Trustee volunteer roles

It is an exciting and challenging time for the international development sector. Vision Action is seeking to appoint two new Trustees, one of whom will serve as Chair Designate, to bring experience, insight, and energy in support of our ambition to increase equitable access to basic eye care services in Ghana, Zambia, and Ethiopia (with plans to expand further).

Vision Action was born in 2022 out of the merger to two charities, Vision for a Nation, an award-winning charity founded by the philanthropist James Chen and operating in Rwanda which developed a unique model for providing basic eye care in under-resourced settings, and Vision Aid Overseas, founded in the 1980s to establish accessible vision centres across Africa.  To learn more about our work please visit our website at Vision Action. The role of the Board of Trustees is to oversee the direction and activities of the charity, including its policies and procedures, to ensure that they are consistently in accordance with the charitable purposes defined in the objects clause in its Constitution. The Board sets and monitors the strategic direction of the charity, although the implementation of strategy is achieved through the executive team.

Terms of service

For Vision Action the Trustees are Members who have been elected to serve on the Board. Vision Action’s constitution allows for up to 12 Trustees, who can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms of three years.  Vision Action is a company limited by guarantee and the Trustees are its legal directors. The Trustee role is voluntary but out of pocket expenses are paid.  Trustees are appointed by the Vision Action Board of Trustees annually at the Board meeting following the Annual General Meeting. The time commitment in being a trustee involves attendance at four Board meetings per year, one of which will be an all-day strategy session. Otherwise, Board meetings are usually half a day in the afternoon of a weekday with at least half the meetings online.  Papers are circulated for reading in advance. There may be other ad-hoc meetings or online events to discuss specific topics.

Main tasks

Charity Trustees have and must accept ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity and ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. Each Trustee will be expected to join one of the two sub-committees (Finance and Fundraising; and Programmes and Research). The Committees meet remotely at least four times per year, usually timed with or in advance of the board meetings. 

General Responsibilities

• Ensure that Vision Action complies with its governing document (i.e. its Constitution and Bylaws), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that Vision Action pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Ensure Vision Action applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be.
• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in the formulation and review of strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Ensure that all policies are implemented, monitored and reports are acted upon, (including the policies on Harassment and Misconduct, Safeguarding, Recruitment, Child Protection and Anti- Bribery).
• Appoint and support the Co-Chief Executive Officers and monitor their performance.

Additional Specific Responsibilities

In addition to the above, we are looking for a Trustee who can be the Chair Designate and assume the role of Chair in December 2025.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

Each Trustee must demonstrate:

• A commitment to the mission and values of Vision Action.
• A commitment to Vision Action’s key organisational policies, including those on Harassment and Misconduct, Safeguarding, Whistleblowing, Recruitment, Child Protection, and Anti-Bribery.
• Good, independent judgement.
• Willingness to represent, advocate for, and support the work of the charity.

Desirable Experience

While not essential, experience in the following areas would be an advantage:

• Leadership or senior management experience in business, the third sector, or civil service.
• Understanding of the International Development or Global Health sectors.
• Fundraising, philanthropy, or partnership development.

1.  Terms of Service.

The Chair is appointed by the Board annually for a maximum of 3 consecutive terms. He/she will normally assume his/her appointment at the Board meeting following the AGM in November.

2.  Main Tasks:

• To lead the Board in ensuring it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Vision Action.
• To ensure the Trustees set and regularly review policy, overall strategy and objectives.
• To undertake a supportive role in achieving Vision Action’s funding target.
• To guide the Co-Chief Executives, to help achieve Vision Action’s objectives.
• To monitor approved strategies and business plans.

