Trustee volunteer roles

Are you passionate about the power of the arts to transform lives and do you have experience in one of the following: the arts, therapeutic arts, management, governance, EDI, the charity sector, developing partnerships, fundraising or safeguarding?

Talitha Arts is seeking volunteers to join the organisation as Trustees. We currently have five Trustees, with backgrounds encompassing human resources, finance, creative arts, coaching, and leadership. We are seeking trustees who would be interested in one or more of the following roles: Chair, Secretary, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, Fundraising and/or Safeguarding.

Our Trustees meet formally four times a year; twice in person in London, Bethnal Green, and twice by video-conference. This is a volunteer position, and all reasonable expenses, including accessibility needs, travel and childcare will be reimbursed.

Who are We?

Talitha Arts is creative arts charity that delivers therapeutic arts workshops that benefit the mental health and wellbeing of those who have experienced trauma (through trafficking, living with dementia, domestic and sexual abuse, homelessness) and/or are living with mental health problems, addiction or disability. We are a small team comprising our Artistic Director (Executive), Fundraiser, and Therapeutic Arts Programme Manager.

Our Mission

We aim to use the power of the therapeutic arts to enable transformation in those in need of mental health support.

Our Vision

To empower all individuals and communities by providing excellent and bespoke therapeutic arts workshops that promote better mental health and well-being, enabling people to reach their full potential.

Equal Opportunities

At Talitha Arts we are committed to creating and supporting an inclusive environment and to celebrate diversity and the value of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage applications from all backgrounds - we are particularly interested in welcoming global majority candidates, those with disabilities and LGBTQI+ candidates.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our organisation's core values and the work we do.

Please apply with a CV and cover letter by the 20th May at 6pm.

Duties

• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.

• To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are).

• To contribute actively to the board of directors' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

• To safeguard the good name and ethos of the organisation.

• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation and to assist with fundraising, where necessary.

• To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds.

• To appoint the executive director and monitor their performance.

• In addition to the above statutory duties, each director should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of directors reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and other issues in which the director has special expertise.

Responsibilities

•  Trustees must have a good understanding of and be sympathetic with the aims and objects of the charity and act in accordance with the governing document at all times.

•  Trustees must act and make decisions in the best interests of the charity, present and future beneficiaries.

•  Where professional assistance is required for the Trustees to be able to make the most appropriate decision affecting the charity, that assistance should be sought and considered carefully.

•  Trustees must not receive any financial or non-financial benefit that is not explicitly authorised by the governing document. Trustees should not exert any influence to garner any preferential treatment for themselves or their family.

 •  Trustees are jointly and severally liable for their decisions; therefore decisions should be taken together and communicated to staff, stakeholders and funders in a unified manner.

•  Trustees are accountable to stakeholders for their actions and as such decision-making and governance issues should be as transparent as possible, except for when confidentiality is required.

•  Trustees should be prepared to spend an appropriate amount of time reading papers and preparing for board meetings, which will be held on a quarterly basis. A minimum attendance of 75% meetings is required of Trustees to ensure that best practice in governance is reached and maintained.

•  Should a Trustee feel that they require further guidance or training in their role, they have a duty to inform the charity secretary and actively develop aspects for new training on an individual or group basis.

•  Any information of a confidential nature must remain so outside the confines of the Trustee meeting.

•  Trustees should familiarise themselves with the ‘Nolan Principles’, and act in accordance with them.

Person Specification

Each Talitha Trustee will have:

•  a passion for supporting survivors of trauma and people who are vulnerable (including trafficking, domestic violence and abuse, people recovering from addiction, refugees and asylum seekers, and people living with dementia)

•  excellent interpersonal and team-working skills

•   a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• strategic vision

•  good, independent judgment

•  an ability to think creatively

•  a willingness to speak their mind

•  an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of directorship

•  sympathetic to the Christian faith and Christian ethos at the roots of the charity (Talitha Arts is not a religious organisation and is open to people of all faiths and none)

•  demonstrable commitment to Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life (see ‘Code of Conduct – Citizens UK’ document); selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Our Story

Talitha Arts was founded by actor, Amanda Root. It began as a small volunteer organisation, primarily offering mental health support by facilitating arts workshops for International Justice Mission in India and working with professionals in aftercare homes for girls rescued from trafficking and violent abuse.

Over the years, our work has expanded to respond to the needs of U.K. organisations working directly with those who have experienced trauma, abuse, violence, homelessness; ex-offenders, refugees, children, and those who are living with dementia.

Every year as part of our mandate, we train new practitioners in the Talitha Approach to deliver our workshops. Our approach is 'person-centred', meaning it is tailored to the individuals we serve. Our practitioners are both professional creative artists and registered therapists who are passionate about the Talitha Mission.

​At Talitha, we aim to change the world one life at a time by providing mental health support through the power of the arts. 

​We do this by delivering programmes of workshops that support creative expression, foster community, and empower through music, movement, drama and the visual arts.

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. 

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.

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.

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:

• A trustee with clinical experience in counselling or therapy

• 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.

Help shape the future of education! Join Inspire Learning Partnership as a Trustee and make a real impact on children’s lives.

