Trustee Role Description

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Age UK Surrey achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Age UK Surrey has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision:

For people to improve their wellbeing and independence to get the most from later life.

Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable Age UK Surrey to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our aims.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties:

• Support and provide advice on Age UK Surrey’s purpose, vision, goals and

activities.

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their

implementation.

• Oversee our financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate

progress.

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of our charity.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve our financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to our CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority.

• Keep up to date about changes in our operating environment.

• Contribute to regular reviews of our governance. Attend Board and Committee meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect

our interests, to the exclusion of your own personal and/or any third party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of our objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

There will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities:

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept your responsibilities and liabilities as a trustee and to act in the best interests of Age UK Surrey.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement

and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our values.

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,

objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of office:

• Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 1 further term to a

maximum of 6 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment:

• Attending quarterly Board meetings as well as committee meetings throughout the year. Currently meetings are held in person at the Clockhouse Centre, Milford, Godalming.

• Attending annual staff/trustee meetings and ad hoc meetings as required.

• Completing safeguarding training and induction training as required.

Areas of expertise/ experience relevant to Age UK Surrey are:

Income Generation

Fundraising

Governance

Finance and accounting

Social welfare/care

Operating a community hub

Human Resources

Digital communications/ IT

Marketing/ public relations

Strategic Planning

Monitoring and evaluating performance

Legislation relating to Age UK Surrey

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

Knowledge of the sector

Description

Trustee Role Description

We are looking for Trustees for our Board with senior skills in any of these areas:

Legal Experience

Income Generation

The NHS

Digital Marketing Experience

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Age UK Surrey achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Age UK Surrey has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision:

For people to improve their wellbeing and independence to get the most from later life.

Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable Age UK Surrey to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our aims.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties:

• Support and provide advice on Age UK Surrey’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Oversee our financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of our charity.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve our financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to our CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority.

• Keep up to date about changes in our operating environment.

• Contribute to regular reviews of our governance. Attend Board and Committee meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect our interests, to the exclusion of your own personal and/or any third party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of our objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

There will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities:

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept your responsibilities and liabilities as a trustee and to act in the best interests of Age UK Surrey.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our values.

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,

objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of office:

• Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 1 further term to a maximum of 6 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment:

• Attending quarterly Board meetings as well as committee meetings throughout the year. Currently meetings are held in person at the Clockhouse Centre, Milford, Godalming.

• Attending annual staff/trustee meetings and ad hoc meetings as required.

• Completing safeguarding training and induction training as required.

Areas of expertise/ experience relevant to Age UK Surrey are:

Income Generation

Fundraising

Governance

Finance and accounting

Social welfare / care

Experience / knowledge of the NHS

Operating a community hub

Human Resources

Digital communications / IT

Marketing/ public relations

Strategic Planning

Monitoring and evaluating performance

Legislation relating to Age UK Surrey

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

Knowledge of the sector

INVITATION TO JOIN ARTVENTURE AS A TRUSTEE

Have you ever considered being a Trustee of a charity?    

Here is your opportunity.  At Artventure Trust we have vacancies for two Trustees

We’re a small registered charity allowing adults with learning disabilities to explore the visual arts in a safe, relaxed and secure environment in its own purpose-built Studio in Guildford. Staffed with professional artists and volunteers, we aim to provide an environment where people can find enjoyment, make new friends, grow in confidence, try new skills and develop existing ones.

Have a look at our website: http://www.art-venture.co.uk/

We are looking for motivated people who are sympathetic to the aims of Artventure to join us. There is no need to have trustee experience to apply

There are approximately six Trustee meetings each year held in Guildford, and you will be invited to contribute advice and support on an ad hoc basis. 

Interested?  Please do contact us, by clicking on the "Fill in an Application" form – we would like to meet you and introduce you to Artventure.

Robert Muir

Chairperson of Artventure Trustees

We are a very well established Sea Cadet unit that has been in operation since 1942. We were recognised in 2010 as one of the best units in the southern area. This is not only because of our central location, right in the heart of Guildford, but because of our ethos and commitment to provide top notch activities for young people.

Our superb location, perched on the banks of the River Wey near the National Trust's Dapdune Wharf, is so close to the water that you can touch it. And this fits well with our aim; to give young people the opportunity to get out onto the water, gain confidence and have a lot of laughs at the same time.

