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. 

We’re looking for trustees

We’re looking to recruit dynamic, committed and motivated people with professional skills and experience who are as passionate as we are about empowering individuals to work through and beyond their experience of sexual abuse.

Specific qualifications are not necessarily required and we welcome applicants with lived experience. A genuine interest in learning about our charity and our services within the local community is essential.

These trustees will help to form a new board dedicated to supporting the charity and contributing to the effective and quality governance of Trust House. You will play an active role in developing the strategic direction of the charity and provide guidance to ensure the charity continues to support anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area.

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.

Our new Trustees may come from many walks of life and we do not require prior board-level experience. At this time, we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who can help to build the charity’s infrastructure with: finance or accountancy, law, human resources and people management, income generation, commercial fundraising, marketing and communications, as well as those with experience in the education sector or working with young people.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate some of the following qualities:

• Sound judgement and strategic thinking ability balanced by an openness to listening to others and to new ideas
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the organisation
• Understanding or experience of the arts and/or education and a belief in the transformative power of poetry and performance
• An enthusiasm for arts charity work and the confidence and willingness to advocate our mission.
  
  All Trustees will be offered an induction. The role offers the opportunity to learn about governance and what it takes to run an arts organisation and achieve its objectives. Alongside experienced individuals, we also want to recruit a young trustee who would be willing to take up a governance role for the first time, someone who is willing to be mentored, so that we can offer tailored support and training as required.
  
  All Trustees will have the opportunity to attend Young Identity writing workshops, training, and events to experience Young Identity’s unique delivery of poetry and performance.
  
  Our current board is a diverse mix of trustees with backgrounds in: economics, law, psychology, education, counselling, young people’s arts production, community engagement and creative business development. The current board brings a wealth of knowledge, both specialist and general, as well as invaluable perspectives and lived experience ranging from the local, national and international. However, we also need to actively manage changes to the board as the terms of current trustees come to an end. We strive to do this in a systematic and organised way to ensure both continuity, stability as well as the development and progression of Young Identity.

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.

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.

We are currently looking to recruit an external trustee to join our Board of Trustees and also act as chair to the Finance and Audit Sub-Committee. We will also require the trustee to support our whistleblowing policy, acting as the nominated trustee contact for whistleblowing concerns.  You’ll champion openness and ensure the organisation has safe, fair, and effective processes for raising and handling concerns.

Your SU is overseen by our Board of Trustees, and our trading subsidiary (CUSU Services Ltd) is overseen by our Commercial Services Board . They are both made up of a collection of our elected Officers, students, university staff and external professionals that ensure the Charity and the Trading Subsidiary remain sustainable in terms of finance, legality and reputational status.

You will be expected to attend Board meetings 4 times per year – these will be a mix of in person and Teams meetings. You will also be expected to support at least one sub-committee of the Trustee Board (3-4 times per year) as well as complete training and induction. You will need some time to allow for prereading of reports and other documentation before meetings. 

Trustee meetings are typically held on a Friday afternoon 1pm-4pm. Most of the meetings are online, although you would be offered travel expenses for any face-to-face meetings (and hybrid meetings are usually offered if you do need to join remotely.) There is also a strategy day once a year as well as the occasional social activity!

For this trustee role, we are looking for an experienced professional ideally with third-sector governance experience. In addition to being a member of the Board of Trustees the trustee will be required to chair the Finance and Audit subcommittee and should possess a strong finance background with analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex financial information.

We are especially keen to encourage applications from people currently under-represented within the organisation, including but not limited to those from the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and those from a Global Majority background. We hope that by enhancing our diversity we can extend our organisational creativity and problem solving through the different perspectives and life experiences which diversity brings.

Please note that this is an unpaid voluntary role.

For further information there is a full recruitment pack and role profile available to download or visit our website for more information.

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.

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.

The reading for fun charity 

World Book Day Trustees

Location: London (hybrid)

Remuneration: voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed

Term: 3 years (may be appointed for a second term, maximum 6 years)

Closing date for applications: 6th March 2026

About World Book Day

World Book Day (WBD) is a small national charity with significant reach and profile, consistently punching above our weight.  WBD champions reading for fun because it seriously improves lives.  In fact, it is the biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful future.  With the spotlight in this National Year of Reading on reversing the decline in children's reading, now is an exciting time to join us. 

