Engineer volunteer roles in nuneaton and bedworth, warwickshire
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 Bank.Green
Since the Paris Agreement, global banks have poured a staggering $6.9t into the fossil fuel industry. At Bank.Green, our mission is to lower this vast carbon footprint via technology and consumer action. We empower bank customers with the tools and insights they need to influence their banks towards sustainable lending, or switch to greener alternatives. To date, our bank-checking tool has been used over 500,000 times by bank customers worldwide, while we have shifted a at least $35,000,000 towards banks who are financing a greener future.
Through transparency, engagement, and innovation, we aim to redefine the role of banks in the fight against climate change.
Role Overview
We have a need for a senior Frontend Engineers to take ownership of the Bank.Green frontend website. The website is builtin Vue.js with Nuxt.js and deployed via Cloudflare. We use prismic.io as a headless CMS and connect to internal graphQL and REST APIs. Because of the large number of pages (~5000) we serve, we have to pay special attention to our prismic.io CDN traffic and caching with automated builds.
Taking ownership of the website will mean:
- understanding the vue.js lifecycle
- understanding cloudflare deployment
- understanding the nuxt build pipeline
- carefully authoring and reviewing PRs
- mentoring more junior frontend developers
For internal communication, we use slack, linear.app, and, when necessary, MS365.
Functionally, the website allows users to see how their current bank, and potential new alternative banks, rank on environmental issues - primarily fossil fuel and related sectors support. It also provides suggestions on how to talk to your current or potential future bank about your environmental concerns.
Commitment
This role is unpaid and volunteer-based. We are seeking a commitment of 10-20 hours per week. We are looking for somebody to come on long-term, for at least a 6 month commitment.
We know that this a lot to ask. Bank.Green is a passion project of many people including other developers and data scientists. Many of our volunteers who are a) (f)unemployed and want to keep their fingers warm by doing something good for the world, b) otherwise trying to break into tech or environmental fields. We hope that you’re coming with some industry experience for this particular role.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Frontend Engineer, preferably in a mid to senior level capacity.
- Proficiency in JavaScript programming language.
- Familiarity with Vue.js + Nuxt is nice to have but experience with React+Next also works well
- Experience working with and mentoring more junior colleagues
- Experience working asynchronously with colleagues in different time zones - through Slack, MS Teams, or similar.
- Experience working in Agile environments and using collaborative development tools (e.g., Linear or Jira, Git).
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Passion for sustainability and environmental advocacy.
At Bank.Green, our mission is to shift financial institutions towards greener lending practices by empowering their customers to advocate for change.
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 Roots Academy.
Roots Academy’s Vision.
A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.
At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.
Why Does Roots Academy Exist?
Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline.
Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.
Role Summary.
Key tasks
- Design, develop, and maintain high-quality mobile and web applications using Flutter for both iOS and Android platforms.
- Collaborate with product managers, designers, and other developers to define application features and user experiences.
- Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code, adhering to best practices and coding standards.
- Conduct code reviews and provide constructive feedback to ensure code quality and team collaboration.
- Troubleshoot and debug applications, resolving issues and optimizing performance as needed.
What we’re looking for
- Eagerness to Learn: A strong desire to learn and contribute to our mission is essential.
- Experience as a Software Engineer, with a strong focus on mobile and web application development using Flutter, Firebase and/or RESTful APIs.
- Understanding of mobile and web application architecture and design patterns, including clean architecture, microservices, client-server, or serverless architecture.
- Experience with testing frameworks or libraries relevant to Flutter development..
- Familiarity with tools such as JIRA, GitHub, Figma.
What we have to offer
- Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE, Egypt and Australia.
- Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
- Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
- Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.
Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.
Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.
We teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to students across the UK and beyond.

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 are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".
As part of the role, you will be editing short videos, including promos and documentary style shorts, as well as longer podcast episodes for distribution on YouTube and social media. The role is hybrid, largely working from home but with the opportunity to work in studio doing live editing, file storage management and admin, as well as the chance to learn other production skills and gain experience in live broadcast, camera operation, lighting, and sound engineering and editing.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro
Preferred Skills:
- Proficiency in Adobe After Effects
- Proficiency in Adobe Audition
- Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
- Experience with colour grading and mixing
Optional Skills:
- Proficiency with DSLR cameras and digital camcorders
- Previous broadcast, live streaming, or podcast recording experience
- Knowledge and experience of OBS and use of ATEM Mini
- Experience with USB microphones
- Experience with multi-mic setup
- Experience with audio mixing and audio mixing software
We are looking for someone who can offer 12 hours a week, Monday - Friday
Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview and discuss the onboarding process.
QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
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!
Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures. Your support will help a young man to reconnect with his community, friends and loved ones, go into education, training and employment, and give a person a sense of hope for the future.
Trailblazers has been providing mentoring services to people in prison since 1998 with ultimate aim to reduce re-offending. We provide support to men between the age of 18 - 35 in custody who have 6 months left of their prison sentence, and then 'through the gate' into their own community for up to 12 months. The Education, Training & Employment (ETE) team supports our mentees in custody to break down barriers to employability. Post-release, this continues by supporting mentees to gain meaningful and career changing roles in sector specific industries such as Construction, Engineering, Catering & Hospitality or the Self-Employment route.
The ETE team are looking to build a team of volunteers to work with mentees in the community and to shape the existing ETE service in the Thames Valley area. We are looking for volunteer mentors who can commit for up to 12 months and give a few hours a week to support men to change their life by being inspirational role models, helping with goal setting and supporting their mentee to access ETE opportunities and ultimately gain meaningful employment. Mentoring sessions will be 1:1, take place weekly and can be done remotely by telephone or online. These sessions will last approximately one hour, but some time should also be given to liaising with Trailblazers staff and researching relevant opportunities.
Induction training is provided, out of pocket expenses covered, a mobile phone is provided to protect your identity, a Trailblazers T-shirt and lanyard are provided, DBS costs are covered, as well as regular reflective practice sessions to support you within your role.
We are actively looking for people to join our mentoring community with lived experience of the criminal justice system, under represented groups from BAME community, creative arts, business skills, wellbeing - whatever your skills and background we are open to hear from you to support our diverse group of men.
Trailblazers are looking for Volunteer Mentors who are:
- Empathetic with a positive outlook and manner.
- Able to help others without judgement or discrimination.
- Excellent communicators with a sense of humour.
- Well organised, can prioritise and multi-task.
- Reliable and able to commit to the role for up to 12 months providing weekly ETE sessions remotely either by telephone or via Zoom / MS Team digital platforms.
- Have skills and experience in supporting those who are disadvantaged into education, training and employment (ETE).
- Able to work independently with the ability to prioritise and manage your own workload with minimal supervision taking a flexible and creative approach to the demands of the post.
- Able to demonstrate sensitivity to other cultures, working with people from other backgrounds and demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities.
Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures for young men (18-35) leaving prison.

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!
Here at Youth4Youth, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.
If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.
About the role
The role of Software Tester is responsible for the testing of Youth4Youth’s technology solutions. The role involves communication with other Youth4Youth team members; creating test plans; creating test cases; running tests and analysing results to produce reports. The tester will be supporting a website and chat system.
Responsibilities
- • Conduct functional, acceptance, end-to-end, and regression tests to ensure software quality and performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product design and development teams to develop comprehensive user experiences across mobile, web, and app platforms.
• Regularly liaise with the wider team to ensure that test plans align with user requirements and core charity objectives.
• Analyse test results and write detailed reports, communicating findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Identify areas for improvement and work proactively to enhance software functionality.
• Stay up to date with technological innovations and new testing tools.
Skills
- • Enthusiasm for learning about Youth4Youth’s users and processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills to engage with team members and clients.
• Strong written communication with attention to detail.
• Design and spatial skills for usability assessment.
• Adaptable mindset to handle changing tasks and technologies.
• Willingness to stay updated with new software applications and techniques.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure and AWS.
• Experience working with APIs.
• Keen problem-solving and solution-building abilities.
• Openness to learning new technologies.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Organisational skills to deliver tasks on time and manage effectively.
• Collaborative experience and team support.
• Proficient IT skills, especially with Microsoft applications.
• Understanding of software engineering, programming, and development.
• Experience with JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and frameworks like React and AngularJS.
