Youth board volunteer roles

Remuneration: None, voluntary position. Expenses for travel may be claimed.

Time Commitment: Four formal three-hour board meetings per-year

Sub-committee and other officer roles require additional time. Additional meetings as and when circumstances require.

Term: Three-year terms for a maximum of three consecutive terms after which a Trustee may be reappointed following a year away from the board.

Location:Oxfordshire

Reporting: To the Board of Trustees

Reference Documents:

Charity Commission Essential Trustee Guide

Charity Governance Code

Charity Commission Guidance

Please read our accompanying recruitment pack for more information about working at

Oxfordshire Youth, including our approach to diversity and inclusion through recruitment.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV accompanied by a covering letter to our recruitment team, alternatively, visit our website or more information.  

Oxfordshire Youth

Oxfordshire Youth is a boundary-breaking youth development charity, passionate about creating a future for and with young people that gives them the best possible opportunity to realise their potential. Oxfordshire Youth supports the youth sector across the county, working with grassroots leaders; it delivers innovative youth leadership programmes; and it provides a transformational supported accommodation service for young people. In everything it does, OY aims to meet the needs and aspirations of young people. All the charity’s work is grounded in best practice safeguarding and youth work principles and practice.

1.Charity Trustees

The Charities Act 1993 defined charity trustees as those responsible under the charity’s governing document for controlling the administration and management of the charity. This is the case regardless of the terminology used to describe the role. The trustee board at Oxfordshire Youth usually comprises up to twelve trustees, although there is no formal limit on the number of trustees, including the following roles: 

● the Chair of the Board of Trustees

● the Deputy Chair and CEO Line-Manager 

● the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee 

● the Safeguarding Lead and Chair of the Safeguarding,Quality and Impact Sub-Committee the People and Development Lead and Staff Liaison Trustee

2.The Role of the Board

At its most fundamental the role of the trustee board is to receive assets from donors, safeguard them and apply them to the charitable purposes of Oxfordshire Youth. The trustee board must always act in the best interests of Oxfordshire Youth, exercising the same standard of duty of care that a prudent person would apply if looking after the affairs of someone for whom they have responsibility. Trustees are ultimately and legally responsible for everything Oxfordshire Youth does. Trustees fulfil this responsibility by deciding the strategy, establishing organisational policies and implementing appropriate monitoring, reporting and control mechanisms to ensure and evidence compliance. Trustees appoint the CEO and, on recommendation by the CEO, appoint the Senior Leadership Team to manage all operational matters and the operational team in line with the approved strategy, policies and control mechanisms.

3.Duties of a Trustee

The statutory duties of a trustee are

● Ensure that Oxfordshire Youth complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations

● Ensure that Oxfordshire Youth pursues its objects as defined in its Articles of Association 

● Ensure Oxfordshire Youth applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. For example, it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be 

● Contribute actively to the board of trustees by giving firm strategic direction to Oxfordshire Youth, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

● Safeguard the good name and values of Oxfordshire Youth

● Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organization

● Ensure the financial stability of Oxfordshire Youth 

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

● Appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor performance 

In addition to the statutory duties listed above, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the trustee has particular expertise. Trustees must ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.

4. Minimum Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at Oxfordshire Youth prior to their first board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend the four annual board meetings which last approximately three hours (typically 6.30-9.30pm). Papers, proposals and reports are distributed one week in advance of meetings. Trustees may be asked to join a sub-committee or working group each of which have their own terms of reference and minimum time commitments. There is also an annual strategic planning board away-day or residential held each year.

5.Person Specification

Each trustee must have: 

● A commitment to the mission of Oxfordshire Youth 

● A willingness to meet the minimum time requirement 

● An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

● Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims 

● Independent judgement, political impartiality, an ability to think creatively and a willingness to speak their mind 

● Good communication and interpersonal skills including a willingness to use tact and diplomacy to challenge and constructively criticise 

● Integrity

The board of trustees collectively needs skills and experience in the following areas: 

● Leadership and human resource management 

● Financial management, income generation and enterprise 

● Safeguarding experience and expertise 

● Public policy and public affairs 

● National and local youth sector

For this position, we are looking for an individual to join the Board of Trustees who is currently practicing within the legal profession, or who has significant skills and experience within this field, and who would be happy to use their position to provide legal advice and guidance to Oxfordshire Youth.

