208 Trustee volunteer roles

LGBT Foundation is governed by a board of trustees who also serve as directors of the company. Our various arrangements for governance are brought together in one place within our governance manual, which is reviewed on a bi-annual basis, and amended as and when applicable. This helps to ensure we remain responsible, robust and resilient. 

The board of LGBT Foundation is the first and last decision-making mechanism of the charity and trustees also constitute the membership of the charity. The board has several mechanisms in place to consult with key stakeholders, (such as staff, volunteers and service users), to inform our work and decision-making. 

All new trustees are required to undertake an induction programme, including the provision of an extensive induction pack, staff presentations, and peer mentoring as desired. Trustee training needs are assessed, and a programme of internal and external training arranged on an annual basis to meet these needs. 

Trustees are not remunerated, but reasonable expenses to attend meetings can be claimed.

Trustees are ultimately accountable for the organisation and their governance responsibilities include: 

• Setting and maintaining vision, mission, and values 
• Developing strategy together with the CEO 
• Ensuring suitable policies and documents exist 
• Ensuring compliance with the law, the governing document and charitable objects 
• Maintaining proper financial oversight 
• Maintaining effective board performance including board appraisals 
• Promoting the organisation and protecting its reputation 
• Recruiting and supporting the CEO 

Role Accountabilities

Trustees are expected to contribute around 8 hours per month, including: 

• Quarterly Board meetings (usually on a Saturday, occasionally a weeknight evening, in person) 
• Annual AGM (quarterly preceding October’s Board meeting, in person) 
• Service on 2 standing committees (4-6 times per year, remotely, weeknight evenings) 
• Participation in selected events, learning, or campaigns 

Trustees need to allow enough time to prepare for meetings by reading the paperwork, and doing any other preparatory reading, research or thinking to fully engage and contribute to robust discussion and decision-making.

To support the work of our board, we have three committees. These are: 

Fundraising & Marketing Committee – maintains an overview of strategic fundraising, marketing, and communications. 

Finance, Audit, Risk & Governance Committee – maintains a scrutiny and review role to ensure effective financial, people and systems management and ensuring that effective governance structures are in place across the 6organisation. 

People, Performance & Resources Committee – maintains an overview of project, people and programme performance, ensuring that (i) quality is maintained and/or increased; (ii) set targets are achieved; and (iii) ideas for innovation are explored. 

Person Specification

We seek trustees who offer a blend of technical expertise, values-driven motivation, and community alignment. 

Personal Attributes: 

• Commitment to and deep resonance with LGBT Foundation’s mission and values 
• Strong commitment to championing equality, inclusion and human rights 
• Commitment to the values of accountability, probity, openness and equality of opportunity 
• Ability to listen sensitively to the views of others 
• Willingness to challenge and question 
• Ability to work as an effective member of the board, of whose members are equally and jointly responsible for its decisions 
• Clear understanding of the responsibilities of a trustee and sufficient time/commitment to fulfil the role 

While the trustees are not the day-to-day executive team for LGBT Foundation, similar professional skills and experiences are required, such as finance, HR, communications, fundraising, representation and networking across the private, voluntary and public sectors. 

To complement the existing skills and experience of the Board, we are particularly looking for applicants with experience in: 

• Fundraising
• Changemaking, marketing, and communications
• Financial management, audit, risk and procurement
• Legal and regulatory expertise (charity, employment, governance)
• AI and technology

LGBT Foundation actively seeks to maintain a diverse board representative of the communities we serve. We are taking positive action to encourage applications from people of colour (PoC) and other racially minoritised communities, trans*, non-binary, younger (aged 30 and under) and/or older people (aged 50+), disabled people, and people with experience of navigating asylum or refugee systems, to improve the representation of colleagues from these communities on our board. 

*Trans is an umbrella & inclusive term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from that which they were assigned at birth; including non-binary people, cross-dressers, and those who partially or incompletely identify with their sex assigned at birth. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ROLE PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE RECRUITMENT PACK

Trustee

Harlow & District Sports Trust

Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a positive difference in your local community?

Harlow & District Sports Trust is seeking a new Trustee (Non-Executive Board Member) to join its Board and help shape the future of one of Essex's leading community leisure organisations. The Trust operates Harlow Leisurezone, a state-of-the-art wet and dry leisure centre welcoming more than 1.5 million visits each year. Its mission is to provide high-quality sport and leisure opportunities that are sustainable and responsive to community needs.

