Trustee volunteer roles

Location: Exeter (hybrid options available)
Hours: Flexible
Term: Three-year periods
Type: Voluntary

Help shape the future of specialist education for young people with vision impairment and complex needs.
At InFocus, we believe everyone deserves to live life to the full, with choice, control, and meaningful opportunities. We support young people who face significant barriers due to vision impairment combined with additional disabilities, helping each individual follow their own pathway towards independence and fulfilment.

We’re now looking for a Volunteer Trustee with strong experience in special education to help guide and strengthen our specialist FE College.

What the role involves

In addition to the standard responsibilities of a trustee, you will:

• Focus on the delivery and development of post-16 education for learners with vision impairment and complex needs

• Scrutinise the quality of teaching and learning

• Provide constructive challenge and professional insight as part of our Education Advisory Committee

• Work closely with our College Principal to champion high-quality, person-centred education

This opportunity would suit someone with experience as:

• A senior leader within a SEND provision

• A headteacher or principal

• A SEND improvement partner

• An Ofsted inspector

Our Board meets seven times a year, with optional invitations to events and celebrations. Trustees are encouraged to attend in person, though online attendance is possible where needed. Travel expenses are covered, and overnight accommodation can be arranged for trustees living outside Devon.

Short on time? Advisory Member roles available

If you’d like to share your expertise without taking on full trustee responsibilities, consider joining us as an Advisory Member. Advisory Members sit on committees and offer specialist knowledge without the full governance role. 

The Alice Ruggles Trust is a leading charity dedicated to tackling stalking through education and training, campaigning, and prevention. We are seeking a Trustee with finance skills to replace our current Treasurer, who has undertaken the role for several years.

Alice Ruggles, aged 24, was murdered in 2016 by an ex-boyfriend following a relentless campaign of stalking. The Alice Ruggles Trust was set up by Alice’s parents to help prevent what happened to Alice happening to others, and ultimately to bring stalking to an end.

We are small but entering a period of significant expansion in response to government initiatives in relation to domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, and stalking. This is a challenging but also an exciting time for us.

We are seeking an experienced finance professional, preferably with experience in the charity sector, who will maintain an overview of the Alice Ruggles Trust’s financial affairs and play an essential role in the strategic planning of the Trustee Board in the months and years to come.

Are you interested in joining Acorn’s board of trustees?

We’re looking for someone who wants to make a real difference. If you’re passionate about social impact and excited by the idea of helping to shape the future of a vibrant, friendly charitable social enterprise, we’d love to hear from you.

Who are Acorn Early Years?

Acorn Early Years is a charitable social enterprise providing high‑quality childcare and early education across day nurseries, forest schools, out‑of‑school clubs, and specialist early years catering and training services. We are continuing to grow, despite the challenges facing the early years sector, and now operate 18 nurseries with just over 500 employees.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our welcoming team of voluntary trustees. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, and we warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with finance, property, charity law and compliance, or local government expertise. You’ll bring:

• Strong communication and leadership skills
• A commitment to our values and mission
• Experience from any professional or personal context — previous trustee experience is desirable but not essential. We will support you to grow confidently into the role.

Our commitment to inclusion and support:

We want volunteering with us to be accessible to everyone. To support this, we:

• Reimburse all reasonable volunteer expenses, including travel to meetings
• Offer flexibility around meeting times where possible
• Provide accessibility support or adjustments as needed
• Foster a culture where every trustee’s voice is valued and respected

What does the role involve?

Being a trustee is an unpaid voluntary role, usually lasting at least three years. You will attend five Board meetings each year in Milton Keynes, and you may also choose to join one of our specialist trustee committees.

To find out more about the duties of a charity trustee, please see ‘The essential trustee (CC3)’ on the Gov. website. 

What difference will you make?

Our trustees play a very important role in our organisation, shaping and supporting our current work and the future direction and development of the organisation. As a trustee you will be joining the Trustee Board which has been making an impact since our charity was established in 2012.

