Community manager volunteer volunteer roles

St John Ambulance Cymru is inviting applications from committed and values‑driven volunteers for the role of County Safeguarding Lead.

This is an important leadership position supporting the highest standards of safeguarding practice, culture and compliance across your county. You will play a key part in ensuring that children, young people and adults are safe, supported and empowered within St John Ambulance Cymru.

Working as part of the national safeguarding structure, you will collaborate closely with volunteers, unit teams and county leadership to promote a positive safeguarding culture, respond to concerns, and strengthen safeguarding understanding at every level of the organisation.

County Safeguarding Leads work closely with the National Safeguarding Team to ensure that safeguarding principles, policies and commitments are understood, embedded and upheld across all activities, in line with our Strategy 2025–30 “A Community of Lifesavers,” and its priorities of improving the experience of our people, enabling children and young people to thrive, and strengthening inclusion and wellbeing across Wales.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a measurable impact on the safety, confidence and culture of St John people within your county — ensuring every volunteer can thrive in a safe, supportive environment.

Key Information

Role type: Volunteer
Term: Three‑year appointment (with potential for a second term; maximum six years)
Time commitment: Approximately 30 hours per month
Location: One of the seven counties across Wales Cardiff & The Vale, Dyfed, Gwent, Mid Glamorgan, North Wales, Powys, West Wales (some travel within the county required)
Reporting to: National Safeguarding Manager
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed, or be willing to complete, required safeguarding training

What you'll need to be successful

We want to hear from you if you have:

• A passion for safeguarding and protecting people from harm
• Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to support, guide and influence others
• The ability to handle sensitive conversations with empathy and professionalism
• A commitment to maintaining confidentiality and high standards of record‑keeping
• Confidence in promoting positive safeguarding culture and challenging poor practice
• Digital literacy, including using Outlook, Teams and SharePoint
• A willingness to undertake required training and ongoing development
• Values aligned with Compassion, Quality, Inclusion and Integrity

Experience in safeguarding, teaching or training is desirable but not essential

Overview:

The Administrator will play a vital role in supporting the smooth and efficient running of the organisation. This position involves handling administrative tasks, maintaining records, supporting communications, and assisting with event coordination. The role requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

General Administration:

• Maintain and update records, databases, and files.

• Handle correspondence, including emails and phone enquiries.

• Prepare reports, documents, and presentations as required.

• Support meeting coordination, including scheduling, agenda preparation, and minute-taking.

Financial & Office Support:

• Assist with processing invoices, expenses, and financial records.

• Monitor office supplies and place orders when necessary.

• Support the Head of Operations with budget tracking and financial documentation.

Event & Programme Support:

• Assist in organising events, workshops, and meetings.

• Coordinate logistics, including venue booking, catering, and materials.

• Support volunteer and participant communications.

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Maintain mailing lists and support donor communications.

• Assist in preparing newsletters, social media updates, and website content.

• Liaise with stakeholders, including funders, partners, and volunteers.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Previous experience in an administrative role.

• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and cloud-based tools

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

• A passion for nonprofit work and community engagement.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented and proactive individual who enjoys providing essential support to ensure the smooth running of a charitable organisation.

The VP's role is to aid the president with all of their responsibilities in overseeing the chapter. VP might help run the chapter and become responsible for some activities. Helping to coordinate their committee to ensure that all of the needs of the charity are met and the law, constitution and handbook are not broken.

This role is important in order to have a smooth running chapter, so that the magic of our visits are at their full potential! We are searching for a enthusiastic and hard working volunteer to support the President in Newcastle!

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

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You 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:

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan 
• Sign-posting queries from members of the public
• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided

Time expectation

Our support volunteers usually spend 2-5 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

Holyport C of E Primary School is seeking to appoint governors who have a particular focus on maintaining the Christian ethos of the school and to play an active role in the strategic direction of the school, which is part of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust.

Volunteering as a governor provides the opportunity to contribute to the local community. In return, we can offer the chance to:

· develop leadership and networking skills;

· support a local school and its wider community;

· work as part of a team who are passionate about providing the best possible opportunities for children and young people.

Holyport's governing body meet up to 6 times a year, and governors also attend committee meetings and can take on specific areas of responsibility. No previous experience or involvement in a school setting is necessary, and training would be available, at both school and trust level.

The school’s vision is to provide an inclusive and quality learning environment that bases relationships on Christian values. The curriculum is rooted in the vision of ‘life in all its fullness’ and is designed to equip children to be curious and confident independent learners but also active, healthy, responsible and caring citizens in their community. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the role please contact our Chair of Governors, Paul Mew, using the contact details on the school's website.

