Community volunteer roles in cowes, isle of wight
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Barefoot and Free is a grassroots charity that supports families of neurodivergent children and children affected by trauma. We offer fully funded staycations and nature-based respite breaks for families and parent carers who are often at breaking point.
We’re a small, warm team not a large wealthy organisation and we care deeply about what we do. There are no airs and graces here, just real people doing our best to help families who need a break. Right now, we need someone with the skills and experience to help us bring in more funding to meet the growing need.
We’re looking for someone experienced and independent.
This is not a start out training opportunity. You’ll be working alongside an existing bid writer and need to come in ready to get stuck in with little to no guidance, it will test your resiliance and give you some amazing challenges. We’re looking for someone who knows how to write strong, successful bids and is comfortable finding opportunities, matching them to our projects, and managing the process from start to finish, we are giving you alot of exciting responsibility so if you wish to progress and move to the next step and meet some personal goals this is for you.
What are we looking for?
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Solid experience writing successful funding bids, ideally in the charity or non-profit sector
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Someone self-motivated, confident, and able to work without close supervision
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A clear communicator who can work independently and enjoy networking.
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Someone who genuinely cares about the work we do and wants to help us keep doing it
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Meet funding dealines and reporting deadlines
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Help along with our team to maintain the funding database and outcomes
What difference will you make?
By securing funding through successful bids, you will be supporting Barefoot and Free towards building a more sustainable and resilient organisation. Your input will be instrumental in establishing long-term sustainability, ensuring that our vulnerable families are supported over time. Families are often stretched to the limit with carer roles, supporting vulnerable children and young people without breaks or respite, by securing suitable funding you will be supporting them and the long-term sustainability of the organisation's efforts with the ultimate goal of profoundly improving the quality of life for our families.
We rely entirely on grants and donations. Every successful bid helps keep the doors open for families who often have nowhere else to turn.
Perks of volunteering with us:
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Flexibility to work around your life, take the lead on bids from start to finish
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Join a genuinely warm, down-to-earth team where your input is truly valued and felt
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Be part of something that directly supports struggling families in a very real way
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A rewarding role where your skills will have a direct and lasting impact
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Achieve some personal goals and a chance to build your portfolio with meaningful, purpose-driven work
If you’re looking to be part of something real, something with heart, and you’ve got the experience to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you today.
Providing funded respite breaks for families of neurodivergent children and children affected by trauma.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join us and help lead change for anyone affected by ME.
Can you help us deliver our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME by becoming a new Trustee on our Board?
With the recent launch of the UK Government Delivery Plan for ME/CFS, and some critical research partnerships on the horizon, now is an exciting time to join us and play a pivotal role in our work to secure a better future for people with ME.
As a Trustee, you will have a vital role within Action for ME, establishing a clear and shared vision, setting policies and acting in the best interests of Action for ME and people with ME. We are particularly looking for people who bring: Scientific and/or research expertise; healthcare and/or information, support and advocacy experience; Policy experience at local or national level; Communications and/or marketing expertise.
If you have experience in any of these areas and share our ambition for a better future for people with ME, we want to hear from you.
Trustee - Role Description
Duties of a Trustee are as follows:
- To ensure that Action for ME complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association,charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
- To ensure that Action for ME pursues its charitable objects as defined in its Memorandum of Association
- To ensure Action for ME applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives
- To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in establishing a clear and sharedvision for Action for ME, giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against the agreed targets
- To act in the interests of Action for ME and for people with ME in general
- To safeguard the good name and values of Action for METo ensure the effective and efficient administration of Action for ME
- To ensure the financial stability of Action for ME
- To protect and manage the property of Action for ME and to ensure the proper investment of charity funds
- To appoint the Chief Executive and to monitor his or her performance and determine his or her remuneration.
- In addition to the above statutory duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions
- To represent Action for ME as appropriate.
Time Commitment:
The time commitment expected of a Trustee is approximately six days per annum, including an AGM, preparing for and attending Board meetings, and involvement in at least one of the sub-committees: Audit, Finance & Fundraising; Public Affairs & Communications; Research; Healthcare Services; or Remunerations & Nominations.
