Board member volunteer roles in east london, greater london

Support inclusive spirituality, education, and compassionate leadership

OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation is a registered educational charity, founded in 1996, that promotes inclusive spirituality and serves people of all faiths, and none. We train open-hearted adults to serve their communities as interfaith ministers, celebrants, and spiritual companions, supporting life’s important moments through ceremony, ritual, and compassionate care.

Organisational purpose

To benefit the public by the education of mature adults in:

• the core principles of the world’s religions, faiths, and spiritual traditions;

• principles and methods of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making;

• and the practice of non-denominational spiritual and pastoral service in the community.

Our Vision

is a world in which humanity awakens into an inclusive global spirituality that encompasses us all in the field of love and life.

Our Mission

is to work towards evolving consciousness in the world, by facilitating open-hearted people to awaken to inner leadership and their capacity for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace-making.

We are currently seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of our organisation. We're especially interested in individuals with experience in marketing, legal affairs, HR, adult education, fundraising, finance, or IT.

This is a meaningful opportunity to:

• Help guide an organisation where spiritual exploration meets learning, where inclusive communities flourish, and where people are supported to offer spiritual care with courage, compassion, and understanding.

• Contribute your professional skills in a nonprofit trustee role aligned with your values

• Help grow an organisation at the intersection of education, spirituality, and social transformation

What We’re Looking For:

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:

• Marketing, communications, or branding

• Charity law or legal compliance

• Fundraising, development, or grant-writing

• Finance, accounting, or business planning

• Human Resources or organisational development

• Education or curriculum development

• Interfaith ministry, chaplaincy, or spiritual direction

That said, please don’t be discouraged if you don’t tick every box. If you feel inspired by our values and can uphold our Code of Ethics, we warmly encourage you to apply or get in touch for a conversation! 

You do not need to be a OneSpirit minister or graduate, we welcome interest from both alumni and the wider community.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a values-led, inclusive team committed to compassion and transformation

• Support a charity making a meaningful impact in spiritual education and interfaith work

• Develop new skills in nonprofit governance and strategic leadership

• Connect with a thoughtful, heart-centred network of trustees, staff, and ministers

Commitment to Inclusion:

We believe our strength lies in the richness of our differences. We are wholeheartedly committed to building a Board that reflects the diverse communities we serve, across race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, culture, faith, identity, background, and lived experience.

Whether your path has been traditional or unconventional, whether you’re seasoned in governance or bringing your voice to a boardroom for the first time, you are welcome here.

If you feel called to contribute, we would be honoured to hear from you.

Interested in Joining Us? 

At OneSpirit, there are many ways to contribute to a more compassionate and connected world. Whether through leadership, service, or spiritual growth, your presence makes a difference.

If you feel drawn to our mission and want to offer your time, wisdom, and heart to OneSpirit’s future, we’d love to hear from you. 

You can learn more about our team, our work, and our organisation on our website.

Curious about the training we offer? Come and train with an organisation committed to spiritual exploration, nurturing inclusive communities of care, and creating spaces where understanding and belonging can flourish. Explore the Cherry Tree Pathway, our two-year ministry and spiritual development training, and begin your journey today. Learn more about our training from our website.

Slough Foodbank, founded by two Slough churches (including Slough Baptist church) is seeking a Trustee with a strong Christian faith to serve as Treasurer Trustee.

We are part of Trussell, a UK-wide network of more than 1,300 food bank centres, working together to ensure people in crisis receive emergency food and support. Slough Foodbank operates six days per week and currently issues around 12,000 emergency food parcels each year. We are a progressive, forward-thinking foodbank focused on meeting immediate need while helping people move towards stability.

The Treasurer Trustee will work alongside our finance and fundraising teams, providing oversight and guidance rather than day-to-day administration. We welcome applicants with either broad governance experience or a specialist financial background.

What matters most is a commitment to our mission, support for our Christian ethos, and a willingness to be actively involved in the practical workings of the foodbank.

elop runs a programme of weekly and monthly LGBTQ+ social, support and wellbeing clubs, groups, meet-ups and events; provided by and for LGBTQ+ communities.

Joining our LGBTQ+ volunteer facilitator team you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who value & appreciate the benefit of face-to-face socialising & networking, supporting LGBT people to come together in a welcoming, safe and supportive environment with opportunities to meet new people, form new friendships, gain peer support and much more. 