We want to keep our cadets active both on an off the water. Long evenings in the Summer months mean loads of time on the water: Kayaking, sailing, rowing and driving power boats. Then when the nights draw cold and you think that all we can do is in a classroom you find we keep active: rock climbing, leadership games and activities and sports games.

We currently have 65 cadets, male and female aged between 10 and 18, of whom 16 are Royal Marine Cadets.

We have a wide range of facilities and instructional staff which means we can offer you the opportunity to learn new skills in a safe environment whilst having loads of fun!

Description of Volunteer Role - We are looking for volunteers to help with the management, fundraising, publicity, insurance, safety personnel and other policy aspects of running a flourishing youth organisation run entirely by volunteers.

Volunteers would be required for one evening per month for committee meetings and occasional visits to the unit for other purposes.

The Management Committee meets about 10 times per year and the AGM is from 7.15 to 9.15pm, usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday. There are also some ad hoc meetings when VIPs visit on a Monday or Thursday (probably 2 per year)

When Required - Time Flexible

Commitment: Part Time

Areas of Interest - Children, Sport and Outdoor Activities, Youth.

Types of Activity - Community Work, Fundraising, Marketing, PR and Media, Trusteeship and Committee Work.

Skills - None other than a desire and enthusiasm to help the youngsters of today become the responsible adults of tomorrow.

There are occasional courses run by the Sea Cadet Corps to attend. Also a CRB check is necessary and a child protection course every 3 years. 

Directions - At Dapdune Wharf, next to the National Trust on the River Wey. Access either via Walnut Tree Close (Car Park) or Woodbridge Road(Park on Road) and then via footpath which links the two.

Recruitment Method - CRB Check, Informal Discussion.

Guildford Sunset Homes is a small charitable trust registered under the Communities and Societies Benefits Act of 2014.

It comprises a total of 87 social rent apartments for retired people of limited means from within local area.

Situated in Merrow, near Guildford, this very attractive Estate includes a converted Grade 2 listed Manor House with further blocks of apartments within the grounds.

We are currently looking for someone with experience in Housing Associations, charity or property sector, to become a member of our Board of Trustees who meet approximately six times per year. As the post is voluntary and unremunerated it would suit someone local who would relish the opportunity to give something back to the community.

The management of the Estate is undertaken by ELM Group Ltd who employ two members of staff to take care of the day to day running of the Estate.

The Board of Trustees are involved in the development of the Estate, and this is an exciting time to join a very friendly and well reputed charitable organisation.

Use your financial skills to make a lasting difference to local families

Home-Start Guildford is a local, independent charity supporting families with young children through difficult times. Our trained volunteers provide practical and emotional support in the home, helping families build resilience and confidence.

We are seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and play a vital role in overseeing the charity’s financial health and sustainability.

About Us

Home-Start Guildford is an independent charity based in Guildford committed to promoting the welfare of local families and children.

Staff and volunteers offer regular support, including providing emotional and practical help to families in the families’ own homes and connecting families with specialist services within the community.

We are part of Home-Start UK, one of the UK’s leading family support charities, benefiting from their policy framework and quality assurance, but not funding.

Role Summary

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of Home-Start Guildford’s financial affairs.

The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, and reports to the Management Committee at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.  

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Oversight

• Maintain an overview of the charity’s financial position, ensuring its long‑term sustainability.
• Monitor cashflow, reserves, and financial risks, alerting the Board to any emerging issues.
• Advise on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.  
• Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies, and procedures are in place and followed.

Financial Reporting and Planning

• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board of Trustees and regulators.
• Prepare and present cashflow forecasts, budgets, and annual financial statements to the Trustees. 
• Present clear, accessible financial information to the Board to support strategic decision‑making.
• Keep the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Director to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees. 
• Lead on the appointment of, and liaison with, the independent examiner. 

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Ensure that the Financial Control Policy is followed, and where necessary is amended to reflect best practice, and what is practicable for the management of the charity. 
• Ensure the charity complies with financial and reporting obligations set by the Charity Commission, HMRC, and other relevant bodies.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and filed in the form required by the Charity Commission. 
• Support the Board of Trustees in understanding its financial responsibilities and provide guidance where needed.

