Event volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Basildon, essex

Be the Spark in Someone’s Month

Do you love a good chat, enjoy meeting new people, and want to make a real difference in someone’s life? Come and be part of something special!

We’re looking for friendly, outgoing volunteers to help at our monthly social group meetings. These gatherings are a lifeline for many of our members living with combined sight and hearing loss — offering connection, laughter, and a safe space to make new friends.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Group Volunteer, you’ll be the welcoming face that makes our members feel at home. Your role might include:

• Greeting members with a warm smile

• Helping with lunch and refreshments

• Spending time chatting and socialising

• Supporting members with mobility or guiding, if needed

Our Newham group meets every fourth Thurday of the month from 1pm to 3pm — just two hours to brighten someone’s day!

Got a Talent? Share It!

Whether you’re a quiz master, a crafty creator, a musical marvel, or have a few magic tricks up your sleeve — we’d love to see what you can bring! Your unique skills could add that extra sparkle to our sessions.

What You’ll Get

• Full training and 1:1 support

• Opportunities to learn and grow in your role

• The joy of knowing you’ve made a real difference

All you need is a friendly, welcoming manner and a willingness to help. We’ll take care of the rest.

Job Title: Bid Writer Assistant                                                                         

Reports To: Department Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Bid Writer to support Quilombo UK in securing vital funding and resources to further our mission. This remote volunteer role is ideal for someone who is passionate about community impact, writing, and making a meaningful difference in the Third Sector. You'll work with a supportive team, gain hands-on experience in funding applications, and help shape the sustainability of impactful community programmes.

Position Overview:
The Bid Writer Assistant plays a key role in researching, drafting, and editing compelling proposals and funding applications for various projects run by Quilombo UK. The role involves close collaboration with department leads, collecting relevant data, and ensuring submissions align with organisational goals and funder expectations. It offers the flexibility to work independently, with the support of experienced professionals and tailored training where required.

Key Responsibilities:

Proposal & Bid Development:

• Research, draft, and edit funding proposals tailored to specific grants, donors, and partners.

• Review and refine existing proposals to ensure clarity, compliance, and impact.

• Collaborate with internal teams to gather relevant content, project insights, and financial information for bids.

• Develop supporting documents and presentations to accompany applications.

Strategic Input & Collaboration:

• Contribute to the bid strategy, suggesting creative and relevant ideas aligned with organisational goals.

• Maintain and manage a structured “bid plan” with timelines, approval processes, and submission deadlines.

• Liaise with HR, Finance, Marketing, and Project teams to align bid content with current projects and strategic direction.

Reporting & Organisation:

• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of bid statuses.

• Organise bid-related documentation, supporting strong internal knowledge management.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in English, Communications, Business, or related fields.

Experience:

• Prior experience writing funding proposals or grant applications.

• Familiarity with fundraising, community initiatives, or nonprofit funding is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong written communication and persuasive writing skills.

• High attention to detail, organisation, and ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word; Excel knowledge is a plus.

• Confidence in researching, planning, and collaborating across teams.

• Ability to work independently and maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

Benefits:

• Gain real-world experience in nonprofit fundraising and proposal writing.

• Work with a collaborative and values-driven team.

• Receive feedback and development opportunities in bid strategy and funding.

• Build a strong portfolio of written proposals and funding successes.

• Flexible working hours with full remote access.

• Reimbursement of travel expenses if attending occasional in-person meetings.

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

VOLUNTEER ROLE: PROGRAMME MANAGER – 12‑WEEK SELF‑IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME

Lead a Transformational Journey That Helps Men Change Their Lives

MINDSET isn’t just a charity. It’s a movement. A brotherhood. A mission to redefine what strength looks like for men across England.

We speak to men in a way that feels real — through action, honesty, challenge, and connection. No jargon. No judgment. No shame. Just real conversations, real growth, and real change.

Now we’re launching one of our most powerful offerings: A 12‑Week Self‑Improvement Programme designed to help men build resilience, confidence, purpose, and emotional strength.

And we’re looking for a Programme Manager who can bring this journey to life.

If you’re someone who believes in the power of structured growth, who cares deeply about men’s wellbeing, and who wants to build something that genuinely changes lives — this role is for you.

Why This Role Matters

This programme will be the heartbeat of MINDSET’s mission.

Every week, men will show up to:

• Learn new skills

• Build confidence

• Break old patterns

• Strengthen their mental fitness

• Connect with others

• Take real action in their lives

Your leadership will shape:

• The quality and consistency of the programme

• The experience men have from week 1 to week 12

• The facilitators and volunteers who deliver it

• The impact we measure and the stories we tell

• The national rollout of a programme that could change thousands of lives

This isn’t just programme management. This is transformation management.