• Knowledge of continuous integration/delivery (CI/CD) and version control systems like Git.
Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.
Benefits of volunteering with Youth4Youth
We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:
- Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
- Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
- Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Youth4Youth volunteers
- Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Youth4Youth has on its direct beneficiaries
The hiring process
Our hiring process typically has two stages
- Video or Written Application (when applicable)
- Interview with the Volunteering Coordinator for that role
Some roles will have extra stages but we’ll let you know as early as possible if so.
Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to assist.
To ensure that all young people have a safe space to reach out for support, enabling them to realise their full potential, thrive in everyday life
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!
Job Title: Specialist: Talent Enablement
Location: Remote (UK-based)
Department: People & Culture
Reports To: Manager: Talent Enablement
About QuilomboUK
QuilomboUK is a trailblazing organisation dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Rooted in a People First philosophy, we empower individuals and teams to drive systemic change through equitable learning and growth opportunities.
Role Overview
As the Specialist: Talent Enablement, you will lead the design and delivery of impactful learning programs that align with QuilomboUK’s mission and strategic goals. You’ll develop leadership curricula, create engaging instructional materials, oversee induction training, and continuously refine L&D initiatives based on feedback and data. This role is ideal for a creative, data-driven professional passionate about fostering inclusive leadership and equipping teams with the skills to advance social justice.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership Development & Training
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Design and implement leadership training curricula, workshops, and coaching programs that cultivate inclusive, equitable, and socially conscious leaders.
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Partner with senior leaders to identify skill gaps and align learning and development (L&D) strategies with organisational objectives.
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Facilitate dynamic workshops on topics like anti-bias leadership, conflict resolution, and change management.
Instructional Design & Content Development
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Create engaging, accessible learning materials, including e-learning modules, facilitator guides, videos, and assessments, using tools like Articulate 360 or Adobe Captivate.
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Embed D&I principles and social justice themes into all content, ensuring cultural relevance and representation.
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Develop microlearning resources and toolkits to support continuous, self-directed learning in a remote environment.
AI-Enhanced Instructional Design
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Using various platforms, create dynamic, AI-generated content (e.g., simulations, scenario-based learning), and adaptive e-learning modules.
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Build AI-driven assessments and feedback loops to measure knowledge retention and behavioural change.
Onboarding & Integration
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Lead the design and delivery of induction programs that immerse new hires in QuilomboUK’s mission, values, and D&I commitments.
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure onboarding content reflects role-specific and cultural integration needs.
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Monitor new hire feedback to refine onboarding experiences and reduce time-to-productivity.
Training Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
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Measure training effectiveness using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as engagement rates, knowledge retention, and behavioural change.
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Analyse feedback surveys, LMS data, and performance metrics to identify gaps and iterate on content.
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Stay ahead of L&D trends (e.g., gamification, AI-driven learning) to innovate QuilomboUK’s programs.
D&I Integration
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Ensure all learning initiatives prioritise equity, cultural competence, and trauma-informed approaches.
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Partner with ERG (Employee Resource Group) leaders to co-create programs that address systemic inequities.
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Advocate for accessible learning design, including accommodations for neurodiverse individuals and those with disabilities.
Qualifications
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Experience: 3+ years in L&D, instructional design, or leadership development, ideally within mission-driven or D&I-focused organisations, with hands-on experience using AI tools.
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Skills:
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Expertise in e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate, Canva) and LMS platforms.
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Strong facilitation and storytelling skills for remote and hybrid audiences.
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Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) to measure program impact.
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Proficiency in prompt engineering for generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) to create scalable content.
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Knowledge:
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Deep understanding of adult learning theories, inclusive pedagogy, and social justice frameworks.
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Familiarity with UK compliance standards related to workplace training.
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Understanding of ethical AI frameworks, algorithmic bias mitigation, and GDPR-compliant AI use in HR.
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Familiarity with AI and how it can amplify (or hinder) equitable learning outcomes.
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Alignment: Passionate about QuilomboUK’s mission and the role of L&D in driving equitable change.
Personal Attributes
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A visionary thinker who balances creativity with analytical rigour.
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Collaborative bridge-builder who engages stakeholders at all levels.
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Adaptive and empathetic, with a knack for simplifying complex concepts.
