Youth trustees volunteer roles in harpurhey, greater manchester

We are looking for trustees who will offer challenges, experience, and expert knowledge to help us think differently. We are looking for individuals who will take an active role in the governance of the Charity and support our expansion objectives - to remain financially stable whilst actively growing our volunteer network, our geographical coverage and our paid services to increase the number of families and young people we can support each year.

Person specification:

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time & effort to the role.

• An understanding of, or interest in, special educational needs and disability affecting children and young people and their families.

• Skills to analyse proposals, examine their strategic consequences and make concise recommendations as part of the Board.

• Ability to cooperatively work with the whole team of trustees, and with employees and volunteers.

• Willingness to speak your mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; but also listen to the views of different people before reaching a decision.

• Secure personal access to digital communication technology with an ability to competently and efficiently use those resources.

• Willingness to be available to employees for advice and enquiries on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.

The ideal applicant would also possess the following:

• Extensive networks, and a willingness to draw on contacts as appropriate.

• Experience of working at a senior management / leadership level.

We are keen to hear from anyone who has a passion for our cause and feels that their experiences and expertise could be beneficial to our Board.

If you would like to be considered, please contact us for an application form link and provide a copy of your CV.

The application process will comprise of a two-stage interview, followed by referencing. We anticipate that successful applicants will be invited to join the Board in Autumn 2025.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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.

We are looking for a new Young Trustee!

At ThinkForward, we exist to support young people to create better and brighter futures. We want them to be able to identify, realise and shape their aspirations, and be ready to make a successful transition into work. Our FutureMe programme provides five years of personalised coaching and employability activities to get young people ready for the world of work. Coaches build trusted relationships, supporting young people to take control, find solutions to challenges, develop skills and create a positive vision for their future.

As a Young Trustee, you will learn more about the charity sector and influence decisions within ThinkForward. You will represent the voice of young people in decision-making processes at the board level.

You do NOT need to know everything about being a trustee in order to apply. If you are accepted, you will undergo a 6-month training period to see if you enjoy the role. After 6 months, you can decide whether or not you want to continue as a trustee.

If you are looking for a way to develop your skills, share your voice and support young people through working with ThinkForward, this opportunity is for you!

To apply for this role, please read the job pack attached to this ad for more details. Then, apply with your CV and your answers to the following questions:

• Why does this opportunity interest you? (max 200 words)

• Describe a time where you have advocated for an underrepresented group of people? (max 200 words)

• Describe a time where you have had to be organised to complete tasks. OR Describe a time where you have shown commitment to a role despite competing priorities? (max 200 words).

We look forward to hearing from you!

About Classics for All

We believe that delving into the ancient world – through ancient history, classical civilisation, Latin and Ancient Greek – is not only enjoyable but also profoundly beneficial for all pupils. It enhances their cultural awareness, sharpens their language and analytical skills, and boosts their aspirations and achievements.

We are currently developing a new strategy, and as a trustee you will have an opportunity to help shape and deliver our new vision.

Vision

A future where every young person can unlock the wisdom, wonder, and imagination of the ancient world - regardless of background or circumstance.

Mission

We believe that discovering the ancient world can transform lives.

That’s why we work to:

• Ignite curiosity and a lifelong love of learning through the stories, ideas, and cultures of the ancient world
• Raise aspirations and broaden horizons by connecting students with the richness of the past
• Build cultural capital, giving every child access to the knowledge and confidence to thrive
• Empower state schools and teachers to bring Classics to life in every classroom
• Champion the value of Classics as a vital part of a broad, rich, and inclusive education

Our governance

Our Board members are all passionate about changing young people’s lives through accessing Classics education. They are responsible for the strategy and good governance of the charity, working in partnership with the Chief Executive.

There are up currently nine members of our Board, including the Chair and Treasurer. Trustees serve a three-year term which can be renewed.

The Board meets for formal meetings, both in-person and virtually, four times a year. Along with other duties, whilst voluntary, this represents a sizeable time commitment and hard work.

