Volunteer roles

Could your fundraising expertise help save lives?

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is looking for a Trustee with senior fundraising, supporter engagement and income generation experience to join our Board.

This voluntary role is an opportunity to use your expertise to help shape the future of a life-saving charity. As a Trustee, you'll provide strategic oversight, constructive challenge and specialist governance, helping to ensure we can continue delivering critical care to people across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man.

You won't be involved in delivering fundraising activity day to day. Instead, you'll work alongside fellow Trustees to scrutinise strategy, monitor performance, oversee risk and ensure our fundraising remains ethical, effective and aligned with our mission.

We're particularly interested in hearing from people with senior experience in fundraising, development, external engagement or income generation within the charity, social enterprise, public benefit or purpose-led sectors.

You will bring experience in:

· Fundraising strategy and income diversification

· Donor stewardship, supporter journeys and campaign planning

· Fundraising governance, compliance and ethical practice

· Board-level thinking, constructive challenge and sound judgement

· Building relationships and acting as an ambassador for a mission-led organisation

You will also share our mission, values, equity, diversity and inclusion, and Nolan’s seven principles of public life.

Time commitment

The Board meets at least four times a year, plus a strategy day. Trustees are encouraged to sit on two Board Committees, with additional contact usually taking place by email, telephone or Microsoft Teams.

Interested?

If you are passionate about using your fundraising expertise to make a meaningful difference, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 28th August 2026

Treasurer Trustee

Join the Board of Blue Smile 

• Board meetings are held 6 times a year, online

• Finance Committee – meetings are held six times a year, online 

• Occasional in-person meetings/events - including strategy review and planning day once per year, in person 

Salary: Voluntary trustee role (reasonable expenses reimbursed) 
Time Commitment: Approximately 4–6 hours per month 

We are seeking a Treasurer Trustee to join our Board and help ensure the charity remains financially strong, sustainable and able to continue delivering life-changing support to children and young people 

This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional who wants to use their skills for social impact while contributing to the governance and strategic leadership of a respected local charity. 

About the Role 

As Treasurer Trustee, you will be the Board's lead on financial governance and oversight, working closely with fellow trustees and the Charity Director. The role is strategic rather than operational and focuses on ensuring good financial management, sustainability and compliance. 

You will: 

• Support the Board in understanding and fulfilling its financial responsibilities.

• Chair finance committee meetings. 

• Review management accounts and monitor financial performance.

• Oversee budgeting, reserves and financial planning.

• Help identify and manage financial risks.

• Support the approval of annual accounts and financial reports, including the independent examination. 

• Ensure the charity's resources are used effectively in pursuit of its charitable objectives.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of Blue Smile 

Who We're Looking For 

We would love to hear from you if you have: 

• A professional background in finance, accounting, banking, auditing or financial management.

• Experience of budgeting, financial reporting and financial oversight.

• The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.

• Strong analytical skills and sound judgement.

• An interest in supporting children's mental health and wellbeing.

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) and/or previous charity experience would be advantageous, but we welcome applications from individuals with transferable financial expertise.

Why Join Blue Smile? 

As a Trustee, you will: 

• Make a lasting difference to children's lives. 

• Use your professional skills to support an established local charity. 

• Gain valuable charity governance experience. 

• Work alongside a committed and supportive Board. 

Our Commitment to Inclusion 

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from individuals from under-represented groups, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ communities, disabled people and younger trustees.

Safeguarding 

Safeguarding is central to all Blue Smile activities. Trustees will be expected to support and uphold our safeguarding culture and may be required to complete an appropriate DBS check. 

What does it look like to Chair a charity at a pivotal moment of change?

Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is an established infrastructure charity supporting, connecting and championing voluntary and community organisations across North Somerset and beyond.

With a strong local reputation and a clear ambition for the future, VANS plays a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing organisations together, amplifying collective voice, and enabling others to deliver impact.

Now, at an important point in its development, the organisation is focused on building on its strengths, refining how it works, and positioning itself to be futureproof. We’re looking for a new Chair to lead the charity into its next phase.

Location: Based in North Somerset working across the South West and beyond
Remuneration: Voluntary, with expenses covered

Time commitment: Governance commitment supported by a Vice-Chair. Currently, 4 Board meetings and 2 Development days per annum, 3-4 Governance group meetings, regular meetings with the CEO, as well as ad-hoc meetings, preparation and urgent matters arising.

