Volunteer roles for the Disability sector

About Us:

The Orpheus Centre is a specialist further education college and charity working to support young disabled adults, who are passionate about the arts, to achieve their potential and lead independent lives.

Set up by musician and songwriter Sir Richard Stilgoe, Orpheus offers learning, supported housing and personal care on the same site in Godstone, Surrey.

Volunteer Role:

As an Action Team Volunteer, you will play a vital role in assisting with our fundraising activities throughout the year, from fun runs, festivals and supermarket collections to special events. By sharing your skills and time, you’ll meet new people as part of a friendly team that makes a difference in the community and have a rewarding experience helping spread awareness of Orpheus and the importance of the funds our supporters raise.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for volunteers who are friendly, have buckets of enthusiasm, have good communications skills and able to work as part of a team. If you are reliable and flexible, then we would love to hear from you. If you would like to get involved with the work we do at Orpheus but want to volunteer in a flexible way, then this is the role for you. 

What will you be doing?

· Cheering, marshalling, collecting money or providing practical support in other ways at our events, such as setting up stalls, selling merchandise and raffle tickets to car park attendants

· Other ad hoc activities that arise on the day

Why volunteer:

Through volunteering with us you will gain a greater sense of purpose and help our learners reach their potential.

If you are someone who is reliable, an excellent communicator, have a friendly and enthusiastic personality and committed to helping, as well as being kind and caring, then this could be the role for you.

You will have a mentor who will help and guide you when you first start volunteering at Orpheus.

Training:

Role relevant training, including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Safeguarding will be given prior to start date. There is also the opportunity to attend our Learning Support training.

On-going support will be available throughout your time at Orpheus.

Benefits/What you’ll get:

· Experience of volunteering in an education setting.

· Working within a team as well as independently.

· The opportunity to meet new people and having fun.

· Develop confidence, empathy, listening and communication skills through working with our students.

· Gain experience in the charity sector.

· Opportunities to volunteer at other fundraising or on-site events at Orpheus.

· Free on-site parking and expenses claimed back.

· Discounted lunches.

· Volunteer social events, like our Volunteer Tea Party.

Safeguarding:

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all service users. We are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities.

This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  It is therefore subject to an Enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).

Equality & Diversity:

· To enforce the zero tolerance policy of all forms of victimisation, discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

· To be tolerant of differences and use respectful language.

· Ensure professional standards and boundaries are clear.

· To treat everyone respectfully.

Application Process:

Once your application has been received it will be reviewed, you may then be invited in for an informal interview.

Your references will be checked and you will need to complete the online DBS application before bringing the relevant documents in to be checked.

You will then need to attend all of our training. This can all take 3-4 weeks to be completed before you start volunteering with us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Join us and make a difference in the lives of children with additional needs

We are seeking to recruit a new volunteer Secretary to join our passionate and dedicated Board.

We are looking for individuals who share our vision of a world where all children and young people with additional needs and disabilities are fully included in their communities. Whether you're an experienced Trustee or looking to take your first step into governance, your contribution could be life-changing for the children we support and for their families.

About the Role

The Charity Secretary plays a key part in supporting the governance and smooth running of our Board, including.

• Liaising with the chair in arranging meetings, agendas and papers, taking minutes and administration of meetings and record keeping.
• Assisting with the induction of new trustees.
• Coordinate and organise other meetings as required, such as AGMs and EGMs.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are looking for candidates who have good organisation and IT skills, are committed to supporting our unique, inclusion charity and want to make a difference.

Interested?

To find out more about these exciting opportunities and how to apply, please visit our website

Company Description

Vision for Access CIC is a social enterprise led by people with lived experience of sight loss. We work to break down barriers and make the world more inclusive by promoting accessibility in practical, achievable ways. Through projects, training, and community collaboration, we help organisations understand and remove the barriers that people with sight loss and other disabilities face every day.

Our work is guided by empathy, real-world experience, and a commitment to creating positive social change.

Role Description

We are looking for Non-Executive Directors to join our small and passionate board at Vision for Access CIC.

This is a remote, voluntary role suitable for individuals who share our values and are eager to contribute to shaping the future direction of our work. You don’t need to have previous board experience or formal qualifications - we’re more interested in your ideas, enthusiasm, and commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

As a Non-Executive Director, you’ll:

• Take part in regular board meetings (held online)
• Help guide Vision for Access’s strategy and priorities
• Offer insight, challenge, and support to ensure good governance
• Act as an ambassador for our mission and help us build connections
• Contribute your lived experience, professional knowledge, or community perspective to strengthen our work

This role is ideal for individuals who want to leverage their experience, passion, or perspective to drive positive change in accessibility and inclusion.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. You might bring:

• An interest in accessibility, inclusion, or social impact
• Experience (professional or personal) connected to disability, sight loss, or community work
• Strategic thinking, creative ideas, or problem-solving skills
• A willingness to learn, listen, and contribute as part of a supportive team

You don’t need to have been on a board before - we’ll provide guidance and a warm welcome.