3.  Specific Duties relating to:

3.1 Ensuring the Board fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Vision Action:

• To chair meetings of the Board, seeing that it functions effectively and carries out its duties.
• To ensure the Board works within the framework of law, Charity Commission guidelines and management best practice.
• To ensure that the policies of the Board are compliant with its charity objectives.
• To ensure the Trustees set overall strategy and policy objectives and regularly review them.
• In conjunction with the Treasurer, to ensure Vision Action’s financial dealings are prudently and systematically accounted for in compliance with legal requirements.
• Make recommendations on the composition of the Board, with a view to succession, and future Chair.
• To serve as an additional spokesman for, and promoter of Vision Action (Note: The Co-Chief Executives act as the primary spokespeople)

3.2 To ensure Trustees develop overall strategy and policy objectives and regularly review them:

• To incorporate the skills and experience of the trustees and the Co-Chief Executives’ team in the development of strategic objectives and planning processes.
• Identify with the Co-Chief Executives, clear objectives and key performance indicators

3.3 Helping the Co-Chief Executives achieve Vision Action’s mission:

• The Chair should always adopt an attitude of strategic overview and avoid becoming immersed in the day-to- day details of running Vision Action. Such matters are the responsibility of the Co-Chief Executives.
• To support and monitor the work of the Co-Chief Executives.
• To assist in the promotion of Vision Action to a wider audience of potential donors and beneficiaries.
• To undertake a supportive role in achieving Vision Action’s fundraising target.

3.4 Optimising the relationship between the Board, staff, volunteers and other stakeholders:

• In consultation with the Co-Chief Executives, to agree the annual calendar of Board meetings and major events involving Vision Action.
• To thank and encourage Vision Action volunteers, staff and other stakeholders as opportunities present themselves.
• To conduct the annual appraisal of the Co-Chief Executives and agree their annual objectives and performance measures.

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.

Seeking a Trustee Director for The Retreat Clinics.  We have delivered mental health treatment and care for over 200 years, and we are still governed by Quaker Values. We offer psychological therapies and assessments for Autism and ADHD, both online and from our home base in York and our offices in Manchester.

Following major changes in our structure, we are now refreshing our strategy and business plan to better meet the needs of young people and adults through in-person and online assessment and talking therapy, supported by prescribing and shared care.  We hold an NHS contract and also offer privately funded care.

Do you have the experience and skills to shape the future of mental health care? 

Our Trustee team would like to expand, and seek one or more colleagues to support and enhance Board skills with your experience and knowledge base.  Board meetings are held every other month in person in York (approx half a day), with an informal meeting online between.  Trustees with specialist skills may be asked to serve on Committees (Quality & Safety / Finance  etc) and these meetings are all held online. Quakers and people who are happy to work with Quaker Values are warmly invited to apply via CV and accompanying letter

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.

Freeways and Freeways Trust, as part of their business plan for expansion, have an exciting opportunity for new Trustees to join our Board/s based at Abbots Leigh, Bristol.  This is a voluntary role and will require commitment for approximately 8 hours each month.

About us:

Freeways is a local charity that supports adults with learning disabilities. We are a highly regarded provider of supported living services and residential care. The aim of our services is to support people to become as independent as possible by helping them make choices, learn new skills and make links with their local community.  We fundamentally believe that all individuals should be treated with respect and supported to be valued members of our communities irrespective of their ability. 

Freeways Trust own, manage and maintain the majority of properties that Freeways use.

The role of Trustee:

As a Trustee, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of Freeways and/or Freeways Trust. You will play a vital role in ensuring our charities continue to evolve. You will be part of a team that is not just providing care but actively campaigning for the rights and inclusion of people with learning disabilities, helping them to live fulfilling and happy lives. Your skills and passion would directly contribute to a cause that is both essential and deeply rewarding.

As part of the Board of Trustees you will provide sound governance, strategic oversight, guidance and support to further the charitable aims and objectives.  See role description for further details. 

We are looking for a range of skills and experience particularly in the following areas (but not limited to):

- Finance (at a senior management/director level)

- Property development and/or construction

- Care or health sector experience (including psychology/psychiatry)

We would also welcome applicants with skills and experience in:

- IT/systems
- Marketing/PR/communications

- Commissioning experience

- Local government experience (including social work)

- Charity sector experience

- Business development

Other skills and abilities we are looking for in our Trustee:

- A commitment to the charities and their business aims and values.
- A commitment to devote the necessary time and effort.
- Strategic vision.
- Good, independent judgment and decision-making skills.
- An ability to think creatively.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
- An ability to work effectively as a team member.

