Trustees (including Treasurer – priority role)

The Running Charity is recruiting trustees, including a priority Treasurer appointment, to support the organisation’s next stage of strategic growth and sustainability.

Salary: Voluntary

Location and hours: This role is open to candidates based anywhere in the UK. Board meetings are held virtually, with one in-person meeting per year. Time commitment is approximately 1–2 days per month.

Interview date: Ongoing

Do you believe running can change lives? At The Running Charity, we support young people aged 16–25 who are facing homelessness or dealing with tough life challenges. We use running, coaching and community to help them build strength, confidence and hope for the future.

Behind that work is a small, ambitious organisation that needs to be financially resilient, well-governed and ready for its next phase of growth. That’s where our Trustees come in.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking to recruit a number of Trustees, with a priority need to appoint a Treasurer, alongside other Trustees who bring influence, insight and commitment. This role is for people who:

• Have strong professional or community networks and are willing to use them to support the charity’s mission
• Bring senior-level experience, lived experience, or deep sector knowledge
• Are comfortable operating at a strategic level and helping an organisation grow sustainably
• Want to actively contribute beyond the Boardroom where appropriate
• Care deeply about impact, integrity and doing things properly

Priority role: Treasurer (Trustee)

Alongside general Trustee recruitment, we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who could take on the Treasurer role. This role is best suited to someone who is:

• A qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or
• Has significant experience in a senior finance role, with responsibility for organisational finances, risk and strategic planning

The Treasurer works closely with the CEO and Board to oversee financial reporting, budgeting, cashflow, reserves and long-term sustainability.

Skills and experience we’re especially interested in

We’re keen to hear from people with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Policy, governance, HR or safeguarding
• Philanthropy, major giving or high-value fundraising
• Strategic partnerships
• Fundraising and income generation
• Profile-raising, communications, social media and advocacy
• Strengthening governance, leadership and organisational culture

What you’ll be doing

As a Trustee, you’ll play a strategic role in shaping the future of The Running Charity and supporting it to grow sustainably and with integrity. Your responsibilities will include:

• Help set and steward the charity’s strategic direction and long-term vision
• Provide oversight, challenge and support to the executive leadership team
• Use your experience, insight and networks to strengthen the charity’s impact and reach
• Ensure high standards of governance, safeguarding and accountability
• Act as an ambassador for The Running Charity and its values
• Contribute actively to Board discussions and key decisions
• Be willing to chair or vice-chair Board sub-committees, working closely with Trustees and members of the staff team where appropriate

This is a non-executive role, focused on governance, leadership and impact rather than day-to-day delivery. You don’t need prior trustee experience; we care more about how you think, how you work with others, and the energy you bring.

We’re looking for people who bring:

• Sound judgement, curiosity and a genuinely collaborative approach
• Confidence to offer challenge with warmth, respect and clarity
• A positive, solutions-focused mindset
• A commitment to good governance and collective responsibility
• Clear alignment with the mission and values of The Running Charity

Our commitment to inclusion

We strongly encourage applications from people who:

• Have lived experience of homelessness, the care system, the criminal justice system, migration or mental health challenges
• Are from communities under-represented on charity boards
• Bring diverse perspectives shaped by race, gender identity, sexuality, disability or socio-economic background
• May not see themselves as a “typical trustee”, but have insight, values and commitment to make a difference

How to apply

Please send the following to info@therunningcharity.org: A short cover letter (no more than 2 pages), outlining your interest and what you’d bring to the role.