Volunteer trustee volunteer roles in boston, lincolnshire

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!

We are seeking a volunteer Trustee to join the Board of Trustees at WORTH to collectively oversee the administration and financial governance of the charity. The board is our governing body, providing strategy and direction and ensuring WORTH is run according to the rules.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with business, finance and fundraising experience in corporate or charity sectors to join us.

About WORTH

WORTH is a charity providing long term aftercare to women affected by Domestic Abuse. We offer clients 1-1 support and a range of wellbeing groups including art, writing, music and self-defence to help rebuild their confidence and self-esteem.

We provide a safe space for clients to share experiences, give and receive practical and emotional support, learn new skills, reduce isolation, build friendships, and give women their voice back. It is a space where women can focus on their future and we can support our clients in their healing, post abuse.

To be able to provide this support we rely on a great team of volunteers with a wide skill set and a whole lot of passion to enable our services to work effectively.

Our Board of Trustees play a vital role in making sure that WORTH achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management, administration and governance of the charity. They also ensure that WORTH has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the CEO to enable WORTH to grow and thrive and support more women in need.

Trustee Duties:

• Support and provide advice on WORTH's purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee WORTH's financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve WORTH's financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to WORTH's CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in WORTH's operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of WORTH's own governance.
• Attend regular Trustee Board meetings and be adequately prepared to contribute to  discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect WORTH's interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of WORTH's objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Trustee Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising meeting papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking and skills on our Board of Trustees. We are particularly interested in candidates with business, finance and fundraising experience.

Previous governance experience is preferable but not essential. The role is open to remote and local applicants.

Applicant minimum age is 18.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as a Board of 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 the values of WORTH.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• Knowledge and experience of business, finance and/or fundraising.
• An understanding of Domestic Abuse is an advantage but not essential as training will be provided.
• An understanding of client confidentiality, safeguarding, diversity and inclusivity in the services provided by WORTH.

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a two year term of office, with eligibility to renew and serve for two further terms to a maximum of six years.
• This is a voluntary unpaid position.

Time commitment

• Attending a minimum of six trustee board meetings annually, meetings are held remotely via Zoom once every two to three months.
• Attendance at ad hoc trustee meetings in addition to the minimum six annual meetings.

OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation was established as an educational charity in 2003. Our aim is to develop spiritual awareness and to support people of all faiths, and none, by delivering a range of training programmes that allow open-hearted adults to serve their chosen communities through Ministry, Spiritual Counselling and in supporting life’s transitions. Our interfaith ministers bring unconditional love and radical commitment to members of the public through ceremony, ritual, spiritual counselling, and other methods of support.

We are seeking new trustees, with a focus on marketing and/or legal experience, with a commitment to the vision and purpose of the organisation to join our board. Trustees are appointed for a term of 4 years and are essential to the progress and growth of our organisation.

Organisational purpose:

To benefit the public by the education of mature adults in:
• the core principles of the world’s religions, faiths, and spiritual traditions;
• principles and methods of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making;
• and the practice of non-denominational spiritual and pastoral service in the community.

Our Vision

is a world in which humanity awakens into an inclusive global spirituality that encompasses us all in the field of love and life.

Our Mission

is to work towards evolving consciousness in the world, by facilitating open-hearted people to awaken to inner leadership and their capacity for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace-making.

Ideally, you will have experience working in a not-for-profit organisation and will be passionate about spiritual life and faith-freedom. We would particularly love to hear from anyone with experience of Human Resources, Adult Education, Financial Management, Fundraising, Legal, and IT.

Formal trustee meetings take place with senior staff quarterly, and we hold up to nine trustee-only meetings annually. To ensure our work is collaborative, we also have an annual two-day gathering of trustees and the wider leadership team. All trustees are volunteers, with expenses available for travel to and from meetings and other incidental expenses where applicable. Please note that meetings are currently being held via Zoom.

We have a strong commitment to diversity and aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with on our Board of Trustees. We welcome all candidates irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, culture, religion, age, responsibilities for dependants, physical/mental disability (“protected characteristics” as per the Equality Act 2010), economic status or offending background.

We welcome both OneSpirit ministers and candidates who are not OneSpirit ministers.  However, we expect all candidates to adhere to OneSpirit’s code of ethics.