We hold an away day once every two years. Additional time may be required dependent on circumstances/needs. You will receive a full induction and support upon appointment.
We do ask that Trustees make a commitment to at least one, three-year term of office.
Trustee - Person Specification
All Trustees must demonstrate:
- A commitment to the organisation, its cause and demonstrate an understanding of MEand its impact
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort Strategic vision Good, independent judgment
- An ability to think creatively
- A willingness to speak their mind
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- A willingness to participate in at least one sub-committee, as appropriate
- A commitment to working within Action for ME’s values and principles of working,including Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’:
a. Selflessness
b. Integrity
c. Objectivity
d. Accountability
e. Openness
f. Honesty
g. Leadership.
- Be willing to sign relevant statutory and other forms (eg for opening bank accounts).
Specific requirements:
While we are open to applications from people who meet the person specification, we regularly review the skills and backgrounds of our Board members and are specifically looking for people who bring:
- Scientific and/or research expertise
- Policy experience at local or national level
- Communications and/or marketing expertise.
How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please submit:
- Your CV, including all employment/voluntary roles since you left full-time education ensuring any gaps or time out is accounted for and
- A completed ‘Equal opportunities monitoring and information form’ (provided separately)
- A covering letter outlining why you would like to become a Trustee and how you meet the person specification outlined above, including how you meet the specific requirements we are currently looking for.
Please also indicate any reasonable adjustments that you may require to enableus to provide a good recruitment process with you.
You will be informed of the outcome of your application and any potential interviewdates with the Chair, the Chief Executive and another Trustee. We will be invitingpeople for interviews as applications come in and will close recruitment when we fillthe current vacancies.
Equity of access
We strive to ensure equity which includes being as accessible as possible to attract Board members with a diverse range of experience and insight. If you don’t meet the person specification fully, please do consider contacting us for a discussion as youmay be our ideal candidate!
We will consider all requests for reasonable adjustments within the parameters ofensuring Trustees are able to enact their legal responsibilities and accountabilities.
Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About us
ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040.
ProVeg engages with all relevant stakeholders to create a food system where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.
ProVeg has received the United Nations’ Momentum for Change Award and works closely with key UN food and environment agencies.
ProVeg creates global impact, with offices in 15 countries across five continents and more than 220 employees.
In the UK, our focus is on public sector food. Through our School Plates programme, we support major school caterers in their transition to healthier and more sustainable school menus. Since its launch in 2018, we’ve supported over 90 major school caterers, responsible for the food in over 8,000 schools, feeding over 1.3 million children every day, helping almost 50 million school meals become meat-free or plant-based. We plan to launch a sister programme in the healthcare sector, Hospital Plates, later this year.
Do you share our passion for transforming the food system? Are you impact driven and prefer to take a pragmatic approach? And do you have the skills and experience to help us? Then we’d love to hear from you!
Board Competencies
We’re looking for a new Board member who can demonstrate the following personal characteristics and behaviours:
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Respects and internalises the principles of accountability
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Makes informed judgement
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Listens actively with an open mind
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Participates in debate, providing relevant comments
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Speaks own mind candidly but respectfully
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Demonstrates initiative and insightfulness
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Thinks both logically and creatively
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Makes decisions independently
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Advises from own experience base
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Teams with others, forming collaborative relationships with other Board members and, where appropriate, providing guidance and advice to staff
Meetings
The Board aims to hold around four Board Meetings per year (generally 1.5 hours per meeting, although subject to change, as necessary). Meetings are usually held virtually, although we now aim to hold one in-person meeting per year, and it is expected that Board Members read the necessary board materials prior to each meeting.
Board positions carry no remuneration but travel and other out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. In return for your contribution, we offer the chance to work with and on behalf of people who are passionate in their commitment to our Mission and are constantly inspiring in their energy and creativity to achieve positive change.