Rainbow Migration, the longest-running UK charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is seeking a trustee who is or has been a refugee due to persecution as an LGBTQI+ person. This is part of an ongoing commitment to increase leadership in the organisation by people with lived experience of the issues we work on.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about our vision that LGBTQI+ people can settle in the UK and lead fulfilling lives, and our mission to support LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system and influence policy and practice.

At Rainbow Migration, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We particularly encourage applications from people who have sought asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. 

More information on Rainbow Migration is in appendix 1 of the application pack.

If you would like to find out more before applying, you can attend a webinar on Friday 17 April 2026 from 1 to 2pm. This is an opportunity to meet Rainbow Migration’s Executive Director and a trustee and ask us any questions. It is not part of the application or selection process. Please register using the form linked in the application pack and a Zoom link will be sent to you. If you cannot attend, you can still fill out the form and request a recording afterwards.

If you would prefer to have a one-to-one conversation, or have any questions about the role, the webinar or how to apply, please contact us using the email address in the application pack.

The role of trustees

Trustees are volunteers who bring their skills and experience to shape our strategic direction. They have legal responsibility for the charity, ensure good governance, and make sure our finances and resources are used well to implement our mission. Trustees also play a role as ambassadors for the organisation and our work.

Trustees do not get involved in operational decision-making. For example, decisions on which social media platforms we use or what group activities we run for service users are taken by staff.

Because trustees are volunteers, they do not receive payment for their time. Rainbow Migration can pay your costs when incurred solely for fulfilling trustee duties (e.g. travel, phone top-ups if needed exclusively for trustee work).

You can find out more information about what being a trustee involves at the links available in the application pack.

Time commitment

We are looking for people who can commit to being a trustee for at least three years. Trustees can then be re-elected for another three years. The maximum term limit for our trustees is nine years (in line with Charity Commission guidance).

Trustees meet on a weekday evening, from 6 to 9 pm, five times per year. There may be additional meetings in 2026 as part of our work on anti-oppression and to develop our next organisational strategy.

Meetings are usually held on Zoom except in December when we meet in-person in London, with an informal dinner first. For in-person meetings, travel costs (and meals and accommodation if relevant) can be covered.

You will need to spend two to four hours reading 8 to 30 papers before each meeting. Papers are provided a few days in advance of meetings. The “Board Buddy” (see below under Support for Trustees) can help with understanding them. You can also ask to meet with the Executive Director or Chair to explain them.

You can see examples of topics of discussion at board meetings in appendix 2 of the application pack.

You will also need to give some time between meetings. This includes, for example:

• Spending 10 to 30 minutes reviewing and correcting the minutes (written record) of the last board meeting
• Spending 30 to 60 minutes reviewing and giving feedback on documents, such as a new or updated draft organisational policy (e.g. data protection, safeguarding, health and safety)
• Reading and responding to emails within one or two days.

The board has two subcommittees: one on HR and one on finance. You may be asked to join one of these a few months after you become a trustee. If you do, there will be up to four more meetings a year and there will be papers to read for each of these meetings.

Support for trustees

We provide numerous resources for trustees. Below are some examples but they are not exhaustive and we are open to suggestions. Support can be accessed throughout the time someone is a trustee.

Training:

• We can pay for trustees to access training on good governance, the duties of a trustee, and charity finance.
• We give access to webinars and online training e.g. on safeguarding and cyber-security.
• We provide internal training (by staff) on areas such as safeguarding and data protection.

One-to-one support:

• New trustees have induction meetings with Rainbow Migration staff.
• An existing trustee can act as a “Board Buddy” for new trustees, which includes formal and informal meetings and support around board meetings and papers.
• We can help you to find a mentor e.g. The Experts by Experience Employment Initiative can provide mentoring for people with lived experience of migration.
• We can discuss accommodations that are needed for disabled people and other ways to ensure trustees feel fully included and able to participate

Equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-oppression

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and we know this is ongoing work. We are also reviewing what we do and how we do it through an anti-oppression and anti-racism lens, as well as investing in being more informed and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum. We want our organisation — including our trustee board — to be increasingly shaped and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum. That is why this trustee position is specifically for someone who has been granted refugee status in the UK as an LGBTQI+ person.

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, identities and experiences – including from people who are trans (including non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, gender non-conforming and agender) and intersex. We recognise that people have different journeys, strengths and access needs, and we are committed to removing barriers wherever we can. If you share our vision, mission and values, we encourage you to apply and let us know how we can support you through the process.

