Volunteer management office support volunteer volunteer roles in beckenham, greater london

Founded in 1997, the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants provides a place for refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum to rebuild their life with support and community. From classes to casework to financial assistance, the Centre has a wide offering available for our community of over 200 people. Our approach is compassionate and human and the support we offer is long term - on average people stay with us around four years.

The current Board brings a wide range of charity and public body experience including strategy and fundraising and we are looking for skills to both enhance and complement these strengths.

The Centre has a dedicated and talented staff team led by our CEO, Andy Ruiz Palma, who joined in 2000 as an English teacher. In addition to this staff resource we have around 40 volunteers who provide direct support through activities. We also have in place accountancy support to the executive and a dedicated fundraising team.

We are looking for people who can demonstrate a strong empathy with our client group and who understand how to work with organisations rooted in a local community. You will bring excellent people and communication skills and demonstrate good team-working.

You will demonstrate this through your experience working with marginalised communities (either in a frontline operational role, a policymaking role, or on the Board of another organisation) or personal lived experience as a member of a marginalised community.

We are open to applications from people looking for their first Trustee role or who may not have considered being a Trustee before and will provide mentoring to help trustees find their feet.

We are looking to recruit 2- 3 new trustees and have a strong preference for any of the following or a combination of these skills:

• Finance/Accountancy qualification – we have an excellent Treasurer Trustee and are looking for a deputy
• HR
• Fundraising
• IT/Data management
• Lived Experience as a refugee or migrant

Offering your skills and time each month will give our fledgling organisation the boost it needs as we deliver our long-term strategy. Carers' Hub is an independent local charity based in Brixton. Our mission is to improve carers’ lives in Lambeth through quality services and community engagement. We achieve this through four core workstreams: raising awareness of carers, influencing local policy through community engagement activities, improving carer wellbeing and connecting carers to each other and to support and training opportunities through our services.

Caring for a loved one, family member, friend or neighbour, can have a significant impact on all aspects of a carer's own life. Our dedicated and passionate team work with carers to help overcome challenges around managing at home, finances, caring with confidence, education and employment, physical health and emotional wellbeing.

We have an exciting opportunity for new Trustees to join the Carers’ Hub Board, responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity.  We have recently reviewed the current Board and we are particularly interested to hear from people with the experience or skills outlined below, but these are not mandatory, and we would like to hear from anyone with an interest in being a trustee:

• Finance: accounting, managing budgets, producing financial reports. You might be a qualified accountant, or someone who has good financial management experience. We are looking for someone who can help ensure that the Board can provide adequate scrutiny, assurance, and support of the charity's finances. 
   
• Fundraising: writing bids, securing corporate partners or raising donations from individuals. We are keen to diversify our income and we are looking for someone who has fundraising experience to advise and support our staff team to raise funds. 
   
• Legal: employment law, charity law or a different discipline. We are looking for someone who can offer us advice and guidance when needed and help us with reviewing contracts and other documents.

At Carers' Hub, we want our Board to be representative of the diverse community we support. We are keen to hear from anyone who is interested, even if you haven't previously pictured yourself as a trustee or aren't sure if you have the experience or skills required. 

Meetings take place at our offices, in person, in Brixton approximately once every two-three months.  They currently run from 4pm until 6pm and we value our Trustees being able to attend meetings in person.  It is hoped that you will be able to contribute your time to help develop pieces of work outside of meetings depending on your skill set and availability. 

How to apply: Click the Quick Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and answer a few short screening questions about your relevant skills and motivation.

Closing date: 9am Friday 30th May

RNOH Charity is a vital partner in the way the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital delivers care. Since its inception in 1997, the Charity has raised and administered millions of pounds in donations, which have funded numerous essential projects around the hospital.

We are seeking a qualified and practicing legal professional to join our Board and provide legal insight, ideally with a minimum 10 years post qualification experience. You don’t necessarily need to be a specialist in healthcare, but an understanding of legal risk, charity law, commercial, governance, or regulatory frameworks would be valuable.

