Business development manager volunteer roles in leicestershire, east midlands

The Income Generation Officer will play a pivotal role in enhancing the financial sustainability and growth of Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW), supporting 47 active mountain rescue teams across the region. This voluntary position is responsible for devising and implementing a robust income generation strategy to ensure the long-term funding and stability of the organisation.

Resource is required to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to support long-term funding and organisation growth, financial stability and the achievement of income goals. This will include building relations with major donors, corporate partnerships, legacies and individual giving. In addition, there is scope to drive income through MR membership and via grants from trusts, foundations and government.

Reporting to the CEO, the person will need to contribute to the MREW’s overall future strategy. There will be a need to understand the MR structure and to have the ability to work as part of the MREW Senior Management Team, and alongside trustees, liaison team, regional structure and local teams. 

Using the MREW Income Generation Strategy, they will review all existing income generation streams to understand their viability and scalability, along with all potential new income streams to develop sustainable income for MREW.

Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) is a voluntary organisation that provides mountain rescue services 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers support to communities during other crises. It consists of 47 independent volunteer search and rescue teams that operate across eight geographical areas. The organisation serves as the national body to represent the whole organisation, acting as an advisory body, linking with partner organisations and helping to standardise training and share information.

Objectives

The overarching activities for this role are:

• Develop an income generation plan, aligning with the financial planning cycle, with a periodic review and reporting cycle. Deliver against the plan.
• Central to the role will be the following essential tasks:
  • Grant Writing: Researching and writing grant proposals to secure funding from various trusts, foundations, and government agencies. 
  • Corporate Partnerships: Building and maintaining relationships with businesses to secure corporate sponsorships, donations, and in-kind contributions. 
  • Donor Engagement: Cultivating and managing relationships with individual donors and supporters to ensure their engagement and long-term support. 
• Create an opportunity to develop long-term wills and legacy income.
• Develop compelling cases for support grounded in impact and aligned with MREW values and mission.
• Build and steward high-value relationships with funders, donors and strategic partners.
• Oversee income targets whilst ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical standards.
• Research and develop grant opportunities from national and local bodies, in conjunction with regional and local teams.
• Lead on income generation for MREW, working with member teams and all other stakeholders. Support regional and local team fundraising opportunities. Foster collaboration, empowerment and accountability.
• Agree on short-term and long-term fundraising targets and opportunities alongside the MREW Senior Management Team.
• Represent MREW at relevant external meetings.

Skills

• Experience generating income, with a demonstrable track record of developing and leading fundraising strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to foster trust and accurately represent MREW’s mission and goals.
• Ability to work alongside colleagues and manage competing priorities.
• Financial literacy, including budget creation and management.
• Creativity, imagination and intuition.

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. You will need to demonstrate a commitment to the charity's mission and cause. 

Qualifications

• Financial or project management qualifications are desirable.

Additional notes

• To work with the Finance Director to plan for future year budgets and to ensure that an accurate record of all financial transactions are produced and maintained for the MREW Finance Director, including the fundraising pipeline.
• To ensure all committee members are treated fairly through MREW Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To work with the national media team to release press statements/support campaigns as required.
• This is a voluntary role within MREW, elected annually; it is expected that the applicant will serve a term of 5 years, with a possible extension of a further 5 years if desired.
• Travel during the working day may be required, with occasional absence from home overnight, as meetings with funders and other stakeholders may cover a large geographical area. Out-of-pocket expenses can be reclaimed in line with the MREW Expenses Policy.

AMR Action UK (formerly Antibiotic Research UK) is the UK Patient Organisation for Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Its legitimacy to advocate for patients, with policy-makers and with NHS systems, comes from its insight, and therefore through its patient support services, patient-focussed research and direct patient and public engagement activities.

The organisation is at an exciting stage of its development. Following the appointment of a new Chief Executive in late 2024 it has a new strategy in place and by greatly increasing its impact over the next 3 years intends to significantly reduce the harm from AMR across all four nations of the United Kingdom. The charity is also committed to expanding its services to meet the growing demand from patients and families directly impacted by AMR. This growth will be underpinned by a new name and new brand, a fresh approach to communications that will greatly increase awareness of the charity’s work with the UK public, and a new fundraising strategy that will both grow and diversify income and also increase sustainability.

