Community volunteer roles
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!
Fundraising volunteer
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:
- face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
- online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
- marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
- completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
Time expectation
This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Applicants will be asked to complete and application and provide details for two references
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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!
Fundraising volunteer
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:
- face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
- online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
- marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
- completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
Time expectation
This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Applicants will be asked to complete and application and provide details for two references
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join us and help us transform lives and communities together!
Greater Together Manchester (GTM) is a dynamic and forward-thinking charity, working across Greater Manchester to support communities to tackle deprivation and transform the lives of vulnerable people.
This is an exciting time for GTM as we look at our strategy post-pandemic, and how we can expand the remit of our work to better achieve our charitable aims.
The aims of the charity include:
- To kick-start, grow and support social action/community outreach projects and initiatives by equipping local churches, groups, individuals and communities with the skills and confidence to make a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people in their local area.
- To connect projects, people, and organisations together to help them to share best practice, resources, and ideas.
- To work together with multi-agency partners to influence local, regional, and national policy and strategy.
- To provide training and information to individuals and organisations to help equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to support and sign post vulnerable people more effectively.
As a trustee with fundraising expertise, in particular grant and trust fundraising, you will have the skills and capacity to support our staff in applying for grants.
You will take the lead on fundraising at board level, working with trustees and staff to create and implement a robust fundraising plan for all of GTM’s activities.
This is an unpaid, voluntary role, but presents a great opportunity for personal and career development. Trustees are able to claim out of pocket expenses in accordance with GTM’s expenses policy.
The role would suit a range of people, from young professionals looking to broaden their leadership credentials, to senior or retired professionals looking to give something back to their local communities.
The statutory duties of all trustees are:
- To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
- To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations, and that the organisation complies with all relevant reporting requirements.
- To act in the best interest of the organisation at all times, acting with reasonable care and skill.
- To ensure that the organisation manages its resources responsibly and that its assets are only used to support or carry out its objects.
Main Responsibilities of Trustee (Fundraising Lead):
To advise the Board of Trustees on matters relating to funding and fundraising
- Working with other trustees and senior staff, the Trustee (Fundraising Lead) will take a lead role in setting an effective fundraising strategy for GTM.
- Provide governance leadership on GTM’s fundraising, helping to build and implement fundraising that supports our strategy.
- Provide strategic oversight of fundraising.
- Draw on your networks and experience to support the work of GTM.
- Help ensure that staff have the skills and capability that they need to implement the strategy.
Person Specification
Essential for the Fundraising Lead:
- Recent experience in a fundraising role, ideally at a senior level, with a track record of large grant successes.
- An understanding of the UK charity sector, good governance, and statutory requirements relating to companies and charities.
- A thorough understanding of fundraising policies and procedures.
Essential for Trustees:
- Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trustees.
- Enthusiasm and belief in our vision and mission.
- Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims and values, and a willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
- Strategic, forward-looking and the ability to think creatively in relation to the aims of the charity.
- Good, independent judgement and the ability to act in the best interests of the charity.
- Ability to work at a strategic level whilst understanding the detail and complexities of delivery.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Respect for the importance of confidentiality.
- The ability to balance tact and diplomacy with the willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.
Desirable for Trustees
- Personal experience of poverty, or experience of working with people experiencing poverty.
- Prior experience of being a charity trustee.
- Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.
- A wider involvement/interest in the VCSE sector.
- A knowledge and understanding of the Church of England and/or the Diocese of Manchester.
Time Commitment and Location
You will be expected to commit approximately one day per month to support with grant fundraising, although this will be flexible and can work around your schedule. There may also be a requirement to meet with staff to discuss fundraising and grant applications outside of these meetings and to act in an ambassadorial role for GTM at other meetings and events.
Trustee meetings take place four times per year, normally at GTM’s offices in central Bury.
You will also be expected to commit to approximately 1-2 hours to prepare and/or read through papers prior to each meeting (papers are distributed one week in advance of meetings).
The Board is also called upon for advice or to update on ongoing matters, or to make more urgent decisions by email.
Transforming lives and communities across Greater Manchester
![Church of the Apostles [Social Super Market].JPEG](https://downloads.charityjob.co.uk/cdn-cgi/image/width=148,height=82,fit=cover/media/church_of_the_apostles_social_super_market__2024_07_10_03_12_30_pm.jpeg)



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!
