Volunteer roles

We are seeking to recruit two trustees who will bring different viewpoints, expertise and experience to further strengthen our board. As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission. We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals from a range of professional backgrounds to help shape our future. Whether you bring experience in HR & people, marketing & comms, governance, finance, legal, fundraising, operations, service delivery or another area, your insight and strategic guidance will strengthen our organisation and support our continued growth and impact.

Candidates must show a commitment to our values and our approach to working in partnership with experts by experience. You must have a willingness to commit the necessary time and effort and to apply your experience and expertise. In addition to the general duties of a Trustee, we are looking for candidates with expertise and experience in:

• HR and People
• Marketing, Communications and Public Relations.

This is an incredibly exciting time to join us as we launch a bold new strategy and embark on a re-brand that will strengthen our voice and impact.

At Z2K, we are driven by a clear and urgent mission: to end poverty for the more than 1 in 5 people in the UK who experience it. Through frontline advice and representation, we work to secure adequate incomes and freedom from high costs, while campaigning for systemic change. And we do this in partnership with those who have lived experience of poverty, ensuring their voices are at the centre of everything we do.

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in achieving this vision. With people and culture, as well as brand and communications, central to achieving our strategic objectives, we are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to help shape our future. Whether you bring expertise in HR and people leadership or marketing, communications, and PR, your insight and strategic guidance will help us build a thriving, inclusive organisation and amplify our message for change.

Retail & Furniture Assembly Volunteers  - A New Volunteer Opportunity in Acorns Children's Hospice Superstore in Pershore 

Acorns have a network of shops across the West Midlands that generate a substantial level of income to enable us to care for children and their families. 

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Pershore Superstore. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between. The store is open - Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. 

What does volunteering involve?

Shop Volunteer

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Furniture Assembly Volunteer

• Building and dismantling flat pack furniture
• Working within timeframes for customer assembly requests
• Flagging defects or spare parts needed when constructing furniture
• Carrying out minor repairs on donated goods

How much time will it take? 

The shop will be open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm. You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but ideally we’d like you to volunteer for at least 3 hours per week.

Why volunteer at Acorns? 

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Help us to save the Children's Hospice Grant: Click here to find out more

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants who seek refuge in and around Oxford.

With a strong reputation both locally and nationally, our team of approximately 30 staff and 200 volunteers offer a range of services from food and clothes to advice, visits, legal support, education and assistance. Asylum Welcome aims to transform the lives of those it serves.

We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our Trustee Board and support our ambition. This is a challenging and rewarding role, helping to ensure the organisation continues to fulfil its mission, and remains sustainable.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in strategic financial management and of working for or within a Board. Equally important is a belief in our mission, commitment to our values and a collaborative style, able to draw out the skill and potential within our team.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxford community, and we particularly welcome people with lived experience of being a refugee or migrant to join our Board to help strengthen our governance and our  approach. Lived experience in this context means that you have come to this country as a refugee or asylum seeker or have lived with or grown up alongside people who did.

Job description

As a Trustee you will:
a) Be an important part of the body that governs the charity and ensures it delivers its mission effectively.
b) Actively participate in meetings, offering guidance and support to ensure that Asylum Welcome delivers the vital work it was set up to do, in the best possible way for clients.
c) Scrutinise Asylum Welcome’s budgets, plans and financial reports, ensuring they meet the organisation’s needs and the relevant regulatory requirements.
d) Ensure Asylum Welcome is complying with its governing documents and relevant laws, as well as updating and reviewing its own policies and procedures.
e) Bring a particular skill, experience or insight that helps develop Asylum Welcome as an organisation.
f) Act with care and skill in Asylum Welcome’s best interests.

As a Trustee you share, with all the Trustees, equal responsibility for the charity. 

Person Specification

Prospective Trustees will:
a) Be committed to the rights and welfare of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants and to Asylum Welcome’s vision, mission and values and determined to use your skills and experience to make a difference for others.
b) Have experience of developing good relationships with people and organisations, stakeholders and supporters.
c) Be able to work in a team, recognising and respecting the difference between the Trustees’ role and that of staff or volunteers.
d) Be able to contribute to and ensure Asylum Welcome’s future plans and strategic development and/or financial stability.

The prospective Treasurer will have:
a) A recognised accounting qualification.
b) Significant experience of financial management, budgeting and reporting.
c) An understanding of the financial, strategic and operational risks and their mitigation in a charity context.
d) Be familiar with charity accounting and statutory reporting requirements.

