Community development team members volunteer roles

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

Fundraising events helper

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Fundraising events helper

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we receive numerous enquiries on a daily basis from members of the public related to cats and their welfare. Our enquiries volunteers are part of a passionate team of volunteers that help Cats Protection signpost and manage these enquiries. They help our cats by answering questions from members of the public, providing advice and signposting queries to other volunteers and employees if needed.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

This role will be focused on triaging phone calls received by the branch and passing it on to the relevant volunteers within the team.

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Responding to enquiries from members of the public 
• Communicating with others and providing information in response to queries
• Signposting queries and requests to other team members

ThinkForward exists to support young people to create better and brighter futures. We want them to be able to identify, realise and shape their aspirations, and be ready to make a successful transition into work.

Young people experiencing barriers such as challenging relationships, living in low-income households, or growing up in areas with a lack of access to opportunities can be confronted with hurdles. Without the right support, these barriers can lead to a high risk of unemployment and long-term effects on career and life chances.

There are more than 900,000 16-24-year-olds in the UK who are not at school or college, or don’t have a job or training place. Our ambition is to prevent young people becoming one of these statistics. In 2025, we will be supporting more than 1,500 young people.

We are looking for new trustees with skills and experience to:

• help to grow our income and support our development team
• help us raise our profile by turning our strong evidence base into policy and campaigns.

You will help drive the progression of successful evidence-based organisation that makes a positive impact on the lives of young people and their communities. We are looking for those who value the potential of young people, are passionate about their growth and development and understand the challenges that some face. An interest in ThinkForward’s work and approach are essential as well as an ambitious outlook for our future.

You will be well respected, have active networks in philanthropy, fundraising and statutory development or in policy and campaigning which has generated systemic change. You will have a proven track record of working at a senior and strategic level and will understand the governance and risk management requirements of the role.

You will also be keen to act as a representative, spokesperson and cause leader creating and identifying donors and business opportunities for ThinkForward. 

If this role sounds like a good fit for you, then read the job pack and specification attached to this listing for more details before applying via CharityJob with your CV and cover letter.

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack. 

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. We also have a national research school, which aims to build and strengthen networks of schools throughout the region and help them access effective education research and implement it in everyday practice.

The Chair of our Trust Board of Directors helps shape and guide our passionate volunteers and staff team through clear leadership to the trust’s Board of Directors, embedding the trust's values and culture throughout the organisation. 

In addition to the general role of all Non-Executive Directors/Trustees, the role of the Chair is:

1. Strategic leadership: To ensure the board and the CEO have an effective shared purpose, vision, values and strategic priorities.

2. Leading the governance team: To ensure the board has the right people with the right skills, attributes, motivations and behaviours to work effectively as a team and hold annual 1:1 conversations with non-executive directors and Local Governing Committee Chairs.

3. Working with leaders: To ensure professional relationships with the CEO and the Chairs of the schools’ Local Governing Committees. To lead the Chairs and Vice Chairs Forum.

4. Influencing improvement and outcomes: To ensure the Board is focused on the trust’s strategic priorities and the ongoing improvement of all of its schools and outcomes for pupils.

5. Leading governance business: To work with the CEO and the Clerk to the Directors to ensure the business of the Board and its Committees is planned, managed and actioned effectively.

6. To review the trust’s management accounts on a monthly basis, taking any appropriate action to maintain financial viability.

Please note that despite the January deadline on the job description, this role now has a rolling deadline and will be actively interviewing until the position is filled.

About TLC 

The Trans Legal Clinic is the first trans-led specialist gender identity legal practice and registered charity in the UK. The mission of the Trans Legal Clinic is simple; we provide free and accessible legal help to transgender and non-binary people in need. Our overarching vision is a society where all people have access to the legal resources required for gender self-determination and where gender diversity is not just accepted but embraced, with trans* people equipped with the necessary legal tools to navigate the world in their affirmed gender. 

Service Introduction 

The Casework department is the core of our organisation, working directly with clients by offering them support and advocacy. We have assisted over 70 clients since October 2023 and will be re-opening our referrals in January 2025 to new clients seeking our support. 

Our Casework department is divided into four teams. Each team constitutes of one Specialist Caseworker who oversees 5-15 casework volunteers. Our four teams are: 

Housing and Homelessness 

Discrimination 

Gender Recognition: legal transition and healthcare advocacy 

Gender-Based Violence: domestic abuse and hate crime 

Our Gender-Based Violence team provides specialist support to trans* individuals who have experienced hate crime, domestic abuse, and/or sexual violence. We work with compassion and care to empower our clients, often in extremely distressing circumstances, offering practical assistance in navigating the criminal justice system, obtaining protective orders, and accessing support services. Recognising the unique challenges trans* people face in these situations, our team works to address systemic inequalities and ensure that all clients feel safe, heard, and supported throughout their journey to justice and recovery.  

Key tasks and responsibilities 

Support and outreach 

Be fully aware of safeguarding issues and lead on client risk management within the service. 

Update the Gender-Based Violence client database to ensure client records are updated within agreed timeframes and that they accurately record interventions and demonstrate progress. 

Liaise with our team of solicitors when requesting advice and guidance on a case. 

Reach out to organisations that specialise in gender-based violence, especially hate crime, domestic abuse, and/or sexual violence and trans* specific services, to collaborate and share knowledge and resources.

Teamwork 

Lead the Gender-Based Violence team by supervising caseworkers.

Support caseworks by setting clear objectives and holding team and individual supervisions regularly. 

Set and moderate team performance targets. 

Attend department meetings and contribute to discussions. 

Be respectful to colleagues and support good communication between all stakeholders. 

Research 

Create and deliver training for current and future caseworkers in the Gender-Based Violence team. 

Create resources for caseworkers on relevant legislation, case studies, and good practice, to allow them to become more knowledgeable and independent whilst working with clients. 

Create resources for clients and those seeking information on our website about hate crimes, domestic abuse, and sexual violence. 

Conduct general research into hate crimes, domestic abuse, and sexual violence experienced by trans* people in the UK. 

General 

Ensure you approach to contact with clients is trauma-informed and person-centred. 

Adhere to Trans Legal Clinic’s Policies and Procedures at all times. 

Cover for other members of the team and department as necessary. 

Be proactive in reviewing and evaluating own performance and identifying upon areas for improvement and development. 

Undertake any other duties compatible with the level and nature of the role and/or reasonable required by more senior members of staff. 

Attend and participate in external meetings and briefings as required. 

The duties listed are not exhaustive and may be varied from time to time as dictated by the changing needs of the Trans Legal Clinic. The post holder will be expected to undertake other duties as appropriate and as requested by their line manager. 

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 Oldham

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”. 

Who we are

The General Cemetery Company owns and operates the historic Kensal Green Cemetery. We are an historic company still governed by our founding Act of Parliament from the 1830s which is unique and highly prohibitive. To address this we are currently promoting a private bill through parliament which will allow us to transfer the ownership and operation of this remarkable site to a newly formed charity that will be better placed to care for one of the most significant heritage sites in London.

The role

The Treasurer is a key member of the Trustee Board, providing financial oversight and strategic guidance to help secure the long-term sustainability of CASW during a challenging time for the voluntary sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise on the financial implications of CASW’s strategic plans, including financial risk management.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Finance Manager on the presentation of budgets, management accounts, and statutory financial reports to the Board.
• Ensure accurate financial record-keeping and implement appropriate accounting procedures and controls.
• Monitor the financial viability of the organisation and support decisions on resource allocation.
• Ensure that investments and assets are being managed effectively.
• Support Trustees in understanding their financial responsibilities and enhance the Board’s collective financial literacy.
• Oversee compliance with all contractual and funding obligations.
• Promote and uphold good governance in line with CASW’s Articles of Association and Charity Commission best practice.

Candidate Profile:

Essential:

• Passion and commitment to CASW’s mission and strategic goals.
• Strategic mindset with experience interpreting complex financial data and supporting long-term planning.
• A recognised financial qualification or substantial experience in a strategic finance leadership role.
• Demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Desirable:

• Prior experience as a Trustee or Treasurer, particularly in the charity sector.
• Understanding of charity finance regulations and reporting requirements.

