Community volunteer roles in pudsey, west yorkshire

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Barnsley and District Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

OVERVIEW – ANOTHER WAY

Another Way is a charity founded by Amy Bray in 2019, when she was 16. Another Way is an educational environment charity. We educate and influence those around us, inspiring all to live with kindness towards our planet. We are youth-led with a multi-generational appeal.

We are scaling fast, particularly as our Power of 10 app grows, extending our community of young changemakers. The Another Way charity team now requires support for the Board of Trustees.

ROLE HEADLINES

The clerk will play an administrative and procedural role, supporting the smooth and compliant operation of the charity’s governance and trustee meetings, a key member of the team.

Below are the details of the role and we invite applications that demonstrate experience in the areas outlined including both charity clerk and ideally familiarity with company secretarial duties. We envisage this voluntary role to require approximately two days per month/ 2-3 hours per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative and Organisational Support:

• Managing the trustee board's administrative tasks.
• Ensuring efficient meeting organisation and record-keeping.

Governance and Compliance:

• In conjunction with our legal partner
• providing guidance on governance, constitutional, and procedural matters.
• Ensuring the board operates in compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Advising on the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Meeting Management:

• Convening and supporting meetings of the trustees.
• Taking minutes of trustee meetings.
• Dealing with trustee correspondence between meetings.

Other Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Chair of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer.
• Ensuring the trustee body fulfils its responsibilities.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Strong personal commitment to the values and objectives of Another Way
• Demonstrable success managing charity governance and compliance
• Knowledge, or willingness to learn, of environmental issues and solutions
• Excellent communication abilities and organisational skills
• Knowledge of online systems such as Microsoft applications including OneDrive and Sharepoint. Also, other collaboration tools such as Slack or similar.

Please apply with a CV and a covering email summarising your experience and interest in the role.

About Us

Children with Voices is a dedicated charity based in Hackney, London. Our mission is to support and empower children and young people through a range of community-focused programmes and initiatives. We strive to create a nurturing environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive HR Assistant to support our HR operations. This role is essential in ensuring smooth day-to-day HR functions, assisting with recruitment, compliance, and general HR administration. The ideal candidate will have strong organisational skills, an interest in human resources, and a passion for working in the charity sector.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment and Onboarding

• Assist with job postings, candidate screening, and interview coordination.

• Support the onboarding process for new volunteers and employees, ensuring all necessary documentation and induction materials are provided.

HR Administration & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee and volunteer records.

• Ensure compliance with relevant employment and volunteering regulations.

• Assist with general HR administrative tasks, including using Monday. com for record-keeping and task management.

Policy and Employee Support

• Support the implementation of HR policies and procedures.

• Act as a point of contact for HR-related queries from staff and volunteers.

Qualifications and Experience

• Some experience or knowledge of HR functions is desirable.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to handle confidential information professionally.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HR systems 

• CIPD qualification or working towards one is advantageous but not essential.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for working in the charity sector and supporting children and young people.

• Highly organised, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

• A willingness to learn and develop HR skills.

How to Apply

If you are enthusiastic about making a positive impact and gaining experience in HR, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Join the leading national charity dedicated to supporting premature and sick babies, their families and NHS staff. We are recruiting for up to four new Trustees to join Bliss’ passionate and dedicated Board.

Who are we looking for?

We are recruiting up to four new Trustees to join our passionate and dedicated Board, and are keen to increase the range of voices on the Board to bring in different experiences and skills, which is essential if we are to make the best decisions for Bliss and for the babies we serve. 

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before, nor do you need to have direct neonatal experience, as long as you are passionate about improving neonatal care across the UK.

In this round of Trustee recruitment we are particularly interested in bringing the skills and experience of younger individuals (under 30), those from minority ethnic communities, and those with lived experience of or insight into socio-economic disadvantage.

We are also keen to hear from people who bring one (or more!) of the following:

• Experience of AI and data, with the ability to apply this to an organisation of Bliss’ size and scale
• Experience of marketing or branding, and the knowledge of how this applies in the context of the charitable sector
• A neonatal healthcare professional – we are particularly interested in recruiting an allied health professional / psychology professional
• A professionally qualified accountant.