Board committees

In addition to the Board, there is a Finance and Operations Committee who meet quarterly. There are some other operational committees that support different aspects of our work. The committees are small groups of Trustees and volunteers, who focus on particular areas of the charity in line with strategic developments and make recommendations.

Trustees will be encouraged to join a committee best suited to their skills on appointment to the Board. Each committee will be led by a Chairperson who is responsible for the overall running of their committee.

• Finance and Operations Committee: develops and delivers the financial strategy of the charity, including the budget, financial controls and fundraising strategy. It is also responsible for risk management.
• Remuneration Committee: has oversight of the pay process for staff.

• Nominations Committee: responsible for leading Trustee recruitment.
• Philanthropy Advisory Group: supports our fundraising through activating networks and sharing ideas to develop our income generation activities.
• Events Committee: supports the ideation and delivery of events supporting our charitable goals.

Responsibilities of a Trustee

The Board of Trustees is legally responsible for the charity – this is a significant responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. Trustees have responsibility for ensuring the charity is well run, financially secure, and doing the work it is meant to be doing. There are specific legal and other duties. It is recommended you look at the Charity Commission ‘The Essential Trustee’ guidance, which can be found online here.

You can also view our profile on the Charity Commission website. If you want to find out more about our current Trustees, visit our website.

Trustees are volunteers; they are not paid. Reasonable expenses can, however, be reimbursed (e.g. to cover travel costs).

As a Trustee, you will be acting collectively as part of the Board of Trustees. Together, the Board is responsible for all of the points above.

Role Description

Trustees are expected to:

• set the vision, mission, values and objectives of the charity.
• develop the strategic direction of the charity; establish and monitor policies necessary for the proper governance of the charity’s activities.
• ensure that Classics for All operates in accordance with its governing documents, and is accountable to its regulators, funders, members and beneficiaries.
• maintain oversight of the management of the charity’s financial and other resources.
• support the Chief Executive.
• maintain oversight of risks faced by the charity.
• have regard for how the charity contributes to public benefit.
• appoint from its members representatives to other committees.
• ensure suitable representation of the charity to other bodies.
• promote Classics for All to external organisations, acting as spokespeople as necessary, and to review and develop partnerships with other organisations.
• to regularly appraise their own work, delegating responsibility to committees where necessary.

Skills

• We need a well-rounded Board with a diverse skill set. No one individual is expected to have experience in everything, therefore we are always on the lookout for individuals who bring a range of experiences and differing perspectives to the group.
• We are additionally interested in those who can bring experience from the legal world, digital transformation and marketing and communications.

Diversity and inclusion

As a social mobility charity, being inclusive is a fundamental value of Classics for All. We welcome applications from all eligible people and are particularly keen to receive applications from those who are from communities that are less represented within charity governance and Classics education. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from those who attended a UK state-maintained school, regardless of if Classics was offered at their own school. You do not need to be a Classicist to join our Board – there will be no Latin tests! 

Other requirements

There are just a few more requirements. We are seeking candidates who:

• will be aged 18+ on 1 September 2025.
• are allowed by law (both company law and charity law) to be a Trustee. This means that you must not be disqualified from being a Trustee or Director. Individuals are disqualified if:
  1. they have an unspent conviction for offences of dishonesty or deception (the same goes for attempting, aiding or abetting these offences);
  2. they are currently declared bankrupt or subject to bankruptcy restrictions or an interim order;
  3. they are subject to a debt relief order, a debt relief restrictions order or interim order;
  4. they have been disqualified from being a company director;
  5. they have unspent convictions for terrorism-related offences, money laundering or bribery;
  6. they have violated certain Commission orders relating to finances or property;
  7. they have committed misconduct in public office, perjury or perverted the course of justice;
  8. they have disobeyed an order or direction of the Commission on application to the High Court;
  9. they have committed civil contempt of court relating to false statements;
  10. they are a designated person for reasons linked to terrorist activity by the Treasury;
  11. Individuals who are subject to notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2013
• are not subject to a disqualification Order under the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 or Protection of Vulnerable Adults List.

