Advice information volunteer roles

Join us and help us transform lives and communities together!

Greater Together Manchester (GTM) is a dynamic and forward-thinking charity, working across Greater Manchester to support communities to tackle deprivation and transform the lives of vulnerable people.

This is an exciting time for GTM as we look at our strategy post-pandemic, and how we can expand the remit of our work to better achieve our charitable aims. 

The aims of the charity include:

• To kick-start, grow and support social action/community outreach projects and initiatives by equipping local churches, groups, individuals and communities with the skills and confidence to make a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people in their local area.
• To connect projects, people, and organisations together to help them to share best practice, resources, and ideas. 
• To work together with multi-agency partners to influence local, regional, and national policy and strategy. 
• To provide training and information to individuals and organisations to help equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to support and sign post vulnerable people more effectively.

As a trustee with fundraising expertise, in particular grant and trust fundraising, you will have the skills and capacity to support our staff in applying for grants. 

You will take the lead on fundraising at board level, working with trustees and staff to create and implement a robust fundraising plan for all of GTM’s activities. 

This is an unpaid, voluntary role, but presents a great opportunity for personal and career development. Trustees are able to claim out of pocket expenses in accordance with GTM’s expenses policy.

The role would suit a range of people, from young professionals looking to broaden their leadership credentials, to senior or retired professionals looking to give something back to their local communities.

The statutory duties of all trustees are:  

• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations, and that the organisation complies with all relevant reporting requirements. 
• To act in the best interest of the organisation at all times, acting with reasonable care and skill.
• To ensure that the organisation manages its resources responsibly and that its assets are only used to support or carry out its objects.

Main Responsibilities of Trustee (Fundraising Lead):

To advise the Board of Trustees on matters relating to funding and fundraising

• Working with other trustees and senior staff, the Trustee (Fundraising Lead) will take a lead role in setting an effective fundraising strategy for GTM. 
• Provide governance leadership on GTM’s fundraising, helping to build and implement fundraising that supports our strategy.
• Provide strategic oversight of fundraising.
• Draw on your networks and experience to support the work of GTM. 
• Help ensure that staff have the skills and capability that they need to implement the strategy.

Person Specification 

Essential for the Fundraising Lead: 

• Recent experience in a fundraising role, ideally at a senior level, with a track record of large grant successes.
• An understanding of the UK charity sector, good governance, and statutory requirements relating to companies and charities.
• A thorough understanding of fundraising policies and procedures.

Essential for Trustees:  

• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trustees.
• Enthusiasm and belief in our vision and mission.
• Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims and values, and a willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities. 
• Strategic, forward-looking and the ability to think creatively in relation to the aims of the charity.
• Good, independent judgement and the ability to act in the best interests of the charity.
• Ability to work at a strategic level whilst understanding the detail and complexities of delivery.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Respect for the importance of confidentiality.
• The ability to balance tact and diplomacy with the willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.

Desirable for Trustees  

• Personal experience of poverty, or experience of working with people experiencing poverty.
• Prior experience of being a charity trustee.
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.
• A wider involvement/interest in the VCSE sector. 
• A knowledge and understanding of the Church of England and/or the Diocese of Manchester.

Time Commitment and Location  

You will be expected to commit approximately one day per month to support with grant fundraising, although this will be flexible and can work around your schedule. There may also be a requirement to meet with staff to discuss fundraising and grant applications outside of these meetings and to act in an ambassadorial role for GTM at other meetings and events. 

Trustee meetings take place four times per year, normally at GTM’s offices in central Bury. 

You will also be expected to commit to approximately 1-2 hours to prepare and/or read through papers prior to each meeting (papers are distributed one week in advance of meetings).

The Board is also called upon for advice or to update on ongoing matters, or to make more urgent decisions by email.

Could you use your leadership skills and experience to support Signals?

We’re looking for a new volunteer Chair to join the board of Trustees who is interested in helping to develop Signals.

The Chair will lead our board of nine trustees, ensuring that Signals is following correct governance and meeting its charitable duties.

By joining us you will work with an engaged, experienced and friendly board and staff team.

Signals is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all members of the community particularly from those currently under-represented on the board including Tendring residents and people from the global majority.

Who we are

Signals is a registered charity and limited liability company based in Colchester established 36 years ago. We specialise in filmmaking and digital arts for social, learning and creative outputs and work across the region but with a focus on Essex. We became an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) in 2023.