The Role of the Board
In line with ProVeg International's Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles, the ProVeg C.I.C. Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of ProVeg in the UK, and monitoring delivery by the Director and their staff. The Board members of ProVeg C.I.C play a critical role in acting as a check and balance for the organisation, giving strategic direction, and acting as a sounding board for strategy and priorities as required. Board members can typically help an organisation with their skills and experience, their networks and/or by other means. The Board member will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team of ProVeg C.I.C. and work closely and harmoniously alongside the International Board to support joined up and unified global strategic delivery of objectives.
Duties
Board members are bound by a combination of statutory duties and organisational duties:
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Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. complies with its governing document, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations
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Board members agree to contribute the necessary time to effectively govern ProVeg C.I.C. in the UK. (The total commitment tends to be around 4h per quarter, but is subject to change in line with necessary duties)
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Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
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Ensure ProVeg C.I.C. uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: ProVeg C.I.C must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
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Contribute actively to the Board in giving firm strategic direction to ProVeg C.I.C, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
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Safeguard the good name and values of ProVeg C.I.C.
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Manage conflicts of interests
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Ensure the effective and efficient administration of ProVeg C.I.C.
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Ensure the financial stability of ProVeg C.I.C.
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Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds
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Monitor the performance of the Director, UK (and if required, appoint the role)
Board Member Person Specification
Essential:
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Educated to degree level or equivalent with relevant business, Community Interest Company, or Charity experience
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Commitment to and willingness to work in accordance with ProVeg International’s principles and values
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Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director
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An ability to have strategic vision in line with available market factors and resource
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A history of proven good, independent judgement
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Ability to think creatively
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Willingness to speak their mind professionally and respectfully
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Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels, such as Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers
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Knowledge of good governance practice
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Solid understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Directors.
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Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
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Willingness to adhere to ProVeg International’s Director’s Code of Conduct
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Eligible under Company Law to be a Board Director (e.g. not barred from taking up such positions)
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Follows a plant-based lifestyle
Desirable:
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Senior Management/Executive experience
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Salaried or Board experience in a similar organisation
We specifically seek great board members with expertise or assets in one or more of the following areas:
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Fundraising and income generation
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Government/policy or B2B sector including food services
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Legal
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A network of influencers and ambassadors
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People & Culture
Diversity Statement
ProVeg is committed to equal employment, volunteering and governance opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, refugee background, genetic information, disability, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, HIV status, gender identity, or gender expression. People of colour, women, people with disabilities, people from LGBTQIA+ communities, elderly people, refugees and people living with HIV are strongly encouraged to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Barefoot and Free is a small UK-based charity that gifts unforgettable staycations to families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma.
We are seeking creative and committed Volunteer Fundraisers to help us grow our small charity.
This is a remote volunteer role ideal for someone looking to use their creative fundraising knowledge to make a meaningful impact.
Role Overview
As a Volunteer Fundraiser at Barefoot and Free, you will be reuired to come up with fun ideas to fundraise, be able to engage people to fundraise and encourage new supporters.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, organise and execute virtual and in-person fundraising events (eg raffles, quizzes, sponsored challenges)
- Liase with fundraisng volunteers (eg sponsored runners etc)
- Ensure events run smoothly by preparing, schedules, materials and plans.
- Act as a main point of contact for invividual fundraisers and teams
- Regukar communication to offer encouragement and guidence.
- Procatively check they have everything they need (eg fundraisng pack, marketing materials)
- Create.design a central fundraising tracker (eg excel or similar)
- Log all fundraising activities, targets, deadlines ad progress updates
- Collaborate with the social media volunteers (if applicable) to amplify campaigns
- Support the recruitment of new fundraising volunteers
What You’ll Bring
- Clear friendly written and verbal communication
- Ability to confidently engage with fundraisers, donors and team members remotely
- Excellent time management and ability to co-ordinate multiple activities at once
- Structured approach to planning events and tracking fundraising progress
- Strong communication skills, self-motovated with the ability to work independently with minimum supervision
- A passion for charitable work and a willingness to contribute time and skills
Time Commitment
This is a flexible remote role. We ask for a commitment of 2 to 5 hours per week. We are happy to work around your availability.
What You’ll Gain
- A chance to use your skills for a good cause
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Hands-on experience in event planning, fundraising, and project coordination, ideal for CVs, job applications, or future charity roles.