How to apply

The closing date for applications is Monday 4 August 2025 at 12noon. Please complete thieonline form. The questions you will need to answer are listed below for ease of preparation. You will also be asked some diversity monitoring information. Please be assured that this information will not be used as part of the screening process.

Unfortunately, we are unable to give feedback to applicants not shortlisted for interview. We actively try to provide feedback to candidates interviewed.

By submitting an application, you are giving permission for your personal information to be stored and processed for the purpose of arriving at selection decisions, for it to be used as a basis for a personal record if you are successful, and for sensitive data to be anonymised and used for the purpose of diversity monitoring.

Questions

Each question has a maximum character allowance of 1,500 characters (approx. 300 words)

1. What motivates you to support the teaching of Classics in state schools, and how does this align with your personal or professional experiences?

We are particularly interested in how your experiences have shaped your views on educational inequality and social mobility. Please share any relevant experiences that have influenced your commitment to widening access to Classics. 

1. Trustees play an active role in the governance and strategic direction of the charity. Can you describe a time when you’ve taken on a leadership or governance role –formally or informally – and what you learned from that experience?

We are looking for evidence of your willingness to contribute time and energy to the work of the Board, and how you approach collaboration, decision-making and accountability. 

1. What unique perspectives, skills, or lived experiences would you bring to the Classics for All Board, and how would you hope to contribute to our future development?

We are especially keen to hear from candidates with expertise in marketing and communications, legal, or digital transformation, but we also welcome other skills and experiences that could enrich our Board’s diversity and effectiveness.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Purpose

Young Carers’ Crew is a registered charity (number 1176778) and runs a group which meets to provide emotional and practical support to Young Carers through recreational activities. We give support to local children and young people, who perform a caring role supporting another member of their household. 

Young Carers’ Crew is a small grassroots community group. We are hoping to bring in more people with diverse skills and experience to build sustainability.  

We are looking for Volunteer Trustees with a range of skills, to help steer and direct the organisation. 

The Board of Trustees takes on the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for all the activities of the organisation. They maintain an overview of policy and strategic direction rather than being involved in day-to-day operations. This position will not have any regular contact with the children or the volunteers running the Group activities. 

Role Description 

Volunteer Trustee for Young Carers’ Crew 

Volunteering is an unpaid position. Appropriate out-of-pocket expenses will be re-imbursed.

Location: Most tasks will be home-based.  Meetings will be held in and around Hitchin, Herts.

Hours: Up to 2.5 hours per month for Board meetings. Additional time for position is estimated to be 3 to 4 hours per month.

Reports to: Chair of Board of Trustees for Young Carers’ Crew

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) requirement: Appointment to these posts is subject to an up-to-date, satisfactory, enhanced DBS check with a check against the barred lists for children and adults.

Duties and Responsibilities

We are seeking to fill these specific positions which are currently available:

• HR lead
• Safeguarding lead
• Fundraising
• Website Development

It is anticipated that the successful applicants will help to define the details of the position.

For all positions the following will be expected:

• Attend Board meetings as arranged. 
• Work as flexibly as may be required, also to carry out any other reasonable duties that may be required from time to time. 

The broad role of the Board of Trustees is summarised below:

• Be committed to the vision, mission and values of the organisation.
• Provide strategic direction, including agreeing and monitoring strategic plans.
• Keep informed of the activities of the organisation and the wider issues that affect its work.
• Ensuring that the work of the organisation is monitored and evaluated.
• Maintain that the organisation complies with its governing documents, e.g. constitution.
• Ensure the organisation complies with current Safeguarding Guidelines and Core Standards set out in the Children Act 2004 and Working Together 2013
• Ensure the organisation operates within the law.
• Safeguard the organisation in making efficient use of resources, in particular that all monies are applied to its objectives, agreed plans and budgets.
• Mitigate and manage the risks to the organisation, volunteers and service users.
• To be accountable to membership, funders and other stakeholders.

Person Specification

Please note all items are essential:

• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office.

• Ability to work effectively, both individually and as part of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Impartiality and fairness.
• Understanding of and commitment to the organisation’s mission & values.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and well-being of children and young people.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes equality of opportunity and respect for diversity.
• Commitment to continuing learning and training.

