Governance volunteer roles

Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton (CABB) is a leading provider of legal advice and information, supporting thousands of clients every year. We are a busy, client focused and dynamic service with a track record of delivering high quality advice face to face, over the phone and digitally.
 
Our communities continue to face unprecedented challenges with rising costs. The rising cost-of-living continues to directly impact individuals and families, with more people than ever in negative budgets, debt and housing crises.
We are seeking to strengthen our board of trustees, who share our values and are committed to tackling poverty and improving social justice.

We are looking for local individuals who want to share their specialist skills to challenge the impact of poverty, inequality and discrimination and to making a positive difference to the clients we help. 

Having recently undertaken a skills assessment survey of our board, we are now in a position to recruit board members and prioritise the areas needed to enhance our collective board.
Our recent survey identified 2 key areas of strength:

• Core Governance Strength in fundamental governance areas, including Strategic Planning, Risk Management, and understanding the Legal Duties of Trustees. This provides a solid foundation from which to lead the charity. 
• Core Financial Strength: we have a strong finance sub-committee that work closely with the operational team, ensuring our accounting, financial processes and budget are in line with our charitable objectives and remain in a sustainable and stable position. 
   

The key skills gaps identified in our survey, and ones which we are keen to prioritise when recruiting new trustees are:

• Lived experience of advice services and/or social welfare issues
• Service design and impact
• Digital strategy

What does a trustee do:
Attend board and committee meetings (quarterly), ensuring that you are prepared for the meetings (reading papers etc) and taking an active part in discussions to; 

• Set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of CABB.
• Use experience, knowledge and expertise to dissect the information provided by the organisation to satisfy that board is reaching sound decisions, which benefit our communities.
• Monitor the financial position of the CABB ensuring that it operates within its means and charitable objectives.
• Seek the views of all sections of the community, review and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.
• Ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers is effective and sustainable.
• Review its own work and how effectively it operates including action for improvement.
• Work on specific projects with other trustees or staff within CABB to further our strategic objectives.
• Safeguard the reputation of CABB and ensuring the compliance of governing documents and processes (articles of association, charity law, company law etc).
   

In a stable position both financially and operationally, we are now in a period of growth and development, ensuring our ambitious business plan is not only met, but aligned to the emerging needs of our clients. 

To apply, please submit a CV and Cover Letter.

Come and join the Feeling Strong team! ����

We're looking for a Co-chair to lead and shape the strategic vision of Feeling Strong, Dundee’s youth mental health charity, through the next 2026 - 2029 Strategy in line with our mission and our values. In this role, you will act as one of two lead Trustee Board Members of the organisation, responsible for the agenda and actions of Trustee meetings and AGM, improving good governance, supervising the Chief Executive Officer and acting as a senior ambassador of the organisation. 

This is a voluntary, fixed three-year term governance role, requiring attendance at six meetings per year, and monthly support sessions held in Dundee (Block 5, 2 Seabraes Lane, Dundee, DD1 4NX).

Training and induction will be provided so we are open to all candidates, and we expect them to develop skills once in post, but we would welcome candidates with any of the following experience:

• Governance and previous board experience

• Business development and trading income generation

• Human resources

• Lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges

• Financial background

Work-related travel costs will be reimbursed.
We will require that the position is taken up ahead of our August Trustee Board Meeting. ����

Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board of Trustees as Vice Chair.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that
supports families across Suffolk. As Vice Chair, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and wider Board to
help shape our strategic direction, support strong governance and ensure we continue to meet the needs of
families in our communities.

We are specifically looking for someone with charity governance experience. You will bring a solid
understanding of how effective boards operate and feel confident supporting other trustees, offering
constructive challenge and helping to ensure the charity meets its legal and strategic responsibilities.
This Vice Chair role is part of our wider trustee recruitment and we welcome applicants who bring any of the
following:

• Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
• Understanding of family support or volunteer management
• Strong networks and connections within local businesses
• Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
• A passion for making a difference in your community

Interested?
We would love to hear from you. more information and a candidate pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: This is an open and rolling recruitment
Interviews: Held as applications are received
 

Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK
Time Commitment: Approx. 2 – 4 hours per month

About Us
Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire, raise awareness for important causes, and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.