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will play an important role in helping to guide the organisation's future direction. Working alongside fellow Board members, you will contribute to:

• Strategic planning and organisational development
• Financial oversight and long-term sustainability
• Policy development and governance
• Supporting the Trust's mission and community impact

This is an excellent opportunity to gain or further develop board-level experience while helping an established charity continue to thrive.

Time Commitment

The expected commitment is approximately 8-9 evening Board meetings per year, with around four meetings held online and the remainder taking place in Harlow, Essex.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome expressions of interest from individuals with a passion for community sport, leisure, health and wellbeing. Previous trustee experience is not essential, and we are keen to hear from people with a range of professional backgrounds and experiences.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful contribution to your local community
• Influence the future of a successful and well-established charity
• Develop your strategic and governance experience
• Work alongside an experienced Board and leadership team

Closing Date: Wednesday 30 September 2026

With 3 Trustees retiring this year, we are currently looking for new Charity Trustees to govern and lead our foodbank.

About the Organisation:

North Norfolk Foodbank is a charity supporting those facing poverty and hunger. We help people with food, essential toiletries, energy, and provide advice and signposting for further support. 

We operate 7 distribution centres across North Norfolk and Broadland, a warehouse and office in Cromer, and carry out deliveries and collections across a wide area of the district in our two electric vans. 

We were formed in 2012 and have 4 members of staff and around 84 volunteers.

We’re part of the Trussell network of foodbanks across the UK, but we’re an independent charity in our own right. Registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales. 

About the Role:

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in guiding our organisation towards fulfilling its mission, ensuring effective governance, and making a positive impact in the community. 

Key Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the organisation
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Support fundraising efforts and community engagement initiatives
• Collaborate with fellow Trustees and staff to achieve organisational goals

A full breakdown of the roles can be found in the Person Specification.

About the Successful Candidate:

We are looking for candidates who bring diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives, and who are committed to supporting our vision of alleviating food poverty and promoting social justice. 

Expectations:

• Experience in governance, finance, fundraising, or community engagement is preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to the values and mission of North Norfolk Foodbank

We have several Trustee vacancies, one of which is for a Treasurer. You can find further information on what we are looking for from candidates in the Person Specification.

A DBS check will be required for all potential Trustees, along with two references and checks for insolvency, company director disqualification, and the register of removed Trustees. 

If you are interested in making a difference, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply:

To express your interest, please send a CV and covering letter, outlining how you meet the person specification(s), any existing connections to North Norfolk Foodbank or the local community you may have, and why you want to become a Trustee.

The Person Specification below details the email address you need to send these to. 

Please state if you are wanting to apply for the role of Treasurer, otherwise please indicate if you have any specific areas of expertise.

We are an open and inclusive organisation and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those who have needed to use the foodbank. 

#Trustee #Foodbank #Trussell #Governance #Leadership #Tresurer 

We're looking for two amazing trustees to join our board at Speech and Language UK. Could it be you?

You could help more children express their feelings, learn their times tables, and share jokes with their friends and families by volunteering your time as a trustee. With a record two million children now dealing with speech and language challenges - and that number rising year on year - this a crucial time for our organisation and the children and families we support.

A Trustee vacancy has arisen following the completion of a nine-year term of office by a previous Trustee. As we welcome new members to the Board, we are keen to bring in fresh perspectives, new ideas and diverse expertise to help shape the organisation’s future.

In particular, we are looking for candidates with a background in commercial development, ideally with charity Treasurer experience, and/or expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. This is your chance to make a difference.

We do not expect candidates to have experience in all responsibilities outlined in the role profile. If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please check our website. Please note that will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can make the application process work for you.

How to apply

Please find enclosed Recruitment Pack

The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday, 21 September 2026. We aim to hold interviews w/c 5th October 2026 (via Teams)

Speech and Language UK is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity to ensure that we reflect the full breadth of the people we aim to support. We warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the role, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Would you like to play a key role in a charitable foundation committed to tackling social and environmental issues? If so, we are looking for a trustee to join the Samworth Foundation, a grant-making charity, to help us invest our money in organisations working to bring about positive change.