How to apply:

To find out more, please see our Trustee Application Pack via our website - 'Work With Us/Become a Trustee' page.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Santa Svike, Governance Lead, by visiting our website ('Work With Us/Become a Trustee' page)

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to the same email address.

Trees for Cities

Salary: Voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed

Location: London with flexibility

Closing Date: 11 March 2026

Trees for Cities is an independent national charity that empowers people to plant and care for trees in towns and cities, targeting places where they have the greatest impact for people and nature. Through trees, we connect people to nature, enrich lives and create leafy, liveable places for today and future generations. In a world facing unprecedented threats from climate change, biodiversity loss and disconnection from nature, our work has never been more urgent.

Since 1993, Trees for Cities has engaged 260,000 people to plant and care for almost 2 million trees across 100 urban areas in the UK and overseas. We are proud to operate at the intersection of social and environmental justice, focusing on communities with the least access to green space and the benefits it brings. To deepen this work, we have developed a new five-year strategy (2025–2030) with the goal of creating a Movement for Urban Trees and Tree Equity. As we enter this ambitious new strategic phase, the new Chair will play a leading role in overseeing its successful embedding and impact.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the Board of a dynamic, growing charity at a pivotal moment. Our Trustees are recruited for their diverse skills and perspectives, and we are proud of our strong governance practices and healthy Board culture. Together, we provide constructive challenge and meaningful support to the executive team, guided by the organisational values that sit at the heart of how we work. We are seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chair, continuing this work, offering strategic leadership and robust governance to ensure Trees for Cities continues to thrive and grow in impact.

You will bring Board-level experience, including as a Chair, Vice Chair and/or Trustee/Non-Executive Director, and a proven ability to chair Board or committee meetings effectively. With strategic vision and the confidence to navigate complexity, you will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, build consensus and manage diverse perspectives. You will bring a supportive and empowering approach, with a coaching style of leadership that empowers and enables others to thrive. Experience in the environmental, sustainability or urban greening sectors is desirable but not essential; what matters most is your ability to lead with integrity, inspire others and drive impact.

We want our Board to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black, Asian or other minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and those with lived experience of environmental or social injustice. If you are motivated to help shape our next chapter and bring the leadership and experience to guide our ambition, we encourage you to apply.

To read more about our work, the role and how to apply, please download the full appointment brief below.

People Beyond Profit on-line conversations: 17 March - 15 April 2026

CEO online ‘fireside’ conversations: 17 – 24 March 2026

Trees for Cities Interview Dates: 

• First stage in-person trustee panel: 27 April 2026

• Final stage coffee with CEO and current Chair on one of the following: 28, 29 April, 5, 6 May 2026.

CB Plus – Recruiting New Trustees

CB Plus is a leading community charity working across London. As we enter a new strategic phase, we are looking for new Trustees to join our Board.

We want to strengthen our skills, broaden our perspectives, and better reflect the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from minority and under-represented communities, and from people with strong community insight.

We are especially seeking experience in:

• Finance / accounting
• HR / people management
• Public sector commissioning / local government
• Business development / income generation

We also welcome skills in:
Health and care, youth services, safeguarding, community cohesion, EDI, digital, data, communications, legal and governance.

No previous Board experience is required — we value good judgement, commitment, and a passion for strengthening communities.

What the role involves:

• Quarterly Board and Committee Meetings + occasional strategy sessions
• Providing oversight, support and healthy challenge to the leadership team
• Helping shape CB Plus’s future direction and impact

This is a voluntary position; reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Join us in shaping a stronger, more connected London.

City of Chelmsford Mencap is a small independent charity providing support and structured classes for adults with a learning disability across mid-Essex. We have recently converted the charity's structure and are now embarking on an exciting period of strategic growth. We are seeking energetic and passionate new trustees who can contribute to our plans and help us deliver the next phase of our operating model. 

