Trustees Volunteer Roles

Are you passionate about taking action on climate change, biodiversity loss and social equity?

Do you believe that it's possible to meet today's needs without compromising those of future generations?

If you combine these beliefs with leadership skills and governance experience, we want to hear from you. Our Board of Trustees needs you to help us put Sustainability First in the UK.

Who we are

We’re a small, highly regarded think-tank and charity that promotes practical, sustainable solutions to improve environmental, economic and social wellbeing.

What we do

Sustainability First works towards real environmental and social change. Primarily

focussed on the energy and water sectors, we:

• undertake research

• initiate policy discussions

• make complex issues accessible to the public

• promote under-represented voices

• develop solutions to influence Players in the sector

The opportunity

You will be joining Sustainability First at a critical time, when we are stepping up our ambition to drive change in the energy and water sectors in a way that benefits people and responds to the urgent need to transition to a more sustainable future. You will work collaboratively with our Executive Director in meeting our ambitions to scale our work, drive change across the sector and embed the representation of people into decision-making.

This will include six primary responsibilities:

1 Ensure that Sustainability First has a clear strategic direction aimed at fulfilling its charity objectives and that the Strategy is regularly reviewed.

2 Oversee the governance of the Charity with:

     a. an effective, diverse and relevant Board of Trustees.

     b. appropriate policies, processes & financial management such that the Charity operates within the law, in pursuit of its Strategy and demonstrating good practice.

     c. regular and effective liaison, reporting and oversight of the Executive Director, Company Secretary and, as necessary, staff and panel of experts in order to ensure effective and proportionate planning, use of resources, monitoring and reporting by the Board of Trustees.

3 Set the agenda for and chair Board meetings to ensure engagement of, and discussion amongst Trustees based on the best possible information, input from the Executive Director and team, leading to clear and accountable decision-making.

4 Appoint, support and manage the Executive Director on behalf of the Board.

5 Ensure that the charity has an income generation strategy which is monitored and actively supported by trustees and Chair, in order to achieve the Board’s stated objective to build resilience and capacity for Sustainability First to successfully fulfil its charitable objects.

6 Represent the charity externally as required.

Skills

After many years of service to our charity, our current Chair is retiring. At a time of opportunity and challenge for our organisation, we’re looking for someone with a proven track record of leadership at board level, ideally in the UK charity sector. Your experience of running and growing a small but impactful organisation in a professional or voluntary capacity will be crucial to the work of our Board, dedicated staff and expert associates.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, you will draw on your experience of collegiate collaboration, positive decision-making and effective problem-solving to help ensure funding, organisational excellence, and ultimately environmental and social change.

PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR CHAIR

The ideal candidate will have proven knowledge/ skills/ experience in the following areas:

• Governance and board experience (essential) and in a chairing or leadership role (desirable)
• *Demonstrable leadership skills consistent with Sustainability First’s values and charitable purpose (essential)
• *Ability to both manage and support the Board and Executive Director to help achieve the best outcomes (essential)
• Support the vision and mission of the charity (essential) with experience, networks and profile in one or more of our areas of operation (desirable)
• *Sufficient time and energy to fulfil the role (essential)
• A growth mindset* (essential) and income generation experience (desirable)
• *Experience of small organisations and their particular challenges in a professional or voluntary capacity (essential)
• Experience of working within the UK Charity Sector (desirable)

In addition to preparing for and chairing the Board, the Chair will be an ex officio member of all Board Panels, will line manage the Executive Director and will represent the charity externally as requested.

The commitment is likely to average around two days per month. The appointment is for an initial three-year term with the option to renew.

How to apply

The deadline for applications is 13th May. You can read our recruitment pack in full on our website. Please send a cover letter explaining your reasons for applying, the skills and experience you would bring to this role, and a copy of your CV plus a completed EDI Monitoring Form to our Company Secretary and Head of Finance, Claire Williams.

Thank you for your interest in Phoenix Enterprises; we’re passionate in our mission to support people living with mental health issues and learning disabilities in Swindon. We are a small, friendly charity, with big impact.