As Chair of the Finance Committee, the Treasurer leads on all financial matters. The Finance Committee is responsible for making budget recommendations and financial reports for the Board and for agreeing and overseeing financial and related policies. They liaise closely with the Finance Manager to provide quarterly financial reports, the annual budget and annual
statutory accounts to the Board. Input is also required during the annual audit process. 

The Board

Asylum Welcome is governed by a Board of between 5 and 13 (currently 11) Trustees, who are elected at the Annual  General Meeting (AGM) in September. Trustees normally serve for at least 3 years. Additional Trustees may be co-opted between AGMs.

Trustees are not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Zoom and in person) 5 - 6 times a year, usually early evening on a Thursday. Regular dates are agreed a year in advance.

Individual Trustees also join or lead the Board’s Committees. There are currently a Finance Committee (which meets 5 times a year, a week or so ahead of Board meetings) and a People and Governance Committee. We also have occasional task groups for short-term items.

Throughout the UK, we provide essential services and support for individuals impacted by MS. We connect people to resources that foster a sense of belonging, community, and shared experiences.

 We are pleased to announce that we have secured funding from Wales and West Utilities for a 'test and learn' Community Connections project, which will operate until March 2026 and cover Wales and the South West of England.

 The goals of Community Connections are:

• To link individuals with, and affected by, MS throughout Wales and the South West of England (including Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire) to services, activities, and resources that promote living well with MS.
• To establish connections with local service providers that enable people with, and affected by, MS to access support and activities in their communities, while enhancing community connections.
• To offer information and guidance on various topics, including financial advice, cost of living information, energy efficiency tips, carbon monoxide awareness, and the Priority Service Register.

 As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Community Connections Volunteer to assist in directing people affected by MS to information about relevant local and national services. This could involve helping someone access information on benefits or supporting them with grant applications. This role will be conducted from home, providing assistance over the phone and via email.

 Here’s a summary of what the role entails:

• Guiding individuals to sources of support, such as our Living Well services, Helpline, health and social services, MS professionals, and local group activities.
• Referring any complex support needs to our Community Connections project team or Helpline.
• Occasionally assisting individuals who need help with grant applications and gathering necessary paperwork.
• Communicating relevant information to our Community Connections Project Administrator to maintain and update our service signposting lists.
• Staying in contact with referrals to ensure they are progressing with the support provided.
• Listening to and gathering feedback on the service as individuals conclude their involvement with the Community Connections project.

We will provide you with the necessary training and support to develop the skills required for this role, including an induction covering all outlined areas. Please note the role requires a DBS Check.

You will have the opportunity to discuss your role and any additional needs you may have with us.

Lantra, a leading awarding body in the land-based and environment sector, is seeking two dedicated individuals to join their Board of Trustees in a unique opportunity to contribute to their strategic goal of enhancing skills and training within the industry.

Applications close: Tuesday 27th May 2025

Location: Coventry and remote

About Lantra

From forestry to food production, pest management to plant maintenance, the UK and Ireland’s fast-moving land-based industries are home to hundreds of exciting, interesting jobs and careers. And we should know – Lantra have been helping build a sustainable, diverse workforce for over 50 years now.

We work closely with industry bodies, employers, governments and educators to provide quality training, career guidance and partnership opportunities, giving employers and learners the skills they need to work safely, productively, and sustainably, while getting ready to meet the challenges of the future.

We’re one of the leading awarding bodies for land-based industries in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland, and as a registered charity, we put the needs of learners and employers before profit.

We have dedicated teams in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, all providing expert local guidance backed by years of industry experience.

About the roles

As a Trustee of Lantra, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of skills development within the land-based and environment sector.

Your responsibilities will include providing strategic direction by helping to define and guide the vision, mission, and values of the organisation, ensuring they are effectively translated into actionable plans. Another key part of the role is ensuring financial stability by overseeing budgets, assessing risks, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and governance requirements.

You will work closely with the Executive Team to bring your own unique set of expertise and knowledge to the organisation and monitor the delivery of activities and assess performance against agreed objectives. Trustees also support the Chief Executive and the leadership team in decision-making, offering insight and expertise that contribute to the continued growth and success of the organisation.

Additionally, you will act as an ambassador for Lantra, representing the organisation at key industry events, building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders to promote and advance Lantra’s mission.

Who we are looking for

Lantra seek individuals who share a deep commitment to skills development and the positive impact it can have within industries and communities.