About the opportunity

This is a Chair role with real scope to shape both direction and approach. You’ll work alongside a committed Board and Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership, focus on achieving growth, and building a high-performing team and organisation as it continues to evolve.

As Chair, you’ll play a key role in:

• Keeping the Board focused, effective and forward‑looking
• Providing support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive
• Ensuring clear governance, decision-making, and delivery

About you

We’re open to different backgrounds and pathways into this role. You may already be a Chair, or an experienced trustee or senior leader ready to be one. What matters most is your ability to provide confident, thoughtful and effective leadership.

We’re particularly interested in people who can:

• Operate at a senior strategic level and see the bigger picture
• Build strong, effective relationships across a Board and executive team
• Balance support and challenge in a constructive way
• Bring a level of commercial awareness and focus on sustainability

Experience of the voluntary sector, health or place‑based working would be valuable, but it’s not essential if you can quickly build that understanding.

Why this role matters

VANS has laid solid foundations under the previous Chair’s tenure, with a strong local reputation, passionate people and now gathering momentum.

The next Chair will play an important role in ensuring the organisation is:

· Strategically-focussed, well governed and meets its goals

· Investing in building VANS and financially resilient

• Ready to grow its impact across North Somerset and beyond

This is a unique and special opportunity to meaningfully contribute to an organisation at the heart of community life.

How to apply

A CV or short profile is a great first step. We’d also welcome an informal conversation if you’d prefer to ask some questions first.

Amelia Lee at Charity People is leading this search.

Deadline: As this role has been advertised previously, we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. If you feel this approach disadvantages you in any way at all, please get in touch with Amelia, who will ensure you are given full and fair consideration and do not miss out.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.

Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. As a prison volunteer you will:

• Developing skills and confidence
• Teach prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects
• Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects

It is essential for volunteers to support FCW ethos, believe in rehabilitation, be an excellent teamworker, observe personal boundaries, be reliable and patient to ensure cell groups run smoothly, and have record-keeping skills and have at knowledge of tapestry/needlework. . 

Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based, therefore it is requred that volunteers will be able to travel to the relevant prisons. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity. 

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our volunteers.

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in FCW’s workforce.

These include applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, and male identifying applicants as these are currently under-represented in our volunteers groups.

Why we need you 

Our Voice Board brings together members of our community to help shape everything we do as a charity, making sure the voices of children, young people, and their families with lived experience of cancer are at the heart of our work. We’d love to hear a wide range of perspectives and applications are open for young people who have or have had cancer, as well as parents, carers, partners and siblings (applicants need to be 16 or older). If you’re passionate about improving the lives of children, young people and families affected by cancer and want to help influence decisions at Young Lives vs Cancer, we’d love to hear from you. 

By joining the team, you’ll take on the role of Voice Board Member for 2 years during which you’ll have the chance to build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with others who have been affected by cancer. After the 2 years on the Voice Board has finished there is also the opportunity to become a Voice Champion, helping to shape and deliver voice work across the organisation. 

What you’ll be doing 

As a Voice Board Member, you’ll use your experiences and ideas to help shape our work and make a real difference for the children, young people, and their families affected by cancer. 

Take part in key conversations 

• Join 4 Voice Board meetings each year to talk about important topics that help shape what we do 

• Take part in optional monthly online discussions about projects and areas of work 

 Work with others 

• Work with other Voice Board members and staff across the organisation 

• Work in partnership with the Voice Team to help shape our voice work 

• Share your views and experiences to help develop ideas and create change 

Use your voice 

• Share your honest thoughts, feedback and lived experience 

• Speak up about the issues that matter most to you and others 

• Help influence decisions, including decisions made by Trustees and Directors 

Get involved in shaping our work 

• Take part in a range of opportunities across the charity, including face-to-face training meetings twice a year to connect with other members and staff 

• All travel and accommodation is provided, and we’ll talk with you about any extra support you might need, including bringing someone with you or joining remotely if you’re on treatment 

• Get involved in optional, ad hoc activities and opportunities to share your story, help design services, and improve how things work 

• Choose how you get involved in a way that suits your time, interests and energy levels 

Help us learn and improve 

• Support us to understand what’s working well and what’s not 

• Share feedback regularly to help us 

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

Cardiff is a thriving branch with a dedicated team of volunteers. For more information about the branch activities and what the Branch Team Leader volunteer role involves, please get in touch for a chat.

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better  with cats.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

The Swansea branch is being redeveloped. The new Branch Team Leader will be well supported to recruit more volunteers and gradually expand the ways we can help cats in the local area. Please get in touch for more information. 