We are looking to recruit a trustee to join our Board, a voluntary position which offers so much. Whilst the position is unpaid, you will feel the rewards of being part of a charity that is making a real difference. We are committed to our objective of building the employability skills of our service users. In the UK only 48% of people with mental health problems, and 17.6% of people with severe learning difficulties, are in employment, versus the national 75%. Mental health issues and learning disabilities can be financially debilitating and very isolating. In addition, those living with mental health problems often face complex and challenging issues ranging from wellbeing, managing the benefits system and finding accommodation. Good work and the right help make all the difference, and that’s what Phoenix is all about.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction and business continuity of the charity, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the Governing Document and legal and regulatory guidelines. Taking our responsibilities seriously requires a meaningful commitment and the ability to work as part of a small, friendly team.

Trustees bring different skills, experiences and perspectives, all really important and valuable in our work, ensuring a healthy approach and objective discourse. Previous board experience is not a pre-requisite, with a welcoming induction, mentoring and opportunity for training; we work as a team with a supportive approach.

Applications for this trustee role are invited from people who are based in or near to Swindon who would like to join our Board and have the capacity to be involved in our work. Trustees are expected to be able to attend the Board meetings and have the time to make an effective contribution to our work. Typically, there are 4 meetings per year. Occasional additional support will be valued for example at meetings with key stakeholders such as grant assessors and Swindon Borough Council.

We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve, particularly those with experience of living with mental health issues or disabilities. We look forward to hearing from people who can bring a new perspective and fresh ideas to inform our thinking.

We are a young charity that seeks to bring amazing people together to make stories to change the
world. Rewriting Earth, a global collaboration of the most influential storytellers on Earth united behind one cause, our planet. Our primary focus is on reaching those people who are less informed and indifferent to what is happening to all life on our planet and who are currently less committed to taking personal action. We use cool and viral content to connect disengaged audiences. 

We are currently working on an ambitious period of expansion and we are looking for a Treasurer with relevant experience to oversee the financial affairs of the organisation to ensure they're within accepted accounting practice. Please see the Application Pack for further information on the role specification. 

Our Trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run. Being a Trustee at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland means making decisions that will impact on people’s lives.

As a Trustee, you will make a difference to your local community. You’ll have a key role assisting in the overall management and development of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland ensuring that all organisational and legal requirements are adhered to.

In particular, we are looking for Trustees with professional backgrounds and experience in the following areas:

• Health
• Social Care
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• IT & Technology

We are partnering with the Social Interest Group (‘SIG’) to appoint new Trustees to join their board.  SIG brings charities together to work under one umbrella focusing on delivering good quality social and health care services.  They support people who are in the criminal justice system, stepping down from hospital recovering from mental ill health and those moving away from periods of homelessness, recovering from substance and alcohol issues.

Their Mission is to create powerful partnerships and solutions that bridge the gaps in local health and social care so people can live happy, healthy, productive and fulfilled lives.

SIG (the parent company), their subsidiaries SIG Penrose, SIG Housing Trust, SIG Equinox, SIG Pathways to Independence and SIG Safe Ground, work to tackle social and health care inequalities and fill gaps in service provision in order to ensure that people in our society have every opportunity to live fulfilled, healthy and constructive lives.

Through their values they are committed to:

• Delivering excellence and innovation
• Promoting equality and mutual respect
• A belief that positive change is possible
• Involving and consulting service users
• Active citizenship and community involvement
• Valuing staff, harnessing their full potential

They are keen to have an inclusive board, therefore backgrounds and experience is less important as the need for the passion, ambition and interest to help SIG fulfil its mission is the primary requirement. 

As mentioned, your background is less important but if you are in IT, Public Relations & Marketing, Operations, (maybe you have or are a COO) engaged in the medical profession with an emphasis on mental health, a service user or carer is of interest to the current board.

The successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A clear commitment to the mission and values of the Group
• The capacity to participate actively and from an informed position.
• A willingness to use personal networks and resources of relevance to their charitable purpose.
• A passion for their work, and to promoting SIG and its subsidiaries as an organisation.
• A firm understanding and respect for the Nolan Principles of Public Life

Meetings are held in the evening at their head office in the Angel/Highbury & Islington area or virtually; there are 4 meetings plus one ‘away day’ each year. The total time commitment is in the region of eight hours per month.

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date for applications: 6 May 2024

Interviews: TBC

We are looking for a trustee with a background in either Primary or Secondary Education to support on our anti-racism intiatives.