In return for your commitment, as a Trustee you will have the opportunity to:

- Make a positive difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities.

- Extend your network and enhance your influencing and leadership skills.
- Demonstrate your leadership skills to future employers.

- Work alongside highly experienced board professionals.
- Receive training and development in areas such as governance, leadership and safeguarding.
- Benefit from a tailored induction.
- Be reimbursed reasonable travel expenses. 

We recognise that a diverse board brings new perspectives, improves governance and demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion, therefore we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 

To support working applicants the Trustee meetings are generally held every two months via zoom in the early evenings; with two per year being in-person meetings.  There may be a requirement to provide some additional support outside these meetings which can also be done virtually and should not exceed more than 8 hours per month. 

Closing date: 31 October 2025

Initial interview date: TBC

All Trustees must complete a range of statutory and regulatory background checks including enhanced DBS with Adults Barred List check.

For more information about Freeways and the valuable work we do, please visit our website.

If you have the requirements listed to become our Trustee, please apply today. We would love to hear from you!

We currently have a vacancy for a Trustee on the Board of the Mosaic Learning Trust, based in Standish, Wigan.

Our Trust comprises three schools across Wigan and Lancashire. We’re looking for someone passionate about making a genuine difference to children’s education and school experience.

Our Board brings together professionals from a wide range of backgrounds – whether your expertise lies in Human Resources, Marketing, Legal Services, Community Engagement, or another sector, your skills could help shape the future of our schools and improve outcomes for all our students. Prior experience in education isn’t necessary, as we provide full training and support.

This is a voluntary role, and we welcome interest from anyone who feels they have the skills and time to contribute. Being a Trustee is both rewarding and impactful – it’s a meaningful way to give back to the local community while developing valuable board-level experience.

The Board of Trustees exists to inspire and guide both the Executive Leadership and the Senior Leadership Team through the application of Choose Love's vision, mission, and core principles, providing inclusive leadership. The Board Governance ensures that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for effective charity governance, whilst supporting and, where appropriate, challenging the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive.

The trustees ensure that the Board functions as a cohesive unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives. They act as ambassadors and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive, representing Choose Love's values and mission to stakeholders and the wider community.

We are looking to strengthen our existing board. Choose Love is seeking to recruit two additional trustees. 

1. TRUSTEE VACANCY ONE: TRUSTEE DEDICATED TO ADVANCING CHOOSE LOVE’S HUMANITARIAN PROGRAMMES
2. TRUSTEE VACANCY TWO: TRUSTEE DEDICATED TO ADVANCING CHOOSE LOVE’S COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY

We are seeking trustees who are ready to do more than fulfil statutory requirements or attend scheduled meetings. The work of Choose Love, and the impact we strive to achieve, depends on trustees who are proactive, engaged, and generous with their time, expertise, and energy.

We encourage candidates who are willing to be accessible and responsive outside of formal board settings, whether that's by advising on urgent matters, attending events, mentoring staff or volunteers, or participating in advocacy and outreach activities. This role will involve reading and reflecting on reports and proposals in advance, giving thoughtful feedback, and being available for consultation as required.

Being a trustee at Choose Love is a dynamic commitment that extends beyond the boardroom. We are seeking individuals who will play an active role in shaping our vision, supporting our team, and ensuring the charity remains resilient and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

Make a Real Difference in Norfolk's Learning Disability Community

Mid Norfolk Mencap seeks up to 6 committed trustees to join our Board  

Are you looking to use your skills and experience for meaningful impact? Mid Norfolk Mencap, supporting people with learning disabilities across Norfolk, is recruiting trustees to guide our charity.

Location

Our charity’s office and principal activities are in Dereham, Norfolk.  All Board meetings are held in person. Sub-committees can meet face-to-face or hybrid via Teams to suit sub-committee members. We encourage our trustees to visit the office and all services whenever possible.

Support 

You will be supported by the Chair, other members of the Board of Trustees, and the CEO.

