Area manager volunteer roles

RSPCA London South East Branch

This is an exciting opportunity to pass on your human resources and employee relations expertise whilst helping the RSPCA; promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things.

Overview of the Branch Trustee - HR & Employee Relations

As a HR & Employee Relations expert you would be supporting the branch by helping them maintain and develop staff throughout the organisation. You would play a key role in advising Trustees on the long-term and strategic direction of human resources and contributing towards policy setting.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

The RSPCA London South East Branch

The London South East Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations

• Advise Trustees on the long-term vision and strategic direction for investment in human resources.
• Support the Branch grow, maintain, and develop staff throughout the organisation.
• Contribute to HR policy setting, strategic direction, goal and target setting, and evaluate performance against targets, budgets, plans and charitable objectives.
• Ensure that HR activities and interventions are linked to the branches charitable objectives and complement the company culture.
• Advise on and help improve management of HR.
• Ensure the Board of Trustees properly remunerates staff, reviewing and rewarding performance and development opportunities.
• To work with the Branch Manager to review current HR management arrangements and provide guidance on HR strategy and short and long-term direction.
• Receive progress reports on HR and any recurring staffing issues.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside Human Resources experience, including a CIPD membership, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

No previous trustee experience? That’s OK! We welcome applications from anyone interested in developing their skills by becoming a trustee and will provide relevant training.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you view the Government Charity Trustee Guidance.

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) is a small but mighty animal welfare charity that runs projects and campaigns to create a better future for animals in need around the world.

We’re looking for a Celebrity & Media Partnerships Volunteer to help raise IAPWA’s profile by building relationships with celebrities, influencers, and media contacts. This is a new area for us, so you’ll have the chance to shape it and make a real impact on how our campaigns, appeals, and projects reach the public, as well as amplifying the success of our fundraising initiatives.

Key Tasks

• Researching, identifying, and approaching potential celebrity, influencer, and media contacts.
• Building and maintaining long-term, positive relationships with celebrity ambassadors and public figures.
• Coordinating their involvement in IAPWA’s campaigns, appeals, fundraising and education initiatives, and major announcements.
• Helping to secure interviews, features, and other media opportunities that highlight IAPWA’s work and impact.
• Maintaining a database of celebrity and media contacts, keeping track of activity and outcomes to help us learn and grow in this area.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in PR, media, or celebrity engagement.
• Ideally an existing network of contacts, with the confidence to expand this further.
• A proactive approach and enthusiasm for using your skills to support animal welfare.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to use your experience and connections to make a real difference for animals worldwide.
• Flexibility to volunteer around your own schedule.
• The opportunity to help shape a brand-new area of growth within IAPWA.

Join Elleray Community Association as Chair and lead an exciting new chapter as we move into a new purpose-built centre in Teddington. Help shape strategy, support staff and volunteers, and expand our valued services for older adults and the wider community. We are seeking an inclusive leader with strategic vision, governance experience, and a passion for local impact.

Chair Role Description

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that ECA achieves its mission.

• Work in partnership with the Centre Manager and team to achieve ECA’s mission.

• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.

• Optimise the relationship between the board and ECA’s staff and volunteers.

• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.

• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for ECA.  

What we are looking for  

• Ideally previous experience of being a trustee. 

• A keen sense of strategic purpose.

• Governance and committee experience in a charity or business setting.

• Strong in execution and managing transformation projects, including leading the charity in the new ECA building setting. 

• Experience in stakeholder engagement and ability to constructively negotiate and collaborate with various institutions, entities, and personnel.

• Affinity with and commitment to the local SW London and Teddington area.

• Business experience and awareness across finance, risk, IT, and people management, would be desirable.

• An inclusive leadership style, able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing. 

• The ability to listen and engage effectively, comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment. 

• In advocation, be able and willing to champion ECA’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

• Be available, responsive and flexible to advise, support or give consent to, as needed.   

Terms of office  

• Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.  

Time commitment 

• Attending [6] Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are generally held in person at the ECA building.

• Periodic meetings with the Centre Manager and management team, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad-hoc issues.

• Other meetings, including on potential strategy and other charity-related issues. 

Pets As Therapy is a national charity with a simple but powerful mission: to share the joy of pets with people who need it most. We support more than 4,500 volunteer teams across the UK. Together, they bring comfort, connection and companionship to tens of thousands of people every year.

We are looking for three new trustees to help guide our strategy, strengthen our governance and ensure that we remain true to our purpose of spreading joy, comfort and companionship through the magic of pets.

What will you be doing?

