Volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a Fundraisng Team Leader Volunter!
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
You can expect us to
- make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You'll be:
- supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
- planning fundraising events and activities with your team
- allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
- keeping financial records from fundraising events
- encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
- following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events
Time expectation
Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a Fundraising Volunteer!
Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.
The difference you’ll make
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.
As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.
What you can expect from us
- A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
- Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
- Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
- Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:
- Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
- Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
- Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
- Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
- Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
- Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection
Time commitment
This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.
You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for
We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.
Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Type: Volunteer
Commitment: 2 hours a week or 4 posts a month (can be done flexibly, prepared in advance) - with bi-weekly catch-ups
Reporting to: Operational Director
Location: Remote (UK)
We are looking to appoint 2 volunteers for this vacancy
What will you be doing?
You’ll create engaging, inspiring content for our Social Media accounts – just 1-2 posts a week – helping us grow our online presence, connect with our supporters, and communicate our values around sustainability, biodiversity, and inclusion.
This is a flexible, part-time role requiring around 2 hours per week, or less if you can produce 4 monthly posts and leave them scheduled, ideal for someone looking to build their creative portfolio while supporting meaningful grassroots work.
What are we looking for?
Essential:
- Confident using Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn (personal or professional)
- Strong written communication and visual storytelling skills
- Creative flair and alignment with our charity’s mission and ethos
- Reliable and organised, able to contribute consistently each week
- Comfortable working independently and taking initiative
- Ability to work as part of a Team
- Able to use Canva to produce content
Desirable:
- Experience using Canva or similar design tools
- Familiarity with scheduling platforms like Meta Suite, Buffer, or Later
- Understanding of ethical and inclusive communication practices
- Interest in sustainability, holistic living, education, or nature
Candidates should have 3+ years of experience with:
- Marketing Strategy
Ability to plan purposeful content that aligns with our goals (e.g. awareness, engagement, partnerships). - Social Media Marketing
Confident using Facebook and Instagram; understands how to create engaging, platform-appropriate posts that speak to different audiences. - Graphic Design
Able to design clear, visually appealing posts using tools like Canva, with attention to accessibility and branding.
What difference will you make?
As our Social Media Content Creator, your work will directly support Willowbrook Farm Charity’s mission to inspire sustainable living and reconnect people with nature. By sharing our stories, values, and programmes online, you will:
- Grow our visibility – Helping more people discover our charity, our values, and our work with biodiversity, sustainable farming, and environmental education.
- Inspire and inform – Creating content that motivates individuals to live more sustainably and engage with nature, while highlighting inclusive and equitable access to green spaces.
- Support fundraising and outreach – Boosting awareness of our community projects and helping us reach potential donors, supporters, and participants.
- Celebrate diversity and belonging – Representing the wide range of people we welcome at Willowbrook, and promoting our inclusive approach to Earth stewardship.
- Build momentum during our rebuild phase – As we relaunch after a period of dormancy, your work will be instrumental in reigniting interest and engagement with our charity.
Your creativity will help turn values into action, and connect our small grassroots charity to a wider world, one post at a time.
Who will be working with you? Our Marketing Team:
· 2x Article writers (writing content for Blog and LinkedIn articles)
· 1 Brand and Development Manager
· 1 Graphic Designer Lead
· 1 Marketing Manager (coming soon)
· 2 Social Media Content Creators (this position)
· 1 Video Editor (coming soon)
How we work (and what you can expect when joining the team)
We don’t believe in KPIs or harsh targets; that’s not our style. We’re a values-led, cause-driven team that measures success by the quality of relationships we build, the opportunities we uncover together, and the impact we make for our beneficiaries. Numbers can be useful, but we don’t use quotas or pressure to motivate people. Instead, we focus on collaboration, learning, and genuine enthusiasm for finding the right people who align with our mission.
What this looks like in the marketing team
In practice, you’ll join a supportive creative team that shares story leads, swaps ideas, and helps each other refine drafts. We celebrate curiosity, voice, and progress, not just outcomes. We’ll agree on simple, shared goals and light check-ins so everyone knows where we’re heading, but we won’t impose arbitrary targets or dashboards. If a post doesn’t land or a campaign underperforms, we treat it as learning—not failure—and we improve it together. Yours and our wellbeing and growth matter to us as much as the content we publish. We understand that content engagement takes time and effort to develop.