Responsibilities

As a trustee, you have important personal responsibilities to ensure the charity is well-governed, effective, and operates for the public benefit.

· Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes and delivering public benefit

· Understand the charity’s purposes as set out in our governing document, and be able to explain how all activities further or support these purposes

· To ensure that the charity pursue its stated purposes, as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

· To ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, applicable charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations

· Manage the charity’s resources responsibly by making sure that the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of its members

· Ensure that the charity’s assets, beneficiaries or reputation are not exposed to undue risk

· You must exercise reasonable skill and care, drawing on your own expertise and experience, and seek appropriate advice when necessary

· You should dedicate sufficient time, thought, and energy to your role, ensuring you are well-prepared for, attend, and actively participate in all Board meetings.

· Be able to demonstrate that the charity is complying with the law, well run and effective

· Ensure appropriate accountability within the charity, both to members and in relation to delegated responsibilities.

Qualities and experience 

This role is best suited to candidates who can demonstrate knowledge and experience that will benefit the charity, and who possess the following characteristics:

· A proven track record of integrity and respect for confidential and proprietary information

· A keen and respectful listener who can empathise and respectfully challenge

· Commitment to the charity, approachable for the people we support, and enthusiasm for its vision, mission and aims

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

· Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee (we estimate this to be 2-3 hours per week in addition to Board meeting commitments below)

· Strategic vision

· Sound, independent judgement

· Willingness to participate in frank and open discussion

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

· The ability to read and understand management reports

· Skills to analyse proposals and their consequences

· Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the Board

· General competence with IT

· Willingness to be available to provide guidance to the senior management team on an ad hoc basis

Time commitment

The charity holds quarterly Board meetings, with each lasting approximately 2 – 3 hours. All Board meetings are held outside of normal office hours.

It is suggested that approximately two hours preparation time be allowed for prior to each meeting to ensure trustees are familiar with items to be discussed.

Sub-committees meet quarterly with each lasting approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. Approximately one hour is suggested for preparation in advance of the meeting.

Typically, all trustees attend the AGM in person, and at least one annual fundraising or social event hosted by the organisation. These are held on evenings or weekends.

To allow time to settle into the role, and to see the fruits of your work, we suggest that candidates assume a three-year commitment to Mid Norfolk Mencap at the outset.  

Training

You will be given a basic induction to the charity and opportunities to meet with the leadership team. 

All trustees are required to complete the statutory Oliver McGowan training. Additional training opportunities will be identified based on your individual experience and qualifications, ensuring you have the support needed to excel in your role.

Through the trustee recruitment and on-Boarding process, we will arrange for you to meet with our Chair and CEO, and we encourage you to explore their motivation and rewards as part of your evaluation of us.

Rewards

The role of a trustee is voluntary and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed for required travel, training, communication and childcare/carers to enable trustees to attend and participate at Board meetings.  

Conditions of engagement

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. At Mid Norfolk Mencap, we celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an environment where every employee, volunteer and Board member is valued, respected, and empowered – no matter their background.

You cannot serve as a trustee if you are disqualified under the Charities Act. This includes situations such as having an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (for example fraud), being bankrupt or having entered a formal arrangement with creditors (such as an individual voluntary arrangement) or having been removed as a company director or charity trustee due to misconduct.

Appointment to our Board of Trustees is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and the production of a clean enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate.

Application process

If you would like to apply for a trustee role, or to discuss it informally, please contact us.

Our recruitment process will typically include the following:

· Interview, providing the opportunity for you to meet with the Chair, CEO and other members of staff

· An invitation to attend the Mid Norfolk Mencap office to meet some of the people we support

· Dedicated email/phone support for any queries or concern

Closing date for applications 14th November 2025. Interviews will take place 24th November - 5th December 2025. Successful applicants will be formally nominated to join the Board at our AGM on 22nd January 2026.

Please note: our recruitment process is designed to facilitate a two-way dialogue.  We recognise that you need to be as comfortable with us and our operating model as we are with you. Our commitment throughout, is to be open, transparent and to give you as much information as we possibly can so that you can be sure you are making an informed choice to volunteer as a trustee with us.

