Volunteer Trustee | Katherine Low Settlement

Volunteer Trustee | Katherine Low Settlement

Seeking Trustees to shape Katherine Low Settlement’s future. Skills in fundraising, finance, property or charity management are welcome, as is lived experience. We welcome applications from younger people, UKME/Global Majority and disabled people.

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, your impact will be felt across the whole charity. You’ll help guide Katherine Low Settlement’s strategy and shape the future of a community organisation that has been at the heart of Battersea for over 100 years. By bringing your skills, knowledge or lived experience, you’ll strengthen decision-making so our services remain effective and relevant to local needs. You will support our Chief Executive and staff team to deliver high-quality programmes for older people, children, young people and families from refugee backgrounds. You will safeguard the charity’s assets – from finances to our historic building – so they can continue to benefit the community. You will improve how we fundraise, manage resources and develop partnerships, increasing the charity’s long-term sustainability. You will amplify the voices of our members, especially those too often underrepresented, to ensure they are heard at board level. You will help reduce poverty and isolation in Battersea, and bring people together across backgrounds. This is not just about governance. Trustees act as ambassadors, advocates and supporters. By lending your insight, you’ll directly influence how 500 people a week use our building, how 120 volunteers contribute, and how a £1m charity continues to grow and respond to challenges. Your contribution will help us stay true to our vision bringing people together, building common humanity, and working with some of the most vulnerable people in London.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for Trustees who bring a mix of professional expertise, lived experience and commitment to our community. No prior board experience is required – full induction and training will be provided.

Skills and Experience

• Fundraising – trusts, foundations, individual giving or major donors
• Finance – accounting, financial management or oversight
• Property and general management – maintaining, refurbishing or developing community buildings
• Charity management – governance, operations or strategic planning
• Lived experience – insight that reflects the voices of our members, volunteers and wider community

Qualities

• Willing to commit time to board meetings, preparation and occasional events
• Able to think strategically and contribute to long-term planning
• Confident in offering advice, constructive challenge and support
• Effective communicator, both in meetings and with staff or partners
• Team player who values collaboration and shared responsibility
• Committed to KLS’s vision, mission and values
• Integrity and good judgement
• Willingness to act as an ambassador for KLS
• Openness to learning and development
• Respect for confidentiality and safeguarding responsibilities

Diversity and Representation

• We want our Board to reflect the community we serve. We particularly welcome applications from younger people, people from UKME/Global Majority heritage backgrounds, and disabled people.

Your Impact

• Shape the strategy of a £1m community charity with over 100 years of history
• Improve how we fundraise, manage resources and plan for the future
• Ensure the voices of our members are heard at the highest level
• Help reduce poverty and isolation in Battersea and bring people together

Commitment

• Trustees are appointed for three years, renewable by mutual agreement
• The role is voluntary
• You’ll need to commit time for board meetings, reading papers, and occasional events
• Induction, training and ongoing support are provided

What you’ll be doing

We are seeking new Trustees to join Katherine Low Settlement (KLS) and help guide our next chapter. This is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills and insights to strengthen a much-loved community charity and shape its future. KLS has been at the heart of Battersea since 1924. Each week, over 500 people use our building for activities and services. We support older people and children, young people and families from refugee backgrounds. Our work is supported by a team of 32 staff and more than 120 volunteers, with an annual turnover of £1m.

What Trustees Do

• The Board of Trustees are the legal guardians of KLS. They set the strategy and vision of the charity
• Oversee finances, policies and governance
• Support and challenge the Chief Executive and staff team
• Safeguard the charity’s assets, reputation and long-term sustainability
• Act as ambassadors to raise awareness and support for our work
• Trustees meet regularly to monitor performance and make decisions
• They also contribute their expertise and networks to strengthen the organisation

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in Fundraising, Finance, Property and general management
• Charity management – governance, operations or strategic planning
• Lived experience reflecting the voices of our members

Next Steps

Applications are warmly encouraged from younger people, those from UKME/Global Majority Heritage backgrounds, and disabled people, who are currently under-represented. If you want to make a real difference in your local community, we’d love to hear from you.