Head of research volunteer roles in birmingham

Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Head of Local Operations to lead the launch and on-going delivery of its commissioned research projects in England and Wales. The focus of these projects will be obtaining and analysing primary and secondary data in order to help smaller community organisations improve their ways of working and effectively report on their impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring their teams deliver these projects within the agreed time-scales and in line with the goals agreed with the commissioning organisations, growing Youth Advantage’s reputation and reach.

Working closely with the Departmental Director, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively contribute to the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, positive local change. They should have excellent leadership, writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

This role reports directly to the Director of Local Operations.

Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Director of National Impact to develop and lead its National Impact Directorate in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to grow its impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the Directorate’s two Departments (Research and Project) produce high-quality research and related projects and events able to influence decision-making and policy on a national scale in line with the organisation’s strategic priorities. Working closely with the COO and the Policy and Ethics teams, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively guide and strengthen the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, national change. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities:

● In line with the organisation’s strategic priorities, to lead the National Impact Directorate in designing, developing and implementing impactful research and project objectives.

● To line manage the Head of the National Impact Research Department and the Head of the National Impact Project Department, supporting them to effectively manage their own teams and to develop and implement the frameworks necessary for producing top quality research output (including academic articles) and subsequent events, campaigns and project relating to research findings and organisational strategy respectively.

● To work with HR in creating a strong National Impact Directorate composed of individuals with the appropriate skills and expertise. To ensure these volunteers are appropriately supported and trained during their period of service.

● To work alongside the Policy team to source potential commissions and influencing opportunities, shaping research and project focus and output accordingly.

● To develop short- and long-term strategies in relation to both aspects of the Directorate’s activity, ensuring that these align with the wider strategies of the organisation.

● To liaise with the Policy and Ethics teams on an ongoing basis, ensuring that their advice is incorporated into Directorate decisions and output.

● To take responsibility for relationships with key external stakeholders, at all times representing the organisation positively and professionally.

● To work on an on-going basis with the other members of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team in determining its strategic priorities and incorporating these into the Directorate.

● To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategies and the National Impact Directorate’s activities.

● To work closely with the organisation’s Communications team in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.

● To create blogs and articles on related issues and to find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

● To support the Chief Executive Officer in presenting national impact strategies to Youth Advantage’s Trustees.

Requirements:

● Experience in research and planning, as well as leading key campaigns or programmes.

● High-level understanding of carrying out quality research, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities.

● Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to effectively disseminating research results.

● Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members.

● Excellent writing and speaking skills.

● IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

● Ability to work well independently and in a team.

● Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

● Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits

● Gain valuable experience in leading a research and project team.

● Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.

● Flexible working hours.

dmtr
dmtr tackles global hunger and the interconnected challenges of climate change, poverty, and low productivity for smallholder farmers. Over 670 million people face chronic undernourishment, often due to poor access to finance, climate shocks, and inefficient food systems leading to significant waste.

The startup champions local innovation, believing communities hold the best solutions but lack the support to scale. dmtr focuses on building an equitable, climate-resilient agri-food system by empowering early-stage innovators and social startups through a three-pillar approach: Educate (creating content on food system challenges), Inspire (connecting entrepreneurs with mentors and investors through workshops), and Enable (securing funding and visibility from impact investors).

By fostering this ecosystem, dmtr helps locally developed, technology-driven solutions gain the resources needed to scale, strengthen local economies, and build resilience against global challenges.

Research & Publications Lead

Purpose: Provide strategic research and editorial leadership to guide dmtr’s focus and visibility

Key Responsibilities: 

• Analyze current research and innovation trends in hunger reduction, food systems, and agri-tech.
• Produce quarterly insights on target geographies, solution areas, and startup ecosystems.
• Lead the writing of the monthly newsletter and blog content.
• Collaborate with the podcast and workshop teams to ensure content aligns with strategic themes.
• Identify gaps in knowledge and recommend topics for guest contributions, events, or funding campaigns

Essential Skills:

• Strong research and analytical skills, particularly in global food systems and social enterprise.
• Excellent writing and editorial skills, with the ability to distill complex information for broad audiences.
• Ability to synthesize academic research, reports, and data into actionable insights.
• Strategic thinking to inform dmtr’s focus areas and content planning. Experience in thought leadership, communications, or editorial publishing

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Role- Head of Governance and Legal (Voluntary)

Reporting- CEO/CPO

Location- Remote, UK-based

Commitment: We estimate this role requires 4–6 hours per week, with flexibility to manage your own time. All meetings are remote and scheduled in advance.

Compensation: Voluntary role (non-paid)

About YouthAdvantage UK

YouthAdvantage UK is a volunteer-led, research-based organisation championing the rights and wellbeing of young people aged 11 to 25 across the UK. We influence national policy, deliver grassroots projects, and elevate youth voice in key debates; from education to mental health, climate action to justice reform.

We are seeking a passionate, committed Head of Governance & Legal to join our senior leadership team and help shape the strategic foundations that support our work.

About the role

As Head of Governance & Legal, you will lead a small team focused on risk, compliance, and governance excellence. You will ensure our work is rooted in sound legal and ethical frameworks and will support our growth with robust, transparent policies and guidance. You’ll also provide strategic support to our Board of Trustees and act as the senior point of contact for all legal matters.

This is an ideal opportunity for a governance, legal, or compliance professional looking to gain sector leadership experience while supporting a values-driven youth organisation.

 What you’ll gain

• Strategic leadership experience in a national charity
• A portfolio of governance and legal work with social impact
• Board-level exposure and public recognition of your contribution
• A flexible and supportive remote-first culture
• Testimonials, references, and public acknowledgment upon completion
• A chance to help shape youth policy at a systemic level

What you’ll do

• Lead and support the Governance & Legal Support Manager and team
• Design, update, and implement governance frameworks and organisational policies
• Maintain regulatory compliance across charity law, safeguarding, and data protection
• Liaise with the Board of Trustees - prepare agendas, minutes, and reports
• Oversee legal documentation and contracts
• Maintain and review the organisation’s risk register
• Build relationships with regulators and external legal advisors
• Embed a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from a broad range of professional backgrounds. You might be:

• An experienced lawyer, company secretary, or governance lead
• A compliance or legal professional seeking strategic exposure
• A postgraduate in law or non-profit management looking for leadership experience
• Returning to work and keen to rebuild your senior-level skillset
• Recently semi-retired and passionate about giving back

 Essential:

• Experience in governance, legal, or compliance leadership (minimum 12 months)
• Familiarity with UK charity law and regulatory frameworks
• Ability to lead and support others with tact and clarity
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to equity, youth empowerment, and ethical standards

To Apply

If you’re interested, just send us your CV and a few lines about why the role appeals to you — this can be a short paragraph in your email or a separate note. If you'd prefer an informal chat before applying, we’d love to hear from you. Just drop us a message and we’ll arrange a time.

Volunteer Acknowledgement

Although this is a volunteer role, we’re committed to recognising your contribution. Upon successful completion of your commitment, you can request:

• A LinkedIn testimonial or written reference
• A public thank-you post on our social media
• Permission to list your role with YouthAdvantage UK on your CV and LinkedIn

Job Description
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Working Relationships: C-Level Executives, National Research, Policy, Ethics, Research Reporting, and Local Operations
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: 12 months minimum | Part-time | Flexible hours

About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership across our national and local operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective delivery of projects and research, maintaining ethical and operational standards, and driving continuous improvement across all organisational systems and processes.

This is a senior voluntary position ideal for an experienced operations or strategy leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make an impact in the not-for-profit or research sector.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of Policy, Ethics and Research Reporting, National Operations, and Local Operations (including projects and research).

• Oversee operational delivery to ensure smooth, ethical, and effective implementation of all projects.

• Lead the optimisation of systems, structures, and processes to maximise organisational efficiency.

• Ensure resource allocation is effective and aligned with strategic goals.

• Support and collaborate with C-Level colleagues to drive organisational progress.

• Attend high-level meetings and provide regular operational updates and recommendations.

• Act as a key decision-maker in operational strategy, compliance, and performance management.

• Support and coach department heads and senior managers to strengthen internal leadership capacity.

• Step in to provide hands-on support to other C-Level officers and direct reports when needed.

What We're Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, experienced, and adaptable leader who can bring structure, strategy, and calm to a dynamic environment. You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
• Significant experience in operations management, project delivery, or organisational leadership.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple teams or departments in complex environments.
• Strong ethical grounding and commitment to compliance and transparency.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to balance strategy and execution.
• Experience mentoring or managing senior leaders or functional heads.
• Comfort working remotely with cross-functional, volunteer-led teams.
• A collaborative, supportive leadership style and openness to learning and adaptation.
• An understanding of the not-for-profit, research, or policy sectors (advantageous but not essential).

What You’ll Gain
• The opportunity to lead national operations for a values-led organisation making a tangible impact.
• Executive-level experience within a collaborative, mission-driven C-Suite.
• The chance to refine strategic and operational leadership skills in a complex, real-world setting.
• Recognition through:
o LinkedIn testimonial and reference
o A public thank you post
o Permission to list the organisation as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
o A written reference upon completion of your commitment

Important Information
This is a voluntary position. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. This opportunity is ideal for seasoned operations leaders or executives seeking to contribute their expertise to a meaningful, values-driven mission and support the growth of an impactful organisation.

Apply Now
If you’re ready to help shape the strategic and operational backbone of a growing organisation and support our mission through effective leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

Policy Advisor
Youth Advantage UK

Remote

Unpaid role, expenses not paid

Voluntary

Job description
Youth Advantage UK (YAUK) is seeking a Volunteer Policy Advisor to support its Long-Term Research & Policy Team in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to grow its impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying current policy priorities and trends relating young people and children. Working closely with the Heads of Policy and Senior Policy Advisor, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to help YAUK to identify where it should be focussing its efforts. They will should have a good understanding of UK public policy, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.
Responsibilities:
•    Review government priorities relating to young people, summarising key policies and legislation in a succinct manner.
•    Identify political, governmental or societal figures with an influence over youth policy, mapping these individuals for future engagement.
•    Support other members of the team in the development of policy documents.
•    Monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategic policies and focus.
•    Support the Head of Policy and Senior Policy Officer in delivering the policy team’s wider goals and priorities.
•    Provide insight and advice in the development of wider organisational objective setting.
•    Support the organisation’s Communications Team in developing and implementing effective strategies when required.
•    Support the creation of blogs and articles on policy related issues and to support with the development of academic articles and reports.
•    Provide proof reading and flexible organisational support where needed.
Requirements:
•    Knowledge of UK youth policy and the wider political system.
•    Knowledge of issues affecting children and young people in the UK.
•    Experience of desk research and reviewing policy and/or research papers.
•    Excellent writing and speaking skills.
•    IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
•    Ability to work well independently and in a team.
•    Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
•    Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
Benefits
•    Gain valuable experience in research and understanding of the policy process.
•    Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
•    Flexible working hours.

Senior Policy Advisor

Youth Advantage UK

Remote

Unpaid role, expenses not paid

Voluntary

Job description

Youth Advantage UK (YAUK) is seeking a Volunteer Senior Policy Advisor to support its Long-Term Research & Policy Team in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to grow its impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring research developed by YAUK can be moulded into policy positions capable of influencing and informing policy makers. Working closely with the Heads of Policy, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to develop convincing narratives to achieve the aims of the organisation. They will should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

•    Taking raw research and developing a convincing narrative that will convince policy makers to take action based on our evidence-based recommendations.
•    Develop recommendations for policy makers based on evidence and aligning with the political priorities of the targeted policy makers.
•    Work effectively with members of YAUK’s research team to turn their research into succinct policy documents.
•    To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategic policies and focus.
•    Support the Head of Policy in delivering the policy team’s wider goals and priorities.
•    Aid junior policy colleagues in completing their work and provide direction in support of the Head of Policy.
•    To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Team in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.
•    Support the creation of blogs and articles on policy related issues and to support with the development of academic articles and reports.
•    Ensure that policy documents developed by the team are of high quality and present YAUK and its work in a good light.
•    To find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

Requirements:

•    Experience or knowledge of how the policy development process works.
•    Knowledge of issues affecting children and young people in the UK.
•    Knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to applying research and development in public policy.
•    Experience of writing or contributing to briefings and other policy documents.
•    Excellent writing and speaking skills.
•    IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
•    Ability to work well independently and in a team.
•    Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
•    Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits
•    Gain valuable experience in influencing policy makers.
•    Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
•    Flexible working hours.

Role: Director of Local Operations

Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Director of Local Operations to develop and lead its Local Operations Departments (England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland) in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to have an impact at a local level through commissioned research projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring these Departments produce high-quality research projects which meet the goals agreed with the commissioning organisations and grow Youth Advantage’s reputation and reach in line with its strategic policies. Working closely with the COO and the Policy and Ethics Departments, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively guide and strengthen the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, positive local change. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities:

● In line with the organisation’s strategic priorities, to lead the Local Operations Department in designing, developing and implementing impactful research and project objectives.

● To line manage the Head of Local Operations (England and Wales) and the Head of Local Operations (Scotland and Northern Ireland), supporting them to effectively manage their own teams and to develop and implement the frameworks necessary for producing top quality research projects based around both desktop research and fieldwork.

● To work with HR in creating a strong Local Operations Department composed of individuals with the appropriate skills and expertise. To ensure these volunteers are appropriately supported and trained during their period of service.

● To work alongside the Policy Department to source potential commission and project opportunities, shaping the focus and output of the Local Operations Department accordingly.

● To develop short- and long-term strategies in relation to the Department’s activity, ensuring that these align with the wider strategies of the organisation.

● To liaise with the Policy and Ethics Department of the organisation on an ongoing basis, ensuring that their advice is incorporated into Departmental decisions and output.

● To take responsibility for relationships with key external stakeholders, at all times representing the organisation positively and professionally.

● To work on an on-going basis with the other members of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team in determining its strategic priorities and incorporating these into the Department.

● To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategies and the Local Operations Department’s activities.

● To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Department in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.

● To create blogs and articles on related issues and to find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

● To support the Chief Executive Officer in presenting local operations strategies to Youth Advantage’s Trustees.

Requirements:

● Experience in research and planning, leading key campaigns or programmes.

● High-level understanding of carrying out quality desktop research and related fieldwork, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities.

● Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to effectively disseminating research results.

● Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members.

● Excellent writing and speaking skills.

● IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

● Ability to work well independently and in a team.

● Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

● Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits

● Gain valuable experience in leading a research and project team.

● Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.

● Flexible working hours.

Why This Matters

Every funding application you write could help open our first specialist refuge, provide emergency support to survivors, or deliver training that changes how authorities respond to Black women facing abuse. Your words will directly translate into life-changing services.

Our recent research revealed that 97% of Black women do not feel confident that reporting abuse would lead to fair treatment from authorities. Sistah Space exists to bridge this gap - and we need funding to continue this vital work.

What You'll Gain

• Real-world experience writing actual funding applications for an award-winning charity

• Portfolio building - successful bids you can showcase in your professional development

• Mentorship and guidance from our Head of Marketing and leadership team

• Written reference upon successful completion of your volunteer period

• Sector insight into charity operations and the domestic abuse sector

• Flexible working that fits around your existing commitments

• Meaningful impact - the satisfaction of directly contributing to life-saving work for Black women

• Skill development in grant writing, research, and stakeholder communication

Your Main Responsibilities:

• Writing funding applications - your primary focus (we'll provide templates, examples, and support)

• Researching funding opportunities that align with our mission and current priorities

• Gathering impact stories and data from the team to strengthen applications

• Maintaining a simple tracker of applications, deadlines, and outcomes

With Support, You May Also:

• Help with funder relationship follow-ups (we'll make introductions)

• Contribute ideas for strengthening our funding strategy

• Attend monthly check-ins with the leadership team

• Collaborate on other funding-related communications

Who We're Looking For

Essential:

• ✅ Previous experience with grant writing, bid writing, or funding applications

• ✅ Previous experience successfully securing funding, or at least being shortlisted 

• ✅ Passionate about racial justice and supporting survivors of abuse

• ✅ Strong writing skills - perhaps from professional reports, proposals, academic work, journalism, or communications roles

• ✅ Organised and able to meet deadlines with good time management

• ✅ Self-motivated - able to work independently while staying connected with the team

• ✅ Available to commit 6-8 hours weekly from November 2025 - May 2026

• ✅ Comfortable communicating via email with team members and occasionally with external stakeholders

Bonus Points For

• Understanding of issues affecting Black women and domestic abuse services

• Experience in the nonprofit, social justice, or community sector

Don't worry if you don't have all the "bonus" experience. We value passion, commitment, and strong writing over specific credentials. If you have transferable skills and the desire to learn, we want to hear from you.