Are you looking to put your experience, knowledge and skills to use in a unique challenging and exciting charitable environment?  Then why not consider becoming a Trustee of Portsmouth Historic Quarter.  

What will you be doing?

We look to new Trustees who join our Board to maintain and continue to build upon our capacity and diversity. We are a skills-based Board, with Trustees having one or more identified skills, which are relevant to the nature of PHQ and our key areas of operation. We are particularly looking for the following skills and experience:

• Commercial property experience, either in surveying or lettings and commercial property management.
• Financial management (at Finance Director level or above) incorporating astrong background in audit management and oversight.
• Gosport residents with experience of the local commercial, political or heritagelandscapes.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to broaden the diversity of our Board. Previous Trustee experience is not necessary.

What are we looking for?

We are keen to hear from you if you can demonstrate:

Knowledge & Experience:

• The ability to provide strategic oversight and advice, valuating the risks and opportunities in your area of expertise/experience for other Trustees to enable them to engage in an informed way.
• Experience in driving and evaluating organisation delivery and improvement.
• You can draw on your knowledge, contacts and networks to support the work of PHQ.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strategic and creative thinking.
• Ability to provide effective support and challenge in a Board setting.
• Ability to probe facts, challenge assumptions, and identify advantages and disadvantages of proposals.
• Work effectively as part of a team taking an active role in discussions and decisions.

Essential qualities:

• Commitment to PHQ's mission, strategy and values.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to be an effective Trustee.
• Good, independent judgement and willingness to express your views.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity.

What difference will you make?

You will shape the strategy of PHQ and monitor progress on the delivery of that strategy, providing support, challenge and advice to a small executive management team.  Each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. They should be ambassadors for PHQ, safeguarding our values and good name.

Before you apply

We would like applicants to tell us how they think they would support the work of PHQ.

Use your skills and experience in supporting vulnerable groups to help drive forward our locally focused endowed foundation. Our purpose is to provide funding to relieve financial, physical and emotional hardship.

What will you be doing?

This is a great opportunity for someone keen to use their professional experience in supporting vulnerable groups to help drive forward the work of a locally focused endowed foundation. Our purpose is to provide funding to relieve the burden of financial, physical and emotional hardship in our local community of Hampton, Teddington, Twickenham and Whitton.

The perception of Richmond Upon Thames as a wealthy borough masks high levels of need and disadvantage. That means that support for those in need locally rarely comes from outside the borough which in turn means the work of local funders and voluntary sector organisations, like Hampton Fund, is critical.  Our endowment of £60m+ enables us to make grants to both individuals and community organisations of £2m-£2.5m pa.

We wish to appoint a new trustee who will have the enthusiasm, time and commitment to contribute to the work of the charity as it delivers an ambitious new three-year strategy.  You will be involved in making decisions on a wide range of issues, influencing the development of our work and bringing about change. We are specifically seeking a trustee with professional experience in any aspect of social care for vulnerable groups relevant to our grant making. This could, for example, be in the areas of cost-of-living support, health, social work or children’s services.

It is hoped that the candidate will have a connection to our area of benefit through either their daily life or work.

It is not necessary to have previous board committee experience as training will be provided. We encourage applications from people with a range of life experiences, ages and backgrounds.

What are we looking for?

Professional experience and expertise in a relevant aspect of social care to that of our grant making. 

We are looking for someone with a good current knowledge of social care infrastructure and systems across either the statutory or voluntary sector, or both. This could, for example, be in the areas of cost-of-living support, health, social work or children’s services.

It is expected that Trustees will either live, work or have another connection to our area of benefit. It is not necessary to have previous board committee experience as training will be provided.  

 Personal Qualities

• Empathy with the aims of the charity.
• The ability to think broadly and objectively: trustees are involved in making decisions on a wide range of issues.
• An understanding of the voluntary sector and the needs of voluntary sector organisations.
• An understanding of the broader issues around poverty and disadvantage.
• The ability to get on with people and work collaboratively.
• To act as an ambassador for the charity when attending external meetings and events as a trustee.
• To be discreet and respect confidentiality in all matters related to the charity’s activities. 