Each of elop’s dedicated clubs, groups or meet-ups run planned activities that supports shared interaction, positive LGBTQ+ identities and a feeling of being valued.

Volunteering in this role will give you opportunities to contribute & support the planning & promotion of group programmes, help in organising & facilitating sessions, along with supporting & enabling the involvement, voice & inclusion of all members attending, ensuring a welcome, supported, safe and comfortable environment for all.

Our clubs, groups, meet-ups and activities are delivered on various days and times across the week and weekends, plus during the day and evenings, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. 

You may already have some previous experience of activity facilitation, which is fantastic; however it isn’t necessary to come with all the skills & experiences already on board, just a friendly or outgoing personality with good communication abilities, the rest you’ll be supported to develop. 

Respecting diversity, understanding and upholding professional boundaries and confidentiality are of course fundamental to all of our work and you will be required support this. 

What you can expect as part of Team elop is to feel proud of being part of our dynamic team & volunteer community, to develop confidence, have enjoyment and know your contribution really does make a difference.

We know life can be busy, but ask all group volunteers to make a 6 month minimum commitment or around 2-3 hours a week average. 

All our volunteer facilitators must positively identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/ or trans (Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies).

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Barking in Essex is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a Primary School and nursery (ages 3-11).  The school would ideally like to find someone who has experience in safeguarding and anti-bullying.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

Could you be the new Chair of CPRE Buckinghamshire (one of the branches of CPRE – the Countryside Charity)? Do you care about your local community and environment?

We have a long and successful history of campaigning on items that matter to the local area – canvassing, prompting and lobbying local authorities, Councillors and MPs. In doing so, we have been able to ensure that the views of the people who depend on, work on and cherish the Buckinghamshire countryside are reflected in local decision-making.

The Chair role will suit someone living in Buckinghamshire or the Milton Keynes area, who has a keen interest in the countryside and is excited by the prospect of helping to direct the future of CPRE Buckinghamshire over the next 5–7 years. It is an exciting time to join our team, as CPRE nationally is celebrating 100 years in 2026; you can be involved in making plans as to how we will celebrate this with the Buckinghamshire community through various events and activities.

You will help to:

• direct our important campaigns, engaging the local community and raising awareness of the issues that the countryside faces
• lead our Trustee board, and recruit new Trustee members
• increase our membership, so that we can continue to do the work we are doing
• expand our team of volunteers, so that we can widen and increase the work that we do
• liaise with stakeholders and partners, and forge new partnerships
• ensure that we as a charity meet our legal requirements, adhering to our governing document, and have the necessary policies and resources
• nurture and shape the future of CPRE Bucks.

We estimate that the time commitment will be around 1 day a week, although this is variable and dependent on activities. You can of course do more if you wish! Our team works and meets remotely most of the time, but occasional travel may be necessary – to attend CPRE Head Office in London, for example.

This is a volunteer role in which you can really make a difference. We welcome applicants of any age, gender and background.

Are you keen to make Lambeth a better place for Deaf and Disabled people – inclusive, fair and just?

dasl (Disability Advice Service Lambeth) is looking for new Trustees.

We want to recruit up to 6 new members to our Trustee Board to shape our organisation as it evolves.

As well as being Deaf or Disabled people – having an impairment or a long-term health condition – we want trustees that reflect our Disabled community in Lambeth, with a diverse range of identities and lived experiences. If you are an individual from a Global Majority community (Black, Brown, Asian or mixed heritage backgrounds) your cultural expertise will be welcomed and could be transformative to our organisation.

If you are keen to work with other local Deaf and Disabled people to push for change, we would love to hear from you.

We are especially keen to recruit people with experience and skills in one or more of the following:

· Finance

· Influencing, campaigning or speaking up

· Previous experience as a trustee

About dasl

Disability Advice Service Lambeth (dasl) is Lambeth's pan-impairment Disabled People's Organisation, running for 25 years.

We are proudly peer-led – this means we put the voice and views of Disabled people first. We are led by what our members need.  

We provide high-quality services and influence and campaign to change systems that exclude or oppress Disabled people.

We work for the full inclusion of Disabled people in Lambeth:

· to achieve our legal rights and entitlements

· to be in control of our lives

· to be active in our communities and not isolated

· to grow our skills and fulfil our personal ambitions

· to be listened to and influence change together

Two-thirds of our staff have lived experience as a Disabled person.

We have exciting programmes running and great plans for the future:

· our ground-breaking Leadership programme is developing confidence and skills in local Disabled people to make change happen

· we are building new work in training and consultancy, being respected for our knowledge and expertise

· our growing Advice team is influencing local and national policy, as well as ensuring Disabled people get the income they are entitled to

What dasl can offer you

Joining dasl, you will be valued for who you are in our supportive and friendly team. We will also offer:

· An accessible and informative induction process to build your confidence in your new trustee role

· An tailored programme of training around governance, equality and diversity, disability equality and more

· Real investment into your development

· A strong and supportive peer support network

If you share our values and are keen to be a part of user-led work challenging barriers and creating more accessible and inclusive communities, get in touch!

Join Roots Academy, and use your skills to contribute to the Muslim Ummah!

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

We are currently recruiting a Safeguarding officer to join our people team in the UK.

This is a remote/homebased long-term volunteer position that will be part of the core team at Roots Academy, and we are looking for someone that can volunteer approximately 3-8 hours per week.

About Roots Academy

Roots Academy provides structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action. Roots started in the UK in 2020, and has grown steadily since. Our UK office currently has several teams including Education, Programmes, Marketing, Fundraising and Events. We are also expanding internationally into Ireland, Canada, US, Australia and Türkiye.

About The Role 

The Safeguarding Officer will work with the People Team Lead and the Trustee Board in ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place for keeping students, volunteers and team members safe at Roots Academy.

You will promote the safety and welfare of young people involved in Roots Academy’s activities at all times.

Key tasks

• Support with developing, reviewing and implementing Roots Academy’s safeguarding policies and procedures: ensuring all safeguarding issues concerning students and volunteers who take part in Roots Academy’s activities are responded to appropriately.
• Make sure that everyone working or volunteering at Roots Academy, including the board of trustees, understands the safeguarding policy and procedures and knows what to do if they have concerns about a student or volunteer’s welfare.
• Develop and deliver safeguarding training.
• Make sure students and young people who are involved in activities at Roots Academy know who they can talk to if they have a welfare concern and understand what action the organisation will take in response.
• Receive and record information from anyone who has concerns about a student or volunteer who takes part in Roots Academy’s activities.
• Responding to information that may constitute a safeguarding concern, including a concern that an adult involved with Roots Academy may present a risk to children or young people. This includes:

a. assessing and clarifying the information

b. making referrals to statutory organisations as appropriate

c. consulting with and informing the relevant members of the organisation’s management

d. following the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

• Liaise with, pass on information to and receive information from statutory agencies such as the police. This includes making formal referrals to agencies when necessary.
• Store and retain safeguarding records according to legal requirements and the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Work closely with the board of trustees the People Team Lead to ensure they are kept up to date with safeguarding issues and are fully informed of any concerns about organisational safeguarding practice.
• Report regularly to the board of trustees on issues relating to safeguarding, to ensure that safeguarding is seen as an ongoing priority issue and that safeguarding requirements are being followed at all levels of the organisation.

What we’re looking for

• The Safeguarding Officer must have received relevant safeguarding training
• Experience as a qualified social worker or safeguarding lead desirable
• Understanding of safeguarding in further education desirable
• Strong understanding of Islam and the Muslim community essential

At Roots Academy, we are committed to providing accessible Islamic Education to individuals from all backgrounds. To achieve this, we are working to build an inclusive and welcoming workplace, reflective of the students we serve.

We strongly encourage applications from Muslim women and Roots students or alumni that have benefitted from a Roots Class, as well as individuals that bring experience from the education sector or charity sector.
 

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of over 100+ dedicated volunteers from around the world.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from Roots classes.

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots level.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

• Gain hands-on experience, with plenty of opportunities to progress.

• The chance to make a real impact for the Muslim Ummah. 

How to Apply

If you're ready to help make a difference, we'd love to hear from you! 

• To apply, please submit your CV and Cover letter via the application link. 

• In your cover letter, please outline what attracted you to Roots Academy, and what skills have that would make you a good fit for the role.

• As we are working to improve diversity and inclusion within the organisation, we encourage candidates to voluntarily complete an optional anonymous survey ( application instructions). This will allow us to monitor our progress and identify where we can improve.

Roots Academy is committed to safeguarding, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All successful candidates may be required to undergo safeguarding training and relevant background checks before starting their role.

