Early years volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility
Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!
Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!
Volunteer positions currently available in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
Independent Visitor Volunteer
Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together. The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.
As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:
- support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development
- engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting
- listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust
- help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community
- develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported
You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.
ED&I Statement
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.
To find out more click “Apply Now”.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for trustees who will offer challenges, experience, and expert knowledge to help us think differently. We are looking for individuals who will take an active role in the governance of the Charity and support our expansion objectives - to remain financially stable whilst actively growing our volunteer network, our geographical coverage and our paid services to increase the number of families and young people we can support each year.
Person specification:
• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.
• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time & effort to the role.
• An understanding of, or interest in, special educational needs and disability affecting children and young people and their families.
• Skills to analyse proposals, examine their strategic consequences and make concise recommendations as part of the Board.
• Ability to cooperatively work with the whole team of trustees, and with employees and volunteers.
• Willingness to speak your mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; but also listen to the views of different people before reaching a decision.
• Secure personal access to digital communication technology with an ability to competently and efficiently use those resources.
• Willingness to be available to employees for advice and enquiries on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.
The ideal applicant would also possess the following:
• Extensive networks, and a willingness to draw on contacts as appropriate.
• Experience of working at a senior management / leadership level.
We are keen to hear from anyone who has a passion for our cause and feels that their experiences and expertise could be beneficial to our Board.
If you would like to be considered, please contact us for an application form link and provide a copy of your CV.
The application process will comprise of a two-stage interview, followed by referencing. We anticipate that successful applicants will be invited to join the Board in Autumn 2025.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you want to use your skills to help ensure a local charity is financially strong, transparent, and forward-thinking?
Home-Start Barnet, Brent and Harrow is seeking a new Treasurer to join our committed Board of Trustees. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and sustainability of a growing, values-led organisation that supports hundreds of families each year.
You don’t need to be a qualified accountant – just someone with good financial awareness, an eye for detail, and a desire to help shape our future.
What You’ll Do
As Treasurer, you’ll play a key role in the charity’s success by:
-
Overseeing our finances – ensuring we are financially healthy and legally compliant
-
Working with our CEO and Accountant – to review budgets, financial plans and monthly reports
-
Supporting the board – by explaining financial information in an accessible way and guiding strategic decisions
-
Chairing our Finance Subcommittee – held once every 12 weeks
-
Ensuring good financial governance – making sure systems are in place for managing our income and spending
-
Helping plan for sustainability – offering insight into full-cost recovery, funding gaps and long-term planning
Who We’re Looking For
We’re open to candidates from a variety of backgrounds – you may be a retired finance professional, someone in a leadership or strategic role, or looking for a first trustee position with a cause that matters to you.
You’ll ideally bring:
-
Financial literacy and confidence with numbers
-
Experience managing budgets, interpreting accounts or overseeing finances
-
Strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative style
-
An interest in supporting families and giving children the best start in life
Previous experience as a trustee is helpful but not essential.
If you have questions about the role and would like to have an informal conversation, please contact us and we would be happy to arrange a call.
To apply, provide your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than one A4 page) that sets out why you are interested in this role and highlights the experiences and qualities you believe make you suitable.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Befriender: Home-Start Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham
Do you have experience with young children and have two hours to spare a week?
Are you a compassionate and reliable person who wants to make a real difference in the lives of families?
Home-Start WKCHF is looking for volunteers to support parents and children who are facing challenges such as isolation, mental health struggles, or financial difficulties.
About the Role
As a Home-Start volunteer, you will provide emotional and practical support to families with young children in their own homes. Your role may involve:
- Offering friendship, a listening ear and encouragement
- Helping parents build confidence in their parenting skills
- Providing practical support such as accompanying families to appointments, family hubs or groups
- Signposting to additional services and community resources
What We’re Looking For
- A friendly and non-judgmental attitude
- Experience parenting or caring for children
- Good listening and communication skills
- Commitment to volunteering for two hour per week for a minimum of six months
- Willingness to attend free preparation course and undergo a DBS / reference checks
What We Offer
- Free Volunteer Preparation Training Course
- Regular 1-to-1 supervision and ongoing support
- Additional training opportunities to enhance your skills and experience
- Reimbursement of travel and out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteer Social Events
- A chance to develop new skills and meet like-minded people
- The opportunity to make a lasting impact on families’ lives
Join Us!


Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We usually only hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each school term, we will confirm the next date once you have applied.
Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment. We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.
Your duties will include:
- Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
- Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
- Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
- Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
- Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
- Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
- Supervising the children during break times;
- Supporting the children during class trips;
- Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
- Providing feedback and comments to the Rainbow Club Headteacher when required.
We support asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Position: Volunteer Urban Ranger
Responsible to: Urban Ranger
Location: Various outdoor spaces across BD3, BD4 and BD5
Hours: Anything from two hours here and there, to two days a week.
Expenses: Travel expenses will be reimbursed for bus tickets, train tickets or car mileage
-----------------------------------------------------
At Better Place Bradford, our mission is to identify and oversee improvements to local parks and outdoor spaces with the aim of providing a healthier and happier environment for babies, young children and families. We work across larger parks, pocket parks, community centres, streets and green spaces across BD3, BD4 and BD5.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, passionate, and highly motivated individual, who is looking to gain some practical landscape maintenance experience.
As a Volunteer Urban Ranger, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the upkeep of our sites, regularly checking that each site is safe, inviting, and free from rubbish — noting any issues that arise.
Duties include: Litter clearance, sweeping sand back into the sand pits, weeding, planting, watering plants, affixing signs, checking in on the Little Free Library boxes, strimming, raking leaves, supporting at event days, promoting responsible use and enjoyment of our sites.
This role is for you if you;
- Enjoy being outdoors (in all weather)
- Are not afraid of physical work
- Want to make a difference in your local area
- Are comfortable getting to sites across BD3/BD4/BD5
- Enjoy interacting with members of the public
- Want to gain practical landscape maintenance experience
- Are looking for an intro into the environmental / conservation / ranger sectors
Volunteers must be in the UK already.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About nurtureuk
At nurtureuk, we believe that every child and young person deserves to feel safe, understood and supported to flourish at school, emotionally, socially, and academically. But for many, school can be a difficult place, especially for those who’ve experienced trauma, adversity or unmet emotional needs.
For over 50 years, we’ve been pioneers in nurturing approaches to support social emotional development, using a tried-and-tested framework that helps children and young people build the confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging they need to succeed in education and in life.
Our work transforms school environments so that they are truly inclusive, supportive and safe spaces. We train teachers and school leaders, and deliver evidence-based programmes that strengthen wellbeing across whole school communities, as well as improving attendance and reducing exclusions- because the children enjoy being in school!
At the core of our work is the Boxall Profile®, our unique, award winning and Department for Education recommended assessment tool. It helps teachers understand what lies behind a child’s behaviour; the hidden emotional needs, the gaps in development, the things a test score could never show. By shining a light on what each child needs to feel secure, the Boxall Profile empowers educators to respond with empathy, not punishment, and to nurture every child’s potential.
Behind every report and dataset is a story:
A child who finally feels safe and excited to walk into class.
A teacher who sees progress and growth where there used to be only frustration.
A family who begins to believe that things can get better.
By joining us as a Volunteer Grant Support Officer, you’ll be helping make these stories possible, securing the funds that enable us to reach more schools, support more teachers, and change more children’s lives.
See our attached evidence brochure to learn more about the impact our work has.
The Role
We are seeking a passionate and skilled volunteer grant writer to help us increase our capacity to apply for funding from trusts and foundations.
You’ll work closely with the Income Generation staff in our Income and Partnerships team to research potential funders, write compelling proposals, and help us build long-term relationships that sustain our impact.
Key responsibilities include:
-
Researching new funding opportunities aligned with nurtureuk’s mission and programmes
-
Writing persuasive, high-quality funding applications and accompanying documents
-
Maintaining a pipeline of opportunities and tracking application progress
-
Helping to build a library of core fundraising materials and case studies
-
Utilising our bank of supporting evidence, data and testimonials to strengthen proposals
About You
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
-
An excellent writer who enjoys crafting persuasive and engaging text, ideally with previous experience of writing successful grant or funding applications
-
Organised, proactive and detail-oriented
-
Confident researching and interpreting funders’ criteria
-
Able to work collaboratively and independently
Desirable (but not essential):
-
Familiarity with the UK charity funding landscape
-
Experience in education, wellbeing, or social impact sectors
What You’ll Gain
-
A chance to make a tangible impact on children’s lives across the UK
-
The opportunity to develop or deepen your fundraising and bid-writing experience
-
Insight into how a national education charity operates
-
Optional free Boxall Profile training (1 day training worth £225 exc. VAT)
-
Optional free Nurture Group training (3 day course worth £699 exc. VAT)
-
Support from an experienced and friendly team
-
Flexibility: You can volunteer remotely, at times that suit you
-
Reimbursement for any agreed expenses
Time Commitment
Approx. 3–6 hours per week, with flexibility around other commitments.
Regular remote catch-ups with the nurtureuk team and fellow volunteers.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For an informal chat, please contact Louisa on the email address supplied in the 'apply' area.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want to make a real difference during challenging times? Can you bring a fresh perspective on how we can innovate and adapt our services? Are you willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in?
If this sounds like you, then we'd love to hear from you.
Who we are
The Bridge Foundation is an award-winning charity based in Bristol. We transform the lives of children, young people, families and adults struggling with mental health difficulties.
What we do
- Free in-depth, school-based psychotherapy for children and families in areas of deprivation and diversity
- Specialised psychotherapy delivered to vulnerable children via services commissioned through Adoption Support Fund and Social Services spot purchases
- Not-for-profit psychotherapy service for children, families and adults who self-refer - fees are determined by family income and over 50% are subsidised
- Supervision and reflective practice sessions for professionals in schools and healthcare
Specialist psychotherapy for children, families, and adults across Bristol and beyond.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Education Team is central to our mission — and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to help us deliver workshops, create educational resources, and raise awareness both online and in person.
About Emerge Worldwide
Emerge Worldwide exists to protect children, young people, and women from sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. Through education, training, and advocacy, we equip communities, schools, and professionals with the knowledge and tools to prevent exploitation and safeguard the most vulnerable.
The Role
As an Education Team Volunteer, you will:
-
Deliver training and awareness workshops in schools, youth groups, and community settings.
-
Assist in designing engaging resources such as toolkits, handouts, and presentations.
-
Support our online education campaigns by creating posts, videos, or articles that raise awareness.
-
Help evaluate feedback from workshops and contribute ideas for improving delivery.
Skills & Experience We’re Looking For
You don’t need to be a teacher or safeguarding expert . We’d love to hear from you if you have:
-
A passion for protecting children and young people
-
Confidence in speaking to groups or willingness to learn
-
Creativity in designing educational materials or content
-
Good communication and teamwork skills
-
Good digital skills (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Canva)
What You’ll Gain
-
Free training on safeguarding, sexual exploitation awareness, and workshop delivery
-
Experience in education, advocacy, and youth engagement
-
The chance to make a tangible difference in your community
-
Opportunities to develop public speaking, content creation, and teamwork skills
-
Ongoing support and mentorship from the Emerge Worldwide team
Time Commitment
We are flexible — whether you can give a few hours a month or more, we’ll work with your availability. Most workshops run during school hours, with some evening or online opportunities. Other work can be completed in times convenient for you.
Impact of role:
1. Raising Awareness & Knowledge
- By delivering training sessions and workshops, volunteers will give young people, parents, and professionals the tools to spot the signs of grooming and exploitation early.
- Every workshop increases community understanding.
2. Empowering Communities
- By educating schools, youth groups, and the wider public, volunteers help communities learn how to protect and support vulnerable children and young people.
- They equip people with practical steps for prevention, safeguarding, and reporting.
3. Creating Resources with Lasting Value
- Volunteers help design toolkits, handouts, and digital content that schools, families, and agencies can use long after a session ends.
4. Preventing Exploitation Before It Happens
- Through education and awareness, volunteers help reduce the risk of exploitation in communities by teaching early warning signs, online safety, and where to get help.
- This proactive approach can save lives and protect children from harm.
5. Strengthening the Charity’s Voice & Reach
- By educating online (social media, blogs, campaigns), volunteers help amplify Emerge Worldwide’s message to a much wider audience, influencing policy, practice, and public opinion.
6. Personal & Community Transformation
- Volunteers become role models and advocates, showing children and young people that their lives matter and they have support.
Raising awareness and prevention on sexual exploitation & sex trafficking. Amplifying our voice until freedom is experienced for all women and girls.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
WANTED: Local Legends. No Cape Required.
Some kids climb trees.
Some build rockets from cardboard boxes.
Some are learning how to light a fire without burning their eyebrows off.
They’re curious, messy, hilarious – and they need YOU.
At 23rd Poplar Scouts, we’ve got a growing bunch of Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers (ages 4 to 18) who are bursting with energy, questions, and potential.
And we’re looking for more grown-ups (yes, you!) to join our crew of volunteers.
Here's the deal - we don’t care if you can’t tie 12 knots or survive a week in the woods with just a spork or whether you're a parent, student, working professional, or retiree.
We do care if you:
-
Enjoy seeing young people grow in confidence
-
Like a laugh
-
Are reliable
-
Are up for trying something new (even if it involves glitter, tents, or biscuits)
You could help once a week, once a month, or just whenever you can. We’ll show you the ropes, give you some training, and promise not to make you wear shorts in winter.
This is about community, confidence, and connection – and giving young people a place to feel like they belong.
Sound good?
!!!Click on apply and share a few details about yourself.
Join us at 23rd Poplar Scouts and help shape the future, one adventure at a time.
Volunteer roles available in:
-
Squirrels (4–6 yrs) – storytelling, play, and first friendships.
-
Beavers (6–8 yrs) – crafts, games, and learning new things.
-
Cubs (8–10½ yrs) – exploring, teamwork, and outdoor skills.
-
Scouts (10½–14 yrs) – adventure, responsibility, and independence.
-
Explorers (14–18 yrs) – leadership, community service, and big challenges.
As a group, we set out to produce lasting memories and experiences that our members wouldn't get anywhere else.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.
The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode.
Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities
To support early years sessions for families with children aged 0–5, including those with SEND and emerging needs, by promoting engagement and child development through group activities.
Key Responsibilities:
· Welcome and engage families in a warm, friendly manner
· Support the delivery of structured and free-play indoor and outdoor activities
· Encourage participation and interaction between parents/carers and children
· Promote children’s development through praise and positive reinforcement
· Work collaboratively with staff to support inclusive practice
Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities
· Enjoy working with children and families.
· Interest in child development
· Warm, approachable, and good at communicating with people of all ages.
· Reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team.
· Respectful, inclusive, and sensitive to the needs of diverse families.
· Able to follow guidance and instructions from session leads
Training / Support
· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.
· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses
· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.
· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings
· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities.
Additional Information
· Undergo enhanced DBS check
· X2 References required
· Undertake additional training as and when required
· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Trustee for Home-Start Wokingham District
Do you want to help us improve the lives of parents and young children in Wokingham and surrounding areas?
You could be a trustee for Home-Start Wokingham District, an local charity that gives every child the best possible start in life.
Set up in 1996, we offer “a lifeline”, a free family support service to families with at least one child under the age of five, provided by volunteers who are parents themselves, to support other parents. That home visiting service is unique in Wokingham Borough, providing compassionate, confidential and non-judgmental help and friendship to local parents struggling to cope with the daily challenges of family life.
We are affiliated to national Home-Start UK, but we are an independent local charity responsible for our own governance and securing our own funding.
We are looking for new trustees to join our Board, as our longer-standing trustees stand down.
What we are looking for in a new trustee
Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in early years, education and business. We’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries.
We are looking to refresh our Board as some of the trustees who’ve governed us for a while now stand down. If you can think strategically and help us plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees and will work collectively with all other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.
You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as support from local charity-support organisations is always available. Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee, including access to external training.
We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups.
We ask for about ten hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc., many of which are held online. You’ll need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.
How to apply
This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by video. A detailed Role Description and Person Specification can be made available to you upon request.
Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, to completion of an online Safeguarding course and an Enhanced DBS check.
Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.
I need to know more
Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom).
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
To empower parents with the skills, knowledge and emotional resilience to raise their children to flourish
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Board of Trustees offers a diverse blend of professional expertise and personal commitment to adoption. With backgrounds in finance, law, social work, HR, healthcare, and business, our trustees bring decades of experience in children’s services and strategic leadership. Several have personal connections to adoption, ensuring our work is guided by both insight and empathy. We’re now seeking a Chair to lead this passionate team in shaping the future of CCS and the lives of the children and families we support.
About Us
CCS is a Voluntary Adoption Agency and registered charity. Continuously Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (for 14 years/5 inspections), most recently in February 2024. We find permanent, loving homes for children who are waiting to be adopted. We also offer a wide range of post-adoption support services for adoptive families in the region. We are committed to maintaining this high level of performance and developing further the innovative services we provide for children and adoptive families.
The Role
As Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of CCS Adoption. You’ll work closely with the CEO, lead board meetings, monitor performance, and act as a key ambassador for the organisation.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to lead a passionate and skilled Board, influence meaningful change, and contribute to the lives of children and families. You’ll be supported by a dedicated team and receive guidance to deepen your understanding of adoption.
We offer:
- A robust induction on governance duties
- Access to external training
- Opportunities for peer learning with other Chairs
- You’ll be supported by the Senior Administrator in planning, organising, compiling, and sharing board papers to ensure smooth and effective meetings
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the Board in setting strategic goals and evaluating performance
- Ensure compliance with charity and company law
- Safeguard the organisation’s values, reputation, and resources
- Support and appraise the CEO
- Facilitate effective governance and decision-making
- Represent CCS Adoption at public functions
Person Specification
We’re looking for someone who brings:
- A commitment to strong governance and a willingness to develop in this area
- Experience leading groups, teams, or partnerships to make collective decisions
- Strategic vision and independent judgement
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- A commitment to fairness, integrity, and teamwork
Desirable (but not essential):
- Knowledge of adoption or related fields (children, families, social care, charity sector)
We warmly encourage potential trustees to get in touch for an informal conversation about the role. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions, learn more about our work, and see whether joining our Board might be the right fit for you. We would be delighted to welcome you to meet our team and current trustees, hear about our vision for the future, and experience our culture first-hand.
Please visit ourwebsite for details.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Barefoot and Free is a grassroots charity that supports families of neurodivergent children and children affected by trauma. We offer fully funded staycations and nature-based respite breaks for families and parent carers who are often at breaking point.
We’re a small, warm team not a large wealthy organisation and we care deeply about what we do. There are no airs and graces here, just real people doing our best to help families who need a break. Right now, we need someone with the skills and experience to help us bring in more funding to meet the growing need.
We’re looking for someone experienced and independent.
This is not a start out training opportunity. You’ll be working alongside an existing bid writer and need to come in ready to get stuck in with little to no guidance, it will test your resiliance and give you some amazing challenges. We’re looking for someone who knows how to write strong, successful bids and is comfortable finding opportunities, matching them to our projects, and managing the process from start to finish including rreporting/funding feedback, we are giving you alot of exciting responsibility so if you wish to progress and move to the next step and meet some personal goals this is for you.
What are we looking for?
- 2+ years of experience with writing successful bids, copywriting, research or similar
- Excellent written English (grammar, clarity, tone) a clear communicator who can work independently and enjoy networking.
- Ability to understand and match funders’ priorities
- Skilled at summarising and restructuring complex content
- Experience in bid writing, copywriting, research, or professional writing (or willing to learn how to use your professional writing skills in this area)
- Self-motivated, organised, and collaborative, confident and able to work without close supervision
- Commitment of at least 3–4 hours per week
- UK-based only (but remote role, so open to any applicants within the UK)
-
Meet funding dealines and reporting deadlines
-
Maintain the funding database and outcomes
-
Someone who genuinely cares about the work we do and wants to help us keep doing it.
Please note: We do not provide references for volunteers who have been with us for less than six months.
What difference will you make?
By securing funding through successful bids, you will be supporting Barefoot and Free towards building a more sustainable and resilient organisation. Your input will be instrumental in establishing long-term sustainability, ensuring that our vulnerable families are supported over time. Families are often stretched to the limit with carer roles, supporting vulnerable children and young people without breaks or respite, by securing suitable funding you will be supporting them and the long-term sustainability of the organisation's efforts with the ultimate goal of profoundly improving the quality of life for our families.
We rely entirely on grants and donations. Every successful bid helps keep the doors open for families who often have nowhere else to turn.
Perks of volunteering with us:
-
Flexibility to work around your life
-
Take the lead on bids from start to finish
-
Join a genuinely warm, down-to-earth team where your input is truly valued and felt
-
Be part of something that directly supports struggling families in a very real way
-
A rewarding role where your skills will have a direct and lasting impact
-
Achieve some personal goals and a chance to build your portfolio with meaningful, purpose-driven work
If you’re looking to be part of something real, something with heart, and you’ve got the experience to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you today.
Before you apply: Please, check out our website to understand our work and send your application with a CV and cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will, unfortunately, not be considered. We'd love to hear from the real you not the AI you. Thank you
Providing funded respite breaks for families of neurodivergent children and children affected by trauma.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.