Additional Information

• Trustees do not receive any remuneration, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• The appointment is normally for a period of five years and a Trustee can serve no more than two terms of office, i.e. ten years. 

What difference will you make?

As a trustee with experience in supporting vulnerable groups, you will be involved in making decisions on a wide range of issues, influencing the development of our work and bringing about change.  

Before you apply

Contact us via the Reach platform to apply.

Closing date for applications is Friday 7th November.

Interviews are likely to be held the week commencing 17th November 2025.

BECOME A BLUE SMILE TRUSTEE

As a trustee you will be able to use your passion for children’s mental health; your experience and knowledge to guide our strategy and vision for the future.

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 providing one-to-one therapy and groupwork. We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board to help us achieve our mission.

Effective governance is key to the continued success and sustainability of our charity. As a trustee you will be able to use your passion for children’s mental health; your experience and knowledge to guide our strategy and vision for the future.

Our Board of Trustees is particularly looking to welcome new trustees with experience in the areas of fundraising, education (primary) and the small charity sector. However, we very much welcome people with a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and lived experience who would like to contribute to the success of our work.

As a trustee, you will receive training to carry out your role, have opportunities to represent Blue Smile in the community, and be part of a supportive and welcoming board. Being a trustee gives you the chance to gain experience in strategic planning, develop skills in new areas, and add significant value to a thriving charity.

Commitment

The Board of Trustees meets six times a year; usually on a weekday evening.

Trustees can also be involved in the work of sub-committees and will meet for a strategy planning session annually.

Location

Board meetings take place online; however, we would welcome visits to our head office in Cambridge.

We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you live or work in the Peterborough and Fenland area of the county.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

We are committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.  We would encourage younger people to consider applying – you do not need to have held a trustee or similar role before. We would also like to hear from you if you are from under-represented groups at Blue Smile such as individuals from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQI+ people and people with a disability, or if you have experience of child and family statutory services in your own personal life.

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (the Institute or NIESR) is one of Britain’s leading independent policy and research institutes dedicated to understanding the economic and social forces that shape people’s lives.

NIESR has a long-standing reputation for accurate, authoritative analysis founded on excellent research, and for bringing its insights to bear on the issues of the day. As such, it acts to bring together an array of policymakers, academics, the media and other research institutes, and plays a pivotal role in both national and international policy debates.

We are seeking to appoint up to three trustees to join the Institute’s Council of Management and are seeking individuals with backgrounds in HR, leadership within an SME professional services context, or economic research.

Our Trustees are responsible for overseeing the management of the Institute, including approving strategy, operational plans and budgets, monitoring organisational performance, managing the Institute’s principal risks and ensuring the fulfilment of the Institute’s charitable objectives. The time commitment for a trustee is the equivalent of between half a day and a day a month. The role is not remunerated.

Full details of the role and responsibilities of a trustee can be found in our Trustee Candidate Pack attached. 

The skills and experience that we are looking for are:

 Experience

• An individual with senior HR expertise, preferably in a context where professional staff are the key asset of an organisation; OR
• Someone with leadership experience in a small-to-medium sized organisation, preferably within a professional services context and in an economics-related field; OR
• An internationally-renowned academic with research interests aligned to the work of the Institute.

 Skills and abilities

• An understanding and appreciation of the work of NIESR and its importance to public policy.
• The ability to act with credibility and authority in the role as trustee, preferably with experience of working in a governance or board context.
• Fully able to commit to attendance of Council meetings and relevant sub-committee meetings.
• Objectivity, fairness, independence of mind, integrity, wisdom, discretion and good judgement. 
• Strategic vision and the ability to focus on practical issues.
• Readiness to make and be accountable for decisions.
• A willingness to attend other NIESR events and engage with NIESR publications and output.

To apply

To apply for a trustee position at NIESR, please send:

• A tailored CV of no more than two pages; and
• A supporting statement of no more than one side of A4 setting out how you meet the skills and experience criteria outlined above.