Hartlebury Parish Hall was built in 1952 with the support and effort of the whole community. The parish hall is a charitable institution, run as a non-profit making organisation by a voluntary committee. It is a key focal point for events in the village and is close to St James parish church, Hartlebury Castle and the White Hart village pub.
The role of Treasurer is an important one in our team. We require someone experienced in managing accounts, used to excel spreadsheets and who comes with a friendly and community spirited mindset.
The work involves close liaison with our bookings secretary and we also have an excellent Trustee who helps with monetary issues(but works full time). Our bookings system is 'Hallmaster' and it may be helpful to be acquainted with this , but not at all essential.
We are a good team brimming with ideas, the accounts are currently very tidy, so the applicant would not be coming in to chaos!
As part of your application, please include a short cover letter telling us why you're interested in the Treasurer role and how your skills, experience, and values could help support the organisation’s governance and direction.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
999 Club IS RECRUITING NEW TRUSTEES!
999 Club is a charity doing big things with people facing homelessness. For over 30 years, we've provided a safe haven in the heart of Deptford — offering hot meals, showers, practical support, and a pathway out of homelessness for good.
We're now looking for up to three new trustees to help guide our growing organisation as we develop our new 5-year strategy.
We’re especially keen to hear from people with experience in:
· Fundraising – An ability to use your networks or knowledge to champion our cause and unlock new opportunities.
· Charity Finance – provide strategic financial oversight and potentially chair our Finance Committee.
· Property or Facilities Management – Help oversee the management and potential development of our buildings
What to expect:
As a trustee, you’ll gain leadership experience, broaden your network, and play a hands-on role in tackling homelessness and improving the mental wellbeing of our community. This is a voluntary role involving four board meetings a year (a mix of in-person and virtual), plus occasional events, emails, and committee work. Reasonable expenses are covered.
Inclusion:
We’re committed to building a diverse and representative board. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, or systemic disadvantage.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
Children’s charity Mentor Link is recruiting Volunteer Mentors from the West Midlands and Gloucestershire area to provide one to one support to vulnerable children and young people in schools and the community. Mentor Link are keen to hear from people in business and the community, who would be interested in becoming a Volunteer Mentor to support a young person to achieve their full potential. The mentors are specially trained to listen to and support young people and aim to improve their self- esteem and engagement in learning. The charity has an excellent track record of success in achieving positive outcomes with children and young people.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Letchworth Foodbank is seeking an inspiring and strategic Chair of the Board to lead the next chapter of our growth.
We have a clear mission: the prevention or relief of poverty in Letchworth, Hitchin and Baldock in particular, but not exclusively, by providing emergency food supplies and financial support to individuals in need and/or charities or other organisations working to relieve poverty.
Receiving donations and grants of over £200,000 per annum, the Foodbank distributes over 40 tonnes of food and £50,000 of food vouchers every year to those that need it most.
Our strategy is not to stand still, but to increase our reach and impact, and we require a Chair that shares our ambitions and will help drive a clear strategy forwards with the Trustees, working closely with the Foodbank Director.
What are we looking for?
-
A Chair with knowledge of and commitment to tackling and relieving poverty.
-
Experience in leadership, governance, and board-level roles (charity or voluntary sector preferred).
-
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and unite people.
-
An understanding of the challenges faced by small charities and grassroots organisations.
-
A strategic thinker with sound judgment and an inclusive leadership style.
-
An understanding of safeguarding, equality, and community engagement principles.
-
Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues.
At Letchworth Foodbank, we champion diversity. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work.
#Chair #Leadership #Endfoodpoverty #Chair of the Board of Trustees
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
“Be a catalyst for healthier lives in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”
Duchy Health Charity is seeking an inspirational new Chair to lead our Board into the future.
Founded from the visionary legacy of Cornwall’s first private hospital, Duchy Health Charity has since invested over £10 million in improving the health and wellbeing of people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. From pioneering school-based health and wellbeing centres for young people to funding innovative community health projects and responding swiftly to crises like the cost-of-living emergency, we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve.
