Governance Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you the new Chair of a UK charity dedicated to helping the people of Mityana in Uganda?
Do you have skills and enthusiasm to lead our Board?
You could be the next Chair of the Mityana Charity, a small UK-based unincorporated organisation that supports education, healthcare and sustainable community development in the vicinity of Mityana in Uganda.
We transform lives by encouraging donations in the UK and, as we don’t have employees, these funds go towards our collaborating charity in Uganda, Partners for Community Transformation.
About us
Set up in 1994, we had an income in 2022/23 of almost £190k, with matching expenditure, as we’re not a large charity with overheads. Our projects in Mityana now include economic empowerment, improving welfare and medical provisions, and enhancing education and safeguarding.
About the role
We’re looking for someone to lead our Board who is committed to maintaining, developing and sustaining the charity, and who will work with our other trustees to continue to shape our future. You should have an interest in supporting the sustainable development of communities in Africa, and thus a empathy with our cause and beneficiaries.
Our Board is composed of enthusiastic volunteers, some with a long-term involvement in the charity. Also some who have visited our delivery charity, Partners for Community Transformation, in Uganda.
Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, although that would be welcome. Induction to our organisation will be provided, plus access to external training, as needed. Your prior experience of committee work would be useful.
Once you are familiar with the function and operation of our charity, we would welcome your taking on other operational responsibilities, if possible, as we don’t have UK staff.
If you can think strategically, plan long-term and able to work collectively with our other Board members, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees.
We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for fresh expertise and experience from a variety of backgrounds to our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups.
The Board meets online and face-to-face for about 90 minutes, usually five times a year on days agreed in advance by trustees.
How to apply
This high-profile appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification will be made available to you upon request.
Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references and to a satisfactorily-completed DBS check.
Your CV and supporting statement will be read by our trustees, and an informal discussion can be offered to you as soon as mutually convenient. If your offer fits our needs, and you feel the same, this can be followed by a more-formal short video interview. Confirmation of appointment is subject to approval at our AGM.
I need to know more
Contact Mike Allen, via Quick Apply below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial discussion (Teams/Zoom/phone) and explanation about this important role.
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in poverty? We are seeking three passionate individuals to serve as trustees and contribute their skills and expertise to our cause.
Action on Poverty is a small dynamic international development organisation working in Sierra Leone, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to address barriers to safe and lasting work. We are working to break the cycle of poverty and inequality. Our programmes are particularly focused on supporting women, young people and people with disabilities. We have a small UK staff team of 6, who now mostly work remotely. We pride ourselves on keeping lean so that most of our funds go out to our overseas partners who can apply them where they are most needed.
Who we need: We are looking to augment our Board of six trustees with up to three more who have the skills and expertise for the roles indicated below, attending Trustees’ Meetings three to four times a year (held via Zoom) and assisting with ad-hoc issues in-between times related to their skill area. We see these roles as a strategic lead, providing oversight and a sounding board to the relevant staff and the CEO. These are voluntary (unpaid) positions.
For our organisational strengthening, creativity and problem solving we are keen to recruit people from different perspectives and experiences which diversity brings and we aim to build a culture where everyone feels heard, respected and valued. Based on an audit of our current Board members, we particularly welcome applications from the Global South, especially from the countries in East and West Africa in which we work. In particular, we are looking for three individuals to join our team of Trustees with skills and expertise in:Fundraising;Inclusion and Diversity; with Governance (including HR skills) are also helpful as a cross cutting need.
How to find out more:We would love you to look at our website APT Action on Poverty in the first instance. This gives more information on our projects and our current trustee team, as well as our statutory accounts. A more detailed information sheet is attached on the skillls and responsibilities and on our website under our careers and volunteering tab. We would also be very happy to have an informal chat if you would like to find out more; please feel free to emails the CEO Alex Daniels
If you are passionate about tackling poverty or advocating for the rights of women, young people, or people with disabilities, we invite you to review the information and reach out to us before March 10th. We look forward to working with you!
