Chair volunteer roles

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

We are looking for new Trustees to join our Board. We welcome applicants with varied skills and experience and we are also hoping to appoint a medical trustee.

The role of a trustee is to ensure that the charity fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries and delivers on its vision, mission and values. The board of trustees are jointly and individually responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

About us:

Sobell House is a hospice based on the Churchill Hospital site and is part of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It is jointly funded by the NHS and Sobell House Hospice Charity. We offer specialist palliative care to those facing life threatening illness, death and bereavement in Oxfordshire. This encompasses physical, psychological, social and spiritual care and includes supporting their families and those close to them. We care for around 3,000 patients and their families every year. The Charity contributes funding towards the care provided at Sobell House and also entirely funds the transport service, bereavement support, social work team and chaplaincy service.

Our team values:

Impact: We aim to make a positive difference to the lives of others through our work.

Integrity: We are honest, transparent and accountable for our actions and outcomes.

Compassion: We treat ourselves and others with kindness, respect, empathy and care.

Collaboration: We believe together is better. Working with colleagues, partners and our community to achieve more.

Continuous Improvement: We have a ‘growth mindset’. We embrace feedback and positive change and are continually looking for improved ways of working.

If you’re interested in becoming a Trustee, please click on Apply and complete the Application form on our website and we will get in touch with you.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Bring your skills. Change lives. Become a SMART CJS Trustee.

SMART CJS is a dynamic charity supporting people experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their home. We’re looking for new trustees to join our friendly and committed Board, guiding our strategic direction and ensuring we remain a strong, effective organisation.

About the role
Trustees play a vital role in the governance of SMART CJS. Working closely with our senior leadership team, you will:

• Help set the charity’s overall direction and priorities.

• Ensure we meet our legal and financial responsibilities.

• Provide insight and expertise to strengthen our services.

• Support our mission to prevent homelessness and help people rebuild their lives.

Who we’re looking for
No previous board experience is necessary, full induction and training are provided. We’re particularly keen to hear from people with skills in:

• Fundraising and income generation

• Law

• Human resources

But above all, we want trustees who:

• Are committed to our mission and values.

• Can think strategically and work well as part of a team.

• Are willing to use their skills and experience to help us grow and adapt.

Time commitment

• Four Board meetings per year (held in the evenings, usually in Bedford).

• Some email contact between meetings.

• Optional involvement in sub-committees, events, or projects if you have time.

What you’ll gain

• The chance to make a real, lasting difference for people experiencing homelessness.

• Experience in governance and strategic decision-making.

• The satisfaction of using your skills for social good.

• Being part of a passionate, welcoming team of trustees and staff.

Location
Meetings are held in Bedford, but applications from across the region are welcome.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

We are looking for a Trustee with finance experience to help us improve our way of working as a Board.

About People First Forum

Our vision is a world where people with learning disabilities are treated as equals, living safe and happy lives.  Our Mission is to give people with learning disabilities the support and opportunities to live the lives they choose.

What will you be doing?

Our Board is exciting and special because it has a mixture of people with and without a learning disability. “Nothing about us without us”! Different people bring special gifts and skills.

You do not need to have worked in a Board or governance role, or with people with learning disabilities before – we will teach you everything you need to know and give you training.

Day to Day, our new Treasurer will advise and support the Board and the staff team in the following areas:

1. Budgets and Financial Reports 2. Financial Records and Practices 3. Financial Policies 4. Financial Health of the Charity 5. Working with Finance Staff and Accountants 6. Strategic Planning and Risk 7. External Auditors 8. Legal Financial Duties 9. Supporting the Board of Trustees

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who are kind, respectful and dedicated to supporting our diverse board of Trustees.

You should be a finance professional. You should be good at explaining money matters clearly, especially to people who are not finance experts, including people with learning disabilities.

What difference will you make?

· You help shape our future - Trustees help set the charity’s direction and make sure it stays focused on its mission.

· You make sure funds are used wisely and that our charity stays financially healthy.

· You keep things safe and legal - Trustees make sure the charity follows the rules and manages risks properly.

· You will bring fresh ideas - Your experience and perspective will help the charity make better decisions.

· You make a real difference - Everything you do helps the charity support more people and create more impact.

Time commitment

In total, you are expected to give on average 1 to 2 hours each week to this role.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Experienced in retail? Passionate about community? We are looking for a new trustee to join our board of governors at our second hand furniture charity.

Help shape a local charity with big ambitions

We’re entering an exciting new chapter and we’d love you to be part of it. As some of our current trustees reach the end of their terms, we’re looking for new people to join our dynamic board and help guide the future of Community Furniture Stores.

We are a grassroots charity with big impact. Each year, we help thousands of people across York, Selby and Scarborough access affordable, good-quality furniture and digital devices, tackle poverty, and gain skills through volunteering. We’re currently undertaking a radical redesign of how we operate as a charity so we can support more people and increase our impact. The board plays a crucial role in shaping and guiding the strategic direction of this transformation. If you want to make a real difference locally and be part of something ambitious, now is the perfect time to get involved.

What Do Our Trustees Do?

As a volunteer trustee, you’ll:

• Be part of quarterly board meetings, plus one AGM and an annual away day.
• Join a sub-committee to support specific areas like finance, retail, volunteering or communications.
• Contribute ideas, challenge thinking, and support decisions that help us grow. Be a visible and active champion of our work

Why Join Us?

Be a force for good in your community – support local people by helping us tackle furniture and digital poverty head-on.

Shape the future – guide a growing, evolving charity during a major organisational merger and rebrand.

Learn and grow – learn about charity governance and collaborate with people from diverse sectors.

Connect and contribute – join sub-committees and contribute hands-on to meaningful projects

Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome trustees from all walks of life, whether you’re early in your career, retired, or somewhere in between. We believe diversity of thought and experience makes us stronger.

We’re particularly keen to hear from people with experience in:

• Retail – especially as we navigate our merger and look to improve our services.
• HR or health & safety
• Legal (employment, charity, or property)
• Fundraising or business development
• Social justice, poverty, housing or digital inclusion

But don’t worry if you don’t tick every box. If you care about what we do and want to help us do it better — that’s what counts. You don’t need previous board experience. What matters most is your passion, perspective and commitment to our mission.

We welcome all voices, and we’re especially keen to hear from people in Selby and Scarborough. Diversity makes us stronger.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.