Head of volunteer volunteer roles in Cambridge

HEAD OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS – VOLUNTEER

Lead the national conversation on men’s wellbeing — and put MINDSET on the map

Most men don’t want to sit in a circle and “talk about their feelings.” They want challenge. They want action. They want brotherhood. They want to grow — without feeling like they’re in therapy.

MINDSET is the brand‑new men’s wellbeing charity built around exactly that. We’re creating a tribe where men step up, show up, and level up — through real‑world connection, shared experiences, and practical, stigma‑free support that actually works.

And now we’re looking for a Head of External Affairs who can take this movement into the public arena — shaping how the world sees men, masculinity, and mental health.

This role is for the leader who…

• Thrives on influence, strategy, and high‑level relationship‑building.

• Can confidently represent a new charity on the national stage.

• Understands how to build credibility, visibility, and trust.

• Can turn a bold mission into compelling narratives people want to support.

• Is politically aware, media‑savvy, and unafraid to challenge outdated thinking.

• Knows how to build partnerships that unlock opportunity and scale.

• Believes men deserve better — and is ready to help change the system.

If you’re the kind of person who sees a blank page and thinks “this is my moment,” you’ll feel right at home here.

What You’ll Be Building

Our mission isn’t just to support men — it’s to shift culture.

As Head of External Affairs, you’ll shape how MINDSET shows up in the world and how the world responds. You’ll lead the charge on:

• Public affairs and advocacy that push men’s wellbeing up the national agenda.

• Media and communications that cut through clichés and stigma.

• Strategic partnerships with organisations, influencers, and institutions.

• Brand reputation and public narrative, ensuring MINDSET is seen, heard, and respected.

• Campaigns and messaging that speak the language men actually respond to.

• Stakeholder engagement across government, business, and the charity sector.

This isn’t just PR — it’s cultural transformation.

Why This Matters

Men are struggling in silence. Traditional services aren’t reaching them. And the public conversation is stuck in stereotypes.

We’re rewriting the script — and your work will determine how far that message travels.

When men move, talk, laugh, challenge themselves, and support each other, transformation happens naturally. We’re building a space where that transformation becomes normal — and your leadership will help the world understand why it matters.

What You’ll Gain

• A defining leadership role in a charity at its very beginning.

• The chance to shape national‑level influence from day one.

• A brotherhood of passionate volunteers who believe in the mission.

• Real responsibility, real visibility, and real legacy.

• The satisfaction of knowing your work is changing — and saving — lives.

If you’re ready to shape the public face of a movement…

• If you want to lead conversations, not just manage communications…
• If you want to help men thrive, not just cope…
• If you want to be part of a charity that finally speaks the language men respond to…

We want to hear from you.

Apply now and help us build the future of men’s wellbeing.

MINDSET Charity

HEAD OF FUNDRAISING & RELATIONSHIPS – VOLUNTEER

Fuel the mission. Build the partnerships. Power a new movement in men’s wellbeing.

Most men don’t want to sit in a circle and “talk about their feelings.” They want challenge. They want action. They want brotherhood. They want to grow — without feeling like they’re in therapy.

MINDSET is the brand‑new men’s wellbeing charity built around exactly that. We’re creating a tribe where men step up, show up, and level up — through real‑world connection, shared experiences, and practical, stigma‑free support that actually works.

And now we’re looking for a Head of Fundraising & Relationships who can bring the resources, partnerships, and supporters that will turn this movement into a national force.

This role is for the leader who…

• Thrives on building relationships that matter.

• Can confidently represent a new charity to funders, partners, and supporters.

• Understands how to inspire people to give — not out of guilt, but out of belief.

• Knows how to open doors, spark conversations, and create opportunity.

• Is strategic, persuasive, and unafraid to ask boldly.

• Can turn passion into investment and connection into long‑term support.

• Believes men deserve better — and wants to help fund the solution.

If you’re the kind of person who sees potential everywhere and knows how to turn it into momentum, you’ll feel right at home here.

