Development officer volunteer roles in broxbourne, hertfordshire

Chair of the Board of Trustees recruitment

Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Havering (RBH)

Age UK RBH is seeking an outstanding leader to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees, guiding our charity through its next phase of growth, resilience, and impact for older people across our three boroughs.

About Us

Age UK RBH is a trusted local charity supporting older people across Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham, and Havering. We deliver vital services that promote independence, wellbeing, and dignity—from advice and information to social activities, home support, and specialist care. With a strong reputation for quality and compassion, we are proud to be a lifeline for older residents and their families.

The Role

As Chair, you will:

· Provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and accountability.

· Champion our mission and values, safeguarding the charity’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and measurable impact.

· Support and challenge the Chief Executive and senior team, acting as a critical friend and strategic partner.

· Represent Age UK RBH externally, building partnerships with funders, local authorities, and community organisations.

· Ensure the charity remains financially sustainable and operationally strong, delivering excellence for older people.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a visionary leader with:

· Experience of chairing boards or holding senior governance roles.

· Strong understanding of charity governance, financial stewardship, and risk management.

· Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire confidence across diverse stakeholders.

· Commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity.

· Passion for improving the lives of older people and strengthening communities.

What We Offer

· The opportunity to shape the future of a respected local charity.

· A collaborative, committed Board and senior team.

· The chance to make a tangible difference to thousands of older people across East London.

Time Commitment

This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The Chair is expected to commit around 2–3 days per month, including Board meetings, sub-committees, and external representation. There are six Board of Trustees Meetings usually on a Friday afternoon and additional training days as required.

How to Apply

If you believe you can bring strategic vision, governance expertise, and a deep commitment to older people, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a short supporting statement (no longer than 2 pages) outlining your interest and suitability to 

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Interviews: week beginning 9th February

For more information please email:

Alima Qureshi, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Andreea Albu, Chief Executive

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Identify gaps where training is required and create content

• Create and deliver training content and training plans for the organisation

• Arranging set training sessions with volunteers

• Arranging new training sessions with volunteers

• Finding topics that is relevant to the organisation that can increase development

• Finding and distributing information on free webinars

Requirements

• Excellent writing and speaking skills.

• IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

• Ability to work well independently and in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Interest in HR and the non-profit sector.

• Experience not required, but any previous experience in HR or administrative roles is a plus.

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us ?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations. We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

What You’ll Gain
•Recognition through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment

We look forward to hearing from you!

Position Overview

An exciting and unique internship opportunity to work closely with key senior operational staff in a respected UK international development charity; this position has strong vocational content for anyone looking to break into the international development sector with future possibilities of progression into roles within the UK and/or Madagascar.

The post holder will gain hands-on experience in international development, gain understanding and skills across a wide range of duties associated with programmes development, corporate fundraising, volunteer coordination, and practical charity management.

The internship spans a minimum of six months and is a remote role. The diversity of activities that will be undertaken provides training for an early-career development professional who can effectively and efficiently deal with a comprehensive range of tasks related to the complex world of overseas development work.

Location: Remote

Commitment: Part-time, two days a week for a minimum of six months - with full flexibility to choose which two days you work, and the option to adjust or change those days as needed.

Salary: N/A (voluntary)

Volunteer: The PR Officer of Hidayah plays a vital role in raising the profile of the organisation. The PR Officer will take the lead in managing relationships with external media, agencies, and partners to help Hidayah achieve its strategic aims. The PR officer will work closely with the Chair and two digital trustees, and focus on increasing visibility, strengthening our public image, and supporting advocacy through effective communication.
 

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

• Act as the main point of contact for external media outlets, journalists, and PR agencies on behalf of Hidayah.

• Work with the Chair to help implement their media strategy and PR aims.

• Draft, review and issue press releases, statements, and media content as needed.

• Identify media opportunities that can help platform Hidayah’s work, voices, and campaigns.

• Cultivate and manage relationships with media partners, influencers, and relevant organisations.

• Provide PR advice and guidance to the Chair and help ensure consistent messaging.

• Contribute to the development of key messaging and ensure alignment with organisational policies and values.

• Help monitor media coverage and report back to the Chair on PR impact and reach.

What do we expect from the PR Officer of Hidayah?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Knowledge:

• Experience in PR, communications, journalism, or media relations, ideally in the voluntary, charity or advocacy sector.

• Understanding of media landscapes, both mainstream and community-based, with an awareness of LGBTQ+ and/or faith-sensitive contexts.

