Volunteer volunteer roles in nine elms, greater london

We’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader to join our Trustee Board - someone who can challenge and champion our fundraising direction, who brings fresh ideas, a creative edge, and isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Your insight could shape where we go next and help ensure we’re investing in the right opportunities.

Carers Trust is a £13 million charity, leading a £150 million network of local carer organisations. We have a fundraising team that consistently punches above its weight.

If you love collaborating with ambitious teams, challenging the status quo and finding smart, inventive ways to make an impact – this could be the perfect role for you.

Ready to shake things up for a great cause?

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.  

1. Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board.
2. Work in partnership with the Co-Executive Directors and Vice Chair.
3. Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
4. Plan and chair the board meetings with the Vice Chair and Co-Executive Directors.
5. Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Forward.

What we are looking for 

1. Experience of being a trustee. You do not need to have been a Chair before.
2. A keen sense of strategic purpose. 
3. An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing. 
4. 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. 
5. Advocate - be able and willing to champion Forward’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
6. A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 
7. 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.

This is an opportunity to become Chair of a Charity which has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. If you are someone who is looking to make a “real difference” for mothers/birthing people and their families facing one of the most challenging and unexpected periods of their lives, then we would like to hear from you.  We are also looking for a Chair who can lead and “harness” the range of skills present within our existing Board members, who come with a range of experience.

Now into our second decade as a charity, it is exciting time to join Mummy’s Star as the Chairperson. We have broadened the conversation about cancer and pregnancy nationwide, and internationally too despite our small stature. We now must sustain what we have built and help take the charity to that next level where we can elevate the voices of those we support, so that their needs are not only understood, but are also prioritised and used to inform policy and planning.

Opportunity to join The Restart Project’s board of trustees

As we embark on implementing our newly formed strategy, we are looking for a finance trustee who can support us by connecting our ambitious goals with financial realities.

Our vision is by 2035, we’ve helped to end the throwaway production and consumption of electrical products. With systemic support, repair and reuse is easier, cheaper and more rewarding for all.

In 2025 we are winning the argument and are now entering a new phase of doing the ‘hard yards’ of getting our ideas implemented. This requires an evolution of our funding model. At the same time, working with companies – who are both part of the problem and part of the solution – poses special challenges for us to get right.

So we are now seeking a committed individual who shares our excitement and can help us realise the opportunities by serving as our finance trustee.

Who are we looking for?

The role would suit an individual looking to support the growth of a small charity, moving us beyond our 10 employees and further strengthening our finance and strategic approaches.

Having trustees with a mix of backgrounds, approaches and perspectives leads to better decision-making. We believe that a governance and accountability structure enriched by multiple voices and intersectional expertise, leads to more thoughtful, informed, just and liberatory strategies, decisions, and practices.

The finance trustee will take the lead at board level on:

• Advise on developing our business model and diversify earned and granted funding sources

• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity

• Working with staff to develop a three year business plan, our annual budgets and preparing for the yearly reporting to the Charity Commission

• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities 

Responsibilities as a board member

As well as the finance trustee specific responsibilities above, board members collectively:

• Contribute in giving strategic direction to the charity, setting overall strategy and policy, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• Ensure the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuing its objectives

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity

• Safeguard the good name and values of the charity

• Declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee

• Are responsible for the actions of the charity 

• Participate in other tasks as arise from time to time when possible, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising etc.

• Attend quarterly meetings and read papers in preparation for the meeting

• Keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work

• Be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis 

Person specification 

We are seeking a finance trustee who has the following:

• Experience in business growth and financial management, ideally with a recognised accountancy or management qualification

• Understanding of charity finance

• A commitment to Restart’s vision, mission and values

• Willingness to devote the time and effort needed to fulfil the role

• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to contributing to a positive working culture

Further information is available about both the treasurer and trustee role in the job specifications available on our website.

Quilombo UK works with the objective to promote different arts, sports, and cultures to encourage an intercultural understanding between different communities and societies; To promote cultural awareness in the community and educate, regardless of nationality or origin, about race diversity and mutual respect; To promote good health and wellbeing; and run a community organisation with a strong focus on individuals, the community and society.

Role Overview

As a Pre-Production Assistant, you will support the Video Production Manager and team in all stages of video production, focusing primarily on the pre-production phase. Your role will be crucial in ensuring that our video projects are well-planned and executed smoothly. You will be involved in tasks ranging from script writing to stage setting, ensuring that all necessary preparations are in place for successful video production.