To support candidates during the interview process, we send some of the questions in advance to give applicants more thinking time. You are welcome to bring notes with you and also take notes in interviews to help process information. Please let us know if we can make other adjustments to support you through the application and selection process.

Once appointed, trustees can continue to access a range of support options throughout their time on the board.

Person specification

Essential

For this role, we are looking for someone who has been awarded refugee status in the UK on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. At this time, we are not accepting applications from people who still in the process of applying for asylum, or who have leave to remain in the UK on other grounds (e.g. work, human rights, marriage) as these experiences are already represented on our board.

We welcome applications from people who have used our services as well as those who have never interacted with us before.

In addition to having been granted asylum in the UK as an LGBTQI+ person, the following are necessary:

• Commitment to Rainbow Migration’s mission, vision and values
• Ability to work constructively with other trustees and staff
• Good English (so you can understand spoken conversations in meetings and contribute)
• Ability to read and understand long documents (e.g. trustees must be familiar with our policies, such as our safeguarding policy, and the key points in our publications such as Still Falling Short)
• Courage and enthusiasm to learn, encourage, challenge, influence and support other people and the organisation
• Confidence to ask questions (this helps everyone learn and improve) or request training or support
• Ability to analyse and scrutinise information provided by staff and trustees (the Board Buddy and other trustees can assist you in this)
• Ability to use independent judgement and share your thoughts with trustees and the Executive Director
• Willingness to share your opinion and give guidance to the board in areas where you have knowledge or experience
• Commitment to speak well about the organisation to others (e.g. funders, other charities)
• Regular access to a secure, private email account and a quiet, private space for joining online meetings and telephone calls
• Be living in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)
• Aged 16 or over
• Not be previously disqualified as a trustee or company director, have an undischarged bankruptcy or have unspent criminal convictions for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud).

Desirable

It would be beneficial if you have work or volunteer experience in an area relevant to Rainbow Migration’s work (e.g. service delivery, communications, campaigning, lobbying, fundraising, HR, IT) but this is not a requirement.

Volunteer Opportunity: Events Organiser

Are you creative, organised, and passionate about bringing people together? We’re looking for a dedicated Volunteer Events Organiser to help plan and deliver engaging events that support our mission and connect our community.

Role Overview:
As a Volunteer Events Organiser, you will play a key role in coordinating and executing a variety of events, from small community gatherings to larger fundraising or awareness campaigns. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event planning, develop valuable skills, and make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, organise, and coordinate events from concept to completion

• Liaise with team members, vendors, and external partners

• Manage event logistics such as venues, schedules, and materials

• Promote events through social media and other channels

• Support on-the-day event setup, coordination, and breakdown

• Monitor budgets and track event performance where applicable

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• Good communication and teamwork abilities

• Creativity and problem-solving mindset

• Ability to work independently and take initiative

• Basic knowledge of social media or event promotion (preferred but not essential)

What You’ll Gain:

• Practical experience in event planning and coordination

• Opportunity to build your portfolio and CV

• Development of communication, leadership, and organisational skills

• A chance to meet new people and contribute to a positive cause

Time Commitment:
Flexible, depending on event schedules and availability.

Location:
REMOTE

Join us and help create memorable events that make a difference!

What will you be doing?

As our Technical VR Advisor you'll act as a senior technical voice for the team, providing strategic technical guidance and sharing your experience rather than day-to-day management. Working alongside our Lead Developer and a motivated team of four software developers, you will have the opportunity to:

This role has two sides, and you might lean more towards one than the other:

Product and strategy guidance:

• Advise on hardware decisions, particularly our upcoming transition to standalone VR headsets
• Share knowledge of the VR landscape: tools, platforms, what's working in the industry to help us make smart choices with limited resources
• Help us think about user experience design for an educational audience aged 14–18

Technical and development guidance:

• Advise on software architecture, tooling, and development practices for our Unity/C# VR application
• Mentor volunteer developers, helping them think through technical problems and grow their skills
• Guide the team on performance optimisation and best practices
• Help flag technical risks or opportunities as our product evolves

Note: Strength in either area is valuable (both together is ideal). This is a flexible advisory role and you can shape your involvement around where your experience has the most impact.

What are we looking for?