How we create together
You’ll have space to research, think, and craft clear, accessible writing across channels (web, email, social, print or channels you have been assigned to). We work from short creative briefs, friendly peer reviews, and a living style guide, so you’re never writing in a vacuum. We co-create with programme colleagues and volunteers, turning real experiences into stories, explainers, and resources that help people connect with our mission.
Ethical, inclusive storytelling
We take ethical marketing seriously. We prioritise respectful, consent-based storytelling, plain language, and accessibility (e.g., clear structure, alt text, readable layouts). We’d rather publish fewer, stronger pieces that we’re proud of than chase volume for the sake of a metric. You’ll have time to fact-check and shape narratives that are honest, strengths-based, and aligned with our values.
Your voice, our mission
Bring your ideas! Pitch topics, test formats, and iterate. We’ll back you with constructive feedback, and opportunities to grow your craft while keeping our shared focus on meaningful content that supports the communities we serve.
If you’re motivated by purpose, teamwork, and thoughtful posts (rather than meeting a quota) you’ll feel right at home with us! But remember, because of this supportive and collaborative culture we maintain, we will honestly rely on you to fulfil your share of the work.
Before you apply
We’re really grateful for every volunteer’s time and contribution. Please note we’re unable to provide professional references for volunteers who haven’t actively participated and engaged with our work for at least four months and/or delivered tangible outcomes*. Your work is valued even if your circumstances change and you’re not able to fulfil the time and hours we originally agreed. However, because professional references require a higher level of commitment, meaningful contribution, and long-term dedication, we can only provide them when we’ve worked together long enough and seen clear results from your involvement, to give future employers a fair, well-informed reference.
*By “tangible outcomes,” we mean clear contributions such as completing agreed tasks or projects, meeting deadlines, producing work we can review, or making measurable progress toward team goals. If a professional reference isn’t possible, we’re happy to confirm your volunteering dates and role instead.
Please, send us a cover letter and your CV saying why you want to volunteer with us. Unfortunately, we can only accpet application from volunteers who have the right to work and volunteer in the UK. Thank you!
Our mission is developing a nationally recognised centre of excellence in sustainability education and land stewardship.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
At FareShare, we stop good food from going to waste and give it to people who need it in our local community. Our Volunteer Drivers deliver food to our Community Food Members which is vital to ensuring the donated food we receive gets to the right people, instead of going to landfill.
What will I be doing?
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Safely driving vans to deliver and collect food
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Loading and unloading food orders, planning routes and completing paperwork
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Responsibly driving the van, cleaning the van, reporting any issues or accidents
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Representing FareShare in a courteous and professional manner and, where necessary, you will be accompanied by a Volunteer Driver’s Assistant.
Why volunteer as a Driver with FareShare?
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Gain skills such as route planning, manual handling, organisation, teamwork and communication skills
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Meet new people, be part of a team and socialise with other volunteers and Community Food Members
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Be physically active, keep fit and help vulnerable people in your community.
Requirements for the role:
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Hold a full driving licence with no or low points
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Be over 21 with minimum 3 years driving experience
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Have the confidence to drive a medium-sized van (training/support will be offered where needed)
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Be able to perform physical manual handling tasks safely including loading/unloading food from the van
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Have the ability to complete paperwork and follow directions via Sat Nav system/map
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Be adaptable and flexible. Managing surplus food is unpredictable and tasks can vary
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Be positive, friendly and personable
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Be able to work well in a team and on your own
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Follow health and safety policies & procedures
We are committed to embracing diversity and promoting equality and inclusion. As part of your application, please let us know of any health conditions or access needs that might impact your volunteering with us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our FAB cafés around Bristol. In this volunteer role, you’ll be part of creating vibrant, welcoming community spaces that build relationships and connect people with activities in their local community.
At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs. In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible. We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.
We are looking for FAB Cafe Host Volunteers for the following cafes
- Avonmouth - Mondays, 2:30-4:30
- Southville - Tuesdays 10:00-12:00
- Withywood - Tuesdays 11:00-1:00
- St Werburghs LGBT+ - Thursdays, 10:00-12:00
- Fishponds - Fridays 2:00-4:00
The role involves
- Welcoming older people who are new to the FAB café
- Facilitating conversation and activities in the group
- Promoting your local FAB café and the FAB membership card scheme
- Keeping sign-up sheets for attendees at cafes
- Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team
The qualities and skills required for this role are
- Welcoming and friendly disposition, with the ability to include people.
