Community volunteer roles

SUMMARY

Roles Description: Finance Trustee, Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee, and Legal Trustee

Remuneration: Like most Trustee roles, these roles are unremunerated

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Start date: As soon as possible

Benefits: In addition to making a real difference in the lives of and deepening your understanding of youth organising, you will receive:

• Safeguarding Training and support in developing expertise here
• Reimbursement of expenses incurred in your role

At The Advocacy Academy, we envision a world where young people with lived experience of injustice (LEofI) harness their collective power to shape a more fair, just, and equal society. Our mission is to organise and support these young people to drive systemic change on the most pressing issues of our time.

We do this by offering deep coaching, delivering transformative leadership programmes, and creating clear pathways for sustained action. Through shared learning and community-building, we help young leaders build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to launch and lead proactive campaigns. We also recognise that real change starts from within - so we’re committed to a governance structure that is values-driven, participatory, and beyond reproach, ensuring TAA is as accountable to young people as it is to the communities we serve and its wider responsibilities.

We’re now looking to recruit three new Trustees to join our Board and help steer this work. We're especially keen to hear from people with leadership experience in one or more of the following areas: Finance & Fundraising, Community Organising and Campaigns & Legal

Trustees of The Advocacy Academy play a unique role in delivery of our mission. They are collectively responsible for the governance of the organisation, represent it to the community, and accept ultimate compliance authority for the charity and its activities. As a Trustee with experience in the UK’s youth sector, you will support the Board and the Executives in ensuring that TAA continues to deliver an exceptional quality of youth work, and the role that safeguarding plays in achieving this. As a trustee:

• Work with the Chair, Trustees and Senior Leadership team to ensure there is a clear, long-term and strategic vision The Advocacy Academy.
• Work with the Board to ensure we function within the legal and financial requirements of a UK registered charity and company, our constitution and that we strive for best practice
• Take responsibility with the other trustees so that the organisation has effective practice to safeguard the people it works with
• Act as an ambassador, spokesperson and champion our work supporting our income activities, and fostering networks that can help generate income.

About Our Board of Trustees

• Our Board currently consists of four members, recruited, selected, and approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Each trustee serves a three-year term, and we are made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.
• The Board meets quarterly (four times per year) to provide strategic oversight and governance. Operations/day to day are managed by the Executives.
• Given the size of the board, we expect all trustees to join at least one subcommittees meeting per year, unless there are extenuating circumstances. .The subcommittee meets are typically held prior to full Board meetings.
• Board meetings are held at our Liberation Centre in Brixton and subcommittee meets are held virtually
• The role of trustee is voluntary, though reasonable expenses are reimbursed.2• Trustees are expected to prepare in advance by reading reports and meeting papers, and are also warmly invited to attend our events throughout the year.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Finance Trustee - Trustee will provide charity financial governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Finance Director and the Finance & Risk Committee will:

• Provide support on financial oversight and ensure compliance with relevant charity and regulatory requirements.
• Review and co-present financial reports and key insights to the Board of Trustees.
• Actively participate in the Finance and Risk Committee, ensuring effective financial scrutiny.
• Strategic contribution to long-term financial and fundraising planning and support the organisation’s risk management framework.
• Attend Finance and Risk subcommittee meetings quarterly.

2. Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee - The Community organising and campaigning Trustee will provide organising and Campaigns governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Director of Organising and Campaigns and fellow trustees, they will:

• Provide strategic oversight of The Advocacy Academy’s organising and campaigning activities and priorities.
• Ensure campaigns are ethical, legally compliant, and aligned with the organisation’s values.
• Support the development of effective, youth-led organising and campaigning strategies.
• Offer insight into advocacy trends, movement-building, and political landscapes.
• Serve as a sounding board for the team, offering critical friend feedback without operational interference.
• Help the board assess risks and opportunities related to public positioning, reputation, and partnerships.
• Good governance, diversity and teamwork are at the core of the Board’s values. We want to ensure trustees represent the young people we work with and we are particularly interested in applications from people with lived experience.

