Vice Chair
Time commitment: Volunteer role, approximately 6 to 12 months as Vice Chair, with the intention of stepping into the role of Chair thereafter
Location: Kingston upon Thames (committee meetings are online)
About Friends of Kingston Music Service
Friends of Kingston Music Service is a small, friendly charity that supports the work of Kingston Music Service. Our committee is made up entirely of volunteers – mostly parents of children in the service and others with a strong interest in music and music education across the borough.
We provide bursaries to support students whose families experience temporary financial hardship, helping to ensure that children are not forced to leave the service at a critical point in their musical journey. We also run the Searby Scholarship, a brass initiative that we are currently evolving into an exciting opportunity to establish a brass band within a primary school.
We have a solid and well-run back office. The next stage for the charity is to look outward and forward – raising more funds and support to grow the Searby project and to help Kingston Music Service develop new opportunities for young people.
Most importantly, we are a warm, sociable committee that genuinely enjoys working together.
The Role
We are seeking a Vice Chair to join the committee for approximately one year, with the intention of becoming Chair when the current Chair steps down.
This is an ideal role for someone who would like to grow into a leadership position within a charity, with the support of an experienced Chair and an engaged committee.
As Vice Chair, you will:
- Support the Chair in leading the committee and the trustees
- Act as a sounding board and partner to the Chair
- Help shape the charity’s future direction, with a particular focus on fundraising and income generation
- Play an active role in developing and promoting the Searby Scholarship and future projects
- Step in to chair meetings when required
- Build relationships with Kingston Music Service and the wider community
- Prepare to take on the role of Chair after approximately one year
What We’re Looking For
You don’t need previous trustee experience. We’re looking for someone who:
- Is enthusiastic about music and young people’s access to it
- Enjoys working collaboratively and constructively
- Is comfortable contributing ideas and helping to turn them into action
- Has an interest in fundraising, partnerships, or community engagement
- Is organised, reliable, and happy to take on a leadership role over time
Time Commitment
- 6 committee meetings per year
- 6 trustee meetings per year (traditionally held in the pub!)
- Occasional ad-hoc involvement between meetings, depending on projects
Why Join Us?
- Make a tangible difference to young people’s lives in Kingston
- Help shape the future of music education locally
- Join a welcoming, supportive and good-humoured group of volunteers
- Gain valuable experience in charity leadership and governance
How to Apply
If you’re interested or would like an informal conversation about the role, please send a message to: sarah@storystorks.co.uk
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 16th October 2026