Trustee volunteer roles

Becoming a Trustee with Brigantia Learning Trust is an opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting difference. Trustees are central to our mission. You will be part of a committed group helping to shape the future of education across our academies. You’ll work alongside passionate professionals, community leaders, and educators to ensure that every learner thrives, regardless of background, barriers, or circumstance. This is a chance to support transformative work, promote fairness, and be part of creating excellence together. 

As a volunteer Trustee, we are committed to ensuring your time with us is meaningful and rewarding. As a Trustee, you will receive:

• A personalised induction and ongoing CPD
• Mentoring from experienced Board members
• Access to Trust-wide networks and national conferences
• Opportunities to build your governance experience
• Strategic engagement with our Executive Team
• The chance to shape young lives and strengthen communities.

Trustees play a critical leadership role to ensure the Trust meets its charitable purpose and remains focused on the communities it serves. As a member of the board, you will:

• Set and safeguard the ethos and strategic direction
• Monitor performance and hold the CEO to account
• Represent the voice and needs of our diverse communities
• Oversee financial and legal compliance
• Ensure decisions are made with equity, integrity and purpose.

We are building a Board that reflects the richness and diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome people from all walks of life who care about education and social justice.

• A shared belief in our mission and values
• Integrity, curiosity, and strategic thinking
• A sense of civic duty and community commitment
• Willingness to learn and grow as part of a team

We ask for: 

• 4–6 Board meetings per year
• Participation in at least one committee or working group
• Occasional attendance to school or Trust events (encouraged)

UK Friends of the Parents Circle- Families forum (PC-FF) is looking for 3 new trustees to join the board.

Do you want to contribute to a ground-breaking charity working towards reconciliation in Israel and Palestine?  The Parents Circle-Families Forum is a jointly-run Palestinian/Israeli NGO that brings together, in expertly facilitated groups,  people from both sides who have been bereaved by the conflict.  Through the process, participants begin to understand the conflict from the standpoint of the other side. Members of the forum then work together in a variety of different dialogue, solidarity and community support projects. This year, the charity has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.

The UK Friends of PC-FF raises money to support the work in Israel and Palestine, and also raises awareness of PC-FF's radical approach to reconciliation. 

Applications from people with legal, financial and fund-raising experience are particularly welcome but we would also love to hear from anybody who shares our deep commitment to PC-FF’s approach.  Meetings are held monthly (except August). Most of the meetings are online but once or twice a year, we meet in person, usually in London. Expenses for travel can be reimbursed. 

Join Our Board of Trustees

Afrocats is looking to expand its Board of Trustees. With an established Board already in place, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth and seeking additional Trustees to help shape our future direction. 

Afrocats is an award-winning charity that champions creativity, wellbeing, and cultural belonging. Our work supports communities through creative expression, participation, and inclusive cultural experiences. As we expand our reach and impact, we are strengthening our Board to ensure we remain ambitious, sustainable, and community-led.

This is a meaningful opportunity to play a key role in the governance and strategic development of a growing organisation that centres equity, lived experience, and creativity.

 Who we are looking for:

Fundraising and Income Generation

We are looking for someone with experience in fundraising, bid writing, or income generation. You will support the development of long term funding strategies, major grant applications, and sustainable income growth.

Marketing and Corporate Engagement

We are looking for someone with experience in marketing or business engagement. You will help raise our profile, strengthen our brand, and develop meaningful partnerships with businesses and corporate supporters.

Philanthropy and Relationship Building

We are looking for someone with experience in philanthropy, fundraising networks, or relationship management. You will help us connect with donors, foundations, and individuals who can support our long term impact.

Volunteer Management

We are looking for someone with experience in volunteer coordination or management. You will help us develop inclusive, safe, and supportive volunteer systems as the organisation grows.

Finance and Accounting

We are looking for a qualified finance professional, ideally a chartered accountant. You will support financial oversight, planning, reporting, and long term financial sustainability.

What you will do as a Trustee

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of Afrocats and ensure we remain financially sustainable, well governed, and aligned with our mission. You will contribute to decision making at Board level, support risk and compliance oversight, and help ensure our work continues to centre creativity, wellbeing, and community impact.

You will also act as an ambassador for Afrocats, helping to champion our work and values across your networks and beyond.

Why join Afrocats

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing and forward thinking charity at a pivotal moment in its journey.