Oxfordshire Youth (OY) recruits outstanding talent to ensure we provide outstanding programmes services to the young people of Oxfordshire and the organisations who serve them. We are committed to creating a team of people that make diversity and inclusion the normal. Oxfordshire Youth are actively seeking to recruit candidates from Global Ethnic Majority backgrounds, and from candidates who may consider themselves to have lived experiences in the areas in which they work. 

Oxfordshire Youth offers Trustees robust training to support them to succeed in their role and to broaden their knowledge on the youth sector, and other relevant issues.

6. Trustee Role Boundaries

Trustees in a decision-making capacity:

● As a board of trustees 

● As a sub-committee

● Chair - delegated authority by the board to make decisions between board meetings where necessary 

● CEO Line Manager - delegated authority by the board to make decisions between board meetings where necessary

Trustee roles outside of the above decision-making capacity:

1. Advisory role (i.e. offering advice in an area of expertise). In this capacity the Trustee is acting as Trustee but, as noted above, does not have decision-making capacity in their own right.

2. Volunteer role (i.e. participating in an operational working group). Here the Trustee is subject to the decision-making of the operational team-member who is in a position of authority. As a volunteer the Trustee is at liberty to withdraw.

3. Observer role (i.e. attending an OY workshop for young people or observing OY work). In this capacity they are acting as a Trustee but have no role beyond observing or information gathering for the purposes of strengthening their own understanding and / or board-level decision-making.

Champion role (i.e. spreading the message about the work of OY). In this capacity they are acting as a Trustee, helping to build the profile of the work of OY, with no decision making, but with the view of creating a positive image and sign-p

North London Scout District is the leading inner-city Scout District in the country, covering the London Boroughs of Camden, Haringey, Islington and the City of London and providing outdoor experiences and skills for life for young people from a very diverse city population. The Scout District is a registered charity with over 2,000 members in active Scout Groups across the boroughs we cover. We have a lovely camp site and centre with 8 acres of woodland and open fields hidden away in the heart of Bounds Green, and a modern centre and sports hall on the Holloway Road as well as other property, considerable reserves in various investments, and four employees.

We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our Trustee Board and support our ambition. This is a challenging and rewarding role, helping to ensure the organisation continues to fulfil its role in developing young people, managing resources responsibly and remaining sustainable. 

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in strategic financial management and of working for or within a Board. Equally important is a desire to support young people, commitment to our Scouting values and a collaborative style, able to draw out the skill and potential within our team.

As an organisation we are committed to embodying our diverse and vibrant inner London environment, and we particularly welcome people who reflect our city and our members communities to join our Board to help strengthen our governance and our approach.

Being a member of the Board is a vital ‘backroom’ role, but there are plenty of opportunities to meet and celebrate the young people, and the adult volunteers, who benefit from the support the Board delivers.

Job description

As a Trustee you will:

a) Be an important part of the body that governs the charity and ensures it delivers its mission effectively.

b) Actively participate in meetings, offering guidance and support to ensure that North London Scout District delivers experiences for young people and supports adult volunteers in a safe environment.

c) Set North London Scout District’s budgets, plans and financial reports, ensuring they meet the organisation’s needs and the relevant regulatory requirements.

d) Help ensure North London Scout District is complying with UK Scout policy and processes and all relevant laws, as well as updating and reviewing its own policies and procedures. .

e) Act with care and skill in North London Scout District’s best interests.

f) Be or become a member of the Scouts.

As a Trustee you share, with all the Trustees, equal responsibility for the charity.

Person Specification

Prospective Trustees will:

a) Be committed the development of young people through Scouting.

b) Have experience of developing good relationships with people and organisations, stakeholders and supporters.

c) Be able to work in a team, recognising and respecting the difference between the Trustees’ role and that of staff or volunteers.

d) Be able to contribute to and ensure North London Scout District’s future plans and strategic development and/or financial stability.

All Trustees, as members of The Scouts, will be required to undertake an enhanced disclosure check with the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (a DBS check).

The prospective Treasurer will have:

a) A recognised accounting qualification.

b) Significant experience of financial management, budgeting and reporting, including the management of investments. 

c) An understanding of the financial, strategic and operational risks and their mitigation in a charity context.

d) Be familiar with charity accounting and statutory reporting requirements.