The charity is now looking for a dynamic new Chair of Trustees who is excited by our plans, and by the difference this will make to peoples’ lives. Given the growth agenda for the period 2025-28, the suitable candidate at this point in time is likely to come from a commercial background, with a strong understanding of strategy, investment, business development, and communications in the context of a rapidly changing environment. They are also likely to have a track-record of successfully managing risk v reward in a growing business. Increasing donations from corporates and philanthropists is important to the charity at this stage in its development and the new Chair will be comfortable operating in these environments.

A key part of the role will be to support the new senior executive team charged with delivering the growth agenda, including establishing and maintaining a strong working relationship with the CEO.

This is a fully remote role, but the successful candidate must live in the UK. You would be expected to attend 1 strategy away day per year, and also to support the CEO in in-person meetings in London as and when required.

Volunteer Team Leader (Employability)

Support. Guide. Empower.

Unlock YOUR Potential – Empowering Adults Across the UK

Do you believe in the power of employability to transform lives?

Do you want to help lead a programme that restores dignity, unlocks opportunity, and builds resilience for adults from low-income backgrounds?

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are seeking a Volunteer Team Leader (Employability) to support our Delivery Manager in running our flagship employability programme. This is a hands-on leadership role — a chance to shape journeys, strengthen systems, and ensure every session flows with clarity, warmth, and impact.

Your Role

As Team Leader (Employability), you will:

• Support the planning and delivery of our Employability Programme, ensuring sessions are engaging, inclusive, and transformative.

• Guide volunteers and facilitators with clarity, compassion, and structure.

• Help monitor progress, gather feedback, and ensure each participant feels seen, supported, and empowered.

• Collaborate with the Delivery Manager to uphold the emotional and operational integrity of the programme.

• Be a steward of our mission — helping adults unlock their potential through skills, confidence, and opportunity.

Why Join Us?

• Impact lives: Help adults build confidence, skills, and pathways to employment.
• Grow together: Support a team of facilitators, mentors, and wellbeing coaches.
• Belong: Join a movement rooted in warmth, clarity, and empowerment.
• Legacy: Help build a charity that restores hope, resilience, and opportunity for generations.

Step forward. Lead with purpose. Support our mission as Team Leader (Employability).

Together, we will unlock potential, restore dignity, and create opportunity across the UK.

GET INVOLVED | VOLUNTEER | HELP CHANGE LIVES

Unlock YOUR Potential

BREAKING BARRIERS | UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

Job Title: Coordinator: Talent Acquisition
Location: Remote (UK-based)
Department: People & Culture
Reports To: Manager: Talent Acquisition

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a pioneering organisation committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Through our People First philosophy, we foster workplaces where every voice is heard and valued. Join our remote team to amplify our mission through strategic, inclusive communication that drives engagement, equity, and belonging.

Role Overview

As the Coordinator: Talent Acquisition, you will primarily focus on managing and scheduling interviews for various positions across the organization. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of recruitment processes, exceptional screening skills, understanding of the onboarding process and the ability to engage and evaluate candidates effectively.

Key Responsibilities

 Interview Management: Take ownership of the end-to-end interview process, from scheduling and coordinating interviews to conducting them. Ensure a seamless and professional experience for both candidates and hiring managers.
Candidate Evaluation: Conduct interviews, assess candidate qualifications, skills, and cultural fit, and provide feedback to hiring managers. Use behavioural interviewing techniques and other assessment tools to gauge suitability.
Stakeholder Communication: Collaborate closely with hiring managers to understand role requirements, team culture, and key competencies needed for each position.
Candidate Engagement: Build strong relationships with candidates, providing them with timely updates and ensuring a positive candidate experience throughout the process.
Reporting & Analytics: Track and report interview metrics, including candidate feedback, time-to-hire, and any recruitment challenges. Use data to continually improve the interview process.
Onboarding Support: Work closely with HR colleagues to ensure a smooth transition from interview to onboarding for successful candidates.
Compliance & Record Keeping: Ensure that all interview processes adhere to company policies, legal requirements, and best practices. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the applicant tracking system (ATS).

