Business development manager volunteer roles in sunbury on thames, surrey

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 currently have two trustees and are seeking a third trustee who can bring valuable expertise in fundraising, chairing, or education to help guide our next phase of development.

About the Opportunity
This is a formative moment for Coempowered. As a small and growing organisation, we are establishing the structures, policies, and long-term strategies necessary for sustainable impact. Our trustees play a crucial role in this process, working closely with the directors to oversee governance, support planning, and position the organisation to apply for grants and build partnerships.

We are looking for a committed individual who is passionate about our mission and willing to contribute actively to shaping Coempowered’s direction. Trustees are expected to bring strategic insight, uphold strong governance, and collaborate constructively with the board.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to governance and strategic oversight as we prepare for charity registration.

• Support planning for organisational growth, including funding pathways and programme development.

• Provide leadership or guidance in one or more key areas:

  • Fundraising: helping to develop a sustainable funding strategy and support early grant applications.

  • Chairing and governance: contributing to board leadership, decision-making, and policy development.

  • Education: advising on programme design, partnerships, quality assurance, or public engagement.

• Participate in quarterly board meetings and occasional working groups.

• Act as an ambassador for Coempowered, upholding our values of inclusion, critical inquiry, and empowerment.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in fundraising, charity governance, board leadership, or the education sector.

• A strategic and reflective mindset, with confidence in contributing to decision-making.

• Reliability, professionalism, and a genuine interest in developing a growing non-profit.

• Willingness to commit long-term and help build the organisation collaboratively with the existing trustees and directors.

Time Commitment
Approximately 6-8 hours per month, remote, with quarterly board meetings.

If you are inspired by educational and social impact and would like to help shape the future of a developing organisation, we would welcome your application.

About Bliss

With an impact in all corners of the UK, Bliss is the leading national neonatal charity, championing and developing the services for the 90,000 sick and premature babies born each year, supporting both them and their families. At Bliss, we are committed to improving care, giving voice to babies, and supporting parents to be partners in care. 

This is a really exciting time to join our board. We’ve just launched our new four-year strategy, which puts equity at the heart of everything we do. With NHS reforms underway, a new 10-Year Plan on the horizon, and growing attention on maternity and neonatal care, there’s a real opportunity to raise Bliss’s profile and make a lasting difference for premature and sick babies across the UK.

Chair opportunity

Our new Chair will be an experienced Trustee or Board member with proven ability to manage meetings effectively and foster productive, inclusive discussions. They will bring energy and drive, ensuring robust governance and alignment between strategy and operations. They will enjoy leading inclusive and thoughtful discussions, and share our passion for giving every baby the best possible start in life.

You can find more information about Bliss and the Chair role in our recruitment pack.

Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining Bliss!

Ready to apply?

Eastside People is supporting Bliss in the recruitment of these roles. Please by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why is Bliss’ work important to you and how can you contribute to the charity as our Chair?
• How do you ensure board meetings are focused, inclusive, and lead to clear decisions?
• How would you go about ensuring that our many stakeholders are heard and represented at Board level?

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

Bliss’ Chair, CEO and Trustees will be hosting a 30-minute drop-in session on Mon 8th December at 12pm via Teams. This is an opportunity to learn more about Bliss and what’s involved in joining our Board. You can register to attend here.

The closing date for applications is Mon 5th Jan. 

Longlisting interviews with Eastside People will take place mid-January, with shortlisted candidates invited to panel interviews with Bliss during the week commencing 2 February.

Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to take part in open sessions with staff and Board members, with final interviews scheduled for the week commencing 23 February.

Bliss is an equal opportunities organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and lived experiences. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to equity and inclusion at every level of our governance.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Tired of Following? Start Leading. Join Ranger Cadets.

COMMAND YOUR FUTURE!

Are you aged 10-21 years old and ready to stop being told what to do and start telling the difference?

Ranger Cadets is not just another after-school club. We are a fast-paced, uniformed youth organisation that rapidly equips you with the skills, structure, and authority to become a genuine leader, not just a participant.

Fast-Track to Leadership: Earn Your Stripes:

We don't make you wait years to lead. We are looking for sharp, motivated individuals who want to climb the ranks and earn the privilege of becoming a Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)—our young people leaders.

As a Cadet NCO, you become the Engine Room of your unit. You’re not just wearing a uniform; you’re leading the parade, mentoring younger cadets, teaching essential skills, and managing teams on exercises.