3. Legal Trustee - The Legal Trustees will provide Legal perspective on governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Trustees, they will:

• Provide strategic legal perspective on compliance with charity law, employment law, using legal knowledge or by signposting to our external legal support.
• Provide legal perspective on any strategic decisions the board makes, which the board can then pursue formal legal advice on.
• Provide legal perspective on risk related to public campaigning, partnerships and public communications.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

1. Finance Trustee -

• Proven expertise in charity fundraising and financial management.
• Experience of charity finance and fundraising is essential.
• Previous board or trustee experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

2. Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee -

• Understanding of power-building, community organising, or movement strategy (essential).
• Experience in grassroots organising and campaigns, advocacy, or social justice movements.3• Familiarity with political or social justice contexts in the UK.
• Willingness to support youth leadership and work in solidarity with young campaigners.
• Previous board or governance experience is helpful but not essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

3. Legal Trustee -

• Qualified legal professional (e.g. solicitor, barrister, legal academic) with UK-based experience.
• Knowledge of charity, or employment law desirable.
• Experience in risk, governance, or compliance, particularly in the charity sector.
• A commitment to social justice and supporting youth organising work.
• Ability to translate legal concepts clearly for non-specialist trustees.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

EXPECTATIONS & ENTITLEMENT

• Attend at least one training programme that we run, so that you understand the work we deliver
• Attend trustee meetings, which are held four times a year in London or virtually, and last between 3 expected to attend at least three each year.
• Participate in one of our sub-committees as may be required by the trustee role.
• Demonstrate commitment to The Advocacy Academy by supporting fundraising efforts.
• Serve for a term of three years and be able to stand for re-election for a further term and possibly two.
• Work with the Chair to review your performance
• Claim reasonable travel and accommodation expenses to attend meetings -4 hours - trustees are expected to attend at least three each year.
• This is an outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Trustee roles, it is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of The Advocacy Academy’s board. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holders.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply to be our Trustee by sending your CV together with a supporting statement to us. Your supporting statement should explain why you would like to be our Trustee and the contribution you believe you would make to The Advocacy Academy, with particular reference to the specific Trustee role and Requirements above.

DATES

• •Closing Date: The deadline for applications is 7th October 2025 by 9am.

Please note that there will be two rounds of interviews, and we will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis as applications are received. The application deadline may be brought forward if suitable candidates are identified early.

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US

We aim to be representative of the community we are working with. We encourage applications from people of colour, those who identify as LGBTQIA, working class as well as disabled people, those living with mental health conditions, refugees and migrants. We welcome people from all identities who are made to feel marginalised.

We’re not just committed to being an equal opportunity employer, we actively celebrate diversity in all its forms. Let us know if we can do anything to make the application or interview process more accessible. If you are invited to interview, we will at that point ask you for any accessibility requirements or preferences.

As an employer we make all reasonable adjustments to support employees in their work if they are disabled or have a health condition. We support the Access to Work scheme which could provide you with financial support to get the help you need to do all tasks successfully. We are happy to facilitate Access to Work assessments and reclaims, and would actively welcome applicants who would need this in order to do the job.

All staff who work on our programme must have, prior to starting work, a returned satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dated no earlier than 1st January 2021. The Advocacy Academy will assist the application for, and pay for the processing of, a new DBS for staff members where required.

We welcome applications from people with convictions. Please disclose in your application if you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not “protected” (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 

Volunteer with Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure

Stepping Stones is a small, friendly charity in Southwark providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for volunteers to support our sessions in:

• Art (Friday mornings)
• Dance Fit (Thursday mornings and/or afternoons)
• Music (Tuesday mornings and/or afternoons)
• Social Club (Thursday afternoons)

These weekly groups offer creative, social, and wellbeing-focused opportunities for our learners, led by experienced tutors in a relaxed, supportive setting.

All sessions take place at St Faith’s Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations)

What You’ll Do

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting adults with learning disabilities to participate fully in the sessions, connect with others, and enjoy meaningful activities. Your role might include:

• Setting up and packing away equipment and materials
• Welcoming students and their carers or support workers
• Offering encouragement and practical support in one-to-one or small group settings
• Helping tutors to deliver fun, engaging activities

All sessions are led by experienced tutors, and you’ll be part of a warm and supportive staff and volunteer team who are committed to inclusion, creativity and care.