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Committed to lifelong learning and amplifying underrepresented voices.
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 QuilomboUK
QuilomboUK is a trailblazing organisation dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Rooted in a People First philosophy, we empower individuals and teams to drive systemic change through equitable learning and growth opportunities. Join us to shape a culture where lifelong learning and inclusive leadership thrive.
Role Overview
As the L&D Manager, you will lead the design and delivery of impactful learning programs that align with QuilomboUK’s mission and strategic goals. You’ll develop leadership curricula, create engaging instructional materials, oversee induction training, and continuously refine L&D initiatives based on feedback and data. This role is ideal for a creative, data-driven professional passionate about fostering inclusive leadership and equipping teams with the skills to advance social justice.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership Development & Training
- Design and implement leadership training curricula, workshops, and coaching programs that cultivate inclusive, equitable, and socially conscious leaders.
- Partner with senior leaders to identify skill gaps and align L&D strategies with organisational objectives.
- Facilitate dynamic workshops on topics like anti-bias leadership, conflict resolution, and change management.
Instructional Design & Content Development
- Create engaging, accessible learning materials, including e-learning modules, facilitator guides, videos, and assessments, using tools like Articulate 360 or Adobe Captivate.
- Embed D&I principles and social justice themes into all content, ensuring cultural relevance and representation.
- Develop microlearning resources and toolkits to support continuous, self-directed learning in a remote environment.
AI-Enhanced Instructional Design
- Using various platforms, create dynamic, AI-generated content (e.g., simulations, scenario-based learning), and adaptive e-learning modules.
- Build AI-driven assessments and feedback loops to measure knowledge retention and behavioural change.
Onboarding & Integration
- Lead the design and delivery of induction programs that immerse new hires in QuilomboUK’s mission, values, and D&I commitments.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure onboarding content reflects role-specific and cultural integration needs.
- Monitor new hire feedback to refine onboarding experiences and reduce time-to-productivity.
Training Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
- Measure training effectiveness using KPIs such as engagement rates, knowledge retention, and behavioural change.
- Analyse feedback surveys, LMS data, and performance metrics to identify gaps and iterate on content.
- Stay ahead of L&D trends (e.g., gamification, AI-driven learning) to innovate QuilomboUK’s programs.
D&I Integration
- Ensure all learning initiatives prioritise equity, cultural competence, and trauma-informed approaches.
- Partner with ERG (Employee Resource Group) leaders to co-create programs that address systemic inequities.
- Advocate for accessible learning design, including accommodations for neurodiverse and disabled employees.
Qualifications
- Experience: 3+ years in L&D, instructional design, or leadership development, ideally within mission-driven or D&I-focused organisations, with hands-on experience using AI tools.
- Skills:
- Expertise in e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate, Canva) and LMS platforms,.
- Strong facilitation and storytelling skills for remote and hybrid audiences.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) to measure program impact.
- Proficiency in prompt engineering for generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) to create scalable content.
- Knowledge:
- Deep understanding of adult learning theories, inclusive pedagogy, and social justice frameworks.
- Familiarity with UK compliance standards related to workplace training.
- Understanding of ethical AI frameworks, algorithmic bias mitigation, and GDPR-compliant AI use in HR.
- Familiarity with AI and how it can amplify (or hinder) equitable learning outcomes.
- Alignment: Passionate about QuilomboUK’s mission and the role of L&D in driving equitable change.
Personal Attributes
- A visionary thinker who balances creativity with analytical rigor.
- Collaborative bridge-builder who engages stakeholders at all levels.
- Adaptive and empathetic, with a knack for simplifying complex concepts.
- Committed to lifelong learning and amplifying underrepresented voices.
Why Join QuilomboUK?
- Purpose: Design programs that directly contribute to equitable workplaces and social justice.
- Innovation: Experiment with cutting-edge L&D tools and methodologies in a remote-first environment.
- Culture: Join a team that values curiosity, courage, and collective growth.
- Flexibility: Enjoy remote work autonomy with supportive collaboration.
The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
Empower growth. Ignite change. #LearningForJustice #InclusiveLeadership #PeopleFirst
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees at Music For Youth (MFY); a national youth music charity that provides life-changing musical experiences for young people aged 25 and under.