We would welcome potential trustees from any professional background. However, the following attributes are very important:

• A proven track record of integrity and respect for confidential and proprietary information
• A keen and respectful listener who is able to empathise and respectfully challenge
• Commitment to the charity 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.
• Strategic vision
• Sound, independent judgement
• Willingness to participate in frank and open discussion
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to coach staff where required
• The ability to read and understand management reports
• Skills to analyse proposals and their consequence
• 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
• Capacity to represent the charity to external parties and at local events

Much more information is available in our recruitment pack which is available on the apply page..

Please note that appointment to our Board is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and a clean enhanced DBS certificate (which we will arrange). 

What will you be doing?

As governor, trustee and director, you will have an active role in setting strategic direction and overseeing the educational performance, management and financial health of the school and the charity.

We are particularly looking for individuals with a background in residential care or safeguarding as well as those who have experience in the areas of deaf education and finance. We will however consider applications from those with a passion for what we do who do not have any of these areas of expertise, and especially those with prior trustee experience, will be actively considered.

Most governor/trustees attend two or three meetings a term, generally Monday to Friday during the working day, either online or in person. Additionally, visits into school are organised on a termly basis. Each term of office is for four years and can be renewed twice.

What are we looking for?

• Experience in education, SEND provision, health/social care
• Experience / knowledge of charity and/or school governance
• Knowledge of safeguarding and regulatory frameworks
• Financial, legal, or HR expertise
• Marketing, Social Media or Fundraising 

What difference will you make?

Key responsibilities and areas of impact include:

Governance and Compliance
Strategic Leadership
Educational Oversight
Financial Stewardship
Risk and Assurance
Advocacy and Ambassadorship

Closing Date for Applications: 6th March 2026.

If you are interested in joining this happy and thriving school and would like to find out more then please select the 'redirect to recruiter' link at the top of the page.

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

We are delighted to be partnering with Activate Performing Arts (Activate), a 35-year-old arts charity that brings contemporary performance to communities and landscapes across Dorset, the UK, and Europe. Activate is known for its free-to-access outdoor arts, festivals, and touring work, driven by a belief in creativity as a public good, connecting people, place and artistic expression. Keen to continue its evolution while staying true to Activate’s core values, the organisation stands at a pivotal moment for growth and development.

Activate is now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Board and support the Artistic & Executive Director in guiding the organisation through the next phase of its development. In this role you will play a key role in shaping the upcoming 3–5-year strategy, supporting Activate prepare for its next Arts Council England National Portfolio application. As Chair, you will also act as an ambassador for Activate through opening networks, championing its work, and supporting the organisation to enhance its visibility and impact.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Prior experience as a charity trustee, ideally as Chair, Vice-Chair or committee Chair, with a solid grasp of good governance and Boards.
• Alignment with Activate’s values around free and low-cost access, landscape and nature, equity, diversity and inclusion, and environmental responsibility, with enthusiasm for thoughtful values-led innovation rather than pure commercialisation.
• Fundraising mentality with an understanding of the funding landscape
• A passion and affinity to the arts and culture sector, ideally including performing arts, festivals, arts within landscape or environmental contexts, including nature-based creativity, outdoor arts.
• Confident, inclusive chairing skills, able to bring out quieter voices, hold respectful but robust discussions, and ensure meaningful contribution from all trustees.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and a supporting statement.

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

Contract & Hours: 3-year term (renewable)

Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

Location: Hybrid, with some travel to Dorset for key meetings and events

Closing date: 25th March 2026

Interviews with Activate: w/c 13th April onwards

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by 2nd April prior to shortlist submission on 3rd April.

We are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately

This is an exciting time to join the Endometriosis UK trustee board, as the organisation expands and develops to achieve the changes that are needed to support those affected by the disease and to drive down diagnosis time. We are looking for a new Treasurer to build on this momentum to strengthen our organisation and bring about change for those with endometriosis. We have a skills-based board, with Trustees having one or more identified skills, with the overall membership of the Board providing the complete set of skills. 