The Treasurer leads on all financial matters, working with the Finance Committee.  The Finance Committee is responsible for making budget recommendations and financial reports to the Board and for agreeing and overseeing financial and related policies. The Treasurer liaises closely with the bookkeeper, an employee, to provide quarterly financial reports, the annual budget and annual statutory accounts to the Board.  Input is also required during the annual audit process.

The Board

North London Scout District is governed by a Board of between 8 and 15 (currently 13) Trustees, who are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June. Trustees normally serve for at least 4 years.

Trustees are not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Zoom and in person) 5 - 6 times a year, usually early evening on a Wednesday. Regular dates are agreed a year in advance.

Individual Trustees also join or lead the Board’s Committees.  There is currently a Finance Committee (which meets 5 times a year, a week or so ahead of Board meetings. We also have occasional task groups for short-term items.

Remuneration: None, voluntary position. Expenses for travel may be claimed.

Time Commitment: Four formal three-hour board meetings per-year, 

Sub-committee and other officer roles require additional time. Additional meetings as and when circumstances require.

Term: Three-year terms for a maximum of three consecutive terms after which a Trustee may be reappointed following a year away from the board.

Location: Oxfordshire

Reporting: To the Board of Trustees

Reference Documents:

Charity Commission Essential Trustee Guide

Charity Governance Code

Charity Commission Guidance

Please read our accompanying recruitment pack for more information about working at

Oxfordshire Youth, including our approach to diversity and inclusion through recruitment.

Oxfordshire Youth

Oxfordshire Youth is a boundary-breaking youth development charity, passionate about creating a future for and with young people that gives them the best possible opportunity to realise their potential. Oxfordshire Youth supports the youth sector across the county, working with grassroots leaders; it delivers innovative youth leadership programmes; and it provides a transformational supported accommodation service for young people. In everything it does, OY aims to meet the needs and aspirations of young people. All the charity’s work is grounded in best practice safeguarding and youth work principles and practice.

1.Charity Trustees

The Charities Act 1993 defined charity trustees as those responsible under the charity’s governing document for controlling the administration and management of the charity. This is the case regardless of the terminology used to describe the role. The trustee board at Oxfordshire Youth usually comprises up to twelve trustees, although there is no formal limit on the number of trustees, including the following roles: 

● the Chair of the Board of Trustees

● the Deputy Chair and CEO Line-Manager  

● the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee  

● the Safeguarding Lead and Chair of the Safeguarding,Quality and Impact Sub-Committee the People and Development Lead and Staff Liaison Trustee

2.The Role of the Board

At its most fundamental the role of the trustee board is to receive assets from donors, safeguard them and apply them to the charitable purposes of Oxfordshire Youth. The trustee board must always act in the best interests of Oxfordshire Youth, exercising the same standard of duty of care that a prudent person would apply if looking after the affairs of someone for whom they have responsibility. Trustees are ultimately and legally responsible for everything Oxfordshire Youth does. Trustees fulfil this responsibility by deciding the strategy, establishing organisational policies and implementing appropriate monitoring, reporting and control mechanisms to ensure and evidence compliance. Trustees appoint the CEO and, on recommendation by the CEO, appoint the Senior Leadership Team to manage all operational matters and the operational team in line with the approved strategy, policies and control mechanisms.

3.Duties of a Trustee

The statutory duties of a trustee are:

● Ensure that Oxfordshire Youth complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations

● Ensure that Oxfordshire Youth pursues its objects as defined in its Articles of Association  

● Ensure Oxfordshire Youth applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. For example, it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be  

● Contribute actively to the board of trustees by giving firm strategic direction to Oxfordshire Youth, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

● Safeguard the good name and values of Oxfordshire Youth

● Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organization

● Ensure the financial stability of Oxfordshire Youth  

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

● Ensure appropriate safeguarding governance, processes, training and competences are in place to safeguard children, young people, adults, staff and others that OY may come into contact with

● Appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor performance  

In addition to the statutory duties listed above, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the trustee has particular expertise. Trustees must ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.

4.Minimum Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at Oxfordshire Youth prior to their first board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend the four annual board meetings which last approximately three hours, these usually take place in the evening. Papers, proposals and reports are distributed one week in advance of meetings. Trustees may be asked to join a sub-committee or working group each of which have their own terms of reference and minimum time commitments. There is also an annual strategic planning board away-day or residential held each year.

