Volunteer leader volunteer roles
HR Trustee - Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives!
At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate and experienced HR Trustee to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country.
We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you.
Who We're Looking For:
We are looking to recruit a HR Trustee who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve.
As a HR Trustee, You Will:
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Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation
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Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity.
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Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose.
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Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability.
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Ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team
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Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts.
What We Offer:
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Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need.
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Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks.
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Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.
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Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us.
Expectations:
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Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role
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Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely.
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Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work.
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External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually.
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Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work.
If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you!
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!
Finance Trustee - Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives!
At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Finance Trustee to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country.
We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you.
Who We're Looking For:
We are looking to recruit a Finance Trustee who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve.
As a Finance Trustee, You Will:
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Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation
-
Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity.
-
Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose.
-
Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability.
-
Ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team
-
Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts.
What We Offer:
-
Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need.
-
Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks.
-
Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.
-
Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us
Expectations:
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Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role
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Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely.
-
Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work.
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External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually.
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Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work.
If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you!
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Become a Trustee at Sunrise Multicultural Project
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?
We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the future of Sunrise Multicultural Project.
As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, ensuring we stay true to our mission, and supporting the development of initiatives that promote inclusivity and integration. We are seeking individuals with a range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences – whether in community work, finance, governance, fundraising, or marketing – who share our commitment to empowering minority groups and fostering a more connected, diverse community.
If you are eager to contribute your time, expertise, and passion, we would love to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Public Relation/Marketing Trustee- Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives!
At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate individual with PR/Marketing knowledge to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country.
We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you.
Who We're Looking For:
We are looking to recruit a PR/Marketing Trustee who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve.
As a PR/Marketing Trustee, You Will:
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Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation
-
Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity.
-
Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose.
-
Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability.
-
Support the Safeguarding Lead to ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team
-
Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts.
What We Offer:
-
Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need.
-
Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks.
-
Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.
-
Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us.
Expectations:
-
Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role
-
Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely.
-
Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work.
-
External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually.
-
Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work.
If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you!
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!
Enriching lives and creating bright futures for all, Derby College Group is looking for a Chair of Finance & Resources and a new Governor with audit expertise to help push forward this critical agenda.
Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 1st September 2025
Location: Derby
Time commitment: 5 board meetings per year
About Derby College Group
Derby College Group (DCG) is the 18th largest college in the country, supporting 54% of learners in Derby City and its surrounding area. The vision of Derby College Group (DCG) is to create world-class, accessible education opportunities that enrich lives and make bright futures a reality for all. DCG is committed to providing educational excellence, championing social mobility and driving economic prosperity.
DCG delivers high-quality academic, vocational and technical education that empowers people to achieve their ambitions while providing employers across the Midlands and beyond with the talented workforce of tomorrow.
Through a dynamic and responsive curriculum, it predicts and serves the needs of its business and civic communities. Students of all ages and backgrounds are prepared for positive destinations in the next stage of their lives, whether that be further study, the world of work, entrepreneurship or independent living. They leave DCG ready to contribute to society as responsible citizens.
The Group’s portfolio of educational programmes and skills solutions is underpinned by thriving partnerships with employers, shaped by comprehensive market intelligence and informed by liaison with key stakeholders such as the East Midlands Combined Authority.
A truly diverse organisation, the Group comprises four Colleges – the Roundhouse, the Joseph Wright Centre, Broomfield Hall, and the Community College, Ilkeston. Every year it caters for thousands of learners spanning post-16 students pursuing academic and technical pathways, apprentices at all levels, higher education students, and adults seeking career progression, upskilling and reskilling.
About the roles
Being a Governor in the FE sector is like no other voluntary role. At Derby College Group, you will be a member of the Board of Corporation led by our Chair, Andrew Cochrane, contributing to the overall responsibilities of the Board, which include:
- The preservation and development of the educational character and mission of the Group and oversight of its activities:
- Setting and communicating the Group’s strategy and goals.
- Exercising effective control to ensure that funds and assets are protected, the organisation remains solvent and legal obligations are met.
- Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance and quality of the college and for the performance of staff.
The DCG Corporation structure consists of five Board meetings per year with all Governors attending and a number of specific committees, including Curriculum Performance, Audit, Finance & Resources and Strategy & Curriculum Planning, feeding into the main Board.
Who we are looking for
Chair of Finance & Resources Committee
We welcome applications from qualified financial leaders, someone who understands technical accounting, and has the ability to monitor financial performance to ensure financial stability. Candidates may have gained their professional experience from a range of settings, including education, the public sector, charities, and other corporate entities.