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Remote, flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule — ideal for students, parents, or professionals looking to give back.
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Experience working in the charity sector
- Portfolio development and references on request
- Being part of a friendly supportive team making a difference
To apply please send a recent C.V along with a short note about yourself & with examples of any fundraising, event planning you have carried out.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Providing funded respite breaks for families of neurodivergent children and children affected by trauma.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Here at Youth4Youth, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.
If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.
About the role
Our Peer Mentors are at the forefront of our Youth Services delivery, tackling head on the issues that young people are facing everyday. As a Peer Mentor, you will engage with young people who reach out to Youth4Youth for support, taking time to coach and guide them through the difficulties that they are facing. This exciting opportunity, targeted at individuals who are between the ages of 16 and 25, provides young people with the space to directly impact and transform the lives of young people, significantly improving their overall wellbeing.
Ideal candidates are those who are able to commit to regular volunteering activity of at least 2 hours per week (on average) and who are able to comfortably communicate via written e-mail and other remote chat functionalities.
Responsibilities:
Your core responsibilities as a Peer Mentor at Youth4Youth include:
- Building strong, professional relationships with young people seeking mentoring support.
- Demonstrating commitment to the charity by regular volunteer engagement to maintain ongoing communication with young people (which includes responding to young people within an agreed and reasonable time frame).
- Providing light support, advice and guidance to young people in relation to the troubles that they are facing, in line with the resources provided to you by the charity.
- Maintaining professional boundaries with young people and not seeking to offer support beyond your capability that may put a young person at risk.
- Maintaining regular contact with your Youth4Youth supervisor, with the expectation that you will meet at least once per month for a supervision session that involves reflective practice and a focus on your development as a mentor.
- Providing support as part of our Peer Mentor network to colleagues across the Charity who are also directly supporting young people.
- Maintaining compliance with all policies. Most importantly this means maintaining the right level of confidentiality around your conversations with young people and recognising your safeguarding responsibilities in raising concerns as they arise to keep young people safe.
Peer Mentors are also actively encouraged to get involved in fundraising, outreach and social media activities where they feel comfortable and able to.
Skills
- Strong written communication skills, such as being able to effectively compose a written e-mail in response to a young person.
- Ability to build strong, professional relationships and maintain trust between yourself and a young person, such as through active listening and adapting to the individual needs of different young people.
- Ability to demonstrate empathy to others.
- Ability to work in a challenging environment and recognise when you may need support yourself.
- Proficient in the use of IT tools, such as Microsoft Outlook.
Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.
Skills development for you:
As a Peer Mentor at Youth4Youth, you will be required to take part and graduate our Youth Services Academy. This program requires an upfront commitment of 10 - 13 hours of training prior to taking on the role of communicating with young people. This investment in you not only equips you with the understanding of what it takes to be a successful peer mentor, and the skills that you will need, but also is an investment in you. This training will provide you with core soft skills that are transferrable to many opportunities, whether that's in everyday life for you, your education setting or your place of work. All Mentors graduating from the Youth Services Academy will be provided with an electronic certificate to demonstrate your successful completion of the program, which can be shared with potential employers.
Benefits of volunteering with Youth4Youth
We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:
- Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
- Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
- Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Youth4Youth volunteers
- Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Youth4Youth has on its direct beneficiaries
The hiring process:
Unlike other roles at Youth4Youth, the hiring process has been simplified for peer mentors, recognising the demographic of individuals that we are seeking to fill these positions. To put you at ease, the hiring process includes:
- An initial application, stating your reasons for wishing to become a Peer Mentor
- A remote interview conducted via Microsoft Teams
Successful candidates at this stage will be invited into the final stage of the recruitment process which includes:
- Satisfactory references being received (these do not need to be employment references)
- A satisfactory DBS check being received
- Successful completion of the Youth Services Academy
To ensure that all young people have a safe space to reach out for support, enabling them to realise their full potential, thrive in everyday life
Skills and Education Group is recruiting a new Chair to lead the Board of Skills and Education Group Awards and BIIAB. Help guide two respected awarding organisations through the next phase of strategic growth, regulatory excellence and sector impact.