5.Person Specification

Each trustee should have:

● A commitment to the mission of Oxfordshire Youth

● A willingness to meet the minimum time requirement

● Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims

Independent judgement, political impartiality, an ability to think creatively and a willingness to speak their mind

● Good communication and interpersonal skills including a willingness to use tact and diplomacy to challenge and constructively criticize

● Integrity

● An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship (although further training will be provided)

The board of trustees collectively needs skills and experience in the following areas: 

● Leadership and human resource management  

● Financial management, income generation and enterprise  

● Safeguarding experience and expertise  

● Public policy and public affairs  

● National and local youth sector

For this position, we are looking for an individual to join the Board of Trustees who is currently practicing within the marketing, pubic relations and business development profession; or who has significant skills and experience within this field, and who would be happy to use their position to provide marketing, pubic relations and business development advice and guidance to Oxfordshire Youth.

Oxfordshire Youth (OY) recruits outstanding talent to ensure we provide outstanding programmes services to the young people of Oxfordshire and the organisations who serve them. We are committed to creating a team of people that make diversity and inclusion the normal. Oxfordshire Youth are actively seeking to recruit candidates from Global Ethnic Majority backgrounds, and from candidates who may consider themselves to have lived experiences in the areas in which they work. 

Oxfordshire Youth offers Trustees robust training to support them to succeed in their role and to broaden their knowledge on the youth sector, and other relevant issues.

6.Trustee Role Boundaries

Trustees in a decision-making capacity:

● As a board of trustees  

● As a sub-committee

● Chair - delegated authority by the board to make decisions between board meetings where necessary  

● CEO Line Manager - delegated authority by the board to make decisions between board meetings where necessary

Trustee roles outside of the above decision-making capacity:

1. Advisory role (i.e. offering advice in an area of expertise). In this capacity the Trustee is acting as Trustee but, as noted above, does not have decision-making capacity in their own right.

2. Volunteer role (i.e. participating in an operational working group). Here the Trustee is subject to the decision-making of the operational team-member who is in a position of authority. As a volunteer the Trustee is at liberty to withdraw.

3. Observer role (i.e. attending an OY workshop for young people or observing OY work). In this capacity they are acting as a Trustee but have no role beyond observing or information gathering for the purposes of strengthening their own understanding and / or board-level decision-making.

4. Champion role (i.e. spreading the message about the work of OY). In this capacity they are acting as a Trustee, helping to build the profile of the work of OY, with no decision making, but with the view of creating a positive image and sign-posting people to OY.

Youth representative invited to join charity Board of Trustees!

Do you have lived experience as a refugee or asylum seeker?

Are you aged 17 – 25 years?

New Citizens’ Gateway is seeking a youth representative to join their Board of Trustees, and you could be an amazing part of helping this charity grow. This will be a fantastic opportunity to gain new skills, including learning how charities run and building leadership and networking abilities. No experience required and trustee training will be offered.

New Citizens’ Gateway is a charity in Barnet, London that empowers refugees and asylum seekers to foster a sense of belonging, integrate into the UK and rebuild their lives, through advice and guidance, campaigning, ESOL classes, community classes and groups, counselling, wellbeing services, youth activities and mentoring. 

Board meetings are held four times a year in addition to attending occasional networking, fundraising and ceremonial events and meetings. All reasonable expenses will be covered by the charity. We anticipate a 1-2 hour monthly time commitment. 

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment.

To apply, please send a short written paragraph explaining a little about yourself and/or why you would like to be part of the Board.

Closing date: 12th May 2025

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by the EOD on Monday 19th in preparation for submission to NCG on Tuesday 20th May.

Are you a finance whizz looking for a rewarding trustee role? We have an amazing opportunity to be a Treasurer for our board, where you’ll have oversight of all financial aspects of the charity and advise the board accordingly. You’ll also be a proactive board member who shares our vision and values, and works with us to shape the charity’s direction. We look forward to hearing from you!

This role can be undertaken remotely for the most part, with quarterly in-person board meetings in London. 

Please apply via the brief application form on our website.

The main tasks you'll be required to undertake:

• Oversight budgeting, forecasting and reporting both internally to the Board of Trustees as well as reporting of the annual accounts
   
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly invested and economically spent
   
• Review of internal financial control environment ensuring continuous improvement and timely follow up of any actions
   
• Contributing to the strategic plan and advising on financial implications, and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity
   
• Being a dedicated and proactive trustee of the charity, making meaningful contributions to meetings and discussions, and leading ad hoc pieces of work as required

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system.