Key Skills & Qualifications

Experience: 1+ years of experience in recruitment, specifically in conducting interviews and managing the interview process.
Education: A degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field is preferred. CIPD Level 3 or equivalent is a plus.
Interviewing Expertise: Strong background in conducting interviews, including using behavioural and situational interview techniques.
Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence candidates and hiring managers effectively.
Attention to Detail: Ability to assess candidates thoroughly and provide insightful feedback to ensure the right hiring decisions are made.
Technology: Proficiency in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and MS Office. Familiarity with interview scheduling tools and recruitment platforms is beneficial.
Problem-Solving: Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week unpaid Professional Development Programme. It requires a commitment of at least 12 hours per week, typically across two 6-hour workdays (Monday to Friday).
QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Impact: Shape narratives that advance social justice and employee belonging.

• Creativity: Experiment with multimedia storytelling in a values-driven environment.

• Culture: Join a collaborative team where authenticity and courage are celebrated.

• Flexibility: Remote work with autonomy and opportunities for growth.

Bring your senior-level expertise to a committed and forward-thinking Board.

Unlock has achieved a great deal for the people we support, thanks to the talents and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and trustees. By listening to and working alongside people who face difficulties because of their criminal records, we have built a strong track record of identifying problems, developing solutions, and turning those solutions into real change. We also influence national policy and drive systemic reform.

We are now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our engaged and committed board.

About the role

Trustees play a crucial part in shaping Unlock’s leadership, strategic direction, and governance. As Chair, you will work in partnership with the Chief Executive to provide clear and inclusive leadership, ensuring that the board operates effectively and that the organisation remains focused on its charitable purpose. You will help the board set strategy, scrutinise performance, uphold good governance, and support the CEO and senior team to deliver Unlock’s mission.

 About you

We would love to hear from you if you can bring the following attitudes and skills:

· Experience as a trustee and of working with or managing senior leaders.

· A willingness to offer advice to staff when needed, and to get involved practically where appropriate.

· A strong commitment to Unlock’s vision, values, and mission.

· Experience in the charity sector is helpful but not essential. If you have the right leadership qualities and a passion for our work, we will provide support to help you step confidently into the role. So if you’re new to the voluntary sector, please don’t let that discourage you from applying.

· We are committed to increasing diversity across Unlock, including within our board. We particularly welcome applications from people who have themselves faced and overcome the disadvantages associated with a criminal record.

If you’re energised by the prospect of helping to lead a small criminal justice charity with an impressive national impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We’re looking to co-opt a reader director to help advise and guide the Leicester Gazette as it enters its biggest year yet. You’ll take the lead on planning and executing our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Spring 2026, supported by the Gazette team.

A vacancy has opened up because one of our current reader directors can no longer dedicate the time required for the role.

Key information

Contract: Voluntary (expenses covered)

Hours: Flexible, one board meeting per quarter.

Location: Remote, with board meeting taking place at: Two Queens, 2 Queen Street, Leicester LE1 1QW

Applications closing date: Tuesday, 13 January, 9am

Any questions? If you have any questions please email info(at)leicester.news

We particularly encourage applications from women, people of colour, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people from working-class backgrounds.

Role responsibilities

• Provide oversight, governance, and leadership in pursuing the co-operative's objectives.
• Scrutinise staff performance in alignment with the co-operative's strategy.
• Review and evaluate performance against agreed targets.
• Agree on and monitor lines of delegation for decision-making.
• Ensure the integrity of financial information and robust risk management systems.
• Determine remuneration for executive directors; play a key role in their appointment and removal, including succession planning.
• Make decisions in the best interest of the Leicester Gazette, considering the interests of members, workers, and stakeholders.

About you

Essential

You must be a paid member of the Leicester Gazette to apply for this role. Join here.

