Events volunteer roles in mirfield, west yorkshire

Help lead the Real Farming Trust into its next chapter as Chair of the Board of Trustees

Type: Voluntary (Expenses Paid)
Time Commitment: Approx. 1-2 days/month, plus annual retreats and sector events

Be part of a movement for food justice and ecological transformation

The Real Farming Trust (RFT) is a pioneering UK charity whose purpose is to connect and support people who are transforming our food system through agroecology. Since starting the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) in 2010, the RFT has grown into a dynamic organisation with a turnover of ~£1M.

As the organisation enters a new strategic cycle through to 2030, it is seeking a new Chair to guide the board and support the executive team in delivering bold, systemic change in food and farming. This is a unique opportunity to lead an organisation at the heart of the agroecological movement, convening grassroots voices, shaping policy discourse, and investing in community-led solutions.

Why This Role Matters

As Chair, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership during a pivotal phase of growth and transformation and enable the charity to fulfil its purpose.
• Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion across programmes and governance.
• Support the Executive Directors and staff to foster a resilient, values-led organisational culture.
• Represent RFT externally, including speaking at the ORFC and other sector events.
• Guide the board through governance best practice and renewal.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking a visionary leader with:

• Board-level chairing experience in the charity or social enterprise sector with a detailed understanding of the principles and practice of good charity governance.
• A values-led, inclusive leadership style - humble, strategic, emotionally intelligent.
• Deep commitment to agroecology, food sovereignty, climate justice, and equity.
• Experience in or knowledge of food systems, farming, and agroecology.
• The strategic skills and experience to lead a significant and growing national charity.

What You'll Gain

• A defining role in shaping the future of food and farming in the UK.
• The opportunity to amplify grassroots voices and drive systemic change.
• A platform to demonstrate inclusive leadership and transformative impact.
• Connection to a vibrant, mission-driven team and a national network of changemakers.

Recruitment Timeline:

To ensure equitable access to information and uphold its commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), the RFT will be hosting a Q&A webinar on Thursday 4th December from 11-12pm in place of individual informal calls with the Chair and Executive Directors. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar, and we will send you a link..

Application deadline: Thursday 15th January 2026

First round interviews - Online: w/c 9th February 2026

Final interviews - In-person (Oxford): w/c 16th February 2026

How to Apply

Charity People Ltd is acting as recruitment advisor to RFT on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited initially to submit a CV to to receive the candidate pack, which has the full application details and a link to the webinar.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you require any assistance or adjustment to make the application process work for you, please let us know.

Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!

About the Role:

Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Our groups and courses can be run online or in-person in your local area.

- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers.  It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.

- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.

Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.

Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.

Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.

How do I know it’s right for me?

Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.

We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.

What is the time commitment?

You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group). 

- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
 

Location: Shepherd’s Bush, West London

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

Type: Voluntary

Start Date: Early 2026

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

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

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

About Us

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

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

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

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

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

About the Role

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

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

We’re looking for someone who can

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

About You

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

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

We’re interested in candidates with

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

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

Time Commitment

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

Why Now

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

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

How to Apply

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

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

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

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

Do you have professional experience in coding and computing? Could you support young people in learning how to code? 

Are you passionate about equipping the next generation with the skills and strategies needed to succeed?

About us: GT Scholars is a social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve their aspirations. 

We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.

What makes us different? There are many organisations that offer programmes to improve the life chances of young people. However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low-income homes. 

Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for workshop facilitators that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!

Responsibilities: Facilitators are responsible for designing creative and interactive workshops for our young people, and delivering these workshops with our young people. We run some of our workshops online and other workshops are held in London. All workshops are held during the school holidays, in the evening and on weekends.