As educators and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps young people develop their English language and self-advocacy skills whilst addressing their social and wellbeing needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in the UK.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a Chair to work with the Board of Trustees and Director to oversee Springboard's operations and strategic direction. We're looking for someone who thinks strategically and creatively, enjoys working collaboratively and wants to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education and migration landscape.

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and participatory education, as well as our commitment to supporting and platforming displaced young people. We're keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us continue to refine our delivery and grow. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, inclusive, anti-racist and commited to actively challenging the hostile environment and violent border regimes across all its work. We are interested in hearing from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We particularly encourage applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and leaving care. 

Responsibilities of the Chair include:

• Providing leadership for the Board of Trustees in their role of setting the strategy and policies for the organisation
• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and setting the agendas
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings 
• Monitoring that decisions taken at board meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at appropriate events, meetings or functions  
• Liaising with the Director on organisational activity and providing support as appropriate 

Qualities:

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• Understanding of the wider political landcape, abolitionist perspectives and commitment to challenging the hostile environment
• Independent judgment
• Commitment to making meetings inclusive and welcoming to Trustees with all levels of experience
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing work that centres newly arrived young people

TIME COMMITMENT

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of two hours per month to the charity. 

As Chair, you will be required to support with annual reporting to the charity commission, plan the agenda for board meetings and provide intermittent support to the Director. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond by email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier. 

We're looking for a Youth Volunteer Activity Worker to support young people aged 8–16 at our local community hall two days a week (Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3–7pm).

On Wednesdays, you’ll help deliver fun sports activities including football and boxing, while Thursdays focus on engagement activities like board games, homework help, and providing a safe space for young people to talk about any personal or educational challenges.

This is a great chance to make a real impact, build your skills, and be a positive role model in the community.

*This role requires candidates who are eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship*

As our current Chair, Tim Roberts, comes toward the end of his final term of office, we are now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to succeed Tim and support The Mayor’s Fund for London as we take forward our ambitious strategy over the coming years.

It’s a vital time for young people in London – with many facing challenges around poverty and cost of living, mental health and wellbeing, and a lack of access to opportunities and services. But at the same time, there are real opportunities, through the London Growth Plan, and the appetite of communities, businesses and education to work together to ensure young people do have the chance to thrive. The Mayor’s Fund for London is a charity at the heart of connecting these agendas, driven by the voices of young people and the organisations that support them.

As Chair of Trustees, you’ll lead a highly skilled, very engaged and diverse board of Trustees, working with a talented staff team, within an organisation which enjoys great relationships and a growing reputation as a leading voice in London. If you care passionately about young Londoners succeeding, have great connections in business, can navigate through London’s civil society and the policy landscape and have a good grasp of governance, diversity and inclusion then this exciting and unique opportunity could be the one for you.

Are you passionate about the natural world and inspiring others to engage with it?

Join us as a Trustee at the Field Studies Council and help shape the future of environmental education.

• You can be based anywhere in the UK
• You’ll need to commit approx. 10 days a year
• It’s a voluntary position but reasonable expenses are reimbursed

About Us

Field Studies Council is an environmental education charity. For over 80 years, we've been inspiring people to understand and care for the natural world. Through our network of centres across the UK, we provide fieldwork and outdoor learning experiences for all ages — from school groups and university students to families and lifelong learners.

We are a leader in biodiversity training, the publisher of best-selling wildlife ID guides, and a champion for accessible outdoor education, particularly for disadvantaged young people. Our mission is simple but vital: to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

Your Opportunity to Make a Difference

We’re currently looking to appoint four new Trustees to bring fresh perspectives and help us grow in diversity, representation and expertise. As a Trustee, you'll help guide and shape our charity’s future.

While the day-to-day running of our charity is handled by our staff and volunteers, the Board of Trustees plays a key role in making sure everything stays on track.