What You’ll Be Doing (In Uniform!):

• Leading Squads: Take charge of your own small team during drill and activities.

• Instructing: Learn to teach vital skills like fieldcraft, first aid, and teamwork.

• Earning Respect: Gaining the authority to command, guide, and mentor your peers.

• Advanced Training: Getting priority access to specialised NCO courses, camps, and expeditions.

Why Join Ranger Cadets NOW?

• Structure & Challenge: We provide a clear rank system and meaningful challenges that build resilience and confidence.

• Real Life Skills: Master planning, problem-solving, and communication—the skills employers and universities demand.

• Unbeatable CV Builder: Having the title of Cadet NCO proves you have leadership experience before you even leave school.

• Camaraderie: Join a disciplined, supportive team that shares a commitment to service and excellence.

STOP standing on the sidelines. START standing at the front.

Ready to Lead?

We meet every Week (same night each week) from 7-9pm in London.

Join Ranger Cadets. Start Your Command.

RANGER CADETS 

#PreparedForLife

Remote Volunteer Opportunity: Virtual Office & Admin Support

Help us build the foundations for success from wherever you are!

We are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented individual to join us remotely as our Virtual Office & Admin Support Volunteer. You will be essential in setting up and maintaining the organisational systems that allow our youth workers to focus on igniting potential in Inner London.

About Urban Youth: Igniting Potential in Inner London

In the vibrant, fast-paced heart of London, a generation of young people is brimming with potential, yet facing unique challenges. That's why we created Urban Youth.

We are a brand new, dynamic youth work charity dedicated to reaching the young people who need us most in Inner London's deprived areas. Our mission is to move beyond passive engagement and create active opportunities that inspire, connect, and empower.

Our Approach:

• Mobile Hubs: Deploying the Youth Bus and Pop-Up Hubs to meet young people where they are.

• Partnerships: Working within schools, colleges, and community organisations.

• Impact: Focusing on diversionary activities to teach Social and Life Skills, build Confidence, and foster Discovery and Connection in a non-judgmental environment.

We are lighting the fuse on potential, empowering today’s youth to become tomorrow’s confident, capable, and connected leaders.

Your Role: Virtual Office & Admin Support Volunteer

This critical, remote-based role will be instrumental in ensuring our organisation runs smoothly as we prepare for our 2026 launch. You will be responsible for a range of administrative tasks, creating the efficient systems that support our entire team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Document Management: Organising, formatting, and storing essential charity documents, policies, and procedural guides (e.g., creating templates, updating contact lists).

• System Setup: Assisting with the initial setup of digital organisational tools, databases, and filing structures (e.g., cloud storage organisation).

• Correspondence: Drafting, editing, and scheduling internal and external communications (e.g., thank you letters, internal updates, meeting minutes).

• General Support: Providing administrative assistance to the leadership team as required, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time.

Skills We Need:

• Proven experience in Office Administration, Secretarial Support, or related roles.

• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) or Google Workspace.

• Strong written communication and proofreading abilities.

• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.

Commitment:

• Approximately 4 Hours Per Week (Very Flexible)

• Location: 100% Remote (UK-based)

If you have strong administrative skills and want to use them to help launch a vital charity, apply now and help us build our systems with purpose.

TEAM

URBAN YOUTH

Your City. Your Vibe. Your Admin Skills.

Job Title: Bid Writer Assistant                                                                         

Reports To: Department Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Bid Writer to support Quilombo UK in securing vital funding and resources to further our mission. This remote volunteer role is ideal for someone who is passionate about community impact, writing, and making a meaningful difference in the Third Sector. You'll work with a supportive team, gain hands-on experience in funding applications, and help shape the sustainability of impactful community programmes.

Position Overview:
The Bid Writer Assistant plays a key role in researching, drafting, and editing compelling proposals and funding applications for various projects run by Quilombo UK. The role involves close collaboration with department leads, collecting relevant data, and ensuring submissions align with organisational goals and funder expectations. It offers the flexibility to work independently, with the support of experienced professionals and tailored training where required.

Key Responsibilities:

Proposal & Bid Development:

• Research, draft, and edit funding proposals tailored to specific grants, donors, and partners.

• Review and refine existing proposals to ensure clarity, compliance, and impact.

• Collaborate with internal teams to gather relevant content, project insights, and financial information for bids.

• Develop supporting documents and presentations to accompany applications.

Strategic Input & Collaboration:

• Contribute to the bid strategy, suggesting creative and relevant ideas aligned with organisational goals.