This is a pivotal moment. As our long-serving Chair Barbara Vann prepares to step down, we are looking for a successor who shares our passion for creating lasting, meaningful impact on health outcomes.
As our new Chair, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership, ensuring excellent governance and clarity of purpose.
- Champion our mission to promote health and prevent sickness across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
- Guide a talented and committed Board of Trustees in allocating our resources wisely and ambitiously.
- Represent the charity externally, building relationships with partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing Board culture.
We are looking for:
- Experience as a Chair or senior trustee in the charity or public sector, or significant experience of governance and leadership in complex organisations.
- A strong connection to, or understanding of, Cornwall and its communities.
- Strategic vision, sound judgement, and the ability to inspire and challenge constructively.
- Commitment to our values of integrity, openness, and community focus.
- Enthusiasm for our mission to improve health and wellbeing for all.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to make a tangible difference to the health landscape of Cornwall. You’ll be joining a financially stable, well-regarded organisation with significant influence and a strong record of impact.
If you are motivated to help shape the future of health and wellbeing in Cornwall, we would love to hear from you.
We are a large Sea Cadet unit, who also have Royal Marines Cadets and Junior Sea Cadets (aged 10-12).
Our largest section is the Sea Cadets. They are aged 12-18. Cadets take part in many activities, events and competitions. The volunteer instructors teach and deliver these experiences, to suit their own knowledge and skillsets.
Our volunteers are excellent at sharing their knowledge with new adults that would like to have a go and see what we're all about.
Our command and management teams are keen to welcome new adults to the organisation and is grateful for the time everyone puts in.
As adult volunteers, you will gain a new friendship group, much support in learning new content, teaching experience with support, National Governing Body qualifications/awards, that are widely recognised. For example First Aid at Work and RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling (driving licence), plus many others.
Some of the activities the cadets take part in:
- Remembrance Day parades.
- Rowing competitions.
- Kayaking.
- Sailing.
- Windsurfing.
Some of the courses cadets learn:
- First Aid
- Seamanship
- Meterorology
- Peer Education
- Rock climbing
Some of the events cadets take part in:
- Birmgingham International Tattoo
- Sutton Coldfield Civic Sunday service (with the town council)
- Trafalgar Day parades.
- Royal Sutton Fun Run
- Birmingham Triathlon
- Sutton Coldfield Community Games
- ...and much more!
Thank you for reading - we can provide all induction information in booklet form.
We are a maritime organisation, based on Naval traditions, aiming to guide children into young adults.




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!
Team member sought to cover Lincolnshire and one to cover Nottinghamshire. You are also welcome to cover both.
Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working with practitioners of Safeguarding?
As a Community of Practice Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication. As a Community of Practice Officer, you will: Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community. Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice. Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects. Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement. Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members. Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.
We are looking for people with excellent interpersonal skills to join our Safeguarding team. Safeguarding is central to the work of St John Ambulance because it ensures that the diverse range of services we provide to children and adults at risk of harm, are delivered safely. Safeguarding Team Members do this in a number of ways e.g. by monitoring the implementation of the safeguarding policy, by responding to questions regarding and giving guidance etc.
Learning is at the heart of St John Ambulance and we offer a very large range of learning and developmental opportunities to our volunteers, including the full professional training that is essential for our Safeguarding Team Members:
· Safeguarding Awareness
· Safeguarding in Practice
· Working safely with Children and Adults at Risk of Harm
This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act.
The role involves volunteering during weekday evenings and very occasional weekends.
The closing date for this vacancy is 18/08/2025
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!
Event Organisers – Create Spaces Where Men Can Speak Up and Connect
Are you passionate about bringing people together for purpose-driven events? Do you believe that real change happens when stories are shared face-to-face?
MINDSET is a bold new charity empowering men to speak up, grow, and thrive. We will be offering peer-led support, practical workshops, and a community built on courage and connection. Now we’re looking for Event Organisers to help us create safe, inspiring spaces for men to gather, learn, and grow.
Why MINDSET Needs You
-
Many men struggle in silence—your events can be the first step toward connection.
-
We’re building a movement that’s grounded in real conversations and shared experiences.
-
Your organisational skills can help us turn ideas into impact.
