Head of volunteer roles

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in High Wycombe is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement.

As a Chair of Governors, you’ll operate at the head of a governing board and utilise strategic leadership skills, making decisions on a wide range of topics making a difference improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for a Chair of Governors in High Wycombe to strengthen their governing board and enhance outcomes of pupils within your community. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a chair of governors and how to apply.

Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a Chair of governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos as well as meeting children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Chair of governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help your governing board to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.

You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a chair of governors, you’ll need to be over 18 and happy to have a DBS check to apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities to help schools have a bright future. As a chair of governors, you’ll be supported by the Vice Chair and Clerk to help ensure an effective, focused board utilising and building its skills, knowledge and experience.

This vacancy is for a 7-11 junior school looking to find a chair of governor to sit on their board with experience of Leadership and organisation, along with having been a governor or having had board level experience. It would also be beneficial if you had knowledge of safeguarding. The school is excited abouts its future and enthusiastic about building a strong culture and school identity. 

If you’re interested in becoming a chair of governor, fill out the short application form.
We have vacancies available across England and Wales, including the roles listed above in High Wycombe. You can express your preference for location on the form itself.

Please note, this role may close early if we receive a high volume of interest.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Thousands of cats each year rely on the help of animal charities because they have been abandoned, they have strayed or because there has been a change in their owner’s circumstances. Becoming an administration volunteer is just one way you can help improve the lives of cats in your local community. Our administration volunteers help provide vital admin support to our volunteer groups and teams across Cats Protection. They help keep up to date records of the number of cats that have been rehomed, collate supporter details and send out newsletters. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administrative experience, a passion for cats, or both!

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

The branch are looking for someone to help them with the cat microchip administration. This will include logging microchip details on the microchip databases with the new owner information after a cat is adopted from the branch.

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Recording relevant information related to your volunteer group
• Signposting enquiries to the relevant teams within Cats Protection
• Sending information to supporters, volunteers and to our Head Office
• Distributing information leaflets if required

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Thousands of cats each year rely on the help of animal charities because they have been abandoned, they have strayed or because there has been a change in their owner’s circumstances. Becoming an administration volunteer is just one way you can help improve the lives of cats in your local community. Our administration volunteers help provide vital admin support to our volunteer groups and teams across Cats Protection. They help keep up to date records of the number of cats that have been rehomed, collate supporter details and send out newsletters. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administrative experience, a passion for cats, or both!

You can expect us to

· Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours

· Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection

· Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy

· Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· Recording relevant information related to your volunteer group

· Signposting enquiries to the relevant teams within Cats Protection

· Sending information to supporters, volunteers and to our Head Office

· Distributing information leaflets if required

Time expectation

Our administration volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our publicity team leaders have the important role of supporting a wider team of publicity volunteers. As a team our publicity volunteers collectively keep members of the public informed of the vital and varied ways we help our cats in need. Raising awareness is crucial to us being able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. A higher profile can help raise funds, raise awareness of adopting a cat, promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about feline welfare.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Communicating with others including newsletter, social media and website volunteers
• Advising others on the content of newsletters and web posts
• Interacting with others to make sure information is positive, accurate and consistent
• Liaising with your volunteer group and our Head Office to organise media campaigns
• Responding to local media requests if required

The difference you will make to cats and people

Thousands of cats each year rely on the help of animal charities because they have been abandoned, they have strayed or because there has been a change in their owner’s circumstances. Becoming an administration volunteer is just one way you can help improve the lives of cats in your local community. Our administration volunteers help provide vital admin support to our volunteer groups and teams across Cats Protection. They help keep up to date records of the number of cats that have been rehomed, collate supporter details and send out newsletters. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administrative experience, a passion for cats, or both!

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Recording relevant information related to your volunteer group
• Signposting enquiries to the relevant teams within Cats Protection
• Sending information to supporters, volunteers and to our Head Office
• Distributing information leaflets if required

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Thousands of cats each year rely on the help of animal charities because they have been abandoned, they have strayed or because there has been a change in their owner’s circumstances. Becoming an administration volunteer is just one way you can help improve the lives of cats in your local community. Our administration volunteers help provide vital admin support to our volunteer groups and teams across Cats Protection. They help keep up to date records of the number of cats that have been rehomed, collate supporter details and send out newsletters. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administrative experience, a passion for cats, or both!