What will you be doing?

Every Future Foundation is seeking a dedicated Trustee with a background in education and schooling to contribute invaluable insights and expertise to our organization. As a Trustee, you will:
 

1. Play a pivotal role in shaping our new programmes aimed at working closely with school staff to implement comprehensive anti-racism initiatives.
2. Your firsthand experience as an educator will be instrumental in supporting the development of whole-school anti-racism programmes, ensuring they are tailored to the needs and realities of educational settings.
3. You will serve as a vital link between Every Future Foundation and the education sector, offering invaluable perspectives from the standpoint of school staff, teachers, and governors. Acting as a critical friend, you will provide constructive feedback and guidance on our school-based programmes, ensuring they remain relevant, effective, and impactful.

Other duties include:

• Attend 6 x 1-hour trustee meetings per year, these are usually held on zoom.
• Attending ad-hoc meetings which may be more regular when we are developing new programmes or modules.

What are we looking for?

• Extensive experience in the education sector, preferably as a teacher, school staff member, or education administrator.
• In-depth understanding of school dynamics, policies, and procedures, including familiarity with the roles of teachers, staff, and governors.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement educational programmes or initiatives, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with school stakeholders and serve as a liaison between Every Future Foundation and the education community.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Every Future Foundation, with a passion for promoting anti-racism education and empowering young people to become advocates for change.

What difference will you make?

We are a small but passionate and enthusiastic team that works tirelessly to achieve our mission to eradicate all forms of racism from the UK.

We have a small board of 3 trustees, so your presence will make a huge impact on the board and will be able to make a huge difference in our financial intelligence and allow us to understand our finances better which will allow us to create a larger impact with limited resources.

MedEquip4Kids improves the health of babies and children in the UK by providing equipment not available from limited NHS resources. Since its foundation in 1985 the charity has raised over £25 million for lifesaving medical equipment, play and distraction facilities in hospitals and specialised disability equipment. We also deliver the Hummingbird Project, a six-week course for schools to support young people’s mental health.

We are looking for an inspiring and dedicated individual to join our Board of Trustees, which consists of five members with experience in healthcare and finance. In order to enhance the range of skills on the board, we are seeking someone with legal knowledge and experience. An interest in children’s health would also be an advantage.

The successful candidate will attend six board meetings a year, where they will contribute to the overall governance of the organisation as well as offering specific guidance on legal issues.

MedEquip4Kids is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all. We particularly welcome applications from disabled, LGBTQ, and BAME candidates.

ESU invites a visionary leader to join our education committee to help shape the future of oracy education globally whilst supporting the creation and development of new ventures and a new 5-year strategy.

Applications close on: Monday 29th April 2024

Location: Dartmouth House, 37 Charles St, London W1J 5ED

About The English-Speaking Union (ESU)

The English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth is a membership organisation with a charitable purpose. It was founded by the journalist Sir Evelyn Wrench in 1918 and is governed by a Royal Charter, granted by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. The Princess Royal is the President.

The ESU is best known for its extensive work in supporting children and young people to develop speaking and listening (oracy) skills through primary education programmes, public speaking competitions and debate.

The ESU is an international organisation with a network of 54 national ESUs, each operating independently and according to its own jurisdiction. The ESU provides secretariat to the International Council.

The international headquarters of the ESU are at Dartmouth House, one of the most notable properties in Mayfair.

It is Grade II Listed and is scheduled as a building of national importance. The venue is operated under licence by Graysons, who run weddings, private events, corporate activities and service our members.

The ESU also operates a private members’ club at Dartmouth House, where members establish new friendships and networks through its varied events programme.

We plan to refurbish our Grade II listed building in the heart of Mayfair whilst retaining our heritage and maximising our opportunities.

We plan to develop our volunteering strategy and grow our network of volunteers nationally and from within our existing membership and new audiences.

Alongside planning to establish our fundraising capability to grow, diversify and enhance our education and membership offers and establishing our new fundraising strategy.

ESU is not just an organisation; it’s a lifelong community. Our vibrant domestic and international membership network is the cornerstone of our charitable work, fostering connections that last a lifetime.

About the role

We have just appointed several new Trustees to our board and are looking to appoint a new Co-opted Advisor who can offer us support, guidance, challenge, and strategic advice through our education committee.