How to apply

For more details about the role and how to apply, including the support that Bliss provides to Trustees, please see the Bliss website and the attached recruitment pack.

Recruitment timeline

• The deadline for applications is 9am on Tuesday 13th May 2025
• Interviews will be held online in June
• Successful candidates will take part in induction meetings over the summer, before joining the Board away day in September and being formally appointed at the October 2025 Board meeting.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Bradford and District Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Role: Leeds Hospitals Charity Trustee (voluntary)

Application Deadline: Monday 30th June 2025

Meet the Executive Team and Board of Trustees: May 22nd 2025 3.30pm – 6.00pm

Interviews to take place: Wednesday 23rd July 2025

Location: Hybrid  

About Leeds Hospitals Charity

Leeds Hospitals Charity is the charity partner of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. We champion, support and gives thanks to our NHS, bringing together thousands of donors so we can make a real difference to the people and patients of Yorkshire. We do this by funding life-saving equipment, treatments, research into rare diseases and home comforts – whatever will make the biggest impact to the people who need it most.

We are passionate about healthcare and about making our hospitals amazing – our vision is to make Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust to be the best hospital, in the healthiest city in the UK.

Each year we award grants of around £4 million to support the innovative work of our hospitals. Our most recent fundraising appeal, for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, will see a brand new, purpose-built care centre be opened at Seacroft Hospital in late 2025, transforming care for patients with motor neurone disease and their families.

People are central to everything we do here and we pride ourselves on Leeds Hospitals Charity being an organisation that is a friendly, diverse and welcoming place to work. Our core values of ‘together, transparent and transform’ underpin all of our work and ensures that we are impact driven, working hard to benefit patients, families and NHS staff.

Our Trustees

Leeds Hospitals Charity (Registered charity no. 1170369). has a fully independent Board of Trustees, who are also appointed as Directors of Leeds Hospitals Charity (Company Number 10492128), which is incorporated under the Companies Act 2006 as a private company. We also have a separate trading subsidiary, LHC Enterprise Limited (Company Number 13438357), with its own Directors.

The Board of Trustees currently comprises 12 Trustees; the Chair is Dr Yvette Oade OBE, who is in her second three-year term as a Trustee and her second year as Chair of the Charity.

The Role

Leeds Hospitals Charity is looking to appoint up to four new Trustees to enhance the Board’s skills and expertise to help shape and grow the Charity to provide the best support to our NHS.

The successful candidates may have interest and insight into the issues facing health-related charities and they may also have experience as a Trustee, or in a similar role in another context, but neither of these are essential.

Trustees use their knowledge and experience to make a strategic and principled contribution to the work of the Charity, encouraging innovation and bringing to bear their analytical skills. A willingness to be challenging but constructive, and an ability to engage with detail, are essential for this role.

We are seeking candidates with a wide range of relevant skills and experience but are particularly interested in those candidates with experience in the following sectors:

· Accountancy or audit

· Legal

· Academic or health

· Community or charity

Leeds Hospitals Charity strongly believes that greater diversity improves performance and we aim to attract talented people to reflect the communities with which we work. We strongly encourage applications from groups which are under-represented on our existing Board, including, in particular, candidates with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Although they are volunteers, our Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for the charity’s management and administration. Trusteeship can be rewarding for many reasons, from a sense of making a difference to the charitable cause, to new experiences and relationships.

Commitment

This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Trustees are expected to be able to commit around 12 days a year, for committee meetings, Board meetings and development days.

We welcome candidates from a range of backgrounds and flexibility is offered to those candidates who may have caring responsibilities.

We are looking for someone who will:

· Support and provide advice on the Charity’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities.

· Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

· Oversee our financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

· Provide support and challenge to the Charity’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority

· Keep abreast of changes in the Charity’s operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of the Charity’s own governance.

· Attend meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Contribute to the broader promotion of the Charity’s objects, aims and reputation by utilising your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.

The successful person will:

· Bring relevant experience from their own professional sector, with some additional knowledge of the third sector.

· Be constructively challenging and attentive to detail.

· Be able to use their independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to protect the Charity’s best interests.

