Bar in the Community operates a trustee finding service for charities that need to appoint legally qualified trustees. The service is free and available throughout England and Wales. We ask that barristers and legally qualified individuals interested in any of the following trusteeship and/or volunteering opportunities contact Bar in the Community to register their interest .
Your Voice Counts
Community Support Disability Deadline 16/05/2020
Your Voice Counts is an advocacy charity working to help vulnerable people find a voice and gain control over their lives. They provide highly specialised advocacy services, support self-advocacy and user-led groups, and run drop-in sessions in Tyne and Wear where people can get personalised help with a range of issues. They also aim to raise awareness of the kinds of issues the people they help are facing.
They are now looking for 2 new trustees to join their Board. Trustees should be passionate about Your Voice Counts' mission and values. Your Voice Counts prides itself in being person-centres, positive and professional. They would like trustees who are willing to embrace challenge and change, be a strategic thinker and to work effectively in a team.
Meetings take place bi-monthly at approximately 16:30 in Gateshead.
Register my interest
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism
Community Support Education Deadline 07/01/2020
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism is a pioneering initiative in investigative journalism. Their aim is to inform the public and systemic wrongs, challenge misinformation and spark change. They have no corporate or political agenda and they focus on serious issues affecting society.
Following significant growth they are now entering a new phase of development and are looking to broaden their Board of Directors as a result. They are looking for people who share their passion and enthusiasm for what investigative journalism and what it can contribute to society in the current climate. They are looking for three new trustees, who all have a strong track record in their own field. They will bring new skills, expanding the capabilities of the Board, and hopefully increase its diversity or reduce its age profile.
As the existing board members bring an abundance of journalistic talent, the Bureau are looking for new trustees to have skills elsewhere, for example in new technologies, finance or media law.
Meetings take place bi-monthly at approximately 16:00 in London.
Register my interest
Orbis Charitable Trust
Health Deadline 13/02/2020
Orbis Charitable Trust is an international eye care charity that prevents and treats avoidable blindness and visual impairment. They screen for and treat eye conditions, raise awareness about eye health, and train and mentor local eye care teams in Africa, Asia and Latin America, where most of the people who are blind or visually impaired have preventable or treatable conditions.
They are looking for four new trustees, who will all help to ensure that Orbis is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit and complying with its governing document and the law. Trustees will prepare for and attend Board and sub-committee meetings, support the Orbis staff team and attend occasional evening events.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 15:00 in London.
Register my interest
Jumped Up Theatre
Music, Drama and Arts Deadline 27/01/2020
Jumped Up Theatre aims to create equality in Peterborough's communities through access to the arts and culture. They are working on making the city's cultural programme more successful and relevant, increasing participation in the arts, especially for those who are excluded due to their socio-economic, cultural background or disability, and to improve the capacity of artists to create new audiences.
They are looking for two new trustees, who will join a strong and active board who guide, challenge and support Jumped Up Theatre's Creative Producer. The Board meets four times a year and trustees are asked for commit to a minimum of 12 months in the role. Trustees should have an interest in the arts and/or the communities of Peterborough.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 18:00 in Peterborough.
Register my interest
Community Southwark
Community Support Legal Advice and Justice Deadline 22/11/2019
Community Southwark provides a range of services designed to equip Southwark voluntary and community groups with tools and information, including training sessions and online resources. Their goal is for Southwark communities to have the ability and opportunities to fulfil and exceed their potential. They are currently recruiting a new trustee and a new Treasurer.
Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the charity complies with its governing documents and relevant legislation and regulations, pursues its objectives and exclusively applies its resources to this aim. Trustees are expected to actively contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance. They should also safeguard the good name and values of Community Southwark, ensure effective administration and financial stability of the organisation, and act as an ambassador for Community Southwark when called upon to do so.
Community Southwark are looking for commitment to the organisation, good independent judgement, an ability to think creatively and an understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship. Most importantly, they are looking for someone with a passion for the voluntary and community sector.