Established in 1973, the Samworth Foundation is a grant-making charity founded and funded by the Samworth family. As a funder, we aim to bring lasting change to issues that impact on people, communities, and the environment, in the UK and internationally.

Our core grant making focuses on two themes:

• Building lives free from modern slavery and exploitation.
• Better agricultural systems that enhance nature and address climate change.

Trustees share responsibility for governing the Foundation and directing how it is managed and run. You will help us effectively distribute our money to organisations working to address social and environmental issues in the UK and overseas.

We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to the Foundation's vision and can contribute effectively to the board's work — whether this would be your first trustee role or you've served as a trustee before.

We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and for this role, we would like to hear from people who have experience of farming, particularly farming that benefits nature and climate. For example, this may be as a farmer or grower, a farm advisor, an agronomist.

Chair of Trustees and Trustees

The Genie’s Wish is looking for a new Chair of Trustees and two Trustees to help guide the charity through its next stage of development based in Nantwich, Cheshire.

About The Genie’s Wish

Established in 2021, The Genie’s Wish grants life-changing wishes and creates unforgettable experiences for children, young people and young adults aged 0 to 40 who are living with a serious or life-limiting condition.

We also support young carers aged 5 to 18, recognising the resilience and selflessness they show in caring for a loved one.

Our work brings joy, hope and a sense of possibility during some of life’s toughest moments. By supporting young adults and young carers who are often overlooked by traditional wish provision, we fill an important gap and create a lasting impact for individuals and families across England and Wales.

The opportunity

As a member of the Board, you will share responsibility for the charity’s governance, strategic direction and effective management.

You will work collaboratively with fellow trustees and the charity’s Co-Founders, using your experience and independent judgement to support effective decision-making and help safeguard the charity’s future.

Chair of Trustees

The Chair will provide inclusive and effective leadership to the Board, helping trustees work well together and ensuring meetings, decisions and governance arrangements remain focused on the charity’s purpose and beneficiaries.

We are particularly interested in someone with previous board, governance or senior leadership experience who can:

• Lead constructive and well-informed Board discussions
• Build strong working relationships with trustees and the Co-Founders
• Support effective oversight, accountability and strategic planning
• Act as an ambassador for The Genie’s Wish and its values

Trustees

The two new Trustees will help broaden the Board’s knowledge, networks and perspective.

We would particularly welcome applicants with professional experience in one or more of the following areas, but is not essential:

• Law
• Accountancy, finance or audit
• Media, communications, marketing or public relations
• Business, enterprise or organisational growth

Previous trustee experience is welcome but is not essential. We are equally interested in people who can bring relevant professional expertise, thoughtful challenge and a genuine commitment to the charity’s work.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and other relevant legislation and regulations
• Keep the charity focused on its objectives and ensure its resources are used appropriately
• Contribute to strategy, policy, goal setting and the review of organisational performance
• Help ensure the charity is effectively administered and remains financially stable
• Safeguard the charity’s reputation, values and confidential information
• Declare and appropriately manage any actual or potential conflicts of interest
• Use your skills and experience to scrutinise information, contribute to discussions and guide new initiatives
• Represent and promote the charity at meetings, events and within your professional networks where appropriate

What we are looking for

• A genuine commitment to The Genie’s Wish, its objectives and beneficiaries
• Integrity, discretion and an understanding of collective responsibility
• Strategic vision, sound independent judgement and the confidence to contribute constructively
• The ability to think creatively and work effectively as part of a team
• A willingness to dedicate the necessary time, prepare for meetings and participate actively
• A commitment to accountability, openness, honesty, objectivity, selflessness and leadership

Commitment and appointment

Trustees are expected to attend at least 75% of trustee meetings each year, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Appointments are for a term of up to three years and may be renewed for a further term.

These are voluntary, unpaid positions. Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed in line with the charity’s procedures.

Successful applicants must be eligible to act as a charity trustee. They will also be expected to follow the Trustee Code of Conduct, maintain confidentiality and complete a Declaration of Interests.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to use your experience where it can make a visible difference.

You will help shape a growing charity that creates moments of joy, relief and recognition for people facing serious illness and for young carers whose contribution can too often go unseen. Trusteeship also offers the opportunity to broaden your experience, develop new skills and work alongside people who are passionate about creating meaningful change.

How to apply

Please submit your application along with your CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in The Genie’s Wish and the skills and experience you would bring to the Board.