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Build experience working with adults with learning disabilities
• Gain hands on involvement in creative, wellbeing and social activities
• Be part of a welcoming and friendly team
• Develop your confidence, communication and teamwork skills
• Make a meaningful contribution to your local community
• Learn from people with diverse experiences 

Whether you’re exploring a career in social care or looking to give back and become a stronger link in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be an expert! We’re looking for people with the right attitude, values, and willingness to support others. Even if you don’t have experience of working with adults with learning disabilities, the following qualities are especially helpful:

• Enthusiasm and positivity. Your energy can set the tone for the group. A cheerful presence helps create a welcoming and encouraging environment.
• Patience. Some learners may take time to engage or communicate. Patience helps build trust and ensures everyone feels supported.
• Reliable and punctual. Many of our learners value consistency and routine. Being dependable helps build rapport and ensures the session runs smoothly.
• Inclusive communication skills. You should feel confident listening carefully, offering clear instructions or encouragement, and adapting your communication to meet individual needs.
• Inclusive and non-judgemental. We welcome people from all walks of life. An open-minded approach helps every learner feel accepted and valued.
• Adaptable and flexible. Things don’t always go to plan. A calm, flexible approach helps maintain a relaxed and safe environment for our sessions to run.
• Ready to get stuck in! Many sessions involve art, music or movement. You don’t need to be an expert, but a willingness to join in and get involved makes a big difference.

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an induction meeting
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteer for a minimum of a year with us.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and answer the following questions (these will come up when you hit "Apply"):

• What session(s) would you like to volunteer in?
• Why you would like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you will bring to your volunteering role?

We’re seeking a bold, visionary volunteer to become the first ever Youth Charity Lead of Urban Youth—a brand new youth work charity in London. If you believe in the power of connection, creativity, and community to transform young lives, this is your moment.

Who Are We?

Urban Youth is a startup youth work organisation with a big heart and even bigger ambitions. We’re creating a vibrant space where young Londoners can unplug from the noise of social media and plug into real-life experiences—fun, interactive activities that build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills.

Why Volunteer Now?

London is bursting with potential, but many young people face barriers—rising costs, isolation, and limited access to safe, empowering spaces. Urban Youth was born from a desire to flip the script: to offer hope, connection, and opportunity through youth work that’s fresh, inclusive, and unforgettable.

What’s the Role?

As our Volunteer Youth Charity Lead, you’ll be the driving force behind our mission. This is a strategic, hands-on leadership role for someone who can:

• Set the Vision: Shape our direction, values, and long-term goals.

• Build the Foundations: Establish core systems, policies, and programmes from scratch.

• Lead the Team: Inspire and guide volunteers, youth workers, and collaborators.

• Champion the Cause: Represent Urban Youth to partners, funders, and the wider community.

• Create Culture: Foster a spirit of inclusion, energy, and purpose across everything we do.

Why You?

You might be a seasoned leader, a passionate youth advocate, or someone with startup experience and a heart for social impact. What matters most is your ability to turn vision into action, and action into lasting change.

If you bring:

• Strategic thinking and a collaborative spirit

• Experience in leadership, youth work, or charity development

• A hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude

• A belief in young people and their potential

…then we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to build a charity from the ground up

• Real-world experience in leadership, strategy, and impact

• A community of passionate changemakers

• The deep satisfaction of knowing your work is changing lives

Ready to Lead the Way?

This is more than a role—it’s a community. Help us turn isolation into connection, worry into hope, and potential into reality.

Don’t just support the mission. Lead it.

URBAN YOUTH

Forging Connections | Creating Memories | Building Futures

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

��️ Join the Heart of the High Street – Volunteer at Oxfam Nicolson Street! ��

Do you love meeting people, making a difference, and bringing a little sparkle to someone’s day? Then we’ve got the perfect opportunity for you!

We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help us sort donations, stock shelves, and serve customers with a smile. Whether you're a master organiser or a natural chatterbox, your talents will make a real impact.

�� What You’ll Be Doing:

• Sorting through generous donations and discovering hidden treasures
• Creating eye-catching displays that brighten the shop
• Helping customers find their perfect purchase
• Sharing laughs, stories, and cups of tea with a welcoming team

�� What You’ll Gain:

• New friendships and community connections
• Confidence and retail experience
• The joy of helping others while having fun

Come as you are—whether you’ve got a free afternoon or a regular slot in mind, we’d love to have you!

Pop in for a chat, give us a ring, or apply today to start your volunteer journey. Let’s turn donations into action and kindness into community! ����

Are you passionate about being a global citizen? Are you looking for a role that really makes a difference? Well, how about joining a global organisation helping to empower women and men to end their own hunger and poverty? If this sounds exciting, we might have the perfect role just for you!