Experience

No experience is necessary for a general position on the Board of Trustees, just enthusiasm and a willingness to help the organisation grow and support the young carers.

For more specific positions; it would be highly desirable that you bring some experience in the charity sector, social care or in business development. 

So, for example, we would welcome someone with experience of working in a safeguarding role with young people specifically or from an HR background or someone who can help us raise money for the charity. .

Selection Process 

To ensure equal opportunities in recruitment, we request that all applicants complete the application form provided. A shortlist will be created and suitable applicants will be invited to interview.

We believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a strongly held belief in the benefits that empowering leadership skills can have in shaping the future of the next generation. 

We are looking for individuals that can promote our cause and are willing to share their personal and professional experience and insights as part of the collaborative decision-making of our Board of Trustees.

We are committed to diversity in the workplace through a workforce that reflects the population and communities we work with across the UK.

Our board of Trustees is currently under-represented by individuals with black, asian, and ethnically diverse heritage in addition to people aged under 30 years of age.

As such, we would welcome applicants with these backgrounds to support our aim of a nationally representative organisation workforce.

Knowledge, skills and experience

While we are interested in the person, we are looking for individuals with specific skills and experience in one, some, or all of the following areas:

o Working with primary and/or secondary schools, colleges, and/or youth-development organisations.

o Working in or with Awarding Organisations.

An understanding or experience of financial oversight is considered desirable but not essential.

Trustee commitment and responsibilities

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated.

To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit approximately 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are generally held virtually.

Members of our Audit, Risk and Compliance committee additionally meet two weeks before each board meeting for finance and regulation focused discussions with the Executive team.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

· Ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do.

· Supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice, guidance, and opinion in the pursuit of the organisation’s objectives.

· Constructively guide the Executive in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy.

· Actively represent and champion the work of the Leadership Skills Foundation.

· Maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight promoting best practice as a Charity to ensure our sustainability and longevity.

Our values

Created in collaboration with the Leadership Skills Foundation team, our cultural values are our ways of working that we expect in all aspects of our interaction with each other and with our delivery centres, tutors, partners, and learners.

• We are better together

Together, we do great things. Collaboration, belonging and individuality aren’t just buzzwords to us; they’re deeply held commitments in the way we work. As we solve problems together, we make sure everyone feels listened to and valued.

• We are guided by goals

Every initiative we developed is guided by clear aims. From giving young people the confidence to achieve, to bringing major change to communities, all our goals are significant and focused on improvement.

• We evolve and innovate

As the world changes, so do the opportunities and challenges of the people we support. As different times call for different skills, we are brave enough to be different and to innovate to be fit for the future. 

• We have pride in our programmes

We never forget how valuable everyone’s future is. That’s why we go above and beyond to deliver high-quality trustworthy and regulated programmes.

Know someone great for this?

Keychange is a Christian charity with a rich legacy of providing the best quality residential care and support to older people and homeless women.

We currently operate seven residential care communities for older people and two housing communities supporting women and young people who have experienced homelessness or trauma. In the past year alone, we’ve provided care and support for 245 older people and 69 women and young people across our centres. With a dedicated team of around 250 staff and an annual turnover of £9.6 million, we are committed to transforming lives through the power of community. As a Christian charity, we are motivated by the love of Jesus to support people. Our mission is to create communities where each person is supported, valued and known.

Over the past few years, Keychange has undergone a significant and successful transformation. This has included strengthening governance, aligning operations and finance, and embedding a culture of openness, collaboration and collective accountability across all levels of the organisation. As a result, Keychange has increased care home occupancy to over 90%, streamlined its services, and is now well-positioned for future growth and innovation.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a values-driven charity with a renewed sense of purpose, and a clear strategic direction aimed at deepening its impact and building on its legacy of care and community.

We are looking to appoint 3-4 Trustees with experience in the following specialist areas:

· Finance and Commercial: Capital financing, property development, or redevelopment of care facilities,

·Homelessness: Experience in services supporting women, particularly those affected by domestic violence or trauma,

· Fundraising: Capital campaigns or charitable trusts and grant-making bodies,

· Digital: Tech solutions that improve care delivery or operational efficiency.