- Reliability.
- Ability to communicate well with a diverse range of people.
- Ability to respond to people’s varied access needs (such as hearing loss) to make sure each individual can participate well.
- Ability to work cooperatively in a busy community setting.
- An understanding of the needs of older people.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are delighted to be looking for two new Trustees to join the Devon Wildlife Trust Board.
Whether you are an experienced board member or seeking your first Trustee role, we welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences. We will provide a comprehensive induction programme and tailored support based on individual candidates’ experience.
What matters to us is that candidates have a keen interest in the work of Devon Wildlife Trust, the ability to commit the time needed to fulfil the role, and a wish to use your skills and experience to help make a difference for nature in Devon.
More information on Devon Wildlife Trust, the role and recruitment process can be found on the Jobs page of our website, where a Trustee Candidate Information Pack can be downloaded.
Please apply via our recruitment portal by 23:59 on 22 February 2026.
If you would like to find out more about the opportunity, we will be hosting an online open briefing with Trustee Koy Thomson and Chief Executive Nick Bruce-White, at 16:00 on 16 January 2026. Information on how to register for this is given in the pack.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for 2 Support group volunteers over the age of 18 years old, based at Horniman Museum, 100 London Road , Lewisham SE23 3PQ.
You’ll be volunteering every second Tuesday of the month, from 2pm until 4pm.
The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.
We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling.
If you are interested, your application should include a copy of your CV and a cover letter (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing what you would bring to the Ygam Student Ambassador team and how your experiences (life and/or work) demonstrate our values of integrity, empathy, innovation, and empowerment.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Description
Are you ready to put your digital marketing skills into practice and make a real impact? As a Volunteer Digital Marketing Manager with TESYouth, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience while helping us grow our online presence and reach.
In this role, you’ll be part of a team that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. You’ll play a key role in developing and implementing strategies that strengthen our brand message, boost engagement, and drive traffic to our digital platforms.
Responsibilities
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Increase traffic and visibility across TESYouth’s digital channels.
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Grow our brand message, vision, and online presence.
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Develop and manage digital marketing campaigns.
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Monitor and analyse performance using SEO, Google Analytics, and other tools.
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Collaborate with the creative and communications teams to align marketing activities.
Requirements
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Experience in digital marketing and social media management.
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Working knowledge of SEO, Google Analytics, and related tools.
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Strong communication and organisational skills.
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Proactive, dedicated, and willing to learn.
Additional Information
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This is a voluntary role and can be carried out entirely remotely.
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All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
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Flexible hours – ideal for those looking to gain professional experience while contributing to a meaningful cause.
About TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a social enterprise and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing youth unemployment. Through training programmes, work experience, interactive workshops, and volunteering opportunities, we support young people in developing their skills and achieving their career aspirations.
Together with our collaborators and partners, we aim to make a lasting positive impact in the community.
Tackle and reduce youth unemployment by providing with the necessary tools to develop skills, aptitudes, knowledge and self-confidence.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.
Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.
About the role:
As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring.
Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world.
We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.
No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops.
Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.
Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer
You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:
- Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
- Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
- Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
- Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
- Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
- Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.
Key responsibilities: Till volunteer
Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:
- Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
- Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
- Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.
If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.
Key responsibilities: Key volunteer
Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:
- Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
- Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
- Opening and closing the shop when needed.
- Cashing up at the end of the day.
If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.
Skills and qualities:
This role would suit you if you’re:
- Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
- Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
- A team player who enjoys working with others.
- Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
- Respectful of others.
What we offer you:
As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:
- Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
- A chance to meet new people.
- A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
- The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
- A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
- Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it.
Our values:
Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work every day. Our values are:
- We include
- We collaborate
- We find a way
- We challenge
- We celebrate
We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world.



Utilise your educational leadership to help close the attainment gap. Join the board of Tutor Trust, a proudly northern charity transforming young lives through tutoring across the North.
Closing date: Monday 23rd February
Who we are
For 15 years, Tutor Trust has been changing lives through high-quality tutoring, building long-term partnerships with schools across the North. We’re driven by a vision of an education system that provides excellence, equity and opportunity to every child and young person in the UK. Last year, we supported over 6,000 pupils across 149 schools, with 92% either entitled to Pupil Premium funding or attending schools in low-income areas. Our impact is proven: primary pupils made 7.07 scaled score points progress in their SATs, while secondary pupils made 0.86 grades progress at GCSE level.
