November 8, 2026

This year, Trustees’ Week takes place from 9th – 13th November, providing a valuable opportunity to recognise and celebrate the thousands of trustees who give their time, skills and expertise to support charities, community groups and voluntary organisations across Cumbria.

Trustees play a vital role in strengthening our communities. Through their leadership, guidance and commitment, they help organisations remain sustainable, effective and focused on making a difference to people’s lives. I would like to say thank you to all trustees across the county for the invaluable contribution they make.

I would also like to say a huge thank you to our own Cumbria CVS Board of Trustees for their continued dedication, support and strategic leadership. Their commitment enables us to strengthen and support the third sector throughout Cumbria. You can meet our trustees here

Trustees’ Week is also the perfect time to highlight the many rewarding trustee volunteering opportunities currently available across Cumbria and to encourage more people to consider taking on this important role.

What is a Trustee?

Trustees are volunteers who provide leadership and governance for charities and community organisations. Working collectively as a board, they help shape an organisation’s future, ensure it remains financially sustainable, and make sure it delivers on its charitable purpose. Trustees provide strategic direction, oversee good governance and help organisations achieve their mission and create lasting impact within their communities.

Being a trustee is an incredibly rewarding experience. It offers the opportunity to make a real difference while developing valuable skills, knowledge and experience.

Could You Be a Trustee?

Trustees come from all walks of life. Whether you are employed, retired, studying, seeking work, living with a disability, or have lived experience of a particular issue, your perspective and skills could make a significant difference to a local organisation.

If you are passionate about improving lives and strengthening communities across Cumbria, becoming a trustee could be one of the most rewarding volunteering opportunities you ever undertake.

To explore and register your interest in current trustee vacancies, register on the Volunteering in Cumbria Portal and search for Trustee.

Here are the latest Trustee or Board Volunteering Opportunities :

Cumbria Family Support, Chair to Board of Trustees, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10305880

Safety Net (UK), Financial Trustee, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10305057

Safety Net (UK), Chair of Trustees, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10305056

Multicultural Cumbria, Trustee, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10297822

Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden, Trustee, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10209782

Cumbria Family Support, Chair to Board of Trustees, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10305880

Long Marton Village Institute, Trustees for Village Committee, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10221159

 The Good Shepherd Multi Academy Trust, Trustees/School local governing body members, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10298404

Eden Animal Rescue, Trustee, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10266896

Castle Hill Trust, Treasurer, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10259354

Citizens Advice Allerdale, Trustee Board Members, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10212864

Citizens Advice Copeland, Trustee Board Member, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10212712

NCT West Cumbria, Treasurer, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10228798

Riversmeet Community CO-OP, Treasurer and Secretary, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10267874

Roman Senhouse, Clerk to trustees, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10303896

Rosehill Theatre, Trustee (Rosehill Board), https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10224942

Animal Rescue Cumbria, Charity Trustee, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10306350

Bendrigg Trust, Trustees, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10235497

Kent Estuary Youth Project (KEY), Trustees to join board of trustees, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10228527

Mind in Furness, Seeking volunteer trustees to join our board, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10273083

Sedbergh Community Trust, Treasurer, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10266464

South Cumbria Breastfeeding Support, Trustee, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10233442

Wave Forward, Secretary, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10263270

Art Gene, Trustee, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10212657

Citizens Advice Barrow, Trustee, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10305306

National Autistic Society, Treasurer, https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10297990

 

Trustee Governance Training

To support both new and existing trustees, we will be delivering a series of evening governance training sessions over the coming months, making it easier for trustees to attend around other commitments.

10th November – Best Practice in Governance: Session 1 – Introduction to the Roles and Responsibilities of Trustees
30th November – Best Practice in Governance: Session 2 – Introducing Tools to Support Trustees in Carrying Out Their Responsibilities
19th January 2027 – Best Practice in Governance: Session 3 – Refreshing Your Strategic Focus and Approach as a Trustee Board

Further information and booking details are available here.

Throughout Trustees’ Week, we will also be sharing trustee volunteering opportunities across our social media channels, so please follow, share and help us spread the word.

Finally, thank you once again to every trustee across Cumbria. Your dedication, expertise and time help organisations and communities make a difference. We truly appreciate everything you do.

 

 

 

Judith Smale
Volunteering Manager
Cumbria CVS