Main Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Video Production Manager to develop and refine scripts for various video projects, conducting research to gather relevant information and insights to inform script content.

• Assist in planning and setting up stages for video shoots, including arranging props, lighting, and other necessary equipment, and coordinate with the production team to ensure all stage elements are in place.

• Work with the Video Production Manager to create detailed production schedules and timelines, and coordinate with cast, crew, and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed of shoot dates and times.

• Assist in identifying and securing suitable locations for video shoots, conducting site visits to assess the suitability of locations and addressing any logistical considerations.

• Organize and manage all pre-production materials and resources, including scripts, shot lists, and production notes, ensuring all necessary permits and permissions are obtained for filming locations.

• Act as a point of contact between the pre-production team and other departments, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration, and provide regular updates to the Video Production Manager on the progress of pre-production tasks.

Essential

• Working Knowledge of pre- production

• Good interpersonal skills with ability to get on with people at all levels.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Creativity and attention to detail in script writing and stage setting.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

• Basic IT understanding

• Experience in camera set-ups for live events /ob-doc /scripted content

• Appropriate DIT practices for media management 

• Working knowledge of audio production and basic audio set-ups for live events and recorded audio. 

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments

• Strong team player

• Working knowledge of file codecs and wrappers

• Digital Asset Management (Utilising enterprise versions of Google Drive etc).

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate

• Working Knowledge of Pre production Video Production Editing Platforms: After Effects, Da Vinci Resolve

• 3-5 + years of production in broadcast and film

• Understanding of broadcast acquisition standards for file deliveries

When needed:

Willing to volunteer at least 12 hours a week, for a duration of 16 weeks as part of a Personal Development Program (PDP).

Production roles are hyrbid therefore proximity to London is beneficial as trips to Kingston will need to be made, with reasonable travel expenses paid. 

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. 

Join Westfield Academy’s Board of Trustees to support strategic growth, educational excellence, and inclusive opportunity.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 28th July 2025

Location: Watford, Herts

Time commitment: c. one day per month (25–30 hours per year).

About Westfield Academy

Westfield Academy is a thriving, oversubscribed single academy trust serving a diverse and dynamic community in Watford. With over 1,300 students, including a significant proportion eligible for free school meals and a growing number of learners with education, health and care plans, we are proud of our inclusive ethos and high standards.

Since converting to academy status in 2013, Westfield has consistently been rated “Good” by Ofsted, most recently in November 2024. Our ethos is centred on three drivers – Believe, Strive, and Achieve — and these are central to the culture of the school and underpin everything that we do. Our students are supported to reach their full academic potential and to grow into resilient, confident and compassionate young people.

We have an experienced and high-performing leadership team, excellent facilities and a growing reputation as the leading non-selective school in West Watford.

Our recent focus has been on improving student enrichment, strengthening financial resilience and ensuring a robust safeguarding framework. We are shaping our future ambitions, which include further capital investment and the development of our site, as well as other educational and community initiatives. Anyone joining Westfield Academy now has the opportunity to make a tangible impact and influence our future.

About the roles

As a trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of Westfield Academy. The Board is responsible for ensuring that the school delivers the best possible outcomes for students while maintaining sound financial management and effective governance.

Who we are looking for

For both roles, we are interested to speak to those who have governance experience.

For the education role, we are seeking someone currently or recently working in secondary school leadership, ideally at Assistant Head level or above. You will bring a strong understanding of attainment data, teaching and learning, safeguarding, and strategic school improvement. Experience with Ofsted inspection frameworks, curriculum development, or SEND provision would be valuable.

For the business leadership role, we are looking for a local employer or senior business figure with strategic oversight experience, financial acumen and a genuine interest in education and the local community. You will be comfortable operating in a governance setting and prepared to engage fully with the details of reports and strategic plans. Knowledge of organisational development, audit, or risk would be an advantage.

We particularly welcome interest from individuals with a local connection to Watford or the surrounding areas. This ensures our Board remains rooted in the community we serve and attuned to the lived experience of our students and families.

This is an exciting time to help lead an academy with strong foundations and real ambition. If you can bring the commitment and capabilities we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

Peridot Partners and Westfield Academy 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 28th July 2025.

We are looking for a qualified and experienced finance professional to join the Kingston Association for the Blind's Board of Trustees to take up the position of Treasurer. 