• Maintain and manage a structured “bid plan” with timelines, approval processes, and submission deadlines.

• Liaise with HR, Finance, Marketing, and Project teams to align bid content with current projects and strategic direction.

Reporting & Organisation:

• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of bid statuses.

• Organise bid-related documentation, supporting strong internal knowledge management.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in English, Communications, Business, or related fields.

Experience:

• Prior experience writing funding proposals or grant applications.

• Familiarity with fundraising, community initiatives, or nonprofit funding is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong written communication and persuasive writing skills.

• High attention to detail, organisation, and ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word; Excel knowledge is a plus.

• Confidence in researching, planning, and collaborating across teams.

• Ability to work independently and maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

Benefits:

• Gain real-world experience in nonprofit fundraising and proposal writing.

• Work with a collaborative and values-driven team.

• Receive feedback and development opportunities in bid strategy and funding.

• Build a strong portfolio of written proposals and funding successes.

• Flexible working hours with full remote access.

• Reimbursement of travel expenses if attending occasional in-person meetings.

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

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 so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life. 

We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance. 

This is an exciting time to join ECU. 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. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.

Join Our 1st Board of Trustees!

Are you passionate about making a lasting impact in your local community? We're seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of our charity.

Introducing Urban Youth: Igniting Potential in Inner London

In the vibrant, fast-paced heart of London, there is a generation of young people brimming with potential, yet facing unique challenges. They are the future, but for many, the path is obscured by deprivation, isolation, and a world increasingly dominated by screens.

That's why we created Urban Youth.

We are a brand new, dynamic youth work charity dedicated to cutting through the noise and reaching the young people who need us most in Inner London's deprived areas. Our mission is simple yet profound: to move beyond passive engagement and create active opportunities that inspire, connect, and empower.

Our Vision: Moving Beyond the Screen

Urban Youth is not waiting for young people to come to us; we are meeting them where they are. We are tearing down barriers to engagement by deploying innovative, flexible youth work:

• The Youth Bus: A mobile hub transforming spaces into instant centres of positive activity.

• Pop-Up Hubs: Breathing new life into unused community spaces or integrating within existing centres.

• School & College Partnerships: Working directly within educational settings and collaborating with other youth organisations to ensure seamless support.

Our Impact: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community

We believe that every young person deserves a space to discover their authentic self. Our core focus is on diversionary positive activities—experiences designed to get young people out of their homes, away from their screens, and fully engaged with their peers and the world around them.

• Social and Life Skills: We teach practical skills, from teamwork to conflict resolution.

• Confidence Building: We champion self-belief, encouraging young people to take positive risks and celebrate their achievements.

• Discovery and Connection: We provide a vital sense of belonging, fostering meaningful relationships in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

At Urban Youth, our staff are more than just youth workers; they are positive adult role models—here to nurture, guide, and support. We are lighting the fuse on potential, empowering today’s youth to become tomorrow’s confident, capable, and connected leaders.

Join us as we work to transform challenges into triumphs, one young person at a time.

Skills We Need:

• Governance
• Finance
• HR
• Strategic Planning and Development
• Fundraising / Grant Writing
• Much More!

Commitement:

3 Hours Per Month

Location:

Hybrid (London based charity)

Apply now and help us lead with purpose.

Become an URBAN YOUTH Trustee!

No experience needed. Just a passion for youth work/empowering young people across London.

We're planning to launch in 2026 and need you to help us get set up and ready to launch to young people across London.

TEAM

URBAN YOUTH

Your City. Your Vibe. Your Leadership.

We are currently recruiting for the following Trustees:

• Finance Trustee
• Service Delivery Trustee
• Fundraising Trustees

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of MindTHNR, ensuring strong governance, and supporting our mission to provide inclusive, accessible, and culturally competent mental health services. You will be joining a passionate and committed Board that works closely with our Chief Executive and leadership team to ensure we remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our values. To see more about our existing trustees click here.

The responsibilities for all Trustee roles are to:

• Uphold charity law, governing documents, and safeguard the organisation’s assets, reputation, and beneficiaries.
• Actively contribute to setting direction, monitoring performance, and supporting/challenging the Chief Executive and Leadership Team.
• Attend quarterly Board meetings, use your skills to inform decisions, and uphold the charity’s values of inclusion, integrity, and transparency.

See the recruitment pack for full details and information on what we are looking for each individual position.