You will help ensure that we fulfil our legal duties as a charity, protect our interests, and make well-informed decisions—particularly when reviewing policies, commercial agreements, or collaborations with our NHS partners and other bodies. Crucially you will advise the CEO and Board of Trustees when seeking external professional legal advice.

Trustees must have a strong empathy with the Charity’s vision, mission and values.

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, you will support the Board to fulfill its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Charity. You will contribute to the Charity by actively participating in strategic decision-making, jointly with the rest of the Board of Trustees, whilst working in partnership with the Chief Executive and other senior members of staff to achieve the aims of the Charity.

What’s in it for the volunteer?

You will be part of a cutting edge and pioneering organisation, which aims to continue making a significant difference in the lives of the 150,000 people who come to the hospital every year. The RNOH has been at the cutting edge of orthopaedic care for over 100 years. This is an exciting time to join our Charity and help steer its strategic direction to continue providing its invaluable work for more years to come.

Time commitment

• Four virtual Board meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
• Four virtual Committee meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
• Two in-person Board Away Days per year held in the Stanmore area.
• Trustee appointment is for 3 years, with the possibility of being re-appointed for a maximum of 3 terms. Induction and ongoing training.
• The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although out-of-pocket expenses may be claimed.

How to apply

Reach Volunteering's TrusteeWorks team are supporting the RNOH Charity with their Board recruitment. Please submit your CV, LinkedIn profile or similar along with a covering letter stating why you would like to apply to become Trustee of the RNOH Charity and how your skills, abilities and experience would add value to the Board. If you would prefer to have a chat with a current Trustee or the Chief Executive before making a formal application please get in touch to request this.

RNOH Charity values and promotes diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all and appointments made on merit. The Charity believes that the best Boards are those that reflect the communities they serve. The Charity particularly welcome applications from young people, women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, and disabled people who we know are under-represented in Chair and Trustee roles. Additional induction will be organised for successful candidate without previous Board experience.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 10 June.

Seeking the next visionary to lead Pegasus Opera Company as Chair of Trustees

What will you be doing?

Are you ready to lead with purpose and passion? Pegasus is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chair of the Board to help shape the future of our vibrant charity. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by championing our mission, empowering our people, and guiding us toward an ambitious new era.

As Chair, you’ll provide inspiring, inclusive leadership to our Board of Trustees—ensuring we remain bold, accountable, and united in delivering real change. You'll collaborate closely with a committed Executive Team, including our Artistic Director, Executive Director, and Talent Director, to set the strategic direction and drive innovation at every level.

What are we looking for?

The ideal Chair will have senior strategic leadership experience, a successful track record, and a solid understanding of charity governance. They’ll be confident in chairing meetings, managing stakeholders, and acting as an ambassador. A strong passion for opera and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the charity’s mission are essential. Candidates should bring gravitas, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to foster collaboration and be willing to commit time to attend events and meetings outside of normal working hours.

What difference will you make?

The Chair will play a pivotal role in shaping Pegasus’s future, providing the strategic leadership, governance oversight, and inspiration needed to drive the charity into its next chapter. By fostering a high-performing Board, strengthening accountability, and supporting the Senior Management Team, the Chair will ensure that Pegasus remains artistically bold, financially resilient, and true to its mission of championing diversity in opera.

They will be a unifying force—guiding trustees, energising stakeholders, and amplifying Pegasus’s voice across the sector. With their influence, the organisation will build deeper partnerships, enhance its public profile, and grow its impact for artists and communities alike.

Ultimately, the Chair will be the catalyst for Pegasus to thrive artistically, operationally, and socially—ensuring it continues to lead with purpose and ambition on a national stage.

Before you apply

To be considered for this role, please send your CV along with an expression of interest in the form of a cover note or letter 

Closing date for applications: 31st May 2025

Location: New Cross, London

Salary: Voluntary, Unpaid

Interviews: June 9th - 10th 2025

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About Us:
​
Goldsmiths Students’ Union is a charity representing over 10,000 students studying at Goldsmiths, University of London, on issues that matter to them. We are student-led, with hundreds of volunteers, dozens of part-time elected officers, and four Sabbatical Officers - students who have been elected by their peers to take a year out of their studies to lead us from the front.

We are a democratic organisation, with a Student Assembly and established trustee board. The Trustee Board delegates responsibility for the day to day management of the organisation to the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive serves the Trustee Board and is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic plan for the management of all staff and resources. The Students’ Union staff team is made up of over 120 permanent and casual employees who work full-time and part-time. ​

Our Culture:

At the heart of our culture lies a genuine dedication to nurturing the personal and professional growth of our staff. In this year's engagement survey 93% of our staff wholeheartedly agreed that they would recommend Goldsmiths Student Union as a fantastic place to work. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where each team member thrives.

The Role:

As a trustee, you will work closely with the Student Union Officers, staff team and students, to deliver on our strategic aims, ensuring that we are making continuing progress to be recognised for the innovation and quality of the services and support that we provide.

We are seeking at least one trustee with experience in the charity or education sector. The Trustee Board meets formally six times annually, with meetings generally held midweek in the early evening and lasting a few hours.​

Download the full job pack ​below:​

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Applications Process 

If everything above sounds good to you, we would love to receive your application. Please use our application form to apply as we do not accept CV's and Cover Letters.

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Students at Goldsmiths University come from a variety of backgrounds. We are therefore committed to ensuring our workforce is reflective of our members. We encourage applications from people with different circumstances and from all walks of life as well as those from traditionally underrepresented groups. 

USPG is looking to appoint 3 Trustees (lay or ordained) committed to global mission within the Anglican Communion. At this time, we are seeking to appoint a qualified accountant and two trustees with significant regional knowledge (Caribbean/ Latin America, Middle East, East Asia or Africa) to serve from July 2025.

About You

In recruiting Trustees at this time, we are looking for individuals with the following skill sets and experience:

• Accountancy: A qualified accountant with current experience of scrutinising accounts of organisations of the scale of USPG (at least) is sought. The person appointed will become a member of USPG’s Finance & Audit Committee as well as contribute to the strategic discussions of the Trustee board.
• Global knowledge and understanding: A couple of trustees with significant regional knowledge, especially of the Caribbean/Latin America, but also of the Middle East, Asia or Africa. That understanding may come from working with the churches or from professional experience outside of the Church.

The role is not paid, but necessary expenses incurred for attending USPG meetings will be reimbursed.

About USPG

The United Society Partners in the Gospel, known widely as USPG, is the Anglican mission agency that partners churches across the Anglican Communion in rethinking mission, energising church and championing justice. Click here to find out more.

USPG is actively seeking a diverse board with a balance of gender, ethnicity and age.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to volunteer as a Peer Mentor with WiSER Project!

About the role

WiSER Project is a partnership of specialist charities working to end male violence and abuse & it provides support to women experiencing Violence against Women and Girls (for example domestic abuse, sexual violence, sexual exploitation through prostitution, trafficking, and other forms of abuse) and multiple disadvantage (for example mental or physical health issues, substance misuse, insecure immigration status, offending history and other).

As a Peer Mentor you will have the unique opportunity to provide WiSER service users guidance, model safe and fulfilling life after abuse and offer a listening ear through one to one support sessions.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for those with lived past experience of any form of Violence against Women & Girls and / or multiple disadvantage. You will have a passion for supporting WiSER Project service users and are willing to use your life experiences to help others. We are welcoming Peer Mentors who have an interest in developing skills and gaining insight into working in advice, support, and advocacy services.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

In return, we offer in depth induction training and on-going supervision, where you will be fully supported in every aspect of the role. You will have the opportunity to develop your confidence and skills to support your future professional/career growth. 

You will recieve:

• 4 days of induction training to provide support within the role.
• Assistance when creating Personal development plan to support future professional/career growth following the peer mentor programme & financial assistance for attending external courses.
• Travel expenses will be paid for in full.
• Support and guidance through the role, in the form of monthly line management meetings and monthly support from a clinical supervisor.
• Opportunities to develop confidence and transferrable skills which can be used to enhance your CV for future job prospects.
• Opportunities to improve knowledge of support services across the Greater London area.
• Opportunities to meet new people and build a network of people with similar life experiences.

We also offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

Please note that our volunteer opportunities are open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1), and that these volunteer roles are exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974 and subject to enhanced DBS checks where applicable.

RNOH Charity is a vital partner in the way the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital delivers care. Since its inception in 1997, the Charity has raised and administered millions of pounds in donations, which have funded numerous essential projects around the hospital.

We are looking for an experienced marketing or fundraising professional to help raise our charity’s profile and enhance the impact and innovation of our fundraising campaigns. Ideally operating at executive director level or equivalent. If you have a track record of delivering successful marketing or fundraising initiatives, we would like to hear from you.

You will play a key role in supporting our team to diversify and grow our funding streams; particularly unrestricted income. We would welcome applications from across both commercial and charity sectors.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic guidance on the planning and execution of marketing and fundraising campaigns, with a focus on channel strategy and donor engagement across digital, social and traditional media.
• Advise on market and competitive analysis to inform campaign development and positioning.
• Bring expertise in successful campaign delivery and marketing best practice reflecting appropriate legal and ethical considerations.

Your insight will help strengthen our financial sustainability, ensuring we can continue supporting high-impact services for patients.

Trustees must have a strong empathy with the Charity’s vision, mission and values.

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, you will support the Board to fulfill its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Charity. You will contribute to the Charity by actively participating in strategic decision-making, jointly with the rest of the Board of Trustees, whilst working in partnership with the Chief Executive and other senior members of staff to achieve the aims of the Charity.

What’s in it for the volunteer?

You will be part of a cutting edge and pioneering organisation, which aims to continue making a significant difference in the lives of the 150,000 people who come to the hospital every year. The RNOH has been at the cutting edge of orthopaedic care for over 100 years. This is an exciting time to join our Charity and help steer its strategic direction to continue providing its invaluable work for more years to come.

Time commitment

• Four virtual Board meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
• Four virtual Committee meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
• Two in-person Board Away Days per year held in the Stanmore area.
• Trustee appointment is for 3 years, with the possibility of being re-appointed for a maximum of 3 terms. Induction and ongoing training.
• The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although out-of-pocket expenses may be claimed.

How to apply

Reach Volunteering's TrusteeWorks team are supporting the RNOH Charity with their Board recruitment. Please submit your CV, LinkedIn profile or similar along with a covering letter stating why you would like to apply to become Trustee of the RNOH Charity and how your skills, abilities and experience would add value to the Board. If you would prefer to have a chat with a current Trustee or the Chief Executive before making a formal application please get in touch to request this.

RNOH Charity values and promotes diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all and appointments made on merit. The Charity believes that the best Boards are those that reflect the communities they serve. The Charity particularly welcome applications from young people, women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, and disabled people who we know are under-represented in Chair and Trustee roles. Additional induction will be organised for successful candidate without previous Board experience.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 10 June.

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!

Increasing your influence and network though Board membership

We are looking for five new trustees to join our Board and work collaboratively to support the Science Council to: strengthen the collective impact of the science community for public benefit; work effectively with our community of 35 member organisations (collective membership of over 320,000 scientists, technicians and educators); inspire and empower the science workforce to strive towards professional excellence.  Our ambition is to see a diverse and growing science profession that is trusted, respected and is equipped to deliver national ambitions.

We are committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and as such we welcome applicants of all backgrounds to represent the diverse population of people that we serve. This year, we are particularly keen to recruit people with experience in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Talent Management.

You will be joining us at an exciting time, as we enter our new strategic period. Over the next three years, we will continue to focus on what we do best: upholding high professional standards, facilitating knowledge exchange, and strengthening connections across the science community and beyond. We are also looking to be more ambitious and widen our engagement with employers of scientists, and through our continued relationship with the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, continue to increase awareness of careers in science through our technical pathways project.

This is your opportunity to join the Board of an ambitious and well-run organisation, and play a leading role in the shaping the future of the Science Council.

Being a trustee is an excellent way of developing skills, growing your network and learning about governance.  Whatever your background and experience, Board membership will enable you to influence the future direction of the Science Council and have an impact across the scientific community and beyond.

Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the Science Council delivers on its charitable purposes and that it has the required governance and strategic direction to achieve its objectives. Trustees will be expected to use their expertise and experience to offer advice to the executive and provide oversight that ensures that the charity is resourced and administered appropriately.

Whether you are looking to take on your first trustee role or are an experienced trustee, if you have the time to commit to the role, we want to hear from you.

About Us

Children with Voices is a dedicated charity based in Hackney, London. Our mission is to support and empower children and young people through a range of community-focused programmes and initiatives. We strive to create a nurturing environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive HR Assistant to support our HR operations. This role is essential in ensuring smooth day-to-day HR functions, assisting with recruitment, compliance, and general HR administration. The ideal candidate will have strong organisational skills, an interest in human resources, and a passion for working in the charity sector.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment and Onboarding

• Assist with job postings, candidate screening, and interview coordination.

• Support the onboarding process for new volunteers and employees, ensuring all necessary documentation and induction materials are provided.

HR Administration & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee and volunteer records.

• Ensure compliance with relevant employment and volunteering regulations.

• Assist with general HR administrative tasks, including using Monday. com for record-keeping and task management.

Policy and Employee Support

• Support the implementation of HR policies and procedures.

• Act as a point of contact for HR-related queries from staff and volunteers.

Qualifications and Experience

• Some experience or knowledge of HR functions is desirable.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to handle confidential information professionally.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HR systems 

• CIPD qualification or working towards one is advantageous but not essential.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for working in the charity sector and supporting children and young people.

• Highly organised, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

• A willingness to learn and develop HR skills.

How to Apply

If you are enthusiastic about making a positive impact and gaining experience in HR, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Title:  Communications volunteer

Summary

Help us grow and engage our audiences by creating communications materials for us to use externally and across our website, social media, print materials and newsletter, so that we can help support the mental health of more women across Sussex.

Description

Our charity delivers counselling and therapeutic groups for women across Sussex. We are looking for an experienced communications professional to work with to support with all or some of the following:

Communications:

· Help to create a communications plan with the CEO, mapping out key activities and campaigns over the year

Social media:

· Assess our current social media and make recommendations to improve content and engagement

· Design and create weekly posts and reels using Canva

· Create 1-3 social posts per week

Newsletter:

· Re-purpose key social posts for our monthly e-newsletter, using MailChimp

Outreach:

· Build a partner communication list and liaise with key organisations and share key materials with them, such as leaflets and information about our services to raise our profile

· Build contacts and reach out to potential press to raise awareness of our organisation

Events:

· Assist with fundraising events and promotion of these from the Brighton 10K run, our Christmas raffle and party.

You will be working with the CEO who will provide our existing brand/style/logo guidelines and brand research/user personas.

What impact will they have?

Your creative output will shape how we present ourselves to our clients and funders. With your help we will be able to continue to reach and support more women across Sussex.

About the volunteer

Description

We are looking for a volunteer who:

· Has experience in creating and writing communications materials such as social media posts

· Ideally has experience in Canva and MailChimp

· Has the ability to quickly understand the needs of our team / organisation / participants

· Has good communications and organisation skills

· Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.

Skills

· Marketing and communications

Where and when

Location

Can be fully remote or partly remote if based near Brighton.

Time

Time commitment

· 0-6 hours / week – the role could be an ongoing role

Volunteer availability

Either inside or outside office hours.

Application details

Application instructions: please send published content examples (social, blog or e-newsletter posts) a CV and details of your availability and interest in the role 

Duration: Short-term project (with potential for ongoing involvement)

About the Role

Children With Voices is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical volunteer to help update our Impact Report (Deck) from 2021. This report highlights the charity’s achievements, including the number of people we have fed, the services we have provided, and our overall community impact.