Given the committee leadership nature of this role, we anticipate that candidates will have previous experience sitting on or reporting to a Board, which will provide them with the skills and understanding of the expectations, processes, and procedures that come with leading a committee.
You will attend all board meetings and lead the Finance & Resources Committee that meets five times over the academic year, along with building a trusted professional relationship with our Chief Financial Officer, Jo Clifford.
Governor – Audit
As a member of the Corporation and Audit Committee, you will attend all Board meetings as well as the Audit Committee meetings.
For this role, we are seeking someone ideally with a regulatory background, an active interest in further education, and someone with strategic awareness experience and understanding, as well as critical reasoning skills and the ability to engage in board-level discussions and decision-making.
Most importantly, you will be passionate about the power of education at all stages in life and will have an understanding of the area, both the City of Derby and the wider East Midlands.
You will also be a team player and a critical thinker, using these skills to work closely with other Governors to continue to drive forward the success of the College for students and the City of Derby.
Peridot Partners and Derby College Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 1st September 2025.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a new and ambitious organisation, drive place-based change for Greenwich, and support community action and social justice across the borough.
Greenwich Giving is the new local giving scheme for the borough, launched in December 2024. Our mission is to inspire people who live and work in Greenwich to give – whether that’s expertise, time or money – to help shape their local spaces and to support Greenwich communities. Part of a network of place-based giving schemes across London, we connect people across the public, private and charity sectors to work in mutually beneficial partnerships. We believe in the power of local voices and connected communities to drive systemic change, particularly for those who are currently disenfranchised or vulnerable due to poverty and exclusion.
We are recruiting a Board to help further our mission and navigate the transition (over the next 18 months) to Greenwich Giving becoming a registered and independent charity. As well as general board members, we are also recruiting for the specific roles of Chair and Treasurer.
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!
St Edmundsbury Cathedral became a registered charity on 2 May 2023 and has a Board of Trustees referred to as Chapter. Chapter is accountable for the governance, strategic direction and management of the Cathedral, and has ultimate responsibility for the care, maintenance and development of the Cathedral estate, all aspects of Cathedral activity, and for securing its long-term viability and financial sustainability.
The Risk, Audit and Review Committee will enable Chapter members to meet their responsibilities by providing independent oversight of the Cathedral’s systems of internal control, risk management and financial reporting, and through supervision of the quality, independence and effectiveness of both the internal and external auditors.
In this instance the Cathedral is looking at recruiting someone with relevant understandings and experience who would thrive as a Committee Chair.
The Committee must keep the activities and management of the Cathedral under review in relation to such matters as the Chapter has specified in these Terms of Reference.
The Chair is responsible for:
- Agreeing the agenda with the Chief Operating Officer for committee meetings
- Producing reports and ensuring they are submitted to Chapter in a timely manner.
The committee is responsible for:
- reviewing the annual report and financial statements, paying particular attention to accounting policies, areas involving significant judgement or estimation and compliance with financial reporting requirements and accounting standards, and recommending them to Chapter for approval;
- reviewing the scope and results of internal and external audit work, including the adequacy of management responses;
- reviewing the performance of internal and external auditors, including recommending the appointment and remuneration of internal and external auditors to Chapter when required;
- monitoring the processes for assessing, reporting, mitigating and owning business risks and their financial implications, including financial, governance and safeguarding risks;
- reviewing the risk register at least annually, and ensuring Chapter’s internal processes facilitate the prompt reporting of serious incidents, control failures and emerging risks;
- reviewing and recommending to Chapter the organisation’s policies for counter-fraud, anti-money laundering, whistle-blowing and cyber and information security; and
- reviewing arrangements by which staff may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties relating to finance or other aspects of the Cathedral’s operations to ensure that arrangements are in place for the investigation of such matters and for appropriate follow-up action.
Membership
- The Committee must have a minimum of six members and a maximum of ten members, provided that at least one member of the Committee must be a non-executive Chapter member.
- The Chapter shall appoint all members of the Committee, having consulted the Nominations Committee.
- Not all appointed members need to be Chapter members and should not be executive Chapter members.
- There must not be a majority of members in common with the Finance Committee.
- The members appointed should, collectively, possess appropriate knowledge and skills in accounting, risk management, audit, financial governance and any other technical issues relevant to the work of the Committee.
- The Dean must not be a member of the Committee but is entitled to attend any meeting of the Committee. If the Dean does attend, he or she may speak but may not vote.