Would you like to be involved in the founding of a new charity that supports young people through grief and loss? At Beyond Tomorrow, we support young people through grief and loss with compassion, guidance, and hope. Join us to help shape brighter futures for those finding their way beyond loss.

Job Title: Trustee (Treasurer Role)

Location: Kent- but this role can be done virtually.
Time Commitment: Around 3–5 hours per month
Reporting to: The Board of Trustees

About the Role:

We’re a charity dedicated to helping young people and families navigate grief, loss, and emotional wellbeing. As our Treasurer, you’ll play a key part in keeping us financially accountable making sure we can keep supporting young people in the best way possible. You don’t have to be an accountant; we just need someone confident with numbers, organised, willing to learn and passionate about making a difference.

Key Responsibilities:

 Finance Management

• Keep track of the charity’s income and spending.

• Manage the charity’s bank account and ensure everything matches our records.

• Work with the other trustees to plan an annual budget and keep an eye on how we’re doing.

• Prepare simple finance reports for trustee meetings so everyone understands how funds are being used.

 Reporting & Compliance

• Help prepare our yearly accounts and returns for the Charity Commission.

• Make sure we’re following all the right financial policies and keeping our records clear and transparent.

Advising the Board

• Explain financial info in plain English so everyone feels confident making decisions.

• Support us in planning sustainable income streams (like grants, donations, and fundraising).

What We’re Looking For:

• Someone confident with money management, budgets, or spreadsheets (finance or bookkeeping experience is great but not essential!).

• Reliable, detail-oriented, and honest.

• Friendly communicator who can make numbers make sense.

• Passionate about supporting young people, families, and communities through loss and mental health challenges.

Commitment & Expenses:

• This is a voluntary role — trustees are not paid, but reasonable expenses (like travel or supplies) will be reimbursed.

• We usually meet once every 1–2 months, and you’ll also help out a little between meetings when needed.

• You also have the opportunity to be involved in the charity's community work, however there is no expectation of this.

What You’ll Get Out of It:

• A meaningful role where your skills make a real difference.

• The chance to help shape a starting charity and see the impact firsthand.

• Experience in the charity sector, finance, strategy, and leadership.

• A warm, supportive team that actually cares about the cause 

• A great addition to your CV for employers.

We're recruiting two non‑executive Co‑Directors to help guide Studio Lutalica's next chapter. You won't run day‑to‑day ops; you'll bring clear, values‑led oversight so our team can focus on impact.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our Co-Directors form our board and are collectively responsible for the governance and strategic direction of Studio Lutalica. This is a non-executive role, akin to that of a trustee in a charity. You will play a crucial part in ensuring we remain true to our values, legally compliant, and financially sustainable, all while helping to steer our long-term vision. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a ground-breaking design studio and contribute to our community impact.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL DIRECTORS

Strategic Leadership + Governance

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the organisation's strategic plan.
• Act in the company's best interests and in good faith to achieve its community purposes.
• Ensure the company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements for a CIC in Scotland.
• Exercise independent judgment and reasonable care, skill, and diligence in your duties.

Values and Ethics

• Champion our core values of intersectional feminism, trans inclusivity, and environmental justice in all decisions.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, accountability, and wellbeing for the entire team.
• Uphold our commitment to design excellence and accessibility.

Operational Oversight

• Participate actively in quarterly board meetings and join our Governance + Finance subgroup meetings.
• Scrutinise board papers, ask critical questions, and contribute to collective decision-making.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and declare any interests in proposed transactions.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

We're specifically looking to fill expertise gaps in Finance and Fundraising + Income Generation, though we welcome a diverse range of expertise and lived experience.

Finance

• Review budgets, management accounts, and financial statements prepared by the executive team.
• Ask constructive, challenging questions and highlight risks and trade‑offs.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls and policies exist and are followed.
• Advise on the financial implications of proposed strategies, projects, or partnerships.
• Stress‑test scenarios and support sensible reserves and risk policies.
• Provide assurance that statutory filings and CIC obligations are being met by management.

Fundraising + Income Generation

• Develop and oversee the execution of an ambitious and achievable fundraising strategy in collaboration with the team.
• Identify and research potential funding sources, including trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and public sector grants.
• Provide strategic guidance on the preparation of high-quality funding applications and proposals.
• Act as a champion for Studio Lutalica, helping to build and maintain relationships with key funders and stakeholders.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on fundraising performance to the board, providing insight and recommendations.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We always welcome additional expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Governance + Policy
• Creative Practice + Client Delivery
• Communications
• Legal
• People + Culture
• Impact Data + Measurement

TIME COMMITMENT

Co-Directors are expected to attend a 90-minute board meeting each quarter. In addition, you will be expected to join at least one of the subgroups which meets regularly. The total time commitment, including meeting preparation and subgroup work, is anticipated to be around 5-6 hours per month.

