Communications manager volunteer roles in plaistow, greater london

Volunteer Opportunity: Chief Operating Officer (Non-Uniform Role)

Organisation: Ranger Cadets

Location: Remote Flexible / National

Commitment: Volunteer Leadership Role

About Us

Ranger Cadets is a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine, to belong, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the operational heart of Ranger Cadets in a non-uniform position. This is a vital volunteer role for someone who can translate vision into action, ensuring our programmes, systems, and people run smoothly and effectively.

As COO, you will:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Ranger Cadets nationally.

• Develop and implement systems for governance, safeguarding, and compliance.

• Support programme delivery, volunteer management, and organisational growth.

• Work closely with the CEO, trustees, and senior volunteers to ensure strategic goals are achieved.

• Champion efficiency, clarity, and inclusivity across all operational areas.

Who We’re Looking For

• A proven organiser with experience in charity operations, youth work, or community development.

• Strong skills in planning, systems design, and operational management.

• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.

• Passion for youth empowerment, social mobility, and community impact.

• Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape the operational backbone of a national youth organisation.

• The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for young people across the UK.

• A role that blends structure, impact, and community service.

How to Apply

If you are ready to bring clarity, structure, and operational excellence to Ranger Cadets, we would love to hear from you.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

We're looking for a finance assistant volunteer who can support the financial administration of the charity using our finance software,  Xero. We The volunteer will support the Chair to undertake regular financial tasks such as budgeting, reporting, and audits while ensuring financial transparency. 
 

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Support the financial management of the Charity using Xero
• Data Entry: Recording financial transactions such as donations, invoices and expenses into our finance software, Xero.
• Weekly Reconciling income into Xero from GoCardless, Stripe, PayPal and other third-party agencies that facilitate donations being made to the charity.
• Maintain financial and accounting records, ensuring accuracy and consistency
• Assist with preparing payroll and/or pension information for submission to an external payroll provider (when required)
• Assist with the preparation of the accounts, quarterly and annual accounts for accountant annually as well as supporting funder financial reports
• Track the financial situation of projects
• Ensure that all necessary financial information is recorded accurately
• Assist with financial forecasting and budgeting
• Document Management: Organising and filing receipts, invoices, and other financial documents (digitally).
• Assist the Chair, volunteers or members of staff in understanding and using the accounting software
• Any other tasks that may be required from time to time or during the final accounts period, as appropriate.
• Assist with general administration relating to finances

Key Skills or Qualifications

Essential:

• Knowledge and experience of using Xero accounting software, including tracking project spending, managing volunteers’ expenses and department spending, uploading invoices, reconciliation, etc.
• Understanding of tracking financial data and information
• Experience of working in a bookkeeping role
• Accurate and up-to-date knowledge and experience of charity finance, SORP and other relevant frameworks
• The ability to quickly understand the needs of and challenges faced by our small charity organisation
• Strong numeracy and financial management skills
• Strong organisational skills
• Comfortable working remotely
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to quickly understand the needs of our team, organisation and users of our services (we are not expecting you to have an awareness of the condition we support)
• Good initiative and ability to work with little direct supervision, but will ask for help when needed
• Ability to work flexibly on your own and as part of a team with enthusiasm and commitment

Desirable:

• Knowledge of charity accounting including restricted and unrestricted funding 
• Understanding of financial management within a charity
• Verbal communication skills
• Competent with communication tools

Key Benefits

You will come part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team. We are focused on reaching people who may not have heard about the Charity or about the condition. 

You would have a key role in ensuring good financial administration, which is crucial to the continued work of Burning Nights CRPS Support. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference to a small charity. You will be involved in ensuring we manage our financial inputs and outgoings in order to maintain the services and support we provide, allowing us to be a sustainable charity and fulfil our aims.

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.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Lambeth

Hospital Visitor Volunteer 

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake. 

As a hospital volunteer, you might:

• hold drop-in sessions
• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• share information
• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

​All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Join Room to Heal as Chair to support the Board and Co-Directors, guiding governance, strategy, and transition while helping the organisation continue its mission of healing and community.