Time Commitment:

• Attendance at approximately six Board meetings per year.
• Chairing of the Finance Sub-Committee (approximately six meetings annually).
• Participation in Away Days and occasional ad hoc support to staff or fellow Trustees using financial expertise.

Data Protection Notice:
All application information will be used strictly for recruitment purposes and in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a eally flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

Family for Every Child, est. 2014, is a unique and innovative model of collaboration. We seek Trustees ready to do things differently and challenge conventional approaches to social impact across 51 local organisations in 40 countries.

What will you be doing?

You would be joining our International Board at an exciting time, as we implement our new strategy, build on our campaigns and broaden our advocacy to mobilise greater support and achieve change. Our vision is a world in which children and families everywhere have access to the support they need to survive and thrive. Our mission is to make that happen through research, knowledge exchange, campaigning and humanitarian responses. Our model is based on local leadership at all levels and we are committed to a journey to decolonise the way we work. We are registered as a charity under the Charity Commission for England and Wales and have two subsidiaries registered in New Zealand and in the US. 

Our Board is unique in comprising Trustees from national member CSOs alongside co-opted Trustees. Our Board receives guidance on strategy from our General Assembly made up of all our members. This means that our Board and governance processes are truly representative of our democratic principles. 

What are we looking for?

Our Board is unique in comprising Trustees from national member CSOs alongside co-opted Trustees. Our Board receives guidance on strategy from our General Assembly made up of all our members. This means that our Board and governance processes are truly representative of our democratic principles. 

We are looking for a Trustee bringing experience of two or more of these key capabilities : 

• High level networking for fundraising or policy change
• Digital strategy/innovation
• Income Generation
• Global advocacy
• Global employment
• Legal 

Experience in complying with the Charity Commission for England and Wales or similar bodies’ regulations is desirable.

We welcome responses from individuals who perform best in agile environments, bringing curiosity and connections to enrich the Board in shaping our direction and overseeing our delivery of impact. Your experience and connections will be crucial in helping us sustainably grow our network of supporters and funders to future proof Family For Every Child’s voice for children.

All Trustees need to have the following: 

• Passion for delivering social change for families and children 
• Willing to bring disruptive thinking and challenge to discussions.
• Committed to decolonising international development and instead achieving democratic, equitable collaboration.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trustees of a UK charity. 
• Acceptance of these duties, responsibilities and liabilities, and a commitment to operate within them.
• Interest in local and/or international not for profit sectors
• Good independent judgement and the ability to operate at a strategic level
• An ability and willingness to work as a part of a team and to support the staff team.
• Understanding and empathy with Family for Every Child’s vision, mission, values and beliefs. 

Desirable, but not essential requirements: 

• We especially welcome those whose own lived experience resonates with our Vision and Mission.
• We are looking for individuals who can connect us with people who will help us take forward our mission be that policy makers, donors, or strategic partners, as we look to grow both our impact and our reach.
• Experience of working with a Board. 

What difference will you make?

As local practitioners, we provide direct support every day to children and families in our communities, based on our frontline knowledge of the changes that are needed. We are committed to local leaders being in the driving seat, influencing policy and practice at local, national, regional, and international levels. 

• As an alliance - we use this local insight to inform research, practice exchange, campaigning and humanitarian responses. These lead to change nationally, regionally and globally. 
• Research - we gather and analyse evidence to discover and develop better ways to help children and families to live well. 
• Knowledge exchange - we maximise the reach of solutions that have been shown to work so they can be used to support even more children and families. 
• Campaigning - we influence and inspire others to take action for children and families worldwide. For more information about our work and our members, please visit our website
• Digital Impact - we have embraced the opportunities with digital technology to achieve greater reach and impact. Our digital platform Changemakers for Children is the largest online collaborative space for practitioners working on child wellbeing with over 4,000 users. Our Virtual Gallery is a powerful tool for children and young people to share their perspectives and call for change.

