Youth board volunteer roles

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

The Role

Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.

The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.

What will you do as a volunteer?

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.

We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.

Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:

• Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
• Organise our monthly community meeting
• Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
• Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
• Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
• Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
• Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.

What you get:

Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).

Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.

You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.

We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.

‘The Rep’ – as it’s known in Birmingham and throughout the theatre world – is an institution in the city. Founded in 1935, it has become a pillar of the theatre sector, serving not only the community in Birmingham and the West Midlands but also regularly transferring productions to the West End and on national tours. It has world-class facilities in its workshops and on its stages and in the crafts and skills of the people that work in them. It brings new work to its audiences and delights them with popular, returning shows like The Snowman, part of The Rep’s offer for the last 30 years.

We are looking for an individual to join our trustee board who has marketing and communications expertise and who can demonstrate a track record of successfully engaging with a wide and diverse range of communities.Digital experience and the use of data in understanding customer engagement and behaviour would be very useful additions.

As a new trustee you would be joining The Rep at an exciting time. With growing audiences, recent artistic acclaim, and sound finances there is much to be proud of. However, we have new found ambition to be amongst the best regional producing theatres in the world. With an experienced executive team, a talented new Artistic Director, and a capable Board we are poised to reach new heights. This vacancy exists to join a winning team to build our brand and reputation well beyond Birmingham, our home city. 

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 11 August 2025.

Bring your knowledge and experience of education to the Board of Coventry College and help drive forward its next step of growth and development with an organisation that is a local beacon of opportunity and always puts its students first.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 1st September 2025.

Location: Coventry, West Midlands

Time commitment: c. 6 – 10 hours per month

About Coventry College

Coventry College is the largest provider of further education in the city, delivering a broad and vibrant curriculum encompassing provision from entry level to higher education. Our curriculum offer spans vocational, technical and professional education and training designed to meet the needs of the thousands of students who enrol each year, as well as the future skills needs of our local employers.

With a history tracing back to 1829 to the Mechanics Institution, Coventry College continues to build on its proud history as a beacon of educational opportunity for the diverse communities of Coventry.

About the role

We are seeking to appoint a senior, strategically-minded professional with experience of the education sector to our board. Through this process, we hope to identify individuals who are not only successful within their professional capacities, but those that share in the values of our organisation. We hope to receive applications from individuals who understand the importance of putting our learners first, who are inclusive, ambitious and those that strive for excellence whilst always remaining respectful.

We believe that the demonstration of these values, coupled with a successful professional track record and a belief in the power of education will allow our new governor to offer the appropriate level of challenge and ask questions of us to prosper, now and into the future.

Who we are looking for

We seek to appoint an experienced education professional who may have experience in a number of different areas:

• Curriculum development
• Quality improvement
• Student experience and student services
• Student recruitment

Whilst we welcome applications from candidates with direct experience of FE provision, we are also conscious of the need for diversity of thought across our Board. Therefore, we would also welcome applications from those based in other sectors, such as leaders of higher education, secondary phase provision, those working in more specialist educational provision, as well as those who are based in other relevant roles inside and outside the education sector.

Peridot Partners and Coventry College 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 candidate 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 1st September 2025.

CHIPS is looking for new trustees to support our peacemaking work internationally.

About CHIPS

CHIPS (Christian International Peace Service) aims to bring about peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict or tension. We have over 59 years’ experience helping communities in the UK, Cyprus, India, the Philippines, Northern Ireland and Uganda; with our current projects being in Northern Ghana and Brixton, UK. We help communities build futures free from violent conflict through practical projects that both tackle the root causes of the division and bring the sides together to build trust and healthy relationships.

Our Vision: Our vision is for a world where conflict is met with peacemaking, division gives way to reconciliation, and communities work together to build sustainable peace.

Our Mission: Rooted in Jesus' example of peace and reconciliation, we accompany communities affected by violent conflict, fostering relationships, taking practical action, and building a foundation for lasting peace.

Our Philosophy:

• We go where we are invited
• We live in the heart of the conflict
• We take sides. Both sides.
• We are committed for the long term

About Being a Trustee

CHIPS (Christian International Peace Service) trustees play a crucial role in advancing peace in communities worldwide. Working collaboratively as part of the Board, they provide strategic oversight to the organisation, helping to strengthen its impact and sustainability by bringing their unique expertise and skills to the team. We're particularly looking for a trustee with a strong background in finance, accounting or bookkeeping in order to help support our Director and Board in there oversight of financial matters.

