At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board to shape the future of The Shelter MK and support those experiencing homelessness.
- Company: The Shelter MK, a charity dedicated to providing safe spaces for people in need.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact, develop professional skills, and collaborate with a passionate team.
- Other info: Flexible time commitment of 3-7 hours a month, with full training provided.
- Why this job: Use your marketing or fundraising expertise to drive change and support vulnerable individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising or marketing; no prior governance experience needed.
We are seeking two new Trustees to join our Board and play a key role in supporting the charity's future success. This is an exciting opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
About The Shelter MK: At The Shelter MK, we believe everyone deserves a place to call home, even when life takes an unexpected turn. We go out of our way to be that safe space for people experiencing homelessness in Milton Keynes, and their beloved dogs.
What will you be doing?
- Shape The Shelter MK's future by providing strong governance, strategic leadership, and independent oversight for ongoing success and sustainability.
- Support and challenge the leadership team on strategy, policy, finance, risk, and performance and help safeguard the charity's reputation and long‑term impact.
- Approve key plans and budgets, review financial statements, and ensure effective systems and risk management.
- Contribute to good governance practices, attend and prepare for board meetings, and use skills and networks to further the charity's mission and promote its work.
Time commitment: Trustees attend monthly hybrid board meetings held 6‑8 pm, with preparation required in advance. The Treasurer also oversees approval of the annual report and accounts. Occasional additional input outside meetings, such as providing expertise or advice, may be requested. The expected time commitment is 3‑7 hours a month, including board meetings.
What are we looking for?
- Strong alignment with the charity’s mission and expertise in Fundraising or Marketing & Communications.
- Experience at a management‑level or relevant professional background, strong critical‑thinking, problem‑solving skills and a capacity to contribute to strategic planning and risk management.
- Collaborative, confident, and able to share ideas and apply skills to current and future challenges.
- No prior governance experience required; full induction and training will be provided.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion: The Shelter MK is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create a respectful and empowering environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences strengthen its work and impact. We seek broad representation across our trustee board, including people of colour, young people, LGBTQ+ individuals and those with lived experience of socio‑economic inequality. We particularly welcome applicants who share this commitment and are passionate about advancing inclusion. The recruitment process is designed to be fair and accessible, with reasonable adjustments available to support full participation.
In 2024/25, The Shelter MK helped 45 people avoid sleeping rough and supported 239 individuals through its helpline, providing advice, referrals and guidance. Operating 21 bedrooms across four locations, the charity helped many guests move into private rented or social housing, reducing average lengths of stay.
Becoming one of our new Trustees offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, contribute to the charity's governance and strategic direction, develop professional skills, enhance career experience and collaborate with a dedicated team.
Trustees with Marketing or Fundraising Experience employer: Shelter
The Shelter MK is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Milton Keynes. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the charity fosters a collaborative work culture where diverse perspectives are valued, and professional growth is encouraged through training and development. Joining our Board as a Trustee not only allows you to contribute to meaningful governance and strategic leadership but also enhances your career experience while working alongside a dedicated team passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustees with Marketing or Fundraising Experience
✨Tap into Local Charities
Get involved with local charities or non-profits in your area. Many organisations are always on the lookout for volunteers to help with fundraising events. This is a perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fundraising while making meaningful connections in the community.
✨Join Fundraising Networks
Join online communities and networks focused on fundraising. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and even local meetups can be great places to connect with experienced fundraisers. You'll find tips, share ideas, and may come across opportunities specifically looking for volunteers.
✨Show Passion at Events
Attend fundraising events or workshops in your area, even if you're just a participant. Showing up and being active helps us identify potential volunteers. Don’t hesitate to chat with organisers and offer your support; your enthusiasm could land you a volunteer spot on the spot!
✨Get in Touch with Shelter
Don’t forget to check out the volunteer opportunities available at Shelter! Apply through our website, and make sure to highlight any relevant experience or skills related to fundraising. We love seeing proactive volunteers ready to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustees with Marketing or Fundraising Experience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:When applying for a volunteer role in fundraising development, we want to see your enthusiasm for the organisation's mission. Share experiences that highlight your commitment to similar causes, whether through previous volunteer work or personal projects. It’ll help us understand your motivation and how it aligns with our goals at Shelter.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Fundraising involves a mix of skills like communication, organisational abilities, and some level of marketing insight. Make sure to showcase any experience that demonstrates these skills—maybe you've organised community events or collaborated with teams for awareness campaigns. Tie them back to how they'd benefit your contribution to Shelter.
Tailor Your CV for Volunteer Work:Don’t just send the same CV you’d use for a paid position! Focus on relevant volunteer experiences, skills, and any training that’s pertinent to fundraising. Highlight your motivations and willingness to learn, as we value those qualities in our volunteers at Shelter.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Volunteering often involves flexible commitments, so be upfront about when you can lend a hand. Whether you can volunteer weekly, monthly, or for one-off events, let us know in your application to help us organise our efforts at Shelter effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shelter
✨Understand the Cause
Before heading into your chat with Shelter, make sure you really connect with their mission and goals. Being a volunteer in fundraising means that your passion for the cause needs to shine through—be prepared to share why this specific initiative is important to you!
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Even as a volunteer, it's all about how your past experiences can contribute to fundraising efforts. Think about any previous volunteer work, community service, or relevant skills you've gained—bring these examples with you and highlight how they can benefit Shelter.
✨Be Ready to Brainstorm
In fundraising roles, creative thinking is key. Expect to be asked about your ideas for fundraising events or how you would engage the community. Prepare a few concepts in advance that showcase your creativity and understanding of the audience—this will help you stand out!
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
As a volunteer, they're looking for genuine commitment and enthusiasm. Be ready to discuss your availability and how you plan to engage with their team. Showing how you can dedicate your time and energy to them will help build confidence in your ability to contribute.