What You’ll Lead

As our Programme Manager, you will:

• Oversee the design, delivery, and development of the 12‑Week Self‑Improvement Programme

• Work with facilitators to ensure sessions are safe, engaging, and aligned with our culture code

• Support volunteers delivering the programme across multiple locations

• Monitor attendance, engagement, and outcomes to drive continuous improvement

• Help shape session content, activities, and weekly themes

• Ensure the programme remains action‑based, stigma‑free, and built for real men

• Work closely with the Head of Services and leadership team to scale the programme nationally

• Champion our values — honesty, courage, growth, brotherhood, inclusion, action — in every session

You’ll be the architect of a journey that helps men grow week by week.

Who We’re Looking For

• A passion for men’s wellbeing and personal development

• Strong organisational and leadership skills

• Experience in programme delivery, coaching, training, or community work

• A belief in action‑based, stigma‑free approaches

• Emotional intelligence and a people‑first mindset

• A commitment to inclusion, safety, and impact

• The courage to build something bold, new, and needed

If you’ve ever thought, “Men deserve a space to grow — and I want to help build it,” then you already understand the heart of this role.

What You’ll Be Part Of

MINDSET is building:

• Peer‑led support groups across England

• Action‑based wellbeing programmes

• Workshops that build resilience, confidence, and emotional strength

• Talk Zones in barbershops, gyms, and workplaces

• A digital platform for mental fitness and personal growth

• A national movement that redefines strength, vulnerability, and brotherhood

This programme will be one of our flagship offerings — a cornerstone of the movement.

What You’ll Gain

This is a volunteer role — but the impact is real and lasting.

You’ll gain:

• Leadership experience in programme design and delivery

• The chance to shape a national self‑improvement journey for men

• A powerful portfolio in wellbeing, personal development, and community impact

• A supportive team that feels like a brotherhood

• A role that grows with you as the movement expands

• The knowledge that your work helped change — and even save — lives

If This Mission Speaks to You… Step Forward.

Men need us. Men need you. And together, we can build something powerful — something that helps men not just survive, but thrive.

Apply now. Join the movement. Reset the mindset — for others, and for yourself.

We are looking for volunteers to join the GBSL project run by the Sickle Cell Society and help increase life-saving blood donations in Black-heritage communities.

What you’ll do:

• Raise awareness about the importance of ethnically matched blood for people with Sickle Cell
• Help grow the movement through community events and social media
• Encourage friends, family and community networks to register as donors
• Share facts and real stories about blood donation

As an Adventure Ambassador, you will act as the face of Adventures for Animals on our UK and overseas trips. This role offers an exciting opportunity to combine your passion for travel with your commitment to animal welfare, while inspiring others to take part in meaningful challenges. Your primary focus will be on promoting trips, building community engagement, supporting fundraising and delivering an exceptional participant experience before and during each adventure.

Key Responsibilities

Promote Inspiring Adventures

• Generate interest and excitement through social media, community outreach, and personal networks.
• Encourage registrations, and later fundraising, by sharing the purpose and impact of Adventures for Animals and the work of IAPWA.

Host and Represent on Trips

• Act as the official Adventure Ambassador on each trip, representing Adventures for Animals and IAPWA.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive group environment.
• Support participants throughout the journey to help ensure a smooth and memorable experience.

Incentives and Rewards

• Once a trip reaches an agreed capacity, you will secure a free place on the expedition.
• At the next agreed benchmark, you will receive free return flights for the adventure.
• At full capacity, you will also then receive a generous trip allowance.

Represent the Mission

• Embody the values and mission of the charity.
• Share insight into the charity’s work and inspire participants to support animal welfare initiatives.
• Strengthen the sense of community and shared purpose across each adventure.

Team Collaboration

• Attend monthly team meetings with fellow Adventure Ambassadors.
• Share insights, feedback, and ideas to support programme growth and fundraising best practice.
• Optionally organise UK-based hikes or local events to promote upcoming trips and engage the community.

Essential Experience / Skills

• A genuine passion for travel, adventure, and animal welfare
• Strong communication skills and confidence engaging groups
• Self-motivated with the ability to proactively promote trips
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a natural leadership presence
• Organised, reliable, and positive in approach

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to explore exciting destinations while supporting meaningful animal welfare initiatives.
• Personal and professional development in leadership, public speaking, and community engagement.
• The chance to play a key role in raising awareness and funds to support animals worldwide.

Closing Date: The job advert will close as soon as suitable candidates have been found. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible!

