Volunteer roles

About the Company

Our Vision: The highest quality person centred care for all, always.

The Organisation: Picker is an Oxford-based charity with an international reputation as a key authority in the measurement and improvement of people’s experiences of health and social care services. Our mission is to make person centred health and social care a reality for everyone, always. We are here to:

• Influence: policy and practice so that health and social care systems are always centred around people’s needs and preference.
• Inspire: the delivery of the highest quality person centred care, developing tools and services that enable people’s experiences to be better understood.
• Empower: staff working in health and social care to improve experiences by effectively measuring and acting upon people’s feedback.

We believe that the first step to realising our mission is to gather and make available data to understand the views and experiences both of service users and staff in health and care organisations. We conduct many of the largest quantitative and qualitative research for a wide range of public and private healthcare organisations, national bodies, voluntary sector organisations, and international healthcare providers, investigating issues related to people’s experiences of care and organisations’ efforts to improve services. We are also determined to help turn feedback into action. We do this by a combination of identifying, sharing and promoting best practice via Awards, thought leadership and consultancy services.

About the Role

As part of the Charity’s Board of Trustees, you will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, financial management and governance of the organisation to ensure that at every step we are working to improve people’s experiences of health and social care services. To achieve this, you will:

• Ensure that the organisation works within its mission and charitable objectives and is compliant with charity and company law within the jurisdictions within which it is registered and operates.
• Further the charitable objectives of the organisation, including promoting our mission and staying true to our values.
• Ensure that the organisation’s policies, practice, performance, and operations are in keeping with our aims and objectives.

Responsibilities

Members of the Board of Trustees are expected to:

• Be an active and engaged member of the Trustee group.
• Take part in regular board meetings with a frequency of 6 to 8 meetings each year.
• Undertake work outside board meetings, eg preparation and reading.
• Participate in sub-committees, reflecting trustees’ policies or concerns or provide high level input to defined organisational projects from time to time.
• Interact, respond to and provide constructive challenge to our staff and other board members.
• Occasionally attend our launches and presentations of our work, alongside our staff at events and receptions.
• Occasionally represent Picker at meetings with potential funders or influencers.
• Contribute your skills, interests and contacts and support us in fulfilling our mission and in our influencing and developmental activities.
• Support, coach and help empower our staff to achieve their potential and deliver their goals.
• Take part in any training sessions provided.
• Fulfil any other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Board.
• Act as an advocate for Picker in your activities in other settings.

Commitment

The full Board of Trustees meets every two months, usually in Oxford or remotely via video conference. There may be sub committees, with authority delegated to them by the Board, meeting at other intervals; and staff may seek to consult with you on your particular expertise. Occasionally, you may also be asked to represent Picker at meetings with potential funders or influencers, attend our report or product launches, or work alongside staff at events and receptions. We expect the typical commitment to be around one to two days per month.

Pay range and compensation package

This is an unpaid post, though reasonable expenses incurred through performance of duties will be reimbursed.

Qualifications

Applicants must be committed to the values and vision of Picker and committed to understanding and using people’s perspectives to improve health and social care. Demonstrable passion and commitment to person centred care for health and social care users, their carers and families, and staff is essential.

Required Skills

A background in one or more of the following areas is very desirable for these appointments:

• Communications – with experience of raising the profile of a similar sized charity or organisation to Picker.
• Business development – with expertise in identifying new opportunities to create long term impact.
• Finance experience – with a keen eye for numbers, although you do not necessarily need to be financially qualified.
• Health service – with experience as a user of health and care services, as a researcher in health and social care or as a health service practitioner or manager, whether in the NHS, the private sector, or internationally.
• Social care – with experience of working in or managing a social care provider or elsewhere in the sector.

Preferred Skills

Experience, knowledge, and skills:

• A commitment to the aims and strategic objectives of Picker and the ambitions of its growth strategy.
• A commitment to understanding and using the patient, client, service user, or consumer perspective in health and social care.
• Knowledge and experience of the governance and management principles of a charity registered in England or Scotland (desirable).
• The ability to work supportively with other Trustees, advisers, and executive colleagues to high ethical and professional standards and in line with their legal responsibilities.
• A proven strategic thinker with experience of operating at a senior management level.
• A skilled communicator who is experienced in persuading, influencing, and advising.
• A demonstrable interest in health and/or social care issues and social policy within the UK and/or overseas.
• A commitment to transformational change and learning, improvement and performance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Picker is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do. This includes a commitment to ensuring diversity in our Board of Trustees so that this group reflects a broad and inclusive range of backgrounds and skills. We welcome applicants from diverse communities and backgrounds.