At Inspire Learning Partnership, we are committed to raising the educational outcomes of every child within our Trust. Guided by an ethos of transparency, equity, and inclusion, we work tirelessly to ensure that all children receive the high-quality education they deserve. Our Trust Board plays a pivotal role in this mission, shaping our strategic vision and ensuring we remain focused on improving the life chances of the children we serve.

Our work is guided by our Big Moves:

1. Securing the Highest Possible Outcomes for All

2. Being the Employer of Choice

3. Fulfilling Potential and Influencing the System

4. Securing a Brighter and Greener Future

5. Serving Our Communities

These Big Moves are at the heart of our strategy and provide a clear framework for how we deliver on our mission.

The role of a Trustee at Inspire Learning Partnership offers a unique chance to influence the education and futures of children. It requires both teamwork and a willingness to engage with our governance structure, which includes Members, the Trust Board, the Executive Leadership Team, and Local Academy Councils.

By joining us, you will become part of a passionate team committed to making a tangible difference. Your skills and expertise can help shape our strategy, support our schools, and ultimately transform the lives of the children and families within our Trust.

We are particularly interested in talking with individuals who have high level (Executive) strategic experience in the following areas; 

• Estates
• Finance
• HR
• Legal

Inspire Learning Partnership is a multi-academy trust and therefore registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee with charitable status. Due to this company status Trustees are registered with Companies House.

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is seeking to recruit enthusiastic new Trustees to join our existing Board and actively contribute to the existing strength and growth of the charity!

About

Trustees typically attend monthly board meetings, with occasional activities between meetings. The estimated time commitment is around 2 hours per typical month. New trustees will be supported with induction and access to ongoing training, including safeguarding and governance. We particularly welcome applications from women with lived experience of the issues we work on, and from those connected to the communities we serve in Hillingdon and surrounding boroughs. As a trustee, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of the Centre and ensure we continue to provide vital, trauma-informed support to women in Hillingdon and beyond.

About Hillingdon Women’s Centre

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is a women’s charity based in the London Borough of Hillingdon. For almost 40 years, we have been supporting the needs of women in our community. We provide access to services and work with women to help them overcome barriers in their lives and thrive. We are a proudly feminist, safe, and women-only space, inclusive of all women.

We are passionate about gender equality and ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Our services are client-led; we listen, provide information, and enable women to make their own choices and take control of their lives.

Purpose of the Trustee role: 

Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and administration. As such, they are required to:
 

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for public benefit

• Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

• Act with reasonable care and skill

• Ensure the charity complies with statutory accounting and reporting requirements

Key Trustee responsibilities: 

• Definition and review of a strategy/business plan for the charity in line with its objectives

• Set and maintain the vision, mission and values.

• Definition and review of charity policies and procedures

• Review and management of risks

• Attendance at board meetings, including the AGM

• Recruitment and management of the Centre Manager

• Review of financial processes and accounting

• General oversight and management of the charity premises

• Generation of funding for the charity, i.e. completion of grant applications, execution of fundraising activities, securing donors and ambassadors for the charity

• Promotion of the charity externally

We’re particularly seeking individuals with expertise in:

• Fundraising and income generation (e.g. donor engagement, campaign development, marketing strategy)

• Financial audit and compliance

• HR and people management

• External/public affairs and advocacy

• Governance and charity finance

• Strategic thinking and change management

• Lived experience of domestic abuse or connection to the communities we serve

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Integrity

• Strategic thinking and the ability to see the bigger picture

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of a Trustee

• Willingness to devote the time and effort to the role

• Good independent judgement and creative thinking

• Ability to constructively contribute to conversations

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

We are committed to creating a board that reflects the diversity of our community. If you have access needs or require support with the application process, please let us know.
 

How to apply

• Please send a short expression of interest and your CV 

• If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to arrange a chat.

• Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone with transferable experience and a passion for our mission, we would welcome your application. If you’re passionate about gender equality and want to help shape the future of HWC, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: This is a voluntary role, open to local female UK residents only. This is to ensure compliance with governance, legal, and operational requirements relevant to our charity’s work. 

ECT is looking for new trustees to join our existing enthusiastic and dedicated board who share our ambition to provide top-quality, safe, affordable and accessible transport services for every community we serve. The range of perspectives and experience diversity brings is an asset to ECT and we want to create an inclusive, welcoming environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly those who share our values but may be new to a role as a trustee.

Our Board is forging exciting plans for the future, alongside our top-notch team of committed, professional managers, drivers, assistants and administrators. As new trustees, you will help steer our charity on the next stage of its important journey. 

We are based in Greenford, West London, and also operate in Dorset and Cheshire. There are no specific skills required, and we are very keen to hear from people new to the role of being a trustee who are active in their local communities and we are determined to provide better representation for the people we support. ECT has been going for over 30 years and we do a lot of work with young people, the elderly, community groups and charities but we are also very keen to see what other services we might be able to offer.

We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have experience in finance, charity management or governance, transport or have a personal connection in some way to community transport but above all else, we want you to feel motivated to be involved and make a difference.