Role Description

The Press/Media Manager will work closely with the Communication Officer to lead on the Pagan Federation's media strategy. You will act as a primary point of contact for journalists, broadcasters, and media outlets working to promote positive coverage of Paganism and to respond appropriately to media interest, engaging in both proactive and reactive.

You will develop and oversee press strategies, prepare statements and press releases, brief spokespersons, and assist the organisation in sensitive communications where required. As this is a council-level role within the Pagan Federation you will be expected to provide regular reports to the Communications Officer and the Council of the Pagan Federation.

This is a voluntary role, and volunteers are expected to work remotely. We have volunteers working across England and Wales. Some travel may be necessary, reasonable expenses will be covered in line with our expenses policy.

Qualifications

• At least two years experience in the field of Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or similar. (Essential)
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy in media engagement. (Essential)
• Strong organizational and communication skills to effectively assist in strategic communications planning and discussions. (Essential)
• Commitment to supporting the mission, values, and inclusiveness of the Pagan Federation. (Essential)
• Prior experience in volunteer or nonprofit organisations. (Desirable)
• Membership of a professional organisation in Media, PR, or Communications (desirable)

General Requirements

• Must be aligned with the PF's mission, be willing to conform to our Code of Conduct, and unreservedly support the charitable objectives of the PF.
• Knowledge of the Pagan Community

Chair of Trustees role:

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Who are we looking for?

• Previous chairing experience
• Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, health inequalities (including deaf community), local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Good, independent judgement
• The ability to challenge and ask questions
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

NB: We are looking for both a Chair of Trustees and additional Trustees (particularly those with a finance background, but other functions are also welcome). If you are interested in a Trustee role instead of the Chair role, please mention this in your covering letter when applying. 

Both the Chair and Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

• Peer support
• Long-term health conditions
• Cancer diagnoses and prevention
• Voluntary sector support
• Health inequalities (including the deaf community)
• Under-served communities

The Training Officer ensures volunteers receive engaging, high-quality training to prepare them for events. You’ll organise sessions, secure tutors and spaces, encourage attendance, and gather feedback to improve future training. This role is vital for volunteer development and maintaining Make a Smile’s professional standards.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

We are recruiting for Rochford, Castle Point, Leigh on Sea, Canvey Island, Rayleigh and Hockley

Sample of events that volunteers will have opportunities to volunteer at Track and Field Meet VE Day Celebration VE Beacon Lighting Ceremony Great Pier Walk 5K Bluebell walk Party on the Green -Pentecost School Fete Armed Forces Day School Summer Fete Lazydays-3 day event Vulcan Restoration Trust-Numerous days PCA Day-Cricket VJ Beacon lighting Yellow Door Skate Jam-Skate and scooter training

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

There is a commitment of 80 hours per year for this role All training for this role is provided with different course dates on offer

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, time and to be advised
Training for role - Date, time and to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 13/04/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Emerge Worldwide is seeking a strategic and creative Social Media Lead to lead — and actively deliver — our digital communications.

This role is both strategic and practical. You will design content, publish content, host online discussions and actively manage platforms.

You will lead and set clear strategy, direction and plans for Emerge Worldwide’s Social Media communications, create engaging content, supervise the Team and encourage community mobilisation.

You will work closely with the Communications Deprtamnet and colloborate with the Education, Events & Fundraising and Policy departments and external stakeholders.

Strategy & Direction

• Develop and implement the Social Media & Digital Strategy aligned to campaigns and organisational priorities.
• Set KPIs and growth targets.
• Lead monthly planning meetings and oversee content calendars.
• Manage and support Social Media Volunteers, including performance management / feedback meetings.
• Content Creation, Design & Publishing

Design, create and publish high-quality digital content across platforms.

• Manage day-to-day posting and scheduling.
• Create graphics, reels, videos, carousels, and campaign visuals.
• Capture live content from events where required.
• Ensure all content aligns with brand standards.
• Language, Messaging & Communications Collaboration

Work closely with the Communications Department to ensure:

• Trauma-informed and safeguarding-aware language
• Consistent tone of voice

Alignment with policy and campaign messaging

• Review and refine messaging before publication where necessary.
• Ensure sensitive topics are handled ethically and responsibly and all information meets safeguarding, confidentiality and GDPR standards.
• Cross-Department Collaboration

Collaborate with all Emerge Worldwide departments

• Translate departmental work into engaging digital content.
• Support campaign launches and digital activations.

Analytics & Growth

• Monitor analytics and produce monthly performance reports and feed into quarterly impact reports.
• Optimise content based on insights.
• Grow reach, engagement and supporter conversion.

What are we looking for?

• Experience managing and actively posting across social media platforms.
• Strong graphic design capability (Canva or equivalent).
• Experience creating and editing short-form video content.
• Ability to write compelling, engaging, trauma-informed content.
• Good attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to transform small snippets of information into interesting and engaging stories suitable for Social Media platforms
• Experience collaborating with communications teams on tone and messaging.
• Experience working across teams and gathering content from stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage content calendars.
• Passion for ending sexual exploitation and trafficking.
• A motivated, enthusiastic individual who is has proven working experience and is passionate about social media and marketing, and producing tangible results.
• Good interpersonal skills dealing with people sensitively and respectfully from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Strong strategic development, project management and articulate communication skills.
• Experience of managing a team and projects
• Experience of managing multiple campaigns, with excellent organisational and time management skills, delivering effective targeted outcomes
• The ability to inspire people to act and get involved internally and externally
• Proactive and shows initiative, with the ability to work unsupervised
• Friendly, approachable manner – able to build rapport with a range of partners     and staff, and provide a collaborative team environment

What difference will you make?
The Social Media Lead plays a strategic and safeguarding-critical role in advancing Emerge Worldwide’s mission to prevent grooming, sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

This role is not simply about posting content. It is about shaping narrative, increasing prevention, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that women and girls encounter accurate, trauma-informed information in digital spaces.

Through a clear digital strategy and consistent messaging, the Social Media Lead strengthens Emerge Worldwide’s credibility and national voice. A strong online presence builds trust with survivors, professionals, schools, corporates and policymakers — opening doors for training, partnerships and funding that directly support prevention and empowerment initiatives.

Consistent, high-quality posting has preventative impact. Educational content about red flags, online grooming, coercive control and intersectional vulnerabilities can help young people recognise harmful behaviour earlier. Parents, carers and teachers may identify warning signs sooner. Increased awareness can interrupt exploitation before it escalates.

Collaboration with the Communications Department ensures language is trauma-informed and safeguarding-aware. Sensitive issues are handled ethically, reducing the risk of re-traumatisation and creating a digital environment where survivors feel seen, respected and safe.

Cross-department collaboration ensures campaigns, policy work, education programmes and fundraising initiatives are amplified effectively. This leads to increased attendance at training, stronger campaign mobilisation, greater public engagement and enhanced funding — all of which contribute to tangible protection and support for vulnerable girls and young women.

By analysing performance data, the Social Media Lead helps Emerge Worldwide reach high-risk demographics more effectively. Data-informed decisions improve targeting, engagement and resource allocation, ensuring messaging reaches those most vulnerable.

In summary, the outcomes of this role contribute directly to early identification, public education, cultural awareness and increased access to prevention services. The Social Media Lead helps transform awareness into action — strengthening Emerge Worldwide’s impact in advocating for women and girls against grooming, sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

Do you want to take part in vegan volunteering around your local area?

You can do that – right here at The Vegan Society. 

We have an ever-growing Community Network of vegans just like you, who have a passion to volunteer and promote veganism where they live. 

Every month, our Network choose from a range of outreach tasks. These could include town centre stalls, writing to a councillor or MP, sharing our campaigns on social media or contacting local businesses. You're in control of how much or how little you do. 

As an Advocate, you will have a network of other Advocates and an Organiser in your area. Your Organiser will be your main point of contact. They will send you tasks every month and ask you to feed back on what you've completed and any positive outcomes. 

Why do we need you to volunteer?

As the vegan community grows, veganism itself becomes better understood. We're finding that more people are looking to The Vegan Society to find out what being vegan is all about.

Local communities are starting to see the vegan movement as something real and something that’s happening in their area. More people are embracing a vegan lifestyle, which we welcome. From new businesses, to families, to councillors, many people need support. This could be with a range of topics: going vegan, finding correct information around a vegan diet, providing vegan options in their business, MPs listening to vegan constituents, and learning about our work.

Local issues are often unique and more varied than national issues. Our volunteers from local areas are vital! They enable us to share our messages and campaigns in an effective way. Research tells us that people are far more likely to trust information from a peer rather than an outside expert, so community volunteering vastly increases the impact of our campaigns.

Our network of committed local vegans across the country is growing! The Vegan Society organises various outreach activities to influence change in every level of society. There are a range of activities going on all the time, from general educational stalls at events to meeting with local policy influencers.

Advocates are a crucial voice in their own community. They ensure that our campaign messages are spread far and wide. They provide a strong vegan presence in local communities.

What does the Advocate role involve?

Being an Advocate for veganism with The Vegan Society will mean communicating with people in your local community. You'll share the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. You will form part of a local group, headed up by a local Organiser. The Organiser will feed back your collective efforts to staff. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group, for vegan socialising and ideas sharing.