Your Role: Event Organiser (Volunteer)
You’ll help plan and deliver events that reflect MINDSET’s mission—from peer support groups and workshops to launch events and community outreach. Whether you’re a seasoned planner or just passionate about creating welcoming spaces, your contribution will be vital.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Plan and coordinate events (online or in-person) that align with MINDSET’s ethos.
-
Liaise with speakers, facilitators, and venues.
-
Promote events through social media and community networks.
-
Ensure events are inclusive, emotionally safe, and well-organised.
-
Gather feedback and help improve future sessions.
Who We’re Looking For
-
Organised, proactive, and passionate about mental health and inclusion.
-
Experience in event planning, facilitation, or community organising (or a willingness to learn).
-
Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.
-
Ideally with lived experience or peer support background.
-
Approx. 2–6 hours/month (flexible and project-based).
Why Volunteer with MINDSET?
-
Help create spaces where men feel seen, heard, and supported.
-
Collaborate with a visionary grassroots team.
-
Be part of a movement that turns vulnerability into strength.
-
Gain experience in event planning and community engagement.
Apply Now
Send a short bio and a few lines about why you’d like to help organise events for MINDSET.
Deadline: 25th August 2025 before 5:30pm
Let’s build a stronger MINDSET—one gathering, one conversation, one breakthrough at a time.
Your events could be the spark that changes someone’s life.
MINDSET Charity
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.
Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.
We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.
A bit about this role...
Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.
What can I expect to be doing?
As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:
- Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
- Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
- Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
- Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
- Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.
We're looking for someone with:
- Sympathy to cats and our values
- Good communication skills
- Confidence in speaking to members of the public
- Confidence in handling money
How much time is expected of me?
Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.
Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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!
At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education.
We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.
We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.
We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on 4th & 6th Sept 2025.
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) on 4th & 6th Sept 2025.
Closing date for these opportunities is: 29/08/2025
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
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!
The Board of Aston Community Education Trust, comprising 12 schools primarily centred in Sheffield, is recruiting up to four new Trustees possessing a range of skills – including finance, risk and audit; marketing; safeguarding, curriculum and standards; and legal/procurement. The Trust supports 5,000 young people and has an annual budget of c.£40 million.
Aston Community Education Trust (ACET) operates 12 schools, primarily based in Sheffield, with offices in Holderness. Established in 2011, ACET was an early adopter of the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) model. The Trust includes nine primary academies—most of which received ‘Good’ or better ratings in their latest Ofsted inspections—and three secondary academies. Of the secondaries, one is rated ‘Good’ while the other two are judged as ‘Requiring Improvement,’ though both are progressing well according to Ofsted monitoring.
ACET runs an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit at Thurcroft Juniors, which has been rated ‘Outstanding’. From September 2025, all junior schools within the Trust will transition to full primary schools, expanding their intake to include Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils. ACET is a well-established, medium-sized Trust known for its robust leadership and transparent governance, with regular audits and Ofsted reviews publicly shared online. The Trust is firmly embedded in the urban heart of South Yorkshire.
ACET operates under clearly defined Articles of Association and a revised Scheme of Delegation that guides its governance. It maintains strong working relationships with Sheffield, Rotherham, and Derbyshire local authorities. The Trust actively engages with DfE-funded English and Maths Hubs for curriculum and teacher training support.
Its secondary academies collaborate with Wales High School in Rotherham, and all schools participate in teacher training placements for PGCE and QTS qualifications through partnerships with Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield. The primary schools benefit from a collaborative hub model, with professional development and leadership training available across all academies.
Currently, ACET is not seeking immediate expansion in terms of adding new schools to the Trust. The strategic focus is rather on converting its junior schools into full primary settings and strengthening outcomes across its secondary phase. The CEO’s senior leadership team includes a range of school improvement professionals working across both phases, supporting leaders with inspections and improving educational outcomes.
The Trust serves approximately 5,000 pupils and employs around 750 staff. Its academies serve a diverse demographic, predominantly from lower socio-economic areas of Sheffield. Two schools—Listerdale and Waverley Primary Academies—have more balanced socio-economic intakes. A defining characteristic of the Trust is its focus on supporting disadvantaged communities, including families with intergenerational unemployment. The Trust leadership is deeply committed to using education as a transformative tool and views ACET as a central community anchor.