Please review the full job description before applying

Volunteer Opportunity: General Coordinator

Are you looking to advance your coordination skills while making a profound impact on vulnerable communities? Join our dedicated team as a General Coordinator at Roots in Northern France. This role offers you the opportunity to apply and expand your coordination expertise in a meaningful and dynamic environment.

Position: General Coordinator (Volunteer)

Commitment: Minimum 6 months

Location: Northern France

Start Date: Mid June 2025 and end of July 2025 (or earlier, if available)

About the Role

As the General Coordinator, you will be at the forefront of our mission, playing a crucial role in managing our operations and supporting refugees. You will oversee daily activities, ensure effective logistics, and foster a collaborative environment among staff and volunteers. This position is ideal for someone looking to deepen their experience in coordination while making a significant difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight: Ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day operations.

• Logistics Management: Coordinate schedules, resources, and logistical needs effectively.

• Volunteer Support: Assist in recruiting, training, and guiding volunteers, promoting a positive and cohesive team spirit.

• Communication: Act as a vital link between various teams, stakeholders, and external partners.

• Safeguarding: Uphold and implement our safeguarding policies to protect all individuals involved.

• Problem Solving: Address and resolve operational challenges promptly and effectively.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Training: Receive detailed training to help you excel in your role.

• Accommodation & Meals: Comfortable housing and nutritious meals are provided.

• Professional Development: Enhance your coordination and management skills in a practical setting.

• Community Impact: Make a meaningful difference by supporting and empowering refugees in Northern France.

Qualifications

• Driving Experience: Must have at least 3 years of driving experience.

• Experience: Previous coordination or management experience is beneficial but not required; we provide full training.

• Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

• Attitude: Proactive, enthusiastic, and a team player.

• Commitment to Safeguarding: Understanding and commitment to upholding safeguarding principles.

Why Join Us?

By volunteering with us, you will:

• Develop Key Skills: Build and enhance your experience in coordination, leadership, and safeguarding.

• Make a Tangible Difference: Contribute significantly to the support and empowerment of refugees in Northern France.

• Form Meaningful Connections: Work with a diverse group of passionate and committed individuals.

• Experience Personal Growth: Achieve significant personal and professional growth through your involvement.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take on this impactful role and grow your coordination experience, we’d love to hear from you!

For more information or to apply, please contact us.

Take the next step in your coordination career and join us as a General Coordinator. Your journey to making a real difference starts here!

Note: This is a volunteer position with a minimum commitment of 6 months.

Kingsbridge, Devon – Harbour House, a vibrant hub for creativity, wellbeing, and community in the heart of Kingsbridge, is seeking two new members to join its Board of Trustees. These voluntary roles—General Board Member and Treasurer—offer a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of a much-loved local organisation.

Harbour House’s dynamic board brings together individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, skills, and experiences. The organisation is now looking to further diversify and strengthen its leadership as it works towards an ambitious and community-focused future.

Ideal candidates will have an interest in creativity, arts, or wellbeing, but more importantly, a commitment to collaboration—both with fellow trustees, the Harbour House team and with the local community. Harbour House particularly welcomes applications from individuals living in Kingsbridge and the surrounding areas.

Trustee Roles Available

Treasurer
We are looking for a financially experienced trustee to take on this key role. Applicants should ideally:

• Have a strong background in finance, particularly within the charity sector
   

• Have experience serving as a treasurer or in a similar financial governance role
   

General Trustee
This role is open to individuals with experience operating at board level, particularly those with expertise in:

• Fundraising
   

• Marketing and communications
   

• Community engagement Previous trustee experience is welcomed but not essential.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to send:

• A CV, including contact details for two referees
   

• A covering letter or a short video message explaining:
   

  • Why they want to join the Trust
     

  • What they hope to contribute

Deadline for applications: Monday 2nd June 2025

Role purpose:
To contribute to the board’s role by...