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that PAT achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that PAT has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable the charity to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Time commitment

• Attend all full Board meetings. The Board meets formally at least four times a year for between a half day and a day, depending on business. Two meetings are in-person and are held in central London. Two are virtual.
• Preparation for meetings – read papers, understand numbers, assimilate arguments.
• All trustees are asked to serve on one or more Board sub committees and working groups. This adds 3-4 shorter meetings a year.
• Trustees may be asked to chair sub committees on a rotating basis.
• At least two visits per year accompanying a PAT volunteer in a different sector and or attending/supporting an event with PAT volunteers.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with the following skills and experience: 

Animal Care and Behaviour - The wellbeing of the companion animals is of upmost importance to us. Someone with experience in veterinary care will help us develop best practice in our own operation and set an example to the sector. 

Education - Our volunteers visit over 1,600 schools. Someone with education experience will help us to ensure we deliver the best possible service to children and young people. 

Volunteer Management - A key part of our current strategy is improving our volunteer engagement and our volunteer experience. Therefore we’d welcome applications from people with a background in volunteer management and volunteer led organisations.

What difference will you make?

You will bring your own skills and perspectives to help us shape PAT’s next phase of growth. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a truly unique charity, one that harnesses the bond between people and their pets to transform lives every day.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Pets as Therapy with their Trustee recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. To apply please submit your CV/LinkedIn Profile, along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join PAT, the skills and experience you will bring to the Board and what you would hope to get out of the role. If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to speak with you. 

1. Role

Fundraising Lead Trustee of Bromley Borough Foodbank CIO. 

1.1 Role rationale

To have a Trustee with a proven track record of fundraising expertise within the charity sector, who will take particular responsibility for guiding the delivery of our charitable aims through developing and realising an ambitious fundraising strategy. 

1.2 Role summary

· Trustee of Bromley Borough Foodbank.

· Particular responsibility to guide and work with the Trustee Board, Foodbank Manager and other team members in developing and realising a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the charity.

2. Responsibilities

2.1 General responsibilities of the Trustee Board

The Trustees are collectively responsible for:

· maintaining BBF’s Christian identity and ethos;

· developing and promulgating BBF’s strategy from time to time and measuring progress in implementing the strategy;

· ensuring and monitoring BBF’s legal and regulatory compliance and risk management;

· approving BBF’s policies and procedures and amendments to them;

· ensuring BBF’s financial stability and implementing appropriate financial controls; and

· providing oversight of, and Trustee-level support for, all of the Areas of Work that together comprise BBF’s operations.

2.2 General responsibilities of a Trustee 

· Attend in-person Trustee Board meetings (held every other month), subject to occasional absences, and an annual open meeting.

· Attend an annual awayday to discuss strategy and other issues.

· Participate in appropriate training and update sessions during the year.

· Participate in discussions and decisions on Trustee Board issues between in-person meetings, including by email and other means of electronic communication and occasional virtual meetings.

2.3 Specific responsibilities for the Fundraising Trustee

· Provide leadership for the development of a fundraising strategy with the Trustee Board, while respecting the role of the Foodbank Manager.

· Contribute knowledge of fundraising techniques, best practice, and strategies.

· Help us further develop our fundraising capabilities through effective people and processes.

2.4 Sub-committee responsibilities

Each Trustee sits on one or more of our Trustee sub-committees, which in the case of each sub-committee entails:

· familiarising yourself and keeping yourself up-to-date with the activities of BBF within that Area of Work;

· attending any in-person meetings of the sub-committee; 

· participating in discussions and decisions on sub-committee issues between in-person meetings, including by email and other means of electronic communication and occasional virtual meetings; and

The Fundraising Lead Trustee would sit on the Finance and Major Assets Sub-committee.

3. Required background

· A hands-on background in charity fundraising with experience of charity fundraising at a strategic and operational level.

· Knowledge of individual giving, corporate, major donor and community fundraising within the context of a small charity.

4. Other relevant matters

4.1 Time commitment

We estimate the average time commitment for a Trustee’s general and sub-committee responsibilities (as identified above, assuming membership of one Area of Work sub-committee) to be in the region of 4-5 hours per month.

We would expect to discuss the precise scope of the role, and the additional time commitment which it might involve, with the appointee. Our preference is to have our Fundraising Lead as a Trustee (with the wider general and sub-committee responsibilities that involves), but would be happy to consider a more targeted appointment for the right appointee.

4.2 Working as a volunteer in another role

To avoid conflicts of interest, we ask Trustees not to be part of any of our regular operational teams; but we do allow Trustees to provide assistance in particular areas of expertise on the same basis as would apply to any other volunteer.

4.3 Remuneration

You will not be entitled to any remuneration for undertaking your role as a Trustee.

