Trustees Volunteer Roles
Voluntary role
Responsible to: Chair of Trustees
Base: the Board works remotely
Main Responsibilities and Duties
• Ensure that SEED and its representatives function within all legal and regulatory frameworks continually striving for best practice in governance.
· Comply with SEED’s Code of Conduct and policies, providing leadership on its value base and organisational behaviour, including safeguarding, human resources and financial management.
· Work alongside fellow Trustees and the Senior Management Team in developing SEED’s strategic direction, promoting and developing this through good governance and clear strategic planning. To evaluate progress made towards achieving the strategic objectives.
• Ensure that SEED operates within its Charitable Objectives and organisational strategy in order that its work remains focussed and makes the greatest impact to those it serves.
• Actively contribute to the development of SEED’s business plan, monitoring and evaluating performance against agreed objectives.
• Prepare for and participate fully in board meetings reviewing all reports coming to these meetings.
• To undertake training when required.
• Use any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board of Trustees reach quick and sound decisions and participate in sub-committees.
· Support the recruitment of senior staff and offer on-going support and monitoring of their work.
· Assist in the recruitment, on-boarding and support of new Trustees when required.
· Act reasonably in decision making and leadership of the organisation and manage risks with a considered, proportionate and balanced approach.
· Maintain sound financial management of SEED’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisations’ objects and that assets are protected and managed to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
· Act as a counter-signatory on charity cheques and any applications for funds.
· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of SEED including having appropriate policies and procedures in place. These policies and procedures are reviewed and signed off by the Trustee Board.
· Ensure that SEED has robust safeguarding policy and procedures in place and that safeguarding is embedded across the organisation
· Safeguard the good name and reputation of SEED, acting in the best interest of the charity, staff and beneficiaries at all times.
· Promote the work of SEED externally seeking opportunities that might further the work and visibility of the Charity.
· Support the Managing Director in leading the Charity, providing advice and practical help and participating in their annual evaluation.
· Maintain absolute confidentiality about all sensitive or confidential information received through carrying out the duties of a Trustee.
· Remain open and accessible to SEED’s staff through occasional communication and site visits.
Accountability:
As a Trustee you are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity and are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders including: service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House.
SEED Trustees should uphold the fiduciary duty required of all charity trustees to act in the best interests of both current and future beneficiaries of the charity, being held personally liable for any breach of that duty.
Support regarding this is given by fellow Trustees, the Managing Director and the Senior Management team.
Required skills & experience:
The successful applicant will:
• Demonstrate a passion for and sound knowledge of development and/or conservation issues facing least developed countries such as Madagascar.
• Demonstrate sound knowledge and keen interest in at least one of SEED’s core areas (community health; sustainable livelihoods; environmental conservation) or in a key functional area (management, finance, marketing).
• Have a reasonable level of understanding of legal, financial, audit and other regulatory requirements of a charity, ideally through experience as a trustee.
• Show commitment to SEED and have sufficient time and willingness to contribute effectively to board proceedings and sub committee work.
• Be able to make quick and sound decisions based on an analysis of information presented to them.
• Have the confidence to both advocate for or challenge ideas and can remain independent of any influence from other organisations or individuals.
• Be able to work effectively as a member of a team and independently.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED’s Code of Conduct and values and be a good ambassador for the organisation at all times.
• Demonstrate the ability, social skills and confidence to give clear guidance and support to other Trustees or members of staff in respect of the philosophy and procedures of SEED in order to protect the reputation of the NGO.
• Be able to work to and advocate for all of SEED’s policies and procedures, working within SEED’s Code of Conduct, safeguarding those that SEED works with and reporting any concerns appropriately.
• Have empathy with those living and working in a developing country with the ability and desire to work with teams from different economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Have excellent listening and verbal communication skills and a flexible and patient attitude.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Raising Futures Kenya supports young people in Kenya to become self-reliant and live free from poverty, through technical vocational training and business skills courses, and specialised support such as counselling.
We are looking for three new Trustees to join our UK Board. We are a small, award-winning charity who are actively shifting power to our Kenyan partner NGO. With three Trustees coming to the end of their term this year we are looking for skilled, enthusiast, committed individuals who are passionate about what we do, to become part of our Trustee team.
We are specifically looking for the following roles on our Board;
- Chair of Trustees
- Secretary to Board
- Someone who has experience in either corporate networking, partnership development, mental health and wellbeing, HR or in technical vocational training and entrepreneurship/business skills training.
Passion for our work is our number one recruitment factor though so please do get in touch if you have other skills to offer.
We are in Year 2 of our 5 year Strategic Plan, where the focus is on shifting the decision making power to our partner NGO in Kenya. Ultimately our long-term goal is to not be needed, but we realise the funding landscape is a long way off that at the moment.
