Community services finance manager volunteer roles

BLUE SMILE - CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Founded in 2010, Blue Smile is a Cambridgeshire charity supporting children aged 3-13 to manage big feelings, process difficult emotions, overcome anxieties and build resilience.

Blue Smile's mission is to transform the mental health and life chances of Cambridgeshire children through arts-based therapies, supporting over 200 children a week in the region’s schools, providing one-to-one therapy and groupwork. We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES ROLE

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and governance to ensure that Blue Smile fulfils its charitable objectives. You will lead the Board in an inclusive way, promoting collaborative working and provide support and challenge to the Charity Director.

This role is vital to ensuring the charity operates in accordance with the law, delivers public benefit, and remains financially and strategically sustainable.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN OUR NEW CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Our new Chair of Trustees will:

• Have board level experience as Chair, Non-executive or Trustee.

• Show a strong understanding of governance, strategy and the legal duties of a charity trustee.

• Be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Have sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to build a collaborative environment.

• Demonstrate a passion for improving children’s mental health and wellbeing which aligns with the charity’s values and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

TIME COMMITMENT

• Six meetings a year, including one as the AGM and an annual strategy day. Board meetings are currently held online.
• Monthly scheduled meeting with the Charity Director with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
• Ad hoc/occasional support through working groups and to the wider Blue Smile team.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

• The Chair is appointed for a 5 year term of office, renewable for 1 further term to a maximum of 10 years in line with Blue Smile’s Articles of Association.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

TO APPLY

If you would like to be part of a welcoming and well-respected charity, please send your CV and a covering letter, outlining your interest and suitability for the role. We will be recruiting on a rolling basis so please do get in touch soon!

Blue Smile is committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. 

Safeguarding is central to all Blue Smile activities, and we recognise that the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk, is paramount and that all have equal rights of protection. We have a duty of care when they are in our charge, and we will do everything we can to provide a safe and caring environment whilst they attend our activities.

We are committed to safer recruitment and trustees will be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in High Wycombe is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement.

As a Chair of Governors, you’ll operate at the head of a governing board and utilise strategic leadership skills, making decisions on a wide range of topics making a difference improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for a Chair of Governors in High Wycombe to strengthen their governing board and enhance outcomes of pupils within your community. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a chair of governors and how to apply.

Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a Chair of governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos as well as meeting children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Chair of governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help your governing board to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.

You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a chair of governors, you’ll need to be over 18 and happy to have a DBS check to apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities to help schools have a bright future. As a chair of governors, you’ll be supported by the Vice Chair and Clerk to help ensure an effective, focused board utilising and building its skills, knowledge and experience.

This vacancy is for a 7-11 junior school looking to find a chair of governor to sit on their board with experience of Leadership and organisation, along with having been a governor or having had board level experience. It would also be beneficial if you had knowledge of safeguarding. The school is excited abouts its future and enthusiastic about building a strong culture and school identity. 

If you’re interested in becoming a chair of governor, fill out the short application form.
We have vacancies available across England and Wales, including the roles listed above in High Wycombe. You can express your preference for location on the form itself.

Please note, this role may close early if we receive a high volume of interest.

YMCA Essex seeks two new Trustees to help shape brighter futures for young people across the county.

Location: Chelmsford

Time commitment: 1 day per month

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 3rd November

YMCA Essex is a much-loved local charity supporting thousands of children, young people and families every year through youth clubs, childcare, supported accommodation and family services. Their mission is simple but powerful: building lives, hope and futures.

YMCA Essex is part of the world’s oldest and largest youth movement: an inclusive Christian charity working with people of all faiths and people of none. For nearly 150 years, they have supported local communities across Essex, providing safe places, positive activities, role models and mentors for young people, and helping families through difficult times.

Guided by their values, Kindness, Fairness, Professionalism, Perseverance and Joy, they believe every person is unique and should have the chance to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit.

They are now looking for two new Trustees to join their friendly, committed Board. This is an exciting moment to get involved as they expand their reach across Essex, develop new services, and embark on a transformational redevelopment of their Chelmsford base.