Kingston Association for the Blind empower people of all ages living with sight loss, to lead independent and fulfilled lives in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and the surrounding areas.

What will you be doing?

The Treasurer, in addition to their Trustee duties, is responsible for overseeing Kingston Association for the Blind’s financial affairs. 

The Treasurer will work with the CEO to ensure that effective financial measures, controls, and procedures are in place to manage the charity’s finances. They report to the Board on the organisation’s financial health, financial performance, and any potential risks.

Time Commitment:

· Quarterly Board meetings held in person in central Kingston.

· AGM is held once a year.

· Board members are encouraged and welcome to join charity events and trips.

What are we looking for?

· A finance professional with an understanding of charity finance or commercial experience.

· Strong communication skills, capable of presenting financial information to non-finance experts.

· Someone willing to contribute to forecasting, budgeting, and liaising with auditors.

· Attend quarterly Board meetings in person and the AGM each year in Kingston Upon Thames.

· We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic, committed, and eager to contribute new ideas and perspectives to our Board, helping to strengthen our team with diverse thinking.

· Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

· Willingness to accept responsibilities and act in the charity’s best interests.

What difference will you make?

As Treasurer, your insight will help the charity make smart, strategic decisions that directly impact how we support those who benefit from using our services.

You will be joining a friendly and committed team, who are passionate about providing an excellent service to our members.

Your background might be within a federated charity operating nationally or globally; you might work within a not-for-profit which delivers its impact through a network model or membership body; or you might operate in a corporate setting, perhaps operating franchises to reach your customers.

You will instinctively understand what it is to lead a like-minded movement of organisations, who together are far more than the sum of their parts.

You will be ready to get stuck into understanding what makes our local services tick and how best we can help them to have the voice, capacity and impact to change the world for unpaid carers.

More generally, we’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader, someone who can challenge and champion our direction and bring fresh ideas. Your insight could shape where we go next and help steer how we develop our network relationships and local delivery.

If you love collaborating with ambitious teams, challenging the status quo and finding smart, inventive ways to make an impact – this could be the perfect role for you.

Trustee

Trustee Recruitment - Lead with Purpose: Become a Trustee and Help Achieve a Life Unlimited. 

Your experience. Your voice. Your impact.

At Cystic Fibrosis Trust, we believe in a world where everyone with cystic fibrosis (CF), can live a life unlimited — and we’re inviting passionate individuals to join us on this powerful journey.

This is more than a governance role — it’s an opportunity to help guide strategic decisions that impact lives, influence national initiatives, and accelerate progress for a community that deserves nothing less than a brighter future.

Location: Remote / hybrid
Commitment: Flexible, approx. one day per month
Positions available: Multiple
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About us

Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone with CF – one of the most common life-limiting genetic conditions.

Our team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and Trustees works alongside people affected by CF to fund life-changing research, promote world-class clinical care, and provide essential advice and support.  We champion a community that is united by strength, compassion, and hope.

Our work relies on the generous donations of our supporters.

About the role

As a Trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our vision, values, and strategic direction, developing our aims, objectives, and goals. Your leadership will help us make decisions that matter, and your voice will help steer us toward a stronger, inclusive future.  Trustees typically serve a three-year term, with the option to continue for a second.

This is a voluntary role (unpaid), but reasonable expenses can be claimed for travel to attend meetings in person.

Time Commitment: up to one day a month on average, comprised of preparation for and attending meetings, away days and Trust related activities

Who are we looking for?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Due to our normal rotational retirements and trustee terms of office we have several vacancies.  We are keen to increase the representation of people with lived experience of CF and are particularly interested in applications from all people who can offer professional skills and experience in:

• finance and accountancy
• legal practice/law
• fundraising and income generation
• marketing and communications
• data and digital strategies
• basic science research
• non-clinical CF professions (e.g. psychology or social worker)

As part of our long-term succession planning, we would also welcome interest from candidates who may be open to taking on additional Board leadership responsibilities in the future, e.g. Chair, treasurer, or committee roles.

The cystic fibrosis community is diverse, encompassing people of all ages and backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that this diversity is reflected on our Board. We are especially interested in hearing from those with lived experience of CF, disabled individuals, and candidates from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, as well as LGBTQI individuals. We value fresh perspectives and encourage applications from first-time trustees.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of people affected by cystic fibrosis.
• Engage with dynamic peers who are driven, forward-thinking, passionate and purpose-led.
• Help drive an inspirational mission that blends science, support, and community.
• Play a critical role in shaping our strategic direction, ensuring robust governance, and championing equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Gain valuable experience in governance and strategic planning.
• Use your expertise to fuel lasting change.