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better  with cats.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

Pembrokeshire is a new branch, is currently be focused on neutering domestic and feral cats, and fundraising. The new Branch Team Leader will be well supported to recruit more volunteers and gradually expand the ways we can help cats in Pembrokeshire, including rehoming. 

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better  with cats.

Could you help bring moments of togetherness to families facing cancer? 

Families supported by Young Lives vs Cancer are going through some of the most challenging times of their lives. At Young Lives vs Cancer, we get that. We are a charity that helps children and young people (aged 0-24), and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.  

As an Events Coordinator in the South West Social Work team, you will plan and coordinate a range of events throughout the year; working directly with the families we support and partner organisations. we hope to run events across the region including end‑of‑treatment celebration days, sibling days, festive events and bereavement support events 

What you give as a volunteer goes far beyond practical support; it’s reassurance, kindness, and hope at a time when it’s needed most. Your time and commitment can help make the cancer journey a little lighter and leave a lasting, positive impact on the families you support. 

What you’ll be doing 

We hope to carry out regular events across the whole region. Your help will be invaluable in achieving this. Your tasks will include: 

• Helping to organise, co-ordinate and run events. 

• Communication with invitees and organisations involved in the planning and facilitation of events. 

• Attendance of events as a welcoming presence; helping people feel comfortable, supported, and gently connected to one another. 

• Working alongside social workers as a valued member of the team and reporting back to your volunteer manager. 

Volunteer as a courtwatcher and become the eyes and ears of your community in your local magistrates’ court.

CourtWatch is a mass court observation project, where citizen volunteers observe the daily hearings in court and write down what they see. The real-time data and stories volunteers collect will shine a spotlight on what really happens in our local courts, expose shortfalls and highlight systemic injustices. The CourtWatch project is run by Transform Justice, a charity that works for a fairer, more compassionate criminal justice system. 

Volunteer responsibilities:

• visit your local magistrates’ court for half a day (or a day) at a time, on any weekday. Ideally volunteers will courtwatch for a minimum of two days (or four half days)

• observe criminal hearings happening in the court and write down what happens in the hearings you observe, using a form provided by the CourtWatch team 

• write up your notes into an online form after your visit (if you don’t have easy access to a computer, we can work around this) 

Benefits of being a courtwatcher:

• learn about what happens in the magistrates’ courts 

• develop new skills including research, attention to detail, observation, insight

• help build a picture of what’s happening in your local magistrates’ court, expose systemic injustices and help make courts fairer and more compassionate 

• be part of community of people who share a passion for justice 

Skills and experience:

Anyone can courtwatch! You do not need any knowledge or expertise in law or criminal justice to be a courtwatcher.  You just need to be passionate about justice and equality, and keen to create positive change in your community. 

We will provide you with all the training you need on what happens at court, what to look out for and how to document what happens. Training will be online and likely take place over two sessions. There will also be regular check-ins and debriefs where you can talk with the CourtWatch team and other volunteers about what you saw and heard.

Other information:

Criminal hearings take place on weekdays between 10am and 5pm, with a break for lunch 1-2pm, and Saturday mornings 10am - 1pm. 

Within the times above, and once you’ve completed the training, you can go to court when it is most convenient to you. You might want to buddy up with another volunteer for your first visit while you learn the ropes; we can help arrange this. 

You can courtwatch any time from when you’ve completed your training to 30 November 2026 – we hope you’ll become a regular! – after which we will use data you have collected to produce a report.  We may also use some of the stories and data you collect to communicate about what’s happening in courts while courtwatching is still underway.

Transform Justice will cover reasonable expenses that you incur while courtwatching, for example for travel and lunch, upon production of valid receipts and in line with our expenses policy. 

Transform Justice will make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities who would like to volunteer. Please get in touch and we will discuss with you how to achieve this.

Before you begin courtwatching we will ask you to complete our volunteer training and a pre-courtwatching survey, and sign our volunteer agreement. 

Help Shape Healthier Futures for Children and Families

Can you help drive the future success of a growing national charity?

HENRY (Health, Exercise, Nutrition for the Really Young) is seeking passionate and strategic individuals to join our Board of Trustees at an exciting point in our journey.

For over 15 years, HENRY has worked alongside parents, carers, communities and professionals to give babies and young children the healthiest possible start in life. Our evidence-based programmes, training and support help families build healthy habits, strengthen relationships and improve long-term wellbeing, particularly in communities experiencing the greatest health inequalities.