Please send us your CV, together with a covering email explaining why you would like to get involved and what you could bring to the trustee team. We will be accepting applications until 10th March and anticipate holding interviews between 18th – 20th March.
Please do let us know where you found out about the opportunity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role type: Voluntary role
Responsible to: Chair of Trustees
Base: the Board works remotely
Main Responsibilities and Duties
• Ensure that SEED and its representatives function within all legal and regulatory frameworks continually striving for best practice in governance.
· Comply with SEED’s Code of Conduct and policies, providing leadership on its value base and organisational behaviour, including safeguarding, human resources and financial management.
· Work alongside fellow Trustees and the Senior Management Team in developing SEED’s strategic direction, promoting and developing this through good governance and clear strategic planning. To evaluate progress made towards achieving the strategic objectives.
• Ensure that SEED operates within its Charitable Objectives and organisational strategy in order that its work remains focussed and makes the greatest impact to those it serves.
• Actively contribute to the development of SEED’s business plan, monitoring and evaluating performance against agreed objectives.
• Prepare for and participate fully in board meetings reviewing all reports coming to these meetings.
• To undertake training when required.
• Use any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board of Trustees reach quick and sound decisions and participate in sub-committees.
· Support the recruitment of senior staff and offer on-going support and monitoring of their work.
· Assist in the recruitment, on-boarding and support of new Trustees when required.
· Act reasonably in decision making and leadership of the organisation and manage risks with a considered, proportionate and balanced approach.
· Maintain sound financial management of SEED’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisations’ objects and that assets are protected and managed to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
· Act as a counter-signatory on charity cheques and any applications for funds.
· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of SEED including having appropriate policies and procedures in place. These policies and procedures are reviewed and signed off by the Trustee Board.
· Ensure that SEED has robust safeguarding policy and procedures in place and that safeguarding is embedded across the organisation
· Safeguard the good name and reputation of SEED, acting in the best interest of the charity, staff and beneficiaries at all times.
· Promote the work of SEED externally seeking opportunities that might further the work and visibility of the Charity.
· Support the Managing Director in leading the Charity, providing advice and practical help and participating in their annual evaluation.
· Maintain absolute confidentiality about all sensitive or confidential information received through carrying out the duties of a Trustee.
· Remain open and accessible to SEED’s staff through occasional communication and site visits.
Accountability:
As a Trustee you are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity and are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders including: service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House.
SEED Trustees should uphold the fiduciary duty required of all charity trustees to act in the best interests of both current and future beneficiaries of the charity, being held personally liable for any breach of that duty.
Support regarding this is given by fellow Trustees, the Managing Director and the Senior Management team.
Required skills & experience:
The successful applicant will:
• Demonstrate a passion for and sound knowledge of development and/or conservation issues facing least developed countries such as Madagascar.
• Demonstrate sound knowledge and keen interest in at least one of SEED’s core areas (community health; sustainable livelihoods; environmental conservation) or in a key functional area (management, finance, marketing).
• Have a reasonable level of understanding of legal, financial, audit and other regulatory requirements of a charity, ideally through experience as a trustee.
• Show commitment to SEED and have sufficient time and willingness to contribute effectively to board proceedings and sub committee work.
• Be able to make quick and sound decisions based on an analysis of information presented to them.
• Have the confidence to both advocate for or challenge ideas and can remain independent of any influence from other organisations or individuals.
• Be able to work effectively as a member of a team and independently.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED’s Code of Conduct and values and be a good ambassador for the organisation at all times.
• Demonstrate the ability, social skills and confidence to give clear guidance and support to other Trustees or members of staff in respect of the philosophy and procedures of SEED in order to protect the reputation of the NGO.
• Be able to work to and advocate for all of SEED’s policies and procedures, working within SEED’s Code of Conduct, safeguarding those that SEED works with and reporting any concerns appropriately.
• Have empathy with those living and working in a developing country with the ability and desire to work with teams from different economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Have excellent listening and verbal communication skills and a flexible and patient attitude.