That includes overseeing our work, making big-picture decisions, and ensuring we meet our legal and regulatory responsibilities. It’s an important role, but you won’t be doing it alone. You will:

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to support our mission and values
• Use your insight and experience to influence decisions that impact tens of thousands of learners annually
• Act as an ambassador for environmental education and social inclusion
• Contribute to Board and committee meetings, and participate in key annual activities including visiting one of our field centres each year to see our work in action
• Use your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to help us innovate, grow, and reach more people

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be an academic, ecologist or environmentalist to join us or have charity trustee, company director or equivalent experience — we welcome applicants from all walks of life. We are especially interested in candidates with skills in:

• Charity governance
• Finance (qualified professionals – potential Honorary Treasurer role)
• Fundraising & stakeholder engagement
• Marketing & communications

Above all, we want individuals who are:

• Passionate about equal access to outdoor learning
• Ready to speak up and bring a new perspective
• Willing to give their time and energy to support the Field Studies Council

We’re committed to building a Trustee board that is inclusive, representative, and reflective of the diverse communities we serve.

We warmly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in charity governance — including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ communities, young people, and those with lived experience of social or economic disadvantage.

If you're excited by our mission and ready to help others experience the power of nature, we’d love to hear from you.
 

What’s Involved

• Approx. 10 days per year commitment for an initial 3-year term (this includes board and committee meetings, and a centre visit)
• Most meetings are held virtually, with one in-person event annually
• All reasonable expenses are covered
• Appropriate training and support will be provided

Please download the Trustee Candidate Information Pack to learn more and take the next step in helping us connect people with the natural world

Buttle UK: Giving children in crisis a chance for change

Are you driven to champion children and young people and possess the strategic leadership skills needed to create change for those facing poverty and crisis? We're looking for a passionate and strategic individual to Chair our Board of Trustees at Buttle UK.

For over 70 years, we've been a lifeline for vulnerable children and young people across the UK, providing vital support through our Chances for Children grants. Building on our strong foundation and a period of reflection, Buttle UK is evolving. We will continue providing crucial, flexible grants but also use our expertise to understand and address the systemic issues that lead to poverty for the young people we support. Our 2025-2030 strategy positions us, not just as a grant-maker, but as a changemaker, committed to ensuring that no child’s future is determined by poverty and crisis. 

The Chair of Trustees is a vital role, inspiring and leading our Trustees and staff team, and ensuring we stay focused on our mission. You will work closely with our CEO to achieve our goals, and champion Buttle UK's vital work. 

We’re looking for someone with:

• strong leadership abilities

• a strategic mindset

• experience in supporting and mentoring

• exceptional communication skills

• a background in governance (Chair experience is not essential, but charity board experience is strongly preferred).

This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your expertise and passion to a charity where you can truly see the impact of your contribution and help us drive systemic change for vulnerable children and young people across the UK.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from all applicants, regardless of race, sex or gender, sexuality, socio-economic background or any other minority or protected characteristic. We look forward to reviewing (and can make reasonable required  accommodations) for members of any such groups.

The candidate pack, which includes information on how to apply, can be downloaded from our website

Closing date for applications: midday on Wednesday 4th June

This is a voluntary role

Join us our Chair of the Board of Trustees

 We are seeking an inspiring Chair who will play a vital role in shaping our future.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? Do you have a strong desire to contribute your skills to a cause that matters? We invite you to become the new Chair of our Board of Trustees and be a driving force for change!

Who we are

CAYSH is a purpose driven charity, dedicated to making a difference to the lives of young people. We believe in the power of community, collaboration and transparency to create lasting change. We provide supported housing, advice and guidance to more than 100 vulnerable, homeless young people.

Our Community Interest Company has a separate board and exists to provide 24/7 concierge services to young people at CAYSH and externally to vulnerable adults with complex needs.

What we are looking for: An individual who will provide strategic guidance, support our growth and provide governance leadership. You will also support us in making a difference to the lives of young people and vulnerable adults.

While working collaboratively with our CEO, dedicated team of staff, trustees and directors you will support and oversee the activities of our organisation and have oversight of board and committee activity and decision making.

 Why you should join us as our Chair:

Impact: Be part of an organisation making a real difference to the lives of homeless young people. Leadership: Support our strategic decision-making and shape the future direction of the organisation. Fulfilment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts contribute to positive change.

We want to work with a Chair who is an experienced trustee or director, with a career background that will raise the work of the CAYSH Group and champion our vision and mission. We endeavour to grow our organisation and particularly welcome applications from anyone who will support our business growth strategy. Commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is essential, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory practice.

Time commitment:

Our Trustees and Directors provide a valuable and positive contribution, building on our strengths and ensuring our results are sustained. There are currently 9 Trustees / Directors within the Group who bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to the organisation.