For the role of Treasurer, they are looking for someone who, in addition to the above, will maintain sound financial management of the charity's resources, monitor the financial administration of the charity and oversee the financial risk-management process. Other responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques, ensuring that proper accounts and records are kept, liaising with staff responsible for the financial activities of the organisation and advising on the financial implications of the charity's strategic plan.
Trustees (and Treasurer) serve for three years, but are able to be reinstated, as long as they do not serve for more than six consecutive years. All trustees are expected to sit on at least one sub-committee (Resources or Strategy and Policy). The trustee position will require the equivalent of roughly 7 days' worth of work, which includes four full board meetings per year, subcommittee meetings, strategy day, Annual General Meeting and induction. Meetings will be arranged at a time most convenient for all members.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 17:30 in London.
Register my interest
ORT UK - JUMP Mentoring Programme
Education Deadline 29/04/2020
ORT UK is part of the global ORT educational charity, providing education and skills training to Jewish communities in need around the world. They run a mentoring programme called JUMP, which offers pupils in year 12 (in 11 secondary schools in London) the opportunity to be matched with a mentor in an industry that they are interested in going into. Students and mentors meet five times during the academic year and follow a set agenda, including topics such as CV writing and a typical working day'. Both mentors and pupils gain a great deal from being involved in the programme. They are currently looking for barristers to be mentors to these promising year 12 pupils and give them an insight into what a career in law could look like.
Meetings take place 5 times per year in London.
Register my interest
Women's Aid
Domestic Violence Deadline 30/11/2019
Women's Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. Over the past 45 years, Women's Aid has been at the forefront of shaping and coordinating responses to domestic violence and abuse through practice, research and policy. They empower survivors by keeping their voices at the heart of their work, working with and for women and children by listening to them and responding to their needs.
They are currently looking for two Co-Treasurers. They would ideally like women with financial expertise for this role.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 12:00 in Bristol.
Register my interest
Creative & Cultural Skills
Education Employment Heritage Music, Drama and Arts Deadline 05/01/2020
Creative & Cultural Skills, is the UK sector skills council for craft, cultural heritage, design, music, performing arts and the visual and performing arts. They develop and promote apprenticeship options, provide guidance and sector-specific enrichment opportunities, and work with education partners to provide vocational and technical training.
With the appointment of a new CEO in 2018, Creative & Cultural Skills has undergone a comprehensive organisational review and they are now looking for exceptional leaders to guide them through the next stage in their development. They are currently recruiting for a Chair, a Trustee with financial expertise and a Company Secretary/Trustee with legal expertise. They are looking for dynamic, creative and compelling individuals to join their Board as it leads the implementation of their new business strategy.
Trustees will ensure that Creative & Cultural Skills is working within the law and practicing good governance by offering legal and admin support and meeting its statutory and regulatory requirements. They will also ensure that all books and records are maintained, minutes are taken and circulated, and a company register of members and trustees is kept.
An understanding of charity law and/or company law would be beneficial in the role of trustee, as well as experience of change management and quality assurance. A good eye for detail is important, as is a working knowledge of standard office software packages and online databases.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 14:00 in Central London.
Register my interest
Why me?
Legal Advice and Justice Prisoners and Ex-Offenders Deadline 01/01/2020
Why me? are the only national charity fighting for victims of crime to have access to Restorative Justice. They have their own Restorative Justice service which facilitates meetings between victims and offenders. They also work with victims, offenders, police forces, prisons, probation services and other criminal justice organisations to improve access to Restorative Justice. They are working on a number of campaigns to increase understanding of best practice, and to persuade Government to ensure that Restorative Justice is more widely used. The Victims Code says that all victims are entitled to information about Restorative Justice, but only 7.5% of victims with a known offender recall being given this information. They are working to solve this and improve the lives of victims in the UK.
They are looking for three trustees, preferably with restorative justice experience, including lived experience. They are also keen for trustees with communication, marketing or fundraising experience.
Trustees meet quarterly in London at approximately 2pm.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 14:00 in London.
Register my interest
Transforming Autism Project
Children Disability Education Deadline 31/12/2019
The Transforming Autism Project is a new charity focusing on very early intervention for children with autism, with a view to making transformative life-long changes that would not be possible later.