Time commitments
Minimum of 4 Board meetings per year with participation on one sub-committee with its own 3 monthly cycle of meetings. There may be discussions and papers to be prepared ahead of board meetings and time spent working with the Managing Director and other Trustees. These meetings may be in person, more often are virtual and typically take between 2 and 3 hours.
The Trustee Board are encouraged to have one trustee a year take a trip to Madagascar to familiarise themselves with the environment the SEED works in and to meet and get to know the staff in country (some expenses will be covered).
SEED Madagascar actively encourages equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and aims to create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination, where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Global Girl Project (GPP) is looking to bring on a new Trustee to join our Board. We are looking for an engaged, entrepreneurial and committed individual to join our Board and contribute to the mission of GGP. Our mission is to build an ecosystem dedicated to mobilising socially-minded and community driven girls to become leaders for their families, communities, countries and the world.
Our Trustees are highly-valued members of our team and play a huge part in the impact of our organisation. Seven women currently sit on our international Board, with members from or based in South Africa, Kenya, Dubai, US and the UK. We strongly value diversity and we are looking to fill this vacancy with an individual with personal or family ties to the Global South.
In addition, as identified by our recent Board Skills Audit we are looking for an individual with one or more of the following areas of expertise
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Previous Charity Board experience, with a solid understanding of duties and best practices in governance and compliance
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Accountancy skills and financial management experience
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Understanding of mandated reporting requirements with the Charity Commission of England and Wales.
In addition all Board members are tasked with playing an active role in the strategic direction and governance of GGP as well as acting as an advocate for GGP in fundraising and profile raising.
In return, you will have the opportunity to be a core part of a grassroots organisation that is changing the lives of many girls globally by providing new opportunities. As GGP is a growing organisation, you will be encouraged to provide insight and see your ideas have impactful change within the organisation by working closely with our founder who works directly with our beneficiaries. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop by working with long-standing board members providing connections to ongoing professional development.
Specifics for the Role
To monitor the integrity of the financial and operational performance of the organisation; To provide trustees assurance of the in-year delivery of financial targets.
The key responsibilities will be;
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The Annual Report and Accounts - submission to HMRC
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Monthly budget and forecasting and sharing updates at Board meeting
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The integrity of the charity’s financial reporting ensuring compliance in line with The Charity Commission guidelines
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Cost and financial modelling for the strategy of the organisation
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Tracking and reporting on Trustee’s give and get target
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Partnering with external providers - payroll and auditors as required
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Support the CEO with budget oversight, financial planning and forecasting
Commitment
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Generously contribute a minimum of 8 hours per month to your role as board member and to advancing GGPs strategy, objectives and impact
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As a feminist organisation we are committed to always participating in the spirit of collaboration, respect, authenticity and with a commitment to constructive feedback and challenge, where appropriate
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Support the vital work of Global Girl Project by raising or giving a minimum of 1450 USD / £1200 GBP per year, as part of our board Give or Get commitment
Engagement
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Attend online board meetings every eight weeks and provide tangible updates on areas of responsibility and previously committed actions
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If you are unable to attend, to give a minimum of two weeks notice and to submit questions in advance plus ensure you are fully caught up for the next meeting by reviewing minutes and actions
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Attend, in person or virtually, the annual strategy meeting in London. Attendance in person is strongly encouraged, but is not mandatory.
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Ensure you are timely in your contributions and responses to communications and actions
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Actively contribute to discussions and strategy decisions - both during and between meetings (email and whatsapp)
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Reply to smaller requests - such as an email to arrange a meeting, or answer a question within 3 working days and longer pieces of work (say that require 2+ hours of your time) within two weeks, although sooner is always welcome and keeps things moving.
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Proactively manage timelines ensuing the team and board are aware of any deadline, change in circumstances or planned absences (such as holidays)
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Where relevant, provide guidance, advice and contributions to the organisation using a specialised skill sets
Strategy & Governance
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Ensure you are familiar with the GGP Constitution, strategy and Charity Commission status
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Be familiar with the organisation budget and actively engage in financial risk management as part of board meetings.