Endometriosis UK is the largest UK charity for those with endometriosis. Endometriosis UK works to:

• Provide support to those with endometriosis and their families and friends

• Provide clear, objective information about the condition and its treatments

• Raise awareness amongst health professionals and the general public about the condition

• Support research into endometriosis.

This is an unpaid role. Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be paid.

Time commitment:

• Five meetings a year, including preparation for meetings, reading papers etc; and attendance at an annual strategy day and AGM (held on the same days as Board meetings).

• Trustees have the opportunity to take part in Board sub-groups and project groups to develop aspects of the organisations’ work. Current sub-groups include the Finance Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Group. Trustees are also invited to attend Endometriosis UK events.

We are recruiting for one new treasurer to join the board. We are particularly looking for:

• Personal or professional experience of diversity and inclusion issues

• Marketing and digital marketing

• Communications and social media

• Campaigning and achieving change

• Experience of working in Primary Care

• Charity finance experience

• Currently living in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales

Personal experience of living with, or having a close family member with, endometriosis, is vital on our Board. Whilst we look favourably on applications from those in the endometriosis community, we already have Trustees with first hand lived experience and new trustees do not need to have endometriosis. 

We also particularly welcome applications from trustees from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to diversity.

The role will start at a Board meeting on 28th November 2026, when our current Treasurer reaches the end of their 6-year term of office. Prior to the roles starting, the incoming Treasurer will have the opportunity to observe a Board meeting in September, and induction will be planned in October.

We're looking to appoint two new trustees to the board of St Petrocs. Trustees play a vital role in guiding the direction and strategy of the charity. As a member of the board, you’ll help ensure the charity is aligned with its mission, legally compliant and financially sound.

Our trustees play a crucial role in guiding St Petrocs, ensuring we stay true to our values, vision, mission and goals. They provide support and direction to the Chief Executive and staff, helping us make a real difference in the lives of those facing homelessness.

Trustees help steer St Petrocs in the right direction by offering support and constructive challenge to the leadership team. They ensure decision-making is fair and effective, always balancing the needs of the people we support with the responsible use of our resources. Through their guidance, trustees help us stay focused on our mission and create lasting change.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet the Chair, Vice-Chairs and Chief Executive on Monday 16th March 2026. Successful candidates will be invited to participate as a guest in the Board Meeting taking place on Wednesday 25th March, prior to consideration for formal approval by the board.  

What you'll be doing.

• Help shape and protect the charity’s vision and values, making sure we stay true to our mission to support people facing homelessness
• Make sure we’re doing things the right way, keeping everything transparent, accountable and in line with legal and ethical standards
• Think about the big picture, help us spot potential risks and make decisions that keep the charity safe and sustainable
• Be a voice for the charity in the community, build connections, raise awareness and help influence positive change
• Keep an eye on how well we’re making a difference and look for ways to improve and grow
• Bring your perspective and experience to guide our priorities and make thoughtful, informed decisions
• Uphold the charity’s safeguarding responsibilities and commitment to diversity and inclusion

What are the time commitments? 

• Induction: New trustees complete an induction program, which includes visits to our services and meetings with staff to get up to speed. Whether you have previous experience as a trustee or are completely new to the role, we will provide an induction and ongoing training to ensure you understand and can fulfil your role. 
• Term Length: Trustees serve for a three-year term, which can be renewed.
• Board Meetings: The board meets quarterly, with additional meetings as needed. These are typically on Wednesday mornings for about two hours at our office in Truro, Cornwall. Meetings are scheduled in advance for the entire year and documents are sent out two weeks before each meeting. Online links to meetings are also available.
• Ongoing Involvement: Trustees are kept up to date with regular information on client services, finance and other important matters. The usual commitment for time is between 1-2 days per month, which includes the time needed to prepare for and attend meetings.
• Events: Trustees are invited to attend events throughout the year to support and represent St Petrocs.

Who would make a great trustee?