- The chair of the Committee must be appointed by the Chapter. The person appointed to chair the Committee must: not be a member of the Chapter; and have recent and relevant financial experience.
- Each member is appointed for a term of office of up to three years.
- A member may be reappointed, provided that any member who has served more than two consecutive terms is not eligible for appointment as a member until at least two years has passed since the member last held the office.
- A Committee member may resign by notice in writing to the Chief Operating Officer and Dean. Any Committee member who ceases to be a Chapter member shall automatically cease to be a member of the Committee.
- The Chapter may remove a member of the Committee in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes.
- Members must declare conflicts of interest or loyalty in accordance with the Chapter’s conflicts of interest policy.
Successful candidates must possess the following competencies and personal attributes:
- Professional Experience
- Have a broad understanding of the leadership and management needs of complex organisations
- Have experience of strategic planning and implementation
- Have a good general knowledge of the basis of faith within the Anglican community
- Be well informed of the responsibilities and obligations of Charity Trustees
- Have a good general knowledge of good operational practices in managing organisations
- Have proven professional expertise in audit and risk management, especially for Charities.
Proven expertise in one or more of the following areas is essential:
- Finance Legislation (especially auditing), Management accounting practices, Internal and external auditing, Financial risk management, Business risk management, Project risk management, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Property management, Strategic planning for finance and monitoring and evaluating culture / environment impact.
Desirable Personal Attributes and Behaviours:
- Ethically anchored – act with honesty and integrity; committed to act and behave ethically
- Intellectual ability – have the ability to obtain and analyse relevant data; use object reasoning
- Emotionally aware/resilient – are emotionally intelligent; remain calm under stress
- Team oriented/collaborative – actively seek the views and knowledge of others and adopt a collaborative approach
- Diligent/responsible – approach work in a conscientious way and take responsibility for their actions
- Faithful/discreet – honour the trust placed in them by others and be discreet in their conversations
- Humble/servant leader – place others’ needs before their own; not be self-seeking or status oriented
- Effective communicator – are able to express themselves clearly and concisely using relevant information
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join the Board of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust and bring your secondary education expertise to the role of Trustee to support the development of a growing, values-led multi-academy trust.
Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 18th August 2025
Location: Hybrid/Derby
Time commitment: 6 – 8 days per year
About Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT)
Established in 2014 and built upon Christian values and ethos, the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) has grown into a thriving and effective family of 28 Church and 5 non-Church schools, with two new free schools in the pipeline.
DDAT consists of infant schools, junior schools, primary schools, and one secondary school. Based in the East Midlands region of England, DDAT enjoys a strong and productive relationship with the whole of its family of schools but also benefits and supports schools and organisations across Derby and Derbyshire. Within the DDAT family, there are over 7,500 children and young people, and more than 1,000 members of staff. The Trust has an annual income of £53m.
The Derby Diocesan Board of Education developed DDAT to allow schools to take advantage of an academy model, but without being distracted from their core business of educating pupils. The Trust was designed to secure the schools’ church heritage, and to provide highly effective external support and challenge whilst delivering much of the business side of being an academy.
Our Trust’s vision is rooted in Christian teachings, aiming to nurture and empower everyone to reach their fullest potential.
Through the values of inclusivity, integrity, community, excellence and courage, we aim to support all of our students and staff to embrace the abundant possibilities of “Life in all its fullness.”
About the role
As a Trustee at DDAT, you will hold a strategic and non-executive role, providing oversight, support, and challenge to our executive team, and ensuring that the Trust delivers on its core mission: to provide excellent education, rooted in our Christian values, for all children. Trustees have collective responsibility for setting the vision and strategic direction of the Trust, monitoring performance and standards, safeguarding public funds, and ensuring that we operate ethically and in line with our charitable objectives.
This specific vacancy has been created to bring additional expertise in the secondary phase of education to our Board. As Derby Cathedral School continues to grow and expand its educational offerings, and as we explore future opportunities to extend our secondary provision, we want to ensure that our Board has the necessary insight to oversee and guide this work with confidence.
This may include contributing to conversations around curriculum design, school improvement strategy, sixth form development, behaviour and attendance, or educational disadvantage.
You will work closely with other Trustees, including those with expertise in finance, HR, safeguarding and primary education, as well as our CEO and executive team. This is not an operational role; Trustees are not involved in the day-to-day running of schools or the Trust but provide constructive challenge and high-level scrutiny. You will help ensure that our education strategy is well-informed, equitable, and ambitious for all learners.
In return, you will gain significant non-executive board experience, contribute to the development of a trust that is growing in influence and support us in shaping the life chances of young people across our region. This is a public service role with real meaning.
