
• Capturing short interviews and testimonials
• Editing footage for social media and promotional use
• Working with our team to showcase the impact of what we do

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience with videography (filming and basic editing)
• Is organised, reliable and comfortable working independently
• Enjoys working with people and putting them at ease on camera
• Wants to use their creative skills to make a positive difference

What you’ll gain:

• Real-world videography experience for a purpose-driven organisation
• Portfolio-building content and creative freedom
• Training, support and references (after 3+ months volunteering)
• A welcoming team of like-minded people working towards a more sustainable future

Fundraising Manager (Team Leader)

Time commitment: 4 hours per week (flexible)
Location: Remote, UK-based
Reports to: Director
Manages: Fundraising volunteer team (approx. 5 people)
Type: Volunteer

About the role

We are looking for an experienced, friendly, and highly organised Volunteer Fundraising Manager to lead our fundraising function and help us deliver a clear, consistent, and timely pipeline of income opportunities.

This is a hands-on leadership role. You will work closely with the Director to shape and manage our fundraising strategy, prioritise opportunities, and coordinate a small team of fundraising volunteers.

Please note: This role is not responsible for writing full applications. Instead, you will focus on strategy, coordination, quality assurance, and momentum. You will support the team by reviewing drafts, giving clear feedback, and ensuring applications are aligned with our charity’s mission and submitted on time.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and maintain an effective fundraising strategy in collaboration with the Director
• Guide and support a team of around five fundraising volunteers, setting priorities and keeping everyone on track
• Manage the fundraising pipeline (opportunities, deadlines, progress tracking, and follow-ups)
• Provide timely responses to team questions and unblock issues quickly
• Review and improve fundraising drafts (structure, clarity, alignment, tone, completeness, and fit with funder criteria)
• Ensure applications and supporting documents are consistent, accurate, and submitted within deadlines
• Coordinate light-touch check-ins, task allocation, and updates (weekly or fortnightly, as agreed)
• Help improve systems and templates so the team can work efficiently (for example trackers, folder structure, and standard wording)

Who we’re looking for

Essential

• Proven experience in fundraising (charity, community interest, education, health, environment, or similar)
• Strong understanding of what makes a successful grant or fundraising case, and how to align it to funder criteria
• Confident leading and supporting a small team, with a collaborative and encouraging style
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to give clear, constructive feedback
• Highly organised, reliable, and comfortable managing multiple deadlines
• Able to commit around 4 hours per week on an ongoing basis

Desirable

• Experience managing a fundraising pipeline or CRM, or maintaining trackers and workflows
• Experience developing fundraising strategy and prioritisation
• Familiarity with UK trusts and foundations, corporate giving, or community fundraising

What you’ll get in return

• A meaningful leadership role with real impact on our charity’s sustainability
• Support and collaboration with the Director and a committed volunteer team
• Flexibility to fit around work or other commitments
• A reference after an agreed period of consistent volunteering (where appropriate)

Eligibility

This role is open only to applicants who are currently based in the UK and have the right to volunteer in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applicants living outside the UK at this time.

How to apply

Please send:

• A short statement outlining your relevant fundraising and leadership experience
• A brief overview of the types of fundraising you’ve worked on (for example grants, trusts, corporate, community)
• Confirmation that you are UK-based and have the right to volunteer in the UK

Closing date: We may interview suitable candidates as applications come in.

Mind In Enfield and Barnet combines over 50 years of experience to improve peoples mental health in Enfield, Barnet and beyond. We are led by lived experience and driven by a passion to support and protect people’s mental health in ways that they want.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Volunteer Meet and Greet to support the Therapy Team at Mind in Enfield and Barnet (MiEB). This role involves sitting at the reception desk and acting as a first point of contact, helping to create a friendly, welcoming and supportive environment for clients, visitors and staff. You will offer clear directional guidance, practical assistance and information about services and activities, helping people feel safe, comfortable and supported when they arrive. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys engaging with others and contributing to a positive, inclusive space for individuals accessing mental health services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Help create a friendly and inclusive environment by greeting clients and visitors in a warm and professional manner

• Cover the reception desk and act as a first point of contact for enquiries

• Provide clear directional guidance and escort individuals to their destination where appropriate

• Ensure clients, visitors and staff sign in and out accurately

• Maintain accurate logs of calls and emails in line with service procedures

• Help maintain a tidy, calm and welcoming reception and waiting area

We welcome individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges to apply.

Within our organisation, volunteers are highly valued and essential to delivering our services effectively. We encourage applications from everyone, regardless of their background. This includes people who have personal or professional experience with mental health challenges. We focus on providing comprehensive training, guidance, and supervision to ensure volunteers feel confident and capable in their roles. We support our volunteers' success and offer opportunities to network and socialise with trustees, staff, and fellow volunteers. We are committed to recognising the meaningful contribution every volunteer makes to our community.

This is a part-time, volunteer (unpaid) role with flexible hours ranging from a minimum of 1 day (3–5 hours) up to 20 hours per week. Hours can be scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 10:00am and 3:00pm. Please see the attached document for further details.

Please apply to the volunteering email address attached, with a current CV and covering letter explaining your interest in this role. 

Grant Prospecting Coordinator (Excel and Research)

Time commitment: 3 to 4 hours per week
Location: Remote, UK-based (with fortnightly online team check-ins)
Team: Fundraising Team
Start: As soon as you are available
Type: Volunteer

About the role

We are looking for a friendly, organised, and committed volunteer to support our Fundraising Team by prospecting grant opportunities. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys research, reading funder guidelines, and working with data.

You will take the lead in helping us make smart use of our time by identifying which grants in our existing database are the best match for our work and where we are most likely to be eligible.

This is a prospecting management role only. You will not be asked to write grant applications.

What you will do

• Work through a complex Excel-based grants database and assess opportunities against our charity’s aims and activities
• Read funder criteria, eligibility rules, and guidance notes to decide whether a grant is a good fit and discuss it with our Fundraising Coordinator.
• Shortlist suitable grants and record your findings clearly in the spreadsheet (notes, deadlines, key requirements)
• Flag any missing information and help keep the grants Pipeline tidy and consistent
• Share weekly or fortnightly updates with the Fundraising Team
• Guide the Fundraising Team to understand which opportunities must be prioritised

What we are looking for

Essential

• Excellent Excel skills (confident using filters, sorting, data validation, working and finding data in structured and complex spreadsheets)
• Strong attention to detail and an analytical mindset
• Enjoys research and reading specifications carefully
• Able to make clear, evidence-based judgements about eligibility and fit
• Reliable and able to commit 3 to 4 hours per week on an ongoing basis
• Good written communication for concise spreadsheet notes and updates

Desirable

• Experience in charity fundraising, grant research, or prospecting
• Comfortable working independently and meeting agreed deadlines
• Interest in our mission and values

Support you will receive

• A short onboarding session and clear guidance on our criteria and process
• A named contact in the Fundraising Team for questions and check-ins
• Templates for consistent data entry and decision-making
• References available after an agreed period of consistent volunteering

Eligibility

Because this role involves supporting a UK charity and working with our internal systems and processes, we can only accept applications from people who are currently based in the UK and have the right to volunteer in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applicants living outside the UK at this time.

Time commitment and expectations

We value flexibility, but we also need continuity. We are looking for someone who can make a regular weekly commitment and communicate clearly if they need to change their availability.

How to apply

Please send:

• A short statement (cover letter) explaining why you are interested and your relevant skills
• A brief summary of your Excel experience (examples welcomed)

Closing date: We may interview suitable candidates as applications come in.

Thank you for looking at our oppotunitiy. We are looking forward to hearing from you. 

Are you looking for a fresh challenge that makes a positive difference to the lives of Young People throughout the UK?

At Childline we are actively recruiting new Volunteers. 

What will I be doing?

• Your shift will consist of 3hrs30mns counselling, sandwiched between a 15mns brief before your shift and a 30mns debrief post shift. This is to ensure that you can start and finish your shift with any support you require from your Practitioners.
• On shift you will take contacts from Young People who rely on the service that Childline offers. Childline is not there to solve problems, we are a listening service for Young People and in each contact your role is to engage the Young Person, explore their situation and to support them in deciding their next steps.
• The contacts you would take from Young People can come in 3 ways. Traditional phone call contacts, live chats via instant response typed messaging or less commonly via 'PIBS' which are essentially emails sent by Young People in the knowledge the response will not be 'live' and instant.