At St Petrocs, we believe that great trustees bring a variety of skills, perspectives and life experiences. Our board is made up of individuals with expertise in areas such as law, social care, education, health, business, finance and lived experience of homelessness. We regularly review the board’s composition to ensure we have the right mix of skills to guide our work effectively.

Following a recent audit, the board has identified a gap and is therefore specifically seeking to fill one of the two vacancies with a trustee who has strong skills and understanding of the digital sector. This individual will bring valuable insight into areas such as digital strategy, technology, data, and online engagement, helping to ensure the organisation is well-equipped to navigate an increasingly digital landscape.

We encourage applications from people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds, as we know that a variety of experiences and perspectives strengthens decision-making. We particularly welcome people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to help ensure our board represents the community we serve.

We are particularly committed to including trustees who have lived experience of homelessness. We believe that those who have experienced homelessness can offer invaluable insights and help ensure our work is rooted in the real needs of the people we support.

If you’re passionate about making a real difference and bringing your unique perspective to our work, you could make a great trustee for St Petrocs.

We're looking to appoint trustees who can offer:

• A commitment to our core values: Person Centred, Passionate, Empowering, Honest & Courageous
• Passion for St Petrocs’ mission and local impact
• Critical challenge without confrontation 
• Support for one another 
• Openness and honesty 
• Structured feedback - upwards and downwards 
• A differing perspective - a fresh pair of eyes and ears 
• A sounding board 
• Rational and constructive thinking without being emotive to the subject
• Teamwork, integrity and reliability
• A willingness to learn, contribute ideas and ask questions

As a Cornish charity, our work is rooted in the communities, culture, and particular challenges of Cornwall. We therefore seek trustees who have a genuine connection to, or understanding of, Cornwall and its people. Trustees do not need to be based in Cornwall, but they should be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the unique local context and a commitment to people experiencing homelessness here in Cornwall.

Please note that no previous board experience is necessary – full training and support will be provided.

What are the benefits of becoming a trustee?

Being a trustee is a challenging, interesting and deeply rewarding role because you’ll see how your work directly contributes to our mission of working to end homelessness in Cornwall. As a trustee, you’ll have the chance to give back to your local community and use your life experiences and skills in a board-level environment.

Food Bank Aid is a dynamic and committed organisation, full of people who care deeply about the impact of poverty on the lives of Londoners.
• Poverty rates in London have been higher than in the rest of England for at least the last two decades
• Latest reports have also captured that London has the highest child poverty rate in England with 1 in 3 children (700,000) living in poverty.
Poverty Hurts More Than Just Pockets. It steals health. It erodes confidence. It causes stigma. It isolates.
Now is our time to act.

Food Bank Aid is a young charity with a clear sense of purpose of keeping the food banks fed, and we want to reach even more food banks in the years ahead. 

We are appointing three new Trustees to strengthen our Board, broaden our expertise and support the setting and delivery of our strategy for the next phase of the charity’s development. These appointments reflect our ambition for Food Bank Aid’s future and our commitment to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

The three profiles of expertise sought are:
1. A Chair (with previous leadership experience ideally in the not-for-profit sector)
2. A Trustee with income generation experience and expertise
3. A Trustee with Charity Governance experience

We value curiosity, integrity, thoughtful judgement and a genuine commitment and passion to our mission. 

If our purpose resonates with you and you want to make a meaningful difference for food banks and their clients in London, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about Food Bank Aid and specifications for each Trustee role and how to apply, please download the attached Recruitment Pack.
The deadline for applications is 2nd March 2026.

Background for Citizens Advice Salford’s Chair of Trustees:

Citizens Advice Salford is looking for a new chair for our board of trustees. The service is an independent charity, employing 35 people and benefiting from the support of about 70 highly trained volunteers. We are a full member of the National Association of Citizens Advice, our membership organisation, which supports our work.

Our chair plays a critical role in leading both the board and the organisation, as well as in representing the Salford service within the broader Citizens Advice movement. They will also provide strategic leadership and support the service’s chief executive.