Roots Academy is committed to providing an environment free from harassment and discrimination. We strive to provide equal opportunities and ensure that decisions regarding recruitment, compensation, performance evaluation and terminations are made fairly and transparently.

If you wish to contact us to request any accommodations or additional support during the recruitment process, raise any related concerns, make suggestions or provide feedback, please email us.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

Do you have a flair for communication and a desire to help us reach more people?

As a Marketing & Communications Assistant, you will work closely with the Project Leader to spread the word about our amazing Akioke Karaoke Confidence Club. You'll help us promote the club to potential members, volunteers, and the wider community, ensuring its success and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Content Creation: Assist the Project Leader draft engaging text for promotional materials (flyers, social media posts, website content).
• Social Media Support: Help schedule and post content on relevant social media platforms (e.g., Facebook groups, local community pages).
• Community Outreach: Identify local community groups, centres, schools, and organisations that could benefit from our club, and assist with distributing promotional materials.
• Information Gathering: Research relevant online forums, notice boards, and events where we can promote the club.
• Feedback Collection: Assist in gathering testimonials or feedback from members (with appropriate consent) to use in promotional efforts.
• Administrative Support: Help organise and maintain marketing materials and contact lists.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Creative and has a good eye for engaging content.
• Organised and attentive to detail.
• Familiar with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram).
• Able to communicate clearly and concisely in writing.
• Proactive and able to take initiative with guidance.
• Reliable and able to commit to agreed-upon tasks.
• Passionate about the club's mission and helping us reach new audiences.
• Previous experience in marketing, communications, or social media is a bonus but not essential – a willingness to learn is most important!

Time Commitment: Flexible, approximately 2-4 hours per week, with tasks that can often be completed remotely or during mutually agreed-upon times, in collaboration with the Project Leader.

We are looking for a new Governor for our voluntary-aided boys’ school who has an interest in the creative arts and cares deeply about transforming the lives of young people through education in some of the most disadvantaged and ethnically diverse communities in the UK.

What will you be doing?

About You

This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about the creative arts to join the governing body of a school that views the creative arts as an essential part of a rounded education.

Applicants must have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work to help improve outcomes for students. Successful candidates will:

• be a member of the governing body
• join one additional sub-committee (Teaching & Learning; Pay & Personnel; Finance; or Pastoral, Premises, Health & Safety)
• act as link governors for the Creative Arts faculty (Link governors act as liaison between the governing body and a particular faculty)
• participate in a range of other ad hoc circumstances where governor involvement is necessary (e.g. periodic meetings with students, staff and parents that usually take place during the day).

Time Commitment

Governors usually spend ~20 hours per term on core governing duties. Successful candidates would be expected to attend up to 4 governing body/committee meetings a term, which usually take place on a Thursday (late afternoon/early evening). They would also need to allow time to read papers and prepare for meetings. The link governor role involves spending one morning or afternoon in school during the year, meeting with the faculty lead and visiting classrooms. 

In addition, we are particularly looking for the successful candidate to be able to spend a further 8 – 10 hours per term on ad hoc matters requiring more 'hands on' governor involvement, including meetings with students, staff and parents which usually take place during the school day. 

Skills and Background

With the recent launch of the Performing Arts Centre at the school, we are particularly interested in individuals with significant experience in the creative arts at this time.

We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability, or age.

Being a Foundation Governor

Governors come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions and include some appointed by the staff of the school, parents and the Islington Local Authority.  A majority of the governors are appointed by the Central Foundation Schools of London. As an Educational Charity we support two schools in inner London, the Boys' School and also the Central Foundation Girls' School in Tower Hamlets. This appointment will be a joint appointment by the Foundation and the boys' school governing body.

Training on the of role of governor will be provided for the successful candidates.

What are we looking for?

Applicants need to have a keen interest in the school and are prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work to help improve outcomes for students.  

We are particularly interested in individuals with significant experience in the creative arts. This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about the creative arts to join the governing body of a school that views the creative arts as an essential part of a rounded education.  We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability, or age.

What difference will you make?

Your impact matters

As a Foundation Governor you will play a critical role in fulfilling the Central Foundation vision that through an exceptional Central Foundation education, every student learns, develops, and grows so they can reach their full potential. 

The Boys' School is a popular, over-subscribed, voluntary-aided, comprehensive school for boys aged 11-16, with a successful co-educational Sixth Form. A Central Foundation education involves providing students with a wide range of educational experiences not available to many state schools or students from the communities and backgrounds we serve.

