At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Board in governance and administration for a charity making a real difference.
- Company: Join Citizens Advice Hart, a respected charity with nearly six decades of impactful service.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful community impact.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering to fit around your studies or other commitments.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that ensures effective governance and supports vital community services.
- Qualifications: Organisational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for governance or charity work.
This is a genuinely rewarding opportunity to bring your skills to an organisation that makes a real, tangible difference to people's lives. If you have a background in governance, legal, administration, or company secretarial work or a passion to support, then we'd love to hear from you.
What difference will you make?
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your local community
- Experience working at Board level within a respected charity
- Development of governance and leadership skills
- Flexible volunteering to fit around other commitments
Citizens Advice Hart has been a lifeline for residents across the Hart district for nearly six decades – providing free, independent, confidential advice on debt, benefits, housing, employment and more. As demand for our services grows, so does the importance of the governance that keeps us strong, accountable, and well‑run.
What are we looking for?
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and manage deadlines
- Understanding of confidentiality and professional integrity
- Experience in administration, governance, or similar roles
- Knowledge of charity governance or Company Secretary duties would be beneficial
- Familiarity with Charity Commission or Companies House requirements preferred
- Experience supporting Boards or senior teams
- IT literate with the ability to work with Word, Teams, PowerPoint, OneDrive and SharePoint
Hybrid
What will you be doing?
The Company Secretary/Board Administrator supports the Chair and Board of Trustees to ensure the charity meets its legal, regulatory, and governance obligations. This role is vital in helping the organisation operate effectively and transparently.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and coordinate Trustee Board meetings (8/year) and the AGM
- Prepare and circulate agendas and meeting papers
- Take accurate minutes and track actions arising from meetings
- Maintain a forward plan of governance activities
- Provide ad‑hoc support to the Chair and Trustees in co‑ordination of key projects and activities
Trustee Administration
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and induction of Trustees
- Maintain records of Trustee appointments and declarations of interest
- Provide guidance to Trustees on their roles and responsibilities
Policies & Records
- Maintain up-to-date governance policies and procedures
- Ensure key documents are accurate, secure, and accessible
- Keep organisational records in good order
Charity Board Secretary & Governance Coordinator (Volunteer) employer: CITIZENS ADVICE - HART
At CITIZENS ADVICE - HART, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. Our flexible hybrid working model allows for a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have opportunities to grow and thrive in your role. Join us in Berkshire and North Hampshire, where you can contribute to vital public health initiatives and be part of a supportive team that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Charity Board Secretary & Governance Coordinator (Volunteer)
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like CITIZENS ADVICE - HART, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at CITIZENS ADVICE - HART.
How to prepare for a job interview at CITIZENS ADVICE - HART
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of CITIZENS ADVICE - HART and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