Operational Support

• Act as Primary User for the bank accounts held with HSBC, and to ensure that the appropriate staff members have access as needed to manage the day to day running of the charity. 
• Oversee financial administration, including bookkeeping, payments, and banking.
• Approving expenditure over certain limits, as set out in the Financial Control Policy. 
• Support staff with financial processes, offering training or guidance where helpful.
• Prepare financial information, as required, to assist with funding applications and reports. 

Responsibilities of all Trustees 

• Support and provide advice on Home-Start Guildford’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.  
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation. 
• Oversee Home-Start Guildford’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress. 
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation. 
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.  
• Review and approve Home-Start Guildford’s financial statements.  
• Provide support and challenge to Home -Start Guildford’s Chair in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.  
• Keep abreast of changes in Home -Start Guildford’s operating environment.  
• Contribute to regular reviews of Home-Start Guildford’s own governance.  
• Attend Management Committee meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions. 
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Home -Start Guildford’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.  
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Home -Start Guildford’s objectives, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.  

As a small charity, there will be times when the Trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Management Committee meetings. This may involve scrutinising Management Committee papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

A little bit about you:

• Passionate and dedicated individual with experience of fundraising in charity, public, and/or corporate sectors, with a successful track record of achieving and exceeding fundraising targets.
• Enthusiasm to work collaboratively as part of a small, ambitious team.
• Eager to take the initiative and get hands-on with a positive “can do” attitude to bring fundraising projects to fruition.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise.
• Friendly and approachable; honest and trustworthy.

Your time commitment

The Management Committee meet approximately every 6 weeks; although online attendance is possible, face to face is preferred. The key report currently produced is a cashflow forecast for the following 12 months. This takes around 3-4 hours to complete.  

Other responsibilities, including those outlined above, will depend on the level of involvement that the Treasurer has with the day-to-day running of the charity.  

It is anticipated that the Treasurer will need to commit a minimum of 8-10 hours a month to the role.  

What does becoming a trustee involve?

As part of the trustee role, you will be expected to:

• Attend, and prepare for, a minimum of six Management Committee meetings per year.
• Undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
• Undergo a selection process as outlined by Home-Start Guildford.
• Commit to the legal and financial responsibilities of the role, as outlined in the charity’s Constitution (‘Foundation’ model constitution).
• Visit and engage with the office and staff to enhance your understanding of how Home-Start Guildford works.

Training and Support?

• Trustees are fully inducted into Home-Start at the start of their new role; they will receive:
• An online welcome event and e-learning, introducing Home-Start’s service and your responsibilities.
• Training in key areas including safeguarding.
• Reimbursement of paid expenses.
• Access to Home-Start’s online community via Home-Start UK intranet – full of information and guidance on running a local Home-Start.
• Tailored support by other trustees and staff.

What do you get as a volunteer trustee with our organisation?

• An opportunity to exercise your strategic planning skills, probably in a different environment or context.
• An opportunity to influence and collectively lead an organisation supporting families of young children.
• A chance to expand and implement your understanding of our work.
• A chance to augment your experience of charities.
• A boost to your career and CV, if needed.
• Satisfaction of helping an organisation that supports families, thus giving something back to your community.
• Induction training from us; training, support, and assistance from local charity-support & advice agencies; reimbursement of reasonable expenses, if needed.

What do we get?

• Your strategic skills, knowledge, understanding, and experience.
• Your abilities to influence plans for our charity’s future, especially in this cost-of-living crisis.
• Enhancement to our overall governance and the Board of trustees; improvement in our operational growth.
• Your participation in our collective decision-making, contributing to all areas of our charity work.
• Your enthusiasm.

Joyfull Greens would like a Governance Volunteer, to ensure that we are carrying out our operation legally and safely, incorporating a monthly risk register.

Just a few hours a month need to help Joyfull Greens remotely and flexibly to write some of their first applications.  

Joyfull Greens is a fairly new Community Interest Company, we are still in our first year.  This is a new role, so you can shape things for the future.   

Qualities

• Friendly, reliable and professional. 
• Excellent computer skills, admin skills etc.  
• Ability to communicate clearly

You would benefit from complimentary invites to cooking sessions and helping to make a lasting difference to your local community. 

