Volunteer Trustee and Deputy Chair

What will you be doing?

Charlton Toy Library is a small charity with a big impact, supporting young children and families in Greenwich through play, learning and community connection. We’ve recently moved into a new home and are now focused on building stability, deepening our reach, and ensuring long-term sustainability. We’re looking for a Deputy Chair to join our board of trustees and support the Chair in leading the charity through its next phase of growth. This is a hands-on governance and leadership role where you’ll help steer strategy, strengthen board effectiveness, and ensure the organisation is well-run and inclusive. You’ll work closely with the Chair and fellow trustees to help keep things running smoothly - stepping in to chair meetings when needed, encouraging collaboration, and supporting key priorities such as fundraising, partnerships, and volunteer engagement. This is not a succession role - there’s no expectation that the Deputy Chair will become Chair in future. We welcome people with all kinds of experience and from different backgrounds. You don’t need to be local, and the role can be done remotely. We’re particularly interested in those with leadership experience and a collaborative approach - whether from charity, community, business or lived experience.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone with leadership experience - whether in a professional, voluntary, or community setting - who is confident supporting and guiding others. You don’t need to have been a trustee before or worked in the charity sector. You should be:

A strategic thinker who can help guide decision-making Comfortable chairing or co-chairing meetings if needed A collaborative team player who encourages open discussion Organised and proactive, with a willingness to get involved Passionate about supporting children, families, and community

Skills in governance, fundraising, charity leadership, or operations would be especially welcome, but we value a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. The role can be carried out remotely, and we welcome applications from people across the UK.

What difference will you make?

As Deputy Chair, you’ll play a key leadership role in supporting the smooth running of the board and helping Charlton Toy Library deliver its mission. Your contribution will support the charity’s resilience, strengthen governance, and help us grow our impact for local families.