Chair, Audit and Risk Committee
Royal Voluntary Service
London
Voluntary basis. Reasonable expenses reimbursed.
The Royal Voluntary Service (then Women’s Voluntary Services) was set up by Stella, Lady Reading, in 1938 to help communities prepare for the coming war. Their contribution was so outstanding and far-reaching the service became too important to disband when peace-time came.
Today there is heightened need for volunteer support across the country – with great pressure on public services and charities. Yet volunteer numbers have been in decline for 10 years as demographics have shifted and expectations have changed. Royal Voluntary Service is seeking to address this challenge. We want to welcome a new generation into volunteering, enabling people to play their part whatever their age, particularly encouraging younger people and those of working age to engage. To succeed the offer needs to change.
We have been at the heart of volunteering for almost 90 years, and in 2025 we are at a pivotal moment for RVS and volunteering. We have recently launched a new strategy ‘Mobilising Volunteers for a Better Britain’. This strategy is ambitious and dynamic, seeking to drive change through collaboration with charities, businesses and government so together we can build an inclusive and energised volunteering system fit for a new era.
THE ROLE
We are now looking to appoint several new Trustees to help us ensure that RVS has the right strategy, resources and governance and support our executive leadership in developing our strategy, delivering it whilst maintaining financial and operational integrity.
One of these four new trustees will become our next Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee following a period of handover. This person will have strong board level finance and audit experience with exceptional credentials in risk management, most likely gained in other fast-moving, complex environments.
We actively encourage applications from people of all ages and backgrounds. If you believe you offer the skills and qualities we are seeking and are motivated by our vision of a diverse, connected and resilient civil society powered through volunteering – we very much look forward to hearing from you.
INFORMATION
Download the candidate brief to find out about the role.
DOWNLOADHow to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides).
- A covering letter that sets out your motivation for the role and describes the specific experience you can bring to the appointment.
Closing date:
Monday 17th November
Preliminary interviews:
w/c 24th November and early w/c 1st December
Final Panel interviews:
w/c 15th December or w/c 5th January 2026