People and Volunteers Trustee - Volunteer

Overview

A strategic trustee role shaping people, volunteers and culture at Board level. Lead inclusive HR, EDI and safeguarding oversight, support staff and volunteers to thrive, and help build a values-led charity with safe, ethical and effective people practices.

This role will strengthen the organisation by ensuring staff and volunteers are supported through inclusive, safe and sustainable people practices. Board-level oversight of HR, EDI and safeguarding will reduce risk, improve retention and wellbeing, and enable the charity to grow responsibly while delivering its mission ethically and effectively.

We are looking for a trustee with experience or strong understanding of people management, HR, organisational development, volunteering or workforce strategy, who can provide strategic oversight and constructive challenge at Board level. This could come from professional practice, senior leadership, consultancy, or significant voluntary experience.

The ideal trustee will bring a governance mindset and be comfortable thinking strategically rather than operationally. They should be able to review people-related risks, policies and plans, ask the right questions, and support informed decision-making while working collaboratively with fellow trustees and senior leaders.

A strong commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is essential. We are looking for someone who understands inclusive practice and can help embed EDI meaningfully across recruitment, volunteering, policies and organisational culture, rather than treating it as a standalone activity. Experience of addressing structural barriers or inequities within organisations would be particularly valuable.

An understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, or a clear willingness to undertake safeguarding training, is also important. The trustee should be confident contributing to Board-level discussions about safeguarding risk, safe recruitment and organisational accountability.

Experience of working with volunteers and/or within the charity, public or not-for-profit sector would be an advantage, as would familiarity with supporting people in emotionally demanding roles. HR or people-related qualifications (such as CIPD) or equivalent professional experience are welcome but not essential.

Above all, we are seeking someone who shares our values and is motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. We welcome trustees from a wide range of backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from individuals who bring perspectives that are under-represented at Board level. Lived experience relevant to our cause is valued, but not required.

We are seeking a Trustee to lead Board-level oversight of people, volunteers and culture as our organisation grows. You will help strengthen HR and volunteering practices, embed EDI and safeguarding, and support the development of a values-led, inclusive culture that enables staff and volunteers to thrive and deliver our mission safely and sustainably.