As one of our Trustees you'll be part of an award-winning small charity who is leading the way in ethical development, primarily by actively shifting power and decision making to our incredible partner NGO in Kenya. We're a small charity but we definitely have a big impact and want to share our learning and knowledge with other NGOs who want to follow the same path of shifting power. We don't just talk about what we want to do, we get it done.
Please see the three detailed role descriptions on our website for more information about our charity and what the role entails. We look forward to hearing from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Debt Justice is looking for a Treasurer to support our board to meet our financial responsibilities. Debt Justice is a UK based campaigning organisation that challenges poverty and inequality caused by unjust debt. In solidarity with global allies, we actively challenge the way that debt is used to sustain colonialism and exploitation in the global economy. At the same time, we use a community organising approach to build the collective power of people with lived experience of debt in local communities across the UK. Our local groups bring people on the frontlines of economic injustice together to lead campaigns and win systemic change to tackle the household debt crisis.
As the Treasurer, you will play a key role in helping us fulfil our mission. You will also benefit from:
· Opportunities to make strategic decisions and develop new skills
· The chance to support an economic justice organisation campaigning in solidarity with people affected by debt in local communities and in the global south.
· Induction and training to help you in your role as Treasurer, including a nominated trustee-buddy to provide peer-support
We are committed to equity, justice, diversity and inclusion across our work and this includes taking measures to support your application and your ability to participate in board meetings, including but not limited to:
· Any travel or childcare costs reimbursed
· The option of joining board meetings remotely
· Discussing your accessibility needs and making reasonable adjustments as needed
Experience of being a Treasurer is not essential. We are looking for someone who has skills in financial management and there is no requirement of any knowledge of campaigning, advocacy or communications. If you are interested in becoming a Treasurer for the first time, we'd be happy to talk to you about what it involves to help you make up your mind.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of background. We recognise that people face systemic oppression based on factors including their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and disability and therefore we have a responsibility to centre anti-oppression in our work. We also recognise that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented in this sector and we are committed to addressing this in whatever way we can.
To express our commitment to achieving a more diverse board, we are aiming for 50% non-male board membership and 15% people of colour. We would particularly like to encourage applications from women and non-binary people, people of colour, people who identify as LGTBQIA, people with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions and people who identify as working class or have done in the past.
If you are not sure whether to apply, please get in touch and we would be more than happy to have a chat and answer any questions you may have.
Please view the recruitment pack for full details of the role.
To apply for the role please submit your CV with a letter of interest of no more than 2 pages, Your cover letter should demonstrate how you meet the requirements under the four headings in the person specification and confirm that you are eligible to act as a charity trustee.
Please send your CV and cover letter by 9am on Monday 29 April. Interviews will take place on zoom on Friday 10 May. We can provide funds for childcare if this is needed to enable candidates to attend an interview.
The Chair of Debt Justice’s Board is available to answer any questions about the role so please get in touch with us, we’d love to have a conversation with you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join our team as a Village Service Trust Trustee today...
Are you an energetic, inspired and dedicated individual looking to further your experience in the non-profit sector? Are you interested in working in partnership with local organisations in Tamil Nadu, south India to improve the living standards and reduce poverty and discrimination for marginalised communities. Then apply to join the Village Service Trust board of Trustees!
Who we are:
Village Service Trust is a small volunteer-run charity supporting partner organisations in Tamil Nadu, south India. Since our founding in 1976 we have worked with a number of incredibly impactful partners mostly in Theni District. We have worked with some of our partners for decades and we focus on small but stable long-term financial support. Our partners seek to improve livelihoods and social justice through rights-based programmes with rural women, Dalit children and tribal people. Our priority areas have evolved over time to reflect the most pressing challenges our partners see on the ground in the communities they work in.
The role:
This is an unpaid role. Reasonable expenses can be claimed.
We are looking for up to three Trustees to join our small friendly charity board. Trustees volunteer their time to govern the charity in compliance with the law. Trustees ensure that our charity work is always being conducted for public benefit, our resources are managed responsibly, and that we are always holding ourselves accountable to our regulators, supporters and beneficiaries.
We hold meetings every three months, usually remotely but with the occasional in-person gathering and at a minimum a commitment to prepare for and attend most meetings is required.
As an organisation reliant on voluntary efforts by our Trustees and occasional volunteers we would also welcome additional support, particularly in the areas outlined below. Deeper involvement in the work of the trust is greatly appreciated.
What we are looking for:
Whether you’re an experienced trustee, or someone looking for your first board role, we want to hear from you. This is a chance to join a committed team in their endeavours to make a contribution to a more equal and just world.
We are particularly interested in recruiting people who could bring experience of fundraising and communications, including digital methods.
Essential
· The time and energy to be an effective trustee and support the strategic development of Village Service Trust.
· Commitment to the mission, vision and values of Village Service Trust.
· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.
· Ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team.
· Basic technology skills: word processing, excel, emails, video calls etc
Nice-to-haves
· Fundraising experience
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Digital skills such as social media and website upkeep
· Impact measurement and reporting
· Accounting
· Experience or knowledge of India
· Proficiency in Tamil
Please note: we welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds and geographical locations
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives have been shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, we first helped people fleeing violence and persecution in Europe find safety in the United States.
Today, we work in over 50 crisis-affected countries, bringing ingenuity, fortitude and optimism to making a lasting impact for the people we serve. We arrive at the onset of crisis and aim to stay as long as we are needed. We also help refugees and other vulnerable people integrate into their new communities across dozens of cities in Europe and the Americas.
The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.
IRC UK
IRC UK is a registered charity in the UK and forms part of the IRC’s global network. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England.
IRC UK Board of Trustees
Members of our Board of Trustees are the charity’s Trustees and act as company directors. They are responsible for overall good governance of IRC UK in accordance with the provisions of relevant legislation and guidance, including the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.
The primary focus of the Board is on furthering IRC UK’s charitable purposes as set out in the Articles of Association, and in turn growing and improving the support that IRC clients receive. To this end, Board members work closely with IRC UK’s leaders in setting strategic direction in areas such as fundraising, advocacy, communication, people and culture, and also technical oversight of UK programmes. They also work with leaders across the IRC global network who are responsible for delivery of our international programmes. Staff may seek advice and support from Trustees on subjects where they have expertise.
Being a Trustee of IRC UK requires you to:
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- Fulfil the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee and act in accordance with these to ensure good governance of the organisation.
- Use your specific experience and skills to provide the Board with strategic advice and guidance and lead discussions on areas relating to your expertise.
- Support the IRC UK Senior Management team and Executive Director.
- Work with fellow Trustees to oversee implementation of the organisation’s strategy.
- Support IRC UK with regard to its Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Strategy, including by holding management and staff to account in delivering on its ambitions and by committing to the Board’s own GEDI action plan.
- Engage meaningfully with the IRC clients through, for example, attending events with our clients in the UK or travel to international programmes.
- Promote the organisation externally – attend/contribute to social events, meetings with donors, and supporters.
In terms of time commitment, Trustees are required to:
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- Prepare for, attend, and participate fully in at least three Board meetings per year, plus one development meeting.
- Participate in at least one Board Committee, and as such prepare for, attend, and participate fully in at least three Committee meetings per year.
Board members may serve up to two three-year terms. At the recommendation of the People & Culture Committee, the Board may vote to keep a Board Member (who wishes to stay) for a third term of one or maximum two years. All board members must rotate off the board after eight years.
Skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for
The Board places an emphasis on ensuring that our Trustees provide a mix of skills, knowledge and experience (including lived experience) that are important to the charity’s objectives and activities. All new Trustees receive a full induction programme and training to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities, including with respect to safeguarding and Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
We are seeking up to three Trustees to join the Board as several current trustees come to the end of their terms. The roles are unpaid, however reasonable expenses are reimbursed in line with IRC UK’s Expenses Policy.
We are seeking Trustees with strong general governance and management experience, through, for example, membership of other Boards or in senior positions in other organisations (non-profit, public or private). The successful candidate(s) will have:
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- The objectivity and ability to decision-make independently and influence accordingly;
- Ability to communicate complex information to members of the board and other stakeholders;
- Ability to work collaboratively with others; and
- An interest and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to successfully deliver this role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
PURPOSE: As Treasurer, you will support the strategic leadership of KHT through overseeing the management of all financial activity and controls. You will report on the organisation’s financial situation at regular trustee meetings.
LOCATION: Homebased with some travel to London for meetings.
TIME COMMITMENT: Estimated to be 1-2 hours per week, comprised of 1) trustee meetings which are held three times a year and last approximately 3 hours each, 2) 1-3 hours per month to support the successful financial running of the organisation and 3) 25 – 30 hours per annum to review the draft annual budget and statutory financial statements for approval by the Board.
RENUMERATION: travel expenses available
ABOUT US
The Karen Hilltribe Trust (KHT) has worked with Karen communities in Northern Thailand for the past three decades. Northern Thailand is an area that has seen little development over the years and the Karen are one of the most socially deprived and discriminated groups in the whole of Thailand. Our mission is to partner with Karen communities to improve their health, livelihoods, and access to education. By taking a holistic approach to the complex socio-economic issues at hand, we aim to achieve sustainable change by empowering Karen communities to improve their own lives.
We would be interested to hear from you if you are:
• A qualified accountant (or an individual qualified through experience),
• Experience of finance in the charity sector preferred. Ideally a candidate who understands the challenges of managing income and expenditure across various countries and has a good working knowledge of charity law and charity accounting requirements.
• Flexible around time spend and available at regular intervals throughout the year
• Interested in the work that our organisation does and interested in joining a small friendly team of committed Trustees.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.