Today, HENRY supports more than 21,000 families every year and trains professionals across health and early years services nationwide. Last year alone:

• 21,662 families received support through our programmes, workshops and one-to-one services
• 9,608 parents and babies benefited from infant feeding support
• 88% of participants reported leading a healthier family lifestyle
• 96% rated our programmes and workshops as good or great
• 35% of families we supported were from the most deprived communities in the UK

As we work towards our vision of a healthy and happy start for every baby and child, we are entering a new phase of growth and development. Our ambitious 2030 strategy focuses on expanding our reach, strengthening sustainability, increasing our influence, and maintaining quality and impact as we grow.

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping HENRY's future. Working alongside fellow Board members, you will provide strategic leadership, support good governance, oversee organisational sustainability and help ensure we continue delivering meaningful impact for families across the UK.

This is a strategic, non-operational role that offers the opportunity to contribute your expertise while making a lasting difference to children's lives.

Who We're Looking For

We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in:

• Marketing and Communications
• Income Generation and Fundraising
• Legal and Contractual Matters

We also welcome candidates with:

• Previous trustee or governance experience
• Experience of scaling organisations
• Knowledge of early years, health or family services
• Relevant lived experience
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Why Join HENRY?

Joining our Board is both a responsibility and a rewarding opportunity to create lasting social impact.

As a Trustee, you will:

• Help tackle health inequalities affecting babies and young children
• Influence the strategic direction of a respected national charity
• Develop your leadership, governance and board-level experience
• Work alongside a collaborative and experienced Board and executive team
• Gain insight into a charity delivering impact at scale across the UK

We are committed to building a diverse Board that reflects the communities we serve and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds aged 18 and over.

If you share our belief that every child deserves the best possible start in life, we'd love to hear from you and explore how your skills and experience can help shape HENRY's next chapter.

Ready to make a difference? Read our attached Trustee Recruitment Pack and click 'redirect to recruiter' to be forwarded to our application portal. 

Closing date: 9am Wednesday 19th August 2026
Interviews: week commencing 14th September 2026

HENRY is committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding. As a result, all successful trustee applicants will be required to complete a DBS check.

ABOUT MEDICS FOR RARE DISEASE

Our Vision is equitable healthcare for everyone and our Mission is to shape a #RareAware medical profession that can provide a timely diagnosis and excellent care to people living with rare disease.

We advocate for Rare Aware healthcare, provide training to doctors in the UK and are building a network of Rare Aware healthcare professionals globally. Through our activities we aim to reduce diagnostic delay, improve the patient experience and support more equitable healthcare.

We work in partnership with people living with rare conditions, families, advocates, healthcare professionals, educators, organisations and wider stakeholders to create meaningful and lasting change across the healthcare system.

ABOUT THE TRUSTEE ROLE

We are looking for a new Trustee with lived experience of rare disease to join and strengthen our Board as the charity embarks on its Rare Aware NHS strategy.

This is an opportunity for someone who understands the realities of living with a rare condition to shape the future of rare disease training  and care  within the NHS.

As a Trustee, you will bring your insight, experience and perspective to Board discussions, helping ensure that the experiences of people affected by rare disease are meaningfully considered in our strategy, decision-making and activities.

This role is not about representing every person affected by rare disease. Instead, it is about bringing valuable lived experience alongside the skills, knowledge and expertise of our wider Board.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

As a Trustee, you will:

• Contribute to the strategic direction and future development of MfRD.

• Support good governance and effective decision-making.

• Provide constructive challenge, guidance and insight to the Board.

• Help ensure MfRD’s work remains connected to the needs and experiences of the rare disease community.

• Bring a lived experience perspective to discussions around healthcare education, accessibility and patient-centred care.

• Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees, staff and partners.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We welcome applications from people who can demonstrate:

• Lived experience of rare disease, either personally or through close experience supporting someone affected by a rare condition.

• A commitment to MfRD’s vision and values.

• The ability to contribute thoughtfully and constructively as part of a Board.

• An interest in improving healthcare experiences and outcomes for people affected by rare disease.

• A willingness to devote the time required to fulfil Trustee responsibilities.

You do not need previous Trustee experience; we welcome people who are new to charity governance and will provide support and induction.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with different experiences and perspectives who can help us continue to build an inclusive and representative organisation.

WHAT WE OFFER

As a Trustee, you will:

• Play an important role in shaping the future of MfRD.

• Help influence meaningful change in rare disease healthcare.

• Work alongside a passionate and supportive team.

