Community coordinator volunteer roles in lytham saint annes, lancashire
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.
IAPWA are currently seeking an Events Co-ordinator to join their UK team to help them develop their range of adrenalin pursuits within their Adventures for Animals fundraising initiative. From identifying ways to find animal lovers to take part in our 2025 skydiving challenge to creating new, exciting events for our adventure community to engage with, you will be part of a charity who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of animals in need.
Please note: All expenses are covered, including free places on our Adventures!
IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK registered charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every child deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their background. Action Tutoring is a charity dedicated to closing the attainment gap and creating a more equitable future for young people.
We're building a diverse community of tutors passionate about educational equity. We are seeking dedicated volunteers from all walks of life to tutor and support pupils facing socio-economic disadvantage in maths and English.
As a volunteer tutor, you’ll:
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Tutor a group of 1-3 pupils (primary or secondary), with options to support online or in-person.
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Dedicate just one hour a week for a 10-20 week programme.
We provide the resources - you bring your enthusiasm! You’ll use our workbooks to deliver your sessions.
Whether you're a university student, a working professional, retired or simply looking to give back, your hour a week can open doors to brighter futures for these young people and make a lasting impact.
What you'll gain:
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Comprehensive training (2-hour induction, technical training for online tutors, optional further skills training).
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Ongoing support from your dedicated programme coordinator.
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Structured session plans and workbooks.
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Travel expense reimbursement (up to £5 per session).
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Free DBS check.
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Optional tutor socials and buddy system.
We look for volunteers with:
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Solid subject knowledge in the area they wish to tutor, which may be demonstrated by a degree or grade B at A-level qualification (or equivalent) or relevant experience.
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The ability to explain concepts clearly and patiently.
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A commitment to supporting pupils’ academic progress.
We recognise that valuable experience can be gained through diverse routes. If your qualifications differ from those mentioned, we still encourage you to apply. Please highlight any relevant experience or skills in your application.
We welcome applications from volunteers across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. (Please note: This is a volunteer, unpaid position.)
Our programmes run during term time, and you can sign up at ay time throughout the year.
Our volunteers say:
" The Action Tutoring team has been fabulous in their support: timely updates, always available, closely following progress, and ready to intervene where needed, very professional indeed!"
"Volunteering is very rewarding. I would say the skills that one develops from teaching the pupils are transferable to any walk of life and make you a better person. I would highly recommend it."
Award-winning national education charity working towards a world in which no child’s life chances are limited by their socio-economic background.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Say Aphasia is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled volunteer grant writer to join our small but dedicated team. As a proactive member of our charity, you will help secure funding to support people living with Aphasia—a communication disability that affects over 360,000 people across the UK.
Job description:
As our Grant Writer you will be responsible for identifying appropriate grant opportunities, and managing the grant development and proposal process from research to submitting grant applications with any supporting documents.
As our grant writer, you will:
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Identify appropriate sources of funding where we fit their criteria.
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Write appropriately tailored grant/funding bids that meet funders’ interests and requirements and to write any additional documents in support of funding bids.
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Help develop a Trusts and Foundations strategy to help create and maintain strong and diverse income that meets Say Aphasia’s funding needs.
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Create a calendar of grant deadlines and track submitted funding proposals.
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Help us develop a case for support.
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The bid writer will receive a percentage from successful funding received from their submitted applications.
If you are an experienced grant writer or you just enjoy researching and persuasive writing then we would love to hear from you.
We are looking for a someone who has:
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Experience of being a grant writer, project proposal writer, marketing, or nonprofit development.
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Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential.
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Creative and persuasive written and spoken communication skills.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
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Self-motivated and highly-organised.
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Ability to work remotely.
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Ability to search online databases and other sources to identify appropriate funds.
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An understanding of how grant funding works, and the variety of requirements from different Trusts and Foundations.
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Ability to organise your own work, track and report back regularly.
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Ideally have a good network of people, organisations and charities which can help us to support our projects.
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Determination to get the job done.
You would be working closely with the charity’s Service Manager, with regular updates and remote meetings as needed. We have an induction process that will help successful applicants to understand how our charity operates. We would like to offer the volunteer a commission on successful grant applications.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) have an exciting new opportunity to join their Board of Trustees. In a bold step toward broadening our vision and impact, FST recently updated our governing documents to welcome Non-Executive Directors from outside our membership. This change opens the door to fresh ideas, diverse expertise, and valuable insights from beyond the arts—strengthening FST’s leadership and enriching our work. We are particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in finance, public policy and research, and legal and/or finance.