These posts are subject to an occupational requirement that the holders are practising Christians under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

Help transform access to classical education in state schools. Join Classics for All as a Trustee and support our mission to advance social mobility and educational equity across the UK.

Classics for All is a national charity working to ensure that every young person - regardless of background - has the opportunity to study Latin, Ancient Greek, ancient history and classical civilisation. Since 2010, we’ve supported over 1,300 state schools and reached more than 185,000 pupils, many in areas of high deprivation.

We are now seeking new Trustees to join our engaged and collaborative Board as we enter an exciting new phase of growth. Our focus is on expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and embedding social mobility and inclusion at the heart of everything we do.

We are particularly interested in individuals who bring:

• A strong commitment to educational equity and social justice
• Lived experience of the barriers we aim to address
• Skills in legal, digital transformation, or marketing and communications
• Strategic thinking and a collaborative mindset

We welcome applications from first-time trustees and are especially keen to hear from people based outside London and the South East, and from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the charity sector and Classics education.

This is a general trustee role. All Trustees contribute to strategic planning, support the executive team, and act as ambassadors for our mission. Board meetings are held quarterly (mostly online, with one in-person meeting per year), and we host an annual away day.

If you believe in the power of education to change lives - and want to help make classical subjects accessible to all - we’d love to hear from you.

Come and join London's Hopscotch Women's Centre's Board of Trustees in the roles we have available, including specialities around Finance, Adults Social Care and the Law. We are also looking for a general Trustee.

We meet 4 times a year and help shape the strategy and aims to further the mission of Hopscotch Women's Centre, supporting ethnically minoritised women facing abuse, poverty, mental health issues, unemployment and insecure immigration status. We also have a Homecare service, which is our admired social enterprise and a part of our charity.

Do look at the attached Job Descriptions and let us know if you have any questions - our CEO is on hand to have a chat. Thanks!

 BABY BASICS NORTHAMPTON

Clerk to the Board of Trustees

Voluntary role

Baby Basics Northampton is a registered charity that provides moses basket starter packs to parents with new babies in Northamptonshire, via referrals from healthcare professionals and local agencies.

The charity is in its 12th year, and ready to grow in line with community demand for our vital service. We are recruiting a Clerk to the Board of Trustees to ensure this much-loved local charity thrives as it increases both its reach and impact.

Overview

Baby Basics Northampton are seeking a friendly, efficient and reliable individual to act as a clerk to our Trustee (governing) board.

Working effectively with the Chair of Trustees and other Trustees, the Clerk will be responsible preparing agendas for meetings and ensuring the smooth running of meetings and maintaining accurate records.

This is a part-time voluntary role with circa 12 meetings held annually in-person. It is anticipated the role will require a commitment of 4 hours per month. Most meetings are held in the evenings. There may be opportunities to support outside of the meetings at events etc.

Responsibilities

• Produce, collate and distribute agendas and papers to ensure Trustees receive them within the agreed timescale;
• Ensure meetings are quorum;
• Attend meetings and take accurate and objective minutes with timescales for action;
• Submit draft minutes for amendment/approval and circulate approved documents;
• Monitor and report back on actions;
• Maintain records of Trustees membership, attendance, and terms of office;
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and maintain confidentiality at all times;
• Provide procedural advice to the Trustee Board as required;
• Deal with the administration concerning new Trustee appointments;
• Initiate a welcome pack/letter to be sent to newly appointed Trustees, including details of terms of office;
• Monitor the dedicated email address regularly and respond/forward emails as appropriate;

Requirements

• Good standard of general education.
• Proven experience in an administrative or clerical role is essential.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and impartiality.
• Knowledge of charity governance regulations (or willingness to undergo training).
• Proficiency in using email, OneDrive / Sharepoint and online meeting platforms.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact within the community. You will be working in a small energetic team making a difference to families across Northamptonshire.