You will join us as we embark on new ventures to develop our site and offer, diversify our income streams, grow our volunteering and ultimately create our next 5-year strategy.

The co-opted advisor will have a one-year term.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an advisor with experience preferably at senior leadership level in secondary education, however, we are open to people with experience in primary and further education.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 29th April 2024

Good Vibrations is an award-winning, national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.

Our work currently involves a range of projects across the UK, including long-standing weekly music sessions at Bethlem and Lambeth hospitals, projects in around 12 prisons a year in England, and our Resonate programmes in Glasgow, Sheffield and Nottingham, which focus on those with disabilities and mental health issues in the community.

The Board of Trustees upholds the best interests of Good Vibrations, ensuring that we achieve our charitable aims whilst abiding by charity law and other relevant regulations.

Good Vibrations wishes to appoint a new Chair to our Board of Trustees who is experienced in organisational leadership, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  The Chair supports and empowers the Board and CEO to lead the charity so that we achieve our vision, mission and aims, whilst remaining sustainable and ethical.

The Board of Trustees

Good Vibrations is a registered charity in both England & Wales (1126493) and Scotland (SC048860). The charity is governed by the Board of Trustees, which currently numbers five following the standing down of some long-term members.

The Board is vital in Good Vibrations’ governance and is responsible for setting directions in strategy and maintaining oversight over all activity. Trustees also play an ambassadorial role in raising awareness of our work.

The current board includes expertise in arts and culture, legal and charitable affairs, finance and academia, helping to ensure that we extend our knowledge of the issues and challenges we face.

Good Vibrations is regularly in receipt of funding from Arts Council England and Creative Scotland, as well as from the National Lottery and several other Trusts and Foundations. The Board is currently involved in creating the organisation’s next 5-year Business Plan. You can see our most recent Annual Report and Accounts here.

What are we looking for?

The position has become available following the standing down of the current Chair Nick Jolliffe, who has been with the organisation since 2018. The organisation has recently appointed a new CEO, and this is an exciting time of development for the organisation.

As our new Chair, you will help shape the next exciting phase of our future development as we commence our new strategic plan, and embed our newest Trustees within our established Board. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries.

The role of the Chair is a voluntary, non-executive appointment. The role requires a commitment of approximately two hours a week, with the capacity to flex upwards should the need arise.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Strong leadership skills that engage, inspire and motivate the Board, staff, freelance team and other external stakeholders.
• Genuine interest and commitment to social justice issues and improving outcomes and opportunities for marginalised people in our society.
• A proven track record in developing strategic initiatives and steering an organisation toward success
• Previous experience on the Board of a UK charity, or operating at a senior strategic leadership level in previous roles
• Knowledge about UK charity governance and commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and risk management in all areas including finance.
• Excellent communication skills and networking capabilities, and able to act as an ambassador for the charity and cause.
• Ability to commit time, interest and effort to conduct the role well.

How our Board works

Trustees meet quarterly at Board Meetings, either in person in London or online from 5.00pm – 7.30pm.  There is also an annual Strategy day in London.

In addition, a Finance sub-committee meets quarterly, looking in-depth at finance and other matters, before putting recommendations forward to the Board.

Trustees do not receive remuneration or other benefits, but all expenses can be claimed including those required to cover access needs such as sign language, interpretation, captioning or travel expenses. The full legal framework for Trustees is laid out in the Articles of Association, which were recently revised in 2022.

Trustees serve for an initial term of three years and will have the opportunity to be re-appointed for a second and final term (maximum of nine years).

What Responsibilities will you have?

Trustees ensure the good governance and smooth running of the charity, supporting the Chief Executive Director, the wider staff team, and our team of freelance facilitators.

ow there are lots of ways that someone can gain experience and insight, not just through professional experience. Having trustees with lived experience of the settings in which we work is essential to our work.

All Board members can have access to training and charity networks to benefit not only the charity, but individual’s personal development.