Role: Social Media Volunteer

Reports to: Marketing and Relationships Manager

Contract type: 3-6 months

Hours: 5 hours per week

Location: Remote

About The Hunger Project:

We are a global charity committed to the sustainable end of world hunger. Our mission is to end hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centred strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption in countries throughout the world.

In 2024, we reached nearly 13 million people in Africa, South Asia and Latin America. We believe people living in hunger are themselves the key to ending hunger. In partnership, we work with community members to realise their vision, commitment and leadership so they can feed themselves and their families, and end hunger for good in their communities.

We work to solve the root causes of hunger by supporting the communities experiencing them. As we adapt to meet local challenges and opportunities wherever we work, our programmes have a wide range of objectives, such as, ending child marriage, empowering women leaders, increasing girls in education, engaging local governments, entrepreneurism and employability, climate resilient farming and maternal health.

Our team is a mighty force of changemakers living around the world, including in our partner countries USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and across Europe. Here in the UK, we are a small but awesome team, with big ambitions. Together we have an entrepreneurial attitude and a hunger to grow and scale our impact significantly over the next five years.

About You:

The successful candidate will be joining a small UK-based team with big ambitions, so you’ll need to be comfortable with change and working within a fast-paced, agile organisation. You will work collaboratively with our UK team and global colleagues, to radically scale up our UK activities. As such, you will be pro-active, result driven and have a can-do attitude. This is a multi-faceted role that has huge potential for growth and development. Most importantly, you’ll be committed to the sustainable end of hunger. If this sounds like you, then read on!

The role:

You’ll be engaging with our audience on various social media platforms to promote the work of The Hunger Project.

You will be:

• Creating exciting content for our Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages.
• Connecting with followers, answering questions, and tailoring content to the audience.
• Reviewing engagement figures and growing our online platforms.

Required skills and attributes:

• Experience with social platforms – personal or for business.
• Ability to understand and follow The Hunger Project’s brand and social media guidelines.
• Experience in working to a deadline.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.
• Top-notch spoken and written communication skills; you have a keen eye for detail and detest spelling mistakes.
• Previous experience using Canva and scheduling posts in a platform like Later

This role can offer you:

• Great addition to your CV, portfolio, and LinkedIn.
• A chance to use your own creative skills and ideas while gaining social media experience.
• Broader insight into how a global charity operates and communicates with its audience.
• Opportunity to contribute to real-world change and make a difference.

If this sounds like the role you’ve been looking for, get in touch and let’s talk.

Apply with a cover letter and CV by 15th August 2025.

Location: Stonehouse, Honicknowle and the wider Plymouth area. 
Time Commitment: flexible, support us when you can. 

What we are looking for    
We need willing volunteers to work alongside us communicate the Together for Childhood message in Stonehouse, Honicknowle and the wider Plymouth area.
 
Do you have any ideas of how you would like to help? 
Here are some ideas we have:

• Workforce development - co deliver workshop for community members Safeguarding First Aid and child sexual abuse prevention workshop. 
• Healthy relationships – social media content creation, online safety, Pants champion. 
• Events – Supporting a stall at events and helping with an activity and sharing our messaging.
• Newsletter- skills to create our TFC newsletter.
• Be a ‘conversation starter' you will receive help to support us to share our prevention of child sexual abuse messages.
• Community Leader Toolkit facilitator – support with group delivery and set up and champion our messaging and help you take action. 
• Pantosaurus Mascot and help us spread this important message to children.

What you will get.
Free training specific to your role and we will support you with the information and tools needed to help you. 
Be invited to relevant meetings and briefings and receive updates so you can learn more about how you are helping to protect children in Plymouth and across the UK. You will get the opportunity to meet and work with volunteers and staff across the organisation.

Who's right for the role?
While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience.
•    Passionate about helping young people and children
•    Comfortable talking about the NSPCC's work
•    Good communication and social skills
•    Works well within a team

Overview of the role

Airdrie Foodbank are seeking someone with fundraising and grant applications experience at board level, ensuring that the Board of Trustees are aware of and kept up to date with any fundraising or grant developments and build a sound fundraising strategy as we move forward. This role involves leading on fundraising affairs for the food bank and ensuring that they are conducted within good practice frameworks.

Responsibilities

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the food bank and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to work in partnership with the chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

What will you be doing?