You will attend an average of 4 Board meetings and up to 4 Committee meetings a year, plus Trustee / Director away-days & other events, such as AGM. Meetings are held outside regular business hours and are mostly online. Events (including strategy days, AGM and service user get-togethers) usually take place at our offices in Croydon.

How to Apply: If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and to become the Chair of Board of Trustees with CAYSH, we would love to hear from you! Please submit a brief statement outlining your interest and the skills you bring to our organisation.

Apply now and become a catalyst for positive change! Together, let's build a better future.

First Give – providing hope for the future

Today’s young people care deeply about social issues. But while 88% of 10–20-year-olds want to make the world a better place, far fewer are taking part in meaningful social action.

First Give was founded ten years ago to change that. Our mission is simple: ignite a spark of social conscience in young people and give them the chance to make a difference.

Through our school-based programmes, we’ve supported nearly 250,000 students to connect with local charities, take social action, and understand the power of giving. The impact is clear:

• 98% of students better understand local social issues
• 90% are more likely to take social action again
• 95% of teachers say we succeed in inspiring a sense of social conscience

Despite this, we’re only reaching 7% of state secondary students in our key regions. We need to go further.

Route to a Million Campaign

We’ve set our sights on something bigger. By 2034, we want one million young people to experience the power of giving through our programmes.

To make that happen, we’re launching an ambitious fundraising campaign—Route to a Million—to raise an additional £1.5m over the next three years.

This is a pivotal moment. With the right support, we can expand our reach, scale our model and dramatically increase our impact.

Who we’re looking for

We need a bold, strategic Chair to lead the new Campaign Board and help bring this vision to life.

You’ll bring:

• Senior leadership experience and strong business acumen
• Influence and networks that can unlock significant support
• A passion for empowering young people and driving social change

As Chair, you’ll:

• Shape and drive the fundraising strategy
• Open doors and generate new funding opportunities
• Build and lead a high-impact Campaign Board
• Act as a lead ambassador for First Give and the campaign
• Be willing to give, as well as ask others to
• This is an opportunity to play a defining role in a campaign with a lasting legacy—for young people, for communities, and for the future of giving in the UK.

Time commitment and support

• Around 1-2 days per month, including some evening events
• A three-year term
• Based in London with in-person Board meetings at our West Hampstead office
• Full support from the First Give team to ensure your time is impactful

If you believe in the potential of young people to drive change, and you have the drive to lead this campaign, we want to hear from you.

Immediate Theatre is a Hackney based community arts organisation with almost 30 years’ experience of providing quality arts opportunities in East London.  We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Estimated time commitment 25 hours a year.

We are particularly keen to engage people with at least one of the following attributes:

• Young people under 25 interested in developing leadership skills.
• Lived experience of the issues facing our participants e.g.:
  • 90% of our youth theatre participants are from diverse ethnic backgrounds and a high proportion experience economic disadvantage, we know of 115 regular participants who access Free School Meals.
  • 32% of registered participants have special educational needs or a disability
  • Many participants on our Pathways to Employment programme have mental health challenges
  • We work with over 60’s including those experiencing long term illness
• Knowledge about education, we are keen to engage someone with knowledge of Secondary Education and/or academic connections with a relevant University
• Experience of managing a similar size organisation or team
• Experience of marketing.
• Experience in the community arts sector

A full breakdown of the trustee role can be found on Immediate Theatre's website.

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system.

As educators and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps young people develop their English language and self-advocacy skills whilst addressing their social and wellbeing needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in the UK.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

As Springboard’s Youth Academy’s activities and ambitions continue to grow, we are seeking new members to join our existing Board of Trustees. 

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and participatory education, as well as our commitment to supporting and platforming displaced young people. We're keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us continue to refine our delivery and grow. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care. 

Responsibilities of Trustees include:

• Attending meetings and carrying out relevant actions
• Advising the delivery team on the aspects of their work that align with the Trustee's expertise
• Supporting the Board with ensuring the organisation is carrying out its mission
• Participating in the organisation's annual Away Day 

Qualities: 

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• Understanding of the wider political landcape, abolitionist perspectives and commitment to challenging the hostile environment
• Independent judgment
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing work that centres newly arrived young people

TIME COMMITMENT

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of two hours per month to the charity. 

As a Trustee, you will be required to attend quarterly meetings. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond by email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier.