Early years volunteer roles

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

We are looking for a finance professional to join our engaged and friendly board as Treasurer, with specific oversight of the charity’s financial management. While day-to-day financial administration is carried out by employees or external providers, the Treasurer works closely with them and the Board to ensure sound financial governance. The Treasurer provides financial leadership, helps trustees understand the organisation’s finances, and ensures that the charity meets its financial and statutory obligations.

You will have a qualification in Financial Management, Accounting, or Audit, and a strong understanding of financial management in the voluntary or business sectors. Previous charity experience is not necessary, but a willingness to undertake training is essential (usually one day).

You will have the ability to communicate financial information clearly to those without financial expertise and be a strategic thinker, with the ability to balance financial scrutiny with broader trustee responsibilities.

Our board meet once a month (either virtually or in person in London) for around 90 minutes. We aim to have strategy days twice a year. You will meet with the CEO and Finance Manager once a month, and be available for ad hoc emails, advice. Trustees are usually appointed for a three-year term, which can usually be extended. 

We will provide access to training (typically one day) if you do not have direct experience in charity finance.

You will also bring a commitment to the values, aims, and objectives of the charity, and a desire to help children and young people who have experienced grief.

Support EcoCounts management with administrative tasks, keeping accurate records, and helping smooth operations. 

This is a hybrid role and you will need to attend in person every now and again, so we are looking for someone local to our area in N. London. 

We are looking for someone who has worked in a small, busy office for at least 3 years, preferably at a senior level.

What will you be doing?

• Helping the founder and lead volunteer Adam, the trustees, and the main project leads

• Picking up non-time critical, general tasks from meetings or on-going workstreams

• Fielding external queries to appropriate people

• Overseeing the whole operation with a view to identifying weak spots or neglected areas

• Providing support for a crowdfunder scheduled for February 2026

Location: Shepherd’s Bush, West London

Time Commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month (including quarterly board meetings and annual Away Day)

Type: Voluntary

Start Date: Early 2026

Join a unique West London charity creating lasting change in people’s lives

The Upper Room is seeking a Chair of Trustees (Designate) to join our Board in 2025/26 and, after a year of active trusteeship and shadowing, to step into the role of Chair when our current Chair reaches the end of their tenure in 2027.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate, values-led individual to help shape the next phase of our work, from strategic resilience to community innovation.

About Us

From small beginnings more than 35 years ago The Upper Room has grown into a thriving charity with an annual budget of around £650K.

Food provision has always been at the heart of what we do. UR4Meals serves approximately 40,000 meals a year, operating five days a week.

UR4Driving works with ex-offenders and young people identified as at risk of offending. We help them pass their driving theory test, and then provide free driving lessons. Last year 37 students gained a full driving licence with us. This has a significant impact on their employability and self-esteem, and dramatically reduces re-offending.

UR4Jobs helps people become work-ready, and supports their wellbeing.

We are still based in our original home at St Saviour’s Church near Shepherd’s Bush in west London.

About the Role

As Chair, you’ll lead a committed and skilled Board of Trustees, working closely with our CEO and senior team to guide strategy, ensure good governance and champion our impact.

You’ll also play a key role externally, acting as an ambassador to funders, partners and supporters.

We’re looking for someone who can

• Provide strategic leadership through a period of growth and innovation
• Foster a culture of inclusion and respect, both on the Board and across the organisation - Support and challenge the CEO, acting as a critical friend and sounding board
• Ensure excellent governance, compliance and risk management
• Represent the charity publicly, building relationships and influence

About You

We welcome candidates with prior Board experience as a Trustee, Chair or Non-Executive Director, and a strong commitment to social justice.

We especially encourage applications from those with lived experience of disadvantage, as well as those from under-represented backgrounds, including individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

We’re interested in candidates with

• A clear understanding of charity governance and the role of a Chair
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• A collaborative, values-driven approach
• The time, energy and commitment to make a lasting difference

Additional experience in fundraising, partnerships, organisational development or public sector engagement would be welcome, though not essential.

Time Commitment

• As a Trustee in 2025/ 26 (approx. 1–2 days per month)
• Transition to Chair in 2027, subject to mutual agreement and Board approval
• Quarterly evening Board meetings (in person in London)
• Annual summer Away Day with staff and trustees
• Optional involvement in sub-committees or events depending on interest and availability
• Representing the charity at local events

Why Now

By inviting a prospective Chair to join our Board as a Trustee in 2025/26, we can ensure a smooth, informed transition, with the support and handover of our current Chair, and plenty of time for deep onboarding and relationship-building.

The new Chair will help consolidate our growth, and lead our Board through the next chapter, ensuring our mission continues to serve those who need us most in the years ahead.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter explaining your interest and suitability to the Upper Room.

If you would like to have an informal conversation before applying, feel free to reach out via email to arrange a call.

Because we are planning for the long term we are not placing a deadline on this process. However, we aim to appoint in the first quarter of 2026.

Interviews will be held in two stages, including an in-person meeting with key Board and staff members.

We are seeking a new Trustee to join our existing Board from early 2026. We very much look forward to hearing from you. 

About the role:

Trustees of a Registered Charity fulfil two roles: as a Trustee of a registered charity (1191197) and a Director of a limited company (12310843). These roles are slightly different, and there are responsibilities associated with each. Time commitment is estimated at 4-8 hours per month.

“As a Trustee, you will have an important role in shaping the future of the organisation, supporting not only my artistic vision but also the future of dance in the UK and internationally. My hope is that, together, we create a long-standing service to the arts and culture that will shape and shift dance towards a more diverse, inclusive and equitable sector for artists of many voices. If you are interested, I am honoured and excited to work with you to establish a solid foundation for the successful future of Seeta Patel Dance“. Seeta Patel

Who we’re looking for:

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Charity Accounting
• Fundraising & Development
• Marketing & Communications

We’re looking for a motivated finance professional to join our Trustee Board as Treasurer, provide us with financial strategic direction and help us maintain our long-term sustainability

Working closely with our Chair and Chief Officer, your key responsibilities will include:

• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

• Guiding and advising the Board in the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements

• Chairing the Board’s Finance Sub-Committee

• Reviewing the quarterly and year end accounts produced by our Administrator

• Presenting the year end accounts at the Annual General Meeting

• Ensuring that proper financial procedures and controls are in place to safeguard the charity’s resources

• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves and investment policies

You don’t need to have been a trustee before, but you’ll need to:

• have recognised professional financial qualifications or experience

• ideally, have some knowledge or experience of charity finances

• be familiar with Quickbooks accounting systems and spreadsheets

• have the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences

• be able to explain complex financial information in an accessible way

• be able to exercise good independent judgment and if necessary to make difficult recommendations

• work effectively as part of a team

• have the time and flexibility to respond to the demands of the charity

• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality, equality and data protection

• represent Citizens Advice professionally at all times

Please note that while a large part of the role can be performed remotely, in-person attendance is expected for the board and trustee meetings.

If you are interested in joining our successful and expanding service, as we continue to meet the advice needs of the diverse communities we serve, we would love to hear from you. 

Could you be one of our new trustees?

We currently have space on our Board for up to eight new Trustees who want to work with us to help improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.

At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact. 

You may be thinking that you don't have the experience because you haven't been a trustee before, or because charity governance isn't your field. Think again!

Here's what you DO NEED need: 

• Commitment to our vision - a world where no student is held back by their mental health

• Experience in 1 or 2 of the following areas: 

  • Current higher education students

  • Professional higher education sector expertise

  • Legal expertise 

  • Fundraising and income generation expertise

  • Equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, intersectionality and anti racism expertise

  • AI and technology expertise 

  • Campaigning, advocacy, community organising and/or public affairs expertise 

  • Marketing and brand awareness expertise 

  • People and culture, HR, organisational development or leadership development expertise 

And what you DON'T need:

• Previous experience of trusteeship

• Experience in charity law or working with a charity

Both experienced and aspiring trustees have much to bring to our table: we are looking for fresh perspectives and seasoned knowledge alike.

Key responsibilities

Student Minds Trustees are expected to commit to the following: 

• Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm. 

• Preparation and attendance at two board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. Board away days are in person and usually take place in Leeds. Travel expenses can be claimed.

• Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior management team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.

If appointed, you will receive the training and onboarding you need to be a confident, contributing member of the board. We are also able to provide you with a board buddy to support you in your first few months. 

So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!

How to apply?

1. For more information about the role responsibilities please follow the link

2. Download and complete our application form, which is available on the link

3. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form. 

Application process

• Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date

• Interviews: 29th or 30th January (general Trustees) or 5th February (Student Trustees) with a Trustee and CEO

• Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board. 