• Knowledge of reputation management and crisis communications.

Personality:

• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to represent Hidayah with professionalism, sensitivity, and integrity.

• Friendly, enthusiastic, dedicated, and committed to Hidayah’s mission and values.

• Creative thinker who can identify innovative ways to promote Hidayah’s work.

Personal Skills:

• Strong writing and editing skills for creating press releases and media content.

• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with external partners.

• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and diversity in communications.

• Ability to respond to media challenges and opportunities with diplomacy and care.

Administration Skills:

• Organised and methodical in managing media contacts and communications records.

• Competence in using email, social media platforms, and shared systems such as Google Drive.

• Ability to draft reports on PR activity for Board meetings.

• Familiarity with digital tools to track media coverage and public engagement.

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your own schedule. One average the role will require 2-4 hours per week. The following commitments are in place for all Hidayah volunteers:

• To be available for media requests or to coordinate timely responses as needed.

• To support Hidayah events through PR activity and promotion. 

• To help with fundraising efforts by securing media coverage for campaigns and initiatives.

• To check and respond to PR-related emails promptly.

• To maintain clear records of media engagement and press materials in the organisation’s shared systems (Google Drive).

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lambeth Links in their search for their CEO.

Lambeth Links is a small charity with a big ambition: to be a central point of rallying, communication and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ Community who live, work and socialise in Lambeth – the largest borough in London. The organisation aims to strengthen the links between individuals and groups while also highlighting the many issues that continue to adversely affect the community.

Lambeth has a deep and rich history of LGBTQIA+ activism. From being home to founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) to hosting Europe’s first EuroPride in Brixton in 1992, the borough has long been the beating heart of the LGBTQIA+ Community. Lambeth Links exists to continue that legacy of championing collective voice and driving forward change.

As CEO, you will lead the operational and strategic running of the charity, make sure that the organisation runs well every day and that it has the people, systems and income to grow.

The ideal candidate will have :

• Significant experience of leading at senior level in a charity, social enterprise, public or community organisation. This might be as a Chief Officer, Director or Head of a significant function with clear accountability for people, budgets and organisational performance.
• Experience of working directly with or supporting a Board of Trustees or similar governing body, including preparing papers, giving honest advice and implementing decisions.
• Experience of organisational development or change, for example improving systems, structures, culture or ways of working in a small organisation.
• Understanding of the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people, including those who are Black or from other communities of colour, disabled people and people with insecure immigration status, and a commitment to intersectional practice.

​​​​How to Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 11.59pm on 21/12/2025:

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. 
• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role. Please explain how you meet the essential criteria and give one or two examples that show how you have already operated at, or very close to, Chief Officer level. For example, leading an organisation or major function, managing whole organisation budgets or income plans, or steering a Board or governing body through a key decision. 
• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

Volunteer Opportunity: Chief Executive Officer (Non-Uniform Role)

Organisation: Ranger Cadets

Location: REMOTE Flexible / National

Commitment: Volunteer Leadership Role

About Us

Ranger Cadets is a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine, to belong, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Role

We are seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Ranger Cadets in a non-uniform position. This is a pivotal volunteer role for someone who can bring strategic clarity, operational leadership, and inspirational energy to a growing national movement.

As CEO, you will:

• Provide overall leadership and direction for Ranger Cadets.

• Build and sustain partnerships with communities, schools, and youth organisations.

• Oversee governance, safeguarding, and operational excellence.

• Inspire and support volunteers, trustees, and staff to deliver our mission.

• Champion our values of inclusivity, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Who We’re Looking For

• A proven leader with experience in charity, youth work, education, or community development.

• Strong organisational and strategic planning skills.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

• Passion for youth empowerment, social mobility, and community impact.

• Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape and grow a national youth organisation from its earliest stages.

• The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for young people across the UK.

• A role that blends vision, leadership, and community impact.

How to Apply

If you are ready to lead with purpose and help unlock the potential of young people, we would love to hear from you.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

Lead a Movement. Change Men’s Lives.

Who We Are

MINDSET Charity is a new, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to transforming men’s lives across England. We support men on their journeys of mental wellbeing and self-improvement through workshops, creative programmes, and community-building activities.

We are building a movement of resilience, dignity, and brotherhood. To guide us from set-up to launch and beyond, we need a visionary Chief Executive Officer.

The Role of CEO

As our Volunteer CEO, you will:

• Direct, lead, and steer the charity through its foundation, launch, and growth phases.