What You’ll Be Building

Fundraising isn’t about money — it’s about belief. It’s about people choosing to stand with us because they see the change we’re creating.

As Head of Fundraising & Relationships, you’ll shape the networks, partnerships, and income streams that fuel the movement.

You’ll lead on:

• Building strategic partnerships with businesses, donors, and community leaders.

• Developing fundraising campaigns that feel bold, modern, and stigma‑free.

• Creating supporter journeys that make people feel part of the mission.

• Securing grants and philanthropic support that align with our values.

• Designing events and initiatives that raise both funds and awareness.

• Cultivating long‑term relationships that strengthen the charity’s future.

• Championing our story in a way that inspires belief, trust, and investment.

This isn’t just fundraising — it’s movement‑building.

Why This Matters

Men are struggling in silence. Traditional services aren’t reaching them. And the organisations trying to help are often under‑resourced and overlooked.

We’re changing the script — but to do that, we need people who can bring others with us.

Your work will ensure that every programme, every event, every moment of connection is possible. You’ll be the bridge between the mission and the people who can help it grow.

What You’ll Gain

• A defining leadership role in a charity at its very beginning.

• The chance to shape a fundraising strategy from scratch.

• A brotherhood of passionate volunteers who believe in the mission.

• Real influence, real responsibility, and real legacy.

• The satisfaction of knowing your work is changing — and saving — lives.

If you’re ready to fuel a movement…

• If you want to build relationships, not just raise funds…
• If you want to help men thrive, not just cope…
• If you want to be part of a charity that finally speaks the language men respond to…

We want to hear from you.

Apply now and help us build the future of men’s wellbeing.

MINDSET Charity

Role Purpose

The Deputy Head of Ethics & Research Reporting is a senior volunteer leadership role designed to provide strategic and operational resilience across the department. This role will initially serve as Interim Head of Ethics & Research Reporting during the Head of Department’s leave of absence, assuming full leadership responsibilities. When the Head returns in May, the Deputy will transition into the standard Deputy Head role, continuing to provide leadership continuity, oversight and support.

The Deputy Head works across both the Ethics Team and the Research Reporting Team, ensuring that ethical standards, research integrity and high‑quality reporting are upheld across all departmental activity.

Key Responsibilities

During Interim Headship (until May)

• Provide full strategic and operational leadership for the Ethics & Research Reporting Department.

• Set departmental priorities, oversee planning and ensure alignment with organisational strategy.

• Lead and motivate Senior Managers, Managers and wider departmental volunteers.

• Ensure ethical governance, research integrity and responsible data practices across all projects.

• Oversee departmental performance, reporting regularly to C‑Level leadership and Trustees.

• Maintain oversight of departmental budgets, costs and resource needs in collaboration with relevant teams.

• Ensure GDPR compliance and good data‑handling practices across the department.

• Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring safe, ethical and compliant operations.

• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures and quality standards.

• Ensure accurate, timely reporting and documentation across both Ethics and Research Reporting functions.

After Transition to Deputy Head (from May onwards)

• Support the Head of Department in delivering strategic and operational leadership.

• Provide continuity, stability and leadership resilience across the department.

• Lead delegated strategic initiatives or operational areas as assigned by the Head of Department.

• Share responsibility for departmental planning, performance monitoring and reporting.

• Support Senior Managers and Managers, offering guidance, oversight and problem‑solving support.

• Contribute to departmental policy development, risk management and quality assurance.

• Act as a key point of contact for cross‑departmental collaboration and organisational alignment.

• Step into leadership when required to ensure smooth, uninterrupted departmental operations.

Competency Requirements (Deputy Head)

To succeed in this senior volunteer leadership role, the Deputy Head should demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership capability, with the ability to translate organisational goals into departmental plans.

• Advanced ethical awareness, including deep understanding of research ethics, integrity and responsible data management.

• Clear, confident communication, suitable for volunteers, senior leaders and Trustees.