They are looking for two trustees who believe in the huge potential within each autistic child. Trustees should connect with the charity's mission, values and particular understanding of and approach to autism. They will act as an ambassador the charity in the wider community.
Trustees should have extensive personal experience of charity work and governance and/or autism. A large relevant personal network and an ability to raise funds would be extremely beneficial. Ensuring the success of relationships with the charity Executive will be a joint responsibility that the trustees play an active role in. Instead of just the occasional meeting, the Transforming Autism Project is looking for trustees to be fully integrated and invested in the charity and actively dedicated to its success. How this looks is open to discussion but trustees will form an active part of the team.
Meetings take place monthly in Feltham (or online).
Register my interest
Stepping Stones
Domestic Violence Drugs and Addiction Families Health Mental Health Deadline 15/12/2019
Stepping Stones is a charity dedicated to empowering women who have suffered domestic abuse or are vulnerable due to substance misuse. They provide the women with the skills and resources to make positive life choices. Since being founded in 2008, the service has adapted based on the needs of clients. This has led to the development of a broad range of services to meet the needs of clients, including dedicated adult and children support programmes.
They are looking for a Trustee Chair with a strong commitment to the organisation. They should have good leadership skills, as well as integrity, strategic vision and good independent judgement. The Chair should be willing to devote the necessary 3-4 hours per week to their duties and have the ability to make decisions that benefit the organisation. Good communication skills, tact and diplomacy are also very important, as is the ability to work effectively as a member of a team and an understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee.
Trustees meet bi-monthly in Luton at approximately 6.30pm.
Meetings take place bi-monthly at approximately 18:30 in Luton.
Register my interest
NMC Recordings
Music, Drama and Arts Deadline 31/12/2019
NMC Recordings is an award-winning new music charity, founded in 1989 by composer Colin Matthews OBE. The charity is devoted to enriching cultural life by connecting listeners with exceptional contemporary classical music from across the British Isles. They seek to inspire and challenge audiences through the release and promotion of recordings, innovative artistic partnerships and delivering education work.
They are looking for a new Trustee to support their cause. Trustees meet quarterly in London at approximately 2pm.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 14:00 in London.
Register my interest
Marble Hill Playcentres
Children Community Support Sport and Activity Deadline 30/11/2019
Marble Hill Playcentres is a community based charity providing services for children and families in Twickenham and the surrounding areas. Their aim is to create exciting and safe environments for children and young people to play, explore, be active and get messy. They encourage the use of recyclable materials and try to keep emissions to a minimum. Up to 300 children visit per day, and the Playcentres are inclusive for all children and young people, regardless of their ability, culture and ethnicity.
Marble Hill Playcentres are looking for a new trustee to join their Board of Trustees. They are particularly looking for someone with experience of property or lease contract law. Trustees are expected to meet monthly in Twickenham at approximately 7.30pm.
Meetings take place monthly at approximately 19:30 in Twickenham.
Register my interest
Iconic Steps Film Academy C.I.C
Employment Music, Drama and Arts Youth Deadline 02/12/2019
Iconic Steps Film Academy C.I.C is a small social enterprise that supports young people aged 16-25 from hard to reach backgrounds to acquire much needed skills, experience and confidence to increase their opportunities in entering the media industry. Their crew of skilled young people work on commissioned projects and produce compelling video and photo content.
They are currently looking for two new trustees. Iconic Steps is seeking individuals who demonstrate a keen interest in and affinity with their aims and values. They are looking for a barrister, solicitor, clerk or practice manager who will bring energy and expertise to help them achieve their vision.
Trustees meet quarterly in London.
Meetings take place quarterly in London.
Register my interest
Advantage Schools
Education Deadline 22/11/2019
Advantage Schools is a recently formed trust in Bedford looking for four new non-executive directors (trustees) including a Chair to support the success and eventual growth of the new trust. The trust's key objective is to run a family of phenomenal schools within which students achieve extraordinary outcomes. Non-executive directors are both charity trustees and company directors of the academy trust. The role includes ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction, and holding executive leaders to account for the educational and financial performance of a charitable company funded by the public purse. The board of trustees manages the business of the academy trust and may exercise all the powers of the trust in compliance with its charitable objects, company and charity law.