We hope that the experience of being a trustee for CHIPS will be rewarding. As well as making a difference to the communities that we support, we hope you will gain satisfaction from generously giving of your time. We want to have a Board of Trustees who are diverse in their experience and knowledge so that impact can be sustained. Whilst specific roles may vary, the overall duties are:

• Ensuring that CHIPS pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its constitution, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy in coordination with CHIPS staff and project teams
• Ensuring that CHIPS complies with its constitution, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that CHIPS applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public
• Ensuring that CHIPS defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Safeguarding the good name and values of CHIPS
• Ensuring the effective and efficient governance of CHIPS, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring the financial stability of CHIPS
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the senior leadership of CHIPS
• Communicating on behalf of the organisation, if necessary
• Facilitating any feedback or complaints so that any issues are addressed swiftly

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Finance Trustee specific role

• Reviewing quarterly management accounts and highlighting any variances or financial risks to the board.
• Supporting the annual budgeting process by advising on assumptions, cost control, and sustainability.
• Overseeing the preparation of annual accounts with CHIPS staff and working with the auditor or independent examiner as needed.
• Helping develop and monitor financial policies such as reserves, investments, and internal controls.
• Providing strategic financial insight to guide decision-making on fundraising, staffing, or new initiatives.

Person specification
CHIPS is particularly looking for new trustees who have strong backgrounds in finance to support the Director and team members. However, CHIPS is also looking to more generally increase the number of trustees so if you feel you have expertise which could benefit CHIPS, please still get in touch.

• A commitment to and passion for CHIPS and its objects and vision
• A commitment to CHIPS’ statement of faith
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak their mind
• An ability to think creatively
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• A committed Christian willing to contribute to the spiritual life and development of CHIPS
• Experience or knowledge specific to the area in which they will oversee

If you're interested to join as a trustee, but want to find out more first - do get in contact with us.

We’re looking for new Trustees! We’re looking for people who support our mission and values, and who can act as ambassadors for YHA.

What will you be doing?

We’re looking for new Trustees

YHA enables everyone, especially young people, to connect with each other, nature and heritage through hostels in amazing places throughout England and Wales. Since 1930, we’ve been increasing access to travel and adventure. It’s our aim to reach and positively impact the lives of more people from more diverse backgrounds. And we target our support to young people and groups from under-served communities.

It’s a really exciting time to join YHA as we’ve just launched a refreshed strategy that will see us focus our activities and deepen our impact with the aim of growing people’s confidence, connection and sense of belonging - outcomes vital to wellbeing in this uncertain world.

What you’ll get from joining our Board

• the opportunity to contribute to the success of a national charity
• the chance to use your knowledge to make a valuable contribution to society
• a full induction and membership of an inclusive, welcoming Board

This could be a great fit for you You don’t need to have been on a Board before to become a YHA Trustee. We’re looking for people who support our mission and values, and who can act as ambassadors for YHA.

What matters most is that you bring good communication and listening skills, fair and reasoned decision-making, the confidence to challenge and support constructively, and time to commit to the role.

Diversity We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage people from the global majority to apply. These voices are currently under-represented on our Board, and we are committed to changing that.

Valuable additional strategic experience We’re also looking to strengthen the Board with Trustees who bring strategic insight in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance
• Hospitality
• Information technology, cyber security and data protection
• Leadership in a schools environment

Please note, you don’t need to have all these attributes to apply. Candidates must be over 16 years of age. 

Experience comes in many forms. Whether you’ve taken part in a community group, student council, parent committee, trade union, local campaign, or formal Board settings - those insights are all valuable here. 

What are we looking for?

You don’t need previous Board experience to become a YHA Trustee. What matters most is that you bring:

• a strong belief in YHA’s mission and understanding of our strategic direction
• good communication and listening skills
• fair and reasoned decision-making
• the confidence to challenge and support constructively
• time to commit to the role (including preparation and attendance at meetings)
• a commitment to YHA’s HEART values: Helpful, Efficient, Authentic, Respectful, and Team-spirited

We believe diversity in all its forms makes us stronger, more effective, and better able to deliver our mission. We care about who you are — not just what you’ve done.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. In particular, we strongly encourage people from the global majority to apply. These voices are currently under-represented on our Board, and we are committed to changing that.

We’re also looking to strengthen the Board with Trustees who bring strategic insight in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance
• Hospitality
• Information technology, cyber security and data protection
• Leadership in a schools environment

You don’t need to have all these desirable attributes to apply. We welcome applications from candidates who have relevant work and life experiences and have the passion to make a difference with YHA.

