Trustee volunteer roles
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This is an unsalaried volunteer role.
Are you an experienced charity fundraiser? We are looking for a new Trustee with strong fundraising experience who shares a passion for our work and who, through their professional expertise, can offer support, guidance, and strategic insight to our Board, CEO, and senior management, helping to bring about positive impact and lasting change through the work of our Christian partners.
ROLE PURPOSE
Embrace the Middle East is a Christian Development charity (registered No. 1076329), established in 1854, with a mission to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the Middle East by working in partnership with local Christians, focussing on education, healthcare and community development. Its Board of Trustees (the Board) is responsible for the overall governance, monitoring and strategic direction of the charity. It works with the charity’s management to ensure that the charity fulfils the objects defined in its Articles, acts in accordance with the charity’s vision and mission, and complies will all legal and regulatory requirements.
Key responsibilities of trustees are:
To formulate and regularly review the strategic aims of the charity in accordance with its legal objects and to ensure that the policy and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its aims.
- To monitor the performance of the charity against the agreed strategic aims.
- To ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and regulatory requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.
- To act as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application
For further information about the role, please download the Candidate Pack.
To express an interest in becoming a trustee at Embrace the Middle East, please complete the online application form via the apply button.
The closing date for applications is 4 May 2026.
Trustee Opportunities
Hodan is a small but long-established voluntary organisation in North Kensington, focusing on advice, support and wellbeing for the Somali community and other racially minoritised groups in West London. It is a registered charity operated as a company limited by guarantee.
We are looking for two new Trustees who can help us increase our reach, attract new funding, and continue to develop our services. We are particularly keen to recruit members of the local community in West London who have one or more of the following:
· Lived experience of issues faced by our service users, e.g., economic disadvantage, unemployment or unstable employment, migration, racism / discrimination, digital exclusion, and/or social isolation
· Experience in marketing, PR, or event management
· Experience in fundraising, especially non-grant approaches (e.g., corporate social responsibility, individual philanthropy, or building a supporter base)
· Experience of working with children and young people from racially minoritised backgrounds and/or in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
· Experience in charity leadership and governance
Board meetings are held every three months at Canalside House, Ladbroke Grove. The Board is responsible for setting the strategy and policies of Hodan, and guides and supports the Executive Director and staff.
We’re looking for up to three Trustees to help guide Hackney Empire through an exciting period of growth, creativity and deepened community impact.
As a member of our Board, you will play a vital strategic role in shaping the future of Hackney Empire. You’ll support our mission to empower young people, champion diverse artistic voices, and strengthen our connections within our local community and the wider cultural landscape.
We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals who share our values, have strong strategic and advocacy skills, and bring experience in arts management, fundraising, legal practice, heritage/buildings projects, or digital and social media strategy, as well as people whose lived experience reflects the communities we serve.
Disabled and D/deaf people are currently under-represented at Hackney Empire, we will offer an interview to anyone who identifies as D/deaf or disabled if they are able to demonstrate they meet the person specification.
Recognising under-representation of people from the global majority in our Heads of Department Team, we actively encourage people from the global majority to apply for this role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Ocean Regeneration Trust (ORT) is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Board and help shape the future of the Ocean Estate in Stepney. As a legacy successor for the NDC regeneration of the area, we work hand-in-hand with residents and stakeholders to ensure the social, economic, and physical regeneration of our vibrant community.
About the Roles
We are currently recruiting for two types of Board Members:
Independent/Specialist Members: Professionals who do not live on the estate but bring specific expertise to strengthen our governance.
Community Members: Local residents living within the Ocean Regeneration Trust core area who want to represent their neighbours and guide local improvements.
What We Are Looking For
We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those with experience in:
Financial Management & Accounting.
Legal Advice & Governance.
Human Resources & Organisational Management.
Neighbourhood Renewal / Management.
Enterprise & Business Development.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Oversight: Help deliver ORT’s vision to improve the quality of life for those living and working in Stepney and the Ocean Estate in Tower Hamlets.
Community Impact: Support 10 year objectives i.e. the implementation of NHS/Public Health initiatives such as neighbourhood health and wellbeing, capacity building for the local Voluntary and Community sector, employment and skills and strategic expertise in housing and welfare changes.
Governance: Attend Board meetings (at least 4–5 times per year) and contribute constructively to decision-making.
Time Commitment & Location
Meetings: Held at the Harford Street Multicentre, E1 or online (hybrid)
Duration: Meetings typically last 1–2 hours and preparatory reading.
Remuneration: These are voluntary positions; however, legitimate expenses (such as travel) will be reimbursed
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trustees for innovative Charity reducing social isolation and loneliness
Haringey Circle is a membership-based charity with c.800 members, free to join, open to anyone over the age of 50 and disabled adults in Haringey. We provide social activities, events and information to help our members to connect, get active, keep learning, and to stay as independent as possible.
If you are over 50 years of age living in the London Borough of Haringey (member) or live outside Haringey and have knowledge and /or experience to contribute to the Board (co-opted member) we would like to hear from you.
We welcome applications from those whose voices are often unrepresented, and can provide a viewpoint from, for example our ethnic minority, from LGBTQIA+ or disability communities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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 client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Firstsite is seeking new Trustees to join our Board.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the leadership of one of the UK’s most distinctive contemporary art galleries at an important moment in its development.
We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:
• Fundraising or philanthropy
• Commercial business or entrepreneurship
• Digital or technology
• Arts and culture
• Property or capital projects
• Civic leadership
We welcome applications from first‑time Trustees and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board.
Trustees support the organisation’s strategic direction and act as ambassadors for Firstsite
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Who We Are
ExtraCare is a registered charity established in 1988. Our vision is better lives for older people, and our mission is to create sustainable communities that provide homes older people want, lifestyles they can enjoy, and care when it is needed.All surpluses generated by the organisation are reinvested to improve the lives of our residents. We have no shareholders and are governed by an unpaid Board of Trustees.
ExtraCare is the UK’s leading not-for-profit developer of housing for people aged 55 and over. We operate 14 retirement villages and four smaller retirement schemes, supporting more than 4,329 residents across 3,778 homes.
To support our work, we operate a subsidiary company, ExtraCare Retail Limited, which runs charity shops and donates its profits to the charity. Additional income is generated through fundraising activities.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of ExtraCare Charitable Trust at a time of continued growth and impact.
Our Trustees work collaboratively, bringing energy, insight and constructive challenge to support the organisation’s mission of improving the lives of older people and creating vibrant communities. With the Trust in a strong position and preparing for its next corporate plan, new Trustees will play an important role in helping to shape future strategy and supporting the organisation’s long-term sustainability and success.
We are seeking two new Trustees to join the Board as part of our ongoing Board development. Through these appointments, we are looking to strengthen the Board’s expertise in key areas that will support the Trust’s continued growth and governance.
Trustee – Finance and Treasury
For one of these roles, we are particularly seeking significant experience in treasury and financial management. This includes a strong understanding of treasury strategy and oversight, alongside experience in financial management, financial reporting and control systems.
The successful candidate will help provide robust scrutiny and guidance on the Trust’s financial position, supporting the Board in ensuring long-term financial resilience and sustainability.
Trustee – Social Housing and Housing Services
For the second role, we are looking to bring deeper expertise in social housing and housing services. We welcome candidates with experience in the social housing sector, including a strong understanding of the regulatory framework and the management and delivery of housing services.
This knowledge will support the Board in overseeing our housing provision, ensuring high standards of service, strong regulatory compliance, and the continued development of thriving communities for older people.
We are committed to ensuring that our Board reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences. We warmly welcome applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from those who may be underrepresented on charity boards, and who can bring additional insight and lived experience to our governance.
For further details about the organisation, the role description, and the person specification, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this role, please provide:
• A comprehensive CV, including your recent achievements and the details of two referees
• A supporting statement outlining your motivation for applying (maximum one side of A4)
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact: Melissa Baxter – Managing Partner, Charities
Closing date for applications: Monday 13 April 2026
Interviews with ExtraCare Charitable Trust: Thursday 30 April 2026
Interviews will take place at a location in the Birmingham region.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Summary
Hawkwood is a dynamic charity working at the intersection of creativity, education and the environment - an organisation that does everything from hosting residencies for the UK’s most significant cultural organisations, to curating future thinking courses and events, to hosting the much-loved community farm on site. We have a big vision with exciting plans for the future and we’re looking for Trustees to join a solid board with an ambitious strategy. We are looking for up to three Trustees who have particular expertise in arts and culture, and/or education, and/or sustainability, as well as marketing and fundraising. We are also looking for a collaborative style to ensure a supportive Board culture.
Job Description
This is a voluntary role. As a Trustee, you will share Hawkwood’s commitment to education, the environment, and the arts. You will provide Hawkwood with leadership and ensure it is governed appropriately. You will need to develop a good understanding of all we do in order to support the charity. The role of a Trustee at Hawkwood requires a commitment of time and engagement with the activities of Hawkwood.
Job Requirements
Being a Trustee requires a commitment of time for both formal and informal engagements. You will be required to attend 4 quarterly board meetings at Hawkwood each year. The Trustees may also take on additional advocacy roles relevant to their specific skills or knowledge area which will require additional commitment outside of the meeting cycle. Prior trustee experience is not required.
Job Responsibilities
As a Trustee you will need to ensure that Hawkwood is carrying out its purpose for public benefit. You will ensure that in all interactions you act in Hawkwood’s best interests and that Hawkwood’s resources are managed responsibly.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Age UK Milton Keynes is looking for keen individuals to join our Board - people who want to make a real and positive difference on quality of life for older people and would like to share their skills and ideas for the benefit of the charity.
Age UK Milton Keynes is a local independent charity working to improve the quality of life for all the older people living in Milton Keynes. We do this by providing a range of services which help people to stay in their own homes. We also provide a social network to help keep our clients involved with their community as well as working closely with other organisations who can provide support.
As our organisation represents all older people in Milton Keynes, it is important that our Board also represents our diverse community. Therefore, we encourage applications from a broad range of applicants, especially currently under-represented groups.
You will be willing to apply your skills and experience in regular Board meetings, (4 per year all day), Trustee only meetings (2 per year) as well as other ad hoc meetings around your subject matter expertise as may be needed.
We welcome enthusiastic and focused applicants who can offer knowledge and expertise in the following areas:
- Fundraising
- Financial Management
- Social Care Sector
- Governance
- Equity Diversity and Inclusion
However, if your skills lie in other directions, we would still love to hear from you!
The Board is looking to establish more robust succession planning for the Chairperson and Treasurer - so would welcome such ambitions, leadership and expertise in new members.
Whether you’re an experienced Trustee or wanting to take your first step, we would like to hear from you.
PLEASE NOTE THAT UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE UNABLE TO TAKE APPLICANTS WHO ARE NOT RESIDENT IN THE UK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
TRUSTEE
Are you a committed Christian with a heart for evangelical mission? Do you bring sound judgement and governance insight to board-level decision-making?
Childs Charitable Trust is a long-established Christian grant-making charity, founded in 1962, distributing significant funding to UK-registered charities advancing the Christian gospel in the UK and overseas.
We are seeking up to three Trustees to strengthen and refresh the Board. As a Trustee, you will help steward financial resources drawn from property and investments, discerning where funding will have the greatest Gospel impact. You will review and assess grant applications, engage directly with mission partners, and contribute to strategic oversight, governance and risk management.
This Trustee role offers the privilege of combining faith, wisdom and practical judgement to enable ministries to grow, respond to crisis and reach those who may never otherwise hear the Good News.
Key responsibilities:
- Shape and approve strategic grant-making decisions
- Provide governance oversight, safeguarding integrity and sustainability
- Review and score applications, weighing impact and risk
- Support and appropriately challenge the Chief Executive
- Contribute actively to prayerful, values-led board discussions
- Time commitment – 4 meetings per year
Benefits:
- Direct influence on gospel-centred mission impact
- Engagement with UK and international Christian organisations
- Reasonable expenses reimbursed
Closing date: 19 April 2026
Interviews with Childs Charitable Trust: weeks commencing 4 and 11 May
Full details, role requirements and application instructions are available in the candidate pack.
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, veteran status, or other category protected by law.
*In accordance with the equality act 2010 it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian.
Make a difference to the lives of disabled and elderly consumers.
The Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) is looking for two new board trustees.
Are you an enthusiastic and creative individual who enjoys a challenge?
- Do you want to join a team that is determined to grow the reach and impact of the organisation?
- Do you have a lived experience of disability or a long-term health condition?
- Do you have the time to commit to helping us grow the impact of RiDC?
We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with strong financial expertise who can help safeguard and strengthen RiDC’s long-term sustainability. This may include experience in accountancy, investment management or broader financial services, with a sound understanding of investment principles, portfolio oversight and financial markets, ideally including experience of advising on charitable or smaller funds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Camden/Pan-London
Closing Date: Sunday 12th April 2026
Closing Time: 00:00am
Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as a Trustee at Solace Women's Aid.
At Solace, we have continued to reach more people than ever before, supporting 20,000 women, children, young people and men across all of our services every year. Our aim is to work to prevent violence and abuse through support services such as Refuge Accommodation, Therapeutic Support, Community services and many more. Our holistic approach to empowering survivors allows women and girls to achieve independent lives free from abuse.
About the Service
Solace is a registered charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The organisation is governed by a Board of Trustees, which is made up of up to 12 members from across a range of professional and life experiences.
Solace is seeking trustees to join our Board to fulfil their responsibilities in developing the strategic direction and overall governance of the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to help drive the success of a growing charity that makes a profound and positive impact on the lives of women who have suffered from violence and abuse.
We are looking for those who value the equality of all women, are passionate about their wellbeing, and the challenges they face in violent and abusive environments. An interest in Solace’s work and approach is essential, as well as an ambitious outlook for Solace’s future. Due to the nature of our work, we are looking for a female to take on this role, this is a genuine occupational requirement in line with the Equality Act 2010
About the Role
We are looking for a trustee who has the knowledge, skill, commitment and expertise to support the Executive Team to lead Solace’s strategic development. As a trustee your focus will be on assurance, ensuring Solace is delivering impact, compliant with all relevant legislation, is financially sustainable and has long term strategic plans. You will act as a critical friend to the Executive Team, providing both support and constructive challenge to ensure high quality service delivery.
- You will have an excellent understanding of the violence against women and girls’ sector and a commitment to eradicating domestic and sexual violence.
- You will bring experience of strategic leadership, with the ability to develop and monitor the delivery of Solace’s strategic plans to maximise impact for survivors.
- You will have strong financial acumen, providing the ability to scrutinize the charity’s budgets and financial performance to ensure long-term sustainability and responsible resource management.
- You will have sound judgement, with the ability to make difficult choices in the best interests of the charity.
- . You will be committed to Solace’s values and promote equity, diversity and inclusion at board level and contribute to an anti-racist and feminist culture throughout the organization.
- You will have effective communication skills with the ability to build relationships and represent the organization as needed.
- You will need to have the time to carry out your trustee duties effectively, collaborating with the chair, other trustees, shadow board and executive team as needed to further Solace’s mission.
- Existing knowledge of English charity governance is advantageous, but prior trustee experience is not essential; however a commitment to understand the role of a trustee to ensure compliance with charity law is.
About the Location
Our board meetings are held in our Central London office. Subcommittee meetings are usually held online. We also hold up to two annual away day which occurs in Central London. Board Meetings, which occur 4 times a year and Board Away Days which can take place up to two times annually. All trustees also need to be a part of a subcommittee, which are held online quarterly.
About the Time Committment
Board Meetings, which occur 4 times a year and Board Away Days which can take place up to two times annually. All trustees also need to be a part of a subcommittee, which are held online quarterly. Trustees need to ensure they read papers in advance and attend a majority of meetings as scheduled. Overall time commitment for trustees is expected to be a day per month.
How to apply
If you wish to apply to this position, please supply the following by 06-04-26:
- A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. A covering letter (maximum 2 sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the above person specification. Please note that the covering letter is an important part of your application and will be assessed as part of your full application.
- Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.
Please send your CV and cover letter to our Executive Assistant using the contact email address displayed via our direct Solace vacancy for this role.
Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.
This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.
No agencies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a dedicated Lay Trustee who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. We are member-led, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in our Lay Trustee role here at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall. We're very pleased to announce the opening of applications for our esteemed Board of Trustees. We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for a dedicated Lay Trustee who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
Our membership comprises of students studying with both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall) which creates a unique and special experience of which we love to be a key part of.
The role of Lay Trustee provides an opportunity to support our Sabbatical and Student Trustees foster a culture of student leadership and deliver a student-focused service.
You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are within the first year of our 2025-2030 Strategy. If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.
We are especially keen to hear from applicants based in the South West, with experience in any of the below areas:
· Finance:
o Financial planning and management
o Development of income streams and financial sustainability
· Law and Compliance:
o Charity Law
o Employment Law
· People:
o HR management
o Learning and development
· Fundraising:
o Grant fundraising
o Social investment and enterprise
o Developing commercial income streams
For full details of the role, please see the Lay Trustee Recruitment Pack below.
Why Should You Become a Trustee?
Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience. You’ll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and support our President and Student Trustees. As a Lay Trustee, you are eligible to become Deputy Chair of the Board, or Chair of one of the sub-committees. This is dependent on vacancies for these roles.
You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.
Job Description
We’re looking for someone to work collectively with our Board of Trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our Students’ Union.
Remuneration: Lay Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.
Hours: Hours can vary however typically each year:
· Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long conducted online.
· Additional four (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 1 hour.
· There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid).
Term of office: three years, up to three terms.
Location: Homebased with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.
Role Purpose:
The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy, approving and monitoring delivery plans.
How To Apply
Please visit the role posting on our website for further details on how to apply. We require the completion of a Person Details form, and Skills Audit spreadsheets, along with your CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Monday 13 April. Applications will be considered and shortlisted upon receipt, with interviews to take place (online) on a rolling basis.
Ideally, you will be available to attend a Trustee Induction on the morning of Tuesday 23 June, ahead of the first Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday 24 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Wednesday 01 July.
For full details of the role, please see the Lay Trustee Recruitment Pack below.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At the British Gas Energy Trust, our mission is clear and unwavering: we exist to reduce the harmful impact of poverty, with a dedicated focus on tackling fuel poverty across Britain.
Since our establishment in 2004, we have grown into one of the UK’s largest and most influential charitable funders in this field. Our work spans direct financial assistance, specialist advice, and community‑based programmes, and we continue to deepen our understanding of what truly helps households build resilience. This combination of practical support and system‑level insight places us in a unique and important position within the sector.
The Trust has evolved significantly over recent years. We now operate with a strengthened in‑house team, a clear strategic direction, and a growing reputation as both a funder and an influencer in the national conversation on fuel poverty.
THE ROLE
As we prepare for our next strategic phase from 2026 where we will continue to focus on both immediate assistance and long‑term systemic change, we are seeking a Deputy Chair and two trustees to join our Board. We’re particularly interested in strategic thinkers with non-executive experience who bring strong relationship building skills and a proven track record of leadership within their fields from: the energy sector, technology sector, those with deep understanding of fuel poverty/poverty, and income generation/fundraising.
We are looking for people with sound judgement, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative, inclusive approach who recognise the dignity of the people we serve and the importance of working in partnership to achieve lasting change.
If you share our belief that no one should face energy hardship alone, and you are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to an organisation with both heart and influence, we would be delighted to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