If you share their values and their passion for giving young people the best possible start in life, and you’re ready to bring your skills, ideas and energy to a collaborative Board, they would love to hear from you.

Who we are

YMCA Essex has been serving local communities since 1877. Today, they work with 2,000–3,000 young people each year through supported housing, youth groups, childcare, family support and wellbeing services.

They are part of the YMCA Federation, one of the largest youth-focused charities in the world, reaching 64 million people in 122 countries. YMCA Essex is a Christian charity, inspired by faith, hope and love, and welcoming people of all faiths and none.

At the heart of their work is the belief that every young person deserves the chance to belong, contribute and thrive. Whether it’s providing a safe home, running holiday clubs and youth sessions, supporting young carers, or offering counselling in schools, they are trusted partners helping young people unlock their potential.

About the role

As a Trustee, you’ll have the chance to shape YMCA Essex’s strategy and support its senior leadership team as they grow services, strengthen governance, and champion their mission in the community.

You might draw on your experience of:

• Leading teams or organisations, and offering strategic insight.
• Supporting and constructively challenging senior colleagues.
• Bringing sound judgement around governance, finance, or risk.
• Acting as an advocate or ambassador in your community or professional networks.

You will:

• Join quarterly Board meetings and sit on either the Finance or Governance Committee.
• Contribute around 4 hours a month, including occasional events.
• Support the CEO and leadership team as a trusted adviser and sounding board.
• Champion and celebrate the staff and volunteers who bring their mission to life.

As a Trustee, you will help YMCA Essex deliver on their mission, ensuring their services make the greatest possible difference.

Who we are looking for

YMCA Essex welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds who share its values and commitment to helping young people thrive.

The Board is particularly keen to hear from those with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising, marketing, or communications
• Property, capital projects or stakeholder engagement
• Digital or operational leadership
• Finance or commercial management

Beyond technical skills, the Board is looking for Trustees who are:

• Collaborative, empathetic and confident in contributing to debate
• Essex-based and community-minded
• Comfortable representing YMCA Essex at events and in the community
• Willing to commit time outside meetings to support and advise the senior team

You might be a first-time trustee or bring leadership experience from another setting. What matters most is your enthusiasm for their mission and values, and your willingness to contribute your time, skills and perspective.

First-time trustees are very welcome, and full induction and ongoing support will be provided.

If you care deeply about building stronger, kinder, more hopeful communities, we would love to hear from you.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 3rd November.

We are New Wine

New Wine is a network of leaders and a family of churches, committed to seeing local churches thrive and communities transformed.

Our strategic priorities are:

• Equipping Leaders – Investing in current and emerging leaders through training, mentoring, gathering and practitioner-led ministry.
• Empowering Younger Generations – Investing in ministries that raise up children, youth, and young adults to know Jesus and lead with courage and conviction.
• Multiplying Churches – Supporting church plants, revitalisations, and pioneering expressions of church in diverse contexts.

Representing over 1,000 churches, 4,000 church leaders and 50,000 individuals, building networks, equipping leaders and empowering people to advance the Kingdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ church is always facing challenges and opportunities, and it’s as true now, and for New Wine, as it’s ever been. At this time of tremendous opportunity, we are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to work with our Board and Leadership to oversee and steward our mission, people and strategic priorities.

Could you be that person?

We’re looking for an exceptional, Godly person as our next Chair who has:

• A vibrant faith in Jesus, evident in their life and leadership, who is actively engaged in a local church aligned with New Wine’s vision and values, and who is passionate about seeing the Kingdom of God advance in the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Proven governance experience, with an ability to bring wisdom, accountability, and spiritual discernment to lead the Board in fulfilling New Wine’s mission and values.
• A proven ability to bring strategic oversight and discernment, that will help shape and steward the New Wine’s vision and priorities in pursuit of its mission.
• Strong emotional intelligence, with an ability to lead collaboratively and build consensus to enable effective and unified decision-making.
• Exceptional relational and leadership abilities, with an ability to inspire, influence, and build effective working relationships across the Board and the wider New Wine network.

This is a time of amazing opportunity.