• Solid knowledge of the VR/XR space
• Familiarity with the VR hardware landscape, particularly standalone headsets (e.g. Meta Quest)
• We'd ideally love someone with professional or substantial hands-on experience in VR, but if you've built that depth through research, teaching, or personal projects, we'd still love to hear from you
• Experience with Unity and/or C# is a bonus but not essential - product and strategic experience in VR is equally valuable
• An interest in mentoring or teaching
• Someone who can commit roughly 1–3 hours per week, with the flexibility to scale up occasionally
• Passion for education, equity in STEM, or making technology accessible to young people

Nice to have: experience with educational software, interactive design, or working with non-profit / volunteer teams.

What difference will you make?

By lending your experience you'll be directly contributing to our goals to:

• Educate students aged 14–18 on the real-world applications of physics using VR
• Increase equitable access to super-curricular STEM activities in disadvantaged communities
• Show young people that physics can lead to exciting careers beyond academia

The Wellbeing Officer (Trustee) provides information, guidance and advice to volunteers and service users around topics such as mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, if service users or volunteers have any concerns, the best point of contact is the wellbeing officer.

What do we specifically expect of this role?

● Delivery of a plan to proactively assist officers and volunteers in public-facing roles, with tools and techniques to prevent or reduce any initial harm/trauma from purposeful or accidental harmful interactions - social media, live events, outreach, panel events, etc.

● Providing support for service users by way of triaging and responding to requests that come through to the wellbeing inbox. ● Building and maintaining wellbeing resources for service users and following a data-informed approach as to areas of wellbeing improvement. This includes building relationships with external service providers that can assist in helping members of our community.

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your own schedule. However, the following commitments are in place for all member of the Hidayah board:

● To be able to attend all Trustee meetings and to deliver a comprehensive report to the committee each meeting with updates and to completed actions as and when they appear;

● To aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary when close to Hidayah events as well as the events themselves (where possible due to geography);

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives;

● To be part of a communications group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments;

● To contribute toward and to maintain the administration of our file sharing system ‘Google Drive’ so it is always up to date with clear records, templates and forms; 1

● To check emails and to respond when needed;

● Enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah;

● To contribute toward the Annual Report once a year;

If taking on the role, you're expected to be in post until the next AGM. This role is subject to a 6 months probationary period.

What do we expect from a Wellbeing Officer (Trustee)?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

● A self-starter who can volunteer with minimal supervision.

● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

● Friendliness, enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah.

● Reliable and regular volunteer.

● A team-player.

Additional:

● Experience of successfully working collaboratively.

● Preferably some experience of mentoring and/or supervision.

● Prior experience of wellbeing provision.

● Must be 18+ and live in the UK

We believe in the power of holidays to transform lives. Time away matters. For many families facing tough times -whether through financial hardship, illness or other challenges - a short break can feel out of reach. Yet, these moments of escape and connection are vital for well-being, resilience, and hope.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to provide families who wouldn’t otherwise get a break with the chance to spend quality time together, make memories, and return home stronger. 

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping our future. You’ll help guide our strategy, ensure we remain true to our values, and support us in reaching even more families who need our help. Your expertise, insight, and passion can help us grow and innovate, so that no family is left behind when it comes to the simple joy of time away together.

About our Trustee Team

Our Trustees are a team of volunteers who use their diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives to set the strategic direction of the charity and make sure it’s doing what it was set up to do in the best possible way.

Family Holiday Charity has an ambitious strategy over the next few years, which will see us expand our services to families, develop our influencing work within the travel and leisure industry and government, and evolve our ways of working so that we can accept and use gifted breaks, travel and other services at scale, to give families who really need it a holiday.

To help us do all that we’ll need the guidance, challenge, connections, and support of all our Trustees.
Given our goals, we’re particularly looking to add the following professional skills and experiences to our team.

• HR-Focused- a Trustee who will serve as Chair of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, providing strategic oversight of people, culture and organisational development whilst acting as the Board’s Safeguarding lead and supporting the Charity’s safeguarding assurance framework. Prior safeguarding experience is desirable but not essential.

The Commitment 

We’ll ask you to participate in four two-hour Board Meetings per year, typically in person at our office in London or remotely.We also get together for a Strategy Day in September/October, which is held on a weekday in London, and you’d need to attend that in person.

We can support with any access needs for in-person meetings.,

There are two Board sub-committees- one which focuses on our Finances and Risk, and one which considers our people (Trustees and Staff). Once you’ve settled into the role, most Trustees join one of them. They meet remotely around four  times a year.

Outside of formal meetings, you’ll be warmly encouraged to get to know the staff team, and attend fundraising events 
or other events to meet referrers, families, and supporters wherever possible.

Overall, you’ll need to be able to commit around 6 hours each month for a mix of meetings and events, contributing
your skills and perspective to projects, building your knowledge of the charity and developing as a Trustee.