Ideal candidates will bring strategic insight, commercial awareness and strong communication skills that enable them to work effectively at all levels. The ability to critically assess and challenge existing strategies constructively is essential, as is a proactive and problem-solving mindset. You should be comfortable contributing to discussions on financial oversight, risk management, and operational performance, ensuring that Lantra remains on a stable and sustainable path.

Lantra are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in skills and career development, whether in policy, workforce planning, training, or related areas.

Additionally, applications from those involved in the technological advancement of farming and key land-based sectors, including environmental sustainability, forestry, and land management will be actively welcomed. These areas are increasingly critical yet currently underrepresented on Lantra’s Board, and they are looking to bring in new perspectives to enhance their strategic vision.

Experience in leadership, governance, or board-level decision-making would be an advantage, as would previous experience within an organisation with a strong regulatory or educational focus; however, this is not essential.

Beyond professional experience, Lantra is looking for individuals passionate about the sectors they represent, i.e., land-based, the environment, and the great outdoors in general.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 27th May 2025.

Play a crucial role in shaping the future of Gateway Qualifications and support this award-winning awarding organisation in its mission to make a difference in the world of education.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 28th May 2025.

About Gateway Qualifications

Gateway Qualifications is an organisation on a mission to make a difference in the world of education. With a commitment to promoting high-quality education for all, we are a growing and passionate team that believes every individual deserves the opportunity of high-quality education. We have a strong national presence and are rapidly expanding in key areas across the UK.

We aim to bridge the gap between employers and education, especially in the context of skills and qualifications. Our organisation follows noble principles, striving for transformation and development while serving a charitable cause.

About the roles

Gateway Qualifications is a synonym of innovation and, as we approach the launch of our new 5-year strategic plan, we are seeking three new Trustees to bring their experience and knowledge to help us make it a reality.

The role of a Trustee is pivotal in ensuring we respond to any sector challenges such as post 16 funding and curriculum reviews, the new QAA Access to HE license process and policy reforms, whilst safeguarding our award-winning reputation for quality and customer service.

We also need to ensure that we remain compliant with our regulatory bodies, including the Charity Commission, Ofqual, QiW, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), and Companies House, while also spearheading innovative initiatives that empower learners and apprentices to attain qualifications, advance their career prospects, and transform their lives.

As a Trustee, you will collaborate closely with our executive team to further the organisation’s mission to support all learners to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.

Gateway does this by providing qualifications and assessment opportunities sought by employers and delivered by education and training providers.

Your wealth of skills and experience will play a crucial role in realising our strategic direction, with a heightened emphasis on product innovation, modernisation through technology and system improvements, and maintaining quality and customer focus through periods of policy and sector reforms.

This will allow us to lead national efforts in skill development and position Gateway Qualifications as a leading voice in education that works closely with providers and employers.

Who we are looking for

We are searching for individuals who are committed, passionate, and forward-thinking. While specific skills and experience are essential, what matters most is the dedication and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on the future of education.

Our goal is to ensure that students from all backgrounds are represented and provided with equitable opportunities. We are focusing on three key areas where our new Trustees can contribute their expertise most effectively. There are:

• Quality and standards
• Innovation and digital transformation
• Audit and risk

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 28th May 2025.

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants who seek refuge in and around Oxford.

With a strong reputation both locally and nationally, our team of approximately 30 staff and 200 volunteers offer a range of services from food and clothes to advice, visits, legal support, education and assistance getting into employment.  Asylum Welcome aims to transform the lives of those it serves.

We are seeking new Trustees with lived experience to join our Board. Lived experience in this context means that you have come to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker or have lived with or grown up alongside people who did. Both refugees and asylum seekers are eligible to apply.

The purpose of this Trustee role is to bring a lived experience perspective to ensure our services reflect the diverse needs of the people we support, and help strengthen our governance and our approach.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we prepare to welcome two new joint CEOs to lead the organisation.

No prior experience is necessary. Our collaborative and dedicated Board is keen to invest in and support new Trustees and training and support will be provided. 

Job description

Trustees are the people who lead a charity and decide upon how it is run. They are also often known as Board Members, Directors, Governors, or Committee Members.

As a Trustee you will:

a) Actively participate in meetings, offering guidance and support to ensure that Asylum Welcome delivers the vital work           that it was set up to do, in the best possible way for clients.
b) Scrutinise Asylum Welcome’s budgets, management accounts and financial statements, ensuring that they meet the             organisation’s needs and the relevant regulatory requirements.
c)Ensure Asylum Welcome is complying with its governing documents and the relevant laws, as well as updating and               reviewing its own policies and procedures.
d) Bring particular skills, experience or insight that helps Asylum Welcome develop as an organisation.
e) Act with care and skill in Asylum Welcome’s best interests.

As a Trustee you share, with all the Trustees, equal responsibility for the charity.

Person Specification

Prospective Trustees will:

a)Be committed to the rights and welfare of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants and to Asylum                        Welcome’s vision, mission and values.
b) Have a desire to use your skills and experience to make a difference for others.
c)Provide insights and guidance to the Board to help ensure the perspectives of our clients are central to decision                  about the charity’s mission and activities.
d) Offer insights and suggestions on Asylum Welcome’s policies, services and strategic direction, based on personal
         skills and experiences. 
e) Be able to work in a team, recognising and respecting the difference between the Trustees’ role and that of staff or               volunteers.
f)Contribute to and ensure Asylum Welcome’s future plans and strategic development and/or financial stability.

The Board

Asylum Welcome is governed by a Board of not less than 5, not more than 13 (currently 11) Trustees elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September. Trustees normally serve for at least 3 years. Additional trustees may be co-opted.

Trustees are not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Zoom and in person) approximately 6 times a year, currently early evening on a Thursday. Regular dates are agreed a year in advance.

There is no set time commitment, although attendance at Board meetings and some training / workshop events is expected.

Individual trustees can also join or lead the Board’s Committees (currently we have a Finance Committee and a People and Governance Committee). There are also occasional task groups on particular short-term items.

An introduction to the working of the organisation and Board will be provided. There will also be an opportunity to buddy up with or shadow other trustees, if requested.

We are currently recruiting volunteers to be part of our Governance team. The Data Protection Advisor will be responsible for overseeing the clinic's use of data and legal obligations under GDPR, maintaining high standards throughout. They will respond to the Governance and Compliance Manager. 

We are a forward-thinking advice and support charity for the Trans Community. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Data Protection Advisor to consult on our data protection procedures to ensure we are compliant with all regulations relating to data privacy. 

 The Data Protection Advisor will play a pivotal role in guiding our clinic through the data protection processes. This entry-level position will involve overseeing the clinic’s data protection policies and procedures, ensuring best practices are followed, and fostering a culture of compliance. You will work closely with senior leadership to develop strategies for growth while safeguarding the clinic’s data protection. 

 This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing legal clinic through a pivotal stage of development. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the clinic, ensuring it meets the highest professional standards while contributing to a meaningful cause. We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. 

We are currently recruiting volunteers to be part of our Governance team. The Data Protection Consultant will be responsible for overseeing the clinic's use of data and legal obligations under GDPR, maintaining high standards throughout. They will respond to the Governance and Compliance Manager.

We are a forward-thinking advice and support charity for the Trans Community. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Data Protection Consultant to consult on our data protection procedures to ensure we are compliant with all regulations relating to data privacy. The Data Protection Consultant will play a pivotal role in guiding our clinic through the data protection processes.

This senior consultancy position will involve overseeing the clinic’s data protection policies and procedures, ensuring best practices are followed, and fostering a culture of compliance. You will work closely with senior leadership to develop strategies for growth while safeguarding the clinic’s data protection.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a growing legal clinic through a pivotal stage of development. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the clinic, ensuring it meets the highest professional standards while contributing to a meaningful cause. 

Volunteer with us!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Ledbury shop. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Help us to save the Children's Hospice Grant: Click here to find out more

Retail & Furniture Assembly Volunteers  - A New Volunteer Opportunity in Acorns Children's Hospice Superstore in Tewkesbury  

Acorns have a network of shops across the West Midlands that generate a substantial level of income to enable us to care for children and their families. 

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Tewkesbury Superstore. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between. the store is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm
Sunday 10am to 4pm

What does volunteering involve?

Shop Volunteer

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Furniture Assembly Volunteer

• Building and dismantling flat pack furniture
• Working within timeframes for customer assembly requests
• Flagging defects or spare parts needed when constructing furniture
• Carrying out minor repairs on donated goods

How much time will it take? 

The shop will be open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm. You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but ideally we’d like you to volunteer for at least 3 hours per week.

Why volunteer at Acorns? 

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Help us to save the Children's Hospice Grant: Click here to find out more

Thank you for your interest in joining our board of trustees. Blue Ventures is an award-winning charity working to rebuild coastal fisheries. We are committed to making conservation work for people, demonstrating powerful win-wins for marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.

We have a bold ambition: we’re working to create a world where small-scale fishers have bigger catches, better livelihoods and improved food security, and where healthy oceans teem with life for generations to come.

We are a diverse family of conservation and development professionals. Across 13 countries, our 300+ staff put fishers first. We fight for their rights, support them to fulfil their potential, and supply them with everything they need to manage and protect our oceans in ways that benefit people and nature alike. Our decentralised structure keeps us close to the coastal communities we serve and ensures our work is effective and sustainable.

Blue Ventures is going through rapid and sustained growth and is uniquely positioned to drive impact at scale in the marine conservation sector. We seek new board members to help maintain our commitment to strong and inclusive governance. We are truly committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our global organisation and board and welcome applications from candidates with lived experience in the countries and communities we serve.

If you believe you have what it takes to succeed in this role and share our values and ambitions, we would love to hear from you. You will find more information about the role in the rest of this pack and on our website, along with further information about our work and our plans for the future.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Sincerely,

Fiona Holmes
Chair, Board of Trustees

Location: Global, preferably in locations that intersect with BV’s work in our programmatic countries. (Bristol or London - UK, Madagascar, Indonesia, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal)

Closing date for applications: 15 May 2025, 12:00 A.M GMT.

Start date: June 2025

Term duration: 3 - 6 years

We rebuild tropical fisheries with coastal communities

Blue Ventures is a marine conservation organization that puts people first. We support coastal fishers in remote and rural communities to rebuild fisheries, restore ocean life and build lasting pathways to prosperity. Our work began two decades ago in Madagascar’s remote coastal communities and is growing globally.

Across a dozen countries, we’re partnering with traditional fishers and community organizations to design, scale, strengthen and sustain fisheries management and conservation at the community level. We bring partners together in networks to advocate for reform, and share tools and best practices to support fishing communities across the globe. 

Summary Terms of Reference

We currently have nine trustees on our board and three established subcommittees. One is tasked with overseeing our People and Culture function, and the other is Finance, Risk, and Audit. We also have a Safeguarding Reporting sub-committee.

We seek a trustee with expertise in data governance, digital oversight, and Data Protection compliance to support Blue Ventures as we scale our digital infrastructure and strengthen our organisational technology capability. This trustee will provide strategic guidance and assurance over our digital transformation, particularly as we implement changes across enterprise resource planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms. The role will also be key in helping to ensure that data governance frameworks uphold compliance, integrity, and ethical standards across all operating regions.

The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act 2018, and practical experience advising on digital risk, cybersecurity, and data architecture in complex, international environments. Experience in the charity or international development sector is welcome but not required.

Experience in governance and compliance oversight relating to the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of core systems across Blue Ventures is key.

Knowledge of Technology, Service and Change best practice frameworks, including ITIL, TOGAF, APM would be an advantage.

Thank you for your interest in joining our board of trustees. Blue Ventures is an award-winning charity working to rebuild coastal fisheries. We are committed to making conservation work for people, demonstrating powerful win-wins for marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.

We have a bold ambition: we’re working to create a world where small-scale fishers have bigger catches, better livelihoods and improved food security, and where healthy oceans teem with life for generations to come.

We are a diverse family of conservation and development professionals. Across 13 countries, our 300+ staff put fishers first. We fight for their rights, support them to fulfil their potential, and supply them with everything they need to manage and protect our oceans in ways that benefit people and nature alike. Our decentralised structure keeps us close to the coastal communities we serve and ensures our work is effective and sustainable.

Blue Ventures is going through rapid and sustained growth and is uniquely positioned to drive impact at scale in the marine conservation sector. We seek new board members to help maintain our commitment to strong and inclusive governance. We are truly committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our global organisation and board and welcome applications from candidates with lived experience in the countries and communities we serve.

If you believe you have what it takes to succeed in this role and share our values and ambitions, we would love to hear from you. You will find more information about the role in the rest of this pack and on our website, along with further information about our work and our plans for the future.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Fiona Holmes
Chair, Board of Trustees
 

Location: Global, preferably in locations that intersect with BV’s work in our programmatic countries. (Bristol or London - UK, Madagascar, Indonesia, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal)

Closing date for applications: 15 May 2025, 12:00 A.M GMT.

Start date: June 2025

Contract duration: 3 - 6 years 

We rebuild tropical fisheries with coastal communities

Blue Ventures is a marine conservation organisation that puts people first. We support coastal fishers in remote and rural communities to rebuild fisheries, restore ocean life and build lasting pathways to prosperity. Our work began two decades ago in Madagascar’s remote coastal communities and is growing globally.

Across a dozen countries, we’re partnering with traditional fishers and community organisations to design, scale, strengthen and sustain fisheries management and conservation at the community level. We bring partners together in networks to advocate for reform and share tools and best practices to support fishing communities across the globe. 

Summary Terms of Reference

We currently have nine trustees on our board and three established subcommittees. One oversees our People and Culture function, one looks after our Finance, Risk, and Audit area, and the other is the Safeguarding Reporting Committee. All three are populated with trustees who are experts in their respective fields.

We are establishing a fourth subcommittee (the programme subcommittee) to address our core mission: supporting coastal communities in rebuilding fisheries and restoring ocean life. Our new trustee will be invited to join one of our subcommittees.

We seek two trustees to join Blue Ventures' Board of Trustees and contribute to the new Programme Committee. This committee provides strategic guidance and oversight of Blue Ventures’ global programme portfolio, helping to ensure its effectiveness, impact, and alignment with our mission to support coastal communities in rebuilding fisheries and restoring ocean life.

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in community-based conservation, small-scale fisheries, environmental governance, and/or international development. As a member of the Programme Committee, you will play a key role in reviewing strategy, assessing performance, monitoring risks, and advising on programme policies. You will act as a thought partner to our executive team and the Board, offering insight, challenge, and support to enable our programmes to grow responsibly, equitably, and with impact.

Our Branch is seeking a new Treasurer for our Committee. We would love to hear from a finance professional with a passion for animal welfare!

About us:

RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid, NE & Lincoln Branch rehabilitates and re-homes animals rescued by the RSPCA's national Inspectors. We also promote responsible pet ownership and hold animal action days such as for microchipping.

We currently run three charity shops and regular fundraising events, to rehabilitate more than 100 animals each year, and help them find their forever home.

Our Branch is extremely passionate with twelve Trustees currently forming the Committee.

We have a very strong financial position, with excellent controls, having had the support of a dedicated Treasurer for over 10 years. We are now looking for her successor and would love to hear from you!

What is involved? 

As a Trustee of an RSPCA Branch you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals. 

Our Treasurer acts as principal financial trustee maintaining and administering the accounts of the branch.

What you can bring to our board:

You will have a professional finance qualification or be working towards one, such as CIMA or ACCA. You will ideally have charity finance experience, such as an understanding of gift aid, charity commission reporting requirements and restricted funds.

You will have experience of using finance software, with Xero experience being particularly desirable as it is our current software. You will also be familiar with how HMRC rules work, i.e., PAYE, Employer’s National Insurance and charity rules in respect of VAT.

Our Treasurer is a key role, with responsibilities to:

• implement and maintain sound financial systems in order to retain full control of branch funds.

• take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and forward plan the branch income and expenditure so that the accounts balance in the long term.

• provide a written financial report for every branch meeting showing the branch’s income and expenditure since the last meeting.

• liaise with auditors/independent examiner regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and treasurer’s report for the AGM, including SORP statement.

• maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee. 

• execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory on all branch cheques, if required.

• make quarterly VAT returns via the Branch’s Xero accounting system.

Working with our Branch Manager, the Treasurer will also: 

• maintain control over all branch debit/credit cards, paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.

• ensure correct responsibility for the branch network of collection boxes.

• arrange payment of the annual branch contribution to the appropriate RSPCA fund.

• coordinate financial control of all branch fundraising activities.

• ensure the retention and safekeeping of all branch financial documentation for the appropriate time as set by the charity commission.

Additionally, in conjunction with your fellow trustees, our Treasurer will:

• conduct regular reviews of the branch accounts and investment portfolio to ensure the best return on branch funds.

• ensure the production, monitoring and annual review of the branch’s financial risk management strategy in accordance with the charity commission’s requirements.

• liaise with Branch officers and Branch Partnership Manager on financial affairs as necessary and alert them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities.

Things to know about the role

You will ideally live and/or work in our branch area in Lincolnshire, UK, to bring local insight to our branch decisions. Our branch covers the city of Lincoln, out to Mablethorpe, Woodhall Spa and Gainsborough, and all the way up to Grimsby. 

We meet monthly as a board, with most of these online but we like to also meet at least 3 times each year in-person, including our AGM, as well as support local fundraising events. 

If you would like an informal chat about the opportunity, please contact the Chair Sophie Easteal or Treasurer Penny Kemp.

Our Trustees need to be or become a member of the RSPCA.