Adult education volunteer volunteer roles in edinburgh

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available at colleges England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or remote)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed
Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

·Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.

Position Overview:
The Programme Specialist is critical in supporting the delivery of a high-impact employability and skills development programme. Working under the guidance of the Programme Lead, this position focuses on coordinating projects, managing participant engagement, and ensuring the smooth execution of training initiatives, mentorship activities, and job placement efforts. The Programme Specialist directly empowers individuals to achieve workforce readiness and sustainable employment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Coordination:

   • Assist in managing day-to-day activities of the programme, including onboarding, skills assessments, and skills development of participants.

   • Track progress against programme milestones (e.g., participant enrollment and completion rates) and flag delays to the Programme Lead.

2. Participant Support:

   • Serve as a primary point of contact for participants, addressing inquiries and providing guidance on programme resources, training modules, and job search tools.

   • Maintain accurate participant records, including attendance, skill assessments, and post-program outcomes.

3. Stakeholder Engagement:

   • Support the Programme Lead in building relationships with internal stakeholders.

4. Data Management & Reporting:

   • Collect and analyse data on participant progress, employment outcomes, and programme effectiveness using CRM systems or databases.

   • Prepare regular reports for the Programme Lead to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact to funders/stakeholders.

5. Logistics & Compliance:

   • Manage programme materials, including training resources, digital platforms, and participant handbooks.

   • Ensure compliance with programme guidelines, confidentiality policies, and grant reporting requirements.

1. Continuous Improvement:

   • Gather feedback from participants and partners to identify opportunities to enhance programme delivery.

   • Support the implementation of new tools or processes to improve efficiency and participant satisfaction.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Education, Human Resources, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • 1–3 years in programme coordination, workforce development, adult education, or a similar role.

  • Experience working with diverse populations, including youth, underserved communities, or career changers.

• Skills:

  • Strong organisational and multitasking abilities, with attention to detail.

  • Proficiency in Google products (Forms, Sheets, Docs, Slides) and familiarity with CRM tools.

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for engaging participants and stakeholders.

  • Basic data analysis and reporting capabilities.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Volunteer Trust & Grant Bid Writer to help secure funding that will enable us to continue and grow our life-transforming work in Christian mental health. Working with the Director of Development, the role will involve identifying funding opportunities, preparing compelling grant applications, and helping us build strong relationships with trusts and foundations aligned with our mission.

Mercy UK is a Christian mental health and wellbeing charity, committed to equipping people to live free and stay free through a range of trauma-informed, faith-based support services. From our flagship Freedom Journey programme to practical resources like Keys to Freedom, we support individuals navigating emotional and spiritual challenges and empower churches and Christian organisations to provide meaningful, transformational support.

Key Responsibilities

● Research suitable grant-making trusts and foundations, with a particular focus on those funding mental health, faith-based initiatives, and/or community wellbeing.

● Work closely with the Director of Development to maintain a pipeline of prospective funders.

● Draft high-quality, tailored funding applications that reflect the heart, outcomes, and impact of Mercy UK’s work.

● Collate and interpret project data, outcomes, and financial information to support applications.

● Support the development of template responses and maintain accurate records of submissions and outcomes.

● Assist in preparing follow-up reports or updates required by funders.

What We’re Looking For

● Strong written communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive and inspiring content.

● Attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

● Experience of fundraising through trusts and foundations, or equivalent transferable experience in writing bids or proposals.

● An ability to articulate and represent Christian values and ethos respectfully and effectively in written applications.

● Passion for mental health and wellbeing, and alignment with Mercy UK’s mission and values. 

What You’ll Gain

● The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a growing, impactful charity.

● Experience in trust and grant fundraising, with support and guidance from our development team.

● A chance to use your skills to directly support the emotional, spiritual, and mental wellbeing of individuals across the UK and beyond.

● References and testimonials for future opportunities.

● Access to Mercy UK’s Employee Assistance Programme with Health Assured

National Ugly Mugs (NUM) is seeking people with a passion for sex workers’ rights and
safety to join our Board of Trustees.

About NUM and the role of trustees
NUM is a UK-wide charity working with sex workers to end all forms of violence against them. We design and deliver safety tools, carry out research, and provide specialist support services for people in adult industries. We serve sex workers of all genders, ages, abilities, cultures, and modes of work. Our secure digital reporting and alerting system warns communities about dangerous individuals, while our experiential support staff and trained Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) offer one-to-one, trauma-informed advocacy. We ensure sex workers have the information and resources they need to make informed choices about their lives.