See the trustee pack for more information and for the application and interview process - click apply to see this. Please note the deadline has been extended to midnight on Sunday 19th April 2026 to ensure the professionals skills and areas of experience (as listed above) are captured.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that 
have been bereaved. 

THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:

- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life

- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call

- Are a good listener

- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature

- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills

- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice

- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:

- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed

- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call

- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others

- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs

- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:

- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life

- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation

- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills

- An opportunity to engage with your community

SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:

- Omega Chatterbox induction program

- Safeguarding training

- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support

- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate

- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

LOCATION OF THE ROLE:

- Home-based

WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:

- Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that 
have been bereaved. 

THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:

- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life

- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call

- Are a good listener

- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature

- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills

- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice

- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:

- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed

- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call

- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others

- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs

- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:

- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life

- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation

- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills

- An opportunity to engage with your community

SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:

- Omega Chatterbox induction program

- Safeguarding training

- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support

- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate

- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

LOCATION OF THE ROLE:

- Home-based

WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:

- Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

Inscape School is a leading specialist setting supporting autistic children and young people aged 5 to 19 who have communication and social‑interaction needs. Based on the Together Trust Campus in Cheadle, our purpose‑built SEND environment removes barriers to learning, maximises independence, and celebrates every student’s achievements.

We provide holistic, personalised programmes tailored to each learner’s strengths and unique way of experiencing the world. Our multidisciplinary teams—comprising therapists, specialist teachers and behaviour support professionals—work collaboratively to help students build confidence, develop essential life skills, and work towards long‑term independence.

We are seeking to appoint a knowledgeable and committed Volunteer Governor with a strong educational background, particularly someone with expertise in SEND, curriculum quality, student outcomes and Ofsted frameworks.

As part of the governing body, you will contribute to ensuring that Inscape School provides sufficient, high‑quality teaching time to deliver a rich and effective curriculum. Governors play a vital role in holding senior leaders, including the Headteacher, to account for the school’s educational performance and for securing the best possible outcomes for learners. Achievement, curriculum and teaching are key areas evaluated by Ofsted, making this role central to the school’s ongoing improvement and success.

This appointment will serve as the governing body’s Achievement, Curriculum and Teaching Link Governor. The postholder will support the governing body in maintaining robust strategic oversight of the school’s educational performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and helping ensure that the highest standards are consistently met.

If you are passionate about improving the life chances of autistic young people and have the expertise to influence educational quality at a strategic level, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Why we want you

Collectively, individual governors contribute their professional, specialist and general management skills to Inscape School (and its sub-groups) in a non-executive role.

Governors advise, challenge and support the leadership of the school / college and hold them to account for its management, the quality of the teaching and learning and the achievement, wellbeing and safety of pupils. Governors uphold the values and ethos of the College and ensure it works within its allocated budget, approving targets, policies, and monitoring the progress the school / college is making.

What you will be doing:

• Approving policies and the school/college quality improvement plan
• Promoting the well-being of students including independence, participation, diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities, and community cohesion
• Use your experience in Education to help shape what we do
• Read the documents for and attend all full Governing Body meetings and subgroups of which they are members
• Attend induction and relevant training events organised by the School or Together Trust
• Get to know the College and its staff by visiting the College and attending inset and other meetings to which Governors are invited by the principal
• Supporting decisions on safeguarding, equality, curriculum, resources, and student wellbeing

The skills you need:

• A strategic mindset – the ability to consider long-term goals, think beyond the day-to-day, and shape the College’s future direction
• Constructive evaluation skills – the confidence to review data and performance reports critically, offer thoughtful challenge, and contribute to continuous improvement
• Leadership and influencing skills – an ability to support and guide strategic decision-making, influence thinking, and work collaboratively with others
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills – you’ll be part of a collective, supporting respectful debate, inclusive discussions, and shared accountability
• Good planning and organisational skills – to prepare for meetings, follow up on actions, and balance responsibilities effectively alongside other commitments
• Ability to demonstrate a full understanding and appreciation of the principles of governance
• Experience in education – with insight into curriculum, teaching, learning, or assessment. Those with specialist SEND knowledge or experience of further education settings will be particularly valuable
• Most importantly, we’re looking for individuals who share our values of inclusion, equity, and ambition for young people. If you are passionate about education and have the capacity to support and shape our work, we’d love to hear from you

What's in it for you:

• Demonstrable leadership and strategic experience for CV
• Insights into special education

​Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.