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 .
Shared Lives South West
Community Support Disability Elderly Health Mental Health Deadline 01/08/2020
Shared Lives South West is an award-winning charity that delivers long term and short break care services throughout Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. They provide care and support, acting as an alternative to supported living and residential care. They have a strong reputation in the Shared Lives sector for quality, innovation and person-centres approaches. They specialise in supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health problems and dementia, and older people. People who use their services live or have a break in the home of one of their approved carers. It is similar to adult fostering and is a great alternative to supported living or residential care.
Their board consists of a group of people with a wide ranges of skills, including charity work, finance, consultancy and housing. New trustees are provided with an induction, and all trustees receive regular training. Trustees meet bi-monthly and are welcome to also join carers meetings and social events.
Meetings take place bi-monthly at approximately 12:30 in Lifton, Devon.
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People & Planet
Education Environment Human and Civil Rights Deadline 05/03/2020
People & Planet is the largest student network in the UK campaigning for social and environmental justice. They envision a future in which the balance of power in society has fundamentally shifted to an equal world that benefits everyone. Their mission is to build an empowered generation of change-makers, who are equipped with life-long skills, motivation and networks to be a force for change in achieving a more equitable and sustainable world.
Commitment to the aims and objectives of People & Planet is crucial for a new trustee. Strategic vision, independent judgement, an understanding of the nature of oppression and a commitment to challenging inequality are all also important characteristics of those interested in joining the Board. New trustees should be able to work effectively and collaboratively with others and be willing to speak their mind.
People & Planet are particularly keen to hear from those with legal expertise in relation to charity, employment or data protection laws. Experience of the Education sector, Trade Unions or a financial qualification would all also be beneficial. Applications from people of colour are particularly encouraged as these groups are underrepresented throughout the environmental campaigning sector.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 11:00 in Oxford or London.
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Richmond Psychosocial Foundation International
Disability Mental Health Deadline 08/03/2020
Richmond Psychosocial Foundation International (RPFI) provides services to adults with mental health problems and/or learning disabilities. RPFI envisions quality care to transform lives. They are currently looking for a new trustee to join their board. The board is accountable for everything that RPFI does, including setting strategic direction, scrutinising performance, and supporting and empowering the executive team. They are particularly keen to hear from those with legal or fundraising experience.
Meetings take place monthly in London.
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One Housing - Care and Support Division
Disability Elderly Homelessness and Housing Mental Health Youth Deadline 04/08/2020
This is NOT a trustee position.
One Housing's Care and Support division helps vulnerable people in supported living homes. They assist with a myriad of issues, including sustaining tenancies, benefits, mental health issues and preventing evictions. Staff are not able to give legal advice, but do signpost customers to where they can get help with benefits or representation in appeals and tribunals.
They are looking to further develop how they support their customers and would like pro bono support from barristers and solicitors. This could come in the form of workshops to train staff in current housing, benefits or mental health legislation so they know which procedures need to be followed and can signpost more effectively. It could also be representing or advising clients directly, assisting them with appeals or tribunals.
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New College Worcester
Children Disability Education Deadline 31/05/2020
New College Worcester is a national residential school for young people aged 11 to 19 who are blind or visually impaired. Students are prepared for both academic qualifications and useful independent living skills. Places are funded by local authorities across the UK.
They are now looking for two new trustees and are particularly keen to hear from those with a legal background, as they are currently missing someone with these skills on their Board. New College Worcester has three main committees, which are Education Services, Residential and Safeguarding, and Finance and Resources.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 10:00 in Worcester.
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BeyondAutism
Education Deadline 23/04/2020
BeyondAutism works to empower people with autism to lead fuller lives through positive educational experiences. They provide training for people who work with people with autism and support families and carers. Their services are aimed at adults and children alike, and include BeyondAutism independent schools, post-19 provisions, outreach and training.
They are looking for new trustees who are passionate about the cause and ideally have strong commercial or government experiences. Those with proven professional experience in growing organisations, for example through mergers and acquisitions, would be particularly well suited to the role. BeyondAutism aim to have trustees with a range of ethnically diverse backgrounds and from a variety of communities.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 16:00 in London.
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Vegetarian for Life
Elderly Human and Civil Rights Deadline 17/07/2020
Vegetarian for Life (VfL) is the leading authority on diet and healthy living advice for older vegans and vegetarians. Since there are currently only two fully vegetarian care homes in the UK, one of VfL's major goals is to improve the standard of vegan and vegetarian catering in existing homes. They are striving towards a vision where at least one in every six UK care homes are members of the VfL UK List (a geographical listing of organisations and care homes that make a special effort to cater for vegetarians and vegans) and where one in every 100 will be VfL accredited.