We are currently recruiting our initial trustee board to help launch and register the charity.

Role Overview
We are seeking a General Trustee to join our board, support strategic decision-making, and help ensure effective governance. This is a key role in shaping the charity’s early operations, supporting registration, and contributing to the delivery of our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend quarterly trustee meetings (in person or virtually) and participate in board decision-making

• Support governance, strategy, and operational planning for the CIO

• Contribute ideas, experience, and skills to help the charity grow

• Assist with compliance, reporting, and adherence to charity law and CIO regulations

• Support trustee recruitment, induction, and development as needed

Person Specification & Requirements

• Interest in charity governance, mental health, and expedition-led projects

• Willingness to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team

• Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities

• Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board

• UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)

• Approx. 2 - 4 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)

• Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to help shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch

• Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance

• Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects

• Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects

• Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team

Leadership and governance of a grant-making trust which supports communities in Luton and also causes that benefit children and young people in the rest of the UK

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about improving the outcomes of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK?  Are you interested in supporting the communities and local organisations of Luton?

The Steel Charitable Trust really wants to hear from people who are enthusiastic, have a philanthropic mindset and a willingness to involve themselves in aspects of charitable work that they may or may not currently know much about.

The Steel Charitable Trust is looking for a new Trustee to help provide the governance and leadership needed as we roll out our new five-year strategy. Suitable candidates are likely to have skills in all or some of the following, gained through professional or voluntary experience:

• governance
• strategic development and planning
• general/operations management

The role does not offer remuneration, but all necessary expenses are reimbursed.

The Trust has two grant-making strands (each of them accounting for about 50% of its annual grant giving):

• Luton Matters: designed to bring benefits to Luton and its residents, in recognition of the Trust's roots in Luton; expressions of interest are invited for this strand, and Trustees select which organisations will be invited to make a full application.
• UK Under-26: supporting charities that work with young people up to the age of 25 in any part of the UK except Luton. The UK Under-26 strand is moving to a by invitation only model in 2026. 

Trustees with lived experience of the causes the Trust currently supports or the challenges faced by the town of Luton and its varied communities are also most welcome.

The Steel Charitable Trust is an endowed UK-registered charity (272384) that makes grants of around £1.4m a year, to UK-registered charities and for charitable purposes.  The Trust is committed to good governance and seeks to reflect the UK's diverse and multicultural society.  Since its foundation in 1976 the Trust has given £37 million in grants to charities across the UK. Its website contains a full history of the Trust including its strong connection to Luton.

What are we looking for?

Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience of leadership and decision-making. More details are available in the role description.

The following qualities are key to being a good Trustee:

• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• a commitment to the organisation
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
• strategic vision
• good, independent judgement and integrity
• an ability to think creatively
• the ability to read and understand management reports
• the ability to research and ask probing questions
• a willingness to speak their mind
• being comfortable in a decision-making environment where often a consensus needs to be reached from differing views
• the ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• organised and self-motivated
• general competence using IT 

What difference will you make?

Not only do Trustees make the key decisions in the strategic direction of the Trust, they also actively take part in grant-making decisions, connecting them directly with organisations that deliver work on the ground.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance, highlighting your relevant experience and what interests you about the role. If longlisted, you may be asked to complete a short application form so that we can bring together candidates from various platforms.

First interview date for long-listed candidates (on Teams): Friday 3 October 2025; Interview date for short-listed candidates (in London): Monday 13 October 2025

Join Us as a Trustee – Shape the Next 20 Years of Impact

Next year, Dorset Reading Partners proudly celebrates 20 years of transforming lives and making a real difference to the young people that we support on an on-going basis. Over two decades, we’ve achieved considerable success in helping young people develop their love of reading and schools see tangible improvement in their literacy results. Now, as we mark this milestone, we’re embarking on an exciting new chapter. With ambitious plans for growth, innovation, and deeper impact, we are looking for inspiring new Trustees to join our Board.

As a Trustee, you will:

• Play a vital role in guiding our strategy and vision for the future.
• Bring fresh perspectives and skills to help us evolve and thrive.
• Champion our mission and ensure we continue to deliver lasting change.