FST are actively working to build a Board and staff team that reflects the richness and variety of the communities we serve, believing that diversity fuels creativity and strengthens leadership. We’re looking for curious, and collaborative thinkers—people who bring different perspectives and challenge the status quo. We particularly welcome applications from people of colour, gender-diverse individuals, disabled people, and others whose voices have historically been underrepresented in our sector. This is a space where your voice matters—and will be heard.
What’s Involved
The Board of Trustees work on a voluntary basis and meet four times a year. We welcome candidates from all over Scotland and can facilitate online attendance at meetings as required.
Role of a Trustee:
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To play a key role in the development of the FST vision, contributing to the strategic leadership, sound management and proactive development of the organisation.
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To ensure that the FST principles of good and proper governance continue to be upheld, and to fulfil duties and responsibilities in line with the organisation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
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To ensure that FST protects its future through robust policies, risk management, accounting procedures, internal controls and systems and to ensure that these are audited and reviewed in line with all regulatory and legal requirements.
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To attend and contribute to Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
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To work closely with the Chair and all other Trustees and to advise on major issues to the Board as required.
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To work constructively with the Chief Executive, and as appropriate with senior management and the wider staff, to ensure that FST delivers on its core vision, mission and business plan.
Additional information about the responsibilities of being a Trustee can be found on the website of Scottish Charity Regulator - more information in the job pack.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking to recruit two Co-opted Board members over the coming months.
Following a recent review of Board membership, we have identified the need for new Trustees and are looking for candidates with skills and experience in each of the following areas:
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Financial – Strong financial background, ideally with expertise in charity and not-for-profit accounting and experience working with small charities
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HR/Legal - Senior level experience in HR and/or the legal landscape surrounding employment with knowledge of of best practices in people management, organisational culture, and employment law—particularly within the charity or arts sector
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Public Policy and Research - Senior experience in public policy and research, ideally within Scotland. For example, you may have worked on developing policy positions, conducting sector-specific research, or creating tools to influence change at a national or local level
As well as the skills and experience aligned to one of the two candidate opportunities described above, we expect all Board members to embrace the following qualities :
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An understanding of (or willingness to learn) the culture sector
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Advocacy experience
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Sound analytical and problem-solving skills
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Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders
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An understanding of access, inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities issues
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Experience of working effectively as part of a team, project group or committee
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Good, independent judgment
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An ability to think creatively
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Awareness of risk and the need to balance ambition with sustainability
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Ability to conduct oneself with integrity, objectivity, and honesty
Recruitment timeline
The deadline for applications is 10am on Tuesday 22 July 2025.
You will receive a response from FST by 6pm on Friday 25 July 2025.
Interviews will be held from w/c 28 July onwards depending on individual candidates' availability.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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 Sefton
Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer
People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them. This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve. Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.
As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:
· Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support
· Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes
· Raise concerns
· Keep detailed notes and records
· Make a real difference to someone’s life
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”.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We're looking for 2-3 detail-oriented and strategic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specialist Volunteers to help optimise our online presence and ensure our campaigns and content reach the communities that need them most and increase the charity’s search engine results rankings. The SEO Specialist Volunteers will play a key role in enhancing the visibility and searchability of Burning Nights CRPS Support’s website and digital content.
The SEO Specialist Volunteers will be volunteering within the Communications & Marketing Team to implement SEO best practices, conduct keyword research, improve site structure, and analyse web performance – all to ensure our content reaches a broader audience and amplifies the voice of our charity’s supporters online.
Key Tasks and Objectives
- Competitor and Keyword Research: Conduct keyword research to inform website content and campaign strategies.
- On-page optimisation: Optimise existing content for improved search engine ranking (meta tags, meta descriptions, headers, alt text, etc.)
- Monitor and analyse SEO performance using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush.
- Technical SEO Implementation: Identify technical SEO issues and collaborate with content teams to resolve them.
- Backlink and Off-Page SEO: Assist in developing backlink strategies and improving domain authority.
- Support the content team in creating SEO-optimised articles and pages.
- Provide monthly reports on SEO performance and suggest improvements.
- Stay up to date with SEO trends, Google algorithm updates, and emerging best practices.
Key Skills or Qualifications
- Excellent understanding of SEO principles and search engine algorithms.