We recruit talented university students, many from the communities we serve, who act as relatable role models while delivering evidence-based tutoring. Our approach works: Education Endowment Foundation trials showed our pupils made three months’ additional progress in maths, with even greater gains for those eligible for Free School Meals.
Following the end of the National Tutoring Programme, we’re continuing to successfully navigate challenges while maintaining our school partnerships and impact. We’ve diversified our programme, expanding into phonics, post-16 GCSE resits, and growing our specialist Tutoring Plus work for pupils with complex needs by 135%. We’re now implementing an ambitious strategy to 2028 that will see us broaden our reach, expand into new regions, and advocate for tutoring to become a permanent part of the education system, ensuring that every young person, regardless of where they grow up, has access to the support they need to thrive.
About the role
We’re looking for two trustees who will join our board of Trustees and sit on our Education Committee, bringing the voice of secondary school leadership to our board. This is a chance to contribute to something genuinely transformative during a period of both challenge and opportunity for education, working towards a future where excellence and equity go hand in hand across the North and beyond.
Who we are looking for
We’re looking for people with secondary school leadership experience, such as headteachers, executive heads, or senior leaders in multi-academy trusts, who understand the pressures schools face and the realities of serving disadvantaged communities. You’ll bring an understanding of boards and governance, demonstrating strategic thinking and appropriate challenge, alongside a genuine passion for closing the attainment gap and creating opportunity for all young people to succeed.
We’re particularly keen to hear from leaders across Liverpool, Merseyside, Leeds, Yorkshire, and the North East. We are interested in people with experience of school improvement, Ofsted, or broader curriculum expertise alongside secondary leadership.
While our primary focus is on educational leadership, we’re also interested in hearing from people with expertise in digital, fundraising, PR and marketing; skills that will be valuable as we implement our ambitious growth strategy and build our vision of an education system rooted in excellence and equity.
Time commitment
Board meetings are held six times a year, typically at 8:00 a.m. for two hours, with most meetings conducted online and some held in person in Manchester. As members of the Education Committee, you’ll also attend termly committee meetings online, along with an annual half-day strategy session held in person. The overall time commitment is equivalent to up to a day per month.
Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, achieve, and build the future they envision. At Tutor Trust, we believe that high-quality tutoring is more than just academic support, it’s about unlocking potential, restoring confidence, and opening doors to opportunity.
If you share our belief that education should provide excellence and equity for every child, we invite you to join us. Whether you’re leading a school or MAT today or are a senior education professional, your experience and passion can help shape the future of thousands of young people.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close on Monday 23rd February.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for remote phone volunteers to respond to client and general enquiries using our Webex app.
Why we want you
To speak directly to those in financial crisis and arrange help for them.
What you will be doing
- Speaking to individuals on the phone (Via Webex)
- Assessing their eligibility for a food parcel and other help from the foodbank
- Taking down their details to arrange food parcel and other help
The skills you need
- Good listening skills
- Ability to manage conversations, sometimes difficult conversations
- Supporting as part of a team
What's in it for you
- Giving hope and arranging help to those who are in difficult situations
- Having a positive impact in your community
Applications close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026
Location: Home-based but with regular travel, including to periodic board meetings in London or other locations within the UK
This is an opportunity to chair a charity transforming lives by helping more people experience the positive impact of learning. You can help shape the future of this remarkable charity and lead the Board of Shannon Trust to broaden, deepen and mature what we deliver.
Who we are
Picture this: a person in prison who struggles with literacy and numeracy reads their first sentence, they write their first letter home to their children or completes their first numeracy task. They begin to imagine a future beyond the prison walls.
This is what happens when someone learns with Shannon Trust, and it happens thousands of times each year across prisons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Currently, 65% of people in prison can’t read, or struggle to. Even more struggle with numeracy.
These are not just statistics; they represent people who have been locked out of opportunity, who struggle with daily tasks, such as helping their children with homework or filling out a job application. At Shannon Trust, we believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, and that literacy and numeracy skills help build the foundations upon which people can rebuild their lives.