• Collaborative leadership, fostering a positive, inclusive and supportive departmental culture.

• Professionalism and integrity, modelling fairness, consistency and ethical behaviour.

• Sound judgement and decision‑making, especially in complex or sensitive ethical scenarios.

• Operational oversight skills, including planning, resource management and performance monitoring.

• Risk awareness, with the ability to identify, assess and mitigate ethical, operational and reputational risks.

• Ability to support and develop others, including Senior Managers, Managers and wider volunteers.

• Commitment to GDPR compliance, responsible data handling and good governance practices.

• Adaptability, particularly during the interim leadership period and subsequent transition.

Role Requirements (Deputy Head)

Given the seniority and responsibility of this volunteer role, the following experience is required:

• A PhD is required, along with postdoctoral research experience, or significant academic or practical research experience at an equivalent level, demonstrating advanced expertise in research design, ethics, governance or reporting.

• Substantial experience in research ethics, research governance or research leadership, ideally across multiple projects or teams.

• Experience in strategic planning, departmental oversight or senior‑level decision‑making, whether in a volunteer, academic or professional context.

• A strong track record of ethical decision‑making, particularly in roles where judgement, integrity and risk assessment were central.

• Experience with research reporting, research communication or academic publication processes is highly beneficial.

• A strong interest in ethical governance, research integrity and maintaining high standards across research projects.

• Familiarity with GDPR and responsible data management practices, or willingness to develop this knowledge quickly.

• Experience working with volunteers or mixed‑experience teams is advantageous.

HEAD OF PROGRAMMES & PERSONAL GROWTH - VOLUNTEER

Be the driving force behind a new movement in men’s wellbeing

Most men don’t want to sit in a circle and “talk about their feelings.” They want challenge. They want action. They want brotherhood. They want to grow — without feeling like they’re in therapy.

MINDSET is the brand new men’s wellbeing charity built around exactly that. We’re creating a tribe where men step up, show up, and level up — through real‑world connection, shared experiences, and practical, stigma‑free support that actually works.

And now we’re looking for a Head of Programmes & Personal Growth who can help us build this from the ground up.

This role is for the leader who…

• Thrives on responsibility and leads from the front.

• Has the confidence to shape a brand‑new charity’s direction.

• Can bring people together and build a culture men want to be part of.

• Is entrepreneurial, solution‑focused, and unafraid of bold ideas.

• Has exceptional organisation, negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Knows how to motivate teams and turn vision into reality.

• Believes men deserve better — and is ready to help deliver it.

If you’re the kind of person who sees a blank page and thinks opportunity, not risk, you’ll feel right at home here.

What You’ll Be Building

Our programmes are hands‑on, high‑impact, and designed to shift both:

• Men’s mindsets, helping them grow, connect, and strengthen their wellbeing.

• Public perception, showing the world that men’s mental health deserves more than clichés and stigma.

You’ll help design and lead:

• Action‑based wellbeing activities.

• Peer‑support models that feel natural, not clinical.

• Personal growth pathways that build confidence and resilience.

• Community events that create belonging and brotherhood.

• Crisis‑aware, evidence‑informed support that genuinely saves lives.

This isn’t just service delivery — it’s a societal shift.

Why This Matters

Men are struggling in silence. Traditional services aren’t reaching them. We’re changing the script.

When men move, talk, laugh, challenge themselves, and support each other, transformation happens naturally. We’re building a space where that transformation becomes normal — and you’ll be at the heart of it.

What You’ll Gain

• A defining leadership role in a charity at its very beginning.

• The chance to shape national‑level impact from day one.

• A brotherhood of passionate volunteers who believe in the mission.

• Real responsibility, real influence, and real legacy.

• The satisfaction of knowing your work is changing — and saving — lives.

If you’re ready to build something powerful…

• If you want to lead a movement, not just manage a programme…
• If you want to help men thrive, not just cope…
• If you want to be part of a charity that finally speaks the language men respond to…

We want to hear from you.

Apply now and help us build the future of men’s wellbeing.

MINDSET Charity

HEAD OF MEL (MONITORING, EVALUATION & LEARNING) – VOLUNTEER

Build the learning engine behind a new movement in men’s wellbeing. Turn real‑world change into evidence, insight, and growth.

Most men don’t want to sit in a circle and “talk about their feelings.” They want challenge. They want action. They want brotherhood. They want to grow — without feeling like they’re in therapy.

MINDSET is the brand‑new men’s wellbeing charity built around exactly that. We’re creating a tribe where men step up, show up, and level up — through real‑world connection, shared experiences, and practical, stigma‑free support that actually works.

And now we’re looking for a Head of MEL who can build the systems that help us understand what’s working, what’s changing, and how we grow — all while keeping the energy, humanity, and authenticity of the movement intact.

This role is for the leader who…

• Loves turning lived experience into learning and improvement.

• Can design simple, meaningful ways to track change — not clinical tick‑boxes.

• Understands how to evaluate programmes without draining their spirit.

• Thrives on insight, reflection, and continuous evolution.

• Can translate data into stories that influence strategy and inspire action.

• Is curious, analytical, and unafraid to challenge assumptions.

• Believes men deserve better — and wants to help us learn how to serve them better.

If you’re the kind of person who sees learning as power, not paperwork, you’ll feel right at home here.

What You’ll Be Building

MEL is how we grow. It’s how we stay accountable. It’s how we make sure we’re genuinely changing lives.

As Head of MEL, you’ll design and lead the learning systems that help us:

• Understand the real impact of our programmes.

• Spot patterns, challenges, and opportunities early.

• Strengthen what works and evolve what doesn’t.

• Build a culture of reflection, curiosity, and improvement.

• Share insights that shape strategy, partnerships, and public understanding.

You’ll lead on:

• Monitoring frameworks that feel human, not bureaucratic.

• Evaluation tools that volunteers can actually use.

• Learning cycles that keep the charity sharp, adaptive, and effective.

• Feedback systems that amplify men’s voices.

• Insight reports that influence decision‑making at every level.

• Evidence‑informed development of programmes, training, and culture.

This isn’t just measurement — it’s learning, evolution, and truth‑telling.

Why This Matters

Men are struggling in silence. Traditional services aren’t reaching them. And too many organisations talk about impact without understanding it.

We’re building something different — and your work will help us learn, adapt, and grow with integrity.

When men move, talk, laugh, challenge themselves, and support each other, transformation happens naturally. Your MEL systems will help us understand that transformation, strengthen it, and scale it.

What You’ll Gain

• A defining leadership role in a charity at its very beginning.

• The chance to build MEL systems from scratch — your way.

• A brotherhood of passionate volunteers who believe in the mission.

• Real influence, real responsibility, and real legacy.

• The satisfaction of knowing your work is changing — and saving — lives.

If you’re ready to build the learning engine behind a movement…

• If you want to shape strategy, not just collect data…
• If you want to help men thrive, not just cope…
• If you want to be part of a charity that finally speaks the language men respond to…

We want to hear from you.

Apply now and help us build the future of men’s wellbeing.

MINDSET Charity

Role: Head of Local Operations (Scotland & Northern Ireland)

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 Scotland and Northern Ireland. 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.

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.

The Widening Participation Officer tries to recruit, engage and support as many 16-18 year old volunteers as possible across all of our chapters, with particular focus on those that’d benefit the most from additional WP volunteers, often those
chapters doing the most events.

Due to the sizable scope of the role, the WP Subcommittee is there to help as needed. This is primarily through admin work. You should ensure that you have a suitable number of keen volunteers within the subcommittee that you can delegate tasks to, ensuring that they were well informed, supported and any tasks followed up. This is likely to involve plenty of messaging and occasional meetings.

A primary part of the role that you can delegate is to conceptualise and write the policy for managing 16-18 year old volunteers. This should have a focus on appropriate safeguarding and you can get input from the subcommittee and other Trustees/Officers but should include things like recruitment methods, required paperwork, risk assessments, management at events etc. These policies need to then be communicated effectively to committee and volunteers. 

There are several ways that WP volunteers should be recruited. Schools/6th Forms should be proactively reached out to and a long-term connection formed, ideally through a named person such as a head of year, head of medicine applications or career progression advisor. They can then pass the information on to their students using a range of methods ranging from email to sending a video to, if the local chapter is keen or a member of the subcommittee is nearby, an  in-person visit to an assembly or lunchtime/after-school training session.  

Efforts should be made to build relationships with National bodies that provide volunteering or work experience to 16-18 year olds such as In2MedSchool and Medic Mentor, working closely with them to advertise our volunteering to their
students. 

Once students are interested, they should be able to register as volunteers and attend an Introduction Training session. This can be a WP-specific session with particular focus on benefits and support for WP volunteers such as Duke of Edinburgh hours.

Once volunteers are involved, they should be supported through their time with us including email updates, check-ins, social media posts and training sessions around key times such as university applications.

Finally, of particular note, you should work with the Conference Officer to ensure that WP volunteers are supported in attending the Annual National Conference, in a safe way and have talks of interest to them.
 

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Job description:

"We are looking for 10 volunteers to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 10 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

About the Volunteer Programme:

The Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP) Coordinator plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our flagship professional development initiative. This volunteering role is responsible for managing the end-to-end execution of the ePDP, ensuring seamless coordination between participants, Heads of Department (HoDs), and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will combine exceptional organizational skills with a passion for fostering professional growth, ensuring participants remain engaged and supported throughout their development journey.

Key Responsibilities of the sucessful volunteer:

Programme Management

• Oversee the effective implementation of the ePDP, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Welcome participants to the programme, providing orientation materials and clarifying expectations.

Participant Support & Progress Tracking

• Conduct initial skills assessments to identify individual development needs.
• Monitor and document participant progress, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings between participants and their respective Heads of Department (HoDs).

Coordination & Communication

• Manage day-to-day operations, including scheduling sessions, sending reminders, and maintaining programme documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for participants, addressing queries and resolving issues promptly.

Engagement & Feedback

• Design and organise feedback sessions to gather insights from participants and HoDs, using data to refine the programme.
• Develop strategies to ensure active engagement (e.g., interactive workshops, milestone celebrations).

Reporting

• Prepare progress reports for senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

Required Skills of a successful volunteer:

• Keen Eye for Detail: Ability to manage complex schedules, track progress meticulously, and maintain accurate records.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication to liaise effectively with participants, HoDs, and stakeholders.
• Relationship Building & Networking: Proven ability to foster trust and collaboration across departments.
• Organizational Agility: Skilled in multitasking, prioritization, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to addressing challenges and improving programme delivery.

Preferred but not essential:

• Experience in coordinating professional development programmes or similar initiatives.
• Familiarity with data analysis to assess programme effectiveness.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits:

Work from home

Application question(s):

• Are you sure you can commit to this being a non-paid role?
• Can you commit to 16 weeks?
• Do you have access to personal PC or laptop?

Work Location: Remote

We're looking for a trustee with experience or knowledge of working within the criminal justice system. This is an important area of our work that isn't currently represented on our board.

Step Together Volunteering is a small but mighty charity. Through our unique, person-centred approach we support people to build the confidence and skills they need to look towards a positive future.

We work with young people, people in contact with the justice system, and the Armed Forces community, through 1-1 support, coaching and volunteering placements in the community. Our support doesn't have a time limit, we work with our clients until they have the confidence and skills they need to look forward to a more positive future.

We work nationally, our Head Office is Bristol, and our frontline staff are home-based in the regions they cover.

As a trustee, alongside your fellow board members you'll be responsible for the strategic leadership and administration of Step Together, and we're keen for you to contribute your perspectives and experiences to discussion. Alongside this, we'd specifically like you to:

• Provide expertise relating to the criminal justice system, and support to the rest of the Board and senior staff to ensure the charity operates a best practice model.
• Help identify opportunities for the charity to expand its work and impact within the criminal justice sector, including those funded by statutory and voluntary funders.
• Remain abreast of key developments within the criminal justice sector, ensuring these are brought to the attention of the rest of the Board and senior staff.
• Leverage support for the charity’s work (financial or otherwise) from your own networks and contacts where possible.
• Advise on implications of any current or planned projects within the criminal justice sector to aid good decision-making at board level.

What are we looking for?

Your experience will ideally have been gained through professional work in the Criminal Justice Sector. This could be through employment within the Prisons or Probation Service, other Ministry of Justice role, Youth Justice teams, Police, or with another charity or agency working in the sector.

Good networks within the justice system in the southwest would be advantageous. You will be knowledgeable about the criminal justice sector, the role the voluntary sector plays, and the challenges faced by the different organisations working in the sector.

Ability to work at a strategic level is essential.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about the work that we do, and someone who is happy to advocate for and represent the charity to key stakeholders to help further our work and impact.

What difference will you make?

Your knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system will help shape our strategic direction and decision-making in this important area of our work.

More broadly, as a trustee, you'll play an important role in ensuring Step Together is sustainable, well run and has a clear, strategic direction so that it continues it's brilliant work, supporting people who are otherwise left behind.

Commitments

We have two in person meetings per year (one in London, one in Bristol) and two online, plus an 'away day' in the autumn. We're ideally looking for trustees who based in Bristol or the surrounding areas.

Our board meetings and away day are fixed but there may be times we need to get in touch on an ad-hoc basis, or ask you to be involved in task-focussed committees.

Before you apply

Please get in touch if you've any questions, or to find out more, and we'll arrange a time for you to have a chat with the CEO or Chair.

If you'd like to apply, please get in touch - we'd love to hear from you! It would be helpful to hear a bit about you, what you'd like to bring to the board, and why you're interested in Step Together Volunteering.

VOLUNTEER GRAPHIC DESIGNER (ONE‑OFF, REGULAR OR RESIDENT VOLUNTEER)

Join SUNSHINE — Bringing Connection, Joy, Community Spirit and SUNSHINE to Every Neighbourhood

WHO WE ARE

SUNSHINE is a start‑up loneliness charity at the very beginning of its journey — a modern, volunteer‑powered movement bringing people together through simple, meaningful activities that spark connection, build confidence, and spread joy.

Our work reflects the diversity of London — its cultures, communities, and neighbourhoods.

We don’t rely on a building or a centre. We go where people already are — parks, libraries, cafés, community halls, online spaces, neighbourhood corners. Wherever people gather, we show up with warmth, welcome, and community spirit.

Loneliness affects people of all ages and backgrounds, often silently.

We’re building a future where every neighbourhood feels connected, supported, and full of opportunities for people to grow, contribute, and belong. If you believe in people, community, and the power of small moments to create big impact, you’ll feel right at home here.

WHAT WE DO

SUNSHINE will be delivering free and low‑cost community‑led activities that help people connect, learn, and thrive, including:

• Social groups and pop‑up events

• Health and wellbeing sessions

• Skills workshops (digital, creative, financial, employment readiness)

• Family‑friendly activities

• Neighbourhood outreach in underserved areas

• Volunteer‑led community projects

Everything we do is shaped by local voices and powered by volunteers — bringing connection, joy, and community spirit to the places people already love.

OUR APPROACH

• Local — We go where people already are.

• Inclusive — Everyone is welcome.

• Flexible — We adapt to community needs.

• Volunteer‑Powered — People make this possible.

THE ROLE — VOLUNTEER GRAPHIC DESIGNER

We’re looking for a Volunteer Graphic Designer to help bring SUNSHINE to life visually — across print, digital, social media, campaigns, and community spaces.

This role is wonderfully flexible. You can support us:

• As a one‑off volunteer — helping with a single project or asset

• As a regular volunteer — supporting us when you can

• As a resident volunteer designer — becoming part of our creative family as we grow

Whatever your availability, your creativity will help shape how SUNSHINE looks, feels, and shows up in the world.

As our Volunteer Graphic Designer, you will:

• Create warm, modern, community‑centred designs for print and digital use.

• Support the development of posters, flyers, social media graphics, banners, and promotional materials.

• Help shape a visual identity that feels joyful, inclusive, and rooted in community spirit.

• Work with the Head of Marketing & Communications to bring campaigns and stories to life.

• Support the launch of our new charity with beautiful, accessible, eye‑catching visuals.

• Ensure designs reflect the diversity and vibrancy of London’s neighbourhoods.

• Bring creativity, clarity, and emotional resonance to everything you create.

If you choose to become a resident volunteer designer, you’ll also help shape long‑term brand consistency, creative direction, and the visual storytelling of the SUNSHINE movement.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Loves creativity, design, and visual storytelling.

• Enjoys creating warm, modern, inclusive graphics that make people feel something.

• Has experience with design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) — or is excited to grow their skills.

• Wants to build a portfolio with meaningful, community‑impact projects.

• Thrives in start‑up environments where you can shape things from the ground up.

• Believes in the power of design to inspire connection and belonging.

• Wants to help reduce loneliness and strengthen neighbourhoods.

Time commitment is flexible and can fit around your life. We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences — especially those with lived experience of the communities we serve.

WHY IT MATTERS

Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges facing our communities today. Too many people feel disconnected, unseen, or without a place to belong.

SUNSHINE exists to change that.

By joining us as a Volunteer Graphic Designer, you’ll help shape the visual heartbeat of a movement that brings people together, builds confidence, and creates moments of joy and belonging.

Your creativity will help us reach more people, inspire more volunteers, and bring SUNSHINE to neighbourhoods that need it most.

Together, we can bring SUNSHINE to every corner of our communities.

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

About the Role

The Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP) Liaison plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our flagship professional development initiative. This position is responsible for managing the end-to-end execution of the ePDP, ensuring seamless coordination between participants, Heads of Department (HoDs), and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will combine exceptional organizational skills with a passion for fostering professional growth, ensuring participants remain engaged and supported throughout their development journey.

Key Responsibilities

1. Programme Management

   • Oversee the effective implementation of the ePDP, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.

   • Welcome participants to the programme, providing orientation materials and clarifying expectations.

2. Participant Support & Progress Tracking

   • Conduct initial skills assessments to identify individual development needs.

   • Monitor and document participant progress, providing regular updates to stakeholders.

   • Schedule and coordinate meetings between participants and their respective Heads of Department (HoDs).

3. Coordination & Communication

   • Manage day-to-day operations, including scheduling sessions, sending reminders, and maintaining programme documentation.

   • Serve as the primary point of contact for participants, addressing queries and resolving issues promptly.

4. Engagement & Feedback

   • Design and organise feedback sessions to gather insights from participants and HoDs, using data to refine the programme.

   • Develop strategies to ensure active engagement (e.g., interactive workshops, milestone celebrations).

5. Reporting

   • Prepare progress reports for senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

Required Skills

• Keen Eye for Detail: Ability to manage complex schedules, track progress meticulously, and maintain accurate records.

• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication to liaise effectively with participants, HoDs, and stakeholders.

• Relationship Building & Networking: Proven ability to foster trust and collaboration across departments.

• Organizational Agility: Skilled in multitasking, prioritization, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to addressing challenges and improving programme delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in coordinating professional development programmes or similar initiatives.

• Familiarity with data analysis to assess programme effectiveness.

Purpose of the role
In this important role, you will be responsible for assessing the eligibility of applicants for our grants and services, in adherence with Variety’s structured grant management approach (guided interviews, weighted scoring and panel review) to maximise impact for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.

You will be required to handle grant applications and supporting information with the utmost confidentiality, following organisational policies to ensure the privacy and security of all sensitive and personal information.

Using our defined eligibility criteria and assessment tools, you will evaluate applications and conduct fair and consistent assessments, making award recommendations to support the decision-making process. You will bring an independent voice, playing a key role in ensuring that decisions are made fairly, equitably and transparently and will be required to support your recommendations with evidence of sound analysis and reasoning.

Key Responsibilities
• Review applications and supporting evidence prepared by the case management team.
• Clarify points with applicants when required (within agreed boundaries).
• Conduct structured, remote assessments (by telephone/video call) to understand need, urgency and likely impact on the child, their family life and communities.
• Establish the baseline for monitoring and evaluation by articulating the impact of the intervention.
• Where applicable, use the weighted assessment tool (base on the eligibility criteria and the Theory of Change) consistently and document clear, impartial rationales to prioritise need.
• Prepare concise, written recommendations aligned to policy, criteria and evidence.
• Attend quarterly Assessor Network meetings, which are a forum for sharing good practice, peer support, news sharing, undertaking essential training and reward and recognition.

Optional, Additional Responsibilities
• Where applicable, support the Impact Monitoring and Evaluation team to undertake post-award follow-up interviews to measure the impact made over time.
• Where applicable and available, represent Variety at events, presentations of awards and through online content.

Adherence to Policy and Quality
• Act as a beacon of good practice in fair grant assessment.
• Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality, GDPR, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and anti‑bias standards throughout the assessment process.
• Escalate concerns (quality, safeguarding, unusual risk, conflicts of interest) in line with policy.
• Follow process controls and segregation of roles, supporting a robust, auditable trail.
• Participate in induction, refresher training, and calibration sessions to ensure consistency and continuous improvement.
• Adhere to Variety’s Code of Conduct.

Time Commitment
• Assessments: the time commitment for these varies and is flexible but we expect you will be spending 4 – 8 hours per month on these, dependent on demand and pool of assessors.
• Assessor Network: hybrid meetings that will last 1.5 – 2 hours and will be held quarterly.
• Training: short modular induction plus periodic refreshers usually rolled into Assessor Network meetings.

Support & Supervision
• Induction & training: policy, criteria, assessment skills, impact tools, safeguarding, data protection.
• Ongoing support through Programme Manager, Programmes Support Officer and Head of Programmes.
• Expenses: out‑of‑pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with Variety’s Expenses Policy.

Impact Measures (Volunteer‑Appropriate)
• Timely completion of assigned assessments; adherence to guidance and safeguarding.
• Quality of written rationales; consistency of weighted scoring.
• Constructive contribution to committee discussion and calibration.
• Positive feedback from applicants (tone/respect) gathered via staff.
• Case study preparation

Person Specification
We welcome people from many walks of life. If you’re feel that you are the right person for this role but are unsure whether you “tick every box,” please still consider applying; training and support are provided.
What you’ll bring (essential)
• Fair assessment mindset: you can weigh information against clear criteria and explain your reasoning.
• Analysis skills: comfortable reviewing forms/evidence and using a simple scoring tool. Able to summarise and analyse complex information to extract relevant data, paying attention to detail.
• Communication: great written and spoken English (we have templates to help).
• Lived experience or insight: personal, professional or volunteer experience that helps you understand the challenges faced by disabled or disadvantaged children and young people (or you can demonstrate thoughtful knowledge of these issues).
• Friendly and approachable: comfortable conducting sensitive conversations by telephone/video call with empathy and professionalism.
• Reliability and care: you follow guidance, meet agreed timeframes where you can, and ask for help if something isn’t clear.
• Values & conduct: commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion; willing to complete safeguarding training and a DBS check.

Helpful extras (nice to have, but not essential)
• Comfortable using basic digital tools (email, online forms, video calls) – we can show you the rest.
• Experience in any of the following is desirable:
o Grant-making
o Community/children’s services
o Health/education/SEND
o Occupational Therapy
o Social care
o Structured interviewing
o Teaching