Volunteering manager volunteer roles in abergavenny, monmouthshire

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

As a Graphic Designer, you will be instrumental in shaping the visual identity of Roots Academy UK. From designing educational resources and social media assets to crafting digital campaigns and event materials, your work will ensure our content reflects excellence, clarity, and spiritual depth. You will help bring Islamic learning to life through purposeful, polished, and impactful design.

Key tasks

• Design Development: Create visually compelling graphics for use across social media, email, web, presentations, and print.

• Brand Consistency: Ensure all visual materials align with Roots Academy’s brand guidelines and Islamic values.

• Content Support: Collaborate with the social media and education teams to translate ideas and scripts into polished, engaging visuals.

• Template Creation: Build easy-to-edit templates for internal teams to use (e.g., Canva or Google Slides).

• Trend Awareness: Stay up to date on design and content trends, especially within the faith-based and youth development space.

• Project Management: Maintain organized design files and deliver work in a timely manner.

What we’re looking for

• Strong design portfolio demonstrating creativity, clarity, and alignment with brand guidelines.

• Experience using tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Figma.

• Attention to detail and a strong sense of layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.

• Ability to take direction while contributing creative input.

• A deep understanding of Islamic values and visual modesty in design.

• Experience designing for social media platforms (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok).

• Excellent communication and time-management skills.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Professional development and practical experience in design and digital marketing.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah (personal & spiritual development) sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy. 

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Trustees manage the affairs of our local RSPCA Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area. 

We are the Surrey East Branch of the RSPCA, and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. 

Main activities: 

• To be familiar with and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA. 

• To be familiar with our branch rules and follow them at all times. 

• To work with your fellow trustees and branch officers to jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of our branch and the RSPCA. 

• To ensure the branch meets all the minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS). Where they are not met, work with national RSPCA staff to meet the standard as soon as practicable. 

• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch support specialist (BSS), to write, adopt, monitor and review a branch development plan setting out the short and long-term aims of our branch. 

• To actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting, and regional conference. 

• To be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives. 

• To attend the trustee training course. 

• To actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers. 

• To welcome new trustees and volunteers to the branch. 

About the RSPCA

We’re proud to be the oldest welfare charity in existence

• We were the first to introduce a law to protect animals and we work hard to ensure that all animals can live a life free from pain and suffering. 

• Through our campaigns we raise standards of care and awareness of issues for the animals who have no voice. We push for laws to be changed, improving the welfare of animals on farms, in research labs, in the wild, in paddocks or in our homes. 

• Through investigations and prosecutions, we stand up to those who deliberately harm animals to send out a clear message - we will not tolerate animal abuse. 

• Our highly trained officers tackle neglect and cruelty at every level and are working hard to stamp out large-scale serious, organised and commercial animal cruelty. 

• We believe every animal has the right to be counted as an individual. Animals can rely on us to rescue them when they need us most. To rehabilitate them wherever possible, provide them with the very best veterinary care and to find them new homes, either through rehoming or release.

What are we looking for? 

• Most people aged 18 or over are eligible to become a trustee. You will need to become a member of the RSPCA. Good interpersonal skills are important. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense and the ability to be objective is vital. 

• Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, and awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential. 

• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and that they accept the post. 

• In addition to our standard declaration of willingness, trustees also need to complete a declaration from the Charity Commission and read their guidance for individuals on who can’t be a trustee or senior manager of a charity. 

What can we offer you? 

• It’s a great way to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. 

• You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals. 

• New RSPCA trustees are provided with a document “Trustees handbook” and asked to attend a training course which provides information and guidance about a trustee’s role and responsibilities. 

• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch. 

• Volunteer at the heart of the local community. 

*About Us:**
The 25th St. Marks Scout Group is dedicated to providing young people with opportunities for adventure, learning, and personal development. We are part of the global Scouting movement, committed to helping young people achieve their full potential.

**Role Overview:**
The Chairperson will lead the Executive Committee, ensuring the effective governance and strategic direction of the 25th St. Marks Scout Group. This role is crucial in supporting the Group Scout Leader and ensuring the group meets its objectives.