WHY STUDIO LUTALICA?

Join us at Studio Lutalica, where your skills in communications and partnerships will directly contribute to creating a more inclusive world. We’re a feminist and queer-led organisation dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a workplace that values creativity, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Fundraising advisors wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

If you are a professional fundraiser and would like to help but are short on time, we would love to hear from you even if you are unable to get deeply involved. We would appreciate one-off or ongoing advice on the phone, online or in person. We would welcome feedback on our fundraising strategy and past applications, any advice about trust and grant fundraising, and any other advice you can give. 

The Fundraising Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Thursday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely. We understand that people may not have a lot of time to give, so we want to find volunteers who could give us one-off or ongoing strategic advice and support.

If you have experience in funding strategy, writing grants for funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you. 

East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project that offers many rewarding opportunities for our volunteers. You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds and forest schools. 

By leading fundraising projects that explore how diverse professionals (architects, ecologists, web developers, community researchers etc.) collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that truly reflects the needs and desires of the local community. 

Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability. So you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.

With a goal to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people, the UK's leading autism charity, the National Autistic Society, is looking for three new Trustees to join the Board and help navigate their future challenges.

Applications close Monday 12th January

Who we are

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and one of the country’s major charities, with a turnover of around £100 million. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.

We are active across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and have a network of volunteer-run branches across the UK. As well as adult services and schools, we run a range of programmes, have dedicated diagnostic services and run specialist helplines. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and the government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws. And we improve public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face.

We’re continuing to advocate on longstanding issues such as social care funding and campaign for what autistic people need to see in the forthcoming autism strategy in England and its equivalent in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We’re also growing our branch network – including national online branches – and we are working on a new mental health programme combining research, digital guidance and policy influencing.

This is a truly transformational and vital time to be part of our Charity. We are in the latter stages of our Vision to Reality Strategy for 2023-2026, which sets out the role of NAS in creating a society that works for autistic people.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved – but there’s always more to be done. As the economic, social and political landscape changes, our strategy must evolve to reflect changes. We need to ensure we continue to increase our fundraising and commercial activities to deliver the scale of impact required.

We’re looking for three new Trustees to join our Board to help us navigate future challenges.

Who we are looking for

• Our Schools Governance Group

We are also looking for two Trustees to join our School Governance Group, one who will chair the committee and one who will be a member of the committee. Our family of schools includes our four independent specialist schools, supporting children and young people from the age of 4 to 22. We aim to make sure we are continually challenging our schools, keeping everyone safe, monitoring their progress and getting the best possible outcomes for all of our pupils in all of our schools.

Previously, we carried out a review of the local governance arrangements of our schools. Historically, the independent schools in NAS were governed locally by an LGB, which brought excellent opportunities for partnership working; however, as time went on, we required a model that would ensure consistency of challenge, support and monitoring across all our schools. We have amended our LGBs locally; the groups focus on partnership working, whilst the strategic direction, development, challenge and support for the executive, assurance and governance sits firmly with our Schools Governance Group as a sub-committee of the trustee board.

Our new Chair of the Schools Governance Group will have strong knowledge and experience of schools, school governance, the DfE and Ofsted and be a senior leader with experience in education and special educational needs. The new Chair of the committee will work closely with our Director of Education and Children’s Services, Chief Executive, Chair of the Board, Chair of the Independent Safeguarding Committee and our Trustee with safeguarding expertise.

The additional member of this committee will be someone who brings strong experience and insight in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and safeguarding. Your expertise will play a vital role in ensuring that our culture and decision-making processes fully reflect best practice in supporting children and young people with SEND, and in maintaining the highest standards of safety and well-being across our organisation.

• Chair of Quality & Assurance Committee

Our current Chair of the Quality and Assurance Committee will shortly be completing their term and we seek a successor with a strong background in adult social care and safeguarding, as well as a solid understanding of commissioning.

This is an opportunity for someone who can offer both constructive challenge and thoughtful support — a person who brings insight, curiosity and a balanced perspective to complex discussions. The ideal candidate will combine strategic oversight with a collaborative and compassionate approach, helping to ensure that quality, safety and continuous improvement remain at the heart of our work. They will be confident in asking the right questions, guiding reflective debate and fostering a culture of openness and accountability across the Committee and the wider organisation.