The work will be interesting and rewarding as your expertise helps to shape the future of the charity as it goes through a significant period of change and expansion.

Pay: Voluntary

Work Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire.

If you are interested in applying but would like to have an informal conversation to find out a little more, we are very happy to facilitate that.

Thank you for your interest.

BABY BASICS NORTHAMPTON

Trustee Recruitment 

Volunteer role 

An exciting opportunity to volunteer your skills to support a much-needed local charity working across Northamptonshire. 

Baby Basics Northampton is a registered charity that provides moses basket starter packs to parents with new babies in Northamptonshire, via referrals from healthcare professionals and local agencies. 

The charity is in its 12th year, and ready to grow in line with community demand for our vital service.  We are recruiting new Trustees, to join the Board to ensure this much-loved local charity thrives as it increases both its reach and impact.

If you believe you could make a difference, we’d really like to hear from you.

Areas of special interest to us include experience of: 

Health/NHS Sector

Fundraising

Marketing & Communications

Charity board experience is desirable but not as important as a desire to make a positive contribution to the wider community.

Trustees are expected to attend monthly meetings, preferably in person, and a full induction will be provided.  In addition to board meetings, we encourage Trustees to visit and occasionally support the small staff team at the Baby Basics Northamptonshire office.

Please send your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant skills, experience and interest in joining the Board of Trustees.

If you are interested in applying but would like to have an informal conversation to find out a little more, we are very happy to facilitate that. 

Thank you for your interest. 

Join us and help lead change for anyone affected by ME.

Can you help us deliver our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME by becoming a new Trustee on our Board?

With the recent launch of the UK Government Delivery Plan for ME/CFS, and some critical research partnerships on the horizon, now is an exciting time to join us and play a pivotal role in our work to secure a better future for people with ME.

As a Trustee, you will have a vital role within Action for ME, establishing a clear and shared vision, setting policies and acting in the best interests of Action for ME and people with ME. We are particularly looking for people who bring: Scientific and/or research expertise; healthcare and/or information, support and advocacy experience; Policy experience at local or national level; Communications and/or marketing expertise.

If you have experience in any of these areas and share our ambition for a better future for people with ME, we want to hear from you.

Trustee - Role Description

Duties of a Trustee are as follows:

• To ensure that Action for ME complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association,charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure that Action for ME pursues its charitable objects as defined in its Memorandum of Association
• To ensure Action for ME applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in establishing a clear and sharedvision for Action for ME, giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against the agreed targets
• To act in the interests of Action for ME and for people with ME in general
• To safeguard the good name and values of Action for METo ensure the effective and efficient administration of Action for ME
• To ensure the financial stability of Action for ME
• To protect and manage the property of Action for ME and to ensure the proper investment of charity funds
• To appoint the Chief Executive and to monitor his or her performance and determine his or her remuneration.
• In addition to the above statutory duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions
• To represent Action for ME as appropriate.

Time Commitment:
The time commitment expected of a Trustee is approximately six days per annum, including an AGM, preparing for and attending Board meetings, and involvement in at least one of the sub-committees: Audit, Finance & Fundraising; Public Affairs & Communications; Research; Healthcare Services; or Remunerations & Nominations.

We hold an away day once every two years. Additional time may be required dependent on circumstances/needs. You will receive a full induction and support upon appointment.

We do ask that Trustees make a commitment to at least one, three-year term of office.

Trustee - Person Specification

All Trustees must demonstrate:

• A commitment to the organisation, its cause and demonstrate an understanding of MEand its impact
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort Strategic vision Good, independent judgment
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness to speak their mind
• 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 willingness to participate in at least one sub-committee, as appropriate
• A commitment to working within Action for ME’s values and principles of working,including Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’:

             a. Selflessness
             b. Integrity
             c. Objectivity
             d. Accountability
             e. Openness
             f. Honesty
             g. Leadership.

• Be willing to sign relevant statutory and other forms (eg for opening bank accounts).