Location: Homebased with occasional in person meetings
Closing date: 9 a.m. Tuesday 12th August
About Skills and Education Group
The Skills and Education Group is a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to improving lives through further education, assessment, and social impact. With a portfolio that spans regulated awarding organisations, access to HE qualifications, and a membership body, CPD offer & charitable foundation, Skills and Education Group operates as a federated group committed to supporting individuals, providers, and communities across the UK.
Comprising Skills and Education Group Awards, BIIAB, and Skills and Education Group Access, our qualifications support lifelong learning and workforce readiness across a wide range of sectors. Our membership body represents the further education & skills sector bringing together professionals to access relevant & credible CPD and accessing the charitable foundation which provides grants and professional development to frontline educators and learners, ensuring we contribute meaningfully to social mobility and educational equity.
About the role
Skills and Education Group is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chair to lead the Board of Trustees for Skills and Education Group Awards and BIIAB.
This pivotal role involves providing clear leadership to ensure the board effectively governs and supports the organisation’s mission to deliver high-quality awarding and qualifications.
The Chair will steer the board’s strategic direction, foster strong relationships among trustees, and ensure robust oversight in line with regulatory requirements.
The Chair of Skills and Education Group Awards and BIIAB Board will liaise with the Chair of the Group and work closely with the CE as required in line with the responsibilities of the role, whilst also reporting into the main group board to ensure unity with and contribute to the Group’s overarching strategic goals and ambitions.
This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of these respected awarding organisations within a fast-evolving education landscape.
Who we are looking for
We welcome candidates with a solid understanding of the awarding organisation (AO) sector and its regulatory environment including understanding of Ofqual conditions.
Ideally you will have previous trustee experience, or at least an understanding of governance processes through being involved in committees or advisory groups and reporting to boards.
We are open to new Chairs who bring a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a passion for education and skills development.
The ideal Chair will be able to inspire and unite the board, promote good governance, and help shape the organisation’s long-term success.
The role carries significant governance and oversight responsibilities to ensure the effective management and strategic direction of the individual awarding organisations within the Skills and Education Group, including a charitable organisation and commercial entity.
Key duties include financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and leadership in strategic planning, all with a focus on balancing the organisations’ commercial success and sustainability whilst also maintaining robust regulatory and governance standards.
The Chair, alongside the board, plays a crucial role in overseeing performance, risk management, and compliance, while ensuring alignment with the Group’s overarching strategy and values.
Remuneration
The position of Trustee is unremunerated, but reasonable expenses are paid.
Time commitment
The joint Skills and Education Group Awards/BIIAB Board normally meets three times a year and the Chair will also represent these two companies at 4 Skills and Education Group Group Board meetings. These meetings are carried out in October, January, April and July.
As part of our strategic transformation goals we will be looking reform our governance structure, as such meeting dates may change as we work with our Chairs and Trustees to ensure a robust and sustainable approach to our governance in line with similar group organisations.
The size of the Skills and Education Group Awards and BIIAB Board (including the Non-Executive Chair) is four. The main Group Board has 10 Non-Executive Directors plus the Chair.
The Board has statutory and fiduciary responsibilities under Charity Law and the Companies Act, and it is responsible for developing strategy and acting as a challenge to the executive, who has the responsibility of day-to-day delivery.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 12th August.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.

Skills and Education Group is seeking an experienced board leader with strong governance expertise and a track record in complex organisations, ideally within education; to join us as our new Chair. If you're ready to provide strategic oversight and guide us through our next phase, this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a respected organisation.
Location: Homebased with occasional in person meetings
Time commitment: 4 board meetings per year plus any additional meetings
Closing date: 9 a.m. Tuesday 12th August
About Skills and Education Group
The Skills and Education Group is a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to improving lives through further education, assessment, and social impact. With a portfolio that spans regulated awarding organisations, access to HE qualifications, and a membership body, CPD offer & charitable foundation, Skills and Education Group operates as a federated group committed to supporting individuals, providers, and communities across the UK.