We work with children, young people, artists and community groups supporting creativity and learning at all levels. We are committed to increasing equal access to digital and creative experiences.  Our vision is to positively impact peoples’ lives by encouraging, diversity, creativity, experimentation, developing skills and raising aspirations through creative digital production and education.  This work is increasingly relevant in supporting those left behind in a digital age.

Current projects include working with local migrant communities, disability groups and communities in Harwich.

Chair role

• With other board members, CEO and staff, provide strategic leadership to the charity, ensuring that Signals achieves its objectives.
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for governance.
• Optimise the relationship between the board and Signals staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Signals.
• Appraise the performance of the CEO.

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.We’d love to hear from students with an interest in mental health, psychology, content development, and gaming. 

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation. 

Are you looking to volunteer your time and knowledge to support Age UK Oxfordshire who are seeking Trustees with specific skills to work closely as part of their Board.

Age UK Oxfordshire are an independent local charity supporting older people to maintain their independence and live life to the full, focusing most resource on reaching those older people who face a struggle, whether through low income, poor health or loneliness.  They are striving for a world where every older person and unpaid carer is seen, heard, included, and valued.

Trustees play a vital role as Board members, ensuring the organisation has solid plans in place to achieve their aims and that funding is being used positively to do this.  They are looking for enthusiastic individuals who will work in partnership with fellow Trustees, CEO and the Leadership team to ensure that Age UK Oxfordshire delivers on their vision, mission, and values.

Specific areas of focus for the board:

Given the needs of the charity and the skills of the current board members, they are looking for experience in HR, Governance, Adult Social Care and Lived experience is always welcomed.

They value and are actively seeking to increase diversity on their board in order to bring broader perspectives, achieve stronger community representation, inform sound decision-making, and help them serve more effectively and inclusively.

Could this be the ideal role for me?

To be considered for this role, you will require the following skills and competencies:

• Commitment to the organisation. 
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An understanding and knowledge of good governance.
• Able to work effectively as a member of a team.

What's in it for you

• Volunteering experience
• Interaction with leadership teams and board activity
• Working with different sets of people
• Annual strategic away day with Trustees and Leadership Team

Currently trustee meetings are held quarterly and alternate holding meetings virtually and in person in Abingdon. The meetings last about 2.5 hours. In addition, there are up to two away days a year and an AGM. Papers typically require about two hours reading per meeting.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. 

These unremunerated roles are open to all.  To apply for these exceptional opportunities, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the Charisma website.

If you would like to have an initial discussion with Sandra Smith, Associate Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment, prior to submitting your application, please get in touch via the Charisma website.

Closing date for applications: 10th August 2025

Interview date: TBC 

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Board of Trustees.  

Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.

The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of a day a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition, there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work. 

If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you. 

Please see the job pack attached for full details and apply via the portal by 31st July 2025.

We’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader to join our Trustee Board - someone who can challenge and champion our fundraising direction, who brings fresh ideas, a creative edge, and isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Your insight could shape where we go next and help ensure we’re investing in the right opportunities.

Carers Trust is a £13 million charity, leading a £150 million network of local carer organisations. We have a fundraising team that consistently punches above its weight.

If you love collaborating with ambitious teams, challenging the status quo and finding smart, inventive ways to make an impact – this could be the perfect role for you.

Ready to shake things up for a great cause?

Would you like to support suicidal people in their time of need?

At our sanctuary (Finsbury Park, North London) for those in suicidal crisis, we offer a potentially transformative experience with a once-only 4-night stay at our non-medical, family-style house. Through respite, time and space for reflection and compassionate and nurturing care, our Volunteer Befrienders and Lead Befrienders support an opportunity for the revival of hope and resilience.  

Volunteer Befrienders are key to Maytree and work alongside Lead Befrienders to provide an open and containing space for people who are feeling suicidal. Befriending is as it sounds: sitting alongside our guests as a compassionate, confidential, and non-judgemental friend. Through active listening and human warmth our volunteers enable our guests to explore their feelings and their options in their own way and in their own time. This face-to-face support is not therapy; it is about being calm and committed and not afraid of difficult subjects, including suicide.  

Your background might be within a federated charity operating nationally or globally; you might work within a not-for-profit which delivers its impact through a network model or membership body; or you might operate in a corporate setting, perhaps operating franchises to reach your customers.