You will have the opportunity to shape strategy and influence long term direction, while supporting a mission driven organisation making a real difference in communities. You will develop your skills in a Board setting, expand your professional network, and contribute to work that centres inclusion, creativity, and social impact.

We are a welcoming and inclusive organisation and we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.

Rolling interviews will take place until Friday 19th June 2026 

Portland Charity is currently recruiting for at least 3 trustee positions following the retirement of two trustees and a review of the skills mix of our current Board.

Portland Charity has been operating for 75 years from a beautiful woodland campus in the heart of historic Sherwood Forest. Our Further Education College is one of the UK’s leading specialist colleges for disabled people, rated Outstanding by Ofsted and holding Advanced Accreditation status from the National Autistic Society. We also operate highly regarded residential and day adult social care services, a multi-award winning community adult education programme and an active theatre and activities outreach programme. Every year we make a positive difference to lives of hundreds of disabled people and those with mental health difficulties.

Our trustee board play a pivotal role in keeping us at the top of our game and we are now seeking to appoint new trustees with specific expertise in one of the following areas:

• Legal services
• Adult social care
• People development and management
• Mental health support

Our Board meets 4 times per year and most trustees also support one of our sub-committees or working groups (Audit, Remuneration, Quality & Standards, Finance and Estates Planning).

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience (personal or family and friends) of disability and/or mental health issues. A personal induction, Governor Handbook, access to free training courses and buddying are all provided.

We welcome people with no previous, or limited, experience of a non-executive role. Out of pocket expenses can be paid.

We welcome expressions of interest at any time but we would particularly like to hear from you by Friday 17th April 2026 if you are interested in one of the current opportunities.

Trustees - Voluntary Role

We have an exciting opportunity to join this thriving and dynamic organisation as Trustees.

At SARSAS we provide support for people affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives. Listening, believing and supporting them through provided vital support to people of all genders through our Helpline, counselling, group work and specialist support services.

We believe that a world without sexual violence is possible. We campaign for people affected by sexual violence because everyone deserves to live free from abuse and its impact. We are unflinching in our commitment to calling for change, in raising awareness, and in our drive for all voices to be heard. We challenge misconceptions about sexual violence and abuse through training and campaigning. We lobby both locally and nationally to promote the needs of survivors.

We need your support!

We are looking for people who can offer energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to join our volunteer Board of Trustees at SARSAS. You will be joining a proactive, engaged and supportive Board and will play a pivotal role in shaping SARSAS and supporting our work.

Whilst ideally you will have prior experience of how a Trustee role works, this isn’t mandatory: If you are committed, passionate, and determined, we would love to hear from you. We will provide training and support to help you become an amazing trustee. We would be particularly interested to hear from you have a background in communication, data, IT or risk.

It matters to us that our Trustees reflect the incredibly diverse communities we serve, and we are actively seeking younger people, people from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and people with a disability for these voluntary roles. We value lived experience of sexual violence within our staff, volunteers and trustees.

Voluntary (expenses paid)

Time commitment

We appreciate for many of our Trustees, they fit volunteering around busy work and home schedules. Overall, the time commitment is expected to be c 30 hours per year, including preparation for meetings.

All trustees are expected to attend 4 x 2.5 hours Board meetings a year (evenings) and 1 full away day each year.

We have two subcommittees that also meet an additional 4 times a year (1.5 hour in the evening), which trustees may be part of.

Being a Trustee at SARSAS is more than just turning up to a few Board meetings, as it is your skills, passion & experience that brings value to the organisation, therefore, we also ask that Trustees engage with SARSAS staff, and attend events or meetings as required, as well as responding to emails. We estimate that this covers a further 7 hours a year.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

At SARSAS we strive to create a workplace that reflect the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We want to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates diverse voices. We actively encourage applicants with protected characteristics to apply.

We are committed to taking an inclusive approach to recruitment and selection whilst ensuring there is no discrimination in our processes and that our team and prospective employees are treated fairly, with respect and without bias. Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made to accommodate additional requirements. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any specific adjustments needed to enable participation in the recruitment process.

How to apply

Closing date for applications is Midnight on Sunday 7th June 2026.

Interviews will be held remotely on Friday 19th June 2026. Please ensure you are available for an interview on this date.