As the ‘quiet revival’ continues across our nation, New Wine’s mission of local churches changing nations feels more spiritually potent than ever. We are living in a time of exceptional opportunity for New Wine and we will need a Chair who can help us realise the full potential God has for us.

Could you be that person?

Closing date for expressions of interest is12pm GMT on Friday 21st November 2025.

Are you looking for a skilled volunteering opportunity to support your career progression? Do you have a passion for improving outcomes for all children? Could you use your professional skills to help shape the future of education?

As a school governor, you’ll operate at board-level and develop strategic leadership skills and assist in making decisions on a wide range of topics; all while collaboratively improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for schools in Eastbourne to strengthen their governing boards and enhance outcomes of pupils within your communities. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a governor and how to apply.

Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role as well as have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.

You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a governor as long as you’re over 18 and happy to have a DBS check, you can apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities. As a governor, you’ll be supported by the Chair, head teacher and the rest of the governing team.

This vacancy is for an alternative provision looking to find a governor to sit on their board who is passionate about making a difference. The school is passionate about offering young people the chance to realise their unique talents and potential. 

If you’re interested in becoming a school governor, fill out the short application form on our website.

BECOME A BLUE SMILE TRUSTEE

As a trustee you will be able to use your passion for children’s mental health; your experience and knowledge to guide our strategy and vision for the future.

Blue Smile's mission is to transform the mental health and life chances of Cambridgeshire children through arts-based therapies, supporting over 200 children a week in the region providing one-to-one therapy and groupwork. We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board to help us achieve our mission.

Effective governance is key to the continued success and sustainability of our charity. As a trustee you will be able to use your passion for children’s mental health; your experience and knowledge to guide our strategy and vision for the future.

Our Board of Trustees is particularly looking to welcome new trustees with experience in the areas of fundraising, education (primary) and the small charity sector. However, we very much welcome people with a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and lived experience who would like to contribute to the success of our work.

As a trustee, you will receive training to carry out your role, have opportunities to represent Blue Smile in the community, and be part of a supportive and welcoming board. Being a trustee gives you the chance to gain experience in strategic planning, develop skills in new areas, and add significant value to a thriving charity.

Commitment

The Board of Trustees meets six times a year; usually on a weekday evening.

Trustees can also be involved in the work of sub-committees and will meet for a strategy planning session annually.

Location

Board meetings take place online; however, we would welcome visits to our head office in Cambridge.

We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you live or work in the Peterborough and Fenland area of the county.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

We are committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.  We would encourage younger people to consider applying – you do not need to have held a trustee or similar role before. We would also like to hear from you if you are from under-represented groups at Blue Smile such as individuals from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQI+ people and people with a disability, or if you have experience of child and family statutory services in your own personal life.

A message from our Chair of Trustees – Andrew Carter

Thank you for your interest in joining the team at Off The Record South East Hampshire (OTR).

This recruitment pack provides the information you need to apply to be a Trustee including:

• Details of our vision, mission and values.

• Information about the work we do, our impact and our future plans

• An overview of our organisational structure

• Information about the role and expectations of our trustees

If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please advise in your cover letter and she can arrange an informal chat with me.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Best wishes,

Andrew

Chair of Trustees

OTR

A message from our CEO: Corniche Plumridge

As the chief executive,  my role and the trustees is all about teamwork and support. I'm here to bring Off The Record’s strategic vision to life by sharing accurate and timely information, making sure they have what they need to make great decisions. In return, the trustees provide valuable guidance and oversight, helping us stay on track with our organisation's mission.

ADVERT

Are you passionate about young people's wellbeing?

Off The Record (OTR) are looking for new trustees to join our Board of Trustees.

Our vision is to support young people’s mental health to fulfil their potential for a brighter future.

We believe that young people should have more control and influence in how services for them are managed and changed, by being part of the organisation that develops the services that support their community.

We particularly want to attract applications from young people, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent and disabled, and people of colour, because they are under-represented in our Trustee team.

Off The Record (OTR) is an independent charity based in the Havant Borough. We have been supporting young people and their families in Southeast Hampshire and surrounding areas since 1977.

