Charity jobs in United Kingdom

We are a small community garden open everyday from 9am until dusk. The space is free of charge for visitors and is looked after by Grapes Hill Community Garden Group (charity).

Categories: Nature & sustainability • Community & family • Wellbeing

This is a trustee position with a focus on governance frameworks, policy development, and regulatory compliance. This is a voluntary, unpaid role on the Committee of Grapes Hill Community Garden Group.

You will share collective responsibility with fellow trustees for the charity’s governance and strategic direction, with a particular focus on governance frameworks, policy development, and regulatory compliance.

• Governance Leadership: Lead the committee in reviewing and updating the charity’s governing document (constitution) to ensure it remains fit for purpose.
• Develop and maintain essential charity policies (safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, data protection, complaints procedure, etc.).
• Ensure the board operates effectively, including reviewing board structure, effectiveness and decision-making processes.
• Support the recruitment, induction and development of trustees to maintain a skilled and effective board.

• Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and all relevant regulations.
• Maintain awareness of Charity Commission guidance and legal requirements affecting the organisation.
• Oversee risk management processes, identifying, assessing and mitigating risks.
• Ensure timely submission of annual returns and maintenance of accurate records with the Charity Commission.

• Guide the development of policies that support the charity’s purposes and protect its beneficiaries, staff and volunteers.
• Ensure policies are reviewed regularly and remain compliant with current legislation.
• Support the implementation of good governance practices in line with the Charity Governance Code.
• Attend and actively participate in committee meetings (typically 8–10 per year).
• Act in the charity’s best interests at all times.
• Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making.
• Support fundraising efforts where appropriate.
• Act as an ambassador for Grapes Hill Community Garden Group and volunteer at garden events when promoting the garden.

• Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, charity governance and trustees’ legal duties.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret governing documents and policies.
• Commitment to the purposes and values of Grapes Hill Community Garden Group.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically while understanding practical implications.
• Experience in governance, compliance or policy development (in any sector).
• Knowledge of charity law and Charity Commission requirements.
• Experience serving as a trustee or board member.
• Background in legal, regulatory or governance-related fields.

• Attendance at 8–10 committee meetings per year.
• Attendance at the AGM (usually held in March).
• Preparation time for meetings (reading papers, reviewing policies).
• Occasional additional time for governance reviews, policy development or training — estimated 1–2 days per month.

• The opportunity to make a real difference to your local community.
• Development of governance and leadership skills.
• Supportive board environment with induction and ongoing training.
• Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
• The satisfaction of helping Grapes Hill Community Garden flourish.

Grapes Hill Community Garden Group is a registered charity that transformed a run-down, former play area near Norwich city centre into a thriving community garden since 2011.

Our Mission: We provide opportunities to learn and share horticultural skills in a fully accessible environment. The garden is open daily and free of charge to visitors, with wheelchair access and free events/workshops to promote social cohesion for all ages.

What We Do: The garden features over 200 plant species, raised beds for local residents, a greenhouse, and spaces for community activities. We run regular workshops and events to teach horticultural skills and wellbeing through gardening.

Please send your CV and a covering letter. You are welcome to attend and observe our AGM and meet trustees and volunteers without obligation.

Date: Thursday 12th March 2026 Time: 6.30pm – 8.00pm Location: The Narthex Bar, Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Unthank Road, NR2 2PA

Feel free to visit a session or event at Grapes Hill Community Garden.

Grapes Hill Community Garden Group is committed to equality of opportunity for all trustees and applicants and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

All trustees serve voluntarily and are not remunerated for their role, in accordance with UK charity law. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may be claimed in line with the charity’s expenses policy.

Community & family • Sustainable cities and communities • Climate action

Getting there

About Grapes Hill Community Garden

We are a small community garden open daily from 9am until dusk, free of charge. The garden is led by the Grapes Hill Community Garden Group and offers courses, workshops and regular events. Volunteer sessions are held Wednesdays 2pm–4pm and the second Sunday of each month; a Family Group meets on the last Sunday of the month. Raised beds are available for rent. Follow us on social media or join our mailing list for updates.