Specific requirements:

While we are open to applications from people who meet the person specification, we regularly review the skills and backgrounds of our Board members and are specifically looking for people who bring:

• Scientific and/or research expertise
• Policy experience at local or national level
• Communications and/or marketing expertise.

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please submit:

• Your CV, including all employment/voluntary roles since you left full-time education ensuring any gaps or time out is accounted for and
• A completed ‘Equal opportunities monitoring and information form’ (provided separately)
• A covering letter outlining why you would like to become a Trustee and how you meet the person specification outlined above, including how you meet the specific requirements we are currently looking for.

Please also indicate any reasonable adjustments that you may require to enableus to provide a good recruitment process with you.

You will be informed of the outcome of your application and any potential interviewdates with the Chair, the Chief Executive and another Trustee. We will be invitingpeople for interviews as applications come in and will close recruitment when we fillthe current vacancies.

Equity of access

We strive to ensure equity which includes being as accessible as possible to attract Board members with a diverse range of experience and insight. If you don’t meet the person specification fully, please do consider contacting us for a discussion as youmay be our ideal candidate!

We will consider all requests for reasonable adjustments within the parameters ofensuring Trustees are able to enact their legal responsibilities and accountabilities.

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.

EVERY WONDERED HOW YOUR SKILLS COULD TRANSFORM YOUNG LIVES THROUGH SPORTS? 
BECOME A TRUSTEE A DFY SPORTS - Level the playing field for young people through sport

Are you passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation? Want to use your skills to support a grassroots charity doing powerful work with young people in London? DFY Sports is looking for new trustees to help us grow, reach further, and have even greater impact.

Who we are

DFY Sports helps young people aged 4–15 from underserved communities flourish through sport. Based in Brent and active across surrounding boroughs, we deliver PE sessions, after-school clubs, holiday camps, football training, and run an ambassador programme connected to our founding sports agency, ISC.

We’ve grown fast—and we’re just getting started. As we scale over the next 1–3 years, we’re looking for passionate trustees to help shape that journey.

Why join us?

• Be part of a hands-on, diverse and ambitious team making a real difference in London
• Use your skills for social good and gain board-level experience
• Support a charity grounded in community, inclusion and action

Trustees meet quarterly (with pre-reads shared a week in advance). You’ll bring your experience and perspective to guide DFY’s future and support our mission at a strategic level.

Diversity matters to us

We’re especially keen to hear from people whose backgrounds reflect the communities we serve—including people of colour, women, those with disabilities, and individuals with lived experience of socio-economic disadvantage.

That said, this isn’t an exclusive requirement. We welcome all applicants who believe in our mission and want to contribute meaningfully. Our goal is to build a board that’s balanced, representative, and full of fresh ideas.

We’re currently looking for trustees in the following areas:

✅ Safeguarding

• Ensure safeguarding policies are robust, compliant and actively implemented
• Support our DSL to report risks, share learning and update the board
• Help shape a safeguarding-first culture across all activities

✅ Marketing & Communications

• Help define and strengthen DFY’s brand and public voice
• Grow our online presence and support outreach to media and partners
• Guide the team on strategic communications and storytelling

✅ Network & Fundraising

• Open doors to donors, sponsors and collaborators through your network
• Support events and campaigns that raise both funds and awareness
• Offer fresh ideas for sustainable income generation

✅ Finance

• Provide oversight of budgets, reporting, and financial controls
• Support long-term financial planning and risk management
• Ensure funds are well managed and spent with integrity

✅ Community

• Champion the needs and voices of the local community in Brent and NW London
• Build connections with local schools, grassroots groups and families
• Help us stay rooted, responsive and inclusive in everything we do

⚽ Your core responsibilities as a trustee will include:

• Attending quarterly board meetings
• Reading board materials in advance and actively participating
• Contributing to DFY’s strategic direction and key decisions
• Supporting your specific area of responsibility, as outlined above

You don’t need to have trustee experience, just care, commitment, and the willingness to bring your skills to a team working to create lasting change for young people through sport. Training and support can be provided.

Interested?

Apply now or pass this along to someone who’d be a great fit. We're excited to hear from people who want to make a difference and bring something fresh to the table.