Trustee volunteer roles

Wild Welfare is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to ending the suffering of captive wild animals. We work with zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries around the world to improve animal welfare standards through training, capacity-building, and long-term collaboration.

Our Vision is to create a world where every captive wild animal is able to thrive and live a good life.

Becoming a trustee of Wild Welfare is a chance to make a real difference to hundreds of thousands of animals’ lives around the world. You’ll help guide the charity’s future, support progressive animal welfare reform, and work with an expert team.

We are seeking Trustees to join our Board of Trustees and support our mission by helping us grow sustainable income and strengthen our organisational resilience.

This is an exciting opportunity to bring your professional expertise in fundraising, legalisation, HR and Business Management, to a passionate and committed charity that is making a tangible difference to wild animals worldwide.

What you’ll do

• Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight of Wild Welfare, providing leadership over the charity’s governance and financial sustainability.
• Provide expert guidance on income generation, fundraising strategy, charity management, and development.
• Support the charity in identifying and developing new fundraising opportunities (corporate partnerships, grants, major donors, and innovative income streams).
• Act as an ambassador for Wild Welfare, representing the charity and helping to expand our networks.
• Work collaboratively with fellow trustees and the senior leadership team to ensure the charity achieves its mission and long-term objectives.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:

• Fundraising (trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, or major donors).
• Charity and/or business development and strategic growth.
• Commercial or financial acumen, ideally with an understanding of not-for-profit income generation.
• Knowledge of the legal aspects of charity management and compliance.
• Strong networks and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to Wild Welfare’s values and passion for improving the lives of captive wild animals.

Previous trustee experience or animal welfare experience is not essential – we welcome applications from people new to charity governance. Full induction and support will be provided.

Why join us?

• Play a vital role in shaping the future of an international charity.
• Contribute your skills to a cause which transforms lives for wild animals across the globe.
• Join a collaborative and supportive Board of Trustees with diverse expertise.
• Gain valuable governance and leadership experience.

Role Specification: Trustee

Main Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight on matters relating to fundraising and income generation.
• Help shape and monitor the charity’s fundraising strategy, ensuring it is realistic, ethical, and aligned with organisational goals.
• Advise on diversifying income streams, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
• Open doors to new partnerships, networks, and opportunities that may benefit the charity.
• Support the Director and senior management team by offering constructive advice, feedback, and expertise.
• Overseeing the charity’s compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice standards.
• Uphold the Board’s collective responsibility for effective governance, safeguarding, and financial management.

Person Specification

• Essential
  • Experience in fundraising, charity/business development, or income generation.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to analyse opportunities and risks.
  • Willingness to use personal networks and expertise to further the charity’s fundraising potential and reach.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Commitment to Wild Welfare’s mission, values, and long-term sustainability.
• Desirable
  • Knowledge of international development, or the animal welfare sector.
  • Understanding of charity governance and the role of a trustee.
  • Experience in developing sustainable income models.

Terms of Appointment

• This is a voluntary position; reasonable expenses will be reimbursed if required to travel for meetings.
• Trustees are expected to attend virtual Board meetings twice a year (usually June and December) and participate in occasional sub-committees or events (virtual or in-person). Online meetings are limited to 1.5-hours.
• The initial term is three years, with the option of renewal for a further three years.
• It is a criminal offence for an individual to serve as a Trustee if disqualified from doing so. Appropriate checks will be carried out to ensure that individuals who have been selected to become a Trustee are eligible. These checks will include references and Charity Commission/Companies House verification.
• There will be an initial probationary period of 1-year.
• Trustees are subject to our governing documents.
• Wild Welfare is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Join us in creating lasting change.

We’re Recruiting Trustees – Join Calan DVS and help shape safer futures

Calan DVS is one of Wales’ leading charities supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic abuse and sexual violence. We deliver life-changing services, raise awareness, and work to create lasting positive change across our communities. We are seeking new Trustees to strengthen our Board and to help us achieve our vision of working towards safe and resilient communities free from domestic abuse and sexual violence.

We are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in:

• Social housing and housing policy Government, Policy/Legislation
• People and culture, with experience of equality, diversity and inclusion
• Finance and audit
• Fundraising and income generation
• Safeguarding
• Legal, Governance or regulatory compliance

As a Trustee, you will:

• Contribute your skills and perspective to support our mission.
• Help shape strategy, strengthen governance and influence change.
• Champion our work and values within your networks.
• Learn about the realities of domestic abuse and wide reaching impact this has.
• Join a committed and passionate team dedicated to creating safer futures for survivors of abuse and their families.

This is a rewarding opportunity to use your expertise to make a real difference.

Location: This is a hybrid role with meetings held via Teams and the occasional in person meeting.