The workshop facilitator role is flexible and as part of your role, you may be involved in:

• Delivering and leading short workshops or courses, on behalf of GT Scholars (Online or offline)

• Designing engaging, interactive and educational workshops and short courses for young people and ensuring that the content is targeted to suit different abilities and capabilities

• Running your own bespoke workshops, eg. workshops in coding and technology

• Managing short activities and Q&A sessions during our workshops

• Working collaboratively with other event coordinators, volunteers, ambassadors, workshop facilitators and speakers at our events

• Following the agreed timings and content for workshops and courses

Person specification: 

As workshop facilitator, you will need to:

• Have passion, knowledge and experience in coding, computing and technology

• Have strong presentation skills

• Have strong communication skills

• Be personable and able to confidently communicate with people from a range of backgrounds and professions.

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Be punctual and organised

Availability: Workshops will run during the day on school holiday dates, on Saturdays or in the evening (5pm-8pm).

Additional information: We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 2 years old.

Rate of pay: This is a self-employed role. You must be aged 18 or above. Facilitator sessions range from 2 to 6 hours. The rate of pay will vary based on the budget of the funder.

Unify Giving CIC – UK Based

Unify Giving is building more than just a platform — we’re building a movement around tech for good and social impact. We need a Community Builder to help us connect and grow that movement both inside and outside the organisation.

What you’ll do

• Support our volunteers: keep in touch, share updates, and make sure people feel connected and valued.

• Spot social impact leaders on LinkedIn, Slack, Discord and beyond — and invite them into our Tech for Good Unify Giving channel.

• Grow our community: help us build an online space where people working in social impact and innovation can connect, share, and support each other.

• Create opportunities for conversation: organise community calls, and help set up a podcast with our founder, Matt, interviewing other Tech for Good founders and innovators.

Why this is for you

• A chance to be right at the centre of the UK’s growing Tech for Good community.

• Build your skills in community management, partnerships, and social impact networking.

• Minimum 5–10 hours per week, for at least 3 months.

• A role with variety: part people, part digital, part creativity.

Who we welcome
No age limits, no “perfect CV” required. If you’re passionate about social impact and love bringing people together — online and offline — this could be the challenge for you.

�� If you’ve ever wanted to build a community from scratch, this is your chance to do it while making real impact.

Background.

Saddleworth Village Games is a registered Charity in England and Wales since 2016, but the foundation has been running since 1985 and celebrated its 40th year in 2025. The organisation offers sports for children aged seven to 14 in the Saddleworth area that range from athletics, swimming, dodgeball, and netball, including many, many more. Everyone involved in the games is a volunteer and the organisation relies on donations from the competing children’s parents and local business who sponsor the games.

Local businesses sponsoring the games has been in place for the last few years and without their support putting the games on each year wouldn’t be possible without them. The committee are now looking for a strategic partnership officer to work with our sponsors and support them whilst looking to attract new sponsors too.

Sponsors have two options when working with us and these are outlined below.

1. A £1,200 payment per year which is £100 per month where they receive their logo on every page of our website, a full-page advert in our yearly brochure, their logo on each village banner that is displayed at events, the opportunity to have a stall at our opening ceremony and to present a trophy at one of the villages presentation evenings.
2. A £240 a year deal which is £20 a month where they receive half a page advert in our brochure and their logo on one page of our website.

Roles and responsibilities.

• Work with existing sponsors to ensure they want to continue their partnership with us.
• Resolve any issues sponsors may face including making their payments to us or general queries.
•  Identifying new sponsors from the local and wider arear, informing them of their options to sponsor us as outlined above and getting them on board.
• Leasing with our chairman to keep him informed of sponsors, our treasurer to keep them informed of the payment, with our brochure producer to ensure their advert is the correct size and ready for print, plus our website-maintenance team to ensure their logos are online.
• Ensuring payments are received on a monthly basis to ensure the sponsors are making their financial contribution to us and chasing any missed payments where this may occur.
• Inviting our premium sponsors who pay £1,200 a year to our opening ceremony and leasing with the chairman in relation to their stalls they may wish to have at this event. Inviting them to present a trophy at a village presentation night.

How to apply for the role.

If you’d wish to apply for this role and feel you have the skills, knowledge, and dedication to assist the committee please apply by contacting our chairman Stephen Hewitt.