Our wellbeing drop-in service (first launched in Glasgow) has now expanded to Manchester and London, alongside the addition of our dedicated vocational support programme for people looking to transition, diversify, or leave sex work. Our racial justice programme reclaims narratives on sex work and race through in-depth conversations, research, and collaborations between racialised sex workers and anti-racist activists, focusing on experiences across five key areas of public life. We conduct research, deliver education packages for professionals, and advocate for policy change to improve safety, rights, and recognition for sex workers across the UK.

We place lived experience at the heart of all services and decision-making, ensuring our
work reflects the needs, priorities, and expertise of the communities we serve.

Trustees at NUM play a vital role in helping us fulfil our core mission of ending all forms of violence against sex workers. They support NUM as an organisation and the members of the NUM team by providing support, advice and guidance through our day-to-day operations and the overall strategic vision of the charity. Some of that takes place at quarterly trustee meetings, where the CEO reports on NUM’s work and brings decisions and choices to the board for discussion and advice, and some takes place between meetings when individual trustees have skills or experience that can support team members and have the time to take on a supportive or mentoring role. Our current trustees bring with them a wide range of
experience from sex worker organising and advocacy, media and public engagement,
campaigning and social justice, academia, finance, and other aspects of the third sector.
They also oversee legally required duties such as approving the annual report, reviewing
risks and finances, and ensuring the charity complies with the law and meets its charitable
objectives.
Trustee roles are voluntary positions. However, NUM will pay for any reasonable expenses incurred as part of the role.

Who we’re looking for
The most important thing is that you believe in NUM’s work and want to join us to help us
continue this. We need people willing to volunteer their time to shape our practice and our services, and guide the charity as we continue to meet the needs of sex workers across the UK.

We particularly welcome applications from those with:

• Lived experience within sex worker communities
• Legal expertise (particularly relating to organisations, governance, and charity law)
• HR expertise (including recruitment, compliance, and employment law)
• Fundraising and income generation expertise

This experience may come from trustee roles, management positions in third-sector organisations, or other relevant voluntary or lived experience. You don’t need prior trustee experience — what matters most is commitment, skills, and a willingness to learn.

We value skills, competencies, and lived experience over job titles, and encourage applicants to draw on the full range of their background — including voluntary roles or sex work-based examples from their working history. We are looking for people who understand the realities of working within a charity and who can bring fresh ideas, insight, and expertise to support NUM’s mission.
If you don't have the specific skills listed above but believe you could contribute in other ways, we’d be happy to hear from you — please get in touch to discuss.

We are looking for Trustees who are proactive and solutions-focused. Individuals who, when they see a challenge, are willing to take the lead in mobilising others and driving practical action. Someone who doesn’t wait to be asked, but steps in with energy, clarity and a positive mindset to help move things forward collectively for NUM and in the pursuit of our
charitable goals.

Other skills and attributes that we would like from any prospective trustees are:

• A strong commitment to the mission and core values of NUM
• A high degree of integrity
• The ability to think strategically and plan for the future with good judgement
• Critical thinking skills
• Creativity
• The ability to work well as part of a team to collectively make decisions surrounding
• NUM’s future work, vision and strategy
• A willingness to undertake any necessary training
• An understanding of safeguarding
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a charity trustee

We know that great boards bring together a mix of perspectives, skills, and experiences - both lived and learned. We’re especially keen to hear from people whose voices are often underrepresented in leadership, including (but not limited to) people with experience in the sex industry, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people, people under 30 years old, and those from working-class backgrounds. If you care about our mission and meet the core criteria, please consider applying - even if you don’t tick every single box.

The responsibilities of trustees at NUM include:

• Attend four regular board meetings a year (online and/or in person)
• Advise on, and help develop, organisational strategy and delivery, including policies that fall within your expertise
• Ensure compliance with governing documents and the law
• Ensure accountability to funders, NUM members and wider movement
• Maintain proper fiscal oversight, signing off and scrutinising reporting against budgets
• Oversee the management of risks to NUM’s funding, reputation and delivery
• Exemplify NUM’s values and culture through ways of working and interacting
• Maintain effective board performance (including appointing new board members)
• Effectively work with, and respect the expertise of the NUM staff and volunteer team

We estimate that the role will require approximately 1–2 days per month, including quarterly meetings and some responsiveness between these. The standard term for a Trustee is 3 years.

Chief Advancement Officer

• Volunteer Role
• Remote/Homebased
• 10hrs a week
• Charity Worker Discounts shopping worth over £2000/year

About Project Yananai
Project Yananai is a dynamic, globally operating nonprofit organisation, with Christian values, dedicated to empowering underserved communities through adult education, sustainable skills training, and humanitarian aid. We believe in creating pathways to self-reliance and resilience, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to transform their lives and communities.

Position Summary
Project Yananai seeks an inspiring, strategic, and results-driven Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to join our Executive Leadership Team. The CAO will serve as a key driver of the organisation’s global impact, leading all efforts related to resource development, external communications, and organisational branding. This leadership role involves guiding, mentoring, and developing the departments within the Advancement Division - specifically, Brand & Marketing, Communications & Public Relations, Fundraising & Grants, Donor Relations & Stewardship, Strategic Partnerships, and Ambassador & Influencer Engagement - through their respective department heads. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CAO will develop and execute comprehensive strategies to expand revenue streams, enhance visibility, and foster strategic partnerships aligned with Project Yananai’s mission and growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Departmental Oversight

• Provide visionary leadership for the entire Advancement Division, including the departments of Brand & Marketing, Communications & Public Relations, Fundraising & Grants, Donor Relations & Stewardship, Strategic Partnerships, and Ambassador & Influencer Engagement.
• Guide, develop, and support department heads to ensure alignment with organisational goals, operational excellence, and innovative practices.
• Lead the strategic planning process for the advancement functions, ensuring integration across departments to maximise impact and efficiency.

 Resource Development & Revenue Generation

• Oversee all fundraising and resource development activities across the organisation: major gifts, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, grants, individual giving, and innovative revenue streams.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors, partners, and stakeholders worldwide.
• Develop and implement strategies to diversify and expand revenue sources, including exploring new funding opportunities and innovative financial models.

Communications, Marketing & Brand Management

• Lead the creation and execution of integrated communication, marketing, and public relations strategies that effectively convey Project Yananai’s mission, impact, and value proposition globally.
• Ensure consistent, mission-aligned branding and messaging across all channels.
• Elevate the organisation’s visibility through strategic storytelling, digital campaigns, and media engagement.

Organisational and Team Development

• Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing, diverse team within the Advancement Division, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Promote ongoing training, professional development, and succession planning within the division.
• Foster a workplace environment aligned with Project Yananai’s principles of equity, inclusion, and empowerment.

Cross-Department Collaboration & Organisational Alignment

• Serve as a key member of the executive team, collaborating across functions to ensure alignment with organisational priorities.
• Advise on initiatives that intersect with organisational operations, supporting project delivery and organisational sustainability.

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Partnerships

• Lead efforts to build and deepen strategic partnerships with organisations, institutions, and influencers aligned with Project Yananai’s mission.
• Oversee Ambassador & Influencer Engagement initiatives, cultivating relationships with advocates and public figures to amplify the organisation’s reach and impact.

Risk & Security Oversight

• Collaborate with Risk & Security Management to ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and security standards, especially in high-risk environments.
• Support development of strategies that mitigate risks related to organisational growth and external engagement.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in global nonprofit organisations, with demonstrated success in fundraising, communications, marketing, and partnership development.
• Extensive experience leading and developing diverse teams and departments.
• Demonstrated ability to secure significant philanthropic support from a broad range of sources, including major donors, foundations, corporations, and innovative revenue streams.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, creative, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for storytelling and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working in multicultural, international settings and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice principles.
• Familiarity with the complexities of humanitarian and development work, including risk management and security considerations, is highly desirable.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a purpose-driven organisation making a transformative difference in communities around the world.

Project Yananai is a UK registered charity number 1209060 and an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.

We are looking for passionate people to join our Trustee team and contribute their skills to the development of our highly ambitious, industry-leading organisation.

First and foremost, we’re looking for people who are passionate about equal access to music and live events, and who will fully get behind Attitude is Everything’s Vision and Mission. We have a vision for accessible employment; that disabled people can have a career in the music and live event industries.

We want our Board to be representative of the communities that it serves, so we’re particularly interested in people who identify as disabled, deaf and/or neurodivergent and who are from diverse backgrounds, including from lower socio-economic backgrounds and from regions outside of London.  We are particularly interested in hearing from senior leaders in the music industry, those with strong knowledge and experience of the fundraising landscape and individuals with policy experience.

�� Join Our Mission as Treasurer – Help Rescue Vulnerable Children in Nepal! ��

Are you an accountant looking to use your financial expertise for a powerful cause? We are seeking a passionate Treasurer to join our dedicated board and help transform the lives of vulnerable children in Nepal.

Who We're Looking For: 
✅ Finance professionals - whether formally qualified (AAT, CIMA, ACCA, ACA), part-qualified, or experienced through practice 
✅ Strong analytical skills and ability to translate financial insights into clear, strategic action 
✅ Passion for making a real-world impact through good governance and financial stewardship

✨ Be part of a dynamic, supportive team committed to child protection.
✨ Shape financial strategy for an inspiring international charity
✨ Gain valuable trustee experience with flexible commitments (6 meetings/year + remote tasks).
✨ Potential to visit our life-changing projects in Nepal!