• Receive a full induction and ongoing Trustee support.

• Have access to Trustee training and development opportunities.

• Have approved expenses reimbursed.

Role Description

Treasurer/Finance Lead Trustee

Remuneration: The role of Treasurer is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Key relationships: Chair, Trustees, Head of Finance & Central Services, CEO

Location: Southampton

Time commitment: Board and Committee meetings

Objective

The Treasurer will oversee the financial matters of the charity in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements. The Treasurer will ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, and are appropriate for the charity.

Principal responsibilities

1.1. Oversee and approve budgets, accounts, financial statements and financial reports to the Board of Trustees after discussion with the Head of Finance & Central Services.

1.2. Seek assurance that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs and are within the charity’s objects

1.3. Instrumental in the development and implementation of appropriate financial, reserves and investment policies

Main duties:

1.4. Liaise with the Head of Finance & Central Services to ensure that the charity’s annual accounts are compliant with the current Charities SORP.

1.5. Ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place

1.6. Overview insurance to confirm that the organisation is fully covered, ensuring that equipment and assets are adequately maintained and insured

1.7. Advise on the financial implications of the organisation's strategic plans

1.8. Chair the Finance & Fundraising Committee

1.9. Liaise with the charity’s auditors where appropriate

1.10. Keep the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

1.11. Contribute to the fundraising strategy of the organisation

1.12. Make a formal presentation of the Accounts at the Annual General Meeting, drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way

1.13. Sit in on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required

Person Specification

Role Title: Treasurer

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

All trustees should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustee in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.

Experience:

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with Rose Road’s Visions and Values and an understanding of its work.

· Experience of working in finance (preferably with a financial qualification)

· Successful experience of operating within a board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation

· Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives

· Proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision making

· History of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences

· Track record of commitment to promoting equality and diversity

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

· Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort – typically 8 meetings per year as well as ad hoc meetings and events. 

· Prepared to challenge decisions, with a willingness to speak their mind when necessary

· Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

· Good, independent judgement and strategic vision

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

· Understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive

Chair of the Board – Sweaty Betty Foundation
Location: Remote with occasional in-person commitments
Term: Three years, renewable once
Time Commitment: Approximately one day per month
Remuneration: Voluntary position

Help Shape a Future Where Every Girl Can Thrive
Are you a strategic, values-driven leader with a passion for creating lasting social impact?
The Sweaty Betty Foundation is seeking an inspiring Chair of the Board to lead Trustees as the organisation continues to deliver impact. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a mission-driven organisation that is dedicated to empowering women and girls through physical activity, confidence-building, and opportunity creation.

About the organisation:
The Sweaty Betty Foundation exists to remove the barriers that prevent women and girls from participating in physical activity. Through strategic grant-making, partnerships, co-designed programmes and sector collaboration, they support organisations creating meaningful change for teenage girls facing the greatest inequalities. Guided by a commitment to “Listen to Girls”, they place young women’s voices at the heart of everything they do.

The vision is simple but ambitious:
A world where every woman and girl is active, healthy, happy, and empowered to reach her full potential.

The Opportunity:
As Chair, you will provide inclusive, strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring the Foundation delivers maximum impact through strong governance, clear accountability, and an unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion. Working closely with the Director and Trustees, you will help steer the organisation’s future while championing the voices and experiences of girls who are often furthest from opportunity.

This voluntary position offers the chance to:

• Influence meaningful change for women and girls across the UK.
• Lead a passionate and purpose-driven Board.
• Shape strategy and organisational growth at a pivotal moment.
• Champion equity, diversity and inclusion in governance and decision-making.
• Build powerful partnerships that drive systemic change.

About You:
We’re seeking an experienced and collaborative leader who brings:

• Previous Chair, Trustee, Board or senior governance experience
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management and strategic leadership
• A genuine commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
• Outstanding relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
• The confidence to provide both support and constructive challenge
• Passion for improving outcomes for girls and young women

Experience within the charity, social impact, sport, health, education or gender-equity sectors would be highly valuable, although we welcome candidates from a broad range of backgrounds whose skills and perspectives can strengthen the Board.

Recruitment Timeline
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold the Foundation’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, they will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the current Chair. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Tuesday 4th August 6-7pm and we will send you a link.

Application Deadline: 5pm Friday 14th August 2026

How to Apply
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to Sweaty Betty Foundation on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appoinments at Charity People and request a candidate pack in the first instance.

For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala or Tiku van Houtem at Charity People.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities with which we work.