This is a rare opportunity to help more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop a lifelong habit of reading for fun and access the improved life chances this brings them.

New World Book Day Trustees

WBD is governed by its board of trustees, 3 of which are appointed by the Publishers' Association and 3 by the Booksellers' Association, each in their capacity as a founding member.  The remaining trustees are appointed by the board.  New trustees are recruited to infill the gaps identified from regular skills audits.  We are now seeking three new trustees, one of whom will be the new Chair of the trustee board, to fill an existing and two upcoming vacancies.

The three new trustees sought are expected to fulfil the following specifications:

· Chair of the Trustee Board: This post is advertised separately

· Publishers' Association Appointed Trustee: This trustee will be an individual from within the publishing industry.  We are particularly looking for someone with senior level strategic HR experience, in particular remuneration and reward, performance management and employee health, safety and wellbeing.

· Education/literacy trustee: This person will have senior level strategic education and/or literacy experience, ideally derived from lived experience as an educator, academic or policy expert.

All trustees are expected to bring a commitment to our mission to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own.  Trustees will use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions, supporting effective governance in a national literacy charity and playing a vital role in its future success.

World Book Day welcomes candidates drawn from a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics.  We would like our trustees to be reflective of our society and WBD's beneficiaries.  We actively encourage applications from those currently under-represented on our board: non-binary, all ethnic groups other than white British and LGBTQ+.

For a full role description and details of how to apply, please see the recruitment pack below.  The deadline for applications is 6th March 2026

About The Creighton Centre

For over 100 years, The Creighton Centre has been at the heart of its community, providing connection, care and opportunities for generations of local people. With a rich heritage and an ambitious future, we are now seeking someone to become our next Chair of Trustees.

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to provide leadership to a well established, values driven charity at a pivotal moment in its history.

About the role

As Chair, you will lead our Board of Trustees and work in close partnership with our new CEO to ensure strong governance, clear strategic direction and long-term sustainability.

Over the coming year, the Board will be setting the charity’s strategic priorities and overseeing an exciting programme to renovate and future proof our historic building, unlocking new opportunities for community use and income generation. The Chair will play a central role in guiding this work at Board level.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking a Chair who brings strong interpersonal skills, good judgement and a collaborative leadership style. You will be someone who values good governance, inclusive decision-making and clear strategic thinking.

You will bring:

• Significant board experience and a strong understanding of governance
• The ability to lead a Board effectively, encouraging constructive challenge and collective ownership
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
• An appreciation of the privilege and responsibility of stewarding a long-established community charity with premises

Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an organisation with deep community roots and real impact.

What's in it for you?

• A chance to chair a respected charity with over a century of community impact
• An opportunity to help guide a significant period of strategic development and renewal
• The privilege of stewarding an organisation with a strong sense of purpose, place and heritage
• A supportive, engaged Board and an experienced Chief Executive team

If you are looking for a meaningful Chair role where your leadership can make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.

Join us as a Trustee / Director and make a difference!

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? Do you have a strong desire to contribute your skills to a cause that matters? We invite you to become a Trustee / Director and be a driving force for change!

Who we are: A purpose-driven charity, dedicated to making a difference to the lives of young, homeless people. We believe in the power of community, collaboration, and transparency to create lasting change.

Our organisation comprises a registered Charity and Community Interest Company, each with its own Board. The Charity provides supported accommodation, advice, support & guidance to vulnerable, homeless young people. The Community Interest Company provides 24 / 7 concierge services to CAYSH young people & externally to vulnerable adults with complex needs.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking dedicated individuals to join our board of Trustees / Directors.

What we're looking for: Passionate individuals from a variety of backgrounds, with a range of expertise to contribute to our board. We are particularly looking for people with skills and experience in:

· Enterprise – running and growing a small business

· Fundraising

· Cyber security.

As a Trustee / Director, you will play a pivotal role in guiding our organisation towards success and helping us develop our business growth strategy. We are particularly seeking a trustee with safeguarding experiences.

Why you should join us as a trustee / director: Impact: Be part of an organisation making a real difference in the lives of homeless young people. Leadership: Contribute to strategic decision-making and shape the future direction of the organisation. Fulfilment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts contribute to positive change.

Commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is essential as well as commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory practice.

Time commitment: Our Trustees and Directors provide a valuable and positive contribution, building on our strengths and ensuring our results are sustained. There are currently 9 Trustees / Directors within the Group who bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to the organisation.

To support the decision making at CAYSH, you will attend an average of 4 Board meetings and up to 4 Committee meetings a year, plus Trustee / Director away-days & other events, such as AGM. Meetings are held outside regular business hours and are mostly online. Events (including strategy days, AGM and service user get-togethers) usually take place at our offices in Croydon.

How to Apply: If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and become a Trustee with CAYSH, we would love to hear from you!

Apply now and become a catalyst for positive change! Together, let's build a better future.

YES is seeking a Trustee with fundraising expertise to join our Board and support the
long-term sustainability and growth of our charity, which is dedicated to improving the
mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the charity’s governance,
strategic direction, and public benefit. As the Board’s lead Trustee for fundraising, you
will provide insight, oversight, and constructive challenge, drawing on your professional
fundraising experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Board’s lead Trustee for fundraising.
• Support the development and oversight of YES’s fundraising strategy.
• Provide guidance and challenge in relation to funding applications and income generation activity.
• Keep the Board informed of fundraising regulation, compliance, and best practice.
• Contribute a fundraising perspective to policy and strategic decision-making.

About You

You will bring relevant fundraising experience, strong communication skills, and a
commitment to good governance. You will be confident providing constructive
challenge and able to work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the executive team.
Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential.

Inclusion

YES values the insight that lived experience brings to effective governance. We
particularly welcome applications from people with diverse lived experience,
including LGBTQ+ communities, global majority backgrounds, and lived experience of
mental health challenges.
 

The Reading for fun charity 

Chair of Trustees of World Book Day

Location: London (hybrid)

Remuneration: Voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed

Time commitment: One day per week

Term: 3 years (may be appointed for a second term, maximum 6 years)

Closing Date for applications: 6th March 2026

About World Book Day

World Book Day (WBD) is a small national charity with significant reach and profile, consistently punching above our weight.  WBD champions reading for fun because it seriously improves lives.  In fact, it is the biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful future.  With the spotlight in this National Year of Reading on reversing the decline in children's reading, now is an exciting time to join us. 

As our current strategy enters its final phase and our 30th anniversary approaches, a new Chair would work with our board and executive team to develop and lead our new strategy and to leverage our existing strengths to realise the potential for growth in our impact. The new Chair will also support WBD's income generation activities, through attending events and philanthropy meetings and supporting corporate partnership opportunities, promoting WBD through their networks and championing donations.

This is a rare opportunity to help more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop a lifelong habit of reading for fun and access the improved life chances this brings them.

What we are looking for

World Book Day's new Chair may come from a commercial, educational, public service or other background. In addition to the qualities required for a trustee, they should have the following qualities:

· A commitment to World Book Day's vision and values

Knowledge and experience:

· of senior strategic leadership (e.g. as a Chair or Committee Chair, trustee, non-executive director or senior executive)

· of charity governance and financial oversight

· of supporting, line managing and evaluating the performance of a senior leader

· to support our plans to increase and diversify WBD's income

· to work effectively with WBD's varied stakeholder landscape

· complementary or adjacent to WBD's activities, purpose and strategy

The ability to:

· lead by example

· communicate skilfully and effectively

· be an influential, inspirational and supportive leader who builds confidence and consensus

· develop partnerships and strategic alliances

· act impartially, fairly, with tact and diplomacy and respect confidences.

World Book Day welcomes candidates drawn from a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics.  We would like our trustees to be reflective of our society and WBD's beneficiaries.  We actively encourage applications from those currently under-represented on our board: non-binary, all ethnic groups other than white British and LGBTQ+.

For a full role description and details of how to apply, please see the recruitment pack below.  The deadline for applications is 6th March 2026.