You will instinctively understand what it is to lead a like-minded movement of organisations, who together are far more than the sum of their parts.

You will be ready to get stuck into understanding what makes our local services tick and how best we can help them to have the voice, capacity and impact to change the world for unpaid carers.

More generally, we’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader, someone who can challenge and champion our direction and bring fresh ideas. Your insight could shape where we go next and help steer how we develop our network relationships and local delivery.

If you love collaborating with ambitious teams, challenging the status quo and finding smart, inventive ways to make an impact – this could be the perfect role for you.

About us

ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040.

ProVeg engages with all relevant stakeholders to create a food system where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.

ProVeg has received the United Nations’ Momentum for Change Award and works closely with key UN food and environment agencies. 

ProVeg creates global impact, with offices in 15 countries across five continents and more than 220 employees.

In the UK, our focus is on public sector food. Through our School Plates programme, we support major school caterers in their transition to healthier and more sustainable school menus. Since its launch in 2018, we’ve supported over 90 major school caterers, responsible for the food in over 8,000 schools, feeding over 1.3 million children every day, helping almost 50 million school meals become meat-free or plant-based. We plan to launch a sister programme in the healthcare sector, Hospital Plates, later this year.

Do you share our passion for transforming the food system? Are you impact driven and prefer to take a pragmatic approach? And do you have the skills and experience to help us? Then we’d love to hear from you!

Board Competencies 

We’re looking for a new Board member who can demonstrate the following personal characteristics and behaviours:

• Respects and internalises the principles of accountability

• Makes informed judgement

• Listens actively with an open mind

• Participates in debate, providing relevant comments

• Speaks own mind candidly but respectfully

• Demonstrates initiative and insightfulness

• Thinks both logically and creatively

• Makes decisions independently

• Advises from own experience base

• Teams with others, forming collaborative relationships with other Board members and, where appropriate, providing guidance and advice to staff

Meetings

The Board aims to hold around four Board Meetings per year (generally 1.5 hours per meeting, although subject to change, as necessary). Meetings are usually held virtually, although we now aim to hold one in-person meeting per year, and it is expected that Board Members read the necessary board materials prior to each meeting.

Board positions carry no remuneration but travel and other out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. In return for your contribution, we offer the chance to work with and on behalf of people who are passionate in their commitment to our Mission and are constantly inspiring in their energy and creativity to achieve positive change.

The Role of the Board

In line with ProVeg International's Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles, the ProVeg C.I.C. Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of ProVeg in the UK, and monitoring delivery by the Director and their staff. The Board members of ProVeg C.I.C play a critical role in acting as a check and balance for the organisation, giving strategic direction, and acting as a sounding board for strategy and priorities as required. Board members can typically help an organisation with their skills and experience, their networks and/or by other means. The Board member will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team of ProVeg C.I.C. and work closely and harmoniously alongside the International Board to support joined up and unified global strategic delivery of objectives. 

Duties

Board members are bound by a combination of statutory duties and organisational duties:

• Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. complies with its governing document, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations 

• Board members agree to contribute the necessary time to effectively govern ProVeg C.I.C. in the UK.  (The total commitment tends to be around 4h per quarter, but is subject to change in line with necessary duties)

• Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. pursues its objects as defined in its governing document

• Ensure ProVeg C.I.C. uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: ProVeg C.I.C must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are

• Contribute actively to the Board in giving firm strategic direction to ProVeg C.I.C, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• Safeguard the good name and values of ProVeg C.I.C.

• Manage conflicts of interests

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of ProVeg C.I.C. 

• Ensure the financial stability of ProVeg C.I.C.

• Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds

• Monitor the performance of the Director, UK (and if required, appoint the role)
   

Board Member Person Specification

Essential:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with relevant business, Community Interest Company, or Charity experience

• Commitment to and willingness to work in accordance with ProVeg International’s principles and values

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director

• An ability to have strategic vision in line with available market factors and resource

• A history of proven good, independent judgement

• Ability to think creatively

• Willingness to speak their mind professionally and respectfully

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels, such as Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers 

• Knowledge of good governance practice

• Solid understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Directors. 

