Head of volunteer roles

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

Overview:
Lead and grow CWV’s community food hubs and outreach initiatives, ensuring families receive support with dignity and connection to wider services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day food hub operations and logistics

• Manage volunteers and coordinate schedules

• Build partnerships with food suppliers, councils, and community organisations

• Maintain records and data for reporting and impact measurement

• Develop community engagement activities around health, wellbeing, and inclusion

• Ensure all health & safety and food hygiene standards are met

Skills & Experience:

• Experience managing community or food distribution programmes

• Strong organisational and leadership skills

• Compassionate and community-focused approach

• Knowledge of health, safety, and safeguarding principles

Overview:
Drive the charity’s income growth by leading fundraising, partnerships, and donor engagement to secure sustainable funding for programmes and community work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy

• Identify and apply for grants, trusts, and foundations

• Build relationships with corporate and community partners

• Oversee donor stewardship and reporting

• Lead fundraising events and campaigns

• Support digital fundraising and storytelling

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in fundraising or business development (preferably nonprofit sector)

• Track record of successful grant applications

• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills

• Creative, strategic thinker able to work independently

* We agree to pay a percentage for each succesful Bid or Grant. To be discussed futher during the interview.

Overview:
Lead the design and delivery of all educational and life-skills programmes for children and young people. Ensure high-quality, inclusive learning experiences that promote wellbeing, confidence, and personal development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and oversee delivery of alternative education and life-skills programmes

• Line-manage tutors, youth mentors, and programme volunteers

• Develop curriculum materials and evaluation frameworks

• Build partnerships with schools, youth organisations, and local authorities

• Monitor safeguarding and child welfare in all sessions

• Report impact data and outcomes to the CEO and trustees

Skills & Experience:

• Background in education, youth work, or social development

• Experience managing staff or volunteers

• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection

• Excellent communication and organisational skills

• Creative, passionate, and able to motivate others

Reports to: Chief People Officer
Direct Reports: HRBP Lead, HR Managers
Team Structure: Six HR Teams (HRBP team, Recruitment, Learning & Development, Volunteer Relations, Policy, and Engagement) – supported by Senior HR Officers and HR Officers
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: 12 months minimum | Part-time | Flexible hours

About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Head of HR to lead and oversee our HR function at a pivotal time in YouthAdvantage UK’s ambition to become a registered charity.

Reporting into the Chief People Officer, you’ll provide strategic leadership to a multi-layered HR structure, directly managing our HRBP Lead and HR Managers, and overseeing five core teams that support the organisation’s people and culture strategy.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced HR leader who wants to give back by mentoring the next generation of HR professionals, shaping policy and practice, and helping us build a strong, inclusive, and values-led volunteer workforce across the UK.

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

Key Responsibilities
•Provide overall leadership to the HR function, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and values.
•Manage and coach HRBP Lead and HR Managers to ensure smooth delivery across all people-related functions.
•Oversee and guide the five core HR teams:
oRecruitment – ensuring effective onboarding of skilled and diverse volunteers.
oLearning & Development – supporting volunteer upskilling and capability-building.
oVolunteer Relations – maintaining engagement, support, and wellbeing.
oPolicy – upholding inclusive, clear, and robust HR governance.
oEngagement – fostering culture, recognition, and retention.
•Partner with the Chief People Officer on strategic planning, workforce design, and key organisational initiatives.
•Lead succession planning and ensure continuity across all volunteer HR roles.
•Monitor performance and facilitate cross-team collaboration.
•Champion inclusive, accessible practices across the organisation.

What We're Looking For:
We’re looking for someone who’s experienced enough to hit the ground running and humble enough to grow with us. 
You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
•Solid operational HR experience, ideally across generalist and specialist areas such as recruitment, employee relations/law, L&D, and policy.
•Previous line management experience, with a demonstrable record of supporting and developing HR team members or volunteers.
•A practical, sleeves-rolled-up approach - someone who is hands-on, accessible, and able to get things done in a busy, volunteer-led environment.
•A strategic mindset, but also the willingness to dig into day-to-day HR activity and problem-solving.
•A collaborative, coaching-ready attitude - this is a great opportunity for someone who has enough experience to stand on their own feet, but is open to being coached by the Chief People Officer to further develop their leadership style.
•Good communication and people skills, with the ability to work across different functions and with a wide range of volunteers.
•An interest in or understanding of the third sector and volunteer engagement is a bonus, but not essential.
•Experience working remotely or in hybrid teams is helpful.
•Above all, a genuine passion for youth empowerment and a belief in what we’re building at YouthAdvantage UK.

What You’ll Gain
•A chance to lead a national HR function with real-world complexity and purpose.
•The opportunity to mentor and develop emerging HR talent.
•Practical experience shaping HR strategy within the third sector.
•Recognition through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment

Important Information
This role is completely voluntary. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. It is ideal for experienced HR professionals looking to give back, stay active in leadership, or contribute to a values-led organisation in a meaningful way.

Apply Now
If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help shape a dynamic, inclusive, and youth-focused volunteer organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Every Christmas, hundreds of older people in Birmingham spend the holidays alone. We receive donations at our head office on a large scale from local business which we then organise into gift hampers for our most vulnerable citizens. This quickly fills up the office space so we must ensure a quick turnaround.

The service manager will call you to invite you in either the same day or with 1-2 days notice to come along to our head office and get involved with packing hampers.

Tasks include:

· Assist in sorting gifts into types or genders

· Packing Christmas hampers or gift bags

· Adhering to an instructional list

· Hand-write Christmas cards or notes to include in hampers.

· Support Age UK staff with other similar tasks relating to packing and sorting of gifts

Additionally, we need some support with making telephone calls to citizens inviting them to a special lunch. We would be grateful for additional support with this where possible. 

Are you passionate about improving children’s literacy and life chances? Schoolreaders is a leading children’s literacy charity and we’re seeking new Trustees to join our Board. This is a fantastic opportunity to use your expertise to help shape the overall direction and vision of our innovative and impactful charity.

Schoolreaders is a UK-based charity that provides one-to-one reading support to children in primary schools by matching them with local volunteers. We became the largest in-school reading support Charity in England in the 2024/25 academic year, supporting over 35,800 children each week. A significant portion of the children we support (45%) are eligible for Pupil Premium funding, and over 50% of partner schools are in disadvantaged areas.

As a Trustee, you will work with the executive team and other Trustees to ensure the charity remains mission-drive, financially resilient, and effective in delivering its high-impact literacy support. The role involves shaping and challenging our strategy, championing evidence-based interventions, and acting as an ambassador for the charity. We are looking for candidates with expertise in two key areas: IT and digital marketing, and education.

Specific experience desired includes:

IT and Digital Marketing
The Board would benefit from stronger insight into organisational IT systems and efficiencies in operational processes, particularly the management of cyber security risks and the strategic adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). Broader experience in overseeing IT strategy and infrastructure would also be highly valuable. If candidates also bring digital media experience — such as online recruitment, fundraising campaigns, or strengthening web presence — this would be an asset, but it is not the primary focus. This expertise could come from any sector, and candidates may have held senior leadership roles such as Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Digital Officer, or similar positions with responsibility for IT strategy, systems, or security.

Education
The Board welcomes applications from those with current experience as a primary school practitioner, ideally within the state sector. Insight into challenges linked to deprivation and the use of educational technology would be particularly valuable in shaping policy, practice and partnership development. Candidates may have held leadership roles such as Head of Department, Assistant Head, Deputy Head, Headteacher, Chief Executive, or Director of Education. Appointees will also join the Education Safeguarding Consultation Group (meets three times per year).

Above all, successful candidates will be motivated by the mission of Schoolreaders and committed to supporting children’s literacy and life chances.

This is a voluntary role, though reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The commitment includes six virtual Board meetings per year, one in-person annual meeting, and an annual strategy day. The initial term is three years, with the possibility of renewal.

The deadline to apply is Midnight on 29th October 2025. The recruitment process is being administered in partnership with Nurole.

This is an excellent opportunity to directly shape Grow's future and guide our fundraising efforts. We are seeking a strategic and passionate individual to support our Head of Fundraising in building a robust strategy that will diversify our income and help us achieve our goals.

You will provide expert guidance to our trustee board on developments in the fundraising sector and help us make informed decisions based on your fundraising expertise. This role also involves supporting key fundraising events and assisting with the monitoring of our progress against our targets.

If you are excited by the prospect of helping a small charity grow its impact and sustain its vital work, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
 

Role responsibilities

• Support Grow’s Head of Fundraising in building a robust fundraising strategy that diversifies our income streams
• Advise the trustee board on all developments in the fundraising sector
• Support the board to make decisions based on fundraising predictions
• Support Grow’s fundraising events
• Assist with the monitoring of fundraising against targets and report on this to the trustee board

We are looking for someone who shares our values to join us as a Music Education Trustee, maximising the impact of our music education strategy in helping children and young people from families on low income in Surrey to make music.

