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Trustees, governors and lay leaders
Become a trustee, school governor or community leader
Could you use your experience to help an organisation make a difference? You don’t need to have held a senior job to get involved.
Explore the roles
Related, but not the same job. Choose one to find out more.
Sit on a charity’s board and share responsibility for how it’s run.
- Set direction and priorities
- Keep an eye on money and risk
- Make sure the charity sticks to its purpose
Suits you if you like seeing the bigger picture.
Help steer a school, without running it day to day.
- Support and challenge the head teacher
- Help set the school’s direction
- Oversee the budget
Suits you if you care about children’s education. In academies, the role is often called trustee.
Bring a particular skill to one area, such as finance, fundraising or events.
- Advise the board or staff
- Focus on a specific area or project
- Usually no trustee legal responsibilities
Suits you if you have a skill to share, or want to learn before taking on more.
Not ready to be a trustee?
A committee or advisory role lets you contribute and learn how boards work. Some people go on to become trustees; others stay put. Both are fine.
Is it right for me?
A few meetings a year
Plus reading in between. Chairs and treasurers usually give more.
No board experience needed
Life experience and community knowledge count as much as job titles.
Every role is different
Responsibilities vary by role and organisation, so check each listing.
Questions to ask before you apply
Every board works differently. Asking these will help you decide whether a role suits you.
- What does the board need from a new member?
- How often does it meet, and is it in person or online?
- How much reading is there between meetings?
- How long is the term of office?
- Is there an induction?
- What are the organisation’s main challenges right now?
- Can I see the latest annual report and accounts?
Schools usually ask governors for a DBS check, and some legal rules apply to trustees. The Charity Commission’s guide explains more.
How JVN can help
We help you find the right place to start. Charities and schools make their own appointments.
1
Talk it through
Your skills, interests and the time you have.
2
Find openings
Trustee, governor and committee roles that fit.
3
Build confidence
Events and development opportunities, including our Future Trustees Programme.
Future Trustees Programme 2026-27 For ages 21 to 40. Applications close 12 October.
Find out moreCurrent opportunities
See all roles- JFS School Trustee JFS Charitable Trust
- Chair of Trustees Shaare Zedek UK
- Primary School Governor Etz Chaim Primary School
- Committee Member, Finance West Herts Hospitals Charity
Looking for leaders?
Charities and schools can advertise trustee, governor and committee roles with JVN, and talk to us about recruitment.
Call us on 020 8203 6427
Not sure where to start?
Send us a message using the form below and we’ll get back to you. A line or two about what you’re curious about is plenty.
Contact
Jewish Volunteering Network,
Wohl Campus for Jewish Education,
44a Albert Road, London, NW4 2SJ
020 8203 6427 (London & Herts)
07587 792 272 (Manchester)
Office hours
Mon-Thur 9.00am-5.30pm
Fri 9.00am-1.00pm (winter) 3.00pm (summer)
Closed weekends, bank holidays and Jewish festivals
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