· Have an interest in health-related charity issues or prior Trustee experience (although these are not essential)

How to apply:

Applications should consist of a full Curriculum Vitae detailing experience and relevant qualifications, accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the recruitment criteria, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role. If candidates wish, these may be reflected in a video (no more than three minutes long) rather than in writing.

Applications should be emailed to Helen McDougall by the closing date. Email details can be found in the Trustee Information Pack on our website. Interested candidates are also welcome to visit the Charity’s offices, at Leeds General Infirmary, on 22nd May 2025, to find out more about the role and meet the Executive Team in advance of the closing date. To arrange a time to drop in, please email Helen McDougall.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by an interview panel of Trustees and the Chief Executive of the Charity.

For more information about the position and the charity, please visit Leeds Hospitals Charity's website and click on Join the Team.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we commit to offering all applicants who consider themselves to have a disability an interview if they demonstrate they possess the essential skills and experience required for the role. Please advise on your covering letter if you consider yourself to have a disability.

Thank you for taking the time to apply for our position. We appreciate your interest in Leeds Hospitals Charity. If your application is selected to continue in the interview process, a member of the Team will be in contact with you.

Aspens are looking for trustees to join us on the next exciting part of our journey. We'd love to hear from you if you have accountancy, social care, business development or fundraising experience.

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism? Do you have the skills, experience, and dedication to help guide a forward-thinking charity? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

About Aspens CharitiesAt Aspens we provide high quality care and support to people on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; and their families; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

Why Become a Trustee?As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of Aspens Charities. You will work alongside a committed Board to ensure our services remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our core values.

Your Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring Aspens meets its charitable objectives.
• Oversee financial management, risk assessment, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to drive excellence in service delivery.
• Act as an ambassador for Aspens, promoting our work and values.
• Attend Board meetings and contribute to key strategic decisions.

What We’re Looking For:We welcome applications from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Key attributes include:

• A strong commitment to the aims and values of Aspens Charities.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Willingness to dedicate time to Board meetings and governance activities.
• Integrity, good judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

• Accountancy
• Health & Social Care sector knowledge
• Fundraising and business development

Time Commitment & LocationThis is a voluntary, unpaid role with reasonable expenses covered. The Board meets approximately three times a year, with 3 committee meetings and occasional additional meetings or events. Meetings are held in person and virtually.

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to the goals and aims of the charity. 
• Dedication to the role and a willingness to devote the required time. 
• The ability to make good independent judgements. 
• Being able to think creatively. 
• Understanding the importance of carrying out required legal duties. 
• Proven strategic abilities that can be used to create effective plans. 
• Strength of character coupled with the ability to voice concerns and opinions.
• Proven experience working as a member of successful teams. 
• Integrity and objectivity which can be applied to all aspects of the role.

Experience of either accountancy or fundraising / income generation. 

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, your leadership will directly shape the future of Aspens Charities and the lives of the people we support. You will help:

• Improve Quality of Care – Ensuring individuals with learning disabilities and autism receive the best possible support.
• Drive Strategic Growth – Expanding and developing services to reach more people in need.
• Ensure Financial Sustainability – Overseeing resources to secure long-term impact.
• Strengthen Governance – Upholding transparency, compliance, and ethical leadership.

Your expertise will make a lasting difference, creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

The purpose of the Institute of Osteopathy Appointments Committee is to ensure high standards of competence and performance on the main governing body, the Council of the Institute of Osteopathy (iO), with a focus on recruitment.

We are seeking a new professional member to join our committee to aid this important work.

You should have broad experience and a practical attitude with a proven track record, and ideally have experience in the following areas:

· Human Resources

· Executive development and performance management

· Knowledge of employment law

· Board/committee experience

The Committee meets quarterly online/in person to advise on such matters as promotional strategy, review candidate profiles against council member role specification, appraise the performance of the non-executive members of council and ensure that governance-related processes around appointments and term renewals are fit for purpose and working effectively.

Please see the attached role specification for full details of the responsibilities.

If you are interested in this opportunity to shape the development of UK Osteopathy, please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing how you meet the role specification by close of business on Monday 26 May. Interviews will take place in mid-June.

About the iO

The iO, as the lead body in the profession, has a clear and mandated mission to improve patient care by supporting and developing the education and practice of osteopathy, and universal access to osteopathic care. 

Our mission is to support, unite, develop and promote the profession for the improvement of public health and patient care. We are committed to realising our vision to see osteopathy become a growing and thriving profession, recognised and accessible to all.

Family Home-Visiting Volunteer Role Description

Home-Start Leeds is a voluntary organisation founded in 1987 which offer regular support  and practical help to families in their own homes to help prevent family crisis or breakdown. 

Role

We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated people to join our Leeds Volunteering Team to:

• Offer guidance and both practical and emotional support to a family with a child/ren under 7 years of age or expecting a baby
• Help parents to give their children the best start in life that they can, and help the family to become more confident, resilient and independent
• To visit families in their own homes, where the dignity and identity of each individual can be respected and protected
• Reassuring families that difficulties in bringing up children are not unusual. 
• To encourage parents’ strengths and emotional well-being for the ultimate benefit of their own family. 
• To encourage families to widen their network of relationships and to use effectively the support and services available in the community. 

Time Commitment 

• Visiting a family for approximately 2-4 hours per week according to the family’s needs and Volunteer’s availability. 

Experience and Qualifications

• No qualifications needed, however, understanding the pressures which raising a family can bring, especially to someone in difficult circumstances, is necessary
• A warm and open personality with the ability to listen and communicate well.
• A non-judgmental approach towards people who may view things differently and who may be from different cultures, religion, gender, or sexual preferences.
• Be reliable, able to respect confidentiality, and able to commit to weekly visits

Process of Becoming a Volunteer

• Initial Chat – If you would like to know more please contact us to arrange a telephone call with one of our team.
• Volunteer Questionnaire – If you feel ready now, or after a chat, please complete the Volunteer Form on our website 

References and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

References will be sought for all those wishing to be a Volunteer before training commences.

Home-Start Leeds has a legal requirement to ensure that Safeguarding is at the heart of all we do. All prospective Volunteers undergo a DBS Check before they can attend our Preparation Training Course.

Training

Before you can start to Volunteer we require that you attend our 5-week (1 day per week) ‘Preparation Course‘ that Will give you an understanding of the role. Once you have completed the course we will match you with a family.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

The purpose of the Institute of Osteopathy Appointments Committee is to ensure high standards of competence and performance on the main governing body, the Council of the Institute of Osteopathy (iO), with a focus on recruitment.

We are seeking two new non-executives to join our committee to aid this important work.

You should have broad experience and a practical attitude with a proven track record, and ideally have experience in the following areas:

· Human Resources

· Executive development and performance management

· Knowledge of employment law

· Board/committee experience

Osteopathic or medical experience is not a prerequisite for this role, but interest in health and patient care is welcome.  

The Committee meets quarterly online/in person to advise on such matters as promotional strategy, review candidate profiles against council member role specification, appraise the performance of the non-executive members of council and ensure that governance-related processes around appointments and term renewals are fit for purpose and working effectively.

Please see the attached role specification for full details of the responsibilities.

If you are interested in this opportunity to shape the development of UK Osteopathy, please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing how you meet the role specification by close of business on Monday 26 May. Interviews will take place in mid-June.

About the iO

The iO, as the lead body in the profession, has a clear and mandated mission to improve patient care by supporting and developing the education and practice of osteopathy, and universal access to osteopathic care. 

Our mission is to support, unite, develop and promote the profession for the improvement of public health and patient care. We are committed to realising our vision to see osteopathy become a growing and thriving profession, recognised and accessible to all.

The Trust's Requirements

SHARE Multi Academy Trust is recruiting three new volunteers to the position of trustee - or non-executive director - and Member, a role akin to that of a shareholder.  

Ideal candidates will have a qualification in accountancy, experience in finance, audit and/or risk as well as strategic senior leadership experience. Ideally, this volunteer will assume a role as Chair the Finance and Audit & Risk Committees. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and committee management skills, experience in financial oversight and audit/risk management.