At the heart of Ronald McDonald House Charities, is a simple belief: families belong together, especially when a child is seriously ill. Every day, we support parents, siblings and carers at one of the most challenging moments of their lives, offering not just a place to stay, but space to breathe, connect and cope.

We are the UK’s leading provider of family accommodation, with a network of 14 Houses supporting around 530 families each night. Thousands more families use our Houses each year as a place to rest, refresh and gather strength before returning to their child’s bedside. Yet demand continues to exceed supply, and too many families are still facing long commutes, sleepless nights on hospital chairs or in cars.

Over the next five years, our ambition is clear: to help more families and to serve them better, expanding both our accommodation and our programme of emotional and practical support. To help guide us through this pivotal phase, we are seeking to appoint two new Trustees to our Board:

• Trustee – Paediatric Experience: We are looking for a Trustee with significant paediatric expertise and a strong understanding of the clinical and hospital environment. This may be from a senior paediatric, nursing or allied health background, or with strategic or operational experience from the children’s health sector. You will bring insight into the realities facing children, families and healthcare teams, helping the Board make informed, compassionate decisions.
• Trustee – Finance & Investments: We are also seeking a Trustee with strong finance experience, including knowledge of investments. You will provide strategic oversight and constructive challenge around financial sustainability, reserves, investment strategy and stewardship, supporting our long term growth and resilience.

We are committed to building a Board that reflects a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds and lived experiences. We warmly welcome applications from first time trustees as well as those with prior board experience, and we are particularly interested in candidates who bring empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges families face during a child’s hospital stay.

We begin this next chapter from a position of strength, with the continued backing of the McDonald’s system alongside a clear ambition to diversify income and strengthen our organisation. By 2029, we aim to grow income to over £20m while reducing reliance on any single source.

If you share our values and want to help shape a future where more families are supported, together, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply
To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots. Applications should include a CV and a covering letter explaining why you would like to join our Board and how your skills, experience and values would enable you to make a strong contribution as a Trustee at Ronald McDonald House Charities. If you would like an informal discussion about the opportunities, please email Mark Crowley at Tall Roots.

Join our Trustee board and help inspire, support and empower people to move against cancer - because movement matters.

We are currently seeking new trustees to join our board and are especially keen to welcome individuals with expertise in the following areas:
• Fundraising and income generation
• Organisational growth, strategy and business development
• HR policy, people management and employment law
• Marketing and communications
• Diversity and inclusion

We also welcome applications from individuals with other relevant skills and experience. If you are passionate about our mission and want to contribute, we encourage you to apply.

Could your leadership skills help shape the future of a Hopian?  Hopian is a registered charity that provides advice and support for adults and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse through the provision of refuge accommodation and community support services.  We also provide support and access to counselling for people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation.

The Role of Trustee and executive Trustee roles are voluntary positions. A Trustee for the Board is expected to meet the requirements of the board in line with the charities governing documents, governing good practice and legal requirements.  We also have a vacancy for a Treasurer should you be interested please visit our Hopian website - recruiter link below for further details.

Trustee Responsibilities :

The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for the success of the charity. A Trustee is a Board Member and has a number of responsibilities in order to ensure robust management of the charity including:

• Make decisions objectively in the interests of the charity.
• Implement Hopian’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Lead on the aims and objectives of Hopian by raising awareness of domestic and sexual abuse, and child sexual exploitation and abuse and its impact on individuals and their families.

Trustee Duties :

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e., the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects) .
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• To work in the interests of the charity and not for personal gain.
• To ensure that the Board Members takes proper professional advice on matters in which it does not have competence.
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Tasks:

• To work with other Board Members to form an effective governing body for the charity.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings.
• Ensure that the charity’s focus places services users centrally.
• To understand and be committed to the mission of the charity.
• To maintain a long-term overview of the charity and its work.
• To make strategic and major decisions about the charity objectives, policies and procedures.
• To attend sub-group meetings as appropriate.
• To participate in other tasks that may arise from time to time such as interviewing for new staff, helping with appeals and fundraising.
• To keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work.
• To monitor and evaluate the work of the charity on a regular basis. This includes receiving reports from staff, staff supervision, receiving feedback from service users and other agencies .
• To ensure that the charity is a good employer of its paid and voluntary staff .
• Provide opportunity for staff to meet with the board.