What difference will you make?

Becoming a Trustee is both deeply rewarding and genuinely enjoyable. This is an opportunity to help shape the direction of YHA — a charity dedicated to connecting people with each other, the outdoors nature and heritage.

Our Trustees hold overall legal responsibility for YHA. The Board sets and oversees the delivery of our strategy, and provides guidance across key areas such as impact, finance, risk management, property, hospitality, and performance.

With Trustees from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds, boardroom conversations are rich and dynamic — and every voice contributes meaningfully to our progress.

YHA places access and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. As a Trustee, you’ll be part of an open, collaborative culture where diverse viewpoints are not only welcomed but essential to our success.

Join current Trustees for a special webinar on 23rd June 2025 at 6pm to find out more about the opportunity and what it’s really like to be a Trustee. Sign up via the link on the YHA website.

Before you apply

You don’t have to be a current YHA member to apply to become a Trustee. To be elected, however, you will need to become an Association Member of YHA before the AGM on Saturday 8 November 2025. 

Please apply via Reach, after which we will ask you to complete our online application form, which includes your personal details, diversity monitoring and candidate statement which will ask you some questions relating to your skills and experience. If you need support with the application process or to submit your application in an alternative format, please contact us via Reach.

Bring your professional skills, passion and enthusiasm for vocational education and belief in the positive impact of education on raising aspirations and providing a base for future success in careers and higher education.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 15th September 2025

Location: Hybrid/Southend, Purfleet and Basildon

Time commitment: 2 – 3 hours per month

About South Essex College

South Essex College is the largest and most diverse vocational curriculum provider across Essex, offering a range of courses from entry-level to honour degrees, and providing bespoke training hand-in-hand with employers in state-of-the-art facilities.

South Essex is a vibrant and ambitious region with the ability to create jobs, attract new industry and cultivate entrepreneurs and investment. As a result of both the pandemic and the need for economic recovery, there has never been a greater need for skilled professionals and retraining in our region, and the College is a key partner in rebuilding the local economy.

In an ever-changing educational landscape, the College occupies a unique space. Located within the Unitary Authorities of Thurrock and Southend and the Local Authority (Essex County Council) in Basildon, the College aims to meet the aspirations and ambitions of each of the Unitary and Local Authority Partners by contributing to their regeneration plans and helping to meet the skills needs of its local communities.

Its aim is to provide young people and adults with the professional and technical skills they require to meet the skills needed of local and regional employers, so that they can gain quality employment and, in turn, improve the local and regional economy.

About the roles

Governors make an invaluable contribution to the development of excellence in colleges. As a member of the governing board, governors set the mission and strategic direction of the College and scrutinise its performance. Governors are volunteers.

Becoming a governor provides many opportunities to contribute to your local community and is an excellent way of developing strategic leadership skills.

Who we are looking for

The College sits in a strong and enviable position to build on its existing solid foundations and move forward, looking to the future to successfully develop and grow. It has high ambitions to continue providing a responsive level of education to its students and to develop and strengthen its activities in alignment with the local economy.

It is in this context that the College is now seeking to appoint new Governors to join the Board and associated Committees with an understanding of the FE sector landscape and a background in:

• Organisational Development
• Education Technology/Digital Transformation
• Marketing
• Education (FE experience)

You will bring senior leadership experience and a portfolio of expertise from your sector to support, challenge, and hold the executive team accountable in all matters concerning the college and its associated business cycle.

More importantly, you will hold a passion and enthusiasm for vocational education and the impact that the sector has on the lives of our students in raising aspirations and providing a base for future success in careers and higher education.

Peridot Partners and South Essex College 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 candidate 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 these roles close at 9 a.m. Monday 15th September 2025.

Shape the future of character education

Are you a Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, or senior school leader passionate about developing young people’s character? Do you want to use your expertise to shape an innovative education charity while also benefiting your own school? If so, we invite you to join Being The Cure as our Education Trustee and play a key role in refining and expanding our impact in schools.

About us

At Being The Cure, we believe education should go beyond academics—it should build Kindness, Honesty, and Humility, empowering young people to become tomorrow’s heroes. Our Saturday Schools and in-school programmes are grounded in research and gaining attention, including interest from UCL. Now, we need an experienced school leader to help us ensure our programmes truly meet schools' needs.

Why this role could be right for you

�� Flexible & realistic commitment – We understand school leaders are busy! Meetings are designed to fit around your schedule, with remote options available and minimal paperwork.