We have multiple internal documents holding updated information, and we need a dedicated volunteer to extract key data, organise it, and integrate it into the updated version of the report. This role is crucial in highlighting the charity’s progress to funders, partners, and the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

•Review & audit the 2021 Impact Report – Identify outdated sections and areas requiring updates.

•Data Collection & Analysis – Extract key metrics from internal documents, including food distribution numbers, volunteering efforts, and service impact.

•Update & Refine Content – Ensure the report is accurate, well-structured, and engaging.

•Create Visual Data Representations – Develop simple charts or infographics to illustrate key findings (if applicable).

•Ensure Consistency in Branding & Messaging – Maintain a professional and cohesive tone aligned with Children With Voices’ mission.

•Collaborate with Team Members – Work with staff to verify data and gather additional insights.

•Finalise & Format the Updated Report – Prepare the document for internal review and external presentation.

Skills & Experience Required

•Strong Research & Data Analysis Skills – Ability to extract, interpret, and organise numerical and qualitative data.

•Excellent Writing & Editing Skills – Strong attention to detail and ability to present information clearly.

•Project Management & Organisation – Ability to manage multiple documents and keep track of key updates.

•Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) & Google Docs – Experience with Canva or other design tools is a plus.

•Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Ability to identify gaps in information and seek solutions.

•Graphic Design & Infographics (Preferred but not required) – Familiarity with data visualisation to enhance report presentation.

•Ability to Work Independently & Collaboratively – Self-motivated but comfortable seeking guidance when needed.

•Experience with Impact Reporting (Preferred but not needed) – Any previous experience with grant reports, annual reports, or case studies is a bonus.

What We Offer

•Mentorship and support from the Children With Voices team.

•Opportunity to develop skills in research, data analysis, and report writing.

•A chance to contribute to a meaningful cause and help secure future funding for vital community programs.

•Volunteer reference upon successful completion of the role.

How to Apply

Interested volunteers can apply by submitting resume or CV witha short cover letter outlining their relevant skills and experience. 

We are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees 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 roles 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 two dedicated Lay Trustees 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 President Trustees 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 undertaking two crucial pieces of work: finalising our new 2025-2028 strategic plan, and beginning the quintennial review of our Constitution.  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 with experience in Finance, Higher Education, Human Resources, Charity or Employment Law.

About Us

We’re an autonomous organisation and we’re funded by the University of Exeter and Falmouth University. Acting independently ensures that we remain entirely focused on our students with one purpose in mind: to improve their student experience.

As a registered charity (1193045), our charitable purpose is the advancement of education, and our funds can for used for this charitable purpose only. This means that as a not-for-profit organisation: any income we gain goes straight back into providing services for students.

We are a member-led democratic organisation; our students are at the heart of everything we do. Our members views, opinions and experiences regarding students’ lives influence decision makers operating at every level, helping to shape the wider student experience and we enjoy positive collaborative relationships with both universities. Students have the power to shape what the Union does through our Annual Student Members’ Meetings and referenda, and they lead our Student Forum, which determine our Union priorities.

We are proud of the range of opportunities and services that we provide to students, which includes student led societies and sports clubs, volunteering opportunities, professional independent specialist advice, academic representation, and democratic activities. We also help students to organise a wide range of events and activities specifically for their fellow students.

Our Board

Our board is unique in the charity sector. We have a young and dynamic board; two thirds of the trustees are either recent or current students at the universities resulting in a purposefully high turnover of trustees. The charity is based in a complex, ever-changing Higher Education sector, working closely with two very different universities.

We have three sets of Trustees:

• Four President Trustees: a President and Vice President from each university, elected by cross-campus ballot. These are student leaders who have either just finished their degree or take a sabbatical to take up this role, in which they are also a full-time employee. Term: one year, maximum of two terms.