Person Specification

We are looking for a  Trustee who has an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship. It is expected that a Trustee takes ownership to develop and maintain this understanding and application of duties. In addition to having:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Experience & Knowledge

• Understanding and evidence of commitment to equal opportunities and diversity statement 
• Be objective and unbiased 
• Be supportive and approachable 

Time Requirements

To be able to attend scheduled committee meetings each year and read papers for each board meeting. To be available to for consultation, support and guidance on an ad hoc basis. Much of this contact will be via online, telephone or email.

The Baobab Centre supports young asylum seekers and refugees who have experienced severe human rights abuses and arrived in the UK as unaccompanied minors. Our work focuses on rehabilitation and justice, providing long-term, holistic support to help young people heal from trauma and rebuild their lives.

We are at an exciting time of change within the organisation and now seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help guide Baobab through its next phase of development. 

The Baobab Centre is looking for new Trustees with experience of one of more of the following - management at a senior level in the third sector; fundraising; IT & Digital, IT Security; or clinical practice in psychotherapy.

Lived experience of the asylum and social care systems in the UK and/or work experience with young asylum seekers and refugees is particularly welcome. We also actively welcome young professionals and first-time trustees who are motivated to learn, bring fresh perspectives, and contribute their skills to an impactful charity.

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) is seeking to appoint three new Trustees to strengthen the skills and diversity of its Board.

We are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Archive / Heritage Management
• Safeguarding / Health & Safety
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I)

About the Role

Trustees contribute to the effective governance of NYBBGB, ensuring the organisation is well run, financially sustainable, and delivering its charitable purposes for public benefit. Trustees act collectively as the Board and are not involved in day-to-day management. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to strategy and organisational direction
• Oversight of financial performance and risk management
• Ensuring compliance with charity law and governance requirements
• Providing constructive challenge and support
• Safeguarding the organisation’s values and long-term sustainability
• Participation in Board and committee work  

We are looking for individuals who:

• Are committed to youth music and the mission of NYBBGB
• Can think strategically and exercise sound judgement
• Are willing to challenge constructively and support collaboratively
• Work effectively as part of a Board
• Bring relevant professional expertise in one of the priority areas  

Previous trustee experience is not essential.

Time Commitment

• Board meetings (typically 4 per year)
• Participation in one committee
• Occasional attendance at concerts or events

NYBBGB is committed to widening participation and welcomes applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Charity Trustee Opportunity – Protecting Animals, Changing Lives

Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking for a meaningful way to make an impact?

The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust (JSAWT) is seeking new Trustees to join its dedicated and collaborative Board.

What we do:

JSAWT supports UK-registered charities that rescue, rehabilitate, release, and rehome animals by providing vital grant funding.

We focus on smaller organisations—where our support can make a real difference—helping transform the lives of animals and the people who care for them. From volunteer-led hedgehog rescues to international wildlife conservation initiatives, our work spans a diverse and inspiring range of causes.

Applications are reviewed three times a year by the Board of Trustees. Awards are given on a case-by-case basis to charities that meet our criteria and clearly demonstrate how the funding will benefit animals in their care.

Why join us?

By joining us, you will be able to:

• Gain valuable governance and leadership experience.
• Play a vital role in shaping the future of a leading animal welfare grant provider.
• Join a collaborative and supportive Board of Trustees with diverse expertise.
• Learn about a wide range of animal welfare initiatives in the UK and internationally.

What you will do:

• Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight of the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust, informing the charity’s governance and financial sustainability.
• Share your expertise to help JSAWT strengthen its resilience and ensure sustainability.
• Act as an ambassador for JSAWT. You may be invited to represent JSAWT at events hosted by charities we support. Trustees are also encouraged to visit applicants and previous grant recipients, helping to strengthen relationships and ensure our awards are used as intended.
• You will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Administrators to ensure JSAWT achieves its mission and long-term objectives.

What we are looking for:

You will be able to demonstrate a commitment to JSAWT’s values and a passion for improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

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

• IT and cybersecurity, especially for a small non-profit organisation.
• Legal aspects of charity management and compliance.
• Communications and marketing, ideally for a small non-profit organisation.

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

Potential Trustees must be able to commit to reviewing documents and applications in advance of meetings and be able to communicate their decisions.