Before you apply

We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. Family’s Board is international, we wish to continue to strengthen representation of different cultures and world views. We are hoping to appoint a Trustee who will enrich our Governance and progress impact by bringing different perspectives and experiences,  reflecting our global alliance. 

If you believe this is an opportunity you can commit your time to fulfil and enjoy the challenge of our embracing our innovation in social impact please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience. Please apply through Reach in the first instance.

We are currently seeking an independent committee member possessing an accounting qualification and high-level expertise in audit, risk, and financial governance to join the Audit and Risk Committee of STAR Academies, a nationally-renowned Trust of 36 schools. While the Trust is centred in Lancashire, the successful applicant may be based elsewhere in the country and able to undertake the role in a largely remote fashion.
 

Star Academies is one of the country’s leading multi-academy Trusts (MATs), operating 36 schools across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the Midlands and London. The Trust includes primary, secondary, and all-through schools, with a strong track record of delivering exceptional educational outcomes. Almost half of Star’s schools have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, while the majority of the remaining schools are rated ‘Good’. A small number are undergoing improvement, including a school that joined the Trust in November 2024 after being rated as requiring special measures.

Star Academies has a well-earned reputation for excellence. It originally established and ran outstanding Muslim faith schools before expanding into non-faith schools and sponsoring underperforming schools, leading them to significant improvement. The Trust operates its own teaching school, providing training and development for teachers and school leaders at all levels.

Founded in Blackburn, Star Academies has strategically expanded to support communities across London, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Lancashire and Liverpool. The Trust was invited by the Department for Education (DfE) to expand into new regions, reflecting its national reputation for high standards.

Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Star Academies’ Chief Executive, has been a key figure in national education leadership. Knighted in 2021, he serves on several influential boards and committees, most recently as the interim Chair of Ofsted. His leadership has positioned Star Academies at the forefront of educational improvement and governance excellence.

Star Academies employs rigorous governance structures to maintain its financial and operational integrity. The Trust engages Beever and Struthers (external auditors) and RSM (internal auditors) to ensure financial compliance. Prospective candidates should ensure there are no conflicts of interest that may affect their ability to provide independent scrutiny.

The Trust’s Requirements

Star Academies is seeking to appoint an Independent Committee Member to join its Audit & Risk (A&R) Committee. This individual will not serve as a Trustee but will work closely with existing Trustees, executives and auditors to provide scrutiny, challenge and oversight of the Trust’s audit and risk management processes.

The A&R Committee plays a critical role in governance, overseeing the Trust’s financial systems, risk management, and regulatory compliance. While financial oversight is the responsibility of a separate Finance Committee, the A&R Committee ensures that risk and internal control processes meet the highest standards. It also serves as the first governance checkpoint for any new schools joining the Trust. Minutes, reports and recommendations from the A&R Committee are shared with the Finance Committee and Trust Board, ensuring a cohesive approach to governance and compliance.

The Independent Committee Member will bring high-level expertise in audit, risk, and financial governance. Star Academies is particularly seeking a qualified accountant with demonstrable experience in managing risk within an organisation or group of companies with a significant turnover. Candidates should be comfortable operating in a highly professional and strategic environment, where they will be expected to challenge, question and support executives and auditors in a robust yet constructive manner.

Meetings are well-structured and efficient, with all papers provided in advance via an online portal. Committee Members are expected to read these materials ahead of time to ensure discussions are focused, strategic and impactful. The preparation for each meeting is estimated to take around 90 minutes.

The Audit & Risk Committee meets three times per year, typically around Christmas, Easter and the summer break. Meetings are scheduled on Thursdays from 5.00–7.00 PM but often conclude within one hour. While there is an annual opportunity to visit the Trust and meet the team, all committee meetings are conducted remotely via video conferencing, with in-person meetings arranged if necessary for induction purposes.

This is a rare opportunity to work with one of the UK’s most respected Multi-Academy Trusts, contributing to strong governance and strategic oversight. The role offers a high level of engagement with minimal time commitment, making it ideal for a senior finance professional looking to contribute to the education sector or an experienced MAT Trustee wishing to support a leading national Trust.