We’re seeking people who are passionate about our cause, committed to good governance, and excited to help shape what the next 20 years will look like. Whether you bring expertise in finance, marketing, fundraising, or digital innovation, or, simply a deep belief in our mission, your contribution will matter. If you want to be part of a charity at a pivotal moment—honouring our past while shaping a bold future - we’d love to hear from you.

This is a voluntary role - but the rewards of making a difference are priceless.

Ideally, we would like to receive expressions of interest by 30th September 2025, but we will always welcome future contact. 

SUMMARY

Roles Description: Finance Trustee, Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee, and Legal Trustee

Remuneration: Like most Trustee roles, these roles are unremunerated

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Start date: As soon as possible

Benefits: In addition to making a real difference in the lives of and deepening your understanding of youth organising, you will receive:

• Safeguarding Training and support in developing expertise here
• Reimbursement of expenses incurred in your role

At The Advocacy Academy, we envision a world where young people with lived experience of injustice (LEofI) harness their collective power to shape a more fair, just, and equal society. Our mission is to organise and support these young people to drive systemic change on the most pressing issues of our time.

We do this by offering deep coaching, delivering transformative leadership programmes, and creating clear pathways for sustained action. Through shared learning and community-building, we help young leaders build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to launch and lead proactive campaigns. We also recognise that real change starts from within - so we’re committed to a governance structure that is values-driven, participatory, and beyond reproach, ensuring TAA is as accountable to young people as it is to the communities we serve and its wider responsibilities.

We’re now looking to recruit three new Trustees to join our Board and help steer this work. We're especially keen to hear from people with leadership experience in one or more of the following areas: Finance & Fundraising, Community Organising and Campaigns & Legal

Trustees of The Advocacy Academy play a unique role in delivery of our mission. They are collectively responsible for the governance of the organisation, represent it to the community, and accept ultimate compliance authority for the charity and its activities. As a Trustee with experience in the UK’s youth sector, you will support the Board and the Executives in ensuring that TAA continues to deliver an exceptional quality of youth work, and the role that safeguarding plays in achieving this. As a trustee:

• Work with the Chair, Trustees and Senior Leadership team to ensure there is a clear, long-term and strategic vision The Advocacy Academy.
• Work with the Board to ensure we function within the legal and financial requirements of a UK registered charity and company, our constitution and that we strive for best practice
• Take responsibility with the other trustees so that the organisation has effective practice to safeguard the people it works with
• Act as an ambassador, spokesperson and champion our work supporting our income activities, and fostering networks that can help generate income.

About Our Board of Trustees

• Our Board currently consists of four members, recruited, selected, and approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Each trustee serves a three-year term, and we are made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.
• The Board meets quarterly (four times per year) to provide strategic oversight and governance. Operations/day to day are managed by the Executives.
• Given the size of the board, we expect all trustees to join at least one subcommittees meeting per year, unless there are extenuating circumstances. .The subcommittee meets are typically held prior to full Board meetings.
• Board meetings are held at our Liberation Centre in Brixton and subcommittee meets are held virtually
• The role of trustee is voluntary, though reasonable expenses are reimbursed.2• Trustees are expected to prepare in advance by reading reports and meeting papers, and are also warmly invited to attend our events throughout the year.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Finance Trustee - Trustee will provide charity financial governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Finance Director and the Finance & Risk Committee will:

• Provide support on financial oversight and ensure compliance with relevant charity and regulatory requirements.
• Review and co-present financial reports and key insights to the Board of Trustees.
• Actively participate in the Finance and Risk Committee, ensuring effective financial scrutiny.
• Strategic contribution to long-term financial and fundraising planning and support the organisation’s risk management framework.
• Attend Finance and Risk subcommittee meetings quarterly.

2. Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee - The Community organising and campaigning Trustee will provide organising and Campaigns governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Director of Organising and Campaigns and fellow trustees, they will:

• Provide strategic oversight of The Advocacy Academy’s organising and campaigning activities and priorities.
• Ensure campaigns are ethical, legally compliant, and aligned with the organisation’s values.
• Support the development of effective, youth-led organising and campaigning strategies.
• Offer insight into advocacy trends, movement-building, and political landscapes.
• Serve as a sounding board for the team, offering critical friend feedback without operational interference.
• Help the board assess risks and opportunities related to public positioning, reputation, and partnerships.
• Good governance, diversity and teamwork are at the core of the Board’s values. We want to ensure trustees represent the young people we work with and we are particularly interested in applications from people with lived experience.