The Board is friendly and inclusive and welcomes discussion and expression of opinions in a respectful and supportive environment.

Terms:

• Three Board meetings are held in March, July/August, and November. The meetings are held at the London office. They are usually in the afternoon and can last 4-5 hours.
• Attendance in person is encouraged; however, Trustees may attend virtually if this is preferable.
• The office has step free access and is all on one level.
• There may be occasional sub-committee meetings or events (virtual or in person).
• Reasonable expenses incurred by attending meetings (or other agreed work) may be reimbursed: for example, travel, subsistence, and childcare.
• The initial term is three years, with the option of renewal for a further three years.

JSAWT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Appropriate checks will be carried out on shortlisted candidates.

Further details are available on our website or can be obtained by contacting the Administrators.

Looking to Make a Difference? Join Where Next as a Board Trustee!

Are you a passionate professional who wants to make an impact beyond the workplace?

About Where Next
Where Next is a charity based in Redditch, Worcestershire and Studley, Warwickshire providing support to adults with learning disabilities.  Founded over 40 years ago by caring parents it has grown from strengthen to strengthen and now provides day care for 150 clients.  The care and support is centred around horticultural and social activities but it also covers many other activities for the clients ensuring that is a varied and engaging programme of activities, nurturing the potential of everyone who attends Where Next

The charity is led by a Chief Executive and a passionate and experienced Board consisting of an excellent Senior Management team and Trustees.  There are 20 staff in total 

The charity has just commenced a developmental journey which will be looking at redesigning the facilities and services ensuring that the charity continues to be relevant going forward. 

Our webpage provides mor information and insight to the work of the charity

What we are looking for.

The Board are looking to strengthen existing skills and knowledge that currently exists and would like to appointment Trustees with any of the following skills and experiences.

Ø  Parent/ carer of an individual with Learning and Disabilities - living or professional experience – bringing day to day experiences to ensure that the Charities strategy is appropriate from a user’s perspective

Ø  Health and safety contract management – providing expertise in all aspects of safety aspect

Ø  Fund raising and PR/marketing including social media - Bringing innovative ideas to expand our reach and connect more people with our cause.

Ø  Project management – sharing skills to aid strategy of charities developments

Ø  Business planning and/or Business Case development -providing skills for the creation of business cases

Ø  Horticultural management – Bringing leadership to support the activities of the charity

Ø  Education /Training/ skills and personal development - offering insights to help improve and develop our Board and workforce

Why Become a Trustee While Working Full-Time?

• Enhance Your Professional Skills: Gain leadership, governance, and strategic experience that complements your career development.
• Broaden Your Network: Collaborate with like-minded professionals, build relationships across sectors, and expand your influence.
• Flexible Commitment: We understand your time is valuable. Our trustee roles are designed to fit alongside your job, with regular meetings and flexible involvement options.
• Make a Real Difference: Your expertise can shape the future of a charity that empowers individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

What’s Involved?

• Board Meetings: Attend approximately 4 meetings per year (held in person and/or virtually).
• Strategic Guidance: Work with fellow trustees to set the long-term vision and strategy of "Where Next" and oversee its implementation.
• Support & Advice: Provide expertise in your specific area while supporting the leadership team on key decisions and projects.
• Advocacy: Use your professional network to champion our cause and help us grow.

The application process

Applications are welcomed and applicants should send CVs and a supporting statement detailing what has attracted the applicants to Where Next to the Chief Executive. 

The shortlisted applicants will be invited for initial discussion with the chairman and CEO.

The Bevan Foundation is seeking new trustees to join its Board.

Could you support the Bevan Foundation in its mission to end poverty and inequality in Wales?

About the Bevan Foundation

The Bevan Foundation is Wales's most influential think tank. We create insights, ideas and impact that help to end poverty and inequality. Over recent years the Foundation has helped secure real and lasting change for people across Wales, from universal free school meals for primary pupils to increases in Education Maintenance Allowance. We’ve built a reputation for trusted, evidence-based insights and ideas that influence decision-makers and improve lives.

About this role

We are looking for new trustees to join our board to fill vacancies. 

This is an exciting opportunity to get involved with our high impact team. You’ll help the organisation to increase understanding of the challenges facing people in Wales, help to develop effective solutions and keep the charity on course.

The usual term of office of trustees is four years, with the possibility of another four-year term thereafter.

