Finance volunteer roles

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available at colleges England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or remote)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed
Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

·Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.

Our partner is a fast-growing charity that prepares young children in rural Ghana and Uganda for school, empowering marginalised mothers to run educational play schemes to improve children’s development and reduce malnutrition.

They are seeking a qualified accountant to join them as Treasurer and oversee all financial aspects of the charity. You will monitor cash flow, income, expenses, and strategic resource management, ensuring sound governance and compliance with charity regulations.

The Treasurer will chair the Finance and Audit Committee, oversee risk management, and guide the preparation of year-end accounts. You will also advise Trustees and help communicate financial information clearly to the Board.

The Board meets quarterly, with the Finance & Audit Committee meeting approximately 10 days beforehand, all online besides an annual in-person meeting in London. The total estimated time commitment required for the role is 1-3 hours per week.

___________________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Chair of the Board
Unremunerated | Approximately two days per month | Hybrid meetings (alternating between remote and in-person)

On behalf of our client, a charitable trust working to improve financial resilience for women and reduce gendered poverty in the UK, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair of the Board.

Since 2016, the organisation has awarded more than £26 million in grants, supporting over 150,000 women through direct funding, community partnerships and long-term systemic change.

This is a significant opportunity to lead the Board of a focused and well-established organisation that is addressing one of the most persistent forms of inequality in the UK.

The Chair will provide inclusive and effective leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, supporting the Chief Executive and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation. The role will play a key part in maintaining momentum, strengthening oversight and helping the organisation to evolve in response to the changing needs of the communities it supports.

Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who bring:

• A strong understanding of governance, business models, finance, funding and charity regulatory frameworks

• Experience of chairing boards or senior-level committees, with the ability to facilitate inclusive and purposeful meetings

• Strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate change and shape long-term direction

• A collaborative and emotionally intelligent leadership style grounded in empathy, integrity and a values-led approach

• A commitment to gender equity and an understanding of the structural drivers and impacts of gendered poverty

• The capacity and availability to fully engage with the responsibilities of the role

Further information, including details of how to apply, please view the role on the Prospectus website by clicking 'Redirect to recruiter'.

This is a pivotal time to join the organisation. The incoming Chair will work closely with a dedicated executive team and a committed Board to ensure that funding remains impactful, responsive and sustainable, and that governance continues to reflect the values at the heart of the organisation.

Use your skills to help shape brighter futures for children, young people, and families across Kirklees

About Fresh Futures

Fresh Futures is a Kirklees-based charity aiming to improve lives and inspire change for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people, adults, and families.

Our vision is for everyone to have opportunities for a better life, now and in the future.

To achieve this, Fresh Futures focuses on four interwoven strands: Education, Health & Wellbeing, Employability & Skills, and Relationships.

What will you be doing?

One of Fresh Futures key services is Brian Jackson College, an alternative education provision. The college can support up to 100 young people aged 13 to 18 based across three sites, in Heckmondwike and Huddersfield. The College is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

There are ambitious plans to grow the provision across Kirklees and neighbouring areas in the near future.

The Board of Governors is a sub-committee of Fresh Futures Board of Trustees. Governors can also be appointed as Trustees of the Charity, but do not need to be so.

The role of the Governors is to:

· Ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction

· Hold the Head Teacher to account for the educational performance of the College students, and the performance management of staff

· Oversee the financial performance of the College and make sure budgets are allocated appropriately

Governors are asked to attend 4 meetings a year, one per term, usually held virtually via Teams, and one in-person awayday.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to fill vacancies on our Trustee board and on our Finance and Governors sub committees.

Members of these committees do not necessarily have to also be Trustees. We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

We are particularly interested in recruiting new Trustees/members who have experience in any of the following:

· Health and safety

· Charity finance

· Marketing & PR

· Charity fundraising

· The commercial sector

· Knowledge of Kirklees

· Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

· Independent education

We strive to be more representative of the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from first time Trustees/Governors are welcome, you do not have to have previous experience of being on a board. Training and induction are provided.

What difference will you make?

By joining Fresh Futures as a Governor, you’ll help guide our strategy, strengthen governance, and ensure we continue improving lives across Kirklees. Your skills and perspective will support vital services in education, employability, health and wellbeing, and relationships - helping thousands of children, young people, and families thrive.

We’re looking for our next treasurer and trustee, join us to help manage one of Yorkshire’s biggest environmental charities with a turnover of £14 million, 190 staff and big ambitions for nature recovery.  

In particular, we are seeking a qualified management accountant who can provide insights and leadership to support the financial management and governance of the Trust. The Treasurer works in close co-operation with, and provides support and advice to, the Finance Director and the Chief Executive. Our Trustees have a key leadership role at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, setting the direction of the organisation and help us to achieve our goals of creating wildlife-rich places and wildlife-rich lives.

Becoming a Trustee means taking on a voluntary role to support and guide a charitable organisation to achieve agreed vision and goals. Trustees are responsible for the overall governance of a charity. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Trustees set our strategic direction and provide guidance, support and challenge to the Senior Leadership Team. They are passionate ambassadors for the charity’s work, influencing key partners and helping to secure funding.

Trustees also contribute through their own professional expertise and background as collegiate members of the team, to ensure the charity is positioned to deliver its strategic priorities. Our Trustees bring strategic vision, independent judgement and a willingness to commit to leading the Trust through challenges and opportunities.

This is an exciting time for the Helen Bamber Foundation Group as we continue to grow our impact and strengthen our services for survivors of torture, trafficking, and human cruelty and those seeking protection. Our work is more crucial than ever, as we advocate for vulnerable individuals within a challenging and evolving global landscape.

This year, we are looking to find five inspirational Trustees to join the Group supporting Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid, comprising three new Trustees for Helen Bamber Foundation and two new Trustees for Asylum Aid. We are also looking for one of those new Trustees to sit on both Boards.

At Helen Bamber Foundation we are looking for three trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:   policy, advocacy, public affairs or strategic communications; clinical or therapeutic experience; or human rights expertise.

At Asylum Aid, we are looking for two trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas: finance and accounting or someone with lived experience of being an asylum seeker, refugee or having sought another form of humanitarian protection in the UK, or of statelessness.

At Helen Bamber Foundation we are looking for three trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:   policy, advocacy, public affairs or strategic communications; clinical or therapeutic experience; or human rights expertise.

At Asylum Aid, we are looking for two trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas: finance and accounting or someone with lived experience of being an asylum seeker, refugee or having sought another form of humanitarian protection in the UK, or of statelessness.

As a trustee of Helen Bamber Foundation or Asylum Aid, you will be part of a small team of volunteers who are collectively responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and steering the long-term stability of your charity. 

For details of how to apply and who to speak to get find out more about this opportunity, please refer to the Trustee Recruitment Pack. 

Experienced in retail? Passionate about community? We are looking for a new trustee to join our board of governors at our second hand furniture charity.

Help shape a local charity with big ambitions

We’re entering an exciting new chapter and we’d love you to be part of it. As some of our current trustees reach the end of their terms, we’re looking for new people to join our dynamic board and help guide the future of Community Furniture Stores.

We are a grassroots charity with big impact. Each year, we help thousands of people across York, Selby and Scarborough access affordable, good-quality furniture and digital devices, tackle poverty, and gain skills through volunteering. We’re currently undertaking a radical redesign of how we operate as a charity so we can support more people and increase our impact. The board plays a crucial role in shaping and guiding the strategic direction of this transformation. If you want to make a real difference locally and be part of something ambitious, now is the perfect time to get involved.

What Do Our Trustees Do?

As a volunteer trustee, you’ll:

• Be part of quarterly board meetings, plus one AGM and an annual away day.
• Join a sub-committee to support specific areas like finance, retail, volunteering or communications.
• Contribute ideas, challenge thinking, and support decisions that help us grow. Be a visible and active champion of our work

Why Join Us?

Be a force for good in your community – support local people by helping us tackle furniture and digital poverty head-on.

Shape the future – guide a growing, evolving charity during a major organisational merger and rebrand.

Learn and grow – learn about charity governance and collaborate with people from diverse sectors.

Connect and contribute – join sub-committees and contribute hands-on to meaningful projects

Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome trustees from all walks of life, whether you’re early in your career, retired, or somewhere in between. We believe diversity of thought and experience makes us stronger.

We’re particularly keen to hear from people with experience in:

• Retail – especially as we navigate our merger and look to improve our services.
• HR or health & safety
• Legal (employment, charity, or property)
• Fundraising or business development
• Social justice, poverty, housing or digital inclusion

But don’t worry if you don’t tick every box. If you care about what we do and want to help us do it better — that’s what counts. You don’t need previous board experience. What matters most is your passion, perspective and commitment to our mission.

We welcome all voices, and we’re especially keen to hear from people in Selby and Scarborough. Diversity makes us stronger.

We are looking for up to 6 new trustees to join the board as we continue to build on and accelerate our work as an independent charity. We are proud of what we have achieved in just over a year, creating an organisation that is led by centring survivor voices and our values of equity and justice. We have continued the work of movement building by creating intentional spaces for community, knowledge exchange, advocacy and centring the experiences of survivors from faith backgrounds.

Yet, we have much to do to build a robust and resilient organisation that cares for its workers as much as it cares for the cause and achieves its mission to ensure that all women of any faith and racial background has access to support and justice.

The skills and expertise we need are listed in the ‘Trustee Role Profiles’ below but can be summarised into the following:

• Experience in governance, strategy, finance, fundraising, or legal expertise
• A commitment to anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and inclusive feminist practice
• Lived or professional experience in the VAWG sector, activism, or community organising
• An understanding of the role of faith in survivors’ lives and a willingness to engage with this nuance

We would particularly welcome applications from people of colour, faith, racialised and global majority communities, LGBTQIA+ and disability, those with migration experiences, and those underrepresented in leadership spaces as we are looking to improve the diversity of our board.

Previous board or trustee experience is desirable but not essential, and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds.

In line with Charity Commission guidelines the trustee role is voluntary and unpaid, but reasonable expenses will be covered including travel, overnight accommodation and food allowance.

Zebra is seeking a qualified accountant to join our board of trustees as our next Treasurer.

Zebra is a not-for-profit social enterprise (exempt charity) providing accommotation to postgraduate international students living in London. We believe in the importance of international studies and have been going for over 60 years. We are a healthy organisation with a strong reputation and ambitious plans for the future.

This is an important time for Zebra. We are currently going through the process of deregistering with the Regulator of Social Housing and are changing our accounting practices and systems as we make the transition away from the housing association sector and to a more appropriate structure to prepare us for growth in the future. We have an experienced Finance Manager on our staff team who you will be working with along with the CEO and the rest of the board members.

We ideally need a Treasurer with some understanding of the charity or social enterprise sector. This is an unpaid volunteer role - there are four boars meetings per year (all online), Audit and Risk Committee meeetings (also online), and occasional meet ups in London - but you can be based anywhere to carry out this role.

Duties

• Acting as a mentor to the Finance Manager, supporting her through this period of transition while Zebra puts in place a new structure and new financial systems

• Chairing the Audit and Risk Committee - number of meetings per year to be decided as this is currently under review

• Meeting with our external auditors on Zoom

• Reviewing our quarterly accounts, annual accounts and reports and providing feedback

• Using your expertise to provide advice and support to other board members, including our Co-Chairs, to support them in understanding our finances and helping them to be able to provide good scrutiny and governance

• Attendance of four board meetings per year on Zoom, where you will provide input and opinions especially around financial matters

• Attending one Board Strategy day per year in London for which expenses can be paid (and ideally also attending our Christmas meal)

• The Treasurer should expect to serve for a minimum of 12 months

To apply please submit your CV in the first instance.

Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an experienced and committed individual to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that supports families across Suffolk. As Treasurer, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO, Finance Sub Committee and wider Board to ensure strong financial oversight and governance.

You’ll help guide our financial strategy, support budget-setting and risk management, and ensure that financial information is clear and accessible to the Board. We are specifically looking for someone with experience in charity finance, ideally with a background in accountancy or financial management. You will bring a solid understanding of financial governance and charity reporting requirements and be confident in offering strategic insight as well as practical advice.

This Treasurer role is part of our wider trustee recruitment, and we welcome applicants who also bring any of the following:

• Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
• Understanding of family support or volunteer management
• Strong networks and connections within local businesses
• Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
• A passion for making a difference in your community

Why we want you: This vital role supports local groups across the UK, which are volunteer-run, offering friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's, their families, and friends. As a pivotal part of the local volunteer team, you will help plan group spending for the benefit of people affected by Parkinson's in your community.

What you will be doing: Be an ambassador for Team Parkinson’s, engaging with local staff, volunteers, and your community to ensure the group has the greatest possible impact. Accurately record financial activity, keeping the group and the Parkinson's UK local networks finance team informed of the group's financial position. With local staff support, stay updated on Parkinson's UK's financial policies, sharing them with the group and ensuring compliance. Provide regular financial reports to the committee, including final accounts at the Annual General Meeting. Deal with financial administration, from annual reports to legacy spending, and ensure accurate volunteer expense payments per policy. Be a signatory on the group's bank accounts.

The skills you need: Previous experience in finance, accountancy, or bookkeeping can be valuable but is not essential. You must be confident with numbers and able to lead the group’s finances, possessing confident computer and email skills and openness to using new systems and digital tools. A commitment to the wider charity’s aims and values is essential, as is the ability to contribute to balanced, collaborative, open, and inclusive decisions with committee and local staff.

What's in it for you: Develop valuable leadership, teamwork, and people skills. Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson’s, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections. Develop or maintain your accountancy or bookkeeping skills, along with administrative and communication skills; we are happy to provide references.