- Proven experience in conducting SEO audits, strategy development, and implementation.
- Experience using SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush or similar platforms.
- Previous experience in digital marketing, content strategy, or technical SEO.
- Ability to perform keyword research and competitor analysis.
- Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and content management systems (ideally Django framework).
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
- Evidence of organisational skills, with good attention to detail.
- The ability to work independently, turning recommendations into action without needing constant oversight.
- A passion for using your skills to support patients and families impacted by a debilitating pain condition and help save lives.
- Passion for creating inclusive and accessible digital spaces.
- Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
- Enthusiastic about supporting a small charity.
- Willing to learn, adapt, and collaborate with a supportive team.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of Google Ads for nonprofits.
- Experience of using Django framework websites.
- Familiarity with accessibility best practices and inclusive web design.
- Experience working with or volunteering for nonprofit / charitable organisations.
- Demonstrable IT skills, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft.
- Good research and information management skills.
- An understanding of the charity sector and/or fundraising.
Key Benefits
- Volunteer as part of a forward-thinking, supportive team.
- Unique opportunity to directly contribute to strategic SEO recommendations, and the implementation of those changes to increase the charity’s visibility.
- At Burning Nights CRPS Support you’ll use your SEO skills for a mission with a real, measurable impact. This is more than just a volunteer role, it’s an opportunity to change and save lives.
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families impacted by a severe pain condition.
- Building your network and forming connections with like-minded people and organisations.
- Enhance your CV and gain skills that are transferable to a variety of career paths.
- Receive training and ongoing support from our team.
- Experience the personal satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from helping others.
Training and Support
- Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
- This a remote volunteering opportunity with regular online team check-ins and collaborative sessions with a supportive, creative, and inclusive team environment.
- Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
- Regular updates on charity activities.
- Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
- After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
- Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.
To drive change for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) & ensure people whose lives have been touched by this condition are not alone.





Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title: Graphic Designer
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 Graphic Designer to bring the visual identity of the project to life. From social media graphics to event branding and promotional materials, you will help ensure the festival’s visual storytelling is engaging, inclusive, and aligned with our mission. This remote volunteer opportunity is perfect for creatives looking to build a professional portfolio while contributing to a high-impact community event.
Position Overview:
The Graphic Designer will play a central role in shaping the visual communications for “Solta o Jogo” and other Quilombo UK initiatives. Working closely with the Creative Director and Marketing team, the designer will conceptualise and produce a range of creative assets across print and digital media. This is an ideal role for someone with strong design skills who is passionate about culture, community, and impactful storytelling.
Key Responsibilities:
Creative Development:
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Study design briefs and translate project goals into compelling visuals.
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Develop concepts, mock-ups, and final designs for social media, posters, presentations, merchandise, and web content.
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Ensure all graphics are visually cohesive, accessible, and aligned with brand guidelines.
Design Production:
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Use design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) to produce high-quality visuals.
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Test designs across various formats (print, digital, mobile).
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Revise designs based on feedback from the team and stakeholders.
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Prepare final graphics and ensure they are formatted correctly for production and distribution.
Collaboration & Communication:
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Work closely with copywriters, programme leads, and event coordinators to integrate design into broader communication strategies.
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Present design ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
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Attend creative planning sessions and contribute visual ideas to campaign strategies.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
Degree or current studies in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communication, or a related field is desirable.
Experience:
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Proven experience in graphic design, either freelance or in a professional setting.
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A strong portfolio showcasing illustrations, branding, and layout design.
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Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent tools.
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Skills:
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Excellent visual design skills and a strong eye for detail, colour, and typography.
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Ability to manage time and priorities independently.
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Comfortable receiving and applying constructive feedback.
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Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
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Open to working across various creative formats and adapting style as needed.
Benefits:
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Contribute to the visual storytelling of a nationally recognised cultural event.
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Expand your design portfolio with real-world creative assets.
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Collaborate with a supportive and multicultural volunteer team.
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Receive feedback and mentorship to support your creative growth.
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Flexible schedule with full remote access.
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Local travel expenses reimbursed (if attending any in-person sessions or events).
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Position Summary:
Leads the Talent Acquisition team to deliver efficient, compliant, and inclusive recruitment processes, ensuring alignment with workforce planning forecasts and organisational goals. Manages sourcing, selection, and candidate experience while collaborating with the Workforce Planning team to anticipate future talent needs.
