Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is a faith-based humanitarian relief and development organisation working to save and transform the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Established in 1984, with an active presence in over 45 countries, we strive to make the world a better and fairer place for those affected by poverty, conflict and natural disasters.
IRW is recruiting for the position of ‘Secretary to the Board of Trustees’ on a full time, permanent basis. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a global leader in the humanitarian sector and make a meaningful impact worldwide.
Purpose of the role:
The Secretary to the Board of Trustees plays a pivotal role in supporting the effective governance of the organisation and ensuring the smooth operation of the Board. This position includes line management of the executive officer and coordination with other departments in IRW and various board’s stakeholders.
The role holder is responsible for ensuring high standards of governance, regulatory compliance, and communication across all levels of the organisation including liaison between the Chair, the Board, and the executive leadership team.
The successful candidate must have:
- Proven significant experience in board or executive-level administration and as a legal secretary
- Strong understanding of governance processes and requirements, preferably within the charity or third sector
- Understanding of Charity Commission requirements
- Highly collaborative approach with a strong sense of teamwork and willingness to work with colleagues across the organisation
- Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines
- Background in managing complex and diverse workloads while maintaining meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to build relationships at all levels using a diplomatic and confidential approach with effective communication skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft professional reports and minutes
- High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality
- Flexibility to attend evening or weekend Board meetings as necessary
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including SharePoint, MS Teams, and managing hybrid meetings)
- Commitment to upholding Islamic Relief's core values: sincerity, excellence, compassion, and social justice
For more information, please click on the Documents tab above to view the full Job Description.
If you are talented, reliable, service-minded, resilient and a highly motivated professional looking for a meaningful career, with a strong commitment to IRW’s mission and values of sincerity, excellence, compassion, social justice and custodianship, please apply by completing our online application form.
For more information on the excellent company benefits we offer our employees, please visit:
https://www.islamic-relief.org/work-with-us/what-we-offer/
PLEASE NOTE: Interviews are expected to take place 15th August 2025.
Pre-employment Checks:
Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:
- screening clearance
- proof of eligibility to live and work within the UK
- receipt of satisfactory references
Please note, for UK-based roles, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship.
Our values and commitment to safeguarding
IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.
The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Islamic Relief is an equal opportunities employer