How We'll Support You

We know volunteer roles need to work for you too. Here's what we provide:

• Comprehensive induction session covering our mission, impact data, and funding priorities

• Regular check-ins with the team (bi-weekly, 30 minutes)

• Responsive support via email/messaging when you have questions

• Complete flexibility - work hours that suit your schedule, whether that's evenings, weekends, or weekday mornings

• Warm, collaborative team - you'll work alongside passionate, welcoming colleagues who value your contribution

• Leadership visibility - present your findings to our CEO and leadership team

Ready to Make a Difference?

Please refer to the attached job description with details on how to apply. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Our Commitment to You

Sistah Space is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of the communities we serve. We recognise that the best volunteers come from diverse experiences and perspectives.

All volunteers will be supported with appropriate training, regular supervision, and flexible working arrangements. We are committed to making this a valuable and rewarding experience for you.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to use your skills for social justice. Together, we can ensure that every Black woman survivor has access to the specialist support she deserves.

Join the Board at Sight Research UK and help our mission to fund vital research into eye disease and shape a future free from sight loss.

Location: National

Time commitment: Equivalent of one day a month.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 17th November.

Who we are

Every 6 minutes, someone in the UK receives the devastating news that they are going blind. That’s 250 people a day.

Sight Research UK is a UK charity focused on funding research into any eye disease. Our vision is a clearer future for those living with sight loss. Our mission: Using our scientific network across the UK, we champion and accelerate innovative eye disease research. Through targeted investment into the most promising science, we will deliver meaningful impact for those living with sight loss.

We are proud to have grown significantly in recent years, doubling our income in 2023–24 and committing over half a million pounds to new research grants. Our innovative funding model is already delivering results, with a record eight Seed Awards and two Translational Research Awards funded last year, helping to bring forward new solutions for people at risk of sight loss.

About the role

Our Board of Trustees is made up of eight individuals who bring a wealth of skills and experience to the organisation. As we look to expand our profile as well as strengthen our governance and clinical expertise, we are now seeking to appoint an additional Trustee with a senior background in medicine, ophthalmology, optometry, or a related field. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping our funding strategy, advising on clinical and research priorities, and acting as an ambassador to grow our networks and influence.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a senior clinician, medical professional, or academic, ideally with expertise relevant to eye health, ophthalmology, optometry or translational research. You will bring knowledge and insight to strengthen our Board and help guide our ambitious research strategy. Knowledge of how grant funding is used within eye research from a clinical aspect, as well as knowledge of intellectual property, would also be beneficial. You will also be someone who shares our determination and will support us to raise awareness and increase the volume and quality of applications for grant funding.

If you are passionate about enabling medical research advancement, thrive on teamwork and relish an exciting challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at  9 a.m. Monday 17th November.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Working closely with the Grants Managers and under the Head of Fundraising and other members of the senior Volunteer Grant Team, the Grants Coordinator (Unpaid Volunteer) will research, write grants, maintain, and coordinate fundraising efforts for AHO, with a target of a £5m yearly income by the end of 2030.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The role of Grants Coordinator (Unpaid Volunteer) will research, maintain and coordinate

• Research, write and manage a pipeline of trusts and foundations, aid grants and public sector tenders and contracts that offer unrestricted and programmatic funding.
• Initiate new and manage existing relationships with trusts and other grant-making bodies through emails, calls, meetings, and attendance at events.
• Organise and lead regular fundraising meetings with the Head of Fundraising and the senior team.
• Write and lead on applications, bringing together information and expertise from colleagues as necessary.
• Lead and manage the reporting process to existing funders, bringing together input from colleagues as necessary.
• Attend and assist with public-facing events organised by AHO or others when necessary.
• Work with the senior team to write compelling concept notes and presentations for new areas of work.
• Work with staff and Volunteers across AHO to produce compelling and successful fundraising bids.
• Closely monitor deadlines for applications and reporting, proactively and confidently liaising with relevant staff for timely and high-quality submissions.
• Identify new opportunities for unrestricted and project funding from a range of sources, including trusts, grants and charitable foundations; European, national and local government; individual supporters; and commercial opportunities. 
• Develop and maintain general content and resources in line with branding, such as presentations and texts for staff to reference and share with potential funders.
• Contribute to quarterly Board papers through pipeline updates and the CEO's report.
• Contribute on an ad hoc basis to any other reasonable activity as requested by senior staff.
• Very occasional travel to Africa and other Diaspora for work with our sister organisation, AHO EU and to regions in England where colleagues are based.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Key Competencies

•   Experience in awarding, managing or applying for grants.
•   Experience in awarding, managing or applying for grants.
•   Strong knowledge of UK, EU, and US legislation, accounting requirements and good practice relating to grant awarding and reporting.
•   Experience in using a CRM system or database.
•   Experience in efficiently managing and delivering grant-funded projects and programmes in low settings
•   Ability to work unsupervised, a motivated self-starter, with robust problem-solving, administrative, and multi-tasking skills and is good at follow-through.
•   Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to assimilate and digest large volumes of information.
•   Strong attention to detail and strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage workload effectively and to work with changing priorities and time pressures.
•   Ability to occasionally adjust working hours to fit with multiple time zones as required.
•   Strong written and communication skills.  You will be able to present information in a compelling way through proposals, memos and PowerPoint presentations. 
•   Ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds
•   Desire to contribute to new ideas and ways of working to develop improved models, processes and use of technology in grant-making.
•   Outstanding partnership management skills, with the ability to support and establish highly collaborative internal and external partnerships.
•   Experience with databases/grant-management systems is desirable but not necessary.
•   Financial and budget management skills are desirable but not necessary.
•   Ability in English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili, and Chinese is desirable but not necessary.

The Charity for Action on Spiritual Abuse (formerly Replenished Life) is on a bold mission — and we need passionate, committed individuals to join us at a pivotal moment in our journey. 

Our Vision 

We believe in a world where everyone who has experienced harm in a spiritual, religious, or faith-based context is: 

• Heard and understood 

• Properly supported 

We are working towards a world where every faith and secular organisation: 

• Knows how to recognise and respond to spiritual abuse 

• Understands what a healthy religious or spiritual culture looks like 

Why Now? 

Thanks to a major Comic Relief Organisational Growth Fund grant, we are scaling up in big ways — expanding our support services, training programs, and research initiatives. With this growth comes an exciting opportunity: 
We’re recruiting 3 new trustees to join our dynamic and forward-thinking board. 

Who We're Looking For 

We are especially keen to hear from people with skills and experience in any of the following areas: 

• Financial planning and oversight 

• Strategic thinking and organisational development 

• Safeguarding and complaints handling 

• Policy, process, and quality assurance 

Whether you're already a trustee or exploring this role for the first time, if you believe in safer spiritual spaces and have time to give (around 1–2 days per month), we want to hear from you. 

We are committed to building a diverse trustee board that reflects the communities we serve, and we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds, faiths, and none. 

Why Become a Trustee? 

Being a trustee is more than governance — it’s purposeful leadership. It means: 

• Playing a vital role in a growing, impactful charity 

• Using your skills for social good 

• Collaborating with passionate, kind, and committed people 

• Gaining new experience and strategic insight (great for your career or personal growth!) 

• Helping shape national conversations around spiritual abuse, faith, and safeguarding 

We’ll support you every step of the way with training, resources, and a friendly, engaged trustee and leadership team. 

Time Commitment 

• Quarterly online board meetings (weekday evenings) 

• One in-person strategy day per year 

• Occasional reviews or input between meetings 

• Ongoing contribution to your portfolio area — within your flexible 1–2 days/month 

Practical Bits 

• This is a volunteer role (reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed) 

• Supportive induction and ongoing trustee development provided 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

To express your interest, contact Ruth Appleton through charity job message 

Download the full Trustee Recruitment Pack

Want a chat? Ruth is happy to talk more about the role before you apply. 

We're looking for 2-3 detail-oriented and strategic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specialist Volunteers to help optimise our online presence and ensure our campaigns and content reach the communities that need them most and increase the charity’s search engine results rankings. The SEO Specialist Volunteers will play a key role in enhancing the visibility and searchability of Burning Nights CRPS Support’s website and digital content.

The SEO Specialist Volunteers will be volunteering within the Communications & Marketing Team to implement SEO best practices, conduct keyword research, improve site structure, and analyse web performance – all to ensure our content reaches a broader audience and amplifies the voice of our charity’s supporters online.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Competitor and Keyword Research: Conduct keyword research to inform website content and campaign strategies.
• On-page optimisation: Optimise existing content for improved search engine ranking (meta tags, meta descriptions, headers, alt text, etc.)
• Monitor and analyse SEO performance using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush.
• Technical SEO Implementation: Identify technical SEO issues and collaborate with content teams to resolve them.
• Backlink and Off-Page SEO: Assist in developing backlink strategies and improving domain authority.
• Support the content team in creating SEO-optimised articles and pages.
• Provide monthly reports on SEO performance and suggest improvements.
• Stay up to date with SEO trends, Google algorithm updates, and emerging best practices.

Key Skills or Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of SEO principles and search engine algorithms.
• Proven experience in conducting SEO audits, strategy development, and implementation.
• Experience using SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush or similar platforms.
• Previous experience in digital marketing, content strategy, or technical SEO.
• Ability to perform keyword research and competitor analysis.
• Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and content management systems (ideally Django framework).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
• Evidence of organisational skills, with good attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently, turning recommendations into action without needing constant oversight.
• A passion for using your skills to support patients and families impacted by a debilitating pain condition and help save lives.
• Passion for creating inclusive and accessible digital spaces.
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Enthusiastic about supporting a small charity.
• Willing to learn, adapt, and collaborate with a supportive team.

Desirable Experience

• Experience of Google Ads for nonprofits.
• Experience of using Django framework websites.
• Familiarity with accessibility best practices and inclusive web design.
• Experience working with or volunteering for nonprofit / charitable organisations.
• Demonstrable IT skills, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft.
• Good research and information management skills.
• An understanding of the charity sector and/or fundraising.

Key Benefits

• Volunteer as part of a forward-thinking, supportive team.
• Unique opportunity to directly contribute to strategic SEO recommendations, and the implementation of those changes to increase the charity’s visibility.
• At Burning Nights CRPS Support you’ll use your SEO skills for a mission with a real, measurable impact. This is more than just a volunteer role, it’s an opportunity to change and save lives.
• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families impacted by a severe pain condition.
• Building your network and forming connections with like-minded people and organisations.
• Enhance your CV and gain skills that are transferable to a variety of career paths.
• Receive training and ongoing support from our team.
• Experience the personal satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from helping others.

Training and Support

• Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
• This a remote volunteering opportunity with regular online team check-ins and collaborative sessions with a supportive, creative, and inclusive team environment.
• Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
• Regular updates on charity activities.
• Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
• After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
• Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.

About Care4Calais 

Care4Calais is a volunteer-led charity delivering essential aid and support to people seeking asylum living in the UK and Northern France. We provide direct aid and advocate for a fair asylum system, including safe routes to claim asylum.

The UK Direct Aid team delivers essential support through practical services; such as running distributions, delivering English classes and casework-style support through drop-ins. The UK Direct Aid team also provides services to promote wellbeing such as trips and sports activities.

Volunteer Role Description

We are looking for empathetic and motivated people, who are committed to welcoming people seeking safety to join our volunteer teams across the UK. We have volunteer teams across the UK so there will be a local group you can join.

What you will receive: 

• Comprehensive training to equip you in your role; including safeguarding training, Induction Training, Activities and Distribution Training and Boundaries and Resilience Training. 

• Support from a wonderful team

• Opportunity to develop skills, including casework, networking, and interpersonal skills

• Greater understanding of the UK asylum system

As a volunteer, there is a range of activities you can choose to get involved in, depending on the area you volunteer. Some activities include:

• English classes/ conversation clubs 

• Drop-ins - help with requests and signpost to support.

• Distributions - provide essential items like clothing, shoes, toiletries. 

• Sports - activities like yoga, football etc. are a great way to improve wellbeing, and for people to connect with others.

• Trips - organise trips to places such as the park, cinema to help boost mood and give people time away from the hotel.

• Wellbeing activities - sessions like crafts and cooking are popular. 

• Workshops - help with housing once someone receives Leave to Remain; familiarise people with life in the UK.

• Events - mark specific days or holidays to get people together and celebrate. 

• Media/ Press/ Engagements - as a volunteer, you may be asked to share a story for our social media or help someone with lived experience to share.

• Remote working - support with tasks such as contacting Migrant Help, assisting individuals to register with GPS, researching local support, or general admin. 

Care4Calais strongly encourages people with experience of the asylum system to apply, and recognises the specific value that lived experience brings to an organisation.