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.

Join our team of befrienders! You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing. You will support people to relight a spark to continue a hobby, interest or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.

You will support individuals to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that rates of depression doubled during the COVID pandemic, and one of the major causes of depression is isolation.

Hestia has a variety of different services that support people across London and the South East. These services support people that are struggling with their mental health, are victims of Domestic Abuse or Modern Slavery, and more. Join our team of volunteers who play a vital role in what we do!

Face-to-face locations include Islington, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Berkshire, Lambeth, Kingston, Merton, Barbican, Slough, Reading and Croydon

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals

The skills you need

• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

About the Role 

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We aim to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We have several different services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails and more. 

As Buttons & Bubbles continues to grow, we are looking for people who can grow our Linkedin network and also general leads into development and business opportunities

Who Are We Looking For? 

• Someone who is passionate about our mission of inclusion, representation, and belonging. 

• Knowledge of lead generation 

• Knowledge of strategic planning and growth 

• Knowledge of Linkedin 

• Comfortable making initial contact with other professionals and organizations 

• UK based 

What Do We Expect? 

• Must be willing to undertake our training programme, which will be completed virtually at a time that suits you. 

• Have a DBS check (preferably be on the update service) or be willing to complete one with us. 

• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it, please discuss it with us, we’re happy to make small changes where appropriate.) 

• Have a positive attitude toward disability and illness. We’re always happy to answer questions about this. 

What Can You Expect? 

• A kind, caring, and nurturing company that values its people, staff, and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work. 

• A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. Therefore, you don’t have to commit your time regularly only when it suits you. 

• A positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations you require will be made. If you’d like to discuss something privately, please email us to arrange a confidential chat. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C 

• Make a difference in your community. 

• Have a positive impact on people’s lives. 

• Develop your current skills and gain new ones. 

• Demonstrate your commitment and reliability to future employers. 

• Show your ability to balance and manage your time effectively. 

• Build your confidence. 

• Explore new areas of interest by taking on additional tasks if you wish. 

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing:
• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups.
• Delivering Talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people

• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• 1 reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• Currently looking for applicants within the Belfast Area only!

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people • Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your story, or a willingness to try with our support. • Able to communicate effectively. • Have an outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people.

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment by welcoming new members to the group and encouraging participation.
• Supporting group conversations – Instigating dialogue based on eye health related days/events or more interest-based topics.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring group rules are followed and that content is appropriate by alerting managers when inappropriate content is posted or when there is a safeguarding issue.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community by by engaging with the people with sight loss, local and national organisations.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers through regular moderator meetings

Time commitment
• This volunteering role requires a commitment of around 5 hours a week, there is the option to volunteer for a greater number of hours but this isn't essential.

How often will I be needed?

• 5 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires an enhanced criminal record check and 2 references.

Location

Region

• Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, North West, South East, West Midlands, North East, South West, Greater London

Home based

• This role is home based

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• An understanding and interest in maximising the benefits of social media platforms. A willingness to learn about local services and activities to inform the community as appropriate. Interested in helping people get the information they need. Good communication skills.

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.

What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 1 reference Criminal record check

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An interest in group or community work. • A sociable personality. • A commitment to working towards a society where people with sight loss are equal participants.

We’re looking for three new members to join the Board of Directors at Hackney School of Food. This is a chance to help shape a dynamic, community-driven organisation that’s improving health and building skills through food education.

Who we are
Hackney School of Food is a food education hub in Clapton, founded in partnership with the LEAP Federation of Schools and the charity Chefs in Schools.

We believe learning to cook and grow food is a vital life skill, and sharing this knowledge builds healthier, more resilient communities. We’re on a mission to provide children, families, and our local community with the tools to improve their diets and well-being. By building knowledge and confidence in growing and cooking nutritious food, from seed to spoon. Our programmes include curriculum-linked lessons, after-school and holiday clubs, family cooking and growing projects, and adult workshops.