Music for Youth brings together over 40,000 young people a year to perform in live music festivals and concerts across the UK. The charity uniquely provides open access to young people, from whatever background or ability, to perform live to audiences: from grass-roots community halls to the Royal Albert Hall. We develop their musicianship, showcasing the richness and diversity of their music through our impactful live performance and development programmes. The wider social and life skills developed by participating in our events benefits all who take part and propels some of the UK's most promising young musicians onto career-changing platforms.
Our vision is to ensure that every young person in the UK can achieve their musical potential by performing the music they love. We believe that music, and the chance to participate in high-quality musical activities, should be open to every young person.
As Chair, you will guide a committed and experienced Board of Trustees, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to drive strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, and champion our cause at the highest levels.
This is a crucial time for Music For Youth, as we navigate a changing funding landscape and continue to innovate to reach even more young people.
If you are an experienced leader with a passion for the vision, mission, impact and potential of this unique organisation, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
Who We Are
Music For Youth is a national youth music charity that works with schools, youth groups, music hubs, and community organisations to break down barriers to music-making and showcase the incredible talent of young musicians.
Our Programmes and Impact
Each year, Music For Youth reaches over 40,000 young people across the UK, offering them platforms to develop their musical talents across all music genres, and gain confidence. Many of our alumni have gone on to successful careers in the music industry and beyond.
National Music Festivals and Concerts:
We produce and stage high-quality professional standard live music events (including gigs, concerts, and festivals) for young musicians, both regionally at grass roots level, and at the UK’s most prestigious live music venues.
Young Artist Development:
We nurture and develop young musicians so they can realise their musical potential, by initiating adventurous collaborations, commissioning new music, and providing a robust music mentoring programme.
Creative Skills Development:
We provide skills and training development for young people looking for a career in the creative industries in non-performance and stagecraft roles such as stage management, sound engineering, lighting and digital production skills.
Advocacy for Young Musicians:
We campaign to highlight the brilliance of young musicians.
Our work takes place across the whole of the UK with events in all nine regions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This coverage enables us to support and tour the work of other partner organisations so they can reach young people further afield.
For over 50 years, Music for Youth’s annual cycle of regional festivals, local events, a national festival and showcase concerts has made a significant contribution to the music education calendar, bringing together regional providers and young performers, and putting young people’s own achievements into a wider national context:
The Music for Youth Regional Festival is a collection of festivals across the UK aimed to inspire musicians at every level of experience and across every genre of music. This collection of regional festivals forms the UK’s largest festival for young musicians. 30,000 musicians take part every year and many go on to perform again at the Music for Youth National Festival and Music for Youth Proms.
The National Festival is a coming together of musicians, bands and ensembles from across the regions to perform on world-class stages including Symphony Hall, and the CBSO Centre. It is a key date in the Music for Youth calendar, hosted by the city of Birmingham in July. Over 12,000 young musicians aged 4-21 from across the UK take part, featuring all styles, instruments and genres of music.
The Music for Youth Proms takes place at the renowned Royal Albert Hall in London. This two-day showcase celebrates the incredible diversity, talent and creativity of young musicians from all corners of the UK. From orchestral ensembles to choirs, bands, soloists, and more, these talented young performers get the unique opportunity to showcase their skills and share their music with a wider audience.
Staff and Head Office
Given the charity’s national reach, the head office recently relocated from London to Birmingham, now based in CBSO Centre (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) close to the city centre. The staff team of seven permanent staff are based across the UK, with hybrid home / office working arrangements.
Board and Governance
There are nine Trustees, each co-opted on to one (or more) subcommittees: the Audit & Risk Committee, Programmes Committee, and Fundraising Committee.
How Music For Youth is Funded
Music For Youth is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations, receiving 42% of its funds from the annual grant of £279,980 in 2023/24. In addition, the charity raises income from fundraising (sponsorship, institutions, individuals) totalling 33% of annual turnover £672,938 in 23/24, with 10.6% from earned income including event ticket sales of £71,785 in 2023/24.
The charity’s turnover in 2023/24 was £672,938, ending the year with reserves of £101,224.
For further information, please see our latest Annual Account and Report here.