If you would like to be considered for the Chair of Trustees position, please make this clear in your application.

Closing date: 05 October 2026

The Genie’s Wish welcomes applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. All appointments will be made on merit and will be subject to the charity’s selection and eligibility requirements.

Registered Charity No. 1193000

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Ripple Pond

Voluntary Position (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Time commitment: Approximately 1-2 days per month, including four Board meetings per year, regular support to the CEO, occasional committee meetings and attendance at key events.

Closing date: 11 September 2026 (applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews may take place before the closing date).

Help Shape the Future of Support for Military Families

The Ripple Pond is a national charity supporting more than 1,200 Armed Forces and veteran family members across the UK. Through peer support, advocacy and practical assistance, we help families affected by service-related physical and psychological injury feel seen, heard and supported.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to Chair our Board of Trustees and help guide the charity through its next phase of growth and development.

Working closely with our CEO and Board, you will provide strategic leadership, support strong governance and help ensure the charity continues to deliver meaningful impact for military families and carers.

What You'll Do

As Chair, you will:

• Lead and support the Board of Trustees.
• Act as a trusted partner and critical friend to the CEO.
• Oversee strategy, governance, risk and organisational performance.
• Champion safeguarding, inclusion and good governance.
• Support trustee recruitment and board development.
• Represent The Ripple Pond externally and help build strategic relationships.
• Help shape the future direction and sustainability of the charity.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a collaborative and values-driven leader with:

• Senior leadership, executive or board-level experience.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Experience of governance, finance and risk oversight.
• The ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills.
• A genuine commitment to supporting Armed Forces families and carers.

Experience in the military, veterans, healthcare, public, charity or social care sectors would be beneficial but is not essential.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of military families across the UK.

You will work with a committed Board, an experienced CEO and a passionate community of Members to help strengthen support for families affected by service-related injury, influence wider understanding of their needs and guide a growing charity through its next stage of development.

Come and join the magical Patchworking Garden Project, established in 2015. It is a volunteer run charity supporting volunteers with a wide variety of physical and mental health needs through gardening, crafting and friendship. We have a strong identity within the local community and are known for increasing the wellbeing of those we support by valuing everyone’s contribution unreservedly, enhancing self-confidence and encouraging, where appropriate, progression to other activities. The Charity is run entirely by volunteers and those whom we support are supported volunteers.

Under the charity we also run The Patchworking Academy which offers the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised City & Guilds qualification in Practical Horticulture Skills. The Academy seeks to address inclusion via employment-ready qualifications for adults facing challenging circumstances. With the guidance of experienced and highly qualified therapeutic horticulture tutors, learners work at their own pace with a small group of other interested learners.

We are looking for a chair with some charity and governance experience who is

● able to quickly grasp what our values are and how we operate

● used to managing change

● happy in a leadership role,

● committed to a collaborative way of working 

● comfortable dealing with finances (preferably in the charity sector)

It is a lovely role for the right person so do get in touch for a chat if you think you might be interested.  There is a full role description available.

Harris Hill is delighted to be supporting Camphill Devon to recruit six new trustees to its Board.

Camphill Devon is a long-established charity providing supported living, residential care and meaningful community for adults with learning disabilities. Set within a unique rural environment featuring multiple residential houses and a 100-acre working farm, Camphill Devon offers a blend of care, independence, therapeutic activity and community living.

The charity provides a vibrant and wholesome environment where people can enjoy the freedom of their rural surroundings, access craft, land and community activities, and play a part in the running of where they live. We are committed to providing the necessary support and facilities through which everyone can choose to live their life, their way.

Camphill Devon is looking for six new trustees to provide strategic and inspirational leadership to the charity. The charity is seeking applicants with experience and/or skills in the following areas:

• Care Committee – 2 Trustees . Candidates should have a background in adult social care, supported living, or learning disability services, with knowledge of CQC regulations, safeguarding frameworks, and care quality governance.
• Finance Committee – 2 Trustees (one of whom will Chair the Finance Committee). Candidates should have professional experience in finance, accountancy, or audit. At least one of the two should have demonstrable risk management expertise, including risk frameworks and internal controls.
• Workforce Committee – 1 Trustee . Candidates should have a background in HR, workforce planning, or organisational development, with experience in a regulated or care sector environment preferable.
• Estates Committee – 1 Trustee . Candidates should have professional expertise in estates management, facilities, construction, surveying, or asset management, with working knowledge of statutory health and safety compliance.