We transformed a former caretaker’s house on the site of Mandeville Primary School into an award-winning teaching kitchen and turned tarmac into a flourishing garden. A once-disused classroom is now our Garden Room, where we host educational workshops and dining events for our community.

In 2023, we became a Community Interest Company (CIC) – a not-for-profit social enterprise – meaning our work is driven by the needs and interests of our community. Since opening, we’ve welcomed thousands of people through our doors, working with schools, community organisations, and local residents.

To see more about what we do visit our website.

New board members 

We want to recruit Directors with a diversity of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested in applications from people with one or more of the following skills/experiences:

• Fundraising and income generation expertise

• Business development or growth strategy experience

• Knowledge/experience in social enterprises or start-ups

• Strong network connections, particularly in Hackney / East London

To make an effective board member, it’s also important you are:

• A good communicator with sound judgement

• Open-minded, collaborative and willing to listen

• Confident engaging with different people and perspectives

• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility

You don’t need to tick every box. If you’re committed to Hackney School of Food’s mission and the communities we work with, we’d love to hear from you. Previous board experience is welcome but not essential. We are keen to support first-time board members.

Our commitment to creating a diverse board 

We encourage anyone interested to apply.  But we also want to make extra sure our board represents and reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applicants of any gender but do encourage men to apply, to improve gender balance on our board. We welcome applications from black and global majority people and people living locally in Hackney. If you feel comfortable sharing this, we would really like to know if you have any lived experience of food insecurity or health inequalities in your application. 

What Does Being a Board Member Mean?
Our Board of Directors provides oversight, strategic direction, and support to  the team at Hackney School of Food. Board members:

• Provide leadership, helping to set strategic goals and priorities

• Support fundraising and networking efforts

• Act as ambassadors for the CIC

• Oversee compliance and legal and regulatory obligations

• Ensure we are financially sustainable and stay true to our CIC objectives

• Offer advice and support to the managing director and the wider team.

• Bring expertise, ideas, and lived experience to guide our development
   

Time Commitment
On average, the role will take 1–2 days a month, including:

•  quarterly board meetings

• occasional working group or fundraising meetings

• offering advice or support and reading papers in between meetings

Benefits
Being a board member is a valuable way to broaden your professional experience, including management and leadership skills. As a board member, you’ll:

• Play a meaningful role in improving access to food education.

• Gain experience in governance, leadership, and strategy

• Work alongside passionate, committed people who care about making a difference

This is a voluntary (unpaid) role. We will reimburse reasonable travel and subsistence expenses so that income is not a barrier to participation.

The Practical Bits

To apply, please send your CV and a short covering letter (maximum one A4 page) to us directly by Sunday 11 January 2026. You'll find our email on our website.

In your covering letter, please tell us:

• Why you’re interested in joining the board

• What skills, experience, or lived experience you would bring

• How you connect with Hackney School of Food’s mission

What happens next

• Applications will be reviewed by our Managing Director and current board members.

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal interview in late-January.

• You’ll then have the chance to meet current board members to ensure the role is the right fit for both sides.

All Directors will need to complete an enhanced DBS check before starting.

Thames Rivers Trust is looking for a new Trustee.

We are especially interested in people with a scientific background, ideally in Freshwater Ecology, Environmental Biology,

Environmental Science, Aquatic Conservation or Zoology.

We are looking to increase our Trustee Board's diversity and skillsets; strengthening TRT for a resilient future and supporting our mission to bring together organisations across the Thames River Basin, and foster collaborative working to benefit the environment, wildlife and communities.

This voluntary role is open to all qualifying individuals, including those with no previous Board or Trustee experience. We are looking for potential not perfection, we are happy to consider someone at the beginning of their career as well as seasoned professionals. If you will add value, we want your expertise to help achieve our vision!

Our Mission To bring together organisations across the Thames River Basin, and foster collaborative working to benefit the environment, wildlife and communities.

Our Vision Our vision is for a vibrant and healthy Thames River Basin.