About Room to Heal

Room to Heal is a healing community for asylum seekers and refugees who have suffered torture and gross human rights violations. Our mission is to use the restorative power of community to help people heal from torture and organised violence and build meaningful lives.

What will you be doing?

Background

•  Room to Heal is entering a new chapter with the introduction of a Co-Director leadership model. The Chair will work alongside the Co-Directors and Board of Trustees to guide strategic decisions and ensure that governance continues to support the organisation’s mission of healing through community
• Room to Heal’s current Chair has provided valuable support to the organisation in recent years and will continue to be involved during the period of transition
• We therefore anticipate a collaborative handover process, with the incoming Chair working alongside the current post-holder to ensure continuity, stability and a confident transfer of responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring trustees uphold governance with integrity and accountability
• Chair Board meetings, guiding strategic conversations and supporting trustee oversight
• Guide long-term vision and strategy, balancing ambition with financial and operational sustainability
• Advise the Co-Directors on organisational planning, service evaluation, and staff development
• Oversee risk management, safeguarding, and financial controls to ensure safety and compliance
• Model the organisation’s values, fostering a culture of compassion, inclusion, and resilience

For full details please request the Candidate Pack from the Reach TrusteeWorks Team, at the email address provided.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a Chair who can combine strong governance with compassion. We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in leadership, governance, or board-level roles
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and an inclusive leadership style
• Empathy and a commitment to promoting wellbeing and resilience in vulnerable communities

Room to Heal was founded on principles of equality, respect, and justice, and these values continue to guide every aspect of our work. Our community includes people from many countries, languages, and faiths, and our strength lies in our diversity. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work. We are committed to offering equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity.

What difference will you make?

Becoming Chair of Room to Heal means stepping into a role where leadership genuinely changes lives. This is an opportunity to guide a small, mission-driven charity through an important moment of transition and to help ensure that some of the most marginalised people in our society continue to receive the care, dignity and connection they deserve.

Your leadership will help Room to Heal remain resilient, focused and true to its values. Guiding two newly appointed Co-Directors and a dedicated board, you will help strengthen the organisation’s foundations and shape its future direction.

This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible difference at a time when strong, compassionate leadership matters most. If you are inspired by the idea of helping survivors of trauma rebuild their lives in community, we would love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the next chapter of Room to Heal.

Time commitment

The time commitment averages around one day per month.

Four Board meetings a year - usually hybrid, allowing trustees to join remotely or in person.

The Chair also sits on the finance subcommittee which meets online approximately every six weeks.

Job Role:

The Social Supermarket Initiative (SSI) is a community-led social enterprise tackling food insecurity and promoting sustainable community growth through our affordable supermarket model, outreach programmes, and ethical partnerships. We are seeking Supporting Directors to join our Board, contributing strategic insight, expertise, and oversight to strengthen SSI’s governance, operations, and long-term impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic guidance and oversight to ensure SSI delivers on its community mission and legal obligations.
• Support the Board in policy-setting, financial accountability, and risk management.
• Contribute specialist expertise (e.g. governance, finance, partnerships, community development, food systems).
• Champion SSI’s values and act as an ambassador, building relationships with partners, funders, and local organisations.
• Monitor progress against strategic goals and ensure decisions align with SSI’s community purpose.

Core Duties:

• Ensure SSI acts within its powers and upholds its community interest objectives.
• Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in all Board matters.
• Safeguard SSI’s financial integrity, sustainability, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Provide advice and constructive challenge without engaging in daily operations.
• Join working groups or committees (e.g. finance, growth, governance) where relevant to your expertise.

Expectations of the Role:

• Attend and prepare for quarterly Board meetings and one annual review.
• Stay informed about emerging issues in food justice, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
• Participate in subcommittees or project groups as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality, uphold SSI’s ethical standards, and champion diversity and inclusion.