Your statement should detail your relevant experience, ensuring it is aligned with the role description and person specification above, and providing specific evidence demonstrating how you meet the criteria. Your statement should also highlight your interest in the work of the Institute and your motivation for joining our Council of Management.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our board to ensure the Institute benefits — at board level — from a broader range of perspectives, more creativity in generating ideas and solutions, and to improve decision-making. In addition to finding individuals with the specific skills outlined above, we would especially welcome applications from women, who are under-represented on our board.

Number Champions supports London primary school children who struggle with numeracy. Independent evaluation shows our highly positive impact. We seek two capable and committed trustees to help drive our strategy and oversee delivery.One new trustee may become Vice Chair.

What will you be doing?

Numeracy, like literacy, is a core life skill. However, many children do not learn well in a classroom setting. Number Champions was the first and is still the only UK charity focused on supporting primary school children who struggle with numeracy. By helping children improve their confidence, enjoyment, and skills in maths, we support their wider development and help them achieve their potential.

Our trained volunteers run weekly one-to-one sessions with each child, during the school day but outside the classroom. They use games and other creative activities to engage the child and to enable them to build confidence and skills. Experienced teachers volunteering with us as “Mentors” provide support.

The trustee board meets about seven times a year. It sets strategic direction, reviews all aspects of the charity in rotation, and takes corrective action where it identifies that we are not achieving our planned objectives. All trustees are expected to study the papers for each meeting and to contribute to all discussions. We currently have eight trustees with two reaching the end of their terms, so we will be eight again after the recruitment process.

You would use your experience, skills, and current awareness to identify risks and opportunities to bring to the board’s attention, and you would influence the other trustees to follow your ideas through to implementation. 

Board meetings alternate between in-person in London and online.

We encourage trustees to meet our volunteers and staff, and to ensure that their experience and voice is taken into account in directing the charity.

What are we looking for?

You will:

• bring relevant senior experience from any sector, including education, business, professional, or charity.
• have skills which would enhance the capability of the board. The attached role descriptions list skills, but we are open to other skills you can offer which you can persuade us would be important to the charity.
• function effectively as part of a team, thinking creatively and strategically, listening, stating your position clearly and succinctly, and accepting group decisions.
• be open, deliver on commitments and show attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture, and understand your own strengths and weaknesses.
• be enthusiastic about our mission to help children achieve their potential.
• devote time to reading papers and attending board meetings and to progressing issues as needed between meetings – probably about ten to twelve hours a month.
• ideally have experience in fundraising or volunteer management, but this is certainly not a requirement for the roles.

We serve the diverse population of London children. This diversity is reflected in our volunteers but not in our current board. We welcome applicants from all ethnicities, orientations, and backgrounds, including those with disabilities.

You do not need experience as a trustee.

Join Us as a Trustee and Make a Real Difference!

Marches Family Network is a unique charity supporting disabled children and young people age 3–25 across Herefordshire. We provide vital respite, play, and social opportunities, as well as family sessions that build support networks and strengthen community connections.

We are now looking for new Trustees to join our passionate Board and help shape the future of our charity.

What does being a Trustee involve?

· Bringing your skills, knowledge, and experience to guide our strategic direction.

· Supporting our dedicated team to ensure we deliver high-quality, inclusive services.

· Acting as an ambassador for Marches Family Network and the families we support.

· Attending Board meetings - these are currently held monthly in Hereford.

Who are we looking for?
You don’t need previous trustee experience – we welcome people from all backgrounds! We’re particularly interested in hearing from those with skills in:

· Finance, HR, or fundraising

· Marketing and communications

· Safeguarding and inclusion

· Experience of disability, care, or education (professional or lived experience)

Most importantly, we want people who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of disabled children and young people.

What will you gain?

· The opportunity to give back to your community.

· A chance to develop new skills and leadership experience.

· The reward of knowing you are helping young people thrive.

�� Interested?
For more information or an informal chat and/or application form, please contact Mrs Rae Chambers 

�� Help us ensure every child and young person has the same opportunities as their peers – become a Trustee today!