We’re looking for people who can provide strategic direction, appropriate oversight, scrutiny, challenge, leadership and passion to support our development.

We’re keen to ensure our Board is diverse in every way and we’re committed to ensuring our Trustees reflect our society, our Charity and the people we represent and support. We welcome applications from autistic people, their families and carers. To achieve greater diversity, we’re actively encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds and regions. We can work with you to make reasonable adjustments to ensure you contribute fully to being a member of our Board. Our Pioneer project is focused on ensuring our organisation is an exemplary employer of autistic people. This also extends to our Board.

• Time Commitment

The National Autistic Society Board meets four times, with one overnight strategy away day every year. Our meetings are a blend of face-to-face and virtual meetings. Our Trustees with education experience will join our School Governance Group, which meets quarterly, usually online. Our Quality & Assurance Committee also meets quarterly. We expect the overall time commitment to be approximately one day per month, including reading board papers, ad hoc conversations with board members and the executive and the opportunity throughout the year to visit our services and schools, as well as represent NAS at events.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close Monday 12th January.

Dive into lasting impact: Fundraise for East London Waterworks Park to create and shape natural swimming ponds, ecological habitats and community gardens

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

If you are a good writer and seller of ideas, would you like to join our mini-team of funding bid writers? We would especially love to hear from you if you have experience of writing funding applications, and we are happy to share the skills we have developed with you if you would like to learn.

The Fundraising Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Thursday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely. We understand that people may not have a lot of time to give, so we want to find volunteers who could give us one-off or ongoing strategic advice and support.

If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you. 

We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers. 

We would also love to hear from potential volunteers without experience but with transferable skills.

East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project that offers many rewarding opportunities for our volunteers. You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds and forest schools. 

By leading fundraising projects that explore how diverse professionals (architects, ecologists, web developers, community researchers etc.) collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that truly reflects the needs and desires of the local community. 

Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability. So you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.

Looking for an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Londoners affected by homelessness, while contributing your professional insights to a forward-thinking and compassionate organisation? Why not join us as our Audit Committee Chair or as a Trustee!

About Evolve Housing + Support

At Evolve, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a safe, fulfilled and independent life. We provide support in London, offering tailored programmes to meet people’s individual needs; including housing, employment and skills training, mentoring and counselling.

We do this through our work with young parents and children at risk of exclusion to build the skills and resilience that can help prevent homelessness, campaigning to end street homelessness, and building affordable homes to help people move on to an independent life.

Our company culture: the heart of what we do

We’re proud of our inclusive culture – one where everyone’s voice matters, and where diversity of background, thought and experience helps us make better decisions for the communities we serve. Our mission - to help children, young people and adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness reach their potential, and move on to live happy, fulfilled lives. We ensure our values - Honest, Inclusive, Optimistic, Determined, Passionate & Creative inform everything we do.

The opportunities to join us

At Evolve Housing + Support, we are championing opportunity, dignity and independence for people affected by homelessness – a cause that may resonate with you and encourage you to lend your strategic oversight and financial skills to our Board.

We are looking for a new Audit Committee Chair and two Trustees to join our Board and play a key role in shaping our governance and strategic direction.

As our Audit Committee Chair, you’ll ensure we maintain the highest standards of financial stewardship, carry out all our affairs effectively under all regulatory bodies, while keeping our mission and values at the heart of decision-making through your leadership.

The Trustee roles present the opportunity to play a crucial part in the successful running of our organisation, in partnership with the leadership team, upholding excellent governance using your professional skills. 

Who are we looking for?

We are particularly interested in speaking with people who are able to lead and inspire, who also have the strategic and analytical thinking skills to lead through periods of change, and who can communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.

You’ll need to have the ability to proactively support the values of Evolve Housing + Support, have a strong understanding of good governance practice along with a financial or HR background at a professional level, and a strong track record in a relevant sector, with empathy for our core customer group.

Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining Evolve!

Sounding good? Here’s how you can apply today!

Please read the Candidate Information Pack for more information before you apply. 

How to Apply:

Eastside People is supporting Evolve Housing + Support in the recruitment of these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why are you interested in the Chair/Trustee role at Evolve Housing + Support? 
• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is Mon 22 Dec 2025. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Evolve during the week beginning 12 January 2026.

We look forward to hearing from you!