Independent living volunteer volunteer roles in belfast

Our Education Team is central to our mission — and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to help us deliver workshops, create educational resources, and raise awareness both online and in person.

About Emerge Worldwide

Emerge Worldwide exists to protect children, young people, and women from sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. Through education, training, and advocacy, we equip communities, schools, and professionals with the knowledge and tools to prevent exploitation and safeguard the most vulnerable.

The Role

As an Education Team Volunteer, you will:

• Deliver training and awareness workshops in schools, youth groups, and community settings.

• Assist in designing engaging resources such as toolkits, handouts, and presentations.

• Support our online education campaigns by creating posts, videos, or articles that raise awareness.

• Help evaluate feedback from workshops and contribute ideas for improving delivery.

Skills & Experience We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be a teacher or safeguarding expert . We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• A passion for protecting children and young people

• Confidence in speaking to groups or willingness to learn

• Creativity in designing educational materials or content

• Good communication and teamwork skills

• Good digital skills (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Canva)

What You’ll Gain

• Free training on safeguarding, sexual exploitation awareness, and workshop delivery

• Experience in education, advocacy, and youth engagement

• The chance to make a tangible difference in your community

• Opportunities to develop public speaking, content creation, and teamwork skills

• Ongoing support and mentorship from the Emerge Worldwide team

Time Commitment

We are flexible — whether you can give a few hours a month or more, we’ll work with your availability. Most workshops run during school hours, with some evening or online opportunities. Other work can be completed in times conveneint for you.

Impact of role:

1. Raising Awareness & Knowledge

• By delivering training sessions and workshops, volunteers will give young people, parents, and professionals the tools to spot the signs of grooming and exploitation early.
• Every workshop increases community understanding.

2. Empowering Communities

• By educating schools, youth groups, and the wider public, volunteers help communities learn how to protect and support vulnerable children and young people.
• They equip people with practical steps for prevention, safeguarding, and reporting.

3. Creating Resources with Lasting Value

• Volunteers help design toolkits, handouts, and digital content that schools, families, and agencies can use long after a session ends.

4. Preventing Exploitation Before It Happens

• Through education and awareness, volunteers help reduce the risk of exploitation in communities by teaching early warning signs, online safety, and where to get help.
• This proactive approach can save lives and protect children from harm.

5. Strengthening the Charity’s Voice & Reach

• By educating online (social media, blogs, campaigns), volunteers help amplify Emerge Worldwide’s message to a much wider audience, influencing policy, practice, and public opinion.

6. Personal & Community Transformation

• Volunteers become role models and advocates, showing children and young people that their lives matter and they have support.

Role Description

We are seeking dedicated innovative thinkers, event superstar planners, and fundraising heroes to join our Events & Fundraising Team at Emerge Worldwide. Our goal is to develop impactful events that generate essential support to protect children and young people from sexual exploitation.

The role will:

• Design and deliver memorable events
• Engage local communities and sponsors
• Promote our mission broadly
• Raise life-changing transformative funds

Your expertise and ideas can help us make an impactful difference to lives.

Join us and contribute to the protection of vulnerable children, young people and women.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking volunteers with experience in Events - designing, researching, planning, delivery, and Community Engagement. We are also seeking volunteers who have fundraising experience including working around sponsorship. 

We are looking for volunteers who have:

● Experience in planning successful events and activities.

● Experience of fundraising in the charity sector is desirable but not essential.

● Reliable, organised with good timekeeping.

● Able to work independently and proactively as well as in a team.

● Clear and confident in communication.

● Excellent working knowledge and comprehension of written English.

What you will gain:

By volunteering with us, you’ll experience the profound impact of helping communities, be part of a movement changing lives across the UK, gain experience in advocacy, and work with a team passionate about protecting children, young people and women against exploitation and trafficking.

We are a welcoming team, dedicated to creating a positive and engaging volunteer experience where you’ll feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring your ideas to life.

Please note that we will request references, and a DBS check will be required due to the nature of our work.

RSBC are looking for volunteers to get involved with our range of online clubs for children and young people with visual impairments. 

Role: Online Activities Volunteer

Commitment: Currently, sessions are run both during the week (mostly in the afternoon) and at weekends (usually on a Saturday). Activity volunteering is a flexible commitment, and you will be able to sign up for the session you like and when you have time. It really is up to you and your availability. 