• Shape and deliver our strategic vision, ensuring MINDSET becomes a trusted national movement.

• Build and inspire a volunteer team, fostering a culture of positivity, resilience, and impact.

• Represent MINDSET Charity to partners, funders, and the wider community, raising awareness and credibility.

• Ensure operational excellence, safeguarding governance, compliance, and sustainability.

This is a volunteer role, but your leadership will be the driving force behind MINDSET Charity’s success.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from leaders of all backgrounds who share our passion for men’s mental wellbeing. Experience in charity leadership, start-ups, or organisational development is valuable, but what matters most is your vision, resilience, and ability to inspire others.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a pioneering charity at its foundation stage.

• Lead a national movement tackling men’s mental health and self-improvement.

• Shape the future of a volunteer-run organisation with lasting impact.

• Collaborate with passionate volunteers united by purpose and brotherhood.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to lead MINDSET Charity from set-up to success, we’d love to hear from you.

This is more than leadership. It’s about building a legacy of resilience, dignity, and hope. Join us, and let’s build MINDSET together.

Trustee Recruitment

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering

Become a trustee for Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering (Age UK RBH)

We are seeking new trustees to strengthen our Board and help shape the future of vital services for older people across our three boroughs.

We are looking for dedicated, passionate people, of all ages, with a range of professional and life experience, to join the Age UK RBH Board of Trustees.

You'll join a trustee team with a vast amount of personal and professional experience across a whole range of fields.  You’ll be warmly welcomed, participate fully in the governance of our charity and all that entails, and supported to develop your skills.

We'd love to hear from you whether you're an experienced trustee or have never been one. It's just important that you're passionate about creating a fair and equal society for older people and can embody our values.

What we are looking for:

· Previous committee experience and abilities to work in a team

· Professional or voluntary skills and experience covering areas such as supporting older people, caring, finance, communication, property, Human Resources.

· People who live in one of our 3 core boroughs or work or have family connection to one of them or an interest in supporting older people in Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering

· Commitment to diversity and inclusion

It is not essential to be an older person yourself (due to a majority of older people on the existing board).

We are particularly keen to recruit trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas that are underrepresented on our board:

· Legal – governance, compliance, contracts, safeguarding

· Human Resources – workforce development, wellbeing, organisational culture

· Local Authority/Public Sector – commissioning, partnership working, policy insight

· Data and Digital – evidence‑based decision making, data governance, innovation

· Social Enterprise/Business Development – income generation, sustainability, entrepreneurship

· Commissioning and Contract Management – strategic commissioning, outcomes framework

We're actively looking to improve the diversity of our Board of Trustees, so we'd especially like to hear from people from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups.

Time commitment

There are six Board of Trustees Meetings in the year usually on a Friday afternoon and additional training days as required.

Contact

To register your interest in becoming a trustee please email your CV with a short paragraph stating why you are interested in the role to chair

We will invite you for a conversation and provide further information about becoming a trustee.

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Interviews: Week beginning 9th February 2026

For more information please email:

Alima Qureshi, Chair of the Board of Trustee

Andreea Albu, Chief Executive

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering

Overview

The Social Supermarket Initiative (SSI) is a community-led social enterprise tackling food insecurity and promoting sustainable community growth through our affordable supermarket model, outreach programmes, and ethical partnerships. We are seeking a Recruitment Officer to lead SSI’s recruitment activities. This role will focus on attracting, selecting, and supporting team members across SSI’s operations, ensuring they are welcomed, trained, and empowered to contribute to our mission and social impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver recruitment campaigns across relevant channels.

• Respond to applications and enquiries, guiding candidates and volunteers through the recruitment process.

• Review applications, coordinate interviews, and facilitate the selection process for all roles. 

• Coordinate onboarding and induction, including role information, training, and support materials.

• Maintain accurate recruitment records, role descriptions, and schedules.

• Work with team leads to identify staffing and volunteer needs and ensure timely recruitment to fill operational gaps.

• Support engagement, retention, and recognition initiatives to build a motivated, diverse, and committed workforce.

Core Duties

• Ensure recruitment practices align with SSI’s mission, values, and compliance standards, including safeguarding and equality policies.

• Exercise professionalism, diligence, and integrity in all recruitment and onboarding matters.

• Safeguard confidentiality and data protection in handling candidate and volunteer information.

• Collaborate with internal teams to design clear, accessible role profiles that meet operational needs.

• Contribute to projects or committees related to recruitment, HR, or organisational development as required.

Expectations of the Role

• Attend and contribute to team meetings and planning sessions.

• Stay informed about best practice and trends in recruitment, volunteering, and workforce development.

• Participate in initiatives or campaigns where staffing and volunteer support are key.

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold SSI’s ethical standards, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.

About You

Essential

• Commitment to SSI’s mission and social impact.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and organisational skills.

• Experience in recruitment, HR, or volunteer management.

• Confidence in engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and building positive candidate experiences.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple recruitment processes simultaneously.

• Proficient with IT tools including email, spreadsheets, and recruitment platforms.
   

Desirable

• Knowledge of social enterprise, community organisations, or nonprofit operations.

• Understanding of safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment.

• Experience with applicant tracking systems, volunteer databases, or HR software.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven social enterprise with measurable community impact.

• Practical, hands-on experience in recruitment, onboarding, and workforce management.

• Access to professional development, networking, and career growth opportunities.

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and meeting expenses.

• The chance to influence SSI’s people strategy and help build a motivated, diverse, and high-performing team.

How to Apply

Please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a short statement (max 300 words) outlining your interest in the role.

The Social Supermarket Initiative (SSI) is a community-led social enterprise tackling food insecurity and promoting sustainable community growth through our affordable supermarket model, outreach programmes, and ethical partnerships. We are seeking a Volunteer Fundraising Officer to support SSI’s financial sustainability and growth. This role will focus on securing funding through grant writing, donor engagement, and community fundraising initiatives, ensuring SSI can continue delivering its mission and expanding its social impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, research, and pursue grant opportunities, donor funding, and community fundraising streams.

• Develop high-quality, persuasive, and compliant funding proposals and applications.

• Maintain SSI’s funding tracker, calendar, and reporting systems.

• Build and maintain relationships with funders, local partners, and community stakeholders.

• Support outcome and impact reporting to funders and the board.

• Contribute to SSI’s fundraising strategy and advise on opportunities for growth.

Core Duties

• Ensure fundraising and grant activities align with SSI’s mission and compliance standards.

• Exercise professionalism, diligence, and integrity in all fundraising matters.

• Safeguard financial accuracy and transparency in proposals and reports.

• Collaborate with internal teams to gather data, stories, and supporting evidence for applications.

• Create compelling marketing materials to promote fundraising initiatives across various channels.

• Join working groups or project committees related to fundraising and development.

Expectations of the Role

• Attend and contribute to team meetings and planning sessions.

• Stay informed about trends in funding, social enterprise, and community development.

• Participate in project groups or campaigns where relevant to fundraising objectives.

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold SSI’s ethical standards, including diversity and inclusion.

About You

Essential

• Commitment to SSI’s mission and community impact.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and organisational skills.

• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or donor management.

• Solutions-driven mindset, with attention to detail and accuracy in proposals and budgets.
   

Desirable

• Knowledge of social enterprise, food systems, sustainability, or community engagement.

• Understanding of finance, governance, or nonprofit operations.

• Lived experience of food insecurity or involvement in community-led initiatives.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven social enterprise with measurable community impact.

• Hands-on experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor management.

• Networking opportunities through community events and partnerships.

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and meeting expenses.

• Training and professional development to support growth and impact on SSI’s mission.

How to Apply

Please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a short statement (max 300 words) outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience.

The Income Generation Officer will play a pivotal role in enhancing the financial sustainability and growth of Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW), supporting 47 active mountain rescue teams across the region. This voluntary position is responsible for devising and implementing a robust income generation strategy to ensure the long-term funding and stability of the organisation.

Resource is required to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to support long-term funding and organisation growth, financial stability and the achievement of income goals. This will include building relations with major donors, corporate partnerships, legacies and individual giving. In addition, there is scope to drive income through MR membership and via grants from trusts, foundations and government.

Reporting to the CEO, the person will need to contribute to the MREW’s overall future strategy. There will be a need to understand the MR structure and to have the ability to work as part of the MREW Senior Management Team, and alongside trustees, liaison team, regional structure and local teams. 

Using the MREW Income Generation Strategy, they will review all existing income generation streams to understand their viability and scalability, along with all potential new income streams to develop sustainable income for MREW.

Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) is a voluntary organisation that provides mountain rescue services 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers support to communities during other crises. It consists of 47 independent volunteer search and rescue teams that operate across eight geographical areas. The organisation serves as the national body to represent the whole organisation, acting as an advisory body, linking with partner organisations and helping to standardise training and share information.

Objectives

The overarching activities for this role are:

• Develop an income generation plan, aligning with the financial planning cycle, with a periodic review and reporting cycle. Deliver against the plan.
• Central to the role will be the following essential tasks:
  • Grant Writing: Researching and writing grant proposals to secure funding from various trusts, foundations, and government agencies. 
  • Corporate Partnerships: Building and maintaining relationships with businesses to secure corporate sponsorships, donations, and in-kind contributions. 
  • Donor Engagement: Cultivating and managing relationships with individual donors and supporters to ensure their engagement and long-term support. 
• Create an opportunity to develop long-term wills and legacy income.
• Develop compelling cases for support grounded in impact and aligned with MREW values and mission.
• Build and steward high-value relationships with funders, donors and strategic partners.
• Oversee income targets whilst ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical standards.
• Research and develop grant opportunities from national and local bodies, in conjunction with regional and local teams.
• Lead on income generation for MREW, working with member teams and all other stakeholders. Support regional and local team fundraising opportunities. Foster collaboration, empowerment and accountability.
• Agree on short-term and long-term fundraising targets and opportunities alongside the MREW Senior Management Team.
• Represent MREW at relevant external meetings.

Skills

• Experience generating income, with a demonstrable track record of developing and leading fundraising strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to foster trust and accurately represent MREW’s mission and goals.
• Ability to work alongside colleagues and manage competing priorities.
• Financial literacy, including budget creation and management.
• Creativity, imagination and intuition.

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. You will need to demonstrate a commitment to the charity's mission and cause. 

Qualifications

• Financial or project management qualifications are desirable.

Additional notes

• To work with the Finance Director to plan for future year budgets and to ensure that an accurate record of all financial transactions are produced and maintained for the MREW Finance Director, including the fundraising pipeline.
• To ensure all committee members are treated fairly through MREW Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To work with the national media team to release press statements/support campaigns as required.
• This is a voluntary role within MREW, elected annually; it is expected that the applicant will serve a term of 5 years, with a possible extension of a further 5 years if desired.
• Travel during the working day may be required, with occasional absence from home overnight, as meetings with funders and other stakeholders may cover a large geographical area. Out-of-pocket expenses can be reclaimed in line with the MREW Expenses Policy.

CB Plus – Recruiting New Trustees

CB Plus is a leading community charity working across London. As we enter a new strategic phase, we are looking for new Trustees to join our Board.

We want to strengthen our skills, broaden our perspectives, and better reflect the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from minority and under-represented communities, and from people with strong community insight.

We are especially seeking experience in:

• Finance / accounting
• HR / people management
• Public sector commissioning / local government
• Business development / income generation

We also welcome skills in:
Health and care, youth services, safeguarding, community cohesion, EDI, digital, data, communications, legal and governance.

No previous Board experience is required — we value good judgement, commitment, and a passion for strengthening communities.

What the role involves:

• Quarterly Board and Committee Meetings + occasional strategy sessions
• Providing oversight, support and healthy challenge to the leadership team
• Helping shape CB Plus’s future direction and impact

This is a voluntary position; reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Join us in shaping a stronger, more connected London.

The Media & Communications Director will play a pivotal role in developing communication strategies to enhance awareness and recognition of mountain rescue and the teams within the UK, and supporting internal communication to enable effective dissemination of information and news for Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW), supporting 47 active mountain rescue teams across the region. This voluntary position is responsible for devising and implementing a robust plan, working alongside a range of partners and colleagues.

Reporting to the CEO, the person will need to contribute to the MREW’s overall future strategy. There will be a need to understand the MR structure and to have the ability to work as part of the MREW Senior Management Team, and alongside trustees, liaison team, regional structure and local teams. 

Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) is a voluntary organisation that provides mountain rescue services 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers support to communities during other crises. It consists of 47 independent volunteer search and rescue teams that operate across eight geographical areas. The organisation serves as the national body to represent the whole organisation, acting as an advisory body, linking with partner organisations and helping to standardise training and share information.