• Responsible for maintaining our hardware and software
• Responsible for all electric equipment being tested and meeting all legal requirements
• Have a basic understanding of Infrastructure management including Active Directory, file structures, and security, along with experience supporting Windows and Mac devices, Office 365, and end-user devices and systems, and able to work in a busy and dynamic office environment, supporting users in person and remotely.
• Assist HR with induction and ongoing training requirements across the organisation
• You will provide a proactive service to all users in diagnosing faults, answering requests, providing training and guides, and timely solutions.
• You will also maintain the asset registers and helpdesk system ensuring they are kept up to date. You will need strong administrative skills with good attention to detail and the ability to communicate and articulate clearly, written and verbally.
• You will be measured against Key Performance Indicators
• Work with internal departments and external partners such as HMRC. Along with senior stakeholders within the organisation.

· Be honest, reliable and knowledgeable about our services and how we support the local community.

Can you bring your vision, passion, and experience to strengthen our board to deliver our strategy? North Cotswold Foodbank are looking for a trustee to join their board and lead on the key area of Marketing and social media.

What will you be doing?

Responsibilities (specific to your role):

• Establish a marketing strategy, offering leadership, guidance and support, in particular in the realm of social media, with the aim of helping to raise the charity’s profile and increasing donations, ensuring that the strategy aligns with NCFB’s overall goals and values. 
• Take responsibility for ensuring the charity's marketing activities comply with all relevant laws and regulations. Take responsibility for the annual review of relevant policies, such as the social media policy.
• Manage any risks associated with marketing activities, including conflicts of interest, and ensure the charity's reputation is protected. 
• Trustees have a responsibility to scrutinize the marketing budget and ensure that marketing activities are properly funded and monitored. 
• Play a key role in ensuring the charity's marketing activities are conducted ethically and in accordance with all legal requirements and in line with NCFB’s overall goals and values. 
• Follow and actively engage with the charity’s social media accounts.
• Maintain a good understanding of online threats, such as trolling, deepfakes and misinformation, and how these should be managed.
• Trustees may be involved in representing the charity at events or speaking to donors and the public. 

Responsibilities (common to all trustees):

• Collaborate with the trustee board to ensure that North Cotswold Foodbank’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined and made publicly available when necessary.
• Ensure your charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law. 
• Ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• Ensure that North Cotswold Foodbank has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• Give good counsel and measured advice on any matter that requires it, acting in a collaborative, positive, and constructive way.

What are we looking for?

North Cotswold Foodbank seeks someone with senior-level experience of marketing, and in particular, social media marketing. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• Experience of working with the media (in particular in the realm of social media) and contacts within media organisations and/or agencies.
• A robust knowledge of contemporary IT, systems, and data management.
• An ability to lead on any matters relevant to your role.
• The ability to provide carefully considered advice in a constructive way.
• A knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of North Cotswold Foodbank and Trussell. 
• Sympathy towards the ethos and principles of Trussell.
• An understanding of the reasons why people face hunger, food insecurity, and/or food poverty.
• Someone who enjoys working as part of a team.
• An understanding that some periods throughout the year are busier than others.

We welcome applications from new and experienced Trustees

What difference will you make?

By leading on Marketing and Social Media for the food bank, you are providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with North Cotswold Foodbank.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the Lancaster, Morecambe and District Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

We’re looking for a friendly and empathetic Pathway Volunteer. As the first point of contact for individuals accessing our Community Wellbeing Service, you’ll play a vital role in welcoming guests, conducting initial triage appointments to understand their goals and needs, and signposting them to the most appropriate support services.

The role will require you to:

• Greet guests who are visiting the Community Wellbeing service for the first time
• Conduct a ‘pathway’ triage appointment, establishing the members’ goals and note down areas of concern and current issues
• Signpost to local services and partners that come into the space
• If needed, book an appointment for the member with an advisor
• Update Sufra’s case management system, keeping detailed notes of appointments

Skills required

Professional

• No formal qualifications are necessary, however understanding and having knowledge of the landscape of Brent, the welfare benefit system and other voluntary and statutory services will be beneficial.
• You need to be a confident communicator, able to give a warm welcome to all and keep to timely appointment slots.
• Digital literacy is essential.
• You must be confident with IT platforms such as Microsoft Office and preferably have used case management systems before.

Personal - We need volunteers who:

• Are friendly
• Are non-judgemental
• Can actively listen
• Are passionate about supporting local families to access the support they need
• Are empathic
• Preferably be able to speak another language: Arabic, Persian, Spanish
• Are confident communicating to people without a shared first language
• Have IT skills (ability to use Microsoft Office applications, or willing and able to learn)
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the Basingstoke Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 220 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the Nottingham Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Fundraising Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the Grimsby and District Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Leadership and governance of a grant-making trust which supports communities in Luton and also causes that benefit children and young people in the rest of the UK

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about improving the outcomes of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK?  Are you interested in supporting the communities and local organisations of Luton?