Introduction

Do you care about the future of the countryside in North and East Yorkshire?  Do you have skills and experience in supporter development/fundraising that you could bring to our work?  CPRE North and East Yorkshire are looking for a Trustee and Supporter Development Lead to contribute to our important work protecting our beautiful local countryside and green spaces.

Who we are

CPRE campaigns nationally and locally for positive solutions which safeguard the long-term future of our precious countryside. At national level, the charity produces in-depth research and sound arguments to press government, Parliament and other decision-makers to support our countryside, be it national landscapes or simply much loved local green spaces, through policies which ensure:

- The right development in the right place

- Active support to improve biodiversity and 

- Countryside protection from climate change impacts and contribution to climate change solutions.

Here in North and East Yorkshire, the largest of the CPRE regions (6,900 square miles!), we have a successful track record of enabling residents and community groups to help shape development in ways that enrich the countryside around them. We also use our planning expertise to proactively campaign for local authority planning policies that safeguard and enhance our beautiful and varied landscapes.

The role

Our small but energetic team of volunteer Trustees enable people to protect the countryside they love and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live.  But with your support we can do even more! 

In joining us as a Trustee on the Board you’ll have a general role in developing the charity in line with our strategy and, together with other Trustees, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and other legal and governance regulations.  However additionally as our Lead for Supporter Development you will use your specialist knowledge to inform and guide the Trustee Board in this area and coordinate and drive forward related activities to meet agreed aims.   As part of this remit, you will also oversee the recruitment of a Communications and Supporter Care Officer (a brand new role) and have ongoing responsibility for communicating organisational requirements and providing feedback to the individual once engaged.

+Trustees initially serve a three-year term and may serve up to six years in total. 

What we need and what’s in it for you

You don’t need to have prior Trustee experience but we are looking for applicants with manager/senior level expertise in Supporter Development/Fundraising.  By volunteering with us you’ll be using what you know to help find positive solutions for the major issues facing the countryside and the environment as well as being part of a group of people who share your passion for the countryside.  Our friendly team will provide you with initial training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in charity governance and leadership.  Further information on role responsibilities and our skill requirements are provided in the supplementary documents available on our application website CPRENEY. 

Become a Trustee and Help Shape the Future of Air Cadets!

The Air Cadet Charity is seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help us further our mission of supporting the Air Cadet Organisation.

Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of young people, fostering their development in aviation, leadership, and responsibility? Are you looking for an opportunity to contribute your expertise to a dynamic and impactful charity? If so, we want to hear from you!

The Air Cadet Charity provides vital support to the Air Cadet Organisation, empowering young people across the UK through grants for exciting opportunities and experiences. As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in the strategic direction, governance, and financial sustainability of the charity, ensuring we can continue to make a positive impact.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience or backgrounds in one or more of the following areas:

• Military Aviation Expertise: Bringing valuable knowledge and perspective related to military aviation.
• Charity Governance Experience: Providing a strong understanding of charity regulations, best practices, and strategic oversight.
• Fundraising, Marketing, and Communications Acumen: Offering skills and experience to enhance our outreach, engagement, and financial sustainability.
• Ex or Serving ATC Officer: Providing valuable insights from the volunteer perspective, ideally with an aviation focus.
• Connected in the Defence Sector: Individuals with a civilian defence industry background who can assist us in building strategic relationships.
• Independent Challenge: Trusted supporters of our mission and values who can offer an objective perspective and collaborative approach to Board discussions, helping to avoid groupthink.

As a Trustee, you will:

• Contribute to the strategic direction and overall governance of the charity.
• Ensure the charity operates effectively and in accordance with its mission and values.
• Oversee the financial management and sustainability of the organisation.
• Act as an ambassador for the Air Cadet Charity.
• Bring your unique skills and experience to Board discussions and decision-making.

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Passionate about the aims and objectives of the Air Cadet Charity and the Air Cadet Organisation.
• Committed to good governance and ethical practices.
• Able to think strategically and contribute constructively to Board discussions.
• Willing to dedicate the necessary time and commitment to the role.
• Team players with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Time Commitment: Trustees are expected to attend regular Board meetings (typically two times per year) and may also be involved in sub-committees or working groups.