All Good Vibrations’ Trustees have responsibility for the:

• governance of the organisation in line with legal and financial requirements of the Charity Commission, OSCR, other regulatory bodies, and funders;
• appointment, including the approval of job descriptions and pay levels of members of staff; agreeing terms & conditions and employment procedures;
• recruitment of new Trustees;
• approval of Good Vibrations’ strategy, its business, and artistic plans, and use of resources;
• approval of budgets, annual accounts and financial strategies;
• approval of all policies ensuring that they are updated in line with law and best practice.

The Chair, as the leader of the Board of Trustees, has some additional responsibilities including:

• working with and line managing the CEO to develop the direction and strategy of the charity;
• conducting annual performance reviews for each trustee and the CEO;
• ensuring high standards of governance, risk management and strategic direction
• ensuring that all Trustees have the information available to carry out this task and monitor progress;
• leading and developing the Board of Trustees and CEO including induction, training and succession planning;
• support of the CEO in their role, including developing external relations with key agencies;
• working with other members of the Board to organise and populate sub-committees and short-term working groups;
• planning the cycle of Board Meetings and working with the CEO to set agendas and plan meetings;
• chairing and facilitating Board meetings effectively, encouraging discussion, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made fairly;
• acting as a principal ambassador for the organisation at Board level and developing external relationships for the benefit of Good Vibrations

Before you apply

Good Vibrations is committed to becoming an organisation that reflects society and promotes diversity of thought and experience and inclusion of those who are historically underrepresented in leadership roles. We would particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the contexts in which we work, including from people with a previous conviction.

For an informal conversation about the role prior to application, please contact us through details on our website.

Please note this post will require a Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS) and references.

How to Apply

We welcome all applications but particularly those from individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system, disability, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, mental ill health, and autistic and neurodivergent people. We also encourage applications from those protected under the 2010 Equalities Act due to age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

We are interested to hear from those who may not consider a position like this due to social or financial disadvantage. Those with caring responsibilities and on low incomes are encouraged to apply, and we will work to make provision where possible.

To apply for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing your interest through Charity Job. We will also accept applications in any preferred format (including audio or video).

The closing date for this position is 14th May 2024 with interviews to be held on the week of 20th May.  Any access requirements will be met.

We need a Treasurer/Trustee to support the Board of Trustees in achieving on-going Good Governance of of an unincorporated charity transitioning into a CIO 

What will you be doing?

The new Trustee/Treasurer is needed to give advice on the Society’s strategic plans at a time of increased uncertainty about the level of support for our national activities.

In past years the Society has held very successful annual events but now, due to uncertainty about the current and future level of support for these events - organised by ambitious, experienced volunteers.  Consequently the board members now need support and guidance to ensure confidence in the financial viability of on-going plans and to ensure that funds are properly managed.

What are we looking for?

Experience in accounts preferably with awareness of charitable governance, analysis and evaluation skills, ability to communicate and explain financial information, people handling and leadership skills

What difference will you make?

A sympathetic, knowledgeable and reliable professional will give the inexperienced trustees confidence to make informed decisions on the financial governance of the society and the reassurance that efficient oversight is in place.

If you have extensive experience of fundraising, there is a volunteer opportunity here for you which offers a chance to make a difference at Ampleforth Abbey in its mission to the Church and society in the 21st century.

What will you be doing?

The Ampleforth Abbey Trust wishes to appoint a trustee with fundraising expertise and experience who will be able to align fundraising with the charity’s overall Strategic Plan and ensure effective income generation.

As the specialist fundraising trustee, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Ampleforth community by setting and monitoring the Trust’s strategic direction to ensure sustainable delivery of core objectives. 

Main duties:

• Fundraising strategy: provide expertise, advice and guidance to align fundraising within the charity’s overall Strategic Plan to ensure effective income generation
• Fundraising Steering Group: work with the Chair of the board and invited experts on a Fundraising Steering Group
• Donor engagement: collaborate with the monastic community and the board of trustees to develop and monitor a donor engagement plan
• Compliance and Risk: ensure compliance with legal requirements, assess risks in fundraising planning, alerting the Board of Trustees in a timely manner about any concerns
• To report to the Board at a strategic level on the successes and challenges of the fundraising strategy.

What are we looking for?