�� Directly benefit your own school – Gain expert insights into character education to enhance your curriculum and explore opportunities for your school to pilot our programmes or receive support.

�� Have strategic influence – This is more than a governance role. You will directly shape our education programmes, ensuring they are relevant, impactful, and aligned with the realities of school life.

�� Join a diverse & supportive board – Work alongside charity sector leaders, school business managers, and corporate consultants, all driven by a shared commitment to education and social impact.

Your role as our Education Trustee

As a trustee, you will act as a critical friend to our CEO and education team, helping us refine our curriculum and engagement with schools. Specifically, you will:

✅ Challenge and support our CEO to ensure our curriculum is evidence-informed and aligned with school needs.

✅ Help shape our engagement strategy, making it easier for schools to access and benefit from our programmes.

✅ Advise on best practices in education and share insights from your leadership experience.

✅ Support the scaling of our impact, ensuring our growth is sustainable and beneficial for schools.

Time commitment & flexibility

We respect the demanding schedules of school leaders, so we structure our commitments with maximum flexibility:

�� Induction – Approx. 6 hours to familiarise yourself with our programme and approach.

�� Ongoing - 6 hours on a quarterly basis including:

Quarterly Education & Safeguarding Committee – 1-hour remote meeting, with up to 1 hour of prep.

Quarterly Full Board Meeting – 2-hour in-person meeting (ideally, but remote options available), with up to 2 hours of prep. We encourage in-person attendance as we socialise as a board afterward, but we fully understand when this isn’t possible.

�� Additional support – As available, based on your interest and capacity.

What we’re looking for:

✔ Experience in school leadership, with a strong understanding of how schools operate.

✔ Teaching experience, ideally recent, to ensure familiarity with classroom realities.

✔ Commitment to our mission of empowering young people through character education.

➕ We'd love it if you also had knowledge of or experience with schools in Newham and it's neighbouring boroughs, Bedford, or Luton.

Next steps

We know committing to a trustee role is a big decision and we’re happy to have an informal chat about the role, answer any questions. After we've had a chat we'll also be happy to invite you to visit one of our schools to see our impact firsthand.

Longleigh Foundation is a grant-making charity working to improve the lives and wellbeing of people living in social housing across the UK. From emergency grants that keep people afloat, to funding pioneering research that addresses systemic inequalities, we’re committed to transforming lives and influencing lasting change.

With our new strategy launching this summer, we’re looking for three new Trustees to join our dedicated Board and help drive our next phase of growth and impact.

We’re particularly seeking experience in:

· Finance and Accounting

· Investments

· HR / OD / People Management

· Governance, ideally with a charity setting

· Customer Services / Social Investment within Social Housing

…but above all, we want people who share our vision, values and commitment to social justice.

We warmly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of social housing and from under-represented communities, especially those identifying as Black, Asian or from other minority ethnic backgrounds.

What you’ll bring:

• Integrity and sound judgement
• Strategic thinking
• Commitment to our mission and values
• Willingness to contribute your skills and time

Trustees serve an initial term of three years, renewable for up to two further terms. Most meetings are virtual, making this an accessible and flexible opportunity.

Why join us?

• Be part of an ambitious and compassionate charity
• Influence real change in the social housing sector
• Learn and grow alongside a skilled and passionate Board

Make a tangible difference to people’s lives.

��Volunteer Opportunity: Make a Real Difference across West Glamorgan! ��

Join one of our Programme Boards or Steering and Advisory Boards as a Lived Experience or Unpaid Carer Volunteer Representative

Are you passionate about improving health and social care services in your community? Do you have lived experience or care for someone who uses health and social care services? 

West Glamorgan Regional Partnership wants to hear from you!

We are looking for volunteer representatives to help us shape the future of health and social care services across the region. This is your chance to be part of something meaningful; ensuring real experiences guide real change.

Volunteers must live in the Swansea or Neath Port Talbot region.

We have a variety of Programmes:

•   Communities and Older Peoples Programme
•   Carers Partnership
•   Dementia Programme
•   Well-being and Learning Disability Programme
•   Emotional Well-being and Mental Health Programme
•   Children and Young People Programme
•   Neurodiverse Programme

�� What you’ll be doing:

• Sharing your experiences and those of others in your network.

• Helping shape and influence regional health and social care programmes.

• Working alongside professionals and other volunteers to improve services.

• Representing the views of unpaid carers and people with lived experience—not just your own.