About the Charity

The Cedar House Charity was set up for mothers experiencing prenatal and postnatal depression in 2004 and offers support to mothers by holding free weekly group therapy sessions. The groups provide a safe, supported, and confidential environment where mothers can get together with others who may be feeling similar to themselves and are facilitated by our specialist postnatal depression counsellor, Liz Wise. Liz has thirty years’ experience in facilitating groups, providing counselling and has personal experience of the illness. The groups aid their recovery by making them feel normal and reducing the sense of isolation that postnatal depression can bring.

​The charity has been running since 2004 in Surrey, and now also provides a support group in South London. Each group provides creche facilities and both this and the group are free of charge. We get no funding from the NHS or local authorities and rely solely on private donations, grants and fundraising events.

Charity Trustee

Purpose of role:               

Key purpose of the charity trustee role is to function as one of the key decision makers of Cedar House, providing leadership, guidance, support and making decisions for the benefit of the charity and the work that it does. The charity trustee’s will safeguard the charity's assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. Cedar House is a small charity, and we rely on the time given generously by our volunteers, including our trustees. These roles require a positive, active input to the shared responsibility of overall governance and fundraising efforts, vital to keeping the charity going.

Key Responsibilities:      

Cedar House Charity Trustees are required to attend 3 board meetings per annum, where the financials including accounts, funding/grant applications and other related topics will be discussed. All trustees must be an active member of the board as it is small. The board members may also share the board roles including Treasurer, Secretary, Chair, safeguarding and communications/fundraising.

Key duties include:

• Ensure the charity is conducting its purposes for the public benefit
• Comply with the charity's governing document and the law
• Acting in the charities best interest
• Managing the charity's resources responsibly (including finances)
• Acting with reasonable care and skill
• Ensuring the charity is accountable.

Eligibility criteria:             

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must not have been previously disqualified
• Fit the criteria of ‘fit and proper person’ under Finance Act 2010 HRMC
• Can undertake and pass Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
•  Able to travel to Guildford, Surrey for the 3 Trustee Board meetings per year

Key Experience:  

•  Worked in teams of people
•  Experience of making objective decisions, based on factual evidence
•  Understanding of financial information

If you are interested in supporting Cedar House and you are able to provide some time by volunteering, please click on the Fill in an Application button to volunteer or if you wish for further details.   

Wanted:  A volunteer Treasurer, ideally with accounting qualifications who is happy to work from home.  Our current Treasurer, who has just stepped down, will continue as a Trustee and will provide handover support to the new Treasurer.

The Role:  To oversee financial planning and management, ensuring financial viability of our events and courses, provide regular financial reports to the Board and Management team, supervise daily accounting activities performed by the Financial Assistant, and collaborate with the external accountant on final accounts to Companies House and Charity Commission.

We are: A yoga teacher training organisation.  We are a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.  Our trustees, management team and members are spread around the country (and abroad). 

How much time is needed?  The amount of time spent in the role is variable depending on the time of year.  Preparation for the quarterly meetings and preparing the end of year accounts will need more time but an average of 2 – 3 hours a week will suffice.

We meet: As a management team we meet online using Zoom 3-times a year on a Wednesday at 1pm, plus an annual AGM and occasional sub-group meetings.  Our part-time virtual Finance Assistant deals with the day-to-day finances. 

Voluntary Action South West Surrey (VASWS) is an umbrella organisation for voluntary groups, community groups and charities working in Guildford and Waverley.  We help with support and development, provide information, training, funding & governance advice and with recruiting volunteers.

We are seeking a new Board members to join our vibrant team.

What skills do I need?

The Role: Trustee

We are inviting passionate individuals to join our Board as Trustees, contributing to our journey. Board meetings are your platform to influence, guide, and support VASWS’s strategic direction. Beyond governance, Trustees engage with the community, representing VASWS at local events and helping steer our mission forward.

Benefits Include:

• Making a lasting impact in the community.
• Expanding your network and forming new relationships.
• Developing skills in governance, leadership, and strategy.
• Broadening your personal and professional skill set.
• Reimbursement for reasonable expenses.

We are based in central Guildford and Board Meetings are held 4 times a year on a Tuesday at 4pm via Teams, plus an annual AGM and occasional sub group meetings.

If you are interested and would like to have a chat about the role and find out more about us please fill in the application form. 

We look forward to hearing from you!