• Clear demonstrable and evidenced empathy with support for Ampleforth Abbey Trust’s mission and ethos;
• Experience of participating in the oversight or management of organisations and an understanding of organisational operational and effectiveness issues;
• Experience (professional or non-executive) in strategic philanthropic development and fundraising and an understanding of the key opportunities for the Trust in this area;
• Willingness to use different experiences to support the Trust, and to act as an ambassador;
• A capacity for independent thought, judgement and expression - balanced by influencing skills with an ability to advise and challenge on a constructive and open basis;
• A warm, collegiate and diplomatic style with the ability to take tough decisions when required;
• Good interpersonal, communication and team working skills;
• Able to give sufficient time on a voluntary basis;
• Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, alongside a personal commitment to core principles of opportunity, openness, transparency and respect for others;
• Experience in a non-executive role.

What difference will you make?

Through your fundraising experience you will have a pivotal role in providing expertise, advice and guidance to align fundraising within the charity’s overall Strategic Plan to ensure effective income generation; collaborate with the monastic community and the board of trustees to develop and monitor a donor engagement plan; and report to the Board at a strategic level on the successes and challenges of the fundraising strategy.

Before you apply

Please provide a CV and a cover letter containing the contact details of two referees. 

Our Charity is committed to transforming the wellbeing of the banking community – current and former bank workers, retirees, and their families, by working closely with the banks to promote the wellbeing of their staff.

What will you be doing?

We’re recruiting up to three Trustees and co-opted members to deliver our mission to support and improve the wellbeing of UK bank workers past and present, and their families. Our work seeks to support people most in need.

What are we looking for?

Investment management, legal, accounting and financial management and experience of working in the voluntary sector, in a service delivery or fundraising capacity.

What difference will you make?

Trustees are keen to add to the strengths of the existing Board with individuals who are strategically minded, with ability to focus on key organisational issues and long-term organisational effectiveness. Expertise in investment management, legal, accounting and financial management and those with an experience of working in the voluntary sector, in a service delivery or fundraising role are encouraged to apply.

Before you apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a personal statement stating:

1. Why would you like to be a Trustee?
2. What do you hope to gain?
3. What do you hope to offer?

Off the Record is a well-established and respected support agency for children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. Founded in 1994, OTR supports young people aged 11-25 in Croydon, Sutton and Merton.

What will you be doing?

We are currently looking for new Trustees with a fund-raising ability, legal expertise, financial expertise and with experience of working within the mental health field. 

Treasurer: 

Key Skills: financial acumen, analytical skills, communication, attention to detail, integrity and trustworthiness, strategic thinking, team collaborations, problem-solving, adaptability and time management.

Fundraising and Bid Writing: 

Key Skills: communication, research, strategic thinking, creativity, relationship building, Results-oriented, financial acumen 

Clinical: 

Key Skills: clinical, safeguarding knowledge, leadership, communication, collaboration, advocacy, problem-solving, cultural competence, empathy, continuous learning. 

Legal:

Key skills: legal expertise, analytical thinking, contract review, compliance management, risk management, communication, ethical decision-making, problem-solving, attention to detail.

Note: this role is not suitable for a short-term work placement or apprenticeship

What are we looking for?

Person specification:

• Finance, clinical, legal and fundraising expertise with a minimum of three years of experience in the relevant field.
• Interest in mental health issues affecting children and young people and the communities where we operate.
• Commitment to the charity’s objectives, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
• Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objectives and aims.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for mental health advocacy and community well-being.

We invite applications from young individuals, and we strongly encourage representation from minority groups to enhance diversity on our Trustee Board.

We are actively working to broaden the Board's composition to better reflect the Croydon, Merton, and Sutton communities.

Your unique perspectives are crucial to our commitment to inclusivity and community representation.

What difference will you make?

Your role as a Trustee is a key element for our strategic plans to come to fruition. Your skills and expertise will help Off the Record to continue providing its invaluable mental health services to the children and young people in our community and expand our services to reach those who need our support. 

What is in it for the volunteer? 

You will join a friendly and dynamic organisation, where the mental health of young people from our local area is at the heart of our mission. We are a well-established local organisation with a powerful reputation in this area. Your involvement as a Trustee will allow you to highlight your skills and experience for the benefit of vulnerable young adults and children. We will organise for you to attend a training workshop in Governance at the beginning of your time with us. 