Location: Remote

Availability: RSBC Events · https://lu.ma/rsbc

Age:  18+ 

Our Mission Statement: 

RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. 

By giving young people the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential.

Our success depends on our values 

Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: 

TRUST: Respect and accountability 

ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning 

AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results 

MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems 

What will I be doing?

Our amazing Activity Volunteers play a key role in supporting blind children and young people to take part in a variety of activities. These range from sports, creative (singing, performing, art), audiobook club and day trips. Our activities are designed for blind young people to meet new friends, gain confidence, learn new skills/sports, and become more independent. The skills you have developed in your career and personal life will be invaluable to our young people. 

Key Tasks and Main Duties 

Online activities: 

• support the session timetable 

• facilitate the communication and social interaction between participants 

• encourage members of the group to participate and share their opinions 

Who are you?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow RSBC’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for RSBC. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of sight problems. 

What’s in it for me?

RSBC offers the opportunity to gain insight and experience into helping others with sight issues. As part of your volunteering, you will have access to Sighted Guide training, a training session designed to help you understand the issues and complexities of sight problems and give you the ability to help others navigate the world.

RSBC also provides paid expenses for your volunteering experience, you can claim up to £10 per day.

RSBC can also provide references and impact reports from your volunteering if required. 

You will be fully supported in your role by our team of expert and compassionate service delivery team.

Develop or utilise your skills – As a volunteer, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to develop new skills or use those you already have, which can help to build your CV, boost your employability and give you a sense of satisfaction. 

What's in it for the Community? 

Make a difference to people’s lives

Help in your community

Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them.

Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people. 

Safeguarding:

Due to the nature of the role, before you can begin volunteering with RSBC there are some required safeguarding checks which will need to be completed.

All RSBC volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by RSBC) and must provide two references.

All volunteers will also be booked onto safeguarding training.

RSBC risk assesses all its services and activities.

Next Steps: 

If this sounds like you, please fill out an expression of interest, and one of our volunteer team members will get back to you!

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.

What you’ll be doing
• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.
• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.
• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.
• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• 1 reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• Currently looking for applicants within the Belfast area Only

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people • An empathetic and professional manner. • Good communications skills with active listening. • An interest in helping people access the information they need.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.

What you’ll be doing
• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.
• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.
• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.
• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• 1 reference

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people • An empathetic and professional manner. • Good communications skills with active listening. • An interest in helping people access the information they need.

Support Hongkongers to learn and practise English in a welcoming and friendly setting

Organisation: Meridian Wellbeing

Location: Remote (online sessions)

Type: Volunteer

Time commitment:

• 1 session per week (2 to 2.5 hours)

• Initial sessions are expected to take place around lunchtime

• Evening or weekend sessions may be introduced in future based on participant availability

• Final session times will be discussed and agreed in advance with each volunteer

Minimum commitment: 3 months

About Us

Meridian Wellbeing is an independent charity working to improve the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of individuals and communities in Barnet. As part of our ongoing support for Hongkongers who have settled in the UK via the BN(O) visa route, we are launching informal, volunteer-led online English sessions to help participants build confidence in using English in everyday life.

We know that many newcomers from Hong Kong face challenges accessing traditional ESOL courses due to long working hours, family commitments, or limited local services. Our project offers an alternative: flexible, accessible, and welcoming English learning spaces run by volunteers.

We are currently recruiting for two volunteer roles:

1. Volunteer ESOL Teacher (Online)

We are looking for a volunteer with a recognised English teaching qualification to lead weekly online ESOL classes (entry level). Sessions are informal but structured, with a focus on everyday communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver weekly English classes online (2–2.5 hours per session)
• Prepare simple, tailored lesson plans and resources
• Encourage participation in a safe, inclusive environment
• Collaborate with the team and help monitor engagement

Requirements:

• ESOL/TEFL/CELTA/TESOL qualification (required)
• Experience working with English learners (desirable)
• Confident using Zoom or similar platforms (training provided as required)
• Experience managing group sessions/classes
• Friendly, patient and culturally aware
• Fluent or highly proficient in spoken English (native-level fluency preferred)
• Available for lunchtime sessions, with potential flexibility for evening or weekend sessions in future.

2. Volunteer Conversation Café Facilitator (Online)

We’re also seeking facilitators to host informal group sessions where Hongkongers can practise English through conversation. No teaching qualifications are needed — just a warm personality and willingness to support others.