The second trustee volunteer will be able to demonstrate experience as a senior leader in Education, preferably in a Multi Academy Trust setting. An in-depth understanding of SEND across different phases would be highly advantaegous, while good local knowledge and links would be desirable but not essential for both roles.

For the role of Member, prior experience in a non-executive/trustee position and a firm understanding of corporate or charity governance is essential. The time commitment for this position is generally much lower, with ~two meetings per year.

For all roles, experience in managing or advising similar-sized organisations (in terms of revenue) and/or a strategic understanding of education is required. 
 
The trust is open to considering remote or virtual participation for the education trustee. The trust is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, including age diversity, and is willing to offer mentorship from another trustee where applicable and relevant.

Meetings and Governance Structure

The trust's mission is to help disadvantaged students achieve academic success and personal growth. The Board is led by an experienced CEO, who also serves as Accounting Officer. A small central team supports school improvement, HR, operations, and finance. The board consists of three members and nine directors (including the CEO). In 2024, three new trustees joined, bringing expertise in business and HR. The Chair has been with the board for four years, including two as Chair.
 
The board is strengthening connections with local governing bodies through committees and link roles. A dedicated governance professional ensures compliance and thorough induction for new trustees. Trustees have access to additional training via online platforms like NGA and the National College. Annual skills audits are conducted and reviewed. The Trust Board meets six times per year, with additional meetings as necessary, and operates with committees for financial scrutiny, audit, and risk. The trust will soon exceed £50 million in annual revenue, prompting the separation of audit, risk, and finance into distinct committees. Current committees include Finance, Audit & Risk, Safeguarding, and Remuneration, with new committees under consideration: People, Pupil, and Standards. The Trust Board is evaluating communication between local governing bodies and the Trust Board, with plans for reduced board meetings once committees are established. 

About the trust

Share Multi-Academy Trust formed in September 2011, initially as a Single Academy Trust (SAT) with Shelley College, which earned an 'Outstanding' judgment in May 2013. In March 2014, Shelley College became a National Teaching School, and a Teaching School Alliance was established. Over the next two years, the trust expanded to include primary schools such as Heaton Avenue Primary, Millbridge Junior, Infant and Nursery, and Woodside Green (formerly Cowersley Primary). In November 2018, Royds Hall Community Academy, including secondary and primary sites, joined the trust, followed by Thornhill Community Academy. In February 2022, Whitcliffe Mount Secondary School also joined. By Spring 2025, a secondary school in North Yorkshire will join, expanding the trust’s reach to 4 primary academies, 4 secondary academies (including one with a sixth form), and one more secondary school. Ofsted outcomes are generally good, with one school rated as Requires Improvement. 

The trust excels in supporting disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs (SEND), operating a specialized SEND resource base. It also runs a Teaching School Hub and contributes to local and national networks. The CEO is an active contributor to industry discussions, including DfE roundtables. Growth is considered only when new schools align with the trust's core values of overcoming disadvantage and achieving outstanding pupil outcomes. The trust has a well-developed people strategy, including executive and board succession planning. 
 
The trust maintains strong financial controls, with a CFO in place since 2022. They follow a GAG (General Annual Grant) pooling model, covering various services like school improvement, HR, finance, payroll, legal, and ICT strategy, without hidden service charges. Academy budgets are submitted for Trust Board approval by early July each year, with indicative budgets required by April. Academy Improvement Plans and financial plans must be submitted to the CEO by October. 
 
The trust has a Reserves Policy that is reviewed annually, maintaining reserves of 10% to 18% of recurring revenue income. Individual academies may adjust their reserves within policy limits with CEO and CFO approval. Financial reserves are in line with DfE expectations. 

Trustees
Global Non-Profit Organisation
Unremunerated – Travel, representation, and other out-of-pocket expenses directly incurred as part of official business are reimbursed in line with the organisation’s trustee expenses policy.

Prospectus are delighted to be working in partnership with a global non-profit organisation uniquely focused on building and sustaining a worldwide movement to end child, early and forced marriage and unions (CEFMU). This is a significantly under-addressed issue affecting over 12 million girls each year. The organisation is a network of more than 1,400 civil society groups operating across more than 100 countries, united in their efforts to end child marriage.

The organisation’s vision is a world without child marriage — a world in which girls and women enjoy equal status with boys and men and are able to reach their full potential across all areas of life.

This opportunity offers prospective trustees the chance to join the Board of a respected, global movement that is making tangible progress toward ending child marriage. It is a chance to play a vital role in addressing a critical global challenge.

The organisation is seeking to appoint a new cohort of exceptional trustees whose expertise and lived experience will contribute meaningfully to its continued growth and impact. Ideal candidates will be strongly aligned with the organisation’s mission and ready to commit their time, insight, and influence to furthering its goals.

Expressions of interest are particularly encouraged from individuals with expertise in the following areas:

Impact Investment
This trustee will bring substantial knowledge in areas such as impact investment, social finance, or public-private partnerships, with a focus on enabling systemic social change. Experience in mobilising sustainable and innovative funding approaches — such as blended finance, catalytic philanthropy, or outcome-based funding — will be particularly valuable. Candidates will likely have worked across sectors to evidence impact and unlock capital, and will be committed to advancing equity, opportunity, and justice through financial innovation.

Digital, Media, and Innovation
This trustee will have a strong background in digital innovation, media, or AI, with a focus on influencing social norms and behaviours. They will understand how to utilise social platforms, emerging technologies, and digital tools to amplify youth voices, build momentum at grassroots level, and shape public narratives. Experience with digital campaigning, online mobilisation, or movement-building—especially in the fields of gender justice, youth-led activism, or social change—will be an asset. A solid grasp of how technology can support community empowerment and systemic change is key.

The organisation is actively working to increase the diversity of its Board, both in terms of professional backgrounds and lived experience. In particular, they are keen to hear from candidates who have lived or worked in contexts where child marriage is highly prevalent.

For further information, please click 'Apply via Website' to be redirected to the Prospectus website where you will be able to review the appointment brief.

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date for expressions of interest: 1st June 2025

Interviews with our team: Week commencing 9th and 16th June 2025

Final panel interviews: July 2025

Are you ready to make a difference and be part of an unforgettable experience? Every year, hundreds of incredible fundraisers take on challenge events to support Candlelighters—and we need enthusiastic volunteers like you to help make these events a success! Lace up your trainers and join our volunteer team at exciting events across Leeds! 

Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon – Sunday 11 May (Otley) 

Total Warrior – Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June (Bramham Park) 

Why Volunteer? 

• Gain valuable experience in event management and teamwork while having fun. 

• Spread positivity and motivation, creating an incredible atmosphere for runners. 

• Be in the heart of the action, cheering and guiding participants along the course. 

• Meet like-minded volunteers and be part of a supportive, inspiring community. 

• Play a key role in making these events a success, helping fundraisers achieve their goals for Candlelighters. 

What Does a Marshal Do? 

• Help guide and direct runners along the course, ensuring they stay on track and keep moving towards the finish line. 

• Bring the energy and excitement—your cheers and encouragement will keep runners motivated every step of the way! 

• Ensure the safety of both runners and spectators by assisting with crowd management and traffic control. 

Due to the nature of the role Marshals must be aged 18 years old and over. If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by an adult. 

How Much Time Do You Need to Commit? 

Your commitment to volunteering will only be one day – the Event Day. Start and Finish timings and the length of your shift will vary depending on the role you are doing. On average shifts are around a maximum of 7-8 hours. 

Please note we will not know the exact shift timings until nearer the event date and so more accurate information will be briefed to you by the event volunteer team in the run up to the event. 

What Support Will You Be Given? 

A member of the Candlelighters team will be in touch before the event to send you a briefing about your role. You will also be allocated a team leader, who will brief, guide, support and work closely with you on the day at the event. 

About Candlelighters 

Each year, over 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down instantly: not just for the child but the entire family. Supporting children and families throughout that journey is why our charity was formed over 40 years ago. Our mission is to bring light to every family affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire by providing emotional, practical and financial support, as well as bringing hope, by investing in vital research to improve the outcomes and lives of children with cancer. 

If you're ready to make a difference, have fun, and be part of an incredible event, sign up today—we can't wait to have you on the team!