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.

Would you like to a make a Difference to our lakes and rivers in the Lake District National Park and West Cumbria? 

We’re looking for new trustees with a passion for conservation and environmental charities. We’re particularly keen to hear from people with HR, commercial, legal, or community and education experience. Bring your expertise, help shape our future, and make a real impact on rivers and wildlife. 

Meetings are every 6-8 weeks and last about two hours and are a mixture of online and in person at our office in Keswick. We also have sub groups that one or two trustees attend, six times a year. The trustees are also invited on site visits, are welcome to join volunteer work parties and even come to the staff Christmas party!

Volunteer Trustee Opportunities at BD4 Community Trust – Make a Difference in Bradford

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? BD4 Community Trust is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a volunteer trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our community-focused charity, ensuring that we continue to deliver vital services and support for the people of East Bowling and beyond.

About BD4 Community Trust

Supporting and Restoring Community across the Generations. BD4 Community Trust is a local charity committed to improving the lives of individuals and families in the BD4 area. We provide a range of services, including support for vulnerable groups, community events, educational programmes, and initiatives to tackle social isolation and disadvantage. Our mission is to create a thriving, inclusive, and resilient community for all.

Our BD4 Family project works to help families to come together to learn, share and grow, where they can feel safe to enjoy quality time together and access encouragement and support when needed. The groups we run support the needs of our ever-expanding community by really listening to families and encouraging them to be part of our decision making and offering opportunities to volunteer and get involved.  

Gems has been running since 1983 and works with the older members of our community delivering a variety of activities each week with additional activities at times throughout the year. The project provides opportunities for older people to make friends, participate in healthy activities, enjoy a nutritional meal, and enjoy the occasional day trip out.

Role of a Trustee

As a trustee, you will:

- Contribute to the strategic direction of the charity.

- Ensure that BD4 Community Trust remains financially sustainable.

- Provide support and oversight to the charity’s staff and volunteers.

- Help build partnerships with other community organisations, local authorities, and stakeholders.

- Ensure that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.

- Bring your skills, experience, and enthusiasm to help us grow and achieve our mission.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking individuals with a variety of skills and experiences, including (but not limited to):

- Leadership and governance experience.

- Knowledge of community development or charitable work.

- Financial or legal expertise.

- Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

- Passion for improving the lives of those in the BD4 community.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage diversity in our board. Whether you have experience in the third sector, business, education, or other fields, your unique perspective will be invaluable to our work.

Time Commitment

- Trustees are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings (approximately 2 hours per meeting on an evening).

- Additional time may be required for training and community events.

- The role is voluntary, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

What We Offer

- An opportunity to make a tangible difference in your local community.

- The chance to gain experience in governance and charity leadership.

- A collaborative and supportive environment where your contributions are valued.

- Training and development opportunities to help you thrive in your role.

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.

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: 

• People with lived experience of migration, displacement or the asylum system 

• Black people and people from minoritised ethnic communities 

• LGBTQ+ people 

• 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: 

• Attend four Board meetings each year (hybrid) 

• Provide strategic direction and oversight of the charity’s activities 

• Support and hold the Executive Director accountable 

• Review and approve budgets, policies and risk management 

• 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: 

• Review monthly management accounts and annual budgets 

• Provide advice on financial controls and strategic financial planning 

Skills and Experience We Are Looking For 

All Trustees should bring: 

• A strong commitment to our mission and values 

• Good judgment and the ability to work collectively 

• Energy and enthusiasm for our work and an interest in using their skills to contribute to our organisation 

• A willingness to learn and support others 

We are particularly seeking individuals with any of the following: 

• UK legal aid experience under an immigration contract 

• Knowledge of the Greek immigration and asylum system 

• Fundraising, philanthropy or communications expertise 

• HR and people management experience 

• Financial oversight and planning experience (for Finance Trustee role) 

• Knowledge of charity governance and risk 

• Legal background (especially refugee, immigration, or human rights law) 

Time Commitment 

• Approx. 8 hours per month 

• Board meetings held quarterly (a mix of in-person and online) 

• Participation in one subcommittee 

• Ad hoc support via email or calls, as needed 

• 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. 

South Cumbria MAT are seeking committed volunteers from a range of backgrounds to join as Trustees on their Board of Trustees.  Trustees are critical to the success of the Trust. Although they are volunteers, they provide challenge and monitoring. They ask questions and probe the information and data they have been provided with. Trustees are often seen as the ‘critical friend’ to ensure leaders are responding to the challenges and key priorities. Being a Trustee is supportive within a group of other volunteers who work together as a collective voice.  You do not need experience of being a trustee. South Cumbria MAT will support all new Trustees to develop in their role as well as additional training where needed.

Trustees come from many backgrounds. We are seeking individuals who may be able to offer expertise in the following areas:

• Education outcomes

• Special education needs

• Governance and compliance including experience of chairing boards

• School improvement

• Health and safety and facilities

• Finance, estates, and/or resources

South Cumbria MAT is a multi-academy trust and therefore registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee with charitable status. Due to this company status Trustees are registered with Companies House.