News
Join the Team: Trustee
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.
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
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 kindness to help them build strength, confidence and hope for the future.
Behind that work is a small, committed organisation that needs to be financially resilient, well-governed and able to plan for the long term. That’s where this role comes in.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for trustees, people who bring not just skills, but influence, insight and commitment.
This role is for individuals 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
We’re particularly interested in people who can help The Running Charity move into its next phase of growth, whether that’s through:
- Policy, governance, HR or safeguarding expertise
- Philanthropy, major giving or high-value fundraising
- Strategic partnerships
- Fundraising and income generation
- Profile-raising, social media and advocacy
- Strengthening governance and leadership
We value Trustees who are thoughtful, grounded and generous with their time, insight, and connections, and who believe that strong organisations create space for young people to thrive.
About The Running Charity
We’re the first organisation in the UK to use running as a tool to empower young people’s lives. Since 2012, we’ve supported thousands of young people across London, Manchester, Leeds and Brighton. This includes those facing homelessness and others navigating significant barriers like time in care, the criminal justice system, seeking asylum or refugee status, recovery from addiction, or experiences of discrimination based on race, sexuality, gender identity or background.
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.
You’ll:
- 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 the charity maintains 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.
Who we’re looking for
Who we’re looking for
You don’t need prior charity 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, and who are motivated to help a growing charity do its best work.
You’ll bring:
- Senior-level experience, lived experience, or deep insight from your professional or community background
- The ability to think strategically and contribute constructively to complex discussions
- Confidence to offer challenge with warmth, respect and clarity
- A positive, solutions-focused mindset and a willingness to get involved where appropriate
- Strong values around integrity, accountability and doing things properly
You’ll also have:
- A commitment to good governance and collective responsibility
- An interest in safeguarding, impact and long-term sustainability
- Clear alignment with the mission and values of The Running Charity
We value Trustees who are thoughtful, grounded and driven by purpose, and who enjoy working alongside others to help an organisation grow in a healthy, inclusive way.
To apply
Send the following to info@therunningcharity.org
- Your CV
- A short cover letter (no more than 2 pages)
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 that are underrepresented 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