About You

Essential:

• Commitment to SSI’s mission and social purpose.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Experience in governance, management, or community initiatives (professional or voluntary).
• Sound judgement, integrity, and a solutions-driven mindset.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of social enterprise, food systems, sustainability, or community engagement.
• Understanding of governance, finance, or charity operations.
• Lived experience of food insecurity, social inequality, or community leadership.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven social enterprise with measurable community impact.
• Experience in board-level leadership, governance, and strategy.
• Networking opportunities through community events and partnerships.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and meeting expenses.
• Training and development opportunities in governance and management.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a short statement (max 300 words) outlining your interest and relevant experience.

Join Room to Heal as a Trustee with financial expertise to support the Board in safeguarding the charity’s financial health, guiding strategy, and ensure its mission of healing and community continues to transform lives.

About Room to Heal

Room to Heal is a healing community for asylum seekers and refugees who have suffered torture and gross human rights violations. Our mission is to use the restorative power of community to help people heal from torture and organised violence and build meaningful lives.

What will you be doing?

Background

• Room to Heal is strengthening its financial resilience as it adapts to a more competitive funding environment. The charity’s finances are stable but closely managed, requiring careful cashflow oversight and strategic risk assessment
• The current Treasurer brings strong financial expertise, though the Board sees the benefit of an additional finance-skilled trustee to enhance collective confidence in decision-making

Key Responsibilities

• Support the board in interpreting financial reports and identifying trends or risks
• Advise on reserves, cashflow management, and funding diversification
• Contribute to financial planning and sustainability discussions
• Sit on the finance subcommittee and provide informed challenge and reassurance
• Act as a critical friend to staff on financial matters, without undertaking day-to-day delivery

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a Trustee with financial experience. We welcome candidates at different career stages - from senior finance professionals to those seeking their first board role.

• Strong financial literacy and confidence interpreting financial data
• Ability to assess financial risk and support sound decision-making
• Commitment to good governance and the mission of Room to Heal
• Collaborative approach with clear communication and analytical thinking

Room to Heal was founded on principles of equality, respect, and justice, and these values continue to guide every aspect of our work. Our community includes people from many countries, languages, and faiths, and our strength lies in our diversity. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work. We are committed to offering equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity.

What difference will you make?

By joining Room to Heal as a Trustee, you will help secure the long-term sustainability of a life-changing service.

• Make a tangible difference - helping ensure the charity’s finances remain robust and resilient
• Shape strategy - contributing to decisions that directly affect survivors’ access to healing and justice
• Build your own experience - developing governance skills in a complex, purpose-driven environment
• Join a diverse and compassionate board - committed to integrity, inclusion, and impact

Your insights will help Room to Heal continue offering sanctuary and support to people rebuilding their lives after trauma.

Time commitment

The time commitment averages around 3-6 hours per month.

4 Board meetings a year - usually hybrid, allowing trustees to join remotely or in person.

Also attend the finance subcommittee - online approximately every six weeks.

The Social Supermarket Initiative (SSI) is a community-led social enterprise tackling food insecurity and promoting sustainable community growth through our affordable supermarket model, outreach programmes, and ethical partnerships. We are seeking a Volunteer Fundraising Officer to support SSI’s financial sustainability and growth. This role will focus on securing funding through grant writing, donor engagement, and community fundraising initiatives, ensuring SSI can continue delivering its mission and expanding its social impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, research, and pursue grant opportunities, donor funding, and community fundraising streams.

• Develop high-quality, persuasive, and compliant funding proposals and applications.

• Maintain SSI’s funding tracker, calendar, and reporting systems.

• Build and maintain relationships with funders, local partners, and community stakeholders.

• Support outcome and impact reporting to funders and the board.

• Contribute to SSI’s fundraising strategy and advise on opportunities for growth.

Core Duties

• Ensure fundraising and grant activities align with SSI’s mission and compliance standards.

• Exercise professionalism, diligence, and integrity in all fundraising matters.

• Safeguard financial accuracy and transparency in proposals and reports.

• Collaborate with internal teams to gather data, stories, and supporting evidence for applications.

• Create compelling marketing materials to promote fundraising initiatives across various channels.

• Join working groups or project committees related to fundraising and development.