Time commitment: The board of trustees meets 3-4 times per year.

We are explicitly seeking a Trustee with lived experience that reflects the realities faced by the children, families and communities we serve. By lived experience, we mean someone who has personally navigated circumstances where opportunity was limited or unevenly distributed. This might include growing up in a low-income household, experiencing social or economic disadvantage, attending a school with few resources, or feeling that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was a world that did not feel open or accessible.

If you have built your path despite these kinds of barriers, forging a career, finding your voice, or creating opportunities that were not readily available, your insight would be invaluable. We are looking for someone who can bring a different perspective to our Board, ask questions others may not think to ask, and help us stay grounded in the experiences of the communities who need us most.

You do not need previous governance experience. What matters most is your insight, your judgement and your commitment to CSC’s mission. We will provide a full induction, training and ongoing support to make sure you feel confident in the role. As a Trustee, you will work collectively with the Board to ensure the charity is well-run, financially sound, and delivering meaningful public benefit.

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. 

We are currently looking for a new Digital Fundraising Trustee who can use their skills to support our growing charity. We need someone with relevant fundraising experience who thrives as part of a dynamic group of Trustees, who is willing to champion the charity and who values seeing the impact that our work can make

The Digital Fundraising Trustee will participate in all areas of the charity’s governance with a special interest in the fundraising implications of the strategy, governance and support with the Board’s understanding and interpretation.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we implement our new 5-year strategy for 2025-2030.

The Link to apply is listed in the attached Recruitment Pack or can be accessed via the Redirect to recruiter button.

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.

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.

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!

We are a passionate, mission-driven charity working to protect and restore nature across Tees Valley and beyond. Through our nature reserves, community engagement, and advocacy, we empower people of all ages to connect with wildlife and take action for the environment. We are looking for a new Trustees to support the charity. This is a fantastic opportunity for a you to lend knowledge and expertise to inform strategic leadership to support the Trust’s governance and long-term impact.

Trustees drive our strategic direction, offering guidance, support and constructive challenge to the CEO. As passionate ambassadors for our work, they leverage networks to influence key partners and secure vital funding. Drawing on their expertise, they collaborate to position the charity for success in delivering strategic priorities. With strategic vision, independent judgement and commitment, our Trustees steer the Trust through

Trustees responsibilities

• Shape the Trust’s strategic vision, ensuring alignment with our goals and values
• Provide constructive challenge and support to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team
• Act as an ambassador, building relationships with partners, funders, and community groups
• Offer professional expertise to strengthen governance, policy development, and decision-making
• Commit to upholding charity law and the highest standards of integrity

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!

WMDAS is a charity, part funded by the Welsh Government and is accredited by Driving Mobility. Referrals are accepted from individuals, DVLA, Motability and numerous other organisations.  Our purpose is to offer disabled drivers and passengers of all ages specialist advice and assessments to find solutions for their outdoor mobility. 

We are looking for people who may be considering taking their first step in a trustee role or may have been involved with trusteeship previously. Our trustees bring their skills, energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and play a vital role in making sure that the Wales Mobility & Driving Assessment Service (WMDAS) achieves its core purpose.

They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure WMDAS has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.  Board members act as a group and have a collective responsibility to support and challenge the management team to enable WMDAS to grow and thrive and through this achieve our mission.

Trustee Duties are to:

· Support and provide advice on the WMDAS purpose, vision, goals and activities

· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation

· Oversee the WMDAS financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

· Review and approve the WMDAS financial statements.

· Keep abreast of changes in the WMDAS operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of the WMDAS own governance. Attend Board meetings adequately prepared to contribute to discussions

· Contribute to the broader promotion of the WMDAS objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Trustees are: Willing and able to understand and accept responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation. Effective communicators who participate effectively in discussion. Enthusiastic for our vision and mission

Time Commitment: There are 3 or 4 board meetings annually plus an Annual General Meeting. Currently meetings are held remotely via Zoom or in person at our mobility centre in Cardiff if possible, additionally trustees are available via email as required.

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

PDA Society are excited to share that we are looking for 2 new Trustees to join our board.

Trustees play a key role in providing strategic direction, oversight, and support to ensure that the PDA Society continues to grow sustainably and deliver real impact for the community we serve.

Following the retirement of two Trustees we’re keen to broaden the range of skills and experiences represented. Our work is guided by people with lived experience, and our Board of Trustees plays a central role in shaping our strategy and ensuring that our values are embedded across everything we do.

Appointments are made on merit, and we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive Board that truly reflects the communities we serve. 

We particularly welcome applications from anyone who has experienced marginalisation due to their race or religion, as these voices are currently underrepresented on our Board.

This is a voluntary position, and Trustees are not remunerated, although reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for an initial 3-year term.

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.

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.