Trustees do not get paid, although reasonable expenses for travel may be claimed.

About you

We are looking for people who are passionate about improving the lives of the people of Wales, and who want to make a difference by generating insights that help to change public policy and practice.

Trustees come from all walks of life – there are no specific qualifications or experiences we require. However, applications from people with fundraising or senior leadership experience, or from people fluent in the Welsh language, would be particularly welcome.

We want our board to reflect the breadth of Wales’ population. We welcome applications from everyone, but would particularly like to hear from younger people, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and people in north and west Wales. We’d also welcome applications from people working in front-line roles with people on low-incomes.

Don’t worry if you haven’t had experience of being a trustee or board member before. We will offer you support and training to help you to undertake your role, and in addition we’re aiming to partner with external board training programmes.

Download the information pack to find out how to apply or how to contact us with any questions. 

The Organisation

London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) is the UK’s largest charitable childcare social enterprise, with an ambition of changing the world, one child at a time. With 43 nurseries across 13 London boroughs, we deliver high quality early years education and care to children and families across the capital. Founded in 1903, LEYF has evolved into a purpose driven organisation that combines financial sustainability with a clear social mission, reinvesting all surplus into our nurseries, our people and the communities we serve.

Together with families and communities, we give London’s children, especially those most in need, the best start in life through access to affordable, high quality early years education and care. We focus our work in areas of disadvantage, where it can have the greatest impact, supporting children’s development and strengthening communities. Our approach centres on learning through play, creativity and exploration, delivered by skilled and passionate teams. Through our apprenticeships and the London Institute of Early Years, we provide industry leading learning and development opportunities, equipping our people with the skills and knowledge to deliver excellent outcomes for all children. Through strong partnerships and a commitment to continuous improvement, we extend our impact beyond our nurseries and play an active role in shaping the early years sector, while creating inclusive environments where every child and colleague can thrive.

The Role

LEYF is seeking a Chair of Trustees to lead its Board and support the organisation in achieving its charitable objectives and strategic priorities. The Chair plays a central role in ensuring strong governance, enabling LEYF to deliver high quality, cost effective services to children, families and partners, and to maximise its social impact as it grows. Through strong leadership of the Board, you will help guide the organisation as it continues to expand its reach, strengthen its model and deliver meaningful, lasting impact for children and families across London.

This is an opportunity to make a significant difference to the life chances of disadvantaged children by contributing your skills, judgement and strategic insight within a mission driven organisation. You will work alongside a passionate and committed team, leading a Board of Trustees that is collaborative, professional and deeply engaged in LEYF’s purpose. As Chair, you will play a key role in shaping strategy, supporting sustainable growth and ensuring effective governance at an important and exciting stage in the organisation’s development.

The Person

We are seeking an experienced, values led individual who can provide strong leadership to the Board and support LEYF in delivering its social mission at scale.

Experience and Knowledge

• Senior leadership and Board level experience, with a strong understanding of governance
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how a social enterprise operates
• Ability to navigate the balance between social purpose and financial sustainability
• Experience of complex or growing organisations, ideally across the UK
• Understanding of, or interest in, the early years sector and wider social impact landscape
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders across a politically neutral environment

Skills and Capabilities

• Strategic, pragmatic and calm, with sound judgement and the ability to absorb complexity
• Strong influencing and networking skills, with the ability to build partnerships
• Confident communicator, able to represent LEYF with credibility at a senior level
• Financial awareness, with the ability to balance sustainability and risk in decision making

Leadership Style and Personal Qualities

• Values driven, with a strong commitment to LEYF’s mission
• Supportive and appropriately challenging, acting as a constructive critical friend
• Agile and not risk averse, comfortable supporting innovation and growth
• Inclusive and emotionally intelligent, able to foster effective Board dynamics

Commitment

• Willingness to be visible and engaged, including attending meetings, events and visiting nurseries in London
• Ability to commit sufficient time to the role and support LEYF externally where appropriate

Diversity and Inclusion
We warmly welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds,  particularly those underrepresented at Board level. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and believe this strengthens our impact.

Further Information

For further information about LEYF, the role responsibilities and the person they are looking for, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of others, please submit an application which includes the following:

• An up to date CV with details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
• A supporting statement, which addresses your suitability against the criteria in the Person Specification, and details your motivations for applying.