Expectations of the Role

• Attend and contribute to team meetings and planning sessions.

• Stay informed about trends in funding, social enterprise, and community development.

• Participate in project groups or campaigns where relevant to fundraising objectives.

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold SSI’s ethical standards, including diversity and inclusion.

About You

Essential

• Commitment to SSI’s mission and community impact.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and organisational skills.

• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or donor management.

• Solutions-driven mindset, with attention to detail and accuracy in proposals and budgets.
   

Desirable

• Knowledge of social enterprise, food systems, sustainability, or community engagement.

• Understanding of finance, governance, or nonprofit operations.

• Lived experience of food insecurity or involvement in community-led initiatives.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven social enterprise with measurable community impact.

• Hands-on experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor management.

• Networking opportunities through community events and partnerships.

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and meeting expenses.

• Training and professional development to support growth and impact on SSI’s mission.

How to Apply

Please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a short statement (max 300 words) outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience.

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. As a member of the board of trustees you will be responsible for setting the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. You will use your knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure we achieve our charitable objectives and represents the interests of all stakeholders.

Kidney Research UK has been at the forefront of pioneering research for six decades, investing in talented researchers and funding work that could ultimately lead to a cure. Our work has resulted in vital breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of those affected, changing the future for many kidney patients.

We have made remarkable progress but there is still much to do. The number of people living with kidney failure continues to rise and we must go further to drive innovation and increase investment in renal research. Of course, like so many other charities and organisations we are doing this important work during challenging times.

We have adapted well to the changing world, and we are finding exciting new ways to reach our goals. We know we must rise to the challenge for kidney patients everywhere and we remain determined to grow our income so we can deliver more impact.

Our trustees play a vital role in the governance of Kidney Research UK, which enables and accelerates the impact that we have as an organisation for our patient community. Working closely with your fellow Trustees, the chief executive and wider leadership team, you will be part of a team that guides and oversees the delivery of Kidney Research UK's strategic priorities. We have a number of trustees who are due to retire from their roles during the next 12 months, and we are looking for new trustees to join our board and be part of this exciting transformation.

If this sounds like you and you think you could make a difference, we’d encourage you to review the attached role description below and apply to join our dedicated board of trustees.

About Us 

Suicide Awareness Prevention UK (SAPUK) is a dedicated, non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), established in 2016, focused on providing support to individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Our goal is to guide people from distress toward hope, helping them regain the strength to live their lives to the fullest.

Overview
 We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Fundraising Volunteer to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in developing and implementing fundraising strategies to support our mission. This position requires excellent communication skills, a strong ability to build relationships, and a commitment to achieving fundraising goals. The Fundraiser will engage with various stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and community members, to promote our cause and secure financial support.

Duties

• Develop and execute fundraising campaigns that align with the organisation's objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors through effective communication and engagement strategies.
• Utilise software tools such as Raiser's Edge for tracking donations, managing donor information, and reporting on fundraising activities.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create promotional materials that highlight fundraising initiatives.
• Organise fundraising events, including planning logistics, coordinating volunteers, and ensuring successful execution.
• Conduct outreach efforts to engage the community and raise awareness about the organisation's mission.
• Provide exceptional customer service to donors and stakeholders, addressing inquiries and fostering positive relationships.
• Monitor market trends in fundraising to identify new opportunities for growth and engagement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in fundraising or a related field is preferred.
• Strong skills in relationship management and public relations.
• Proficiency in using software tools such as Raiser's Edge or similar fundraising platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment while also being self-motivated.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail in managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• A passion for the organisation's mission and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: Up to £1.00 per year

Expected hours: No less than 2 per week

Benefits:

• Work from home

Experience:

• Fundraising: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Design the Identity of MINDSET Charity – Help Us Inspire Change

Who We Are

MINDSET Charity is a new, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to transforming men’s lives across England. We support men on their journeys of mental wellbeing and self-improvement through workshops, creative programmes, and community-building activities. From role play and storytelling to arts, crafts, and woodwork, we create spaces where men can open up, connect, and grow without judgment.