Time commitment: 

The Board meets five times a year, collaborating with the Directors to oversee the strategic direction of the organisation as well as taking care of the Charity’s financial, legal and employment responsibilities. These in-person meetings are held in Croydon on Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:30. Additionally, trustees are encouraged to participate in two Charity days annually, held on Saturdays, where all staff get together (10:00 to 16:00 in April and October). 

Some ad-hoc communications via email/telephone/Teams as required i.e., working on specific projects related to the trustees’ area of expertise. We estimate that this could be 3 – 6 hours a month.

Before you apply

Please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience along with your CV.

Could you use your skills and experience to support Signals?

We’re looking for new volunteer Trustees who are interested in helping to develop the organisation.

Signals is a registered charity, established 35 years ago. It specialises in filmmaking and digital arts for social, learning and creative outputs. Signals works across the region but with a focus on Essex.

Signals works with children, young people, artists and community groups supporting creativity and learning at all levels. Signals is committed to increasing equal access to digital and creative experiences.  Signals vision is to positively impact peoples’ lives by encouraging creativity, developing skills and raising aspirations through creative digital production and education.  This work is increasingly relevant in supporting those left behind in a digital age.

Current projects include working with local migrant communities, disability groups and communities in Harwich.

Signals is seeking new volunteer trustees to diversify and bring additional skills to the board.

Signals is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all members of the community particularly from those currently under-represented on the board including young people, Tendring residents and people from the global majority. We are also looking for those with legal, marketing, community work, funding and building management skills.

The time commitment for trustees is the attendance at quarterly evening meetings (approx. 2 hours per meeting) inclusive of the AGM, occasional attendance of subcommittee and adhoc meetings. Trustees will also be expected to review a range of reports and strategy documents and review and develop policy.


We look forward to hearing from you.

Diverse City is looking for a Chair to the Trustees who will be responsible for leading an effective board, managing the Executive and representing the organisation as an ambassador and advocate.

Diversity is central to our name, our art, and our values. We believe that theatre with its roots in diversity helps us imagine a fairer world, so that we can make one.

The company collaborates on the development and touring of nationally significant work to create equal representation in the performing arts. Our flagship collaboration is with Cirque Bijou. Together we lead Extraordinary Bodies a company that creates bold, provocative new circus performance.

Our mission is to fight for equality in every artistic arena. The boardroom, the audience, backstage and centre stage should all be truly representative, and we’re here to make that happen. We know that career pathways into the arts are only open to the few. This means, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, D/deaf and disabled people, and people from the global majority are all underrepresented in arts organisations, including ours. We want to change that. So, we particularly encourage applications from people from underrepresented groups.

We are a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), supported by Arts Council England.

We are entering an exciting period, and the Chair will be key in turning the page to the next chapter for the Company. The Board has recently been revitalised, and the Chair will be critical in driving the governance and Company forward. So, if you have experience and commitment to collaborative working, nurturing the voices and perspectives of all, social justice and the value of the arts, we could well be looking for you.

The key areas the Chair is responsible for are:

• Leading the Board, stakeholder management and organisational governance. Including:
• Setting the Board agenda, ensuring legal and financial governance duties are met effectively.
• Effective operation of the Board in all its areas and responsibilities.
• Build and maintain positive relationships including existing and potential funders.
• Represent the organisation at outside events
• Develop the Charity's vision and strategy
• Line manage the Executive
• Support the Executive in fundraising and encourage Trustees to do so.

We are looking for candidate with the following skills and experience

• Record of engagement in arts & culture
• Commitment & understanding of equality, diversity & inclusion.
• Experience of governance, or other organisational leadership, particularly in arts & culture, a non-profit, charity or public sector setting.
• Familiarity with reviewing or managing budgets.
• Effective, confident & enabling approach to convening & facilitating meetings Experience of chairing or facilitation in both in-person & remote settings.
• Skilled at building & balancing relationships with stakeholders including Arts Council England.
• Enthusiasm & empathy for vision, mission, values & work of the charity.
• Commitment to trustee duties & openness with the charity's team & Trustees.
• Ability to work in a team, accept decisions & be tolerant of other views.
• Commitment to being informed about - and act as a champion for - the charity.
• Ability to treat sensitive information confidentially.

Our candidate pack outlines the responsibilities of the role as well as the skills and experience needed. The candidate pack is available as Audio and BSL versions. Other versions available on request.