3. Legal Trustee - The Legal Trustees will provide Legal perspective on governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Trustees, they will:

• Provide strategic legal perspective on compliance with charity law, employment law, using legal knowledge or by signposting to our external legal support.
• Provide legal perspective on any strategic decisions the board makes, which the board can then pursue formal legal advice on.
• Provide legal perspective on risk related to public campaigning, partnerships and public communications.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

1. Finance Trustee -

• Proven expertise in charity fundraising and financial management.
• Experience of charity finance and fundraising is essential.
• Previous board or trustee experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

2. Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee -

• Understanding of power-building, community organising, or movement strategy (essential).
• Experience in grassroots organising and campaigns, advocacy, or social justice movements.3• Familiarity with political or social justice contexts in the UK.
• Willingness to support youth leadership and work in solidarity with young campaigners.
• Previous board or governance experience is helpful but not essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

3. Legal Trustee -

• Qualified legal professional (e.g. solicitor, barrister, legal academic) with UK-based experience.
• Knowledge of charity, or employment law desirable.
• Experience in risk, governance, or compliance, particularly in the charity sector.
• A commitment to social justice and supporting youth organising work.
• Ability to translate legal concepts clearly for non-specialist trustees.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

EXPECTATIONS & ENTITLEMENT

• Attend at least one training programme that we run, so that you understand the work we deliver
• Attend trustee meetings, which are held four times a year in London or virtually, and last between 3 expected to attend at least three each year.
• Participate in one of our sub-committees as may be required by the trustee role.
• Demonstrate commitment to The Advocacy Academy by supporting fundraising efforts.
• Serve for a term of three years and be able to stand for re-election for a further term and possibly two.
• Work with the Chair to review your performance
• Claim reasonable travel and accommodation expenses to attend meetings -4 hours - trustees are expected to attend at least three each year.
• This is an outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Trustee roles, it is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of The Advocacy Academy’s board. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holders.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply to be our Trustee by sending your CV together with a supporting statement to us. Your supporting statement should explain why you would like to be our Trustee and the contribution you believe you would make to The Advocacy Academy, with particular reference to the specific Trustee role and Requirements above.

DATES

• •Closing Date: The deadline for applications is 7th October 2025 by 9am.

Please note that there will be two rounds of interviews, and we will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis as applications are received. The application deadline may be brought forward if suitable candidates are identified early.

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US

We aim to be representative of the community we are working with. We encourage applications from people of colour, those who identify as LGBTQIA, working class as well as disabled people, those living with mental health conditions, refugees and migrants. We welcome people from all identities who are made to feel marginalised.

We’re not just committed to being an equal opportunity employer, we actively celebrate diversity in all its forms. Let us know if we can do anything to make the application or interview process more accessible. If you are invited to interview, we will at that point ask you for any accessibility requirements or preferences.

As an employer we make all reasonable adjustments to support employees in their work if they are disabled or have a health condition. We support the Access to Work scheme which could provide you with financial support to get the help you need to do all tasks successfully. We are happy to facilitate Access to Work assessments and reclaims, and would actively welcome applicants who would need this in order to do the job.

All staff who work on our programme must have, prior to starting work, a returned satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dated no earlier than 1st January 2021. The Advocacy Academy will assist the application for, and pay for the processing of, a new DBS for staff members where required.

We welcome applications from people with convictions. Please disclose in your application if you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not “protected” (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Brent Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

The role involves acting as a charity trustee to set the strategic direction for the foodbank.  Providing good governance, ensuring that the foodbank meets its objectives and fulfils its charitable purpose.  Ensuring the foodbank operates within its budget and in compliance with its charity, legal and operational goals.