We are building a movement of resilience, dignity, and brotherhood. To bring this vision to life, we need a talented Graphic Designer to shape our visual identity and inspire communities nationwide.

The Role of Graphic Designer

As our Volunteer Graphic Designer, you will:

• Create impactful social media assets that amplify our message.

• Design event banners, brochures, and business stationery that embody our values.

• Develop info and motion graphics that make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

• Contribute to an introduction video that tells our story with clarity and emotional resonance.

• Help establish a consistent, dignified brand identity across all platforms.

This is a volunteer role, but your creativity will leave a lasting legacy — helping men across England feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from designers of all backgrounds who share our passion for men’s mental wellbeing. Whether you’re an experienced professional or an emerging creative, what matters most is your commitment to using design as a tool for impact. Skills in branding, digital design, motion graphics, or video editing are especially valuable.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a pioneering charity at its foundation stage.

• Shape the visual identity of a national movement.

• See your work directly empower men and communities.

• Collaborate with passionate volunteers united by purpose and vision.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to use your creativity to help build MINDSET Charity’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

This is more than design. It’s a chance to craft the face of a movement — to help men across England rediscover strength, dignity, and hope. Join us, and let’s build MINDSET together.

Join a small charity with a big heart and help shape our future.

Barefoot and Free is a grassroots UK-based charity funding respite breaks for families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma. We're growing from the ground up and we’re looking for passionate, creative Volunteer Fundraising Champions to grow with us.

This is more than a stepping stone role. It’s a real opportunity to be part of something long term that's meaningful, mission-driven, and deeply rewarding. You'll play a key role in shaping a small charity with huge potential and your efforts will directly impact the lives of families who truly need support.

Why Join Us?

Grassroots charity work is full of heart but it’s not without its challenges. We don’t have huge budgets, so we need fundraisers who can think outside the box, raise funds rather than spend funds and inspire others to get behind the cause.

But the rewards? They’re immense:

• You’ll see the direct results of your work as we grow together.

• You’ll gain invaluable experience for your CV and future roles in the third sector.

• You’ll be part of a close-knit team where your ideas and efforts are truly valued and supported.

Your Role

As a Volunteer Fundraising Champion, you’ll help us raise the funds we need to provide life-changing breaks for families. You’ll be the creative spark and the friendly face behind fundraising efforts that make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, organise and deliver creative fundraising activities (raffles, online quizzes, challenge events, etc.)

• Engage and support individual fundraisers (e.g. sponsored runners, event hosts)

• Act as a key contact for fundraising volunteers providing encouragement, advice, and practical support

• Develop and maintain a central fundraising tracker (Excel or similar)

• Log all fundraising activity, targets, and deadlines

• Collaborate with our social media volunteer to promote campaigns

• Support recruitment and onboarding of new fundraising volunteers

What You’ll Bring

• Clear, friendly written and verbal communication

• Creativity and confidence in engaging with people online and offline

• Strong organisation and time management skills

• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently

• A genuine passion for our mission and grassroots charity work

• Experience in fundraising or event planning is helpful but not essential, heart and drive matter more

Time Commitment

• Flexible and remote

• Around 2 to 5 hours per week

• We’ll work around your availability this role can fit around your life, studies, job, or family

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in fundraising, event planning and project coordination

• Something impressive and meaningful for your CV or portfolio

• Real-world charity sector experience

• Friendly support and mentoring from a passionate team

• A strong sense of purpose, knowing your efforts directly support families in need

• References available on request

How to Apply:

Please send a recent CV along with a short note about yourself, including any relevant fundraising or event planning experience (formal or informal!)

We can’t wait to hear from you and hopefully welcome you to the Barefoot and Free family.

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.

As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) is seeking passionate new trustees to join our board and help shape the next chapter of our story. With a new CEO, bold artistic ambitions and a growing national footprint, this is an exciting moment to join an evolving organisation committed to nurturing young talent, expanding opportunities and strengthening our impact across the UK.