Every trustee is expected to abide by the trust's code of conduct and the seven principles of public life set out by Lord Nolan: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
They are looking for trustees with HR, legal, risk or growth management, restructuring, branding, marketing or IT experience, as well as CEO or general management experience.
Trustees meet monthly in Bedford at approximately 5pm.
Meetings take place monthly at approximately 17:00 in Bedford.
Register my interest
Shropshire Cerebral Palsy Society
Disability Deadline 28/02/2020
Shropshire Cerebral Palsy Society provide grants to children and adults who have cerebral palsy and live in Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin. Grants are for holidays, shoes, washing machines, therapies, and mobility equipment. Full information on grants and grant forms are available to the public on their website. They are looking for caring trustees who are able to commit to meeting monthly to discuss grant requests. They also require input from the trustees to develop the charity, raise awareness of the cause, and raise funds. Trustees meet monthly at approximately 3.30pm in Shrewsbury.
Meetings take place monthly at approximately 15:30 in Shrewsbury.
Register my interest
Kennington Association
Children Community Support Disability Sport and Activity Youth Deadline 31/01/2020
The Kennington Association is a community organisation which exists to further the health and wellbeing of the people of Kennington and to improve the local environment. Its main activity is to manage and develop the historic Lollard Street Adventure Playground, which serves to provide children and young people of the area with free and adventurous play in a safe environment as well as an inclusive sports project for all the community. They are looking for a barrister or a pupil to fill one or both of their trustee vacancies. Trustees meet monthly at approximately 6.30pm in London.
Meetings take place monthly at approximately 18:30 in London.
Register my interest
Dementia Support
Disability Elderly Health Mental Health Deadline 30/11/2019
Dementia Support is a young local charity based in Tangmere near Chichester and they have now created the first ever one stop shop' for those living directly or indirectly with dementia. In their state-of-the-art Hub, Sage House, which opened in May 2018, they deliver a wide range of vital services under one roof, providing the latest support, information, advice, activities and care to those living with dementia and memory loss. Following the successful launch of Sage House, they are entering the exciting next phase, which involves growing the charity across West Sussex and ultimately to a National level. They are ideally looking for either an employment lawyer or a commercial contracts lawyer who could advise on all matters associated with the legal aspects of the charity. Trustee meetings are held bi-monthly at approximately 3pm in Chichester.
Meetings take place bi-monthly at approximately 15:00 in Chichester.
Register my interest
Caring All Together on Romney Marsh
Elderly Deadline 05/03/2020
Caring All Together on Romney Marsh (CARM)'s mission is to support older people who are socially isolated living in Romney Marsh, South Ashford, Tenterden and the surrounding rural areas. Through this support they aim to improve people's wellbeing, to help people remain independent for longer and to enhance the quality of the rural communities where they operate. CARM offers face-face and tele-befriending, group reminiscence, Drop in Coffee morning (Meeting Points), and volunteering opportunities, among other things. They have just become a CIO and are looking to grow. They are looking for a strong mix of skills on their board and currently have no trustees with legal skills. They are hoping to fill this gap. A great personality, team player, empathy and a passion to make a difference are the important qualities for CARM. Their AGM is on 4 October which is a great opportunity for a potential Trustees to engage with them for the first time. Trustee meetings are then held bi-monthly at approximately 6pm in Appledore.
Meetings take place bi-monthly at approximately 18:00 in Appledore.
Register my interest
Black Country Living Museum
Education Heritage Deadline 29/02/2020
The Black Country Living Museum aims to increase the public's understanding and appreciation of the significance and impact the Black Country has had on industrialisation since the 18th as well as increasing the sum of knowledge of the region during this period of its history. The Museum Trust works towards the provision, safeguarding and development of a museum and collections in the Black Country as a means of recording and exemplifying the contribution of the region to the development of the modern industrialised world since the 18th Century, for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. They are looking for 4 trustees who are interested in supporting this cause. Trustees meet bi-monthly at 3pm in Dudley.
Meetings take place bi-monthly at approximately 15:00 in Dudley.
Register my interest