Financially, ACET’s 2023/24 outturn aligned with expectations. All academies operated within their original budgets, and the Trust maintained an annual income of approximately £40 million. The 2023/24 external audit report confirmed ACET’s compliance and effective management of DfE funding. The Trust holds reserves in line with DfE recommendations, indicating prudent financial stewardship. Nonetheless, like many Trusts serving disadvantaged populations, ACET faces growing budgetary pressures. High SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) needs and poor attendance rates among secondary students are particularly impactful on financial and academic performance.
The Trust’s Requirements
ACET’s Trust Board currently comprises eight Trustees, though several retirements are anticipated within the next year. The Trust aims to recruit at least four new Trustees to maintain governance capacity and expertise. Specifically, the Trust seeks individuals with skills in:
- finance, risk and audit;
- marketing;
- safeguarding, curriculum and standards;
- legal/procurement.
There may also be a need to appoint a new Chair and Vice Chair within 12 months, so candidates with Board leadership experience and ambition to assume such a role within the Trust are especially welcome.
Succession planning is underway, and the Trust is working to ensure Board resilience during this transition. All Trustees have the option to operate remotely if required.
In terms of governance structure, ACET has four members – an ‘eyes-on, hands-off’ role akin to that of the shareholder – and completed an External Trust Review with the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) in March 2023. A follow-up action plan is currently in progress.
Trustee time commitments are clearly outlined: the full Board meets up to six times per year, while sub-committees meet at least once per term. Trustees usually join one or two committees aligned to their expertise.
Meetings are scheduled for late afternoons and offer both in-person and remote attendance options. Local candidates from Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, or Derbyshire are especially encouraged to apply, provided they bring relevant expertise.
New Trustees will complete a structured induction that includes face-to-face and online sessions, mentoring, and engagement with senior leaders, including the CEO, CFO, and academy heads. Trustees are expected to contribute beyond regular meetings by joining committees, participating in review panels, attending key Trust events, and, where appropriate, helping to appoint senior leaders. Committee meetings are held termly and typically last around two hours.
ACET has a well-developed governance infrastructure. It employs a Lead Governance Professional, a Financial Director, and a team of School Improvement Directors who support the CEO in preparing reports and maintaining oversight. The Trust places high importance on safeguarding and has a dedicated Safeguarding Governance Group led by executive staff and supported by designated safeguarding leads across academies. A safeguarding Trustee is nominated annually, and all Trustees are required to complete safeguarding training and remain familiar with statutory guidance, including the DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE). Safeguarding is monitored rigorously, with data shared regularly with the Board and included in the Annual Report.
ACET supports its Trustees through partnerships with the National Governance Association (NGA) and CST, enhancing professional development opportunities. The Trustee role is seen as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to educational and social impact in South Yorkshire. The Trust is described as forward-thinking and led by a second-generation CEO committed to sustainable growth over the next five years. Every decision is anchored in ACET’s values of excellence, equity, integrity, empowerment, and esteem, all of which place children at the heart of the Trust’s mission.
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!
This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.
We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. We also have a national research school, which aims to build and strengthen networks of schools throughout the region and help them access effective education research and implement it in everyday practice.
The Chair of our Trust Board of Directors helps shape and guide our passionate volunteers and staff team through clear leadership to the trust’s Board of Directors, embedding the trust's values and culture throughout the organisation.
In addition to the general role of all Non-Executive Directors/Trustees, the role of the Chair is:
1. Strategic leadership: To ensure the board and the CEO have an effective shared purpose, vision, values and strategic priorities.
2. Leading the governance team: To ensure the board has the right people with the right skills, attributes, motivations and behaviours to work effectively as a team and hold annual 1:1 conversations with non-executive directors and Local Governing Committee Chairs.
3. Working with leaders: To ensure professional relationships with the CEO and the Chairs of the schools’ Local Governing Committees. To lead the Chairs and Vice Chairs Forum.
4. Influencing improvement and outcomes: To ensure the Board is focused on the trust’s strategic priorities and the ongoing improvement of all of its schools and outcomes for pupils.
5. Leading governance business: To work with the CEO and the Clerk to the Directors to ensure the business of the Board and its Committees is planned, managed and actioned effectively.
6. To review the trust’s management accounts on a monthly basis, taking any appropriate action to maintain financial viability.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.