 
If you are passionate about making a difference for people with cystic fibrosis, this is your moment.  Please get in touch.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Please download the Trustee Recruitment Pack for more information about the role and how to apply or click the button above “Redirect to the recruiter”

Important Dates

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 20 August 2025 
First interview: Week commencing 8 September 2025
Second interview: Week commencing 15 September 2025

REF-222468

999 Club IS RECRUITING NEW TRUSTEES!

999 Club is a charity doing big things with people facing homelessness. For over 30 years, we've provided a safe haven in the heart of Deptford — offering hot meals, showers, practical support, and a pathway out of homelessness for good.

We're now looking for up to three new trustees to help guide our growing organisation as we develop our new 5-year strategy.

We’re especially keen to hear from people with experience in:

· Fundraising – An ability to use your networks or knowledge to champion our cause and unlock new opportunities.

· Charity Finance – provide strategic financial oversight and potentially chair our Finance Committee.

· Property or Facilities Management – Help oversee the management and potential development of our buildings

What to expect:

As a trustee, you’ll gain leadership experience, broaden your network, and play a hands-on role in tackling homelessness and improving the mental wellbeing of our community. This is a voluntary role involving four board meetings a year (a mix of in-person and virtual), plus occasional events, emails, and committee work. Reasonable expenses are covered.

Inclusion:

We’re committed to building a diverse and representative board. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, or systemic disadvantage.

�� Trustee recruitment – health & safety & financial expertise

Organisation: Easy Housing Association (EHA) – Registered Social Landlord
Location: Remote
Type: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Closing Date: 22 June 2025

Join EHA’s board of trustees – provide strategic oversight for a safer, stronger social housing future.

Easy Housing Association (EHA) is a progressive, mission-driven Registered Social Landlord (RSL), committed to delivering safe, secure, and affordable homes for those who need them most. As we continue to grow, we are strengthening our governance and seeking two experienced and strategic individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you will provide high-level oversight, ensuring strong leadership, regulatory compliance, and financial resilience.

We are specifically looking for trustees with senior-level expertise in one or both of the following areas:

• Health & safety within the social housing sector
• Finance and strategic oversight in the charity or housing sectors

As a trustee, you will advise, challenge, and support EHA’s leadership, helping us meet our legal obligations, protect tenant wellbeing, and maintain long-term sustainability.

��️ Trustee oversight role: health & safety (social housing focus)

We are seeking a trustee to provide strategic oversight and governance on health and safety systems across EHA. You will help ensure we meet the highest safety standards for tenants, staff, and volunteers, and remain fully compliant with housing regulations.

Key areas of expertise include:

• Interpreting and overseeing compliance with H&S laws relevant to RSLs
• Ensuring robust systems for fire, gas, asbestos, and communal area safety
• Providing risk management insight across housing stock and services
• Understanding the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) expectations
• Reviewing inspection, audit, and incident-reporting frameworks
• Championing a strong, proactive safety culture across the organisation

Your contribution will help ensure EHA protects people and property through effective governance.

�� Trustee oversight role: finance & charity sector governance

We are also recruiting a trustee with the financial acumen to guide EHA’s strategic financial direction, ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainability across operations.

This role suits someone with financial leadership experience in charitable housing providers, housing associations, or social enterprises.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring long-term financial strategy, planning, and risk
• Understanding Charity SORP and RSL financial standards
• Overseeing reserves policy, budgeting, and funding management
• Ensuring compliance with the Charity Commission and RSH
• Supporting transparent and effective financial reporting
• Holding executive teams to account while enabling performance

Your insight will strengthen the board’s ability to govern with integrity and impact.

⏱️ Time commitment

Trustees are expected to attend monthly board meetings (approximately 2.5 hours online) and commit an additional 4 hours per month to board-related duties, including reading papers, joining sub-committees, or contributing expertise.

�� What you’ll gain

• A high-impact role in a values-led, tenant-focused RSL
• Opportunities to shape policy, compliance, and social impact
• Professional development in governance, housing, and regulation
• The fulfilment of helping improve lives through safe, secure housing

EHA is proud to be an inclusive and tenant-focused RSL. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds especially those with lived experience of social housing.