Key Responsibilities:
Recruitment Strategy Execution
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Oversee end-to-end recruitment processes for assigned business units, from job briefings to offer management.
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Partner with the Workforce Planning team to align sourcing strategies with long-term talent demands and skills gap analysis.
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Implement proactive talent pipelines (e.g., LinkedIn, diversity networks) for critical and future-focused roles.
Team Management
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Manage and mentor Talent Acquisition Specialists/Coordinators, setting KPIs for time-to-fill, candidate quality, and diversity hiring.
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Conduct regular performance reviews and identify training needs to upskill the team.
Employer Branding & Candidate Experience
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Promote the organisation’s EVP through job postings, social media campaigns (in partnership with the Talent Communications Team), and candidate interactions.
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Ensure a positive candidate journey by resolving escalations and maintaining clear communication.
Compliance & Best Practices
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Ensure adherence to UK employment law (e.g., right-to-work checks, GDPR) and internal policies.
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Audit recruitment processes to mitigate bias and align with DE&I goals.
Stakeholder Collaboration
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Partner with hiring managers and the Workforce Planning team to define role requirements and refine selection criteria.
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Share talent market insights (e.g., competitor hiring trends, salary benchmarks) to inform workforce planning strategies.
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Collaborate with the Team Leader: Onboarding to ensure a smooth handover post-offer acceptance.
Requirements:
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Education & Certification: CIPD Level 3 qualification or equivalent (e.g., HR apprenticeship, NVQ Level 3 in HR).
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Experience: 3+ years in recruitment, including 2+ years in a supervisory role.
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Technical Expertise: Proficiency in relevant systems and programmes.
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Legal Knowledge: Working understanding of UK employment law and recruitment compliance.
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Collaboration: Proven experience engaging with workforce planning or HR analytics teams to align recruitment with business strategy.
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DE&I Focus: Experience designing inclusive hiring practices (e.g., blind CV screening, diverse interview panels).
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.
IAPWA are currently seeking an Event Co-ordinator to join their UK team to support their ‘Dip for Dogs’ fundraising initiative.
From identifying locations to host a charity ice bath event, to recruiting and supporting volunteers to assist on the day, you will be part of a charity who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of animals in need.
IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK registered charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.
IAPWA are currently seeking an Adventure Co-ordinator to join their UK team to support their ‘Adventures for Animals’ fundraising initiative.
From helping to create exciting adventures in the UK and overseas to promoting them and supporting trip participants, the Adventure Co-ordinator will be part of a team who are passionate about developing incredible adventures worldwide to make a difference to the lives of animals in need.
Although this is a voluntary role, there are extensive travel benefits available. Please note: the majority of the adventures offered by the charity involve hiking, mountaineering and cycling, among other active pursuits and so all applicants need to be comfortable taking part in these kinds of activities.
IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK registered charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our weekly FAB Phone Cafe. In this role you'll be helping to create a friendly, welcoming space and community connections with a group of older people facing isolation.
At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs. In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible. We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.
We are currently looking for volunteers for our Phone Cafes on
Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00pm
This role involves
- Welcoming older people who are new to the telephone group.
- Facilitating conversation in the group
- Keeping attendance sheets for group participants.
- Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team
The qualities and skills required for this role are
- A friendly disposition, with the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and include people so as to encourage an enjoyable experience.
- Ability to be assertive and intervene if necessary, for instance manage group members who may dominate the conversation
- Reliability and punctuality – calls need to run on time.
- Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet.
- Confidence in using new software so that calls run on time and everyone connects with the group (training provided; the platform we use is quite straightforward and easy to learn).
- Good verbal communication skills to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible and encourage shyer callers.
- An understanding of the needs of older people.
- Ability to respond to any Safeguarding concerns and keep the environment safe.
- Willingness to follow Age UK Bristol’s policies, such as Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities, and to complete any training and admin needed to perform the role.