• Commitment to the co-operative, its values, principles, and objectives.
• Sound knowledge of the operating environment of the Leicester Gazette.
• Knowledge of the governance and legal framework applicable to the Leicester Gazette.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of directors.
• Strategic vision and highly developed commercial experience.
• Proven record of financial management and budget-setting.
• Understanding of human resources, performance management, and change management in a similar organisation size.
• Willingness to devote necessary time and effort as a director.
• Sound, independent judgment with the ability to ask questions and challenge.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Willingness to embrace new technologies and ways of working.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Demonstrable experience in building and maintaining sustainable relationships with stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.
• Successful negotiator with proven influencing skills.
• Proven record of successful teamwork and partnership working.

Desirable

• Experience in managing and running events, particularly member meetings or AGMs.
• Experience in or enthusiasm for democratic and inclusive ways of working.

About the Leicester Gazette

The Leicester Gazette is a local, independent newspaper, free to access for all online and soon in print.

We are a member-funded, community-owned news outlet about Leicestershire. We're building on a movement of co-operative media pioneered by West Highlands Free Press, the Bristol Cable, Norwich Radical, Manchester Meteor, the Ferret, and Exeter Observer.

Our mission is to hold those in power accountable, push for change, and amplify the voices of marginalised communities while finding real solutions to the challenges we face.

We publish investigations, news features and human interest stories that go beyond the headlines. Our journalism is fact-based and rigorous, and we prize good writing over clickbait and sensationalism.

Local journalism has been devastated in recent years, with thousands of reporters laid off and newsrooms being stripped of their worth, leaving communities plagued by a jungle of ads and stories that have nothing to do with local issues. The Leicester Gazette is our revolution against a broken industry.

Anti-oppression and liberation

We are committed to creating a progressive, supportive workplace and community. We’d like the way we work to actively challenge the power structures that reproduce inequality and injustice, and consciously choose to work in ways that are liberatory, or anti-oppressive.

We embrace and value the lived experiences of women, people of colour, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people from working-class backgrounds.

How to apply

You must be a paid member of the Leicester Gazette to apply for this role. Join here.

Apply by email, applications close at 9am on Tuesday 13 January. Interviews will take place in the week of 19 January.

• Email: info(at)leicester.news

In your email, tell us a bit about your experience, skills and approach which make you suitable for the role. Please do not send CVs or cover letters.

Please refer closely to relevant parts of the person specification in your responses, providing concrete examples of where you demonstrate meeting the criteria where possible, and what you specifically achieved in those cases if relevant.

If you have any enquiries about the role or application process not answered above, please email info(at)leicester.news.

Coempowered is a small but rapidly developing non-profit working to empower indiviuals and help build community capacity among for young people, women, and marginalised communities in the UK and internationally through workshops, classes, semiar, projects and research. We are now building the foundations of our organisation and are looking for a dedicated, creative volunteer who is genuinely passionate about our educational and social mission and willing to grow with us as we expand our work and prepare for charity status.Having seen the impact of our work since 2021, we are now laying the foundations for long-term growth and preparing to register as a charity. We are seeking a committed and motivated volunteer who is genuinely passionate about educational and social change and eager to help build our organisation with us.

About the Opportunity
This role is central to Coempowered’s next stage of development. We are positioning ourselves to apply for our first grants, develop partnerships, and build sustainable funding streams. We are looking for someone who can take initiative, collaborate closely with the directors, and contribute strategically to our fundraising capacity. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wishes to make a tangible difference in a small organisation and to help shape its future.

Key Deliverables

• Research suitable grant opportunities and funding sources.

• Assist in preparing core organisational documents, including:

  • Activity reports

  • Business plans

  • Project proposals and bids

• Write compelling grant applications tailored to funders’ criteria.

• Prepare outreach materials, donor communications, and mailshots.

• Use direct mailing and other methods to engage potential and existing donors.

• Support the recruitment, coordination, and management of volunteers involved in fundraising activities.

• Ensure smooth execution of all tasks related to fundraising, documentation, and relationship-building.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or partnership development (professional or voluntary).

• Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive proposals.

• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Self-motivation and reliability, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

• A sincere interest in education, youth empowerment, philosophy, or social impact.

• Someone keen to contribute to the long-term development of a small but ambitious organisation.

Time Commitment
Flexible and remote, approximately 4–6 hours per week, depending on grant cycles.

If you are passionate about meaningful education and wish to play a key role in helping a young organisation grow and secure its future, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Volunteer Team Leader (Healthy Living & Wellbeing)

Support. Inspire. Transform.

Unlock YOUR Potential – Empowering Adults Across the UK

Do you believe in the power of wellbeing to transform lives?

Do you want to help lead a programme that restores dignity, builds resilience, and unlocks opportunity for adults from low-income backgrounds?

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are seeking a Volunteer Team Leader (Healthy Living & Wellbeing) to support our Delivery Manager in running our wellbeing programmes. This is a leadership role rooted in empathy and structure — a chance to shape journeys, strengthen systems, and ensure every session flows with clarity, warmth, and impact.

Your Role

As Team Leader (Healthy Living & Wellbeing), you will:

• Support the planning and delivery of Healthy Living and Wellbeing programmes, ensuring sessions are practical, inclusive, and empowering.

• Guide volunteers and facilitators with clarity, compassion, and structure.

• Help participants build confidence, resilience, and healthier lifestyles that foster independence and opportunity.

• Collaborate with the Delivery Manager to uphold the emotional and operational integrity of the programme.

• Be a steward of our mission — helping adults unlock their potential through wellbeing, balance, and self-improvement.

Why Join Us?

• Impact lives: Help adults gain confidence, resilience, and healthier habits for everyday success.
• Grow together: Support a team of facilitators, mentors, and wellbeing coaches.
• Belong: Join a movement rooted in warmth, clarity, and empowerment.
• Legacy: Help build a charity that restores hope, resilience, and opportunity for generations.

Step forward. Lead with purpose. Support our mission as Team Leader (Healthy Living & Wellbeing). Together, we will unlock potential, restore dignity, and create opportunity across the UK.

GET INVOLVED | VOLUNTEER | HELP CHANGE LIVES

Unlock YOUR Potential

BREAKING BARRIERS | UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

UI/UX DESIGNER

Volunteer Recruitment — Remote Volunteer

ZAKKI is a social startup focusing on creating an inclusive community for the elderly and people with disabilities. Our mission is to facilitate alms and donations collection and deployment to help elderly people who still working in the informal sector to get better livelihood through micro-business management helps and giving them the exposure of greater market.

This candidate will build a clean and effective user experience platform. By working cross-functional, this candidate will understand needs from the product management, engineering, and business stakeholders and will build solutions that fit those needs.

For UX/UI volunteers, the task will be to design both PWA Responsive Website and mobile apps, which will then serve as the basis for software developer volunteers working on the project.

Requirement :
 • Fond to design, familiar with Figma, Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop
 • Knowledge of wireframe tools (e.g. Figma)
 • Abundance with idea and initiative working as a team
 • Active, helpful, and collaborative person (not passive person)
 • Good time-management skills
 • Communicative (good communication skills to collaborate with various stakeholders)
 •  High proficiency in English both verbal and writing
 •  Familiar with Google Workspace (Google Suite; Google Docs, Google Sheet, Google Forms, Google Meet).
 •  Preferred basic knowledge on Front End Developer (e.g. HTML, CSS) and or have basic knowledge on Games Development Platform (Ionic, PyGame, Unity, C++, Java)

Interested applicant shall submit Google Form below.
https://linktr.ee/zakkifoundation
Then, please click the desirable role accordingly.

Please submit the Google Form with your CV/resume and portfolio URL link (either in Dribble, Behance, Figma, and or another sharing platform).

After the submission, you are still able to edit your submitted response in case you need to update your supporting documents (i.e CV/Resume)

�� Guardian Light Foundation Board of Directors – Roles, Expectations & Benefits �� Our Mission

Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless and abused children, teenagers, and struggling single-parent families. We provide safe housing, education, career pathways, legal aid, and life-skills support to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

We are building not just an organisation — but a movement of hope, empowerment, and social impact.

�� BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

�� Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

�� OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

�� IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Vice-Chairperson (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Responsibilities:

• Support the Chairperson and act in their absence.

• Ensure all board decisions are actioned efficiently.

• Oversee special committees and task forces.

• Assist with performance evaluations of executive staff.

• Provide leadership continuity during transitions.

Requirements:

• Strong leadership and organisational skills.

• Prior experience in management or board governance.

Benefits:

• Executive leadership recognition.

• Key role in succession planning and governance strategy.

• Access to leadership networks and visibility opportunities.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Who They Are
The Buddy Bag Foundation supports children entering emergency care by providing essential items to those fleeing domestic abuse and coercive control.

The Role
Commitment: Part-time, voluntary
Term: Two years (minimum), reviewed annually
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Application deadline: 20 December

The Foundation is seeking a Chair to lead its Board of Trustees. This individual will guide the organisation through its medium- and long-term priorities, offering strategic leadership, reinforcing strong governance, and working closely with the CEO/founder and the Board to ensure the charity continues to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight

• Chair Board meetings, encouraging inclusive discussion and robust decision-making

• Provide support and constructive challenge to the CEO/founder in realising the charity’s vision

• Serve as an ambassador for the Foundation, helping to enhance its profile and partnerships

• Oversee trustee engagement, development, and succession planning

• Ensure full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

What They’re Looking For

• Proven leadership experience at board level or in a senior executive role, ideally including charity chair experience

• Strong understanding of UK charity governance and trustee duties

• Excellent facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills

• A collaborative leadership approach and commitment to inclusion

• Genuine passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable children

Time Commitment

• Approximately 1–2 days per month

• Preparation for and chairing of bi-monthly trustee meetings (in person, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham)

• Availability for ad-hoc support and occasional events

We’re looking for three new members to join the Board of Directors at Hackney School of Food. This is a chance to help shape a dynamic, community-driven organisation that’s improving health and building skills through food education.

Who we are
Hackney School of Food is a food education hub in Clapton, founded in partnership with the LEAP Federation of Schools and the charity Chefs in Schools.

We believe learning to cook and grow food is a vital life skill, and sharing this knowledge builds healthier, more resilient communities. We’re on a mission to provide children, families, and our local community with the tools to improve their diets and well-being. By building knowledge and confidence in growing and cooking nutritious food, from seed to spoon. Our programmes include curriculum-linked lessons, after-school and holiday clubs, family cooking and growing projects, and adult workshops.

We transformed a former caretaker’s house on the site of Mandeville Primary School into an award-winning teaching kitchen and turned tarmac into a flourishing garden. A once-disused classroom is now our Garden Room, where we host educational workshops and dining events for our community.

In 2023, we became a Community Interest Company (CIC) – a not-for-profit social enterprise – meaning our work is driven by the needs and interests of our community. Since opening, we’ve welcomed thousands of people through our doors, working with schools, community organisations, and local residents.

To see more about what we do visit our website.

New board members 

We want to recruit Directors with a diversity of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested in applications from people with one or more of the following skills/experiences:

• Fundraising and income generation expertise

• Business development or growth strategy experience

• Knowledge/experience in social enterprises or start-ups

• Strong network connections, particularly in Hackney / East London

To make an effective board member, it’s also important you are:

• A good communicator with sound judgement

• Open-minded, collaborative and willing to listen

• Confident engaging with different people and perspectives

• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility

You don’t need to tick every box. If you’re committed to Hackney School of Food’s mission and the communities we work with, we’d love to hear from you. Previous board experience is welcome but not essential. We are keen to support first-time board members.

Our commitment to creating a diverse board 

We encourage anyone interested to apply.  But we also want to make extra sure our board represents and reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applicants of any gender but do encourage men to apply, to improve gender balance on our board. We welcome applications from black and global majority people and people living locally in Hackney. If you feel comfortable sharing this, we would really like to know if you have any lived experience of food insecurity or health inequalities in your application. 

What Does Being a Board Member Mean?
Our Board of Directors provides oversight, strategic direction, and support to  the team at Hackney School of Food. Board members:

• Provide leadership, helping to set strategic goals and priorities

• Support fundraising and networking efforts

• Act as ambassadors for the CIC

• Oversee compliance and legal and regulatory obligations

• Ensure we are financially sustainable and stay true to our CIC objectives

• Offer advice and support to the managing director and the wider team.

• Bring expertise, ideas, and lived experience to guide our development
   

Time Commitment
On average, the role will take 1–2 days a month, including:

•  quarterly board meetings

• occasional working group or fundraising meetings

• offering advice or support and reading papers in between meetings

Benefits
Being a board member is a valuable way to broaden your professional experience, including management and leadership skills. As a board member, you’ll:

• Play a meaningful role in improving access to food education.

• Gain experience in governance, leadership, and strategy

• Work alongside passionate, committed people who care about making a difference

This is a voluntary (unpaid) role. We will reimburse reasonable travel and subsistence expenses so that income is not a barrier to participation.

The Practical Bits

To apply, please send your CV and a short covering letter (maximum one A4 page) to us directly by Sunday 11 January 2026. You'll find our email on our website.

In your covering letter, please tell us:

• Why you’re interested in joining the board

• What skills, experience, or lived experience you would bring

• How you connect with Hackney School of Food’s mission

What happens next

• Applications will be reviewed by our Managing Director and current board members.

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal interview in late-January.

• You’ll then have the chance to meet current board members to ensure the role is the right fit for both sides.

All Directors will need to complete an enhanced DBS check before starting.

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?  ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy. Join us!

What will you be doing?

In addition to the responsibilities of all board members, the Treasurer will: 

1. Support the Board to review and monitor ECU’s financial performance and sustainability
2. Ensure the Board receives timely, accessible and accurate financial information
3. Support the team to develop and maintain robust and proportionate financial policies, processes and risk management systems

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to ECU’s mission and values
• Commitment to the legal duties and responsibilities
• Financial management experience, policies, risk
• Qualifications
• Able to interpret, interrogate and communicate financial information
• Work as part of a diverse team, and devote the time 

Desirable - treasurer experience

What difference will you make?

We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue.

Before you apply

• Your interest in this role and what you could bring to it
• What would you want to learn and gain?

Interview 25 Feb in London (expenses paid)

Make a difference in Kent by joining our team of trustees!

Kent Community Foundation (KCF) is looking for individuals to join our Board of Trustees who have a real passion for our county and want to make a demonstrable difference to the lives of people in our communities.

KCF is a professional grant-maker and local philanthropy advisor for Kent and Medway. We have been established for 24 years; distributing more than £60 million in grants to voluntary sector organisations across the county; supporting small charities to be sustainable and successful, and helping major donors maximise the impact of their donations.

Trustees are the volunteers who lead charities and decide how they are run; setting strategic plans, monitoring the performance, impact and sustainability of the charity and overseeing its governance. People of any age and background can be a trustee, and we're looking for people with specific experience to help us support communities in Kent. We are particularly interested in applications from people who are typically under-represented on trustee boards.

We have a comprehensive trustee induction programme, so if you have never been a trustee or on a board before, we will ensure you have all the knowledge and support you need.

Trustee: Desirable skills

We are looking for applicants to have one or more of the following:

· Lived experience of the communities we work with and the issues which arise in our county

· Experience of grant making; either as a philanthropist, grant maker or grant applicant

· Experience in working with or within social enterprises

· Experience in communications and PR

· A background in socio/economics, or connections with education in that field

· Knowledge of, and experience in promoting diversity, equality and inclusion

· Professional experience or active interest in technology, digital communications and AI

· Long term connections and networks with any of our stakeholder groups in Kent; such as philanthropists, businesses  owners, key voluntary sector influencers

We hope to recruit up to three new trustees with different experience to offer, who can give some of their time and expertise to help KCF continue to grow and develop. We have four in-person Board meetings a year, and trustees also sit on at least one of our sub-committees, which meet two to four times a year (often remotely). There are also occasional events trustees are invited to attend to promote and engage with our work.