The Opportunity
We are excited to be seeking our next Chair of Trustees to lead the organisation, as our current Chair, John Dixon, comes to the end of his term of service.
With an energetic, skilled and focused Executive Team led by Phil Castang MBE - and a highly experienced supportive Board of Trustees bringing their wealth of collective experience spanning leadership in music, education, arts, fundraising and industry - now is an exciting time to join this unique national music charity, as we prepare for the next phase of development.
The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and governance to Music For Youth, ensuring the organisation is well-managed, financially sustainable, and delivering on its charitable objectives:
Leadership
- Chairing meetings of the Board and ensuring that it runs effectively, fulfils its duties and carries out resolutions.
- Creating an environment in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately.
- Provide clear strategic direction for the charity, working with the CEO and Board to set long-term goals.
- Act as an ambassador for MFY as required, promoting our work and advocating for youth music at national and local levels.
- Support MFY in maintaining strong partnerships with funders, arts organisations, schools, and the wider music sector.
Governance & Compliance
- Lead an engaged and effective Board of Trustees, ensuring good governance and compliance with charity law.
- Manage, support and appraise the performance of the CEO, ensuring they and their senior leadership team have the resources and guidance to deliver MFY’s mission.
- Oversee financial sustainability, risk management, and organisational policies.
Fundraising & Advocacy
- Work with the Board and executive team to develop fundraising strategies, securing income from grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
- Represent MFY at high-profile events, engaging with stakeholders and championing the value of youth music.
What we are looking for
As our new Chair, you will share a commitment to the mission of Music For Youth. While it is not essential to be from a Music or Music Education background, we are looking for someone who has passion for the impact - and potential - of the charity and can demonstrate how their experience can help us navigate the pivotal years ahead.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:
- Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
- Financial literacy
- High level networking and advocacy skills.
- Knowledge of charity and corporate governance.
- Experience and confidence in managing risk, change and innovation.
- Understanding and awareness of broader social, political and economic issues.
In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the following beneficial areas.
- Board membership in the not-for-profit sector
- Working in or with organisations and with individuals in the cultural sector
- Working in or with public bodies or national policy makers
The organisation recently undertook a Skills Audit of the Board and identified the following areas where we are looking to continue strengthening the experience. While not essential for the role of Chair, alongside the core skills and experience outlined, we would certainly welcome individuals who may also be able demonstrate experience around:
Digital: to take advantage of the potential for digital transformation
Finance: to provide additional oversight and financial rigor
Fundraising: with income from individuals a future opportunity to explore further
Time Commitment
The Chair can expect to commit the equivalent of 12-15 days per year at - and in prep for - key Trustee meetings, including full Board Meetings held four times a year (at least one in person in Birmingham, where the charity is headquartered). This time also includes regular meetings with the CEO (the majority online), and regular comms with the CEO as required, which may ebb and flow, depending on the time of year. In person meetings are kept to a minimum.
In addition, the Chair would be expected to attend a minimum of two of our: Regional Festivals (March – April), National Festival (Birmingham or elsewhere, early-mid July) and the Youth Proms (London, end of November), to represent the Board and host key stakeholders, including funders. ,
Term
We are looking for someone who can commit to an initial three-year term, which could then be renewed for a second term.
Learn more and apply
If you would like to have an exploratory conversation with the current Chair or Vice Chair about the charity or the role, please contact John Dixon (current Chair).
Application Process
To apply for the role of Chair at Music For Youth, please submit:
- 1. A CV.
- 2. A cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing:
- Why you are interested in this role.
- How your skills and experience align with MFY’s mission.
- What you would bring to the organisation.
Please send your CV and Cover Letter to Phil Castang (CEO) with the subject line: Application for Chair of Music For Youth.
Deadline for Applications: Friday 27th of June at 12pm.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Music for Youth National Festival taking place between Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th July in Birmingham. (Please note - this is not a requirement of the application process but a chance for you to see the work of the charity in person).
Interviews: will take place on Wednesday 10th September in Birmingham.
The week before the interview (week commencing 1st September), you will have the opportunity to have an informal conversation with the CEO and other Trustees online. Date to be confirmed.
If you have any access needs or other practical questions - or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the role with the Vice Chairs before applying - please get in contact.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.