Who we are looking for
You will be an experienced secondary leader, inspector, or education policy specialist with deep insight into curriculum, assessment, inspection or school improvement.
As a Diocesan multi-academy trust, our vision and values are built upon a Christian ethos that celebrates individuality, fosters collaboration and promotes unity. We welcome students and staff of all faiths and none, supporting each person to learn, grow and live life in all its fullness. As a trustee, you will bring a deep understanding of this theologically rooted vision, living and championing our values of inclusivity, integrity, community, excellence and courage through your governance and strategic leadership.
We value Trustees who are curious, humble and values-driven. You do not need to have been a Trustee before, our Governance team will support you with induction, training and development, but you must be able to contribute with clarity, independence and care.
An understanding of the difference between strategic and operational leadership is essential: we are not looking for someone to run the school, but to help steer the Trust at a strategic level.
Derby Diocesan Academy Trust welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As those from ethnic minority backgrounds are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. However, in line with the Equality Act 2010, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.
Peridot Partners and Derby Diocesan Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 18th August 2025.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.

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’re seeking a trustee with finance experience to join our board. This is an exciting opportunity to help lead Big LeafFoundation in the next phase of its development and to use your skills and experience to make a lasting difference to the lives of displaced young people in Surrey.
We are seeking an individual with:
o financial management experience;
o commitment to our vision, mission and values;
o excellent teamwork and leadership skills and effective decision-making;
o willingness to commit time and effort to the role;
o good, independent judgement, strategic vision and ability to communicate ideas;
o history of impartiality, fairness and commitment to promoting equality and diversity;
o charity sector experience (preferred)
Duties of a trustee with finance experience
○ Chair the Finance and Fundraising sub-committee of the Board.
○ On behalf of the Board, to oversee the production of Big Leaf Foundation’s annual budget, management accounts and annual financial statements.
○ Provide advice, scrutiny and support to the finance coordinator and Board.
○ Act as the Board lead on scrutiny of financial strategy and risk.
○ Ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
○ Advise on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans.
The statutory duties of a trustee are to:
○ Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document.
○ Ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
○ Ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives – the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how 'charitable' and 'worthwhile' those activities are.
○ Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
○ Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
○ Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
○ Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
○ Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation's funds.
○ If the organisation employs staff, to appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor his or her performance.
In addition, with other trustees to hold the charity “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:
○ Ensuring that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.
○ Being responsible for the performance of the charity and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
○ Acting as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.
○ Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.
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!
About Us
For three decades, Forward Arts Foundation (‘Forward’) has been at the forefront of new poetry and now reaches an estimated 131 million people each year. We are a national charity working across the UK and online to widen poetry’s audience, honour achievement and support diverse talent. Through our two flagship programmes, Forward Prizes for Poetry and National Poetry Day, we work towards a better society where individuals and communities can develop their innate creativity, their agency and their understanding through the making and sharing of poetry.
Leadership and Management
Forward is led by its board of eight Trustees, chaired by Jamie Andrews. Jamie is Director of Public Engagement at the British Library and brings extensive experience as a trustee of several charities, including Oxford House. Other trustees are Forward’s founder William Sieghart CBE, responsible for the 2013 Sieghart Report on libraries and e-books; Kim Evans, former senior executive at BBC and Arts Council; Aoife O’Connor, poet and producer; Amelia Richards, culture and communications leader; treasurer and CFO Latinka Pilipovic; marketing manager Maya Ophelia and data scientist Mary Amanuel.
The organisation is led by Mónica Parle and Lucy Macnab, Co-Executive Directors. Both have experience as directors of writing organisations (First Story and Ministry of Stories). Mónica is an award winning writer and Lucy brings national policy and strategy design experience from Arts Council England. With joint accountability, they each work 0.5FTE. The team also includes Jay Bhadricha, Head of Programmes, and Annalise Peters, Finance and Operations Coordinator.
The team is supported by freelance specialists in education, communications, finance and fundraising.
We believe poetry is for everyone. Our approach to recruiting trustees is shaped by a commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications for vacancies from D/deaf and disabled and black and minority ethnic candidates, as well as candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds, as they are under-represented in the arts, and we commit to review our processes to ensure that our organisation more closely reflects the society it serves.
Chair Role
The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.
- Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board.
- Work in partnership with the Co-Executive Directors and Vice Chair.
- Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
- Plan and chair the board meetings with the Vice Chair and Co-Executive Directors.
- Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Forward.
What we are looking for
- Experience of being a trustee. You do not need to have been a Chair before.