• Acting in the best interest of Hospiscare and its beneficiaries
• Acting as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Providing strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining desired outcomes, setting targets, and evaluating performance against targets
• Working closely with the Executive Team, whilst retaining independent oversight of activities
• Holding the Executive Team to account
• Ensuring that Hospiscare complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that Hospiscare pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
• Ensuring that resources are used exclusively in pursuance of its objectives, charitable purposes, long-term financial viability, and the safeguarding of assets.

Role details:

Time commitment/location:
Trustees will be expected to attend four board meetings, circa four
committee meetings and one to two away days a year and be fully
prepared for these meetings. These meetings start at 4pm on a
Tuesday and are held at Searle House in Exeter. We also have sub-
committees and trustees are encouraged to join where their
skills/experience will had specific value.
Trustees are expected to travel within the area served by
Hospiscare and occasionally out of area.
Term:
Trustees are appointed for a three-year term and may serve a
maximum of three terms.
 

In the spring of 2025, the Dunhill Medical Trust changed its name to the Vivensa Foundation as part of a wider plan to better reflect its work as a funder and impact-intentional investor.

The name ‘Vivensa’ is inspired by the Latin word vivens, meaning to live, be alive, or to reside in — a reflection of the work we support our award-holders and investees to do. But this is more than a change of name — it reaffirms our commitment to funding the remarkable science and radical social change needed for people to age well on their terms.

It was back in the 1980s that the Board of the predecessor charity recognised that the shifting demographics would drive a need for investment in a high-quality research base to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of ageing and ageing-related disease and the delivery of innovation in the health and social care of older people. Since then, the Foundation has been funding some of the very best of the UK’s researchers and community innovators to do just that. 

The Foundation plans to play its part in three broad ways:

· investing in ideas

· connecting research and practice and

· fostering flourishing communities.

With our new identity and with our refreshed Strategic Framework and priorities for the next five years launched in April, we are looking forward to writing our next chapter.

Board vacancy

Owing to a retirement, we welcome applications for the position of Trustee from candidates with expertise in one of the priority areas set out in our new plan. 

We will prioritise applications, from either:

• research active geriatricians or gerontologists with demonstrable expertise in translating research and evidence into practice or;
• professionals with a background in delivering innovative change in NHS or local authority settings, social care or housing provision with the experience and networks to turn the latest evidence into practice.

The work we fund means that we know all too well the negative impacts of inequity. We are therefore committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our work and improving the diversity of representation on our Board of Trustees and on our Committees and we welcome applications from under-represented groups.

How to apply

Please go to our website to find out more.

Citizens Advice Manchester (CAM) is looking for a Treasurer to join its Trustee Board and play a key role in guiding the organisation’s strategic direction and financial sustainability. CAM is the largest Citizens Advice in the network and one of the largest charities in the North West, delivering information and advice on issues ranging from welfare benefits and debt to energy and consumer rights, both locally and nationally. In 2023, CAM offered direct support to over 50,000 clients with more than 124,000 issues. CAM has a budget of £9.5m and employs over 200 people.

Treasurer – Citizens Advice Manchester

Citizens Advice Manchester (CAM) is one of the largest charities in the North West and the largest within the Citizens Advice network. It provides vital advice and support on issues such as welfare benefits, debt, energy, and consumer rights, both locally and nationally.

The Role

CAM is seeking a Treasurer to join its Board of Trustees and play a key strategic role in overseeing financial governance and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise on the financial implications of CAM’s strategic plans and oversee financial risk management.

• Collaborate with the CEO and Finance Director on the presentation of budgets, management accounts, and annual financial statements.

• Ensure appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place, and that accurate records are maintained.

• Monitor and report on the financial viability of the organisation.

• Maximise the charity’s investments and assets.

• Support the Board in fulfilling its financial responsibilities and improving financial literacy.

• Ensure compliance with contractual and funding requirements to support delivery of charitable outcomes.

• Uphold good governance in line with CAM’s Articles of Association and Charity Commission guidance.

Candidate Profile

Essential:

• A recognised financial qualification or relevant strategic finance experience.

• Proven ability to deal with complex strategic issues and business planning.

• Commitment to CAM’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Desirable:

• Experience as a Trustee or Treasurer.

• Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector.

Time Commitment

• Approx. 10–12 hours per month.

• Attendance at:

  • Monthly Trustee Board meetings (typically 4.30–6.30 pm).

  • Quarterly Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meetings (Chair role).

  • Annual away days or training sessions (1–2 days per year).

• Additional support to the CAM leadership team as needed.

Term & Transition

The successful candidate will take over from the current Treasurer in September 2025.

Why Join CAM?

This is an opportunity to make a long-term contribution to a high-impact organisation supporting communities across Manchester and England, while building personal skills in leadership, strategy, and governance.

CAM is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all backgrounds and communities.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with CAM’s needs.

• Closing date: 4 July 2025

• Interviews: 15 and 18 July 2025

Hartlebury Parish Hall was built in 1952 with the support and effort of the whole community. The parish hall is a charitable institution, run as a non-profit making organisation by a voluntary committee. It is a key focal point for events in the village and is close to St James parish church, Hartlebury Castle and the White Hart village pub.

The role of Treasurer is an important one in our team. We require someone experienced in managing accounts, used to excel spreadsheets and who comes with a friendly and community spirited mindset.

The work involves close liaison with our bookings secretary and we also have an excellent Trustee who helps with monetary issues(but works full time). Our bookings system is 'Hallmaster' and it may be helpful to be acquainted with this , but not at all essential. 

We are a good team brimming with ideas, the accounts are currently very tidy, so the applicant would not be coming in to chaos! 

Become a Trustee at Mind in Enfield and Barnet

Help shape the future of mental health support in North London

Are you passionate about mental health and social justice? Do you want to use your skills and experience to make a meaningful impact in your community?

Mind in Enfield and Barnet (MiEB) is seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help guide our next chapter of growth, innovation, and inclusion.

About Us

MiEB is a fast-growing, values-led local mental health charity. Since our merger in 2021, we’ve expanded significantly – supporting over 5,000 people annually and growing our income to £2.19 million. We deliver a wide range of services including therapy, advocacy, wellbeing support, and culturally appropriate mental health provision.

We are proudly Led by Lived Experience, with over 75% of our staff having personal experience of mental health challenges. Our work is grounded in five core values:

• Compassion
• Real Change
• Integrity
• Equity
• Empowerment

The Role: Trustee

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of MiEB. Your responsibilities will include:

• Setting the strategic direction of the charity and ensuring alignment with our mission and values
• Overseeing financial and operational performance, ensuring MiEB remains solvent, well-run, and impactful
• Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, including charity and company law
• Championing equity, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of our work
• Supporting and challenging the executive team, including the CEO, to deliver high-quality services
• Contributing to board meetings, sub-committees, and strategic planning sessions
• Promoting user involvement and ensuring the voice of lived experience is central to decision-making

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience – we’ll support you with induction, training, and mentoring.

We are especially interested in candidates with expertise in areas such as:

• Health and social care
• Mental health lived experience
• Legal, safeguarding, or governance
• Digital innovation
• Fundraising and income generation
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Community organising or local networks in Barnet or Enfield

Above all, we’re looking for people who are collaborative, values-driven, and committed to making a difference.

Key Details

• Closing Date: Monday 30th June 2025, 5:00 p.m.
• To apply, please send a CV/Profile and a supporting statement answering the questions below (in text or video format) by 5pm on Monday 30th June 2025.

1.Explain how your experience, skills and personal qualities make you a suitable candidate for this role. Refer to the role description and person specification

2.What experience of collective leadership do you have (either as a board member, or otherwise)? What role did you play in the team?

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.

Join Us as Treasurer at Mind in Enfield and Barnet

Help shape the financial future of a growing mental health charity

Are you a finance professional with a passion for social impact? Do you want to use your skills to support a thriving, values-led organisation making a real difference in people’s lives?

Mind in Enfield and Barnet (MiEB) is seeking a new Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic financial oversight as we continue to grow and innovate in mental health support.

About Us

MiEB is a dynamic local mental health charity, proudly affiliated with the national Mind federation but operating independently. Since our merger in 2021, we’ve expanded significantly – supporting over 5,000 people annually and growing our income to £2.19 million in 2023/24.

We are Led by Lived Experience, with over 75% of our staff having personal experience of mental health challenges. Our services span therapy, wellbeing, advocacy, and crisis support, and we are committed to equity, empowerment, and real change.

The Role: Treasurer

As Treasurer, you will play a vital role in ensuring MiEB’s financial health, sustainability, and transparency. You will:

• Guide and advise the Board on financial strategy, budgeting, and risk management
• Chair the Finance & HR Sub-Committee, ensuring robust oversight of financial and operational matters
• Support the Head of Finance and CEO, offering expert insight and challenge on financial planning and reporting
• Ensure compliance with charity and company law, and that financial statements meet statutory and funder requirements
• Champion good governance, transparency, and accountability across the organisation

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone with:

• A professional finance qualification or equivalent senior-level financial management experience
• A strong understanding of charity finance and governance
• Experience managing complex budgets and financial reporting
• The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
• Experience of chairing meetings and working collaboratively with senior teams

Previous experience as a Treasurer is welcome but not essential – we’ll support you with induction, training, and mentoring.

We especially encourage applications from underrepresented or minoritised groups, in line with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Key Details

• Closing Date: Monday 30th June 2025, 5:00 p.m.
• To apply, please send a CV/Profile and a supporting statement answering the questions below (in text or video format) by 5pm on Monday 30th June 2025.

1.Explain how your experience, skills and personal qualities make you a suitable candidate for this role. Refer to the role description and person specification

2.Please describe a time when you have ensured transparency and accountability in financial management, both internally within the organisation and externally with stakeholders?

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.

At Involve, we are an innovative, creative, ambitious charity with 110 staff and supporting over 30,000 people through a wide range of programmes and services, all aimed at improving health and wellbeing within communities. We are looking for experienced individuals to join our Board of Trustees; with the highest levels of integrity and a drive for excellence, who are able to think strategically, to challenge and scrutinise, read, understand and interpret complex information, and to work collaboratively and inclusively ensuring we achieve our charitable objects and are well run.

At present we are particularly seeking individuals with the following expertise:

• Finance (comfortable in a treasurer position if elected)

We are looking for a Finance Trustee to support the Board by providing an oversight of our affairs, ensuring our financial viability and that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. 

We are a small CIO with 3 part time staff.  Our Finance Trustee will participate in all areas of our governance but take a special interest in the financial  strategy and governance. They will use their sound financial skills & experience to support the Board’s understanding & interpretation & to ensure legislative compliance.

Our payroll is outsourced and we have an external investment portfolio manager.

Our current finance trustee has served their term of office & it is now time to look for their successor.

All meetings except our AGM/annual award event are remote. We need you to be available to attend: 

2 (evening) Board meetings

1 summer (evening) business meeting

3 Finance subcommittee (evening) meetings

1 in person day Board/AGM/Award event

Fundraising sub committee meetings - frequency tbc these will be held remotely in the evenings

The Finance Trustee will adhere to the role description of a trustee & in addition has the following key responsibilities:

• To support the Board to oversee & to ensure appropriate presentation of budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements.
• To ensure appropriate presentation of accounts and records, ensuring that financial resources are spent in accordance with the charity’s policies, good governance, legal & regulatory requirements.
• Liaising, where applicable, with the Chair/ other appropriate members of staff & supporting on financial matters
• Supporting the Board to monitor the financial viability of the charity.
• Creating in conjunction with relevant trustees & staff sound financial processes & procedures for the control of the charity’s assets.
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
• Reviewing the annual accounts &, where applicable, liaising with the charity’s external bookkeeper to ensure the accounts are compliant with the current charities’ SORP.
• Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained & ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.
• Authorisation of charity expenditure & banking transactions set up on online bank accounts
• Liaison with the fund manager responsible for the charity’s investment portfolio
• Oversight of payroll, HMRC reporting & operation of auto-enrolment pension scheme for staff

IvybridgeLink the charity for the BridgeLink Community Centre is looking for trustees with a passion for social justice, a concern for under represented groups and the willingness to support our staff in developing activities and services for our diverse local community.  Useful previous experience would be: fundraising, governance and compliance, community work, education, human resources, IT, buildings management, food and catering.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR CHARITY TRUSTEES

Overall Purpose

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity Ivybridgelink, supporting its values and developing the organisation's aime and objectives.

Main Responsibilities

• To ensure that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector continually striving for best practice in governance.
• To uphold the aims and objectives of the charity IvybridgeLink:
  • To promote learning and educational achievement
  • To encourage pathways into employment
  • To support healthy lifestyles and emotional wellbeing
  •  To offer opportunities for recreation / leisure activities
  • To build a positive sense of community
• To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.
• To follow non-discriminatory and non-judgemental practice, and adhere to the confidentiality policies and procedures.
• To ensure the charity complies with regulatory requirements, as laid out in the governing document. 

 Main Duties

• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
• Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to meet the needs of local residents. 
• Overseeing sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisation’s objectives, and investment activities meet accepted standards.
• Overseeing recruitment processes following safer recruitment procedures.
• Monitoring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources.
• To follow the IvybridgeLink confidentiality policy and maintain absolute confidentiality regarding all information shared or received.
• An understanding and commitment to equalities issues in relations to working in the community.
•  Support the centre’s management team to deliver projects and run events

Accountable to:

As the board are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity,they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders, including: service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House. Close attention must be given to the governing document to ascertain the type of organisational structure and the range of interested parties.

We're looking for a Trustee – Treasurer
Bring your financial expertise and help us shape brighter futures.

At Options for Life, we believe everyone has the right to live a fulfilled and independent life. We are a Sandwell based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to build confidence, learn new skills, access their communities, and make informed choices about their lives.

With two purpose-built centres and over 65 staff, we provide a wide range of services, from outreach and hub-based activities to supported community access and drop-in sessions. Our work takes place in one of England’s most disadvantaged areas, where our services can make the greatest impact.

Join Our Board as Treasurer

As we plan to expand our reach and develop new services, we are seeking a Treasurer to help guide our financial strategy and governance.

We are looking for someone with a background in finance or accounting, who can:

• Oversee our financial health in collaboration with our Head of Finance and CEO
• Ensure effective financial controls, policies, and reporting are in place
• Play an active role in the Finance Committee and wider Board decision-making
• Present clear and insightful financial information to fellow Trustees

We welcome applicants from all walks of life, including those with lived experience of disability or who are new to governance roles. A strong commitment to inclusion, good judgment, and a collaborative spirit are essential.

Commitment:

• Four Board meetings per year
• AGM and annual strategy/away day
• Quarterly Finance Committee and possible ad hoc sub-committee involvement
• Training and induction provided
• Travel expenses reimbursed

Make a lasting difference.

Help us give people more choice and control over their lives—because your skills can help change theirs.

We provide life choices for people with learning disabilities.

You can choose to help us improve them.

Options for Life is a dynamic not-for-profit charity based in Sandwell.  We are dedicated to empowering adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to boost their confidence, develop valuable skills, and live independently, enjoying the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

We are committed to supporting our participants in making choices about their own lives. 

We provide our services in an area of significant deprivation; the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (2019) ranked Sandwell as the 12th most deprived local authority in England.  We own two purpose-built centres and employ 65 staff.

We want to support more people with profound or multiple learning disabilities and to develop new services to provide supported employment opportunities.  But to do this we need professionals who can guide and develop the charity’s strategy as Trustees.  Many of our current Trustees will complete their terms this year.  We particularly value financial and public administration skills and people with lived experience of disability. We believe in the strength of a varied board and welcome applicants from all walks of life, regardless of their previous Trustee experience.

Our Trustees are central to our success, and we need Trustees who share our desire to overcome years of prejudice. The financial situation is challenging, but the rewards are enormous.

Please make a choice to learn more about us.

Become a Trustee at Options for Life
Make a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Location: Sandwell, West Midlands
Commitment: Four Board meetings annually, plus the AGM, strategy day, and quarterly sub-committee meetings
Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed

Are you passionate about creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive? Options for Life is looking for committed, values-driven individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

We are a vibrant, Sandwell-based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to live fulfilling, independent lives. Our services include community hubs, outreach, drop-ins, and access to a wide range of community-based activities. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to choice, dignity, and empowerment.

The Role

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the strategic leadership and governance of the charity. Working closely with the Chair, CEO, and fellow trustees, you will help shape the future of our services, ensure we stay true to our mission, and uphold our responsibilities as a charitable organisation.

We are particularly interested in individuals who can bring:

• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills
• Experience in leadership, change management, HR, fundraising, safeguarding, health and social care, or community engagement
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to discussions and decisions

Previous trustee experience is not essential—we welcome first-time trustees and provide full induction and support.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to use your skills and experience for social impact
• Involvement in meaningful work that changes lives
• Personal and professional development through trustee training and networking
• A chance to work alongside passionate people and make a lasting contribution to your local community

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of disability, people from underrepresented backgrounds, and younger people seeking their first board experience.