Comprising Skills and Education Group Awards, BIIAB, and Skills and Education Group Access, our qualifications support lifelong learning and workforce readiness across a wide range of sectors. Our membership body represents the further education & skills sector bringing together professionals to access relevant & credible CPD and accessing the charitable foundation which provides grants and professional development to frontline educators and learners, ensuring we contribute meaningfully to social mobility and educational equity.
About the role
Following a period of significant leadership changes and organisational review, Skills and Education Group has stabilised under successful interim leadership and is now focused on building a sustainable future.
We are seeking a new Chair who will bring strategic vision and confident leadership to support the Board in consolidating recent progress and driving the organisation’s next phase of development.
Your role will involve leading the Board to ensure robust governance and effective oversight, developing collaborative relationships with executive leadership and key stakeholders, and maintaining a clear focus on the organisation’s core purpose amid evolving challenges.
The Chair of the Group Board will work closely with the CE, guiding their strategic leadership and supporting them to drive forward the organisation’s ambition and deliver associated targets.
A key part of your role will be contributing to the continued development and reform of our governance structure, ensuring it is fit for purpose and aligned with the Group’s financial, commercial and social objectives, as well as the expectations of our regulators.
You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the recruitment process for the newly appointed Chief Executive(CE), as the organisation positions itself for sustainable growth and impact.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a governance professional with proven experience as a Chair, Vice Chair, or chairing significant committees within complex or regulated organisations—preferably in the education sector. You will bring strategic insight, sound judgement, and the ability to support an organisation working its way through a period of significant change.
You will be confident leading a Board through transition, striking the right balance between encouraging open discussion, robust debate and thoughtful challenge, while ensuring that meetings remain focused, decisions are made, and consensus is achieved.
A collaborative and transparent leadership style will enable you to build trust across the Board, leadership team, and wider stakeholders, supporting high standards of governance and accountability.
A deep commitment to the public value of education, alongside a passion for upholding high standards of governance and accountability, is essential. You will bring clarity, focus, and resilience to the role, helping the Group navigate complexity while maintaining its core purpose and ambitions for growth.
Remuneration
The position of Chair of Skills and Education Group is unremunerated, but reasonable expenses are paid.
Time commitment
As Chair, you will be expected to dedicate sufficient time to effectively fulfil your duties, including attendance at Board meetings.
The Skills and Education Group Board comprises 10 Trustees, including the CE and Chairs of the Awards/BIIAB and Access Boards.
The Board has statutory and fiduciary responsibilities under Charity Law and the Companies Act. It is responsible for setting the organisation’s strategy and providing constructive challenge to the executive leadership, who manage day-to-day operations.
The Board meets at least four times a year, recently with additional combined meetings held regularly alongside the Awards/BIIAB and Access Boards to ensure coordinated governance across the Group. The majority of meetings are held remotely. It is expected that the Chair of the Group Board will regularly meet with the CE, ideally in-person at the company headquarters in Nottingham.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 12th August.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.

Chair of Trustees – School Library Association
Location: Remote, with occasional in-person events
Time commitment: One day per week
Term: 3-year term (term renewable once; a maximum of six years)
Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
Deadline to apply: 25th September
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for reading and equity in education? Do you want to help shape the future of school libraries and support the next generation of readers?
This is a pivotal moment for the School Library Association (SLA). With a new CEO, a refreshed staff team, and bold plans to launch a new organisational strategy, we are looking for a dynamic and ambitious Chair of Trustees to join us.
We punch well above our weight as a small national charity with big ambitions. You will be joining at a time of transformation, as we strengthen our funding pipeline, build corporate and strategic partnerships, and grow our visibility on the national stage. We recently represented the SLA at Downing Street for the Government’s Year of Reading, and the opportunity to drive systemic change in support of school libraries has never been greater.
We are looking for a Chair who:
- Brings strategic leadership and sound financial oversight
- Can support and challenge the CEO in equal measure
- Has strong relationship-building skills and ambassadorial presence
- Is excited to help shape a new strategy and governance structure
- Shares our passion for reading, education, and inclusion
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Download the recruitment pack and apply by 25th September 2025.