**Key Responsibilities:**
- **Leadership:** Provide leadership to the Executive Committee, ensuring all members are motivated and working towards the group's goals.
- **Governance:** Ensure the group operates within its constitution and complies with relevant legislation and policies.
- **Strategic Planning:** Develop and oversee the implementation of the group's strategic plan.
- **Meetings:** Chair Executive Committee meetings, ensuring they are productive and decisions are made in the best interest of the group.
- **Support:** Work closely with the Group Scout Leader to support the delivery of a high-quality program for young people.
- **Representation:** Represent the group at district and county meetings, and act as an ambassador for the group within the community.
- **Fundraising:** Oversee fundraising activities and ensure the group has the necessary resources to operate effectively.
-Communication:

Ensure effective communication within the group and with external stakeholders.

Skills and Experience:

Leadership:

Proven leadership skills and experience in a similar role.

Communication:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Organization:

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Commitment:

 A commitment to the values and principles of Scouting.

Teamwork: 

Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Fundraising:

Experience in fundraising and resource management is desirable.

Time Commitment:

This is a volunteer position requiring a commitment of up to 4 meetings per year, including attendance at events to promote the group

**How to Apply:**
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their suitability for the role of Chairperson person and trustee 

Community researchers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park ensure our community-owned park is inclusive and welcoming for all.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for community researchers specialised to contribute to our community-led working circle who are working on on a listening project to ensure often underrepresented voices in conservation and environmental projects are heard and centred. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects and facilitate the direction of the working circle.

The Inclusivity Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

While your experienced research skills are crucial, we also value your ability to engage with the community and build partnerships. Experience in conducting community-based research or working with community organisations is important. A strong understanding of community dynamics and the ability to collaborate effectively will be invaluable in ensuring your research findings are relevant and impactful. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your research expertise will be vital in shaping our new biodiverse park. By conducting listening research on community needs, and potential park uses, you'll help us create a sustainable and inclusive space. Your findings will inform our design, programming, and outreach efforts, ensuring the park meets the needs of our community and contributes to biodiversity conservation.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.

What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies

In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference.

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

• This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people

We seek a Chairperson to head our Board at Evolve Counselling who will guide our strategic direction in the provision of lowest cost mental health counselling for individuals and businesses. 

Location: Cambridgeshire area of operations. Chair can be fully remote. 

Voluntary: Reasonable expenses paid 

Commitment: Initial term of 1 -3 years. Flexible hours per month 

Closing date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025

Overview 

For over 40 years Evolve Counselling has provided lowest-cost professional mental health counselling for adults in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Northamptonshire and beyond, through the skill and dedication of our team of 60+ BACP-registered counsellors.

The role 

We are looking for a new Chair who understands the growing demand for our services and the challenges of competing as a medium sized charitable business at this time. We shall look to our new Chair to build trust and engagement with our CEO, the Trustee Board, our volunteers, and supporters, as we capitalise on great recent work to stabilise and find new opportunities for significant growth. 

The new chairperson will ideally bring health and wellbeing experience and commercial skills, as well as a demonstrable empathy for charitable working and commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life. 

The role of the Chair is hugely rewarding and the scope under the leadership of the current CEO for Evolve to grow and innovate is significant. You will have significant senior leadership experience to drawn upon as you take ultimate responsibility for directing and inspiring the Trustees, making sure we are financially sustainable, and well run for our clients. Our ethos is to look upwards and outwards as we strive for a leading position in mental health services for all, and your commercial acumen, professional contacts, and powers of persuasion in business will be a huge support for our ambitions. 

Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, plus away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month. 

For further information or an informal discussion on the role, please contact Kevin Bottrell.

Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to our CEO Gordon Ackroyd.

Are you a creative and strategic marketer passionate about using your talents to make the world a better place? Join now-u, a growing nonprofit organisation with a mission to drive meaningful social change through education, action, and technology.

We're looking for a proactive Marketing Officer who can take ownership of our marketing and communications efforts. In this role, you’ll both lead and do—developing strategy, managing projects and volunteers, and creating content and campaigns that engage our community and build our brand.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the development and execution of our marketing and brand strategy
• Create compelling marketing materials and content for digital and offline channels
• Manage and coordinate marketing volunteers, delegating tasks effectively
• Grow and optimise our key channels (social media, SEO, Google Ads, blog) and explore new ones
• Shape and evolve the brand identity of our app and campaigns
• Use data and feedback to iterate and improve outreach and engagement

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has strong marketing and communications experience (strategy + hands-on)
• Is confident using content creation tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe, or similar)
• Understands digital channels and user journeys
• Has great project and people management skills
• Is a self-starter, excited to work in a collaborative and mission-driven environment
• Is passionate about making a tangible difference through their work

About now-u

now-u is a nonprofit organisation aiming to empower people to take action on social and environmental issues through our mobile app, campaigns, and partnerships. This is an exciting time to join our team as we scale our impact and grow our community.

This is a volunteer role with a flexible time commitment. It’s ideal for someone looking to make a difference, build their portfolio, or apply their skills to a purpose-driven mission

We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Caerphilly and District group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Caerphilly and District area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Charity Trustee

You and Me Counselling are currently recruiting volunteer trustees to complement the committee members already in their role.

This is a home working role and will be for immediate start.

Our charity

You and Me Counselling is a charitable organisation established in 2011. We are a counselling and psychotherapy service based in Hornchurch, Essex that works with children, young people, adults, and their families in the boroughs of Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest. Our counsellors and therapists work both within schools and from our counselling rooms located in Hornchurch and Ilford.

You and Me Counselling are an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). This means we are fully governed by the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

Job Description

As a trustee you will need to:

• Acknowledge emails at least once a day.
• Give a minimum of one hour per week to the role.
• Attend quarterly trustee meetings online.
• Ensure that You and Me Counselling pursues its stated objectives
• Ensure there is regular review of changes that might affect the organisation (political, financial, demographic, etc.)
• Ensure that the charity complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Monitor finance to ensure that the charity applies its resources exclusively for its charitable objectives.
• Uphold the good name and values of You and Me Counselling.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Supervise, support and appraise the chief executive officer.
• Hold the chief executive officer to account for the management and administration of the charity.
• Ensure that the organisation acts in accordance with employment law and exercises a duty of care to its employees.
• Identify major risks to the organisation and put systems in place to mitigate or minimise the risks.
• Ensure that the organisation has a governance structure that is appropriate to a charity of its size/complexity, stage of development, and its charitable objectives
• Regularly review your own training needs and create an expectation of continuous professional development throughout the organisation.
• Ensure that trustees have an agreed code of conduct and comply with it, and that there are mechanisms for the removal of trustees who do not abide by the principles stated therein.

Person Specifications

All trustees should demonstrate the following skills and values:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of their legal duties and responsibilities as a trustee
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data.

Specific Skills

The ideal candidate would have one of more of the following:

• Experience in charity law and governance
• Experience in charity fundraising
• Knowledge of counselling or psychotherapy (as a therapist or client)
• Experience in accounting or financial management
• Experience in business development
• Experience in social media or marketing
• A parent of a young person who has experience of mental health issues

Join us in making a difference to the lives of soldiers and their families - become an AFF Trustee!

We are currently seeking dedicated volunteer Trustees to join our Board and help steer AFF towards achieving its objectives.

AFF is independent of the Army and offers confidential advice to serving personnel and their families either online, by email or by phone. We may respond to enquiries with direct advice or by signposting to help identify the right route for further advice or support. We also provide useful information for Army families through our extensive website and magazine, Army&You. 

At a strategic level we work with senior command and our Chief Executive works with the most senior Army commanders, the Ministry of Defence, and the UK and devolved nations legislative and executive bodies. AFF is often pivotal in achieving improvements for serving soldiers and their families such as changes to Government and military policy and changes to how things are provided for families.

Key Responsibilities: 

AFF Trustees provide oversight, governance, and support to ensure AFF remains effective in its work and responsive to the needs of the Army community.  They help shape the strategic direction of the Army Families Federation, by providing Board-level guidance to the team supporting soldiers and their families, wherever they are in the world, so they are able to live well throughout their Army life. 

Who We Are Looking For: 

We are looking for individuals who are committed to the welfare of Army families and who bring professional experience in the following areas: 

• Commercial/ fundraising: experience of commercial income generation, fundraising and development strategies.

• ​Legal: Expertise in legal matters, including governance, compliance, and contract law. 

Additionally, applications are welcome from individuals with a connection to the Service community, particularly those from Foreign and Commonwealth backgrounds. We believe that diversity strengthens our ability to represent the full breadth of the Army family.

Essential Skills & Attributes: 

• A passion for understanding the needs of Army families and supporting them as they live their lives today 
• Strong professional experience and expertise in your field. 
• Commitment to good governance and the values of transparency and accountability. 
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach. 
• Ability to offer strategic insight and challenge where necessary. 
• Serving personnel are very welcome to apply, particularly if currently overseas.

Interested? Find out more: 

Our process in appointing Trustees begins with you reading through our Trustee Recruitment Pack. You can find this by hitting 'apply now' and downloading a copy. Or you can visit the jobs page of our AFF website. This will give you more specific information about AFF and the role our Trustees fulfil.

If you feel that you would like to apply to be an AFF Trustee, then you can make contact with us by sending your CV along with a covering letter, outlining your skills and motivations in being an AFF Trustee. If you have any questions, please reach out through the Charity Job application process to our HR Lead, Rachel BIshop. We will need to hear from you by 30 June 2025. 

We will get in contact with you to arrange initial conversations with a member of the team or an existing Trustee. We will be interviewing prospective candidates in July and August in Central London, and appointments will be made from late August. 

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack. 

We are seeking a passionate and committed Trustee to join our Board and help guide our strategic growth. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an organisation that places local people at the heart of creating positive change. We are particularly interested in recruiting candidates that have skills in finance and legal compliance.

As a Trustee, you will:

Strategic Leadership
o Help shape our strategic direction and ensure we fulfil our charitable objectives
o Monitor progress against our "Empowering Futures" 2024-2026 strategy
o Contribute to developing future strategic plans

Governance
o Ensure the charity operates within its governing document and legal framework
o Safeguard the charity's reputation, values, and integrity
o Approve policies, annual budgets, and financial statements
o Ensure proper financial controls and risk management systems are in place
• Financial Oversight
o Review financial performance and ensure financial stability
o Ensure charitable funds and assets are used appropriately
o Support the development of diversified income streams
• Advocacy
o Act as an ambassador for The Mason Foundation
o Use your networks to support our mission and expand our reach
o Promote our work and impact to potential partners and supporters

Safeguarding
o Ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals
o Foster a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

What You'll Bring
• Strategic vision and good judgment
• Commitment to our mission of reducing inequalities
• Willingness to devote time and effort
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Understanding of charity governance (desirable)

What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey

What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey

This is an exciting time to be joining UoGSU as we are implementing our new strategy. As an organisation we have been focused on communities, change and the education of our members.

We are looking for a trustee with experience and expertise in finance – this trustee will sit on our Audit and Risk committee. You will be a qualified accountant with experience of financial management, governance and oversight and an understanding of financial audit best practice. Previous experience of Audit and Risk committee work is of interest but not essential.

The individual appointed as trustee will need to be sympathetic to the aims of the SU and more generally share a commitment to the broader values of the student movement; student representation, student rights and the student experience – and the importance of students having a platform to organize together to help make these values a reality.

The role requires a careful balance; trustees need to respect the democratic will of the membership where possible but also be willing to think creatively, challenge constructively and point out potential risk. The Board is comprised of External Trustees, Officer Trustees and Student Trustees and oversees the work of a team of permanent staff a led by the Chief Executive.

An eye for detail to ensure the SU is being well governed and the ability to see future opportunities are also important.

The role is to serve on the board of trustees. Each term lasts 3 years and trustees can serve a maximum of 2 consecutive terms. Extensions are dependent on re-election to the board.

General candidate requirements:

All candidates will need to be comfortable reading and understanding financial information (or be willing to learn more about this aspect of the role). They should also have the following:

- An understanding of business management.
- A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to attend board andother meetings, including preparing and reading for those meetings.
- A willingness to speak their mind and contribute.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Analytical ability and good independent judgement.
- An understanding and acceptance of the role of a Charity’s Board of Trustees (including the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship).
- A commitment to act in accordance with the Nolan principles for ethical conduct in public service and the SU own values.

Desirable but not essential:

-Recent experience of the higher education sector or of Students’ Unions.
-Experience or knowledge of board governance.

Commitment required

Board Meetings: There are 5 scheduled hybrid meetings each year, usually held early evening and lasting 2 to 2.5 hours, with extra meetings added if required (although this is rare). Each meeting will have associated reading and preparation work. Meetings are usually conducted face-to-face, but trustees may participate remotely depending on their schedule and other commitments.

Sub-committees: All trustees sit on a remote board sub-committee – the Audit & Risk or People Committee. These committees usually meet up to 4 times each year and are scheduled to fit trustee availability.

Board members will also need to be available to approve decisions electronically between meetings if required.
If feasible, Board members are also encouraged to visit the SU and observe major events such as Welcome.