Become a trustee
Could you help shape the future of Nottingham Refugee Forum?
We are looking for passionate individuals, committed to making a difference in the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum, to apply to join our Board of Trustees. For our current recruitment campaign please apply by 30 September 2026.
Nottingham Refugee Forum is always keen to hear from anyone who would like to serve on its Board of Trustees. Most Trustees are elected at the AGM each November by Forum members (its volunteers, regular donors and staff). Occasionally the Board also co-opts members to help support the work of the charity.
The full Board meets six times a year for two hours. Trustees serve for three years initially and can then serve for three more. They also serve on at least one of its committees. There are many further opportunities to contribute to Nottingham Refugee Forum’s work and development and to social and promotional activities.
Download our Trustee Information Document
Get in touch with our Chair of Trustees to ask any questions
If you prefer you may apply in video format, providing the information requested on the application form.
Why become a trustee?
Trustees are vital to what we do, and the experience can be hugely rewarding for you personally and for the community you’re supporting. Your voice and experience can make a real difference.
As a trustee you would:
- Support Nottingham Refugee Forum to make a positive impact for people seeking refuge
- Share in setting the strategic direction and policy of the organisation
- Help to ensure the charity is well-run, meeting its legal responsibilities and in a strong financial position
- Develop valuable skills and experience at the heart of a meaningful charity
- Use knowledge you already have to benefit a cause you care about .
You can click here to meet our current Board.
What skills are needed?
No specific qualifications are required for being a Trustee. However, we do welcome interest from people with relevant professional skills and experience, whether from the UK or overseas. People with lived experience as refugees are especially welcome because of the unique insights they can bring. Useful skills include:
- Governance and compliance
- Financial and risk oversight
- Organisational development
- Leadership in the charity sector.
At present the following skills would be particularly welcome: finance, human resources, safeguarding, operations and business development. These roles are detailed further in the Trustee recruitment information document.
We ask anyone volunteering or being proposed for the Board to complete an application form. This includes a personal statement of up to 250 words which will be shared with the Forum membership in advance of the AGM. Before doing so please read the Trustee recruitment information document. You are very welcome to contact a Trustee with any questions.
Your next steps
Download our Trustee recruitment information document
Get in touch with a Trustee to ask any questions
Fill in an application form today
The timeline to the 2026 AGM
The recruitment process for new Trustees this year will include the opportunity to visit our facilities at the Sycamore Centre and meet some existing Trustees, and a conversation to explore the commitment and skills involved. Please note the following timetable for the current recruitment campaign. If necessary there will be a further call for applications before the AGM.
- By 30 September: Complete an application form for our current recruitment campaign
- We will aim to respond to you within two weeks: please be patient if it takes a while, as Trustees are volunteers too! We’ll invite you to an exploratory conversation, online or in person, where we can tell you more about what’s involved.
- On Thursday 29 October: Have a tour of the Sycamore Centre and meet a few Trustees and staff, 3.30 – 5.30 p.m. An online option will be available at 2.00 p.m.
- 15 October to 5 November: For each candidate seeking election at the AGM this is the formal period for confirming a proposer and seconder
- Thursday 19 November: Come to the AGM, 6.00 p.m. at the Sycamore Centre!
For Trustees elected at the AGM the later steps will include:
- November-December 2026: We’ll work with you to develop an induction programme and training tailored to your needs and interests.
- Monday 11 January 2027: the first Board meeting following the AGM will take place
- December 2026 – March 2027: New Trustees will take part in their tailored induction programme.
We’re excited to welcome new voices and perspectives onto the board. Your involvement could make a real difference to the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.