Key Responsibilities:

• Host or co-host weekly conversation sessions online (2–2.5 hours)
• Use topics or prompts to encourage group discussion
• Help create a welcoming, supportive environment
• Respect and support participants with different English levels

Requirements:

• Fluent or highly proficient in spoken English (native-level fluency preferred)
• Friendly and confident leading small groups
• Able to use Zoom (training provided as required)
• Available for lunchtime sessions, with potential flexibility for evening or weekend sessions in future.

What You’ll Gain:

• Make a real difference in people’s lives
• Develop skills in teaching and group facilitation
• Be part of a supportive and inclusive team
• Receive basic training and ongoing guidance

Note: All volunteers will need to complete a DBS check. Cantonese language skills are not required.

The overall role of a Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the organisation’s financial affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. 

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the Treasurer  include: 

• Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements (including arranging for the accounts to be submitted to the accountant). 
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs.
• Ensuring that Mind in Kingston has appropriate reserves in line with its reserves policy.
• Ensuring that appropriate financial reports are presented to the board.
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Liaising with any paid staff and volunteers about financial matters.
• Advising on the financial implications of Mind in Kingston’s strategic plans.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy.
• Ensuring that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of Mind in Kingston.
• Monitoring the organisation’s investment activity and ensuring it is consistent with the organisation’s policies and legal responsibilities.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, for example the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• If external scrutiny of accounts is required, ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Supporting other trustees in understanding the organisation’s financial position and decision making.
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation and the ethical fundraising policy.
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.

Person specification

In addition to the person specification for the Treasurer should have the following qualities:

• Relevant financial management/accounting qualifications and/or experience.
• Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes or willingness to learn.
• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
• Being prepared to make unpopular recommendations to the board.
• A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

RSBC are looking for volunteers to help out at our Audiobook club. At Audiobook club, the children and young people decide on an audiobook they want to listen to and then discuss its themes afterwards. 

We are looking for volunteers to help facilitate the clubs admin, make sure everyone feels involved and occasionally assume character voices when we do live readings! 

Role: Online Activities Volunteer

Commitment: Currently, sessions are run both during the week (mostly in the afternoon) and at weekends (usually on a Saturday). Activity volunteering is a flexible commitment, and you will be able to sign up for the session you like and when you have time. It really is up to you and your availability. 

Location: Remote

Availability: RSBC Events · https://lu.ma/rsbc

Age:  18+ 

Our Mission Statement: 

RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. 

By giving young people the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential.

Our success depends on our values 

Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: 

TRUST: Respect and accountability 

ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning 

AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results 

MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems 

What will I be doing?

Our amazing Activity Volunteers play a key role in supporting blind children and young people to take part in a variety of activities. These range from sports, creative (singing, performing, art), audiobook club and day trips. Our activities are designed for blind young people to meet new friends, gain confidence, learn new skills/sports, and become more independent. The skills you have developed in your career and personal life will be invaluable to our young people. 

Key Tasks and Main Duties 

Online activities: 

• support the session timetable 

• facilitate the communication and social interaction between participants 

• encourage members of the group to participate and share their opinions 

Who are you?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow RSBC’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for RSBC. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of sight problems. 

What’s in it for me?

RSBC offers the opportunity to gain insight and experience into helping others with sight issues. As part of your volunteering, you will have access to Sighted Guide training, a training session designed to help you understand the issues and complexities of sight problems and give you the ability to help others navigate the world.

RSBC also provides paid expenses for your volunteering experience, you can claim up to £10 per day.

RSBC can also provide references and impact reports from your volunteering if required. 

You will be fully supported in your role by our team of expert and compassionate service delivery team.

Develop or utilise your skills – As a volunteer, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to develop new skills or use those you already have, which can help to build your CV, boost your employability and give you a sense of satisfaction. 

What's in it for the Community? 

Make a difference to people’s lives

Help in your community

Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them.

Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people. 

Safeguarding:

Due to the nature of the role, before you can begin volunteering with RSBC there are some required safeguarding checks which will need to be completed.

All RSBC volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by RSBC) and must provide two references.

All volunteers will also be booked onto safeguarding training.

RSBC risk assesses all its services and activities.

Next Steps: 

If this sounds like you, please fill out an expression of interest, and one of our volunteer team members will get back to you!

We are seeking a new Chair to provide strategic leadership at a time when demand for our advice services is at an all-time high. Help shape our vision, champion our mission, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing challenges.

About Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Citizens Advice East Berkshire offers crucial help and advice when people need it most. No one but Citizens Advice sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today. 

What will you be doing?
We are at an important stage in our development and we are seeking a new Chair to replace our current Chair who will be standing down as her term finishes. We have ambitious plans for our future and we are looking for a Chair who can help drive our mission forward.

Building on our successes to date, we want a new Chair to lead us through the next exciting phase of our journey. You will have a strong background and track record of providing leadership at board and/or senior executive level and will have a passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges. You should have the judgement and vision to operate effectively at strategic level and you should demonstrate the skills and expertise to help drive our mission forward. We are looking for someone with 3 years+ professional experience in one of the fields of Fundraising strategy, Governance, Operations management or Advice / Advocacy. 

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges
• Ideally has served as a Chair or Vice Chair and is familiar with leading a Board

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

• Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice and the Citizens Advice network
• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• Have a good basis of leadership skills (and preferably you have served within a Board, ideally as Chair or Vice Chair or led a Committee)
• Have the ability to facilitate and lead meetings
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to exercise good independent judgment
• Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing to undertake mandatory training in your role
• Line manage and support the Chief Executive Officer

What difference will you make?
Citizens Advice East Berkshire makes transformational differences to people who need support when facing life crises. As Chair you will play a significant part in ensuring we are able to expand and grown our services to make a significant difference to many more individuals and families. 

Location: Remote (with weekly virtual check-in)
Time Commitment: 2–3 hours per week
Reports to: Charity Operational Director
Contract: Volunteer (unpaid)

Help Us Grow by Using Your Research Skills for Good

Are you an avid reader, a natural researcher, or someone who enjoys deep dives into information online? Would you like to use those skills to support a grassroots environmental charity?

Willowbrook Farm Charity is looking for a dedicated Volunteer Funds & Partnerships Researcher to help us identify potential grant opportunities and partnerships that align with our mission:
Nurturing Sustainable and Equitable Communities through education, biodiversity, and sustainable farming.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Conducting deep online research to identify grant providers, CSR programmes, and funding opportunities that align with our values

• Reading and analysing funder guidelines to assess eligibility, fit, and application requirements

• Creating clear summaries and recommendations based on your findings

• Identifying potential partnerships with organisations, trusts, or foundations that share our ethos

• Meeting with the Director once a week (remotely) to discuss research progress and priorities

This Role Is Ideal For Someone Who:

• Loves researching and reading in-depth content

• Has excellent comprehension and analysis skills

• Can spot opportunities that match specific criteria

• Is detail-oriented, thorough, and curious

• Enjoys working independently with a purpose

• Wants to support sustainability, inclusion, biodiversity, and ethical living

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to contribute directly to the growth and sustainability of a values-led charity

• Experience in nonprofit research and funding development

• A flexible role that fits around your schedule (just 2–3 hours a week)

• Weekly contact and support from our friendly team

• A reference or LinkedIn endorsement after 4+ months of contribution

• The satisfaction of helping secure funding for meaningful, community-based work

The Impact You'll Have

As a Volunteer Funds & Partnerships Researcher, you will play a critical behind-the-scenes role in helping Willowbrook Farm Charity grow and thrive. Your research will directly contribute to:

• Identifying funding that sustains our projects – Your work will uncover grant opportunities that help us deliver hands-on environmental education, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable living.

• Ensuring we apply only to relevant opportunities – By carefully reading funder criteria and guidelines, you’ll save our small team time and resources, allowing us to focus our energy on the best-aligned funders.

• Laying the foundation for long-term partnerships – Your research may open doors to strategic partnerships with trusts, foundations, and organisations that share our values.

• Strengthening our resilience – In our post-pandemic rebuilding phase, every successful grant or partnership helps us remain independent, community-driven, and inclusive.

• Turning curiosity into change – Your love of reading and research will translate into tangible impact, helping create a fairer, greener future for the communities we serve.

You won’t just be gathering data—you’ll be helping connect people, values, and resources, shaping the future of a small charity with a big vision.

About Willowbrook Farm Charity

Based in Oxfordshire, we provide hands-on environmental education, promote sustainable living, and support inclusive access to nature. We work with people from all walks of life—especially those facing barriers to green spaces—and believe in building a fairer, greener future through practical, grassroots action.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

CHIPS is looking for new trustees to support our peacemaking work internationally.