Our Values Independence, Evidence-based, Sustainability, Trustworthy.

Who are we? TRT is a registered charity founded in 1986 and is part of The Rivers Trust movement. We are a Hub Trust for the Thames catchment, with our Key Partners we are dedicated to improving the Thames and its tributaries for the benefit of wildlife, communities and the environment. Rivers are vital, we all need cold, clean and plentiful water to thrive; for communities, for business, for farming and for a wealth of wildlife species; yet our rivers are facing a multitude of serious threats and challenges. Together we and our partners are striving at many levels to preserve and improve rivers now and for the future in the Thames catchment. TRT is committed to developing a collaborative, partnership approach that maximises the benefits of public, private and third sector organisations working together with communities to deliver integratedoutcomes. Our most recent flagship project was the successful Thames Catchment Community Eels Project, led by TRT this pilot project worked closely with 3 fellow rivers trusts, Zoological Society of London and Thames Estuary Partnership to strategically identify priority barriers for works to make migration upstream possible for the critically endangered European eel, trial a new citizen science ObstacEELS, monitor elver migration and run extensive hands on community and school eel education outreach. The project has led on to an exciting upscaled National Lottery Heritage Fund funded phase 2 project Development Phase, that is about to start! TRT is the convening body for the Thames Catchment Forum. This interactive regional forum brings together 27 catchment partnership hosts within the Thames for shared learning and development, themed panel discussions, expert guest speakers and Water Frame Directive updates from Thames Water and the Environment Agency, looking at issues and proposing solutions. TRT works in partnership, leading our Key Partners group of 11 organisations that through the group are more informed to do more and better from mutual trust and openness, sharing their specialist knowledge and expertise. This leads to development of strong, evidence-based projects at scale to improve Thames rivers and educate and involve local communities. Together we achieve more, increasing our positive impact sooner. 

What is a Trustee? Charity Trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. This involves the Board of Trustees making decisions together, acting in the interests of the charity. Some charity trustees see their role as turning up to 4 meetings a year, but engaged trustees do a lot more than that. A Trustee might support a specific project’s development, attend events to network and represent TRT, have oversight of an area of TRT work that aligns with a trustee’s particular specialism and interest. Our Trustees use their skills, knowledge and experience to support TRT, helping the charity achieve its aims. Trustees also often learn new skills during their time on the Board.

What are we looking for? An applicant with a scientific background, ideally in Freshwater Ecology, Environmental Biology, Environmental Science, Aquatic Conservation or Zoology. A strong interest in the environment is essential and an interest in or knowledge of the Thames Catchment would be beneficial; in addition, do you possess any of the following skills or qualities? • Fundraising • Legal • A willingness to participate in discussions and decision making. If yes and you have time to commit to a growing and ambitious charity that is looking to develop and deliver more, we want to hear from you!

Our board of Trustees meets up quarterly in person, during the day in London and Reading. In between these meetings Trustees are in touch regularly with our small, but dedicated team. Time commitment is flexible, in addition to meetings, an average of 2 hours per month to read papers and participate in TRT business. Our Key Partners – Action for the River Kennet, Thames21, South East Rivers Trust, River Thame Conservation Trust, Cotswolds Rivers Trust, Crane Valley Community Interest Company, Zoological Society of London, Thames Estuary Partnership, Freshwater Habitats Trust, Thames Landscape Strategy and UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. TRT values its Trustees and their contributions and will offer support and guidance to all new Trustees. The role of a Trustee is a voluntary one, however the Trust provides indemnity insurance for Trustees and reasonable expenses incurred on authorised Trust business will be reimbursed. Application To find out more about us visit our website. The deadline for applications is midnight 31st December 2025. Please apply with your CV or an application letter. 

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, 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.

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.

Must be available to attend training on the dates specified and be physically fit and capable. See role description.

Interview to be held in the first two weeks of February and training will be a mixture of online learning and face to face training at the end of April.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/01/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below: