Trustee volunteer roles
Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. As a member of the board of trustees you will be responsible for setting the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. You will use your knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure we achieve our charitable objectives and represents the interests of all stakeholders.
Kidney Research UK has been at the forefront of pioneering research for six decades, investing in talented researchers and funding work that could ultimately lead to a cure. Our work has resulted in vital breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of those affected, changing the future for many kidney patients.
We have made remarkable progress but there is still much to do. The number of people living with kidney failure continues to rise and we must go further to drive innovation and increase investment in renal research. Of course, like so many other charities and organisations we are doing this important work during challenging times.
We have adapted well to the changing world, and we are finding exciting new ways to reach our goals. We know we must rise to the challenge for kidney patients everywhere and we remain determined to grow our income so we can deliver more impact.
Our trustees play a vital role in the governance of Kidney Research UK, which enables and accelerates the impact that we have as an organisation for our patient community. Working closely with your fellow Trustees, the chief executive and wider leadership team, you will be part of a team that guides and oversees the delivery of Kidney Research UK's strategic priorities. We have a number of trustees who are due to retire from their roles during the next 12 months, and we are looking for new trustees to join our board and be part of this exciting transformation.
If this sounds like you and you think you could make a difference, we’d encourage you to review the attached role description below and apply to join our dedicated board of trustees.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Role of our Charity
Our charity mission is to help overcome loneliness and isolation by providing sheltered housing that promotes independence, but where the individual can seek some support to live a healthy lifestyle.
We are a growing and developing Abbeyfield Society who provide excellent rental accommodation in 14 houses across the Wessex region. The aim is to attract older people who can live independently in co-housing and join in with two home cooked meals a day, which are shared with other residents.
The Trustee Role
All our trustees are volunteers who bring a wide range of expertise, knowledge and wisdom to the Board, however as we develop and grow to ensure we have a sustainable future for our residents and keep on top of governance and compliance, we are looking for two new positive trustees with a range of skills and aptitude towards finance or marketing or regulation in the social housing or community engagement and networking with other partners. We want to create a more diverse Board.
Time Commitment
The Board meet in person 4-5 times a year in the Wessex region with interim online meetings including the following subgroups:
Property
Finance
Community Engagement
Operations
To help trustees keep connected with those we serve, we encourage visits to the houses to meet the residents and staff so that quality is always first and foremost
Support and Development
We will provide new trustees with information in an induction with the Chairman and other trustees to help their support and development. This will include:
Understanding the history of Abbeyfield and its core values and ethos
Our Strategy, Financial Plan and Business Plan
The importance of good governance
Safeguarding our residents
Reasonable expenses for travel to meetings will be paid and accommodation costs i.e. for conferences, visits to properties, etc
You can help us to make a real difference with our excellent senior management team and contribute to the charity’s strategy and mission. We are looking for people with a positive outlook on providing the very best accommodation and support for older people to make their lives as special as we can.
Application instructions
If you would like more information before making a formal application, please do contact our Central Office or email us. We would be pleased to share more with you and then provide the necessary documents for you to complete.
Application timeline: Applications will be received up until 31st December 2025
You can find out more about Abbeyfield Wessex on our website.
Please submit your CV/ Covering Letter to our email address which can be found on our website, or contact us for an application form.
YMCA Brighton are seeking to recruit volunteer trustees to join our experienced Board, who oversee our organisation's governance, compliance, reach and impact. We value equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from everyone, but to fully reflect our client group and the local population, we’re particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise in: Finance, Housing, Health/ Mental Health and/or have lived experience of homelessness and we are keen to broaden the diversity of our Board in terms of ethnicity.
YMCA Brighton is a registered charity. We provide supported accommodation to over 300 people across the city of Brighton alongside our EVOLVE Work and Learning Service.
Our Mission - We provide the home, the community and the services that equip people to overcome barriers and achieve their aims
Our Vision - Working together to create an inclusive community where everyone can belong, contribute and thrive
Our Values - Community, Compassion and Empowerment
Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that YMCA Brighton achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that YMCA Brighton has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the leadership team to enable YMCA Brighton to grow and thrive, and through this achieve our mission to support homeless people of all ages to discover their potential and feel inspired to achieve aspirations and live life to its fullest.
Duties of a Volunteer Trustee:
• Support and provide advice on YMCA Brighton's purpose, vision, goals and activities
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation
• Oversee YMCA Brighton's financial plans and budgets, and monitor and evaluate progress
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively
• Review and approve YMCA Brighton's financial statements
• Provide support and challenge to YMCA Brighton's CEO and Leadership Team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs
• Keep abreast of changes in YMCA Brighton's operating environment
• Contribute to regular reviews of YMCA Brighton's own governance.
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions
• Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect YMCA Brighton's interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests
• Contribute to the broader promotion of YMCA Brighton's objectives, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts
If you share our values and have the passion and drive to help us achieve our vision. We would love to hear from you by submitting your CV and Cover letter expressing your interest by the closing date on Thursday, 15th January 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
BLUE SMILE - CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
Founded in 2010, Blue Smile is a Cambridgeshire charity supporting children aged 3-13 to manage big feelings, process difficult emotions, overcome anxieties and build resilience.
Blue Smile's mission is to transform the mental health and life chances of Cambridgeshire children through arts-based therapies, supporting over 200 children a week in the region’s schools, providing one-to-one therapy and groupwork. We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.
CHAIR OF TRUSTEES ROLE
As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and governance to ensure that Blue Smile fulfils its charitable objectives. You will lead the Board in an inclusive way, promoting collaborative working and provide support and challenge to the Charity Director.
This role is vital to ensuring the charity operates in accordance with the law, delivers public benefit, and remains financially and strategically sustainable.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN OUR NEW CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
Our new Chair of Trustees will:
• Have board level experience as Chair, Non-executive or Trustee.
• Show a strong understanding of governance, strategy and the legal duties of a charity trustee.
• Be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to build a collaborative environment.
• Demonstrate a passion for improving children’s mental health and wellbeing which aligns with the charity’s values and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
TIME COMMITMENT
- Six meetings a year, including one as the AGM and an annual strategy day. Board meetings are currently held online.
- Monthly scheduled meeting with the Charity Director with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
- Ad hoc/occasional support through working groups and to the wider Blue Smile team.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
- The Chair is appointed for a 5 year term of office, renewable for 1 further term to a maximum of 10 years in line with Blue Smile’s Articles of Association.
- This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
TO APPLY
If you would like to be part of a welcoming and well-respected charity, please send your CV and a covering letter, outlining your interest and suitability for the role. We will be recruiting on a rolling basis so please do get in touch soon!
Blue Smile is committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Safeguarding is central to all Blue Smile activities, and we recognise that the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk, is paramount and that all have equal rights of protection. We have a duty of care when they are in our charge, and we will do everything we can to provide a safe and caring environment whilst they attend our activities.
We are committed to safer recruitment and trustees will be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Hummingbird Project – Recruitment of two trustees to join the Board of Trustees
The Hummingbird Project is looking for two trustees with lived experience of displacement to join the Board of Trustees.
About the Hummingbird Project
The Hummingbird Project supports young people from a refugee background, many of whom arrived in the UK as unaccompanied children. We also actively campaign for the rights and protection of young refugees at a local and national level. We are based in Brighton and we work across East and West Sussex.
Trustee recruitment
As part of our work, we acknowledge the importance of building a Board of Trustees that has lived experience of the issues that our young people face in the UK. We are looking for two new trustees to join us who have lived experience of the asylum process and of being a refugee.
The Board of Trustees guides the organisation, making sure its mission, vision and core principles are applied. The Board is responsible for the organisation’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation and financial management.
This is an exciting opportunity to help lead the Hummingbird Project in the next phase of its development, and to use your skills and experience to make a lasting difference to the lives of the young people from a refugee background.
Commitment to the role
The Board of Trustees meets five times a year in a hybrid format, and we request a commitment to these meetings. We value trustees who invest in the charity’s mission between those meetings, whenever possible, for example by joining and contributing to subcommittee work, supporting ad hoc working groups and supporting the team to face emerging challenges.
We provide training on trustee roles and responsibilities at the start. Please note that the role is voluntary, but we can cover travel expenses.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thames Rivers Trust is looking for a new Trustee.
We are especially interested in people with a scientific background, ideally in Freshwater Ecology, Environmental Biology,
Environmental Science, Aquatic Conservation or Zoology.
We are looking to increase our Trustee Board's diversity and skillsets; strengthening TRT for a resilient future and supporting our mission to bring together organisations across the Thames River Basin, and foster collaborative working to benefit the environment, wildlife and communities.
This voluntary role is open to all qualifying individuals, including those with no previous Board or Trustee experience. We are looking for potential not perfection, we are happy to consider someone at the beginning of their career as well as seasoned professionals. If you will add value, we want your expertise to help achieve our vision!
Our Mission To bring together organisations across the Thames River Basin, and foster collaborative working to benefit the environment, wildlife and communities.
Our Vision Our vision is for a vibrant and healthy Thames River Basin.
Our Values Independence, Evidence-based, Sustainability, Trustworthy.
Who are we? TRT is a registered charity founded in 1986 and is part of The Rivers Trust movement. We are a Hub Trust for the Thames catchment, with our Key Partners we are dedicated to improving the Thames and its tributaries for the benefit of wildlife, communities and the environment. Rivers are vital, we all need cold, clean and plentiful water to thrive; for communities, for business, for farming and for a wealth of wildlife species; yet our rivers are facing a multitude of serious threats and challenges. Together we and our partners are striving at many levels to preserve and improve rivers now and for the future in the Thames catchment. TRT is committed to developing a collaborative, partnership approach that maximises the benefits of public, private and third sector organisations working together with communities to deliver integratedoutcomes. Our most recent flagship project was the successful Thames Catchment Community Eels Project, led by TRT this pilot project worked closely with 3 fellow rivers trusts, Zoological Society of London and Thames Estuary Partnership to strategically identify priority barriers for works to make migration upstream possible for the critically endangered European eel, trial a new citizen science ObstacEELS, monitor elver migration and run extensive hands on community and school eel education outreach. The project has led on to an exciting upscaled National Lottery Heritage Fund funded phase 2 project Development Phase, that is about to start! TRT is the convening body for the Thames Catchment Forum. This interactive regional forum brings together 27 catchment partnership hosts within the Thames for shared learning and development, themed panel discussions, expert guest speakers and Water Frame Directive updates from Thames Water and the Environment Agency, looking at issues and proposing solutions. TRT works in partnership, leading our Key Partners group of 11 organisations that through the group are more informed to do more and better from mutual trust and openness, sharing their specialist knowledge and expertise. This leads to development of strong, evidence-based projects at scale to improve Thames rivers and educate and involve local communities. Together we achieve more, increasing our positive impact sooner.
What is a Trustee? Charity Trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. This involves the Board of Trustees making decisions together, acting in the interests of the charity. Some charity trustees see their role as turning up to 4 meetings a year, but engaged trustees do a lot more than that. A Trustee might support a specific project’s development, attend events to network and represent TRT, have oversight of an area of TRT work that aligns with a trustee’s particular specialism and interest. Our Trustees use their skills, knowledge and experience to support TRT, helping the charity achieve its aims. Trustees also often learn new skills during their time on the Board.
What are we looking for? An applicant with a scientific background, ideally in Freshwater Ecology, Environmental Biology, Environmental Science, Aquatic Conservation or Zoology. A strong interest in the environment is essential and an interest in or knowledge of the Thames Catchment would be beneficial; in addition, do you possess any of the following skills or qualities? • Fundraising • Legal • A willingness to participate in discussions and decision making. If yes and you have time to commit to a growing and ambitious charity that is looking to develop and deliver more, we want to hear from you!
Our board of Trustees meets up quarterly in person, during the day in London and Reading. In between these meetings Trustees are in touch regularly with our small, but dedicated team. Time commitment is flexible, in addition to meetings, an average of 2 hours per month to read papers and participate in TRT business. Our Key Partners – Action for the River Kennet, Thames21, South East Rivers Trust, River Thame Conservation Trust, Cotswolds Rivers Trust, Crane Valley Community Interest Company, Zoological Society of London, Thames Estuary Partnership, Freshwater Habitats Trust, Thames Landscape Strategy and UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. TRT values its Trustees and their contributions and will offer support and guidance to all new Trustees. The role of a Trustee is a voluntary one, however the Trust provides indemnity insurance for Trustees and reasonable expenses incurred on authorised Trust business will be reimbursed. Application To find out more about us visit our website. The deadline for applications is midnight 31st December 2025. Please apply with your CV or an application letter.
To bring together organisations across the Thames River Basin, and foster collaborative working to benefit the environment, wildlife and communities.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Make a difference in Kent by joining our team of trustees!
Kent Community Foundation (KCF) is looking for individuals to join our Board of Trustees who have a real passion for our county and want to make a demonstrable difference to the lives of people in our communities.
KCF is a professional grant-maker and local philanthropy advisor for Kent and Medway. We have been established for 24 years; distributing more than £60 million in grants to voluntary sector organisations across the county; supporting small charities to be sustainable and successful, and helping major donors maximise the impact of their donations.
Trustees are the volunteers who lead charities and decide how they are run; setting strategic plans, monitoring the performance, impact and sustainability of the charity and overseeing its governance. People of any age and background can be a trustee, and we're looking for people with specific experience to help us support communities in Kent. We are particularly interested in applications from people who are typically under-represented on trustee boards.
We have a comprehensive trustee induction programme, so if you have never been a trustee or on a board before, we will ensure you have all the knowledge and support you need.
Trustee: Desirable skills
We are looking for applicants to have one or more of the following:
· Lived experience of the communities we work with and the issues which arise in our county
· Experience of grant making; either as a philanthropist, grant maker or grant applicant
· Experience in working with or within social enterprises
· Experience in communications and PR
· A background in socio/economics, or connections with education in that field
· Knowledge of, and experience in promoting diversity, equality and inclusion
· Professional experience or active interest in technology, digital communications and AI
· Long term connections and networks with any of our stakeholder groups in Kent; such as philanthropists, businesses owners, key voluntary sector influencers
We hope to recruit up to three new trustees with different experience to offer, who can give some of their time and expertise to help KCF continue to grow and develop. We have four in-person Board meetings a year, and trustees also sit on at least one of our sub-committees, which meet two to four times a year (often remotely). There are also occasional events trustees are invited to attend to promote and engage with our work.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of WHY, setting our direction and strategy, and ensuring we build strong foundations for continued impact.
The Board has identified specific skills that would greatly benefit WHY at this time:
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A trustee with clinical experience in counselling or therapy
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A trustee with accountancy or financial expertise
Trustees are appointed for an initial four-year term, with members typically serving up to three terms for continuity. The Board meets six times per year. In addition, trustees are encouraged to take on responsibilities, actively support staff, and participate in events.
We Hear You (WHY) is a local cancer charity providing free and low-cost professional counselling and therapy to children, young people and adults affected by cancer and other life- threatening conditions in Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset and Wiltshire.
Our mission is to provide therapeutic support for children, families, and individuals affected by cancer and life-threatening conditions.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Barnet Mencap is a thriving medium-sized charity for people with learning disabilities and people with autism and their family carers.
We are looking for people who are interested in making a contribution to their local community. Do you have skills to offer a local charity that could make an impact and improve and change people’s lives?
As a voluntary trustee you would be part of a dynamic and dedicated team that focuses on the strategic direction and governance of the charity and become an ambassador for Barnet Mencap.
We are looking to strengthen our team by recruiting additional trustees. Expertise in one or more of the following areas would be particularly welcome, though not essential if you are the right candidate:
· Legal
· Finance
· Education
· Fundraising
· Marketing
Applications would be most welcome from younger people, people from an ethnic minority and people with an interest in learning disabilities.
If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ray Booth, Chief Executive.
An Enhanced DBS check will be required for successful applicants.
Barnet Mencap is the leading charity for children and adults with a learning disability and their families in the London Borough of Barnet



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
WMDAS is a charity, part funded by the Welsh Government and is accredited by Driving Mobility. Referrals are accepted from individuals, DVLA, Motability and numerous other organisations. Our purpose is to offer disabled drivers and passengers of all ages specialist advice and assessments to find solutions for their outdoor mobility.
We are looking for people who may be considering taking their first step in a trustee role or may have been involved with trusteeship previously. Our trustees bring their skills, energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and play a vital role in making sure that the Wales Mobility & Driving Assessment Service (WMDAS) achieves its core purpose.
They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure WMDAS has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Board members act as a group and have a collective responsibility to support and challenge the management team to enable WMDAS to grow and thrive and through this achieve our mission.
Trustee Duties are to:
· Support and provide advice on the WMDAS purpose, vision, goals and activities
· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation
· Oversee the WMDAS financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress
· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
· Review and approve the WMDAS financial statements.
· Keep abreast of changes in the WMDAS operating environment.
· Contribute to regular reviews of the WMDAS own governance. Attend Board meetings adequately prepared to contribute to discussions
· Contribute to the broader promotion of the WMDAS objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
Trustees are: Willing and able to understand and accept responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation. Effective communicators who participate effectively in discussion. Enthusiastic for our vision and mission
Time Commitment: There are 3 or 4 board meetings annually plus an Annual General Meeting. Currently meetings are held remotely via Zoom or in person at our mobility centre in Cardiff if possible, additionally trustees are available via email as required.
This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
WMDAS exists to provide impartial and professional advice to help elderly & disabled people to remain independently mobile outdoors.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
As Treasurer and Director/Trustee, you will oversee financial governance, ensure compliance with charity regulations and provide strategic financial guidance to the board. Main tasks include overseeing the production of regular financial reports and the charity’s annual audited accounts, settling and managing budgets and otherwise collaborating with the charity’s financial controller.
This part-time (estimated to average over a year at around 8 hours per month) voluntary position will require attending regular board and finance committee meetings and regular and ad-hoc meetings or other contacts with the charity’s financial controller.
Qualifications
• Proficiency in financial management, budget planning and financial reporting
• Knowledge of charity regulations and the Charities SORP is desirable
• Familiarity with fundraising, donor engagement or financial software is a plus
• Experience in a senior finance role or as a treasurer/trustee is also desirable
• A commitment to the values and mission of The Avenues Youth Project is essential
If interested in this role, please send your CV and a two-page letter explaining your interest and suitability.
Closing date for applications is 31 December 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
PDA Society are excited to share that we are looking for 2 new Trustees to join our board.
Trustees play a key role in providing strategic direction, oversight, and support to ensure that the PDA Society continues to grow sustainably and deliver real impact for the community we serve.
Following the retirement of two Trustees we’re keen to broaden the range of skills and experiences represented. Our work is guided by people with lived experience, and our Board of Trustees plays a central role in shaping our strategy and ensuring that our values are embedded across everything we do.
Appointments are made on merit, and we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive Board that truly reflects the communities we serve.
We particularly welcome applications from anyone who has experienced marginalisation due to their race or religion, as these voices are currently underrepresented on our Board.
This is a voluntary position, and Trustees are not remunerated, although reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for an initial 3-year term.
Our mission is to improve the lives of PDA children, PDA adults and their families. We are working hard to build awareness and understanding.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
** We are seeking Trustees for the Beacon Academy Trust**
Beacon Multi Academy Trust (BMAT) is a medium sized MAT with over 3500 students and a staff body of 460 and we believe that every young person deserves the best education possible. Working together, our mission is to raise standards in education to ensure that each and every student reaches their full potential.
We are currently seeking Trustees to join the BMAT Board and contribute to the strategic leadership and governance of the Trust
The Role of a Trustee
As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in:
- Setting the strategic direction of the Trust and holding executive leaders to account
- Overseeing financial performance and ensuring resources are used effectively
- Championing safeguarding, inclusion, and wellbeing across all schools
- Ensuring compliance with statutory duties and promoting high standards of education
We welcome applications from individuals with expertise in:
- Education, finance, law, HR, audit, risk, or organisational leadership
- Strategic planning and performance oversight
- Community engagement and stakeholder relations
About Beacon Multi Academy Trust
BMAT comprises:
- Beal High School – England’s largest secondary school, with over 2,700 students and a thriving Sixth Form
- BBIH – A specialist alternative provision for 12–19-year-olds, offering tailored academic and vocational pathways
- The Forest Academy – A medium-sized secondary school with co-located Sixth Form and ASD provision
- NELTA SCITT – A nationally recognised teacher training provider offering QTS, PGCE, and Degree Apprenticeships
Our schools are deeply embedded in their communities, and our governance model reflects this. Trustees provide strategic oversight across the Trust, while Local Governing Bodies focus on school-level priorities and community engagement.
Commitment and Support
Trustees attend three formal board meetings per year, with additional opportunities to engage in strategic planning, school visits, and development sessions. A full induction programme is provided, including:
- Role-specific training
- Peer mentoring
- Access to governance resources via the National Governance Association
- Ongoing professional development
If you are passionate about improving educational outcomes and want to make a strategic impact in your community, we would be delighted to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Get on board, join our Trustees.
The Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) is a unique non-profit organisation that works with affected communities to pursue innovative legal actions across borders, challenging states and other powerful actors involved with systemic injustice. Our vision is justice across borders. We have a Board of seven passionate and knowledgable Trustees. We are looking to expand this with up to three new appointments.
ABOUT THE ROLE As a trustee, you will: Contribute to the strategic direction and governance of the charity. Ensure we remain true to our mission and comply with legal and financial responsibilities. Bring your skills, experience, and perspective to strengthen our board KEY REQUIREMENTS We are particularly keen to hear from: Those with lived experience of the kinds of harms GLAN aims to tackle, to ensure we are amplifying voices of those too often excluded, and to support our work addressing systemic injustices in a meaningful way. Black and Brown candidates who bring knowledge of, or have strong connections to, the Global South/Global Majority. Experience in movement building and strengthening civil society alliances. Candidates who bring expertise in the areas of Impact measurement, Fundraising or Marketing Candidates that will support GLAN to meet an increasingly challenging operating environment in terms of external risks and fundraising. Candidates who share GLAN’s values and can evidence a commitment to decolonial practice and anti-racism Candidates who are fully supportive of GLAN’s ambition to create an environment where employees have a strong, collective voice in matters affecting their work and wellbeing
RLS is seeking to recruit up to four new Trustees to join our Board from early 2026. We are looking for individuals who share our values and bring passion, perspective, and a commitment to supporting our mission.
We are particularly looking for new trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas: UK legal aid, the Greek immigration and asylum system, fundraising, HR, communications, or financial oversight. We value lived experience of the asylum or immigration system and encourage applications from those who can bring this perspective to our work.
About RLS
RLS is an international legal support organisation, with operations in Greece, the UK and Northern France. We are registered in both the UK and Greece, reflecting our international scope and impact.
We’re committed to ensuring access to justice through expert legal information and advice to people seeking safety and family reunification. Our casework is a tool to tackle individual and systemic injustice in immigration systems. We strive to develop inclusive, sustainable and regenerative ways of working which are directly informed by those with lived migration experience. We support the global movement that fights entrenched inequalities, racism and other forms of discrimination that force people to migrate. In doing so we recognise that immigration systems are weighted against those forced to migrate and stand in opposition to hostile policies, along with all forms of violence against people compelled to migrate.
We continuously think and challenge ourselves in how we develop our anti-racist practice and empower refugee leadership. We recognise that climate justice and migrant struggles are interconnected and view our work through this lens.
To get a fuller picture of our financial health and impact, have a look at our most recent accounts on the charity commission website. (Refugee Legal Support, Charity number: 1191680)
Equality, Inclusion and Representation
RLS is committed to ensuring that our governance reflects the communities we serve. We strongly welcome applications from:
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People with lived experience of migration, displacement or the asylum system
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Black people and people from minoritised ethnic communities
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LGBTQ+ people
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Disabled people
You do not need to have previous board experience. We are committed to supporting new Trustees with a full induction and training.
What Trustees Do
As a Trustee of RLS, you will:
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Attend four Board meetings each year (hybrid)
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Provide strategic direction and oversight of the charity’s activities
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Support and hold the Executive Director accountable
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Review and approve budgets, policies and risk management
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Join at least one Board committee (Finance, Risk, Casework or HR), which may involve additional meetings
If you join as a Finance Trustee, you will also:
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Review monthly management accounts and annual budgets
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Provide advice on financial controls and strategic financial planning
Skills and Experience We Are Looking For
All Trustees should bring:
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A strong commitment to our mission and values
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Good judgment and the ability to work collectively
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Energy and enthusiasm for our work and an interest in using their skills to contribute to our organisation
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A willingness to learn and support others
We are particularly seeking individuals with any of the following:
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UK legal aid experience under an immigration contract
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Knowledge of the Greek immigration and asylum system
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Fundraising, philanthropy or communications expertise
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HR and people management experience
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Financial oversight and planning experience (for Finance Trustee role)
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Knowledge of charity governance and risk
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Legal background (especially refugee, immigration, or human rights law)
Time Commitment
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Approx. 8 hours per month
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Board meetings held quarterly (a mix of in-person and online)
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Participation in one subcommittee
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Ad hoc support via email or calls, as needed
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Initial term of three years, renewable once
Location
Our board is UK-based, with some trustees based in London. We welcome applicants from across the UK, and will support remote attendance at meetings where needed. Trustees may occasionally be invited to attend events or team meetings in London, though this is not essential.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

