Volunteer roles for the Membership Organisations sector

The Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) is seeking an exceptional individual to join its Board of Trustees as Honorary Secretary, a pivotal governance position at the heart of a respected UK professional body and learned society. As Honorary Secretary, you will contribute at a strategic level, helping to ensure strong governance, supporting effective Board leadership, and shaping the future direction of the charity with real impact across the UK healthcare system.  You will work closely with the President, Trustees and CEO, contributing to strategic decision-making and helping to ensure the Board operates effectively and transparently. 

IPEM operates as a professional body, a learned society, and a registered charity, working across hospitals, universities, and industry. IPEM is supported by a professional and collaborative staff team, working in partnership with its volunteer community. With over 4,700 members working across healthcare, academia and industry, IPEM plays a critical role in advancing physics and engineering in medicine to improve patient outcomes and transforming lives.

This is an unpaid role, with expenses paid for travel and sustenance for in person meetings. We anticipate a time commitment of no more than 12 days per year. It's essential that you are not a member of IPEM and eligible to become a Trustee. This is a 3 year term, renewable once. 

If you would like an informal chat, you can contact IPEM President Mark Knight or CEO Gill Collinson. An information pack and more details about IPEM can be found on our website. To apply for the role, please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your suitability by 5pm Friday 8th May to Jenny Slack, Operations and Governance Manager.

Libraries Connected is recruiting new Trustees to help champion the value of public libraries by shaping our strategic direction and overseeing our governance.  As a Trustee, you will  play an essential role in guiding our organisation’s missions maintaining high standards of governance, and supporting our work to strengthen the library sector.

About Libraries Connected

Libraries Connected is the national organisation for public library services in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man). We represent, support, and connect library leaders and services, working to strengthen the sector’s collective impact, visibility and resilience.

Our vision is for an inclusive, modern, sustainable, and high-quality public library service at the heart of every community. We deliver national programmes, provide professional development and sector support and advocacy for the role and impact of Libraries.

Our governance framework ensures we remain responsive to member priorities while also engaging effectively with the wider policy and funding environment.  Trustees contribute strategic insight and oversight, ensuring our work is well-governed, financially sound, and aligned to our long-term mission.

The sector is at a pivotal moment: the development by the government of a new public libraries strategy for England, local government reorganisation, and many more challenges and opportunities. Advocacy and partnership‑building are more vital than ever as we amplify our collective voice.

Board vacancies

We are seeking new Trustees who can bring fresh insight, diverse expertise and strategic leadership to support Libraires Connected’s continued development.

We want everyone who believes they can contribute to Libraries Connected Board of Trustees to feel welcome to apply. We encourage applications from all ages and backgrounds. Currently, we would particularly welcome applications from people under the age of 35.

Previous Board/Trustee experience is not necessary. An induction process will follow for any successful applicant. Further training opportunities relevant to Trustees are always on offer.  Similarly, prior professional experience of the libraries sector is not a pre-requisite as our Board includes a number of Member Trustees who ensure this perspective is always represented.

The term of appointment will be three years initially, renewable for two further terms of three years.

Skills and Experience Sought

Following our skills audit, recruitment will prioritise candidates with knowledge or experience in ONE OR MORE of the following areas:

• Finance (strategic financial oversight, budgeting and planning)
• Commercial acumen, negotiation and contract skills
• Fundraising and income generation strategy
• Policy landscape understanding and strategic policy influencing
• Legal knowledge, particularly in charity or company governance
• Data protection
• Environment and sustainability

In addition, applicants must exhibit the following key behaviours essential for Trustees:

• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• Ability to scrutinise constructively
• Acting as a supportive but challenging “critical friend”
• Forward thinking and innovative
• Commitment to our values and mission

What will you be doing?

People in Harmony (PIH) is a membership organisation dedicated to supporting mixed-race individuals, and interracial families, and couples. Established in 1972, PIH aims to promote positive experiences by challenging racism, prejudice, and ignorance. We provide information, support, and advocacy to our members and the wider community through education, celebration, and research.

We are seeking a new Chair at a pivotal moment in the Charity’s history. Following a strategic review, we are at the start of a five-year plan focused on building capacity, strengthening governance, and establishing a strong operational structure. Concurrently, in the next 10 years we aspire to expand training, consultancy, and policy influence, positioning PIH as a leading national organisation for mixed-race advocacy. As Chair, you will be central in delivering the organisation's strategy.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience at board level in a senior strategic leadership role, within the charity sector or a similar environment.
• Strong governance, strategic planning, and organisational skills.
• An inclusive leadership style; able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
• Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Able to listen and engage effectively; comfortable with challenge and debate and can encourage that in others while promoting a collaborative board environment.
• Passionate about the mission of PIH and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Lived experience and understanding of the challenges faced by mixed-race individuals and communities is preferable.

What difference will you make?

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction and ensuring effective governance.
• Ensure the Board operates within its charitable objectives and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Plan and facilitate cyclical committee meetings, ensuring they are well-organised, inclusive, and productive.
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Act as an ambassador for PIH, representing the charity at events and in the media.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with members, partners, and stakeholders to further the charity's mission.
• Oversee the organisation’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure key risks are identified, monitored and mitigated effectively.
• Support fundraising and grant application efforts and help secure resources necessary for the charity's sustainability.