�� Time Commitment:

• Quarterly meetings (approximately every 12 weeks)

• 2-hour meetings

• Meetings held online or in person, Monday–Friday during office hours.

• Some time needed to prepare for meetings

• 4-year volunteer term (flexible and supported).

�� Skills & Support:

• No qualifications needed, just your experience and willingness to contribute.

• Full induction, training, and ongoing support provided.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

�� Why Volunteer?

• Make a positive impact in your community.

• Gain valuable experience and transferable skills.

• Be part of transforming health and social care locally.

• Receive references to support any future employment.

We are seeking a new trustee with Direct Services safeguarding expertise to help strengthen our governance, advise on risk, and support our Services teams.

You’ll support our work to improve the lives and safety of LGBT+ people experiencing violence and abuse, guide strategic decisions on risk and compliance, advise on service user complaints – including participating in complaints panels, and help Galop navigate best practice on advocacy, safeguarding, and survivors’ rights.

Key Responsibilities

Fulfil the core duties of a charity trustee. For more information on these responsibilities please download the attached job description. 

Person Specification

• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of LGBT+ issues and communities

• A demonstrable commitment to Galop’s vision, mission, and values, including anti-racism and diversity and inclusion

• Good independent judgement

• Commitment to work effectively as a member of a team

• Consensus building skills

• Tact and diplomacy

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

We are keen to hear from:

• Designated Safeguarding Leads in organisations providing direct services to adults and young people.

• Individuals with qualifications in Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews (DARDR) or similar.

• Individuals who bring expertise in statutory safeguarding thresholds, safeguarding best practice, Charity Commission standards or survivor engagement

You don’t need to have been a trustee before. What matters is your commitment to our values and your ability to think strategically, challenge constructively, and act in the best interests of the charity.

Terms of Appointment

Appointments are for an initial term of three years, renewable for up to two further terms of three years.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary role and there is no remuneration. Reasonable expenses incurred in the role will be reimbursed in line with the organisation’s expenses policy.

Location

Generally, meetings are held remotely online, with an annual Board Strategy Day being held in London.

Time Commitment

There are currently 4 formal Board meetings per year and more regular sub-committee meetings. The board meetings currently take place on Zoom on a Wednesday evening for approximately 2.5 hours. Sub-committee dates and times are flexible.

Other time commitments will include ongoing liaison with the Chair of the Board, Chief Executive and other senior staff, as well as attendance at other meetings, such as interview panels and events as required. We anticipate the overall time commitment being approximately 3-4 days per month for the first 12-18 months, settling to 2 days per month after that.

How to apply

This post is only available to applicants from the LGBTQ+ community as permitted under the Equality Act 2010 as a Genuine Occupational Requirement.

To apply, please complete the application form by 23:59 on Sunday 31st August 2025. 

REF-223 211

HR Trustee - Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives!

At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate and experienced HR Trustee to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country. 

We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you. 

Who We're Looking For:

We are looking to recruit a HR Trustee who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve.

As a HR Trustee, You Will: 

• Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation

• Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity. 

• Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose. 

• Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability. 

• Ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team

• Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts.

What We Offer: 

• Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need. 

• Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks. 

• Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.

• Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us.

Expectations: 

• Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role

• Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely. 

• Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work. 

• External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually. 

• Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work. 

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you! 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!

Help children as Trustee of an innovative, enterprising Tees Valley Charity that is increasingly supporting children in care through fostering and a planned residential provision. Join an agency that transforms children's lives.

What will you be doing?

You will join us at an exciting time as we pursue growth of fostering and residential services, as well as growth of our early help offer. 

You will work across the Charity and the subsidiary fostering company (which we will amalgamate back into the parent Charity). 

You will have a particular focus on helping the fostering agency drive growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver excellent care for children and support for foster parents. You will provide support and challenge to the management team.

You’ll contribute 2 to 6 hours a month. The Charity board meets every 8 weeks (shifting to quarterly after September) and the fostering board meets every 8 weeks. 

You’ll join a Charity that’s brought £millions of investment into Tees Valley and that helps over 1000 local people a year. We’ve been runners up at the national Charity Governance Awards and ‘community’ winners at the Hartlepool Business Awards. 

We are looking for experienced professionals who share our values and want to help. 

What are we looking for?

At this time we are specifically looking for Trustees with some of these areas of skills or experience:

Business development 

Safeguarding management

Fostering or children's residential care or childrens social work management 

Financial management 

What difference will you make?