Key tasks

Key Responsibilities along with the board of trustees include:

• to approve, support, and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated
• to review and approve financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and sub-committee meetings and any Trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Brent Foodbank
• a passion for the foodbank’s vision and strategy
• experience of working or volunteering in a governance role or equivalent experience
• an ability and experience to contribute to matters in a supportive and confident manner
• the ability to listen and engage with people with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences
• an understanding of our local community and the services, agencies, faith communities and other groups within it

We welcome applications from new and experienced Trustees.

What difference will you make?

By serving as a trustee at the foodbank you are part of providing a vital support function in our local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Brent Foodbank.

This is a prestigious voluntary opportunity to play a key role in the governance of Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS) and contribute to protecting the WHS for current and future generations.

Could you be the first independent Chair of the Expert & Stakeholder Group? This is a new role in the WHS Partnership, supporting the group of 30 local and national partners to carry out its role effectively. Working closely with the independent Chair of the Executive Board, the Expert and Stakeholder Group Chair will facilitate effective discussion and encourage a broad range of participation. 

Applications are sought from candidates with experience of successfully chairing sensitive committees and ensuring effective organisational governance. 

• Voluntary position with travel expenses.

• 3-year term, potentially renewable by the appointing body for a second term.

• Time commitment of up to 2-3 days per month including chairing 3 Expert & Stakeholder Group meetings, and attending 3 Executive Board meetings, per annum.

Are you a qualified human-focused medical professional with an interest in multi-species medicine? Are you innovative, with creative insight & a vision for progressive medical practice? If so, we would welcome your application to join our Board of Trustees.

Our ideal candidate:

• A qualified medical professional with expertise in human medicine and a strong interest in multi-species medicine and innovative healthcare practice.

• Understands trustee commitments and responsibilities.

• Can contribute to strategic discussions through effective communication and judgment.

• Is non-judgmental and respectful of diverse experiences, views, and cultures.

• Is committed to the aims and values of Humanimal Trust and can work collaboratively to enrich the vision and strategy of our growing organisation.

We welcome applications from individuals with a range of perspectives, experience, backgrounds and skills.

What’s in it for you?

• A unique opportunity to drive innovative change and have a positive impact on millions of human and animal lives.

• Development of career enhancing skills and experience, including governance and leadership skills.

• The opportunity to build interdisciplinary relationships with a team of passionate trustees, staff, and volunteers.

Summary of responsibilities

• Drive strategic planning, provide leadership and oversee delivery of results.

• Approve business plans and budgets, agree targets, and monitor performance.

• Ensure board members have required skills through appropriate recruitment, induction and development processes.

• Ensure effective audits and approve annual accounts.

• Support the CEO and ensure good management.

• Ensure productive relationships are maintained.

• Ensure a high standard of corporate governance and behaviour.

• Be clear about the most significant strategic risks ensure mitigation steps are in place.

• Empathy with the aims of the organisation, its values and behaviours.

Appointment term: A minimum term of three years, with the possibility of two consecutive terms, so six years in total.

Time commitment: Quarterly Board meetings, c.2h per meeting, plus preparation.

Preferred background, knowledge and experience: A qualified medical professional with expertise in human medicine and a strong interest in multi-species medicine.

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Skelmersdale & District Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the charity and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. 

Trustees ensure that the food bank acts in conformity with its purpose and with charity legislation, and that good governance, best practice policies and rigorous financial supervision are in place. They will be required to work collaboratively, with other trustees and with the staff and volunteers of the foodbank, and other external agencies

Key tasks:

• approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• manage the charity’s resources responsibly and efficiently, ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and do not over-commit the charity
• ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
• ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
• ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, progressed and evaluated and ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law
• ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection
• prepare for, regularly attend, and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.
• act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• serve as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community, promoting the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries, and present on behalf of the food bank at meetings and conferences as and when required

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of Skelmersdale & District Foodbank
• a passion for combating poverty within Skelmersdale and its surrounding areas
• experience of working in a governance role
• willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• willingness to speak their mind
• the ability to think creatively

Applications are particularly welcome from people who live or work in West Lancashire and who reflect Skelmersdale’s diverse community. The food bank would particularly welcome applications from those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas: 

• Partnership engagement
• Benefits advice and support

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, religion or beliefs, disability, ethnic background, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation.