About NYJO:

Founded in 1965, NYJO has grown from a single jazz orchestra to a vibrant, varied organisation delivering engaging participation projects and impactful live performances for everyone. We exist to empower young jazz musicians and inspire audiences across the UK through our work.

We are committed to supporting and developing musicians of all styles and standards: whether you want to become the next emerging artist or simply play for fun -- we're here for it.

NYJO is dedicated to making jazz and creative music-making more accessible to early-career musicians, young people, and audiences across the country. Throughout our activity, we seek to create a meeting ground between the established and the experimental -- the past, present, and future -- to build bespoke programmes which cater to lifelong and new jazz fans.

Our work spans three core areas:

Emerging Professionals - We curate exciting performance projects for audiences and emerging professional musicians aged 18-25, underpinned by a programme of Professional Development.

NYJO Learning - We create accessible learning programmes for all, providing young people with impactful tools for personal growth through creative music-making.

Community Outreach - We are passionate about responding to and representing our communities, both locally and nationally, in physical and digital spaces.

We work in close collaboration with likeminded partners to deliver projects that respond to local community needs and create an inclusive learning environment which centres the voices of young people.

In 2021 we became a Resident Artistic Company at Woolwich Works, a creative arts centre in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. We are a registered charity with a turnover of c.£750,000 annually and are proud to be an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation, working towards delivering ACE's 'Let's Create' strategy to make the arts sector more inclusive and reflective of modern Britain.

Our Board

NYJO's current Board consists of seven Trustees with expertise spanning digital communications, governance, HR, jazz industry knowledge, music education, finance, and fundraising. We are pleased to have diversified our board significantly in recent years, knowing that diverse boards make better decisions. Ensuring that our board is representative of the communities in which we work and the young people that we serve remains a priority.

Board Responsibilities

NYJO Trustees are expected to play a full role as a board director and trustee in accordance with charity and company regulations, and governance best practice. Responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Maintaining a collaborative and supportive relationship with senior staff and fellow trustees
• Proactively advocating for our work, championing the transformative power of jazz education and the many benefits that young people derive from creative music-making
• Safeguarding the financial stability, reputation and values of the charity
• Protecting the interest of donors and current and future beneficiaries, acting as guardians of NYJO's assets and taking due care over their security, deployment and proper application
• Ensuring that NYJO complies with its Articles and Objects, charity and company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations

What We're Looking For

We are keen to recruit Trustees who:

• Are committed to NYJO's mission and will advocate for our work
• Bring strategic judgement, vision and creative thinking to the charity
• Can provide sound, independent reasoning and constructive challenge to our management team
• Are numerate, with the ability to understand budgets and charity finance
• Are willing to devote the necessary time and effort to be a Trustee, and to undertake relevant training and appraisal
• Demonstrate an understanding of good governance of charities
• Demonstrate the intellectual capacity to grasp issues outside personal experience and communicate opinions effectively

We are keen for our trustees to represent a broad mix of skills, experience and backgrounds, helping us to broaden our thinking and provide constructive challenge. At this time, our priority is to appoint an individual with professional experience as a UK based jazz musician, as this perspective will complement our current board's existing expertise and help ensure our leadership reflects the communities and artists we support.

We are committed to broadening the diversity of perspectives on our Board. We particularly encourage applications from women, younger people, and individuals from groups that are currently underrepresented at board level. All appointments will be made on merit.

You do not need to have prior trustee experience. Where needed, we will provide guidance and support to help first-time trustees thrive in the role.

In addition to professional jazz music experience, we would also be interested in candidates with demonstrable experience in music law or marketing, particularly digital marketing and social media. There is no expectation that applicants must meet more than one of these areas of expertise.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to providing an environment where every trustee is able to contribute confidently. We will offer appropriate onboarding and ongoing support to ensure all trustees can engage fully with their responsibilities.

Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings (four per year) and an annual strategic planning session. Additionally, you may be invited to join working groups according to your areas of expertise and interest and will always be welcome to attend our performances and education events.

We will always be respectful of your time and provide maximum possible notice of any meetings and events.