Are you keen to move the arts forward? Are you passionate about the role the arts can play in building a better society? Do you think that diverse voices deserve to be heard through poetry? Do you want to be an empowering advocate for poetry’s transformative power? Forward Arts Foundation – the charity behind National Poetry Day and the Forward Prizes for Poetry – is looking for a new Chair and Trustees to join its board. We’re a small, ambitious team working nationally and online to celebrate poetry, support new voices, and widen accessibility. With a reach of over 2.4 million people each year, we’re looking for board members who can help us grow and govern well. We're particularly keen to hear from prospective Chairs and Trustees with experience in education, digital, fundraising and philanthropy, or governance and leadership. We’d also welcome the chance to support people under the age of 30 take their first step into trusteeship. Our meetings are flexible, online-friendly, and inclusive by design. Poetry is for everyone – and we want our board to reflect that.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Us
For three decades, Forward Arts Foundation (‘Forward’) has been at the forefront of new poetry and now reaches an estimated 131 million people each year. We are a national charity working across the UK and online to widen poetry’s audience, honour achievement and support diverse talent. Through our two flagship programmes, Forward Prizes for Poetry and National Poetry Day, we work towards a better society where individuals and communities can develop their innate creativity, their agency and their understanding through the making and sharing of poetry.
Leadership and Management
Forward is led by its board of eight Trustees, chaired by Jamie Andrews. Jamie is Director of Public Engagement at the British Library and brings extensive experience as a trustee of several charities, including Oxford House. Other trustees are Forward’s founder William Sieghart CBE, responsible for the 2013 Sieghart Report on libraries and e-books; Kim Evans, former senior executive at BBC and Arts Council; Aoife O’Connor, poet and producer; Amelia Richards, culture and communications leader; treasurer and CFO Latinka Pilipovic; marketing manager Maya Ophelia and data scientist Mary Amanuel.
The organisation is led by Mónica Parle and Lucy Macnab, Co-Executive Directors. Both have experience as directors of writing organisations (First Story and Ministry of Stories). Mónica is an award winning writer and Lucy brings national policy and strategy design experience from Arts Council England. With joint accountability, they each work 0.5FTE. The team also includes Jay Bhadricha, Head of Programmes, and Annalise Peters, Finance and Operations Coordinator.
The team is supported by freelance specialists in education, communications, finance and fundraising.
We believe poetry is for everyone. Our approach to recruiting trustees is shaped by a commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications for vacancies from D/deaf and disabled and black and minority ethnic candidates, as well as candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds, as they are under-represented in the arts, and we commit to review our processes to ensure that our organisation more closely reflects the society it serves.
Chair Role
The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.
- Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board.
- Work in partnership with the Co-Executive Directors and Vice Chair.
- Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
- Plan and chair the board meetings with the Vice Chair and Co-Executive Directors.
- Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Forward.
What we are looking for
- Experience of being a trustee. You do not need to have been a Chair before.
- A keen sense of strategic purpose.
- An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
- The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.
- Advocate - be able and willing to champion Forward’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Be responsive. At a small charity, things sometimes ‘come up’ that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to. It is very helpful to have a Chair who is available and responsive.
Trustee roles
We are also looking for trustees with expertise in any of the below and a belief that your skills will contribute to the strong and effective governance and growth of a small charity. We are especially looking for experience and networks in:
- Fundraising or philanthropy
- Governance/institutional/policy leadership
- Digital/data/design
- Education
- We’re also interested in applications from those under 30 or those seeking their first trusteeship, and offer support and guidance from an experienced ‘buddy’ trustee.
- Ideally, applicants should show interest in or understanding of the literature/arts sector and/or literacy and education.
Responsibilities of all trustees
- Support and provide advice on Forward’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
- Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
- Oversee Forward’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
- Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
- Provide support and challenge to Forward’s Co-Executive Directors
- Keep abreast of changes in Forward’s operating environment.
- Applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts to promote Forward’s work.
Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
- Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
- Willingness to lead according to our values of wonder, play and openness.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
Terms and Commitment
Location: All board meetings may be attended online. We will try to meet face-to-face when we can. But trustees are welcome wherever they live.
We estimate you’ll need to commit around 30 hours over the course of a year. The board meets quarterly and we have a strategy day one afternoon a year. Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term, with a maximum of 2 terms.
Salary: Unpaid, travel expenses will be reimbursed if needed and where necessary.
Deadline for applications: 21 July
Interviews beginning w/c 28 July
To apply or find out more, contact Co-Executive Director Lucy Macnab explaining why you would like to be a trustee. If you are interested in being Chair, please make this clear. You may want to tell us what your previous experience is, and what knowledge and skills you have and what you would like to gain from the experience. Also someone we can talk to as a referee. We will accept applications in any medium.
For those applying for the chair role, you are welcome to have a call with Jamie Andrews, current chair, to find out more.
Forward Arts Foundation is a registered charity (charity number: 1037939) and a company limited by guarantee (company no: 02902864), registered in England and Wales.
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.