We want to help children and family members heal from trauma, primarily through helping them develop a network of nurturing, loving and appropriately challenging relationships with people in their close and wider communities. Any small surplus we make from helping children in care will be diverted into work to help families stay together and thrive. You will join a team that strives to make this difference. You will help ensure the Charity keeps a strong focus on children and young peoples needs whilst being sustainability and ensuring the agency manages the risks associated with growth and investment in new services. 

Before you apply

After expressing an interest through the site, we'd welcome an initial conversation with our CEO and/or Chair. After that, we usually  take applications to the Board for consideration. This is usually quite a quick process. 

Help Steer a Life-Saving Service: SOS Bus Norwich Seeks a New Chair. A strategic leader to help steer this volunteer-led charity making sure the nighttime community of Norwich is safe, healthy, empowered and protected.

About SOS Bus

SOS Bus Norwich is a multi-agency initiative offering a safe space and frontline support to anyone in need during Norwich’s nightlife. Staffed by trained volunteers and medical professionals, it provides help with illness, injury, emotional distress, vulnerability, or getting home safely. The bus acts as a crucial first point of contact for anyone whose well-being is at risk.

What will you be doing?

You'll be taking over from the current Chair, Dr Jamie Mather. He and his fellow founding trustees have established the charity, its identity, processes, governance and strategy and this is an opportunity to work with a refreshed board and an amazing volunteer team as they move onto the next stage of their journey.

Alongside the responsibilities of a trustee the Chair will:

• Plan and chair board meetings (or appoint a deputy if absent), ensuring they are effective and purposeful.
• Provide leadership to help the board meet its governance responsibilities.
• Act as a key spokesperson, alongside the operational manager.
• Ensure trustees receive accurate, timely, and clear information (with support from admin and advisors).
• Promote unity and constructive discussion among trustees.
• Support and liaise closely with the operational manager.
• Lead the operational manager’s appraisal and, if needed, recruitment of senior staff.
• Serve as the link between trustees, management, and volunteers.
• Take urgent or strategic action between board meetings when required and authorised.

Please request the candidate pack for full details.

Time Commitment

Estimated time commitment is 5-15 hours a month – including a board meeting (set) and work around individual brief (in one’s own time).

Board meetings: 

• Board meetings are held monthly. 
• 2/3rds of trustee meetings are online via MS Teams and 1/3rd are face to face. 
• Face to face meetings held in various locations around Norwich. 
• Our future plan is to move to quarterly board meetings with 75% face to face attendance.

What are we looking for?

We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved so far and have exciting plans for the future. We are looking for a chair who shares our vision and will help us make the right decisions as we develop and grow as an organisation. Someone who will lead with confidence, have difficult conversations where necessary and who will ensure that the skills, experience and commitment of the trustees is harnessed effectively.

Essential skills / experience / qualities:

• Proven success in a senior leadership role, ideally in a charity - as a CEO/CFO/COO (or equivalent) or an experienced trustee.
• An inclusive leadership style.
• Understanding of the strengths and challenges inherent in a volunteer led charity.
• A strategic thinker with a growth mindset.
• Sound understanding of charity governance.

We have a commitment to ensuring a diverse board of trustees, who can understand the perspectives of all our charities' stakeholders and identified barriers to accessing our service; we are therefore keen to hear from people who identify as female, BAME prospective trustees, LGBTQ+ prospective trustees and those prospective trustees who identify as having a disability.

What difference will you make?

In the words of two of our founding trustees:

“Your leadership will touch countless lives - empowering volunteers, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, strengthening the nighttime economy, easing the burden on emergency services, and enriching the fabric of the Norwich community. Every hour you give will shape a service that not only changes lives now but will continue to do so for years to come. Being a trustee will impact on you personally – you will find real purpose in the role, have a chance to make a lasting difference, and feel proud to be part of something that genuinely matters.”-  Beth Williams

"It’s the biggest honour of my life to serve my cherished home city as a trustee of one of its fundamental institutions – The SOS Bus… The OLDEST known nighttime economy welfare service in the UK. I’ve been involved with it since 2014 volunteering on the bus in a medical capacity; its work is highly moral, respectable and non-judgemental, all really important traits in this modern world. The importance of the work it does is why I’ve chosen to give a lot of time and effort to the cause.

Being a trustee is a vertical learning curve and tremendous development opportunity for me. However, what keeps me sustained more than anything is the humbling, inspirational and loyal volunteers who give so much of themselves, in the middle of the night, to help people in need in their city at nighttime!"  - Jamie Mather