Location: Meetings take place virtually and in person (London or RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire).

How to Apply:

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee and contributing your skills to the Air Cadet Charity, please submit your CV and a covering statement outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role. Please specifically highlight any experience you have in the areas we are seeking.

Please send your application by 9th May 2025.

Review of applications will commence in mid-May, with interviews for shortlisted candidates expected to take place in June.

We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Join us in making a difference for the young people of the Air Cadet Organisation!

Are you looking for a volunteering role that supports the impact of the whole third sector? Infrastructure charity DataKind UK is looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees, including a Chair and Treasurer.

DataKind UK is a small charity with a vision for a strong, thriving third sector that embraces data use to become more impactful. We connect third sector organisations with data professionals to improve their decision making, problem solving, and working practices, by applying data science approaches to sector-wide challenges.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and supportive individuals to fuel our mission and direction by providing oversight of our operations, supporting with major decision-making, and advocating for our work and cause.

Being a trustee is a great way to give your time to a cause you care about, broaden your network, and develop your strategy and governance skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities, as we would like to increase the representation of these groups in our community.

How to apply

To apply, please read our candidate pack for more detail and send a 1-2 page cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role based on the skills outlined in the candidate pack, especially highlighting if you are interested in the Chair or Treasurer role, along with your CV, by Monday 2 June.

Initial screening calls will take place during the week commencing Monday 9 June.

Interviews will take place on the 17, 18, and 19 June 2025, with the aim of new members being recruited and onboarded for the following board meeting in August.

InterVol is a student volunteering charity in the United Kingdom that connects students with volunteering opportunities locally and overseas. InterVol supports students to develop their skills with community projects in the UK and then use those skills to support the work of charitable partners overseas on health, education, refugee support, and conservation placements. Our project placements and volunteering opportunities are designed by our local partners and with the long-term needs of beneficiaries and communities in mind. InterVol supports a network of five student societies at English universities with around one hundred volunteers annually.

InterVol is looking for new trustees to join our board. Trustees are responsible for ensuring that InterVol follows our guiding principles and acts within the law. This includes the timely submissions to the Charity Commission, ensuring that volunteering is safe and appropriate, and developing and maintaining a long-term strategy for InterVol. InterVol is a small charity with no staff, so trustees also play an important role in maintaining institutional memory for student committees which change annually. 

We are recruiting for general trustee roles and for a treasurer. For the treasurer role, we are looking for applicants with a specialism in financial management to oversee our bank account, monitor our online donation platform, make grants, donations and payments, and report on our finances annually to the Charity Commission. Trustees in non-finance roles will be allocated roles most relevant to their own experience e.g. specific university group support, specific placements, or thematic areas such as training or research.

As a trustee you are expected to take on roles including:

• Attend termly meetings (three annually, online) and annual meetings, where possible.

• Provide advice to the trustee board and our committees. This is either by email, or through the Trustees WhatsApp group.

• Work on specific projects with other trustees and advisors, e.g. managing interns, setting up new placement partnerships, and conducting/reviewing risk assessments.

• Identify potential partnerships in both the United Kingdom and overseas to forward the goals of the charity and strengthen our existing university projects.

• Attend training and network events to represent InterVol, make new connections and bring new ideas into the charity.

• Commit to 2-3 years of supporting the charity before handing over or renewing your term.

• Be based in the United Kingdom to allow travel to meetings.

Person Specification:

• Significant experience of volunteering in either the UK or overseas

• Passionate about ethical volunteering practises

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills

• Flexible and able to provide support on an ad hoc basis

• Understanding of international development issues (desirable)

• Accounting and finance experience (treasurer role)

Purpose of the Role:
As a Trustee of SAPHNA, you will play a vital role in ensuring the organisation achieves its mission to promote excellence in school and public health nursing. Trustees are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and financial sustainability of SAPHNA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute actively to the Board’s strategic decision-making and direction.
• Ensure SAPHNA complies with its governing document, charity law, and relevant regulations.
• Uphold SAPHNA’s values and promote its objectives.
• Provide guidance and expertise to support SAPHNA's development and growth.
• Oversee SAPHNA’s financial stability, approving budgets and ensuring resources are used effectively.
• Attend and actively participate in Board meetings (approximately four per year) and contribute to subcommittees or working groups as required.
• Support fundraising, partnerships, and advocacy activities where appropriate.
• Act as an ambassador for SAPHNA, representing the organisation to stakeholders.

Person Specification:

• A commitment to SAPHNA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Experience in governance, leadership, or relevant professional expertise.
• Knowledge of school and public health nursing or the broader healthcare landscape (desirable but not essential).

Time Commitment:
Trustees are required to attend quarterly Board meetings, participation in working groups or committees, and occasional representation of SAPHNA at events.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the start up of a new charity that seeks to create a wide reaching operational activity that develops employment and volunteering opportunities that truly take in to account all neruodiversity and ensuring that people feel they are valued in their role as well as reducing working hours while not reducing salaries.

We are very much a new concept within the charity and business world, what we aim to do is not focus on just one business activity and force people to work within it but to grow along side our teams and develop new business opportunities based on the skill sets and abitions of our teams.

Below are the details of the general responsibilities of a trustee within Living Reasons and the 12 areas we wish to recruit trustees in so that we can start to develop the charity more and start the process of registering and ultimately launching the charity within the next 12 months.

Nonspecific trustee criteria (all trustees must meet this criteria)

1) Ability to understand how the charity works in the public interest and ensure that all activities the charity carries out always fulfil this requirement. Bringing in to question any activities that may not fall within the charity’s public interest obligation, to the other trustees.

2) Agree with and agree to always work within the charity’s governing document and within the law. Making sure that the charity always operates within the governing document and within the law.

3) Act within the charity’s best interests by agreement within the other trustees on the board and following all trustee processes including decision making and voting. Avoid conflicts of interest with the operation of the charity and bring any potential conflicts of interest, to the attention of the trustee board as soon as possible.

4) Manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used for the charity’s purpose, not take any inappropriate risks, do not over commit to the charity, taking special care when investing or barrowing and ensure the charity complies with any funding restrictions.

5) Always act with reasonable care and skill.

6) Ensure that the charity is always accountable, ensure that the charity is able to demonstrate it is compliant in law, well run and effective. Where responsibility has been delegated, trustees must ensure that the charity still remains accountable.

7) Must not be an undischarged bankrupt or be in an IVA.

8) Must not have any unspent convictions or be on the sex offenders register.

9) Must not be banned from being a company director or trustee.

All trustees will be required to attend 1 full board meeting every quarter which may be in person or over online video calling.

1 additional meeting annually that will also be at the same time as the annual general meeting must be attended.

There may be further meetings if you are on other committees or are voted on to the executive board of trustees (this is not mandatory and is a further voluntary commitment that you can nominate yourself for election).

We are looking for 12 trustees in total, once we have key trustee roles filled, we will then register the charity and move forward as we continue the recruitment process. The three main trustees we would like to have in place before registering the charity are: Operational, Financial and Income Generation. This does not mean we are not recruiting the other 9, we just won't register until after people with these skills have been recruited. Below are the twelve areas of knowldge we would like to gain trustees in. These cover all aspects of the activities the charity will carry out:.

1. Operational – overall knowledge of the day to operation of the organisation

2. Financial – an understanding financial planning and reporting

3. Creative & events

4. Research

5. Income generation

6. Education

7. Human Resources

8. Services

9.    Outreach (Social Media & Marketing)

10.     Legal

11.    Health

12.     Volunteering

This is a brand new idea and concept for a charity and business activity and requires a team that are forward thinking and are not restrained by previous ways of working, putting people at the heart of what we do, this is a charity that is supply a service for people who have struggled in the work environment as it is but will be directly generating the income for the charity as well, our service users will be our employees, trainees and volunteers and that needs to be seen as a positive move forward by anyone involved in the charity from day one.

If you would like to be part of a new and innovative way of working, please submit a CV and Cover Letter explaining which trustee role you would be interested in and why this role would be suitable for you. 

Jason, the person starting this charity has autism, ADHD, as well as mental health issues and physical conditions that are dibilitating and has spect 20 years in the charity retail industry and has loved his time working in them but has found it increasing more difficult to work in the environment due to, what he considers undue and unnecessary pressures that hinder rather than help the charity sector to reach its full potential and he feels that, key to changing this for the better is understanding the neurodiversity of humanity and catering for it in the workplace. This is how Living Reasons was developed as an idea and now he needs to find people to bring the idea to life. 

The Mlambe Project builds school infrastructure in Malawi Africa, one of the poorest countries in the world.  We change lives through enabling access to education by transforming classrooms from "under a tree" (literally) into fully functional school blocks. We use environmentally sustainable techniques and local workers so the money gets reinvested in the communities we serve.  We do this work in partnership with our sister NGO that is Malawi based, ensuring that our priorities are aligned to the local community. We are 100% volunteer based so 100% of every dollar/pound we raise has a direct impact. The role:

• Trustee position at a UK registered charity
• Opportunity to work on social media/web channels (if interested)
• Fundraising via various channels (primarily grant applications)
• Working with our Trustee team (USA, UK and Malawi)
• Fiducuary, statuatory and regulatory responsibilities of a Trustee/Board Member
• We are open to any level of commitment i.e. board, committee, advisory, volunteer

Submit a CV and a cover letter to express your interest.

Those who submit their CV will be considered and will be invited to an informal insight event towards Janunary 2025 before interviews occur.

What does a Trustee do! 

A Trustee’s role is to act in the best interests of the organization. They are accountable for the organization’s finances, legal affairs, overall performance, and serious arising issues. Trustees must ensure that executives align with the organization’s purpose and mission, acting in ways that advance these goals and uphold the organization’s values. Statutory duties include ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, safeguarding assets, and maintaining accurate financial records.

Commitment

Each Trustee will attend Trustee meetings on a regular basis, a Trustee may also be appointed as a Co Chair and into other roles such as Treasurer and Secretary, and also may join a committee.

A Little About Us!

Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organisation with the aim to become a CIO soon. We use a research-led approach promote and further the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work and research. We promote and empower change.

What we are looking for!

We are looking to appoint experienced Trustees with a background in one or more of the following areas: finance, law, academia, research, leadership, youth sector, policy, education, social action, human rights, issues facing young people and fundraising.

Why we need you!

Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for Trustees to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organisation. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. 

​What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to join us. By being a Trustee with us you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

Introduction

Do you care about the future of the countryside in North and East Yorkshire?  Do you have skills and experience in in policy development in or for Local Authorities that you could bring to our work?  CPRE North and East Yorkshire are looking for a Trustee and Local Authority Communications Lead to contribute to our important work protecting our beautiful local countryside and green spaces.

Who we are

CPRE campaigns nationally and locally for positive solutions which safeguard the long-term future of our precious countryside which is facing multiple threats. At national level, the charity produces in-depth research and sound arguments to press government, Parliament and other decision-makers to support our countryside, be it national landscapes or simply much loved local green spaces, through policies which ensure:

- The right development in the right place

- Active support to improve biodiversity and 

- Countryside protection from climate change impacts and contribution to climate change solutions.

Here in North and East Yorkshire, the largest of the CPRE regions (6,900 square miles!), we have a successful track record of enabling residents and community groups to help shape development in ways that enrich the countryside around them. We also use our planning expertise to proactively campaign for local authority planning policies that safeguard and enhance our beautiful and varied landscapes.

The role

Our small but energetic team of volunteer Trustees enable people to protect the countryside they love and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live.  But with your support we can do even more! 

In joining us as a Trustee on the Board you’ll have a general role in developing the charity in line with our strategy and, together with other Trustees, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and other legal and governance regulations.  However additionally as our Lead for Local Authority Communications you will use your particular  knowledge of policy development in this arena to inform and guide the Trustee Board on Local Authority campaigning and coordinate and drive forward related activities to meet agreed aims.   

+Trustees initially serve a three-year term and may serve up to six years in total. 

What we need and what’s in it for you

You don’t need to have prior Trustee experience but we are looking for applicants with manager/senior level experience in policy development in Local Authorities and/or as policy advisor to Local Authorities. By volunteering with us you’ll be using what you know  to help find positive solutions for the major issues facing the countryside and the environment as well as being part of a group of people who share your passion for the countryside.  Our friendly team will provide you with initial training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in charity governance and leadership.  Further information on role responsibilities and our skill requirements are provided in the supplementary documents available on our application website, CPRENEY.

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Treasurer for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.

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.