Specific Tasks

Identifying, developing and overseeing appropriate group teaching and ensemble projects in primary and secondary schools with high pupil premium ratios. Such  projects will be funded or co-funded by CKT but delivered by other established music education providers 

Managing CKT’ s interface with

• Surrey Arts (including at chief executive and area manager level),
• Surrey state schools  as potential beneficiaries of CKT’s work
• other providers of music education in Surrey including Rock Schools

Working with:

• CKTs music education advisers to help define and deliver the above
• the bursaries trustee/manager to ensure that the criteria and process for CKTs bursaries maximises CKT’s impact
• the marketing and communications manager to best market what CKT offers to schools and music teachers
• Trustees, taking the lead on fundraising in developing applications for grants to fund CKT’s project work
• Acting as one of CKT’s Trustees and Directors attending and contributing to board meetings
• Performing such other tasks and activities for CKT as skills and time allow

Skills and experience required

In depth experience of music education at primary and/or secondary level

This will probably have been gained through practical experience either as a successful school head of music and/or in a county music service and/or in a music education charity or provider  

As a member of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, the Trustee will have the expertise to ensure the strategic oversight of Foothold’s finances and to support appropriate decisions and good governance by the Board. This includes:

· overseeing and presenting budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements;

· providing advice and information to the Trustees on their financial responsibilities;

· leading in the Board’s duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept and financial resources are properly managed, controlled and invested, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements;

· acting as the link between the Trustees and the management on financial matters;

· keeping under review the effectiveness of all internal control systems, including financial operational and compliance controls;

· liaising through the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee with staff, including CEO and Head of Business and Volunteering and with Foothold’s accountants and independent auditor.

CAFOD Advisor

Strategy Performance Committee (SPC)

Role

Committee member, providing expert fundraising input to this Committee of the Board, alongside Trustees and other advisors. The SPC exercises governance activities on behalf of the Board and provides recommendations to the Board on such governance matters. The remit of the SPC encompasses CAFOD’s programmatic work, covering both CAFOD’s international activities and the work within the Catholic Community in England and Wales.

Person

• Total alignment with goals, ethos and culture of CAFOD, including its Catholic values
• Experience working within the charity sector with knowledge of multiple income streams
• Knowledge of fundraising for international causes would be advantageous
• Experience in multiple income portfolio management, particularly fundraising from the public
•  Familiarity with Fundraising Regulator best practice/Chartered Institute of Fundraising
• An understanding of fundraising in a faith context
• Good committee skills - team player, independent thinker, listening and contributing constructively
• Good communicator
• Commitment to the role (serious reading of committee papers and engagement with issues)

Time commitment

• Four half-day meetings a year, currently two at Romero House, London and two online
• As required, exceptionally, ad hoc meetings and meetings with other committee members, Trustees or staff as required
• No specific term, but expectation of 4 years minimum  

We are seeking a Finance & Audit Trustee to join our Board, someone who will play a crucial role in shaping our financial strategy, overseeing governance, and supporting our leadership team to ensure our decisions are both values-driven and financially sustainable.

If you bring professional expertise in finance, audit, or risk management, and if you share our belief in the power of second chances and the potential of every woman to thrive, we would be delighted to hear from you. Together, we can continue to build a future where every woman is safe, respected, and supported to reach her full potential.

Village Preschool E17 is a small charity in Walthamstow offering high-quality early years education. We’re currently undergoing a strategic transformation to improve operations, strengthen sustainability, and deepen our community impact.

What will you be doing?

Village Preschool E17 is a small, community-based educational charity in Walthamstow, providing high-quality early years education to local families. We are currently entering an exciting phase of transformation, and we’re seeking a new Chair of Trustees to guide us through this journey.

As Chair, you will play a vital leadership role in ensuring strong governance, strategic direction, and a sustainable future for the preschool. You’ll work closely with the Headteacher of Preschool and a committed board of trustees to improve operations, shape long-term plans, and uphold our values and charitable mission. You’ll also provide support and supervision to the Headteacher, lead termly board meetings, and act as a key representative of the organisation.

This role is both strategic and supportive, requiring sound judgement, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative leadership style. We’re looking for someone with experience in governance, leadership, or strategic planning—ideally within the charity, education, or early years sector. You should be confident in leading group discussions, supporting senior staff, and helping to identify funding and sponsorship opportunities.

If you’re passionate about early childhood education and community development, and want to use your skills to make a lasting local impact, we’d love to hear from you.

What are we looking for?

Leadership and Governance:

• Lead the Board of Trustees to ensure strong governance, strategic oversight, and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Chair termly trustee meetings and ensure all trustees are actively engaged and informed.
• Support the recruitment, induction, and development of trustees to build a strong and effective board.
• Ensure board decisions are actioned and followed up appropriately.

Support and Supervision:

• Provide regular line management and support to the Head of Preschool, including:
  • Leading the annual performance appraisal.
  • Acting as a sounding board for strategic and operational issues.

Communication and Representation:

• Main point of contact between the Board and the Head of Preschool.
• Create a positive, open relationship with staff, trustees, and stakeholders.

Strategic Oversight:

• Lead on the long-term development of the board and organisational planning.
• Facilitate effective collaboration and decision-making across the board.
• Take urgent action between meetings when necessary (not including decision-making unless explicitly authorised by the board).

Crisis Response:

• Act quickly and effectively in the event of emergencies or significant issues, working closely with the Head and trustees to coordinate an appropriate response.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in governance, leadership, or strategic oversight—preferably within a charity, education, or early years setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and facilitate group discussions and decision-making.
• Confidence in supervising and supporting senior staff.
• A genuine interest in early childhood education and community development.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of charity regulation, Ofsted requirements, or early years sector.
• Previous experience on a board or in a chairing role.
• Local to Waltham Forest or strong understanding of the local community.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of Village Preschool E17. Your leadership will help guide our charity through an exciting period of transformation—strengthening governance, improving operations, and ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality early years education to local families.

You will be a key source of support for our Head of Preschool and a driving force behind a collaborative, effective trustee board. By bringing your skills and insight to strategic planning, compliance, and funding development, you will directly impact the lives of the children and families we serve.

This is a meaningful opportunity to use your experience for good—helping a valued local charity remain sustainable, inclusive, and deeply rooted in its community. Your voice, leadership, and vision could help secure a brighter future for Village Preschool E17.

Before you apply

Please provide a CV and cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.

**We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will close the opportunity once we've found the right person to join our board - early applications are encouraged.**

African Development Choices (ADC) is a UK-based Social Enterprise on a mission to reduce poverty by empowering communities to make more informed choices in the management of public resources.

ADC’s purpose is to enable communities to independently meet their needs for essential services, such as clean water and safe sanitation and improve lives in Africa.

At ADC we encourage a working culture of seeking and giving input, showing and taking initiative, and commitment to the organisation and its purpose.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a volunteer Social & Content Manager to join ADC

Main purpose of job (brief summary): Develop and implement our social media & content strategy in order to increase our online presence and drive stakeholder engagement.

Division: Operations

Department: Marketing & Communications

Position reports to: Head of Marketing & Communications

Who reports to this position: N/A
 

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a content calendar across all social platforms ensuring a constant supply of relevant content (1 post per week on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram – initially) 

• Collate content for, prepare and publish the monthly volunteer newsletter through MailChimp 

• Identify and engage with key social influencers to create beneficial relationships and strong networks and grow the ADC brand 

• Perform social listening across all social platforms by monitoring and responding to relevant brand mentions and identifying opportunities for engaging in related topics/discussions 

• Define social media KPIs, measure and optimize social media performance metrics, and develop enhanced reporting 

• Manage and oversee social media content

• Develop and implement E2E fundraising campaigns in collaboration with the fundraising team

​Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Essential 

• 3+ years of experience in social and content management 

• Experience using MailChimp or similar software 

• Experience in designing, managing and executing successful fundraising campaigns 

• Excellent knowledge of Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and other social media platforms 

• Experience of forming relationships with key influencers on social media 

• Good understanding of SEO metrics and social media KPIs 

• Ability to come up with creative content (text, image and video) 

• Available to volunteer at least 7 hours a week 

• Ability to actively take initiative and help set things up in a start-up environment 

• Ability to actively seek and give input in a collaborative team environment 

• A committed team player with good communication skills. 

Desirable 

• Experience of establishing online communities on social media 

• Experience working in an early stage start-up and gone through a scaling phase 

• Passion for the start-up life and comfortable in a role with a little ambiguity 

What ADC Offers You

This is a volunteer, remote and unpaid position with the following benefits: 

• Professional learning and career development opportunities 

• An opportunity to build on your work experience within your profession 

• An opportunity to be part of a diverse team representing different parts of the world that is helping to deliver systemic social change in Africa 

• An opportunity to help shape a start-up social enterprise 

• We provide work reference

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal ccountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved. 

Here at African Development Choices, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our teams are made up of people from all over the world and we welcome all applications. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, and you require any reasonable adjustments for your application with us, please let us know by contacting recruitment(at)africandevelopmentchoices(dot)org.