VfL is looking to become the first port of call for information, support and advice for older vegans, vegetarians, their families, friends and a broad range of care caterers. They want trustees who can help them do this. They are seeking a vegetarian or vegan who is qualified in legal matters, and has experience and skills in the area(s) of company law and/or operation of charitable organisations and meeting their legal and best practice requirements. Trustees should be committed to the aims of VfL and be able to articulate the contribution they believe they can make to furthering these aims. Trustees will understand that to pursue its aims effectively, VfL needs to operate in a manner that respects and meets its legal and ethical obligations.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 11:00 in Manchester.
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Lewisham Youth Theatre
Children Education Music, Drama and Arts Youth Deadline 05/05/2020
Lewisham Youth Theatre (LYT) nurtures and inspires young people's voices through free participatory theatre activities, helping them to develop enduring and transferable skills that lead to increased life chances and long term well-being.They bring young people together from across the Lewisham community to create outstanding theatre in an environment of high expectations and collaboration. They work from the core belief that artistic excellence is key to expanding young people's horizons and creating lasting transformation. LYT's free activities engage those facing disadvantage across a range of needs, including mental health and learning difficulties, poverty, and family disruption (looked after children, young carers and those known to social services).
They are looking for a trustee who is interested in supporting vulnerable young people and wants to give them the best chances in life. They are looking for people who can bring legal knowledge and experience to help them oversee their work with vulnerable young people, and to be able to advise on areas that may affect the organisation's management.Knowledge and/or experience in areas including safeguarding, charity law, employment law and/or family law would be particularly beneficial. Trustees should have a belief in the power of the arts to make a difference and a passion for supporting the long-term well-being and life chances of children and young people.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 7:00 in London.
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Prime Theatre
Children Music, Drama and Arts Youth Deadline 01/04/2020
Prime Theatre is a professional theatre company supports by Arts Council England and Swindon Borough Council. From their base at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre, they work with schools and communities across the region and tour productions internationally.
They are looking for 3 people to join their board of, and are particularly keen to hear from people with a passion for the arts and a commitment to the development, empowerment and celebration of children and young people.
Important qualities include an appreciation of the role creative arts can play in education, an enthusiasm for theatre making and drama-related activities, a commitment to diversity, accessibility and inclusion and a willingness to act as a champion for Prime Theatre. Trustees should also be willing to share their personal skills and experience and promise to carry out the general and legal duties of a trustee. Finance management and strategy experience, knowledge of deaf communities and British Sign Language, experience of the theatre, performing arts and cultural sector or media, communications and PR would all be advantageous.
Support and training will be offered to all new trustees. The board meets formally four times a year on a weekday evening in Swindon. Other meetings are held around specific areas of development at the convenience of the members.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 17:00 in Swindon.
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Plunkett Foundation
Community Support Deadline 28/02/2020
The Plunkett Foundation supports rural communities across the UK to tackle the issues they face through community business. Community businesses are enterprises that are owned and run democratically by members of the community, on behalf of the community, and come in many forms, including shops, pubs, woodlands, etc. The Plunkett Foundation has supported almost 600 community businesses to reach trading stage across the UK so far. These businesses address issues including isolation, loneliness, wellbeing, work and training.
The Plunkett Foundation is now at a pivotal point in delivering its strategy, and have clear plans for growing the sector, expanding their relevance and national reach, increasing their impact and influence, and strengthening their voice and policy role. They are now seeing a dynamic new Chair in 2020 as the charity continues to delivers these bold plans. They are looking for someone with a genuine commitment to community businesses, a clear understanding of rural issues, interest in innovative and new ways of working, and the skills and experience to move the charity forwards.
Meetings will take place in London, with the exception of one away day. The AGM may be held in other locations.
Meetings take place bi-monthly at approximately 11:00 in London.
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Nomad Opening Doors
Homelessness and Housing Deadline 01/03/2020
Nomad Opening Doors is a charity which aims to improve access to decent, affordable housing. They work to help people to transition out of homelessness quickly and positively, and to support people to develop the skills and resilience they need to help them avoid homelessness in the future. They provide access to shared housing in Sheffield and provide coaching to help people to achieve their goals and secure themselves a more stable future.
They are currently looking for two new trustees to support them while they provide these vital services. They are particularly keen to hear from those with experience or knowledge or charity law and/or governance. Experience or knowledge of marketing, fundraising or business would also be advantageous.
Trustees meet quarterly in Sheffield.
Meetings take place quarterly at approximately 17:30 in Sheffield.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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