Key Details

• Role type: Voluntary
• Location: Remote (meetings via video call)
• Commitment: Approx. 4–6 meetings per year, plus occasional input between meetings
• Start date: Flexible

Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Lambeth and Southwark Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need.

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

We are seeking a passionate and committed individual with clinical expertise to join our Board of Trustees – people who share our values and vision, and are ready to help drive strategic decision-making and ensure our continued success and impact, making a meaningful difference through our work supporting disabled people to live with greater independence.

Designability is a national charity that, for over 50 years, has created equality of opportunity for disabled people by removing barriers to independence, enabling them to live the life they choose.

Following a person-centred design approach, and by including disabled people at each point of the design process, we ensure their ideas and lived experiences are taken on board and that what we create reflects people’s needs as well as products and services they want to use. We are best known for the iconic Wizzybug powered wheelchairs for very young disabled children. To date, they have been loaned to over 1,400 children, typically aged between 14 months and 5 years, across the UK completed free of charge thanks to the support of our generous donors.

Our Trustees actively contribute to the Board of Trustees by giving firm strategic direction to Designability, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

We are recruiting a new trustee to bring further clinical excellence to our Board. This is a voluntary, unpaid role with reimbursed expenses and a structured induction programme.

We would welcome candidates with experience in any of the following areas:

• A leadership role, relating to clinical delivery, or clinical trials and research involving medical devices.
• Assessing organisational risk and accountability, and implementation of mitigations in a clinical setting.
• Delivery of strategy or change management in a clinical setting.  
• Significant experience of working with disabled people, including experience gained through a senior position in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation engineering or rehabilitation medicine.
• Experience in Early Years Powered Mobility, wheelchair services or provision of medical devices
• Experience of clinical governance.

You will be joining an independent, national charity based in Bath. Our creative and inspiring team includes engineers, technicians, product designers, occupational therapists, fundraisers and administrators. We are led by strong values: we are creative, inclusive and practical, with our vision being to create a future where every disabled person has the products they want to live the life they choose. 

Closing Date for applications: 28th November

Interview date: Successful applicants will be offered a mutually convenient interview date, following the closing date.

Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Role Title: Treasurer
Reporting to: The Board of Trustees
Responsible for: Oversight of the financial management of the charity, ensuring that 
the charity operates in a financially sustainable and transparent manner, in line with its 
mission, legal responsibilities, and good governance practices.
Purpose of the Role: The Treasurer is responsible for the financial leadership of the 
charity, ensuring robust financial controls, clear reporting, and effective budgeting. The 
Treasurer works closely with the Board and the Chair to safeguard the charity’s finances 
and ensure long-term financial stability. The role involves providing advice on financial 
matters to the board and ensuring the charity adheres to statutory financial reporting 
obligations.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Financial Leadership:
o Lead the board’s financial oversight, ensuring that all trustees understand 
the financial position of the charity and are equipped to make informed 
financial decisions.
o Oversee the development of the charity’s financial strategy, ensuring 
alignment with its mission and long-term goals.
o Provide financial input on major decisions involving investment, 
procurement, and expenditure.
2. Financial Reporting:
o Ensure that accurate and timely financial statements are presented at 
trustee meetings.
o Liaise with external auditors (if applicable) and ensure the charity meets 
all its financial reporting obligations, including the preparation and 
submission of annual accounts in line with charity law.
o Ensure proper documentation of all financial records and transactions, 
maintaining a transparent and auditable financial trail.
3. Budgeting and Forecasting:
o Monitor income and expenditure against the budget, providing timely 
updates to the board and recommending corrective actions when 
necessary.
o Ensure that financial forecasts are regularly updated to reflect changes in 
income or costs.
4. Cash Flow and Reserves Management:
o Monitor the charity’s cash flow and reserves to ensure it has the 
resources to meet its current and future obligations.
o Ensure that reserves are maintained in line with the charity’s reserves 
policy and recommend appropriate action if reserves fall below the 
minimum levels.
5. Risk Management:
o Ensure effective financial risk management processes are in place, 
identifying and mitigating key financial risks.
o Work with the board and senior management to review and manage risks 
related to the charity’s finances, investments, and assets.
6. Compliance and Legal Duties:
o Ensure that the charity complies with all relevant financial legislation, 
including charity law and any applicable tax laws.
o Oversee the preparation and submission of statutory returns, including 
financial accounts, tax filings, and funding reports.
o Ensure compliance with the charity’s financial policies and procedures.
7. Supporting Trustees and Staff:
o Work with the Chair and Trustees to ensure they have the support and 
systems needed to maintain effective financial management.
8. Representation:
o Where appropriate, represent the charity at meetings or events related to 
finance, investments, and fundraising.
Term of Office:
• The Treasurer is typically appointed for a term of two years, renewable by Trustee 
support.
• If the role is to be extended, a vote by Trustees is required as part of an open 
application process.
Remuneration:
• This is a voluntary role; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line 
with the charity’s policy