Trustee (Fund Raising & Grants Lead) responsibilities:

• to work alongside the director, treasurer and the rest of the board to plan what level of funds are required to be generated to ensure the effective running of the charity
• to work alongside the trustee board to ensure that all grants are sought and written with the purpose of meeting the charity’s vision and objectives
• to lead on the organisation of local fund-raising opportunities to support the running of the charity, including incorporating national Trussell fund raising campaigns/events throughout the year to oversee, with operational management support, the writing of high-quality grant applications that are in line with the charity’s vision and objectives
• to regularly communicate to the rest of the trustee board via trustee meetings or any other communication, any relevant information and/or developments regarding fund raising or grant applications.

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support, and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated
• to review and approve financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• an understanding of, and commitment to, the work of the Airdrie Foodbank
• a knowledge of, and passion for, fundraising and grant application writing
• an ability to lead on any fundraising and grants matters in a supportive and confident manner
• a commitment to understand and support your local community
• excellent communication and collaboration skills
• willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board
• willingness to act in the best interest of the charity
• sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively
• working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop.

What difference will you make?

By leading on fundraising and grants matters for the food bank, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Airdrie Foodbank.

Become a Trustee or Chair of Lancaster Grand Theatre

Make a difference to Lancaster’s creative life. Bring your skills and passion to one of the city’s most loved cultural venues.

We are now recruiting new Trustees to join the Board of Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre CIO from September 2025, and a future Chair of Trustees to take up the role during 2026.

Applications close: 12 noon, 15 August 2025
Coffee Morning for prospective Trustees: Saturday 12 July, 9:30am

About Lancaster Grand Theatre

Lancaster Grand Theatre is one of the UK’s oldest working theatres, first opened in 1782. Today, our 460-seat Grade II listed venue stages over 250 events every year — bringing joy to thousands of people from across our community and beyond.

The charity that runs the theatre — Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre CIO — is powered by volunteers and driven by a commitment to making arts and culture accessible, welcoming and sustainable.

We are now looking to strengthen our Board of Trustees by welcoming new members with a range of skills, experience and perspectives. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from under-represented groups, to ensure our Board reflects the diversity of our community.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking Trustees from a broad range of backgrounds — you don’t need to have previous Board experience. We will provide induction and support to help you thrive in the role.

In particular, we are keen to add skills and expertise in:

• Chair of the Board (future appointment in 2026)
• Safeguarding
• Youth Engagement & Development
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Environment & Sustainability
• ICT & Data Control
• Constitutional Compliance & Insurance
• Arts, Culture & Heritage (including archiving)
• Fundraising and Grants
• Facilities Management

We are also looking for candidates who are passionate about the role of live performance in community life, and who can contribute to our mission and values:

Our Mission: To be a place of joy, and a cornerstone of cultural and artistic excellence, for our community and beyond.

The Role of Trustee

As a Trustee, you will be part of a voluntary team that:

· Provides governance and leadership for the charity

· Oversees the management of the theatre and ensures its sustainability

· Supports and champions the theatre’s values and mission

· Ensures good financial stewardship and legal compliance

· Contributes ideas, expertise and time to support our ongoing development

Trustees attend around 6–8 Board meetings per year (usually weekday evenings), plus occasional working groups and events. We aim to create a supportive, collaborative and enjoyable environment for all Trustees.

Chair Role: The current Chair of Trustees will progressively hand over the role during 2026. The incoming Chair will be selected by the Board after the AGM. Support and mentoring will be provided.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply:

Attend our Coffee Morning on 12 July (optional, but recommended)
Submit an application by 12 noon, 15 August 2025

Your application should include:

• A completed Charity Commission declaration form (we will provide this)
• A short statement (up to 500 words) summarising your skills and experience, and why you’d like to join the Board

DOWNLOAD Trustee & Chair Briefing Pack on website.

We are seeking enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to join our café team. As a Volunteer Café Assistant, you will play a vital role in creating a warm and inviting environment for our customers. Your efforts will help support the daily operations of the café and ensure that every visitor leaves with a smile.

Volunteer Impact and Support

As a Café Assistant, your contribution will directly impact the community by fostering a welcoming space where people can connect and unwind. Whether it’s brightening someone’s day with a smile or ensuring their favourite drink is served just right, your role supports the café’s mission of creating memorable experiences.

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. 

NEAT is looking for people to take a leadership role as Chairs/Vice Chairs of our Local Governing Committees (LGCs). We're open to hear from any candidates who are motivated to contribute to the enhancement of education in our schools, whether that be with years of education experience, or with new insights and innovative thinking about how schools and Academy Trusts can and should support learners and other stakeholders.We are looking for people who can work with a range of people to support our schools, leading the governors and coordinating with school and trust leaders and external stakeholders. 

