Applications Open for Volunteer Mentors
Trustee Forward is now inviting applications for Volunteer Mentors from experienced local trustees.
It's a flexible opportunity and time commitment, over a 6-9 month period, during which you'll prepare and tailor six sessions with a mentee. The format and frequency of the sessions is yours to agree together. We'll provide you with training and all the support you need.
Amongst the key skills we're looking for are 3+ years of experience as a charity trustee, a good understanding of the voluntary and community sector, and strong communication, listening and motivating skills.
A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of the project. We welcome applications from trustees of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of being from a background which is commonly underrepresented on boards.
View the full role description here.
Download and complete the Volunteer Mentor Application Form here.
In March 2025, Richmond launched the brand new governance project Trustee Forward, in partnership with the Richmond Foundation.
The 12-month project will provide targeted training, a mentorship scheme, and opportunities for peer support to a cohort of both new trustees and aspiring Chairs.
We are aware of the increased pressures that trustees face, the growing number of vacancies, and how the composition of trustee boards is often not fully representative of the communities they serve.
Our aim is to remove barriers to trusteeship, increase diversity, and enable trustees to lead with confidence - in turn, helping to ensure our local sector is well run and well governed.
Project Coordinator, Santiago Torchiaro, is leading this new initiative for Richmond CVS and would be delighted to hear from individuals who would like to get involved:
“I am really looking forward to coordinating Trustee Forward and expanding our offer to trustees. I am highly passionate about the charity sector and making a difference in our communities, and this will be a great opportunity to engage with the sector in new ways.”
If you are new to a local trustee role, looking to develop your governance skills further, or you’re an experienced trustee interested in mentoring, we would love to hear from you.
This is a support programme tailored and developed to match the needs of Richmond's local trustees and we welcome feedback and suggestions.
The formal launch event on the evening of Wednesday 30 April provided the opportunity to network, hear from some inspiring speakers, and learn more about how trustees can participate and benefit.
Amy Vogel, Grants Manager at Richmond Foundation:
“We’re proud to partner with Richmond CVS to support and strengthen the local voluntary and community sector. By working together, we’re focused on building a pipeline of confident, skilled, diverse trustees. Trustee Forward is a fantastic opportunity to improve support for local organisations and the people they serve, and we’re excited to be a part of it with Richmond CVS.”
If you would like to know more, ask questions, or get involved, get in touch by emailing santiagot@richmondcvs.org.uk.