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We want to collaborate with more organisations, schools, and hospitals to spread the word about our work and services. To do this, we are looking for volunteers to join our outreach team and support these efforts.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Enthusiastic about increasing representation and inclusion

• Interested in development, with possible experience working with schools, hospitals, or in business development

• Strong communicator (verbal or other forms such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.)

• Creative thinker who can bring fresh ideas to the team

• Collaborative and team-minded

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme

• Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us

• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed)

• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers

• Flexibility- contribute at times that suit you

• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C

• Make a tangible difference in your community

• Develop skills in outreach, communication, and partnership building

• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers

• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired

• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We work with children, young people, families and other professionals associated and affected by illness and disability. We have several different services including inclusive characters, sensory workshops, resources, events, advocacy and more.

What are we looking for?

Do you enjoy art? Graphic design? Are you an amazing illustrator? Then we might just have a project for you. One of our aims is to have every type of disability in every culture, religion and ethnicity depicted through our characters. And yes, we know that’s going to mean a lot of hard work and a lot of characters! But NO we are not asking you to complete this entire project!

We’ve created 11 characters so far that depict a variety of conditions. We want to look at potentially re-developing these characters and starting work on some new ones!

What do we expect?

• Be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.

• Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably be on the update system)

• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it

  with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if

  appropriate).

• A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.

  What can you expect?

  • A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. You don’t have to regularly commit your time.

• A kind, caring, nurturing company who cares about people, staff and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work.

• A very positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations will be made that you require. If there is anything you wish to discuss in private please email us and we will arrange a confidential chat.

Benefits to Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles CIC

• Gaining valuable experience and improving your confidence

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest.

• Make a difference to community

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills.

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers.

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future employment.

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help us apply for and secure funding to support our valuable work. This role can be done remotely, with no fixed rota, and the amount of time you give is flexible.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Interested in fundraising or securing funding

• May have experience in the community or charity sector

• Legal or corporate background, or studying law or similar subjects

• Willingness to learn, motivated, and proactive

• Organised and detail-oriented

• Positive attitude and collaborative

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme at a time convenient to you

• Have a basic DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us

• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed)

• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers

• Flexibility – contribute at times that suit you

• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.

• Make a tangible difference in your community

• Develop skills in fundraising, research, and grant applications

• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers

• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired

• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help to create some backdrops (that fold down small please, storage is an issue!) that we can use at our events and interactive workshops. Our workshop and safe bubble is all about creating an imaginative world and we want to make the experience as immersive as possible for families. We have already created a magical world called Bubble World and now we want to bring it to life.

Who Are We Looking For?

·Creative and imaginative

·Artistic, with skills in painting, crafting, or model-making

·Detail-oriented and practical

·Collaborative and team-minded

·Problem-solver for foldable, easy-to-store props

What Do We Expect?

·Must be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.

·Have a basic DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us.

·Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed).

·A positive attitude to disability and illness.

What Can You Expect?

·A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers.

·Flexibility – there is no fixed rota, so you can contribute at times that suit you.

·Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations.

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.

·Make a tangible difference in your community.

·Develop skills in creative design and workshop preparation.

·Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers.

·Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired.

·Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work.

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help source, sell, and send clothes on Vinted to raise money for our services. This role is not about listing your own items but about sourcing donated items from others that we can then sell to support our work.

Who Are We Looking For?

·Enjoys fundraising but are looking for something a little bit different.

·Are organised and enjoy keeping things structured.

·Appreciates flexibility in a role and can manage tasks independently.

·Are collaborative and enjoy working as part of a supportive team.

What Do We Expect?

·Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme at a time convenient to you.

·Have a DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us.

·Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed).

·A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness.

What Can You Expect?

·A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers.

·Flexibility- there is no fixed rota, so you can contribute at times that suit you.

·Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations.

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.

·Make a tangible difference in your community.

·Develop skills in fundraising, organisation, and online selling.

·Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers.

·Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired.

·Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work.

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.