Where we are now
Shannon Trust has experienced remarkable growth over recent years. We have gone from a team of twelve people to one hundred staff today, supported by a volunteer base that brings us close to 250 people working to change lives through learning. The core of what we do is one-to-one peer mentoring in prisons. In 2025 alone, more than 11,000 learners used our reading and numeracy programmes, with 2,000 new volunteer peer-mentors trained to support them. We work in around one hundred prisons across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, delivering our Turning Pages reading programme and Count Me In numeracy programme. We are increasing our reach into the community, too. This growth is the result of sustained focus, strong relationships with funders who believe in our work, and the proven impact of our peer-led learning model.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a Chair who is strongly motivated by our cause, with a genuine empathy for the people we serve and a commitment to the person-centred language and inclusive thinking which are woven into everything we do. You will bring an engaged and engaging leadership style, have resilience and a personal gravitas.
You will be someone who is comfortable with complexity as we shape our organisation for the next chapter of our development. You will understand the importance of process, culture, and effective operations as the means of delivering a successful strategy and sustaining an organisation.
You will be someone who can help us be better advocates whether that is supporting our Chief Executive to build relationships with policymakers, helping us think through how we position ourselves in the education and criminal justice landscape, or using your own networks to create opportunities for Shannon Trust to influence and inform. We need a Chair who sees advocacy as part of the role.
Most importantly, our new Chair must be a strong partner for our CEO, a mentor, challenger and support.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Derby College Group seek a new Governor with audit expertise to help push forward its mission to enrich lives and create bright futures for all.
Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 16th February 2026
Location: Derby
Time commitment: 5 board meetings per year
About Derby College Group
Derby College Group (DCG) is the 18th largest college in the country, supporting 54% of learners in Derby City and its surrounding area. The vision of Derby College Group (DCG) is to create world-class, accessible education opportunities that enrich lives and make bright futures a reality for all. DCG is committed to providing educational excellence, championing social mobility and driving economic prosperity.
DCG delivers high-quality academic, vocational and technical education that empowers people to achieve their ambitions while providing employers across the Midlands and beyond with the talented workforce of tomorrow.
Through a dynamic and responsive curriculum, it predicts and serves the needs of its business and civic communities. Students of all ages and backgrounds are prepared for positive destinations in the next stage of their lives, whether that be further study, the world of work, entrepreneurship or independent living. They leave DCG ready to contribute to society as responsible citizens.
The Group’s portfolio of educational programmes and skills solutions is underpinned by thriving partnerships with employers, shaped by comprehensive market intelligence and informed by liaison with key stakeholders such as the East Midlands Combined Authority.
A truly diverse organisation, the Group comprises four Colleges – the Roundhouse, the Joseph Wright Centre, Broomfield Hall, and the Community College, Ilkeston. Every year it caters for thousands of learners spanning post-16 students pursuing academic and technical pathways, apprentices at all levels, higher education students, and adults seeking career progression, upskilling and reskilling.
About the roles
Being a Governor in the FE sector is like no other voluntary role. At Derby College Group, you will be a member of the Board of Corporation led by our Chair, Andrew Cochrane, contributing to the overall responsibilities of the Board, which include:
The preservation and development of the educational character and mission of the Group and oversight of its activities:
- Setting and communicating the Group’s strategy and goals.
- Exercising effective control to ensure that funds and assets are protected, the organisation remains solvent and legal obligations are met.
- Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance and quality of the college and for the performance of staff.
The DCG Corporation structure consists of five Board meetings per year with all Governors attending and a number of specific committees, including Curriculum Performance, Audit, Finance & Resources and Strategy & Curriculum Planning, feeding into the main Board.
Who we are looking for
As a member of the Corporation and Audit Committee, you will attend all Board meetings as well as the Audit Committee meetings.
We seek someone ideally with a regulatory background, an active interest in further education, and someone with strategic awareness experience and understanding, as well as critical reasoning skills and the ability to engage in board-level discussions and decision-making.
Most importantly, you will be passionate about the power of education at all stages in life and will have an understanding of the area, both the City of Derby and the wider East Midlands.
You will also be a team player and a critical thinker, using these skills to work closely with other Governors to continue to drive forward the success of the College for students and the City of Derby.
Peridot Partners and Derby College Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for these roles close at 9 a.m. Monday 16th February 2026.
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Actively Interviewing
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Do you want to volunteer and make a real difference to the lives of older people within your community in East Sussex?
We’re looking for volunteers to support our work in a variety of ways. Whether you would enjoy helping customers in one of our shops, or become a Befriender either chatting on the telephone or meeting people face to face, there are roles to suit every interest and availability.
By volunteering with us, you’ll help reduce loneliness, provide vital support, and bring smiles to older people across East Sussex.
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