Your leadership and strategic oversight can help us build homes and futures that are safe, equitable, and resilient.
By joining our Board, you will help change lives—ensuring that safe, secure, and affordable housing is not a privilege, but a right.

Background

First Step is a Charity based in the London Borough of Havering, working with families of children with special needs and/or disabilities. For more than 35 years, we have supported in excess of 1,500 families and their children.

Families are referred or self-refer to us at a moment of crisis or uncertainty, normally pre-diagnosis, where they have concerns about their child.  We provide a range of family-centric services tailored to each family’s and child’s needs.

During our history we’ve had highs and lows, including overcoming a challenging time following the withdrawal of funding from the Local Authority in 2017 as part of their own austerity cuts.  Despite this, we’ve managed to sustain the charity through increased fundraising.

Our current Board has more than 80 years of experience, and over the next couple of years we’re looking to add some new and dynamic Trustees to strengthen the team and bring refreshed critical and creative thinking to our Charity.

The Chair of Trustees Role

Our Chair is looking to stand down after 10 fulfilling years, and we are looking for a new Chair to work with our Board and CEO to further strengthen our organisation long into the future.  

The new Chair should be ambitious for our Charity and have the vision and energy to help it extend its reach and impact, along with being an experienced leader who has empathy for our families, and lives our values.

They will need to have the ability to lead from the front in a collaborative style that builds consensus amongst the board, so we can meet the challenges ahead.

First Step are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities.

Podcast Hosts (remote but UK based) are invited to join our team to produce thought-provoking episodes that spotlight leaders in sustainability across the UK and beyond. Reach millions in over 120 countries.

You should have experience as a podcaster.

This is an opportunity to boost your portfolio and build a very high profile network for furthering your career, gain visibility and also be associated with the a global sustainability media platform. 

Big-time sustainability is a global media platform of a United Nations CSO.  

The Big-time sustainability podcast series (video and audio) is available across the world on all major platforms as well as on YouTube. 

On the show, global sustainability leaders, trailblazers and rising stars share their stories and experiences to encourage individuals and organisations play a pivotal role in the road to 360-degree sustainability. Guests include public figures ranging from Noble Peace Prize Nominees, to US Ambassadors, members from the House of Lords, to world-leading sustainability leaders, innovators, as well leaders from media, academia, arts, film, policy, and the third sector.

The video podcast series inspires and empowers listeners to start their own enterprise, transform their own organisations, launch or build a career, collaborate or volunteer, whilst addressing the major challenges faced by us and the planet, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, hunger, poverty, inequality and many more.

The podcast gives the mic to real people doing remarkable work—from eco-educators, local leaders to global thinkers.

The role

• Host 2 monthly episodes (30 minutes) featuring changemakers, innovators, thought leaders, experts, in the field of climate and sustainability - organisations and individuals from civil society, academia, governments and businesses.
• Research potential guests across key sustainability sectors covering climate education, climate action, climate solutions, finance, environment and natural resources, social justice and more.
• Prepare and conduct research-based, engaging interviews.
• Send personalised guest invitations in liaison with the production team. 
• Edit your episodes and storyboard in line with the episodes' narrative.
• Help share and promote episodes through all online platforms. 

What are we looking for?

• Experience in presenting, podcast hosting, interviewing, or broadcasting (essential)
• Have your own space with a presentable background, as all episodes are recorded remotely
• Interest or knowledge in sustainability, climate issues, and green innovation
• Confident speaking voice with a natural flair for storytelling
• Comfortable with remote recording tools 
• Able to edit video recordings to a professional standard
• Strong communication and research skills
• Excellent time management and organisational abilities
• Collaborative mindset, yet confident working independently
• Curious about people and social change
• Committed to authenticity, impact, and inclusive storytelling
• Social media savvy.

What difference will you make?

Be part of the global sustainability media platform reaching millions in over 120 countries.

Over 85% of people in the UK and even more, globally, are unaware of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) let alone take any steps to create a more sustainable world for themselves and in the process for others in this complexly interconnected world.

This highlights the need for such initiatives to educate the British as well as global societies about the UN SDGs. Your contributions can educate and inspire millions to act on the SDGs and bring positive changes that will impact all of us in this complexly interconnected world.

As a podcaster/podcast host your contributions will play a vital role in sparking thoughtful conversations, spreading meaningful insights, and motivating others to take action for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Most importantly your efforts will ensure that both individuals and organisations who see your videos and listen to the podcasts can come together and join forces to work in synergy, thus, benefitting more lives than acting alone.