Our LGC members (school governors) come from a wide range of backgrounds. What they have in common is that they want to help our schools be the best they can be and our pupils to succeed. People who know our local communities bring real insight to the LGC. 

We're especially keen to support people who may not have much opportunity or experience with governing bodies, and those from underrepresented groups. If you have a passion for supporting pupils and some relevant skills or experience, we're keen to hear from you.

As a governance volunteer, our LGC members have the opportunity to use and develop their skills in:

• building relationships and networks
• teamwork
• communication and influencing
• strategic thinking
• problem solving
• using data
• leadership and Board practice
• specialist areas such as Careers, Health & Safety, Special Educational Needs (SEND), or Safeguarding

Being a school governor is not only a great way to use your existing experience and expertise in your community, but is a great way to learn new skills, receive training in leadership and board skills, upskill and make a difference. There's a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and working with a range of people from different backgrounds, professions, and life experience.

Our governance volunteers (school governors) have direct impact in the community through:

• decision making in the best interests of pupils to improve their education, wellbeing and future prospects and raise community aspirations
• shaping school policies and aims, allowing teachers to focus on delivering high-quality educational experiences
• stakeholder engagement to ensure that the voices of staff, parents, pupils and other stakeholders are heard

Most LGC members have a four-year term of office, except for co-opted members who are appointed for one year. They attend around four meetings each year, which are usually held late afternoon/early evening during term-time. LGC members are also involved in scrutiny activities in school, which usually happen once or twice a term during the school day. LGC members also participate in decision-making panels (for admissions and exclusions) for schools in the Trust. The average time commitment for our LGC members is 8-12 hours per month.

For LGC Chairs, there is need to be involved in contact with a range of stakeholders within the school, the community, and across the trust. This will include more frequent meetings in school, possibly during the day, although many of these may be outside normal school hours. Depending upon school priorities, we would expect the typical Chair time commitment to be around 15-20hrs per month, although some of this can be done online and by phone around work and home commitments.

NEAT takes safeguarding seriously, and all governance volunteers are required to undertake a vetting process (including DBS check) during appointment to best safeguard our pupils and schools.

When: Saturday 8th November 2025

Role Details: 

Join us for a wonderful evening of music at Ralli Hall in Hove, where the Brighton & Hove Concert Orchestra will perform a programme of film and theatre favourites with their 50-piece orchestra. 

We’re looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to help collect donations before and after the concert using both donation buckets and card machines. 

Whether you're looking to support a great cause, meet new people, or gain experience for your CV, we’d love to have you on board. No previous experience is necessary – just a positive attitude and a willingness to get involved. 

Availability: Flexible shifts available between 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM 
Location: Ralli Hall, Denmark Villas, Hove, BN3 3TH 
Supervised by: Community and Events Assistant 

Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board of Trustees as Vice Chair.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that
supports families across Suffolk. As Vice Chair, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and wider Board to
help shape our strategic direction, support strong governance and ensure we continue to meet the needs of
families in our communities.

We are specifically looking for someone with charity governance experience. You will bring a solid
understanding of how effective boards operate and feel confident supporting other trustees, offering
constructive challenge and helping to ensure the charity meets its legal and strategic responsibilities.
This Vice Chair role is part of our wider trustee recruitment and we welcome applicants who bring any of the
following:

• Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
• Understanding of family support or volunteer management
• Strong networks and connections within local businesses
• Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
• A passion for making a difference in your community

Interested?
We would love to hear from you. more information and a candidate pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: This is an open and rolling recruitment
Interviews: Held as applications are received
 

Trail Coordinator

Role Type: Volunteer
Time Commitment: Flexible – typically 1–2 events per month
Location: In-person (various walking/hiking spots)

About the role:
As a Trail Coordinator, you’ll support the planning and smooth running of our mindful strides walks and hikes. This might mean choosing beautiful, accessible routes, helping with safety checks, welcoming attendees, or guiding the group on the day. You don’t need to be a super experienced hiker, just confident, calm, and happy being outdoors with others.

You might enjoy this role if you:

• Love walking, nature, and exploring

• Are organised and enjoy thinking about logistics

• Feel confident leading small groups or supporting someone who does

• Care about creating safe, inclusive outdoor spaces