What impact will this have?

• Childline is a unique service, valued greatly by the Young People who contact us.
• It provides a safe place for Young People to talk confidentially to our Volunteer Counsellors, an option that many of them do not have elsewhere.
• Young People rely on us being there for them 24/7. In an average month, Childline London takes approx. 1,500 live chats, 900 voice calls and 300 PIBs.
• However, the demand for the service often outstrips the supply as Young People who desperately need our service cannot always get through.
• That is why we are actively recruiting new Volunteers to be able to meet the need of all Young People who are in distress and need the support that Childline provides.

Training

• Childline offers a full 12 week online training programme to new Volunteers. This consists of one 4 hour session per week.
• During the training, you will meet other Volunteers in your cohort and have access to your 2 dedicated Childline Trainers.
• As part of the training, you will also go in person to the London Base for observation and mentored shifts which give you a face to face insight into how the Counselling Room works.
• You will also have access to a dedicated Volunteer Engagement Lead to give you a London Base tour (optional) and generally be on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have - big or small, if they matter to you they matter because you are giving your time to volunteer and Childline wants to offer you every level of support.
• Once you pass through training and become a qualified Childline Volunteer Counsellor, the development opportunities do not stop there. You will have access to a multitude of mandatory and optional training courses that are accredited and 100% free to all Volunteers.

The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.

DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:

• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm

The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.

Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached).

We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.

Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews

Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.

External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.

Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector

Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).

Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.

If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in March (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams. 

The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.

Please use the following contact details for any questions or queries you may have about the role or the charity:

info at ddmcphail dot org

Job Description

We are seeking four new Trustees to join our Board. This application process is rolling, meaning there is no deadline - so please enquire and apply sooner rather than later! We anticipate the process will conclude in mid-2026.

Who are we?

We are a disability-led arts organisation which works to improve access to culture for disabled people by providing opportunities for disabled creatives, training cultural institutions to be more open to disabled people, and through running participatory arts and development programmes.

Our programmes have run for fifty years, supporting disabled creatives and those facing disabling barriers to creative careers or audience participation. Our current programme finds us opening new avenues for disabled creatives through commissioning, exhibitions, and learning-based support such as residencies, advice, and guidance.

We continue to break new ground in digital spheres and advocating for disabled people struggling to access the arts and creative industries through our consultancy services.

We work across three main areas:

1. A creative programme, working directly with disabled creatives
2. Heritage projects, documenting the social history of disabled people
3. Access consultancy, including training and auditing

We receive funding from Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund to support our creative programme and heritage projects.

We are recruiting disabled and non-disabled voluntary Board members. As a member of our Board, you will gain an insight to how the arts and cultural industries in the UK work. From lived experience to professional experience, we are looking for people from all backgrounds who are passionate about the arts and its potential to change disabled people's lives to join our Board.

Please read or listen to all guidance on our site before applying!

Job Requirements

The Board and Shape's Executive Team meet four times a year - once every three months. Each meeting takes up about half a day.

In addition, Trustees are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the yearly Away Day, both of which happen once per year.

The main responsibilities of any Charity Trustee are outlined by the Charity Commission. You can browse their '5-minute guides' for Trustees on their website.

The Nolan Principles of Public Life set the standards for how our trustees are expected to conduct themselves. These are:

• Selflessness
• Integrity
• Objectivity
• Accountability
• Openness
• Honesty
• Leadership

You can read more about these principles on the UK Government's website.

Job Responsibilities

Our team of Trustees are responsible for ensuring that:

• Shape complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, and that it pursues only the objectives which are defined in it
• Shape complies with charity law, employment law and other relevant legislation or regulations
• Shape is financially viable
• the Board is defining goals and setting targets for the organisation, and that performance is evaluated against these targets
• Shape's ethos and reputation are safeguarded
• Administration is effective and efficient and we are accountable to our stakeholders and funders

The Board are also responsible for:

• Contributing to the Board's role in giving firm strategic direction
• Appointing the Chief Executive and monitoring their performance
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels, as required
• Attending either the Finance, HR and Risk, or Programme and Development Sub Committees