About us

ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040.

ProVeg engages with all relevant stakeholders to create a food system where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.

ProVeg has received the United Nations’ Momentum for Change Award and works closely with key UN food and environment agencies. 

ProVeg creates global impact, with offices in 15 countries across five continents and more than 220 employees.

In the UK, our focus is on public sector food. Through our School Plates programme, we support major school caterers in their transition to healthier and more sustainable school menus. Since its launch in 2018, we’ve supported over 90 major school caterers, responsible for the food in over 8,000 schools, feeding over 1.3 million children every day, helping almost 50 million school meals become meat-free or plant-based. We plan to launch a sister programme in the healthcare sector, Hospital Plates, later this year.

Do you share our passion for transforming the food system? Are you impact driven and prefer to take a pragmatic approach? And do you have the skills and experience to help us? Then we’d love to hear from you!

Board Competencies 

We’re looking for a new Board member who can demonstrate the following personal characteristics and behaviours:

• Respects and internalises the principles of accountability

• Makes informed judgement

• Listens actively with an open mind

• Participates in debate, providing relevant comments

• Speaks own mind candidly but respectfully

• Demonstrates initiative and insightfulness

• Thinks both logically and creatively

• Makes decisions independently

• Advises from own experience base

• Teams with others, forming collaborative relationships with other Board members and, where appropriate, providing guidance and advice to staff

Meetings

The Board aims to hold around four Board Meetings per year (generally 1.5 hours per meeting, although subject to change, as necessary). Meetings are usually held virtually, although we now aim to hold one in-person meeting per year, and it is expected that Board Members read the necessary board materials prior to each meeting.

Board positions carry no remuneration but travel and other out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. In return for your contribution, we offer the chance to work with and on behalf of people who are passionate in their commitment to our Mission and are constantly inspiring in their energy and creativity to achieve positive change.

The Role of the Board

In line with ProVeg International's Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles, the ProVeg C.I.C. Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of ProVeg in the UK, and monitoring delivery by the Director and their staff. The Board members of ProVeg C.I.C play a critical role in acting as a check and balance for the organisation, giving strategic direction, and acting as a sounding board for strategy and priorities as required. Board members can typically help an organisation with their skills and experience, their networks and/or by other means. The Board member will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team of ProVeg C.I.C. and work closely and harmoniously alongside the International Board to support joined up and unified global strategic delivery of objectives. 

Duties

Board members are bound by a combination of statutory duties and organisational duties:

• Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. complies with its governing document, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations 

• Board members agree to contribute the necessary time to effectively govern ProVeg C.I.C. in the UK.  (The total commitment tends to be around 4h per quarter, but is subject to change in line with necessary duties)

• Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. pursues its objects as defined in its governing document

• Ensure ProVeg C.I.C. uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: ProVeg C.I.C must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are

• Contribute actively to the Board in giving firm strategic direction to ProVeg C.I.C, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• Safeguard the good name and values of ProVeg C.I.C.

• Manage conflicts of interests

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of ProVeg C.I.C. 

• Ensure the financial stability of ProVeg C.I.C.

• Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds

• Monitor the performance of the Director, UK (and if required, appoint the role)
   

Board Member Person Specification

Essential:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with relevant business, Community Interest Company, or Charity experience

• Commitment to and willingness to work in accordance with ProVeg International’s principles and values

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director

• An ability to have strategic vision in line with available market factors and resource

• A history of proven good, independent judgement

• Ability to think creatively

• Willingness to speak their mind professionally and respectfully

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels, such as Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers 

• Knowledge of good governance practice

• Solid understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Directors. 

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Willingness to adhere to ProVeg International’s Director’s Code of Conduct 

• Eligible under Company Law to be a Board Director (e.g. not barred from taking up such positions)

• Follows a plant-based lifestyle 

Desirable:

• Senior Management/Executive experience

• Salaried or Board experience in a similar organisation 

We specifically seek great board members with expertise or assets in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising and income generation

• Government/policy or B2B sector including food services

• Legal

• A network of influencers and ambassadors

• People & Culture

Diversity Statement
ProVeg is committed to equal employment, volunteering and governance opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, refugee background, genetic information, disability, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, HIV status, gender identity, or gender expression. People of colour, women, people with disabilities, people from LGBTQIA+ communities, elderly people, refugees and people living with HIV are strongly encouraged to apply.