The Steel Charitable Trust really wants to hear from people who are enthusiastic, have a philanthropic mindset and a willingness to involve themselves in aspects of charitable work that they may or may not currently know much about.

The Steel Charitable Trust is looking for a new Trustee to help provide the governance and leadership needed as we roll out our new five-year strategy. Suitable candidates are likely to have skills in all or some of the following, gained through professional or voluntary experience:

• governance
• strategic development and planning
• general/operations management

The role does not offer remuneration, but all necessary expenses are reimbursed.

The Trust has two grant-making strands (each of them accounting for about 50% of its annual grant giving):

• Luton Matters: designed to bring benefits to Luton and its residents, in recognition of the Trust's roots in Luton; expressions of interest are invited for this strand, and Trustees select which organisations will be invited to make a full application.
• UK Under-26: supporting charities that work with young people up to the age of 25 in any part of the UK except Luton. The UK Under-26 strand is moving to a by invitation only model in 2026. 

Trustees with lived experience of the causes the Trust currently supports or the challenges faced by the town of Luton and its varied communities are also most welcome.

The Steel Charitable Trust is an endowed UK-registered charity (272384) that makes grants of around £1.4m a year, to UK-registered charities and for charitable purposes.  The Trust is committed to good governance and seeks to reflect the UK's diverse and multicultural society.  Since its foundation in 1976 the Trust has given £37 million in grants to charities across the UK. Its website contains a full history of the Trust including its strong connection to Luton.

What are we looking for?

Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience of leadership and decision-making. More details are available in the role description.

The following qualities are key to being a good Trustee:

• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• a commitment to the organisation
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
• strategic vision
• good, independent judgement and integrity
• an ability to think creatively
• the ability to read and understand management reports
• the ability to research and ask probing questions
• a willingness to speak their mind
• being comfortable in a decision-making environment where often a consensus needs to be reached from differing views
• the ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• organised and self-motivated
• general competence using IT 

What difference will you make?

Not only do Trustees make the key decisions in the strategic direction of the Trust, they also actively take part in grant-making decisions, connecting them directly with organisations that deliver work on the ground.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance, highlighting your relevant experience and what interests you about the role. If longlisted, you may be asked to complete a short application form so that we can bring together candidates from various platforms.

First interview date for long-listed candidates (on Teams): Friday 3 October 2025; Interview date for short-listed candidates (in London): Monday 13 October 2025

About The Role

Volunteers are integral to the running of our London reserve and without their help we wouldn’t be able to maintain this amazing 105 acre wetland of international importance, with views across to the City. Our volunteer team are friendly, motivated and hard-working and say they benefit by gaining new experiences, meeting new people and most importantly making a difference by helping maintain important wetland habitat.

Maintaining and managing a large wetland nature reserve requires a lot of practical, hands on physical tasks. With first-class training and guidance, you’ll be part of a small and dedicated Tuesday Reserve Support team that cares for a variety of breeds in all weathers, to help tell our conservation story. Your role will be to provide regular support to the reserves team in all practical reserve management, to maintain habitats, increase species biodiversity and ensure the reserve and grounds areas are functioning at their best for our visitors.

You'll be an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

Due to the nature of and training for this role, we ask for a commitment of a minimum of 6 months volunteering.

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us or give us a call and we can see how we can help. 

About You

This an ideal role for someone who has a can-do attitude and are happy to help us in all weathers, being both a practical person and physically fit. Having experience in some habitat management would be helpful, but a keenness to learn is more important. It’s a closely-working team, however, the ability to work under your own initiative and being self-motivated is also needed. Having, or being happy to develop, the confidence to engage our visitors with the work of WWT is also a key part of this role. Main tasks include:

• Assisting with all practical reserve management activities including scrub clearance, pruning, pollarding and fencing
• Supporting staff and other volunteers with the construction and maintenance of island scrapes, ditches and reed beds, ensuring that reserve water bodies are maintained and managed appropriately (boat use may be needed)
• Operating agreed machinery safely in order to carry out management activities
• Assisting with the construction and maintenance of access routes to the bird hides including the maintenance of fences, footpaths and hides
• Working with a variety of hand tools safely and correctly, observing and applying health and safety regulations at all times
• Taking due care for the safety, welfare and enjoyment of the visiting public
• You may be asked to undertake related ad hoc tasks

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life 

We look forward to hearing from you!