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Skelmersdale & District Foodbank.

Step into leadership. Shape your community

Role details:
• Voluntary position – one-year fixed term
• Time commitment – equivalent to 10-14 days per year
• Hands-on experience – attend at least 8 board meetings throughout the year
• Tailored development – receive a personalised training and development plan
• One-to-one support – be matched with a dedicated trustee mentor
• No costs – reasonable travel expenses fully covered

To build a board that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, we’re introducing a Trainee Trustee Programme. This offers aspiring trustees the chance to “learn on the job” in a supportive environment. It’s designed for individuals who may not yet have board experience but are keen to get involved in governance, contribute their knowledge and perspectives, and gain new skills and experience.

To ensure our board is reflective and representative of our local communities and workforce, we strongly encourage applications from under-represented communities. Currently we are particularly seeking to increase the involvement of people under the age of 35, people with a disability, people of colour and/or LGBT+ people on our Board.

We are seeking a new Chair to provide strategic leadership at a time when demand for our advice services is at an all-time high. Help shape our vision, champion our mission, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing challenges.

About Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Citizens Advice East Berkshire offers crucial help and advice when people need it most. No one but Citizens Advice sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today. 

What will you be doing?
We are at an important stage in our development and we are seeking a new Chair to replace our current Chair who will be standing down as her term finishes. We have ambitious plans for our future and we are looking for a Chair who can help drive our mission forward.

Building on our successes to date, we want a new Chair to lead us through the next exciting phase of our journey. You will have a strong background and track record of providing leadership at board and/or senior executive level and will have a passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges. You should have the judgement and vision to operate effectively at strategic level and you should demonstrate the skills and expertise to help drive our mission forward. We are looking for someone with 3 years+ professional experience in one of the fields of Fundraising strategy, Governance, Operations management or Advice / Advocacy. 

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges
• Ideally has served as a Chair or Vice Chair and is familiar with leading a Board

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

• Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice and the Citizens Advice network
• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• Have a good basis of leadership skills (and preferably you have served within a Board, ideally as Chair or Vice Chair or led a Committee)
• Have the ability to facilitate and lead meetings
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to exercise good independent judgment
• Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing to undertake mandatory training in your role
• Line manage and support the Chief Executive Officer

What difference will you make?
Citizens Advice East Berkshire makes transformational differences to people who need support when facing life crises. As Chair you will play a significant part in ensuring we are able to expand and grown our services to make a significant difference to many more individuals and families. 

Join Mind in Brighton and Hove as their Chair of the Board 

About Mind in Brighton and Hove 

Atkinson HR is pleased to be supporting Mind in Brighton and Hove (MiBH) in recruiting their new Chair of the Board. MiBH is a registered charity dedicated to promoting positive understanding, awareness and attitudes towards mental health while supporting and empowering people in their local community experiencing mental health issues 

As MiBH continues to develop and expand their vital mental health services, they are seeking a committed individual with strategic vision and governance experience to help guide their mission of improving mental health support and wellbeing across Brighton and Hove, East and West Sussex. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Lead the Board of Trustees in developing strategic plans 

• Chair Board meetings, AGMs and provide leadership in governance matters 

• Support and review the performance of the CEO

• Represent the organisation at functions, meetings and in media engagements 

• Lead trustee recruitment, learning and development, apparisal and succession planning processes 

• Contribute to determining MiBH's strategy and structure through effective governance 

• Support robust financial controls and strategic planning processes 

Candidate Profile 

• Previous leadership experience in the non-profit sector 

• Dedication to MiBH's mission, vision and values 

• Ability to take a strategic view and make sound judgements in the organisation's best interests 

• Willingness to understand and fulfil legal responsibilities of trusteeship 

• Excellent reflective skills and ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team 

• Strong communication skills and willingness to share knowledge and experience 

How to Apply 

Please click 'apply now' or contact us if you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal discussion. 

Key Dates 

• Closing Date: 10am, Monday 6th October 2025 

• Interviews: from Wednesday 15th October 2025, in person. We will endeavour to accommodate any remote interview requests; however, our preference is to do interviews in person.