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Maintain confidentiality of private information of the organisation and staff
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Agree that Global Girl Project’s intellectual property is owned by the organisation and shall not be shared publicly or in other positions.
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Ensure GGP meets our targets and objectives (as set out in our strategic plan) and is operating at its maximum potential
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Ensure you keep up-to-date on the business of GGP via Julia’s monthly reports and other information shared
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Identify any issues within the organisation including, but not limited to, financial management, risk management and compliance with the UK Charity Commission compliance
Advocacy
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Understand and immerse yourself in GGP objectives and programming, build the confidence and understanding to advocate for GGP
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Listening to and respecting the views of everyone involved in GGP, irrespective of hierarchy. At GGP the voices of our girls, staff and volunteers are all valued for their range of perspectives and contributions.
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Contribute to raising the profile of GGP by being an active advocate and spokesperson for the organisation and our work
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Assist all fundraising and promotional activities
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Assist with GGP marketing and communications including social media postings
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Support with the expansion of GGP by identifying new partnership and fundraising opportunities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Vision Action is a unique organisation, that works in low- and middle-income countries, supporting national governments to deliver and strengthen their eye health strategies. We work in partnership with local governments, civil society organisations, international and national NGOs, and the private sector. Our ambition is to increase equitable access to eye care services and glasses, and accelerate achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal.
The role of the Board is to oversee the overall direction and activities of the charity, including its policies and procedures, to ensure that they are consistently in accordance with the charitable purposes defined in the objects clause in its Constitution. The Board sets and monitors the strategic direction of the charity, although the implementation of strategy is achieved through the executive team. The Board must always act in the best interests of Vision Action, taking decisions as a group and not as individuals.
1. Terms of service
For Vision Action the Trustees are Members who have been elected to serve on the Board. Vision Action’s constitution allows for up to 12 Trustees, who can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms of three years. Vision Action is a company limited by guarantee and the Trustees are its legal directors. The Trustee role is voluntary but out of pocket expenses are paid.
Trustees are appointed by the Vision Action Board of Trustees annually at the Board meeting following the Annual General Meeting. The time commitment in being a trustee involves attendance at four Board meetings per year, one of which will be an all-day strategy session. Otherwise, Board meetings are usually half a day in the afternoon of a weekday with at least half the meetings online. Papers are circulated for reading in advance.
In addition to this, it is expected that trustees attend the AGM held on a weekend and occasional Members’ Forums or other Vision Action events, which are usually arranged on the same day as a Board meeting in the evening. There may be other ad hoc meetings or online events to discuss specific topics. Trustees will be expected to commit time to receive a proper induction.
2. Main tasks
Charity Trustees have and must accept ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity and ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. Each Trustee will be expected to join one of the three sub-committees (Fundraising and Investment; Programmes; Finance, Administration and Remuneration). The Committees meet (in person or remotely) at least four times per year, usually timed with or in advance of the board meetings.
3. General Responsibilities
- Ensure that Vision Action complies with its governing document (i.e. its Constitution and Byelaws), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Ensure that Vision Action pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
- Ensure Vision Action applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be.
- Contribute actively to the Board’s role in the formulation and review of strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
- Safeguard the good name and values of Vision Action and maintain good relations with its members.
- Ensure that all policies are implemented, monitored and reports are acted upon, (including the policies on Harassment and Misconduct, Safeguarding, Recruitment of ex-offenders, Child Protection and Anti- Bribery).
- Strive for Vision Action to reflect the full diversity of society in all its activities.
- Ensure the financial stability of Vision Action.
- Protect and manage the property of Vision Action and ensure the proper investment of its funds.
- Appoint and support the Chief Executive Officer and monitor his/her performance.
In addition to the above statutory responsibilities, each Trustee should attend Board meetings and use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, evaluation or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise; and then always upholding the decisions taken by Board. Trustees are also expected to support Vision Action’s fundraising initiatives.