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Willingness to adhere to ProVeg International’s Director’s Code of Conduct 

• Eligible under Company Law to be a Board Director (e.g. not barred from taking up such positions)

• Follows a plant-based lifestyle 

Desirable:

• Senior Management/Executive experience

• Salaried or Board experience in a similar organisation 

We specifically seek great board members with expertise or assets in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising and income generation

• Government/policy or B2B sector including food services

• Legal

• A network of influencers and ambassadors

• People & Culture

Diversity Statement
ProVeg is committed to equal employment, volunteering and governance opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, refugee background, genetic information, disability, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, HIV status, gender identity, or gender expression. People of colour, women, people with disabilities, people from LGBTQIA+ communities, elderly people, refugees and people living with HIV are strongly encouraged to apply.

The International Council of Museums in the United Kingdom (ICOM UK) is seeking a new trustee with strong financial acumen and a passion for the museums and heritage sector and working internationally to be the Finance Lead on our Board. This is a strategic finance role to support the Strategic Director and advise the Board of Trustees in respect of the conduct of the charity’s financial affairs.  

The role requires experience and skills in financial planning and management, preferably in a charity and/or company, along with the ability to understand and communicate the impact of decisions on the organisation’s finances. 

We welcome applications from professionals with the skills, knowledge and lived experience that will strengthen and diversify our Board. 

 For further details on the roles and ICOM UK, you can view our Finance Lead Trustee Recruitment  Pack. 

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business

· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers

· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year

· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact

We are looking for people who are:

· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution

· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are Integrity, Compassion, Community, & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and

research.

Birkbeck Students' Union is looking for two exceptional individuals to join our Board of Trustees as volunteer Lay Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the student experience at Birkbeck, guiding our strategic direction and ensuring we continue to support and enrich the lives of our diverse student body.

Role Overview: As a Lay Trustee, you will attend and actively participate in five Board of Trustee Meetings and five Finance & Audit Committee meetings per year. Your strategic oversight and governance will help ensure the Students' Union operates in line with its mission, values, and legal obligations. You will provide guidance and insight based on your expertise in one of the following areas Cybersecurity; Fundraising; Legal; and Marketing.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation for applying. Applications should be sent via email by 13th April 2025. 

Any questions about the role please email Yousuf Joondan (CEO).

Birkbeck Students' Union is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all individuals, regardless of background, who meet the role's criteria.

About Us

We care about our community; we care about our people.  Derby County Community Trust has a clear mission.  We harness the power of Derby County Football Club to improve lives and communities through sport, physical activity, health and education.  We help more than 25,000 people per year and our work is recognised and respected at regional and national levels.  Since 2008 we have been dedicated to fostering participation in sports, enhancing health and wellbeing, providing quality education and promoting equality and diversity.

About the Role

We are looking for a new Board Safeguarding Lead to join our award-winning organisation. As the charitable arm of Derby County Football Club, we aim to improve lives and communities through physical activity, sport, health and education. 

Working with over 30,000 participants each year, we have been a registered charity since 2008 - encouraging participation and achievement in sport, improving health and wellbeing, providing and enhancing education and promoting equality and diversity.

The trustee responsible for Safeguarding has delegated responsibility from the Board of Trustees to support the Safeguarding and Compliance Manager to ensure the organisation maintains high standards of safeguarding practices for the welfare and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults involved in its activities. 

Duties of the Role

• Policy Oversight: Ensuring the organisation has appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place and that they are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices and legal requirements.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Monitoring compliance with safeguarding laws, regulations, and guidelines, and helping manage any safeguarding-related risks that arise within the Trust’s operations.
• Training and Awareness: Supporting the Safeguarding and Compliance Manager to ensure staff and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding training to understand their responsibilities in protecting individuals at risk.
• Reporting and Accountability: Supporting the Safeguarding and Compliance Manager where required on safeguarding concerns or allegations, ensuring that any issues are reported and addressed appropriately in line with the Trust’s policies.
• Board Oversight: Reporting on safeguarding matters to the board of trustees, ensuring that safeguarding is a key part of organisational governance and decision-making.

The Safeguarding Trustee plays a critical role in promoting a culture of safety and ensuring that DCCT provides a safe environment for all its participants, especially those who are vulnerable. 

Click on Apply

To send a CV and covering A4 letter indicating why you are interested in joining the board and what skills and experiences could make you suitable for the role of Board Safeguarding Lead, to Paul Newman (Head of Community).