As well as an outstanding academic offer, the support of the Central Foundation and its funding partners enables an extensive sporting, performing arts, careers, activities and wider programme to be offered. As a Foundation Governor, you will ensure that through this provision students develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to lead successful lives and develop their own unique talents and confidence to forge their individual paths in life.

Underpinning a Central Foundation education is a rigour and a drive for excellence.  We are proud of our students’ examination results. In the last few years these results have consistently shown Central Foundation Boys' School to be one of the leading educators of boys in the country.   

Central Foundation Boys' School aim is that every single student can achieve outstanding outcomes in their education, both in terms of qualifications and the development of the skills, attributes, knowledge and understanding necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It is these outcomes that will transform their futures and your role as a Foundation Governor will oversee and ensure the character of the school is preserved and developed.

Please apply through Reach in the first instance. 

In your application we would really like to hear why you are interested in joining the Central Foundation Boys School Governing Body and what you think you would bring so please send your CV with a short covering statement.

Interviews will take place in January 2026, initially with the Chair of Governors, Simon Dodds. An appointment confirmation meeting with the Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees and the opportunity to visit the school. 

New governors will be invited to join the Governing Body at their spring term meeting in February/March 2026.

Please contact us via Reach with any questions.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Bracknell Forest are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Slough and the surrounding area are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

We need new dynamic trustee at add value to our Charity Community Transport Waltham Forest is a vital local charity dedicated to combating transport poverty and social isolation, we are a mobile community, fostering connection and enabling independence. 

What will you be doing?

For many in Waltham Forest, a simple bus ride isn't simple at all. For our service users—older adults, people with disabilities, and those isolated by lack of mobility—our community transport is a lifeline. It’s a journey to a doctor's appointment, a trip to the shops for fresh food, and a vital connection to community and family. It is the difference between isolation and inclusion.

As a trustee, you will be the strategic force that secures and strengthens this lifeline. Your guidance will directly impact our ability to grow and serve. You will help us navigate the complex landscape of health and social care integration, ensuring our services are not just a transport option, but a recognised and funded part of the local care ecosystem. Your strategic insight will shape our long-term plans, helping us identify new opportunities, manage risks, and ensure our financial sustainability for years to come.

Most importantly, you will bring the crucial lens of "lived experience." Whether from a personal or professional background, your understanding of the real-world challenges faced by those who rely on health and social care services will ensure our decisions are grounded, empathetic, and truly meet the needs of our community. You will be the voice that reminds the board why we do what we do, ensuring every strategic move we make translates into a safer, more reliable, and more dignified journey for our passengers. By joining us, you won't just sit in meetings; you will help steer the vehicle that drives our community forward.

What are we looking for?

We are particularly seeking applicants with professional OR lived experience in one or more of the following areas:

Strategic Planning: Proven experience in developing and implementing long-term strategies, whether in a commercial, public, or voluntary sector context. You are a big-picture thinker who can help navigate complexity.

Health Sector: A background in the NHS, public health, or health commissioning, with an understanding of community-based care models, patient pathways, and funding streams.

Social Care: Experience in adult social care, either as a professional, service user, or carer, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable adults and the social care landscape in Waltham Forest.

Essential

· A commitment to the mission and values of Community Transport Waltham Forest.

· The ability to think strategically and exercise independent judgement.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

· A understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

· Lived experience of, or a deep empathy for, the mobility and access challenges faced by our service users.

What You Will Gain:

This is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills to make a tangible difference in your local community. You will gain valuable board-level experience, develop new skills, and work alongside a passionate team of trustees and staff dedicated to a common cause.

Before You Apply

We will be evaluating all applicants against:

Motivation

Understanding of role of trustee

Relevant Skills and Expertise

Applications will be processed through completed forms and CV's submitted  Discussion meetings with Chair and Treasurer to be arranged to provide background to the Charity All applicants will be invited to attend a management committee meeting to meet other members and discuss their role in supporting the work of the Charity

Clearly state your reasons for applying and show genuine enthusiasm for Community Transport Waltham Forest  mission. 

Demonstrate transferable skills from your professional or personal life to show what you can contribute, even if you don't have direct trustee experience. 

Demonstrate an understanding of a trustee's legal duties and the principle of public benefit.

Show that you are a good cultural fit and are willing to be an active participant in discussions.

Express a willingness to learn and be open to new information

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Surrey are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Surrey are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.