- A keen sense of strategic purpose.
- An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
- The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.
- Advocate - be able and willing to champion Forward’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Be responsive. At a small charity, things sometimes ‘come up’ that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to. It is very helpful to have a Chair who is available and responsive.
Trustee roles
We are also looking for trustees with expertise in any of the below and a belief that your skills will contribute to the strong and effective governance and growth of a small charity. We are especially looking for experience and networks in:
- Fundraising or philanthropy
- Governance/institutional/policy leadership
- Digital/data/design
- Education
- We’re also interested in applications from those under 30 or those seeking their first trusteeship, and offer support and guidance from an experienced ‘buddy’ trustee.
- Ideally, applicants should show interest in or understanding of the literature/arts sector and/or literacy and education.
Responsibilities of all trustees
- Support and provide advice on Forward’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
- Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
- Oversee Forward’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
- Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
- Provide support and challenge to Forward’s Co-Executive Directors
- Keep abreast of changes in Forward’s operating environment.
- Applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts to promote Forward’s work.
Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
- Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
- Willingness to lead according to our values of wonder, play and openness.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
Terms and Commitment
Location: All board meetings may be attended online. We will try to meet face-to-face when we can. But trustees are welcome wherever they live.
We estimate you’ll need to commit around 30 hours over the course of a year. The board meets quarterly and we have a strategy day one afternoon a year. Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term, with a maximum of 2 terms.
Salary: Unpaid, travel expenses will be reimbursed if needed and where necessary.
Deadline for applications: 21 July
Interviews beginning w/c 28 July
To apply or find out more, contact Co-Executive Director Lucy Macnab explaining why you would like to be a trustee. If you are interested in being Chair, please make this clear. You may want to tell us what your previous experience is, and what knowledge and skills you have and what you would like to gain from the experience. Also someone we can talk to as a referee. We will accept applications in any medium.
For those applying for the chair role, you are welcome to have a call with Jamie Andrews, current chair, to find out more.
Forward Arts Foundation is a registered charity (charity number: 1037939) and a company limited by guarantee (company no: 02902864), registered in England and Wales.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Two Rhythms is an accessible arts charity that changes lives through music and movement. Utilising our unique, therapeutic programmes, we deliver long-lasting health and wellbeing benefits to people with profound disabilities, enabling expression, connection and joy.
We are looking for new Trustees to join our board and help lead the charity through an exciting new phase.
From our base in the Wales Millennium Centre, we welcome people of all ages with a broad range of physical and mental health needs. We support them with breathing techniques, massage, music, dance, and relaxation. Every session is unique and tailored to the needs of our guests. We love what we do and the difference we make.
In late 2024, Two Rhythms opened and expanded to a second site in Cardiff, and is focused on growing its impact as well as developing its income generation potential, forging collaborations and taking advantage of new opportunities.
The board is particularly keen to hear from candidates with specialisms in Finance and Safeguarding though we welcome applications from all professional backgrounds. Knowledge of the arts and culture or health and social care sectors is advantageous but not essential. All Trustees are expected to advocate for the charity and our goal of enriching the lives of disabled people through music, movement, touch, light, and colour.
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter using the contact details provided. If you would like an informal discussion with the CEO prior to your application, please get in touch.
Utilising our unique, therapeutic arts programmes, we deliver long-lasting health and wellbeing benefits, enabling expression, connection and joy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thackray Museum of Medicine is the UK’s largest independent medical museum. We inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare of the past, present and future. Through play, creativity and experiences we celebrate our health heroes and inspire the next generation of big thinkers.
Thackray Museum of Medicine is looking for a new Board Chair to lead our dedicated and skilled Board of Trustees. Alongside the typical qualities expected for the role, the following areas of expertise are sought in particular: charity governance and experience leading a Board.
The new Chair will:
- Ensure the Board operates effectively in the consideration, iteration and approval of the strategy proposed by the CEO in support of Thackray Museum of Medicine’s mission and values.
- Ensure, with Trustees, Thackray Museum of Medicine operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives.
- Ensure high standards of governance and risk management.
Job title: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Term of office: 3 years minimum, up to a maximum of 6.
Remuneration: Unremunerated. Out of pocket expenses incurred in the course of duties may be claimed.
Time commitment: 3-4 days per month.
Location: Within travelling distance of Leeds
How to apply:
If you would like to receive an Information Pack on how to apply, please send a CV in confidence to Nick Shanks via the apply now button.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Wednesday 30th July 2025
Both Thackray Museum of Medicine and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.