We offer free 1-2-1 and family counselling, group work services for those 11 to 25 and support for their families, we deliver a young carer programme to young people ages 8 to 25.

This is an opportunity to really make a difference to the lives of young people in our community!

We are actively seeking trustees from all areas of life,

You will play a crucial role in guiding the governance of OTR. You will work collaboratively with other members of the Board of Trustees to ensure effective management and sustainability of our charity.

This is an unpaid voluntary position, requiring a commitment of approximately 4-6 hours per month. 

Our Trustee board meet every month; in-person bi-monthly for 2 hours with the months in between a shorter 1-hour online meeting. On occasion there will ad-hoc meeting to meet the needs of the organisation and to carry out the trustee role.

OTR embraces equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Responsibilities:

· Provide strategic guidance and expertise to support Off The Record's vision and mission.

· Actively participate in board meetings, contributing ideas, insights, and constructive feedback.

• Assist in the development and provide oversight of operational policies, procedures, and initiatives to further the organisation's objectives.
• Help oversee the governance of the charity in accordance with the Charity Commission’s published guidelines. 

· Promote the Charity’s work and values within your networks and wider communities.

· Collaborate with fellow trustees, staff, and volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the charity's operations.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The statutory duties of a trustee

· To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

· To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document

· To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objective

· To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

· To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.

· To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

· To ensure the financial stability of the organisation

· To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds

· To observe and follow the latest version of the Charity Commission Guidance

Other duties

· Scrutinising board papers

· Leading discussions

· Providing guidance on new initiatives

· Other issues in which the trustee has special expertise

· Participating in working groups outside of Board meetings

Trustee person specification

 · Commitment to the organisation

· Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort – which could be several hours per week to keep up with incoming emails and correspondence, Monthly Trustee meetings and the Annual General Meeting.

 · Strategic vision

· Good, independent judgement

· Ability to think creatively

· Willingness to speak their mind

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Qualifications and Skills:

· A genuine interest in the well-being and mental health of young people.

· Previous experience as a trustee or in a similar governance role would be advantageous but not essential.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

· Knowledge and understanding of the voluntary sector and charity governance or willingness to learn.

• Ability to promote the Charity’s work and values within your networks and wider communities.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: safeguarding, counselling, mental health, fundraising, finance, marketing, law, or HR would be desirable (but not essential).

Benefits:

· The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people through Off The Record (OTR).

· Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a governance role within a charity.

· Expand your professional network and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

· Gain satisfaction from being part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal. 

About us

You will be joining the charity at an exciting time.

OTR has been part of our community since 1977, our purpose has remained the same throughout, to

support young people’s mental health to fulfil their potential for a brighter future, however during this

time we have evolved, expanded and developed our services. We put young people at the heart of what

we do, by integrating youth voice into our services we are continuously evolving to meet current needs

of young people and their families.

You will be joining an amazing and established team.

A staff of 16 cover all bases, with an established admin and front-line group work and Young Carer

teams, and leadership team that oversee admin, therapeutic and youth services, business support,

volunteers, finance, safeguarding and clinical supervision. Our dedicated counsellors and volunteers

deliver the therapeutic services and information and support calls. Our trustees meet every month,

alternating between formal board meetings, and trustee ongoing development meetings.

You will be joining a safe and respected service, that is long standing and held dearly by our

local community.

Our policy and procedures ensure a high standard of operational and clinical governance across the

organisation, that is brought to life with an excellent induction and training programme, and varied and

topical CPD opportunities throughout the year. We are always reminded of our legacy by the continued

support from local community groups and businesses because of the difference our support made to

them or someone they care about.

You will be joining an inclusive and caring culture.

If you feel you have the expertise,please apply with the following:

· A full CV

· A covering letter detailing all of the below:

o What skills/knowledge will you be bringing

o Explanation of any gaps in your CV

Successful applicants will be invited for an informal chat with the chair of trustee and CEO prior to an interview being arranged.

As part of our commitment to safe recruitment, all appointments are subject to Enhanced DBS with

Barred List checks and references will be taken up.

OTR embraces equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that

represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our

work will be.

Please advise us of any requirements to support your application to us.

Details:

· Hours; 4-6 per month

· Location: Online and in person

· Application deadline: Ongoing

Want to support a good cause?

We offer:

· A team that really cares, supports and champions one another.

· Friendly environment and practices.

· Access to training.

· Social events to spend time with the team and have some fun!

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Leeds & the surrounding area are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Would you like to improve the urban walking environment and our quality of life? Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced person to chair our board of voluntary trustees. 

We are a charity that can influence anyone’s daily life. Our mission is to achieve a better walking environment and inspire people to walk more. 

This is a pivotal time in our history: with a dynamic and experienced new Chief Executive, Catherine Woodhead; and a period of development, with a new strategy incoming that will take us towards our centenary in 2029. 

With our thousands of members and supporters we run campaigns for positive change and influence policies that improve our streets such as encouraging families to walk to school, 20mph speed limits and controlling pavement parking. 

We manage innovative national projects, engaging schools, communities and workplaces to encourage more people to walk short journeys. Our year-round walk to school challenge captures the imagination of children in over 2000 schools. 

We work with local authorities and businesses to improve streets and public spaces. Our reports, such as The Pedestrian Pound, make a substantial contribution to the active travel agenda. 

We are seeking someone with strong leadership and networking skills, with experience of good governance and helping organisations through growth. You will possess a substantial reputation which will add to the credibility of Living Streets. The role is a voluntary unpaid position, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The term of office is for six years.

Closing date: 03/11/2025 (12pm)

Interviews: 20/11/2025 

Interview Location: London Head Office 

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across West Berkshire are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Chair of Trustees - Bristol Animal Rescue Centre
Voluntary – unremunerated
c6 meetings a year plus AGM and oversight of committees such as RemCo and Finance
Location: Bristol

For over 135 years Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (Bristol A.R.C) has cared for Bristol’s animals; helping, healing and homing those in greatest need at their Rescue Centre in the heart of the city. Their mission is to ensure animals in need in the community receive the compassion, care and respect they deserve.  Through the work of their outreach services, veterinary clinic and rehoming centre they help, heal and find homes for thousands of animals every year, as well as offering hands-on support and welfare advice to the people who love them.

Bristol A.R.C is about to embark on a huge project and after over one hundred years of rescuing and rehoming animals from its site on Albert Road, they are preparing for a monumental change: they are planning to move.

The historic Albert Road site has been home to the stray and unwanted pets of Bristol since 1901, a place where thousands of animals have found the comfort, care, and the second chance they deserve. But as the city grows and construction booms in the St Philip’s Marsh area, their surroundings have changed dramatically. Bristol A.R.C. are now enveloped by building works, heavy traffic, dust, and near-constant noise from the regeneration.

They now need a new Chair who will work with the Board and organisation as they look for a new site and fund raise to enable this to happen. 

As Chair, you will have the chance to influence their strategy and directly support our teams of experts in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming or release of animals that come into their care.

You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside your fellow Trustees, in providing the governance that supports the CEO and senior management team in the successful running of the organisation.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with relevant experience in the following areas: Property, Construction, Building works and development projects. 

For further details and to apply, please contact Sandy Hinks or Vanessa Moon quoting reference MC2632

 Closing date midnight, Sunday 26th October 2025

Bristol A.R.C has retained Moon Charity Practice to manage this campaign and are therefore unable to accept CVs from third party agencies. All CVs and expressions of interest received will be forwarded directly to Moon Charity Practice for consideration.

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre is the working name for our two linked charities, the Bristol Dogs and Cats Home and the RSPCA Bristol and District Branch.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Birmingham and the surrounding area are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up

Wellspring Academy Trust seeks two non-executive Trustees to add strategic level expertise in safeguarding children and audit & risk to its board.

Location: Headquartered in Barnsley, with schools across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Time commitment: Up to 8 hours per month

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 27th October

Who we are

Wellspring Academy Trust is a thriving family of schools with a strong sense of purpose. We are proud to serve 33 academies across primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision. Since welcoming our first school in 2013, we have developed into a dynamic community supporting children and families in eight local authority areas, including South, West and North Yorkshire, North and North East Lincolnshire, and Lincolnshire.

We are committed to our vision: to transform lives by raising aspirations and broadening opportunities for every young person and the communities around them. We believe that all children, whatever their starting point, are entitled to an excellent education and the chance to experience joy, success, and ambition in their lives.

At Wellspring, we do not impose a “one size fits all” model. We celebrate the distinctiveness of each of our schools, empowering leaders to shape provision around the unique needs of their communities. Our approach has proven its effectiveness over time, fostering strong, resilient schools that combine autonomy with the collective strength of the Trust.

We are driven by social purpose. We champion inclusive education, stronger communities, and improved life chances. Education is the most powerful vehicle for social justice, and through equity, we enable better outcomes for all.

About the role

As a Trustee of Wellspring Academy Trust, you will form part of a talent non-executive board that provides the trust’s strategic leadership and collective oversight. Trustees are both charity trustees and company directors: you will set the long-term vision, hold the executive to account for educational and financial performance, and ensure the trust operates within its legal, regulatory and contractual frameworks.

Key responsibilities

• Set and safeguard the trust’s strategic direction, mission and values, approving the trust’s overall strategy and key policies.
• Hold the Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership to account for educational outcomes, educational standards, and the implementation of agreed strategy.
• Ensure the trust’s long-term financial sustainability and that public funds are used effectively — including oversight of budgets, financial reporting and risk management.
• Fulfil statutory duties as charity trustees and company directors (duty of care, prudence and compliance), including compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and other legal/regulatory obligations.
• Champion and assure safeguarding, inclusion and the welfare of all children across the trust.

To be successful in this role, we expect strategic judgement and the willingness to challenge constructively while working collaboratively with fellow trustees and the executive team, a commitment to the trust’s values and to acting in the best interests of pupils and the public benefit, and preparedness to invest time in governance by reading papers in advance, attending board meetings and committee work, and taking part in occasional visits, away-days and training, with frequency varying by trust.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking two new Trustees who can bring both expertise and commitment to our Trustee Board.

One of the new Trustees will bring significant experience in strategic safeguarding. This may have been gained within a large education provider, a national or regional charity, or a local authority. You may have worked at a senior level in children’s services, social services, teaching and learning, or in services for families and children, and will have the ability to translate that expertise into effective governance oversight for Wellspring.

The other Trustee will be an experienced senior leader who can offer strong financial and regulatory insight. You may have worked in a large and complex business or in professional practice, and will bring direct experience of internal or external audit, alongside advising on regulatory compliance and risk management. Your skills will help ensure the trust remains financially sustainable, compliant, and well-prepared to navigate risk.

Above all, we are looking for individuals who share our values, can think strategically, and are motivated by the opportunity to improve outcomes and life chances for children and young people.

Peridot Partners and Wellspring Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 27th October. 

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Hemel Hempstead is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement.

As a Chair of Governors, you’ll operate at the head of a governing board and utilise strategic leadership skills, making decisions on a wide range of topics making a difference improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for a Chair of Governors in Hemel Hempstead to strengthen their governing board and enhance outcomes of pupils within your community. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a chair of governors and how to apply.

Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a Chair of governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos as well as meeting children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Chair of governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help your governing board to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.

You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a chair of governors, you’ll need to be over 18 and happy to have a DBS check to apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities to help schools have a bright future. As a chair of governors, you’ll be supported by the Vice Chair and Clerk to help ensure an effective, focused board utilising and building its skills, knowledge and experience.

This vacancy is for a 3-19 school looking to find a chair of governor to sit on their board with interest or experience in disability. They would ideally like their chair of governors to have had previous experience within HR and Leadership along with having been a governor or having had board level experience. The school is proud of the privilege they have of enabling the most disabled people in the country to reach their potential. 

If you’re interested in becoming a chair of governor, fill out the short application form.
We have vacancies available across England and Wales, including the roles listed above in Hemel Hempstead. You can express your preference for location on the form itself.

Please note, this role may close early if we receive a high volume of interest.