You can expect us to

· Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours

· Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection

· Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy

· Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· Recording relevant information related to your volunteer group

· Signposting enquiries to the relevant teams within Cats Protection

· Sending information to supporters, volunteers and to our Head Office

· Distributing information leaflets if required

Time expectation

Our administration volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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 women 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.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Barking in Essex is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a Primary School and nursery (ages 3-11).  The school would ideally like to find someone who has experience in safeguarding and anti-bullying.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

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.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Tewkesbury is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for an alternative provision secondary school. Ideally, you would have previous experience in the education sector however please still apply if your skills lie in a different industry. Previous chairing or leadership experience is desired but not necessary if you feel you have education knowledge to offer.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

Do you have a passion for cooking or interest in working in a kitchen environment? If so, you might be the perfect fit for our kitchen volunteer position at the hospice.

Good food is central to the care we provide, from catering for specialist dietary needs in the everyday, to special occasions such as our annual memorial event.

The kitchen is situated immediately off the main lounge, the central hub of the Hospice, where families come together to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by our talented head chef and his team.

For our children and their families, mealtimes provide comfort, a sense of normality and a chance to socialize. Without the stress of shopping, planning and clearing up - we take the pressure off.

Considerations:

Age requirement: 18+

Time commitment: Friday or Sunday.

.Location: This role will be based at the Tŷ Hafan Hospice in Sully assisting the kitchen staff. The kitchen is situated immediately off the lounge, the central hub of the Hospice, where families come together to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by our talented head chef and the team.

Activities you could be involved in:  

• Keeping the dining area neat and tidy by clearing away plates and crockery

• Help with food preparation

• For experienced chefs and bakers, there is an opportunity to get involved in cooking meals and baking goods

• Wash dishes and utensils with kitchen equipment

• Serve tea/coffee and food with a smile

• Chat with staff, families and children and make them feel welcome

 At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership. We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role. 

What skills will you need?

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Ability to follow procedures and health and safety requirements

• Physical strength to lift, carry and stand for long periods of time

• Knowledge of Health and Safety and Food Hygiene Procedures

• Inclusive and non-judgmental attitude towards families, volunteers, staff and visitors

Here's what you can expect from our training:

• You will receive a comprehensive induction

• You will learn about health and safety in the kitchen

• You will have the opportunity to earn your food hygiene certificate

• You will work with friendly and supportive kitchen staff and volunteers

• Opportunities to complete relevant e-learning

Benefits of becoming a Kitchen Volunteer

• You can make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families by providing them with nutritious and delicious meals

• You can learn new skills and gain valuable experience in food preparation, service and safety

• You can meet new people and join a community of compassionate and dedicated volunteers who share your passion for cooking and helping others

• You can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to a meaningful cause

• You can express your creativity and personality through your cooking and baking

• You will receive feedback and appreciation from hospice staff and guests

We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees and an Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Tŷ Hafan will cover the costs of any background checks and we will contact you with details on completing a DBS, once your application is successful.

We can't wait to welcome you to the team!

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

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.

Could you be the new Chair of CPRE Buckinghamshire (one of the branches of CPRE – the Countryside Charity)? Do you care about your local community and environment?

We have a long and successful history of campaigning on items that matter to the local area – canvassing, prompting and lobbying local authorities, Councillors and MPs. In doing so, we have been able to ensure that the views of the people who depend on, work on and cherish the Buckinghamshire countryside are reflected in local decision-making.

The Chair role will suit someone living in Buckinghamshire or the Milton Keynes area, who has a keen interest in the countryside and is excited by the prospect of helping to direct the future of CPRE Buckinghamshire over the next 5–7 years. It is an exciting time to join our team, as CPRE nationally is celebrating 100 years in 2026; you can be involved in making plans as to how we will celebrate this with the Buckinghamshire community through various events and activities.

You will help to:

• direct our important campaigns, engaging the local community and raising awareness of the issues that the countryside faces
• lead our Trustee board, and recruit new Trustee members
• increase our membership, so that we can continue to do the work we are doing
• expand our team of volunteers, so that we can widen and increase the work that we do
• liaise with stakeholders and partners, and forge new partnerships
• ensure that we as a charity meet our legal requirements, adhering to our governing document, and have the necessary policies and resources
• nurture and shape the future of CPRE Bucks.

We estimate that the time commitment will be around 1 day a week, although this is variable and dependent on activities. You can of course do more if you wish! Our team works and meets remotely most of the time, but occasional travel may be necessary – to attend CPRE Head Office in London, for example.

This is a volunteer role in which you can really make a difference. We welcome applicants of any age, gender and background.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Burnley and the surrounding area are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up