The service provides advice to about 18,000 people each year, and is regulated by various bodies. Our offer is primarily through face to face contact, telephone advice, web access and we are looking at what new digital approaches such as AI can do for us.

We hold the specialist advice giving quality mark. Citizens Advice Salford has a strong reputation as a campaigner for change, for fighting against poverty, lobbying and campaigning on behalf of our clients, together with working across Greater Manchester with our colleague local citizens advice services.

Financially we have a range of contracts with public bodies such as the Council, together with a range of other grants and funding for specific projects.

The current chair is reaching the end of her six year term, but will still be a member of the board. It is a strong board consisting of ten people, with a diverse range of skills and experience.

If you would like to have a more general discussion about the role please feel free to contact the current Chair, or the Chief Officer. Contact details are available on our vacancy page via the apply button.

• What's in it for you?

• use your experience to make a positive impact for people in Salford by ensuring Citizens Advice Salford is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community
• meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers
• build on your governance, leadership and strategy knowledge and skills
• increase your employability
• be a part of infl uence and change work that looks to reduce poverty in Salford, and to make it and the country a better place for all.

How much time do you need to give?

Trustee boards usually meet in the evenings and you’ll likely need to give two or three hours, six times a year and you may need to attend other meetings if you’re involved in specifi c projects, or meet with volunteers and staff occasionally within Citizens Advice Salford. We can be fl exible about the time spent, so come and talk to us.

Valuing Inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from global majority communities.
If you are interested in becoming a chair of trustees and would like to discuss fl exibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

BIND is a collection of projects and people that reduce food waste by bringing people together to create change. We design and deliver projects across sectors that push boundaries and achieve results. We believe change is created not by a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly, but by everyone doing a little something. Find out more about our values and purpose on our website. Our work is split between Magic Hat, Eat Smart and food waste partnerships.

Magic Hat is Newcastle City Centre’s first and only coffee shop, kitchen and events venue dedicated to impacting the UK’s wider food waste problem - positively. Our chefs design menus on-the-day, every day, made from food that's far too good to be wasted. Fresh ideas for ingredients at their best. Magic Hat also operates a volunteer programme, a PAYF shop, an events programme and a hireable meeting space/kitchen. Magic Hat's profits go to supporting Bind's other projects in food waste prevention. After 5 years of trading in Newcastle City Centre, our lease was terminated for the building to get redeveloped. We are currently seeking out a new premises for Magic Hat and designing for how we can continue to challenge in its next iteration.

Eat Smart is a successful primary school educational programme born in the NE of England designed to inspire children and schools to reduce food waste and build sustainable food systems. We deliver engaging resources and learning experiences that empower schools and pupils to have more ownership of their kitchens/dinner halls, improve student wellbeing, and have increased environmental awareness. 

Since 2018 Eat Smart has enabled 70 schools in North East England to rescue their food waste by over 25%, equivalent to saving 6,000 meals worth £13,000 per school, per year, and our expansion to other areas of the UK has already begun. With an ever-growing data set and credibility for school food waste prevention, we have increasing potential to affect school food policy and deliver food waste prevention interventions on a national level.

Bind is expanding its work to ensure food waste prevention, not just redistribution, is at the heart of our mission. Bind works in partnership with businesses, local authorities and community groups to help them reduce their food waste, and reduce their food bills by using surplus food in their kitchens. We are well recognised in the North East and lead various partnerships of public, private and voluntary sector organisations, tasked with reducing food waste at a strategic level.

About the Trustee Role

As a Bind Trustee, you’ll be at the heart of our strategic vision. You’ll make key decisions and help guide our Board and CEOs to maximise Bind’s impact. We are looking for experienced trustees to join our existing team of three, with one or more of the following areas of expertise, although we welcome applications from people with other skills and levels of experience:

1. Strategic Growth and Development

2. Financial control and/or fundraising

3. Policy: education, food and/or sustainability

4. Communications, marketing & PR 

5. Impact, performance and accountability

Time Commitment: 

• Your total time commitment will be between 2-6 hours per month, including board meetings every 6-8 weeks and ongoing problem solving – via email/WhatsApp.

• Meetings are a mix of online and in-person. You will be expected to prepare adequately for and attend meetings, as well as contribute to the success of Bind in other ways (e.g. through committee work, advocacy and attending events).

Essential Qualities of All Directors

• Commitment to Bind’s aims, objectives and core values

• Passion for creating behavioural change around the issue of food waste

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a Trustee

• Be familiarised with Bind’s constitution

• Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to our aims and objectives.

Key Responsibilities

You will be collectively responsible for the effective governance and oversight of the charity, ensuring it is well-run, financially sound and delivering its charitable purposes:

• You’ll act in the charity’s best interests, advancing its charitable objects and acting with reasonable care and skill

• You’ll ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, charity law and regulation

• You’ll provide strategic direction, agreeing the charity’s mission, values and long-term priorities

• You’ll oversee finances, ensuring appropriate financial controls are in place, resources are used responsibly, and assets are safeguarded

• You’ll manage risk, including reputational, financial and operational risk

• You’ll ensure accountability, monitoring performance and impact and acting transparently

• You’ll uphold safeguarding, equality and ethical standards, ensuring appropriate policies and practices are in place

• You’ll participate fully in Trustee Board meetings, decision-making and any sub-committees

• You’ll act as an ambassador for the charity and support its aims externally where appropriate

Application Process

To apply, please prepare no more than one side of A4 telling us about your relevant experience and what difference you hope to make to Bind. Please also include your full name and best contact details.

The deadline for applications is 20th February 2026. 

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this, we hope to hear from you soon.

Overview of the role

Warrington Foodbank are seeking someone to take the lead in organising and  monitoring the work of our Board of Trustees, liaising between members to ensure our strategy and operations remain on track. As our Secretary of Trustees you will lead the administrative duties of the Board of Trustees, ensuring that its activities are conducted within the legal requirements, with board meetings being properly administered.

Responsibilities

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the food bank and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. 

The Secretary of Trustees is responsible for leading on the administrative duties of the food bank and Board of Trustees. They will ensure that the foodbank’s activities are conducted within legal requirements, and that board meetings are properly administered. The Secretary will also lead on the development and management of policy schedules, ensuring that the Board of Trustees are aware and kept up to date regarding their legal, regulatory, and governance responsibilities.

Key tasks:

• to ensure that there is a record of all Trustee Board correspondence to ensure that details of Trustee meetings are circulated to the board together with minutes of the previous meeting and any other instructions in good time to ensure the trustee board meets its legal obligations, including reporting, meeting charity and company law, as well as insurance requirements

• to ensure all relevant stakeholders are informed of the annual general meeting (AGM)

• to ensure that the annual report (to accompany the annual accounts) is produced and sent to the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales).

Other responsibilities, along with the Board of Trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives 

• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity

• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate

• to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately

• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated

• to review and approve financial statements 

• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries

• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection

• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

About you:

We are looking for people who want to help their local community. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate: 

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of Warrington Foodbank 

• previous experience or an ability in:

  • secretarial or administrative work

  • managing project and keeping them on schedule

  • coordinating the activities of a group or individual

• add any further essential qualities the food bank is looking for, to fit in with any strategic objectives the food bank may have.

Benefits of volunteering:

• feeling you are making a difference whilst volunteering with us

• meeting new people and being part of a motivated team who share a passion to eradicate poverty in our community

• building a movement of change with our volunteers, staff, and the people who use our food bank

• bringing our staff, volunteers, and trustees together to achieve our vision

• gaining a greater insight and understanding of local agencies and partnerships.

Impact of your role

By leading on the administrative matters of the food bank board, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with Warrington Foodbank.

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training. 

Please Note:

• You must be 16 or over and must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee and declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee.

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office.

• This is a voluntary position.