You’ll stay in touch with the Organiser and bring your passion to tasks. Activities can range from staffing a stall to giving a talk at an employee event. It could also mean writing to a local newspaper or lobbying an MP.

Messaging can differ every month. Part of our mission statement is to ensure people can remain vegan, so you might focus on getting more vegan options available in local businesses. Or within our Live Vegan for Less campaign, you may share cheap vegan recipes to help people with the cost of living.

When acting as an Advocate, you will use The Vegan Society’s branding and messaging guidelines. Your local Organiser will guide you in doing this, as they hold physical resources and handbooks. You can report any issues and feedback you have to your Organiser. You can also contact staff if your Organiser isn't available or you have any problems.

What training and support is available?

You will be provided with a big welcome and full induction from your local Organiser. They will introduce you to the group and any actions that are ongoing. Any training and development will be provided via your Organiser, and you can also ask for specific training on any areas that you need some development in.

What skills would be useful in doing this role?

• The ability to stay motivated in order to achieve the best possible outcomes
• Good email etiquette, responding in a timely manner
• Committed to veganism and the mission of The Vegan Society
• Ability to stay calm if confronted with differing opinions or challenges
• A good communicator, with the ability to be persuasive
• Confident in communicating with people from a range of backgrounds
• Experience of campaigning
• Any experience in talking with members of the public through customer/public service would be helpful
• Awareness of current affairs, especially those that relate to veganism
• Regular availability and a willingness to stay committed to actions
• Good team player

How much time do I need to invest? 

For Advocates, we ask for people to engage in a minimum of four to six actions per year. An example of an action could be writing to an MP or holding a stall. But the more you can do, the better! On occasion, there may also be online meetings to plan for actions or provide training.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter. This will take place in around the following areas - Havering, Romford, Harold Hill, Hornchurch Gidea Park, Elm Park, Harold Wood

We are looking to run a volunteering interview selection session on:

• 03/05/2026, Details of times, venue, etc tbc.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 07/06/2026, Details of times, venue, etc.
• Training for role - Must Be fit for Role I.E must be able to lift and carry Also must be able to work on the floor. This role is subject to a 6 day training course which will be spread across 3 weekends. Details of course including dates, time & venue tbc.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 24/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

We are looking for a dedicated Lay Trustee who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. We are member-led, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in our Lay Trustee role here at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall. We're very pleased to announce the opening of applications for our esteemed Board of Trustees. We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for a dedicated Lay Trustee who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.

Our membership comprises of students studying with both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall) which creates a unique and special experience of which we love to be a key part of.

The role of Lay Trustee provides an opportunity to support our Sabbatical and Student Trustees foster a culture of student leadership and deliver a student-focused service.

You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are within the first year of our 2025-2030 Strategy.  If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.

We are especially keen to hear from applicants based in the South West, with experience in any of the below areas:

· Finance:

o Financial planning and management

o Development of income streams and financial sustainability

· Law and Compliance:

o Charity Law

o Employment Law

· People:

o HR management 

o Learning and development

· Fundraising:

o Grant fundraising 

o Social investment and enterprise

o Developing commercial income streams 

For full details of the role, please see the Lay Trustee Recruitment Pack below. 

Why Should You Become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience. You’ll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and support our President and Student Trustees. As a Lay Trustee, you are eligible to become Deputy Chair of the Board, or Chair of one of the sub-committees. This is dependent on vacancies for these roles.

You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.

Job Description

We’re looking for someone to work collectively with our Board of Trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our Students’ Union.

Remuneration: Lay Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.

Hours: Hours can vary however typically each year:

· Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long conducted online.

· Additional four (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 1 hour.

· There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid).

Term of office: three years, up to three terms.

Location: Homebased with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.

Role Purpose:

The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy, approving and monitoring delivery plans.

How To Apply

Please visit the role posting on our website for further details on how to apply. We require the completion of a Person Details form, and Skills Audit spreadsheets, along with your CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Monday 13 April. Applications will be considered and shortlisted upon receipt, with interviews to take place (online) on a rolling basis.  

Ideally, you will be available to attend a Trustee Induction on the morning of Tuesday 23 June, ahead of the first Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday 24 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Wednesday 01 July.

For full details of the role, please see the Lay Trustee Recruitment Pack below. 

The Recruitment Officer is responsible for attracting, onboarding, and supporting new volunteers into the charity. The role focuses on maintaining a steady flow of volunteers by proactively identifying recruitment opportunities, organising and delivering Introduction Training sessions, and promoting the charity through events such as Freshers’ Fairs, Open Days, and external outreach.