• Four Student Trustees: two from each university, appointed via the Appointments Committee. These are current students who offer direct insight into university life. Term: two years, maximum of two terms.

• Four Lay Trustees: appointed via the Appointments Committee. These trustees offer expertise, continuity, and insight. They are experienced, skilled members who enjoy being part of a dynamic board and supporting the younger trustees. Term: three years, maximum of three terms.

The Chair of the Board will always be a President Trustee, and the Deputy Chair will always be a Lay Trustee. Any Trustee can chair one of our three sub-committees: Finance, Appointments, Remuneration and Human Resources.

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.

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 two (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 45 minutes.

• 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. They approve and monitor plans to deliver the strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• To ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose, constitution and other governing documents and relevant legislation while remaining true to its Mission, Vision and Values.

• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role by determining the Students’ Union strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

• Ensure The SU uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects/purpose.

• Act as guardians of The SU’s assets and ensure the financial stability of the organisation.

• Prepare for Board meetings by reading through materials and Board papers beforehand, scrutinising information and be able to discuss issues.

• Take advice on matters on which you are not competent to decide.

• Provide support to President Trustees and Student Trustees.

• Take part in Board Reviews and Skills Audits each year.

• Use personal skills and experience to ensure the Union is well-run and efficient

• Seek external professional advice where there may be material risk to the Union or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties or at any other appropriate moment.

• Add value to the Trustee Board and the Union through generating ideas, challenging the status quo, broadening thinking and supporting and promoting innovation and creativity.

• Abide by the Union Trustee Code of Conduct.

CRITERIA

All Trustees must display the following characteristics

Commitment to and passion for The SU.

Willingness and reliability to devote the necessary time and effort.

Strategic vision.

Good, independent judgment.

Ability to think creatively.

An understanding of and commitment to the values and principles of student representation and democracy.

Willingness to speak their mind.

Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

Responsible, especially when handling sensitive and confidential information.

A commitment to act in accordance with the Nolan principles for ethical conduct in public service.

We are looking for individuals who have skills, knowledge or experience in one or more of these sectors

Finance

Higher Education

Human Resources

Charity or Employment Law

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 Friday 16 May. Interviews will take place online via MS Teams on Wednesday 21 May, an additional slot is also available on Thursday 22 May if this is not convenient.

You must be available to attend Trustee Training on Friday 20 June, and Board of Trustees on Wednesday 25 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Tuesday 1 July.

Eligibility

There are strict conditions placed on charity Trustees by law and all applicants must declare that they are eligible to become a charity Trustee. You will not be eligible if:

• You are on the Sex Offenders’ Register

• You have any unspent conviction for an offence involving:

o deception or dishonesty

o terrorist offences

o money laundering

o bribery

o misconduct in public office, perjury, perverting the course of justice

o contravention of certain preventative Orders of the Charity Commission (Section 77 of the Charities Act 2011)

o attempting, aiding or abetting the above offences

• You have any designation under specific anti-terrorist legislation

• You have been convicted of contempt of court

• You have been removed from:

o trusteeship, or as an officer, agent or employee of a charity by the Court or the Commission for misconduct or mismanagement

o a position of management or control of a charity in Scotland for mismanagement or misconduct

• You have been found guilty by the High court of disobeying a Commission order or direction

• You have an undischarged bankruptcy

• You have a composition or arrangement with creditors which includes an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) and is currently on the Insolvency Service Register

As part of the recruitment process, we will ask you to sign a declaration that you are legally entitled to become a Trustee and commit the required time.

Data Protection

We’re committed to data protection and it’s important to know what’s happening with your data when you apply for a role. That means we’ll only use the information you supply for the purposes of progressing your application (or to fulfil legal or regulatory requirements if necessary) and we’ll never share your information with any third parties for marketing purposes or store it outside of the European Economic Area.

Equal Opportunities

We’re committed to ensuring our workforce accurately reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We positively encourage applications from all individuals irrespective of their gender, age, home country, ethnic background, sexuality, religious beliefs or disability. All candidates will be treated equally and all appointments made on merit.