If you are inspired and excited by what Camphill Devon does, we’d love to hear from you.

Location:

Hapstead Village, Camphill Devon Community, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0JN

Time commitment (Approx. 1 day per month):

• 5 days per year for Board meetings including 1 day which will be used for strategy planning. Trustees are encouraged to attend Board meetings in person at Camphill Devon.
• Half a day per month for committee meetings (per committee). Committee meetings will take place monthly initially and will be run remotely.
• Term of office: 3 years (subject to change following review).

Remuneration: This is a voluntary position & as such does not pay a salary. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Camphill Devon, the trustee positions and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 18 September 2026

Both Camphill Devon and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Transport for All is looking to appoint up to six new Trustees, including a Treasurer, to help guide our work.

We are the UK’s leading Disabled People’s Organisation working on travel and accessible transport. We are led by and for disabled people, and have a proud history of influencing policy and advocating for change so disabled people have the freedom to make the journeys we want.

As a Trustee, your professional skills and expertise will influence our governance and support our team to reach our goal of transport justice for all.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, and are looking for people who can bring skills and experience in areas including finance, law, HR, communications, transport, government and consultancy.

Please download our trustee recruitment pack for information on the role and how to apply.

Could your experience help shape better futures for children and young people in North and West Birmingham? ✨

Titan Partnership is recruiting new trustees to join our collaborative, values-driven Board.

For more than two decades, Titan has brought schools and partners together across North and West Birmingham to strengthen education, support communities and expand opportunities for young people.

As we begin our ambitious 2026-2029 strategy, our trustees will play an important role in ensuring that Titan remains strategically focused, financially resilient and deeply connected to the communities we serve.

We would particularly like to hear from people with senior experience in finance, audit, risk, charity governance or organisational leadership who can offer constructive challenge and share our commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

These are voluntary roles. Trustees attend approximately four Board meetings each year, plus occasional strategy sessions. The Finance Trustee will also chair the Finance and Pay Committee, which meets four times a year. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

We particularly welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and people with lived experience of the communities we serve.

Pleae download Recruitment Pack for more information and to apply. 

Newmarket Housing Trust is seeking 2 Trustees (1 x safeguarding and 1 x housing young people). 

Newmarket Housing Trust supports young people and those in financial hardship working in the Horse Racing Industry in Newmarket to access affordable and appropriate housing. 

Many young people across the UK enter the industry each year on apprenticeships, initially completing a residential training course at an education provider, such as the British Racing School, before being employed by a training yard or stud to complete their apprenticeship. It is particularly challenging for these young people under the age of 18 to find accommodation, as they are unable by law to hold a tenancy leaving them vulnerable or unable to enter paid employment in Newmarket. 

Our first project, a 24 room Halls of Residence with live in warden, is currently under construction and due to open August 2027. This accommodation will address many of the issues young people working in horseracing face in Newmarket and will aid the transition from education to employment by providing affordable accommodation, onsite guidance and support and promoting wellbeing. The accommodation will house 16–18-year-olds who have graduated from the British Racing School, National Horseracing College or National Stud and have an offer of employment in Newmarket.

We are looking for 2 x Trustees, with experience in either safeguarding or housing, in particular housing young people. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved with a Charity at the start of its journey, helping to shape policy and strategic direction as we support young people transistioning from education to employment in the Horse Racing Industry.

Please see Job Description for full details.

We are seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board of Trustees*.  You will have:

• Strong senior-level knowledge of investment management (equities and fixed income)
• Experience setting investment strategy and overseeing financial risk
• An analytical and questioning mindset, with confidence to provide constructive challenge
• Experience supporting long-term financial sustainability and governance.

You will also have empathy and understanding of disability-related issues, or a strong commitment to learning. Bring integrity, sound judgement and strategic thinking.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a meaningful, lasting impact. As a Trustee, you will contribute strategic insight, sound judgement and compassionate leadership to help ensure the Trust continues to meet the changing needs of its beneficiaries.

About Us

The Thalidomide Trust is a unique organisation supporting beneficiaries, now all in their 60s, born with disabilities as a result of their mother taking the drug, thalidomide, during pregnancy. 