About CHIPS

CHIPS (Christian International Peace Service) aims to bring about peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict or tension. We have over 59 years’ experience helping communities in the UK, Cyprus, India, the Philippines, Northern Ireland and Uganda; with our current projects being in Northern Ghana and Brixton, UK. We help communities build futures free from violent conflict through practical projects that both tackle the root causes of the division and bring the sides together to build trust and healthy relationships.

Our Vision: Our vision is for a world where conflict is met with peacemaking, division gives way to reconciliation, and communities work together to build sustainable peace.

Our Mission: Rooted in Jesus' example of peace and reconciliation, we accompany communities affected by violent conflict, fostering relationships, taking practical action, and building a foundation for lasting peace.

Our Philosophy:

• We go where we are invited
• We live in the heart of the conflict
• We take sides. Both sides.
• We are committed for the long term

About Being a Trustee

CHIPS (Christian International Peace Service) trustees play a crucial role in advancing peace in communities worldwide. Working collaboratively as part of the Board, they provide strategic oversight to the organisation, helping to strengthen its impact and sustainability by bringing their unique expertise and skills to the team. We're particularly looking for a trustee with a strong background in finance, accounting or bookkeeping in order to help support our Director and Board in there oversight of financial matters.

We hope that the experience of being a trustee for CHIPS will be rewarding. As well as making a difference to the communities that we support, we hope you will gain satisfaction from generously giving of your time. We want to have a Board of Trustees who are diverse in their experience and knowledge so that impact can be sustained. Whilst specific roles may vary, the overall duties are:

• Ensuring that CHIPS pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its constitution, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy in coordination with CHIPS staff and project teams
• Ensuring that CHIPS complies with its constitution, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that CHIPS applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public
• Ensuring that CHIPS defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Safeguarding the good name and values of CHIPS
• Ensuring the effective and efficient governance of CHIPS, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring the financial stability of CHIPS
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the senior leadership of CHIPS
• Communicating on behalf of the organisation, if necessary
• Facilitating any feedback or complaints so that any issues are addressed swiftly

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Finance Trustee specific role

• Reviewing quarterly management accounts and highlighting any variances or financial risks to the board.
• Supporting the annual budgeting process by advising on assumptions, cost control, and sustainability.
• Overseeing the preparation of annual accounts with CHIPS staff and working with the auditor or independent examiner as needed.
• Helping develop and monitor financial policies such as reserves, investments, and internal controls.
• Providing strategic financial insight to guide decision-making on fundraising, staffing, or new initiatives.

Person specification
CHIPS is particularly looking for new trustees who have strong backgrounds in finance to support the Director and team members. However, CHIPS is also looking to more generally increase the number of trustees so if you feel you have expertise which could benefit CHIPS, please still get in touch.

• A commitment to and passion for CHIPS and its objects and vision
• A commitment to CHIPS’ statement of faith
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak their mind
• An ability to think creatively
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• A committed Christian willing to contribute to the spiritual life and development of CHIPS
• Experience or knowledge specific to the area in which they will oversee

If you're interested to join as a trustee, but want to find out more first - do get in contact with us.

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

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

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

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

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

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

This is an opportunity to:

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

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

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

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

Who we’re looking for

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

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

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

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

Time commitment

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

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

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

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

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

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

· Expand your professional network

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

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

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

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

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.

Respond is seeking a qualified accountant to join the Board of Trustees as honorary Treasurer.

About the Respond Treasurer role

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer in a vital governance role at Respond: the Treasurer maintains an overview of the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer also supports good governance, helping set the strategic direction of the charity for the years to come.

The role would suit a qualified accountant with some knowledge of charity accounting and the ability to communicate financial information to the wider board in a clear and accessible way. 

With a passionate Board of Trustees and a committed staff team, you’ll join an organisation focused on making a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma.

Please note this is a voluntary role. Any expenses incurred while carrying out the duties of the role will be reimbursed.

About Respond

Respond is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma. Respond offers psychotherapy and advocacy support and provides specialist trauma informed training for services.

Through specialist advocacy and therapeutic support, we support people to navigate complex systems such as criminal justice, social services and housing, and to cope with the impact of trauma, build healthy relationships and move forward with their lives.

If you are a qualified accountant that shared our passion for supporting survivors, we would love to hear from you.