4. Additional Specific Responsibilities
In addition to the above, we are looking for a Trustee who can be the Chair designate and assume the role of Chair in November 2024.
Vision Action is looking for a Trustee who will be able to support us in 3 key areas:
1) Provide advice and experience at the level of Chair so that they can provide leadership to the Board of Trustees as well as the CEO
2) Act as the Chair designate until they assume the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees in November 2024.
3) Provide insight, knowledge and connections to help us build our reputation and position as a worthy international charity in the eye health sector in the UK and Internationally so that Vision Action can grow its relationship with individuals, bodies and corporates in the sector.
Person Specification
Each Trustee must have:
- A commitment to the mission and value base of Vision Action.
- A commitment to the key policies of Vision Action – on Harassment and Misconduct, Safeguarding, Whistle-blowing, Recruitment of ex-offenders, Child Protection and Anti-Bribery.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
- Integrity.
- Strategic vision.
- Good, independent judgement.
- An ability to think creatively.
- A willingness to speak his/her mind.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship (training/information will be offered in this area).
- An ability to contribute effectively to the workings of the Vision Action Board and any sub-committees or working groups.
In addition to the above, this specific appointment is looking ideally for Trustees who have:
- Previous experience of leading and Chairing at the senior level in an organisation;
- Previous experience of governing and managing at the Board level;
- Previous Board level experience in the charity sector;
- Willingness to undertake obligatory tasks with the Charity Commission on behalf of the organisation;
- Willingness to stay updated on changes to governance issues and policies that might impact Vision Action;
- A willingness to engage in activities in the vision sector as it relates to the work of Vision Action, including fundraising.
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds as well as those who may have a connection to the vision sector either through personal or professional experience and those who might come from one of the countries that Vision Action is currently active in – Zambia, Ghana, Sierre Leone, and Ethiopia.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We need you!
Are you passionate about making a difference in international development?
Deki, a small Bristol-based charity, is looking for two new trustees. We're driven by a vision of a world of opportunity, not poverty, and our mission is to empower rural communities to build resilience to extreme poverty and climate change.
We're seeking two committed individuals to bring their expertise in Finance and Marketing to our Board. If you have a flair for financial management or marketing strategy, we need your skills to help deliver our impactful programmes, and empower the communities we work with.
About Deki:
Working in partnership with IADES and communities in Togo, we have developed a holistic approach through our five scalable programmes, tackling some of the key causes of poverty and ensuring long-lasting, sustainable change.
Focusing on supporting rural livelihoods, increasing economic inclusion, raising awareness of gender equality, and empowering female entrepreneurs, our programmes are supported by tailor-made training, and are designed to increase access to financial support, affordable healthcare, clean cookstoves and safe drinking water for tens of thousands of people.
The Role:
As a trustee, you'll ensure good governance of the charity, and that Deki's strategies and operations align with our mission. You'll provide invaluable guidance to our CEO, shape long-term goals, and oversee critical decisions that drive sustainable change.
Our trustees are committed to our vision and mission. Despite facing the challenges of many charities working in international development over the past few years, Deki has succeeded in growing both the scale and impact of our partnership programmes.
The current time commitment is as follows:
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Board Meetings: 4 times a year, remotely via Zoom.
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Annual Strategy Meeting: A full day of in-person collaboration in Bristol.
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Committee/Advisory Group Meetings: Up to 4 times a year, scheduled for your convenience.
The Board is currently composed of 6 trustees with a wide range of experience and expertise. The Finance role will support our Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee and work closely with the CEO on financial targets and progress in achieving them. Our new Marketing focused trustee will Chair the Business Development Advisory Group and support the CEO in delivering our Business Development Strategy.
Please download our Trustee Role Description for more information.
Apply Now!
This is your chance to change lives and contribute to major Sustainable Development Goals. While the role is unpaid, the experience you'll gain is immeasurable and the impact you will help us to deliver is beyond rewarding.
The position will remain available until the 1st of April, however, we will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis as applications are received.
To find out more and for an informal chat, reach out to our CEO Vashti Seth
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.