They are a remarkable group of people, who have achieved a great deal despite often living with extreme levels of disability, including limb damage, hearing and visual impairment, brain and sensory impairment and damage to internal organs.

Our beneficiaries have very complex and varied needs which are increasing as they age. We have gained an in-depth understanding of their evolving needs through our high level of contact with beneficiaries and our structured programme of three-yearly Holistic Needs Assessments (HNAs).

Commitment

• This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed.
• London / St Neots / Hybrid
• You should be willing and able to devote approximately 15 – 20 days (plus travel time) per annum to the Trust. Specifically, be available to attend three full day board meetings and one morning virtual meeting as well as Finance Committee meetings. There may be various projects, webinars and/or events throughout the year, and availability to remotely authorise transactions and documents on an ad hoc basis (with reasonable notice) is required.

Interested?

If you have the skills, experience, and motivation to help shape the future of the Trust, we would love to hear from you.

More information:

• No contact from agencies or media sales.
• We particularly welcome applications from the BAME community and people living with disabilities.

Application deadline: Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 9am

Date for Interview: Tuesday 20 October 2026 (Central London)

* Following a restructuring exercise in January 2018, your formal title will be a Director of the Thalidomide Trust Company. However, you will operate as a charitable Trustee and will be governed by the Charity Commission.

External Trustee (HR) 

University of Cumbria Students’ Union 

Location: Remote / Cumbria 

Contract: Voluntary Trustee position 

Time commitment: Approximately one day per month, particularly during the first year 

Are you an experienced HR, People and Culture leader looking to use your expertise to support a student-led organisation making a real difference to students’ lives? 

University of Cumbria Students’ Union (UCSU) is seeking an External Trustee with strong strategic HR, People and Culture expertise to join its Board of Trustees at an important time for the organisation. 

About UCSU 

University of Cumbria Students’ Union is the independent Students’ Union at the University of Cumbria, representing and supporting students across campuses in Carlisle, Ambleside, Lancaster, London and Barrow-in-Furness. 

As an External Trustee, you will bring independent professional expertise to support effective governance, strategic leadership and organisational development. 

This is a particularly important time to join UCSU as the organisation prepares for the departure of its current Chief Executive after 10 years. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to support the Board through this transition and help ensure strong leadership and governance for the future. 

About the Role 

As the HR specialist on the Board, you will provide strategic expertise, constructive challenge and support on people, culture and organisational development, while contributing to the wider responsibilities of the Trustee Board. 

In this role, you will: 

• Provide strategic HR and People & Culture expertise to support Board decision-making. 

• Provide insight on equality, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, succession planning and organisational change. 

• Support the recruitment and induction of a new Chief Executive. 

• Contribute to effective governance, risk management and strategic decision-making. 

About You 

UCSU is looking for an experienced HR, People and Culture professional with significant senior-level experience and the ability to contribute effectively at Board level. 

You will bring: 

• Strong strategic HR, People and Culture or organisational development experience. 

• Experience of organisational strategy, change and transformation. 

• An understanding of good governance and the ability to provide constructive challenge. 

• Strong communication, judgement and relationship-building skills. 

• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

• Experience of supporting and developing others, including people at different stages of their leadership journey. 

Experience of the Higher Education would be valuable, but is not essential and candidates with relevant experience from other sectors are encouraged to apply. 

Commitment 

The Board meets approximately five times per year, usually via Microsoft Teams. Trustees are expected to prepare for meetings, review papers in advance and actively contribute to discussions and decision-making. 

For this particular appointment, the anticipated commitment is approximately one day per month, particularly during the first year, reflecting the additional involvement required around the recruitment and induction of a new Chief Executive. 

Most Trustee activities can take place remotely, although the successful candidate will be expected to attend in-person activities approximately three to four times per year. 

How to Apply 

To apply, please click Apply Now. You will need to submit an up-to-date CV and complete an application form, where you will be asked to answer three questions (maximum 300 words per question): 

• Why are you interested in applying and how do you feel your personal values align with our mission? 

• What are the key skills, knowledge and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the role? 

• What do you believe are the most significant contributors to Board effectiveness? 

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Nida at Atkinson HR Consulting via the contact information provided on the Candidate pack.

Key Dates 

Closing date: 12 noon, Tuesday 29 September 2026 
Interview date: Week commencing 12 October 2026 (remote)