Disclaimer: As a Branch Treasurer handling personal or sensitive data, you must complete and maintain data protection and confidentiality training. To be a signatory on a local group account, banks will perform a credit check, and we will take up a reference. Volunteers cannot perform this role if they have been declared bankrupt.

Why we want you: This vital role supports local groups across the UK, which are volunteer-run, offering friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's, their families, and friends. As a pivotal part of the local volunteer team, you will help plan group spending for the benefit of people affected by Parkinson's in your community.

What you will be doing: Be an ambassador for Team Parkinson’s, engaging with local staff, volunteers, and your community to ensure the group has the greatest possible impact. Accurately record financial activity, keeping the group and the Parkinson's UK local networks finance team informed of the group's financial position. With local staff support, stay updated on Parkinson's UK's financial policies, sharing them with the group and ensuring compliance. Provide regular financial reports to the committee, including final accounts at the Annual General Meeting. Deal with financial administration, from annual reports to legacy spending, and ensure accurate volunteer expense payments per policy. Be a signatory on the group's bank accounts.

The skills you need: Previous experience in finance, accountancy, or bookkeeping can be valuable but is not essential. You must be confident with numbers and able to lead the group’s finances, possessing confident computer and email skills and openness to using new systems and digital tools. A commitment to the wider charity’s aims and values is essential, as is the ability to contribute to balanced, collaborative, open, and inclusive decisions with committee and local staff.

What's in it for you: Develop valuable leadership, teamwork, and people skills. Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson’s, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections. Develop or maintain your accountancy or bookkeeping skills, along with administrative and communication skills; we are happy to provide references.

Disclaimer: As a Branch Treasurer handling personal or sensitive data, you must complete and maintain data protection and confidentiality training. To be a signatory on a local group account, banks will perform a credit check, and we will take up a reference. Volunteers cannot perform this role if they have been declared bankrupt.

Social Change Lab is looking for new trustees. We're looking for people with experience in areas such as charity governance, finance, research, strategy development and communications to strengthen our work in creating high-quality research on social movement effectiveness.

This is a voluntary, unpaid position. While we've outlined our desired skills and experience, don't worry if you feel you don't meet all of the criteria. We're interested in candidates with a range of professional backgrounds and levels of experience. Deadline for applications is Monday, 15 September.

To read more and apply for the role, click the 'Rediect to Recruiter' button.

About It’s Time:

It’s Time is a charity created by and for young adults who have experienced the death of a parent. Founded by people who know this grief first-hand, the charity ensures no one aged 18–35 has to navigate such loss alone. Through peer-led support, events, free group therapy, and tailored resources, It’s Time offers connection and understanding during an often isolating time. The charity also partners with universities, workplaces, and families to promote better bereavement support - recognising that grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and the help offered to young adults shouldn’t either.

The charity was founded in 2021 and we now run local peer support groups throughout England, have a year long waiting list for our group therapy and supports around 500 people in the online community.  We recognise that as we grow our needs and those of our community are changing and are looking for someone skilled in charity growth to steer us into the next phase of our development.

About the Role
We’re looking for a skilled and committed Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and lead the financial stewardship of our growing charity. This is a vital voluntary role for someone with strong financial expertise who wants to make a meaningful difference in a purpose-driven organisation.

As Treasurer, you will ensure the financial health, integrity, and sustainability of the charity – guiding strategy, overseeing controls, and making sure the Board understands its financial responsibilities. You’ll also chair our Finance & Remuneration Committee and contribute to wider governance and leadership.

Time Commitment

• 4 board meetings annually (Tuesday evenings via Zoom)

• 1 annual in-person strategy day (usually a Saturday in London)

• Participation in any relevant sub-groups

• Ad hoc involvement in events, meetings, or training as needed

• Monthly bookkeeping or operational finance tasks (optional)

Remuneration
This is a voluntary position. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Key Responsibilities
Chair the Finance & Remuneration Committee
Oversee budgets, accounts, reserves policy, and investment activity
Present financial reports and key updates to the Board
Ensure financial procedures and controls are robust and compliant
Advise on the financial implications of strategy and fundraising
Ensure preparation and filing of annual accounts and reports
Keep the Board informed of financial duties and risks
Support the Chair and wider Board in strong, timely governance

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified chartered accountant (or equivalent) – preferred

• Experience in charity finance, governance, or fundraising – desirable

• Skilled in interpreting and communicating financial information

• Confidence to challenge and offer independent judgement

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about the charity’s mission and social impact

• Able to provide leadership, clarity, and structure

• A collaborative and constructive team player

• Willing to engage with staff and stakeholders as needed

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Term
The Treasurer will serve a three-year term, with the option to renew for one additional term.