About us: 

Peace Brigades International (PBI) is an international NGO with over 40 years’ experience providing life-saving protection and support to hundreds of brave human rights defenders who face reprisals because of their activism for social justice. PBI’s trademark protective accompaniment teams in Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Indonesia, Kenya and Nepal are supported by PBI’s International Headquarters in Brussels, and offices elsewhere in the world, such as our UK section, which carries out high-level advocacy for improved governmental and other support for human rights defenders, as well as stronger regulation of transnational business behaviour.

About the role:

A 3-month volunteer placement where the selected candidate will not only play a vital role in upcoming projects but also harness their skills in advocacy, communications and administration/logistics. They will deepen their understanding and knowledge of the UK environment, gaining insights into UK politics, international human rights, legal frameworks, advocacy strategies, and communication tactics. 

By embracing this role, you become an integral part of our mission to influence positive change.

Responsibilities include:

(Note: These responsibilities are subject to adjustments and are not exhaustive).

• Support advocacy research and activities:

  • Conduct research on countries and cases that PBI works on.

  • Conduct research on policy advocacy related to HRD protection and business and human rights.

  • Participate in meetings with a range of external stakeholders.

• Support in the organisation and roll out of internal and external events.

  • Past events have included film screenings, talks with defenders, Parliamentary roundtables.

• Supporting field volunteer and alumni outreach and engagement.

• Producing communications outputs, such as articles on human rights issues, interviews with human rights defenders and social media posts.

• Supporting the organisation of human rights defender visits to the UK.

• Engage in network building and maintenance:

  • Cultivate relationships with lawyers, judges, NGOs, social movements, politicians, and funders.

• Support office administration, logistics and finance

  • Assist with filing, systems management and logistics.

  • Digital systems and IT support with technical troubleshooting.

Could you be our new Chair?  

Our fantastic Chair’s tenure will be coming to an end in 2026, so we are looking to appoint her successor to help Student Minds improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.

At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact. 

We are open-minded about the professional background of this individual and are mostly looking for someone with experience of leading effective, inclusive teams, of chairing complex organisations or meetings, and in building influential cross-sector partnerships.

Key responsibilities

Student Minds Chair is expected to commit to the following: 

• Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm. 

• Preparation and attendance at two in-person board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. These usually take place in Leeds and include a lunchtime or evening social.

• Monthly supervision calls with the Chief Executive

• Annual in-person appraisal of the Chief Executive 

• Support with board appraisals and recruitment 

• Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior leadership team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.

• Attendance at relevant task-group meetings and/or committees.

So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!

How to apply?

1. For more information about the role responsibilities please download our recruitment pack that is linked

2. Download and complete our application form which is available via the link

3. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form. 

Application process

• Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date

• Interviews: 27th January, with our Chair, Trustee and CEO

• Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board

Ready to make a difference to the lives of young people in Croydon?

For over 180 years, Reedham Children’s Trust has provided support to the most vulnerable children and young people in Croydon. We believe every child deserves a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life, and we know that when the right support is offered, family problems and disadvantage need not continue through generations.

Reedham Children’s Trust funds local projects and innovative programmes to tackle the barriers and challenges that too many children and young people in Croydon face daily - which is why we are exploring a merger with Croydon Voluntary Action to create a dynamic new entity that will ensure Reedham’s legacy can continue through new strands and activity.

Our Trustees already play an important role in helping our charity fulfil its ambitions and aspirations by supporting the strategy, providing robust governance and being ambassadors for our work. But as we enter the delivery phase of redefining the charity’s future, we are particularly keen to strengthen our board with fresh Trustees who are aspirational and strategic leaders, from a range of professional and personal backgrounds.

What are we looking for in a new Trustee?

1) We want our Trustees to reflect and understand the communities we serve. Lived experience of the challenges our beneficiaries face is welcomed, as are Trustees who live/work in and around Croydon.

2) We value enthusiasm and commitment as much as experience and professional knowledge. This includes - but is not limited to - individuals early in their careers. If you are a confident communicator with a strong understanding of the importance of strategy, and are ready to commit your time and energy, we will give you the tools to be an excellent Trustee.

3) We are interested in candidates  who are open to learning as well as to contributing from their place of expertise. In particular, candidates with experience of change management, fundraising, marketing/branding and the delivery of projects and services in a local community like Croydon would help during this exciting chapter.

What being a Reedham Trustee can offer you:

• Professional development in governance, safeguarding, finance, advocacy and fundraising.
• The opportunity to support young people in Croydon and improve their life chances.
• Friendly and supportive meetings and engagement with staff and other Trustees as well as visits to projects and partner locations.

Commitment Requirements

• Attend four regular Board meetings a year in and around Croydon (including reading/preparing for meetings) as well as quarterly online briefings.
• Regular engagement with the charity’s work through visits to projects and active participation in meetings and events.
• Engage with information by remote and through digital channels.
• Act as a critical friend in meetings and whenever a new project or activity begins.
• Be an advocate for the charity in your daily life.

For an informal chat with the CEO or Chair of Trustees, please get in touch via email. 

PLEASE NOTE: PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

This is a non-remunerated position and all Trustees are asked to give approximately 12 days per annum for meetings, preparation and events.

This role in the current Board structure will run until 31 March 2026, with scope to become a Trustee in the new entity.

Quartet Community Foundation is seeking a new chair of trustees to lead our dynamic and committed Board.

Quartet distributes approximately £5 million across  1,000 grants each year to support local communities and charities in the region. ​Trustees on our Board  actively contribute to setting the strategic direction of Quartet, helping to advise and run the organisation. As Chair of Trustees, you will work with other members of the Board to form an effective, accountable governing body which provides leadership and support for the dedicated staff team in delivering Quartet’s strategic plan.​

The role of the Chair of Trustees

The chair, along with their deputy is appointed by the Board with the following key responsibilities: ​

• To effectively chair board meetings, ensuring that the board  considers and observes best practice governance of Quartet. ​
• To be actively engaged in setting the strategic direction and policy of Quartet.​​
• To contribute to the performance management and review of the strategic plan and related targets.​​
• To help set and agree a balanced financial budget and support the Chief Executive Officer and staff in remaining within it.​​
• To be an ambassador and advocate for the work of Quartet in the wider community, including representation at evening and daytime events (with and sometimes as a substitute for the CEO). ​
• To support the CEO in their work, conducting an annual appraisal of their work and setting realistic goals in agreement with them.​
• To participate in grant-making panels as a representative of Quartet, as required and to visit at least one funded project per year.​​
• To attend quarterly board meetings, the AGM, meetings of our four sub-committees, and chair of chairs meetings. ​
• To ensure that Quartet complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, charity law, company law, internal policies and procedures, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.​​
• To participate as appropriate in the national network of community foundations, contribute to its development and set the work of Quartet in the wider context.  This usually involves two days a year at a UKCF south west chairs and CEOs workshop.​
• ​Joining trustees are supported to understand and engage with all of these elements, and the successful candidate will also be offered the opportunity to shadow the existing chair  for 6-9 months, before she leaves the role in 2026.

Volunteer Mentor – Make a Difference in a Young Person’s Life

What if one hour a week could change a young person’s life - and yours too?

About Us

MAPS Mentoring is an award-winning early-intervention project that supports vulnerable children and young people in the London Borough of Sutton. Our dedicated volunteers provide a safe, supportive space for young people facing challenges such as low self-esteem, difficult family relationships, abuse, bereavement, or self-harm. Through mentoring, we empower mentees to unpack their experiences, build confidence, and find their voice.

About the Role

We’re looking for Volunteer Mentors to join our MAPS Mentoring team. As a mentor, you’ll meet with a young person in Sutton for 1-2 hours weekly for up to a year. Meetings are flexible and can take place in the evenings, weekends, or during the week for our older mentees, or for in-school mentoring.

No prior experience is needed - just a genuine desire to make a difference in a young person’s life.

With a budget provided for food, drinks, activities, and travel, you and your mentee can choose what to do together. Whether it’s casual coffee chats, dog walks, or saving up for more adventurous outings like GoKarting, Thorpe Park trips, or even indoor skydiving, the choice is yours!

What We’re Looking For

Excellent communication and listening skills
Empathy, patience, and the ability to build trust
Sensitivity and understanding of the challenges young people face
A positive attitude and reliability
Commitment to meeting with a mentee weekly for up to a year
Willingness to undergo a DBS check and attend a full day of training
Prior experience working with young people is welcome but not essential

Why Volunteer with MAPS?

Make a lasting impact on a young person’s life
Gain valuable skills in mentoring and communication
Be part of an award-winning, supportive team
All expenses (food, drinks, activities, and travel) are covered

Ready to Get Started?