Objectives

 The overarching activities for this role are:

• Development of external communication to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts and ‘new explorers’ taking an interest in the great outdoors. 
•  Leadership of a small team plus the wider Media and Communications Network (MCN) of MR volunteers to develop and deliver a Media and Communications Strategy and programme of activity
  • Publications and online communications (all social media)
  • Website development
  • Development of key messages, inc. support to MREW spokespeople (messages, materials and training) to enable effective stakeholder communications.
•  Leading and planning for effective reactive communications in challenging situations, including issues management, messaging and spokesperson briefing.
• Liaison with external partners (PR, Magazine Editor, Public Affairs), relevant media and stakeholders, including a process for responding to incoming enquiries and interview requests and a process for planning proactive media activities.
•  Development of key messages inc. safety messaging
• The development of effective Internal communications to support knowledge of MREW and to enable consistency of message from the family of Teams.
• Represent MREW at relevant external meetings.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to foster trust and accurately represent MREW’s mission and goals.
•  Ability to work alongside colleagues and manage competing priorities.
• Creativity, imagination and intuition.
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken.
• Good organisational and project management skills.
• An ability to develop, negotiate and work within a financial budget.
• A strategic approach to the reputational management of mountain rescue in England and Wales (at all levels).
• Knowledge and understanding of the various forms of media, including broadcast and print, digital and social, so as to be able to meet their differing needs and ensure that there is a clear process for the handling of approaches or enquiries to MREW from outside media organisations, agencies or individuals.

Personal Attributes

• The ability to lead and motivate a team that combines volunteer and professional roles and that covers a range of disciplines, skills and platforms.
• Capable of working under pressure, within constraints and meeting deadlines.
• The ability to build and maintain relationships, internally and externally, based on integrity and trust.
• The ability to delegate to others, engaging and involving appropriate support from the wider network.
• Strong personal creativity, imagination and intuition in dealing with challenges, opportunities and people.
• A proactive attitude, with the drive and enthusiasm to initiate and carry out projects to conclusion, involving others, on time and on budget.
• Resilience, particularly when faced with challenges, uncertainty and setbacks.

Management responsibilities:

• To contribute to the management of MREW through regular business meetings, ensuring that the media and communications aspects of activity are considered in planning and decision-making.
• To ensure all network members are treated fairly, in line with MREW policies and also its mission and values.
• To develop an approach to the sustainability of the Media and Communications function, including succession planning for key roles and the strengthening of the dispersed network.

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. You will need to demonstrate commitment to the mission and cause of the charity. 

Qualifications

• Essential to this role is an awareness of the internal character of MR and the external environment in which it operates, and an ability to identify and anticipate communications priorities.
• Practical experience in a media or communications management role is also desirable, for instance, such as journalism, PR, marketing, or online media.
• An ability to plan proactive media and communications activities and to develop ways of measuring their effectiveness.
• Experience of issues and crisis management, enabling anticipation and support to management and others on the development of plans, messages and position statements.

Additional notes

• To work with the CEO to plan for future activity and to ensure that a planned communications approach is developed.
• To ensure all committee members are treated fairly through MREW Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To work with other national teams to release internal communications, press statements and support campaigns as required.
• This is a voluntary role within MREW, elected annually; it is expected that the applicant will serve a term of 5 years, with a possible extension of a further 5 years if desired.
• Travel during the working day may be required, with occasional absence from home overnight, as meetings with partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders may cover a large geographical area. Out-of-pocket expenses can be reclaimed in line with the MREW Expenses Policy.

Bring your senior-level expertise to a committed and forward-thinking Board.

Unlock has achieved a great deal for the people we support, thanks to the talents and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and trustees. By listening to and working alongside people who face difficulties because of their criminal records, we have built a strong track record of identifying problems, developing solutions, and turning those solutions into real change. We also influence national policy and drive systemic reform.

We are now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our engaged and committed board.

About the role

Trustees play a crucial part in shaping Unlock’s leadership, strategic direction, and governance. As Chair, you will work in partnership with the Chief Executive to provide clear and inclusive leadership, ensuring that the board operates effectively and that the organisation remains focused on its charitable purpose. You will help the board set strategy, scrutinise performance, uphold good governance, and support the CEO and senior team to deliver Unlock’s mission.

 About you

We would love to hear from you if you can bring the following attitudes and skills:

· Experience as a trustee and of working with or managing senior leaders.

· A willingness to offer advice to staff when needed, and to get involved practically where appropriate.

· A strong commitment to Unlock’s vision, values, and mission.

· Experience in the charity sector is helpful but not essential. If you have the right leadership qualities and a passion for our work, we will provide support to help you step confidently into the role. So if you’re new to the voluntary sector, please don’t let that discourage you from applying.

· We are committed to increasing diversity across Unlock, including within our board. We particularly welcome applications from people who have themselves faced and overcome the disadvantages associated with a criminal record.

If you’re energised by the prospect of helping to lead a small criminal justice charity with an impressive national impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.