Information support volunteer volunteer roles in aldridge, walsall
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Job Description:
Quilombo UK is looking for a Bid Writer - Commercial Proposal Volunteer to join their team. Quilombo UK is a not for profit social enterprise that challenges people to think differently and bridge gaps between communities, with the aim of building a culturally rich society, where differences are accepted and celebrated. As chosen among 160 other organizations to work in collaboration with the Home Office on the “Building a Stronger Britain together” project, you will be joining a team, which not only supports the community but also stands up to extremism in all of its forms.
By joining Quilombo UK and QMC Capoeira School you will be supported and guided by experienced staff and volunteers, who are willing to share their skill set and will provided you with great opportunities for development in many different areas.
Ideal candidates will assist Quilombo UK in preparing funding bids that contribute to their further development. They should be well-organized, with a proactive attitude to deliver work that adheres to the key objectives of the organization. Candidates should be willing to volunteer at least 12 hours a week, for a duration of 16 weeks.
You will be volunteering as part of the team who are responsible for creating the bids to attract funding for our new or existing projects. The role will involve discussing project ideas and proposals with the management & project teams, searching for the right funding opportunities and preparing bids for submission.
You will work as part of an experienced team, where writing skills and experience in crafting persuasive and compelling content are essential.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and write commercial proposals tailored to meet the specific requirements of clients and align with business objectives.
- Review and revise previously created proposals to ensure accuracy, coherence, and alignment with current business strategies.
- Collaborate closely with other team members, partners, and stakeholders to produce high-quality bid responses, compelling content, and effective key messages that align with win themes.
- Assist in establishing a comprehensive proposal development strategy.
- Propose innovative ideas for bid submissions in line with the established strategy and market demands.
- Collect, organize, and analyze all relevant information to be included in the proposals.
- Manage a detailed “bid plan” and ensure all proposals are approved and submitted before the stipulated deadlines.
Skills and Attributes:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
- Ability to work with Excel is an advantage; support will be provided if necessary.
- Excellent writing skills with a strong understanding of persuasive writing and narrative structure.
- Focused, organized, and able to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
- Some understanding of commercial market trends and research processes.
Perks:
- A supportive working environment providing opportunities to develop your skills and experience in commercial bid writing.
- Work alongside seasoned professionals eager to share their expertise.
- On-site training programs to help you grow your skill set.
- A casual yet professional office setting with snacks and drinks provided.
Job Type: Part-time
Expected hours: 12 per week
Benefits: Work from home
Schedule:
- Flexitime
- No weekends
Experience:
- Bid writer: 1 year (preferred)
Location:
- Remote (preferred)
Work Location: Remote
Trustee – PR & Marketing Specialist
Help shape the future of deer conservation and education
The British Deer Society (BDS) is looking for a passionate and experienced professional to join our Board of Trustees, bringing expertise in PR and marketing to help us expand and diversify our reach.
Why join us?
As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding BDS, ensuring we achieve our mission to educate, inspire, and advocate for deer welfare. You’ll provide strategic oversight, support our executive team, and help grow our membership by engaging diverse audiences across age, gender, and background.
About the role
Our Trustees share collective responsibility for the governance and administration of the charity. This includes ensuring BDS has a clear strategy, that our goals align with our vision, and that we operate effectively and ethically. Trustees act as a group, working collaboratively to support and challenge the leadership team.
What we’re looking for
We seek a Trustee with:
✔ Expertise in PR and marketing, ideally with experience in membership growth and audience engagement
✔ A strong understanding of governance and strategic oversight
✔ A passion for conservation, education, and wildlife advocacy
By joining BDS, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of deer conservation and education in the UK.
Interested? Apply now and help us take BDS to the next level!
We educate and inspire everyone about deer. We highlight the importance of evidence-based deer management. We champion deer welfare relentlessly.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As exciting plans for a new National Centre for Music (NCM) at Edinburgh's former Royal High School progress, we are searching for a Chair and Board of Trustees to help bring this iconic, cultural destination to life.
From our home in the former Royal High School building on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, the National Centre for Music will become an energising force in Scotland’s music sector. Through a variety of programmes and partnerships, the centre will nurture and celebrate music making from across Scotland. It will present a striking programme of music – across all genres – for audiences to enjoy within a spectacular location, as well as supporting artists and organisations to develop new projects, skills, networks and profile. Nestled within two acres of beautiful, landscaped gardens, the centre will be open every day for people to enjoy and expand their musical passions.
We are looking for around four new trustees, including a Chair, to work closely with our executive team to develop and launch the organisation - defining the brand, setting the business model and staff team, establishing business partnerships and ensuring integration and collaboration with the music sector, as well as with Edinburgh and Scotland’s wider cultural infrastructure.
During these early years, there is expected to be five board meetings per year, plus one strategy development day. Given the nature of the project, it’s hoped trustees will offer their expertise in leading working groups and attending workshops.
As we launch ourselves as a new national player, we need fresh entrepreneurial thinking to build an innovative, resilient organisation. We are particularly seeking candidates with expertise in:
- Business development
- Brand and marketing
- EDI (Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion)
- Finance
We also want to ensure the music community at large feels represented in our governance and welcome applications from musicians. So whether you’re an experienced Trustee or someone who has never been on a board before, if you have first-hand knowledge of the music sector in Scotland or feel truly passionate about what we’re trying to achieve, we’d love to hear from you – and we’ll make sure you feel welcome and supported.
To create a nurturing and inspiring environment where Scotland's musical history is made.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Over past decades, enormous advances have been made in our understanding of MS. Research has got us to a critical point, and we can see a future where nobody needs to worry about their MS getting worse. Our Stop MS Appeal needs to raise £100 million to find treatments for everyone with MS.
Our Stop MS Champions help us reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal by encouraging raising funds and awareness by delivering presentations, attending events and identifying new audiences to speak to. They inspire people to engage with and influence fundraisers and groups, enthuse people and make sure our community’s voice is heard.
As our Lead Stop MS Champion, you’ll motivate your team of Stop MS Champions to help reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal.
By using your ability to motivate and support, you will oversee and lead a team of 5-10 Stop MS Champion volunteers, encouraging them to engage the people they know to raise funds and awareness, and provide reliable information and guidance.
You’ll also network to engage with and influence fundraisers and community groups, enthusing people by delivering presentations at events and finding new audiences to speak to. In this role, as well as developing your leadership, networking, influencing, communication, organisation and presentation skills, you’ll have a chance to be part of something amazing – you could help us stop MS.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Roots Academy
At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.
Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.
Role Summary
As a Data Protection Officer (DPO), you will be responsible for ensuring that Roots Academy complies with data protection laws and best practices. You will oversee data security policies, advise on compliance matters, and support teams in handling personal data responsibly. Your role is key in ensuring the organisation meets legal requirements and protects sensitive information.
Key tasks
- Compliance & Advisory
- Ensure compliance with data protection regulations, including GDPR and other relevant laws.
- Advise the Governance Lead and wider team on data protection policies and best practices.
- Serve as the main point of contact for data protection queries and external regulators if required.
- Policy & Process Development
- Develop and maintain data protection policies, privacy notices, and consent forms.
- Ensure policies align with legal requirements and organisational needs.
- Regularly review and update policies in response to regulatory changes.
- Training & Awareness
- Provide training sessions for staff and volunteers on data protection principles and responsibilities.
- Raise awareness about data security risks and how to mitigate them.
- Develop guidance materials for teams handling personal data.
- Data Security & Risk Management
- Support the organisation in identifying and mitigating data protection risks.
- Conduct regular audits to assess data handling processes and compliance.
- Assist teams in responding to data breaches, ensuring proper reporting and corrective actions.
- Record-Keeping & Documentation
- Maintain records of data processing activities and ensure they are up to date.
- Assist with data subject requests (e.g., access, rectification, and deletion requests).
- Work with relevant teams to ensure secure data storage and handling.
- Third-Party Management
- Assess and monitor the data protection practices of suppliers, contractors, and external partners.
- Review contracts with third-party vendors to ensure appropriate data processing clauses and agreements are in place.
- Work with legal and procurement teams to ensure compliance with GDPR and organisational policies when engaging external providers.
What we’re looking for
- Knowledge of data protection laws, particularly GDPR.
- Experience in data compliance, governance, or legal advisory roles.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to communicate complex regulations in an accessible manner.
- Experience with risk management and security best practices (desirable but not essential).
What we have to offer
- Be part of a dedicated team of 90+ volunteers across the UK.
- Contribute to a growing organisation that educates and empowers the Muslim community.
- Access to in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.
- Receive continuous rewards for facilitating Islamic education through Roots Academy.
Please note: This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers can claim expenses for food, travel, and equipment in line with the Expenses Policy.
We teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to students across the UK and beyond.

Activity Alliance looking for a Chair and three new Trustees who will add value to the charity and exciting journey ahead. You will bring your expertise and/or lived experience to drive meaningful change for disabled people. Two Trustees will be Board-appointed, and one will be Member-appointed. Their start times will vary. We are pleased that you are interested in joining us to work towards our vision and thank you for your interest.
The key responsibilities of the Chair will be:
- Provide visionary leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Activity Alliance fulfils its mission and objectives.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the organisation.
- Oversee the governance framework, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Lead the Board in monitoring organisational performance and ensuring effective risk management.
- Act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance, promoting our vision and mission. This includes being a spokesperson for the charity with the media and at events.
- Champion the voices of disabled people, advocating for change and influencing policy and decision-making at the highest levels.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders, and government bodies.
The key responsibilities of the Trustees will be:
- Have outstanding commitment to Activity Alliance with a strong understanding of the organisation’s values as well as of the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life.
- Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
- Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation.
- Represent the organisation at functions and meetings when appropriate, and act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance.
Currently, we are particularly interested in recruiting Trustees with understanding, skills, and/or experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Legal
- Commercial and corporate affairs
- Income generation
- Application of AI and technology
The posts are for an initial term of up to three years, which may be extended for two further terms of three years.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for a new fundraising volunteer and/or director! Are you passionate about securing funds for grassroot organisations?
This opportunity involves overseeing Fuel Poverty Action’s fundraising plans and strategy, reaching out to donors and promoting our vital campaigns through grant bids to help end fuel poverty in the UK.
This role would require an average of 16-20 hrs per month and can be done remotely. We are also open to you joining FPA’s board of directors, subject to capacity and experience.
This offers a chance to directly contribute to tackling fuel poverty and ensuring access to affordable energy for all whilst strategizing and learning alongside great activists. If you're eager to contribute, we’d love to hear from you!
Tasks:
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Organise and manage our fundraising planning and pipeline
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Reach out to potential donors and help build relationships
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Lead on grant applications
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Work closely with the team to develop new fundraising strategies
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Contribute ideas and experience to FPA campaigns
Closing date for applications: April 20th 2025
We want warm, safe homes on a flourishing planet, where everyone has enough and resources are justly shared

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Web developers and designers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in continuing to improve its website and digital infrastructure.
East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces.
We are looking for web developers and designers to contribute to our community-led working group who are working on coordinating content and infrastructure for the East London Waterworks Park website.
There is opportunity to lead on projects across web development and UX and web design, and facilitate the direction of the working group.
The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.
You should be experienced in HTML, PHP, CSS, Javascript and SQL, and or UX and web design. You should be comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role.
Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your skills in web design and development will be crucial in creating a visually engaging and user-friendly online presence that effectively communicates the park's biodiversity and mission. By designing engaging websites and interactive platforms, you'll help us connect with our community, inspire action, and secure the necessary support for the park's future.
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
LionHeart is the independent charity for RICS professionals and their families. Last year we marked our 125th anniversary year and are now looking to add to our Board of Trustees as we focus on our future of helping surveyors around the world
What will you be doing?
Thank you for taking the time to consider joining LionHeart as a trustee. Over our 125-year history, we have developed from our origins as a traditional benevolent fund supporting the widows and orphans of chartered surveyors into an organisation offering multi-faceted support to get people through any of life’s unexpected challenges, from financial grants to health, wellbeing and work-related support.
Our commitment extends to a broad spectrum of individuals, including current and past RICS members, their partners, and dependants, from new entrants to the profession to retired or inactive surveyors, regardless of their location around the world.
Our board care deeply about supporting our beneficiaries to receive the best support they can, in whatever form that needs to be, and we would love to welcome you to join us.
We have a proud history of supporting surveyors but we are not stuck in the past; we want to ensure that the charity thrives and supports future generations of surveyors and their families. We are looking for new trustees to join us as we positively move forward and shape the organisation for the future.
What are we looking for?
We would particularly welcome applications from people with strategic audit and risk management background to broaden and complement the existing skills base within our Board. Specific knowledge of charity law and governance would be a bonus.
We strive for diversity in our Board and currently have surveyors who specialise in valuation, project management, planning and development, real estate, investment and land economy, and from a range of backgrounds and with different lived experience.
But trustees do not need to be surveyors at all - in fact, we’d love to hear from partners or family members of surveyors, or those from other backgrounds who are keen to contribute to a charity board.
Our trustees are appointed on a three-year term, with the option to renew.
We are looking for people who have skills, experience and knowledge that will be of benefit to the organisation as we continue to develop how we serve the surveying community. Applicants will need to demonstrate:
- A commitment to the purpose, objects and values of the organisation
- An understanding and commitment to confidentiality and equal opportunities
- Willingness to devote necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend meetings. There are 4 board meetings a year, 1 away day plus involvement in sub committees or working groups that can add on a further 2 to 3 meetings
- Empathy and a genuine commitment to helping those in need
- Willingness to promote LionHeart and its services among your networks
Can you bring…
Experience and understanding
- Experience of effective team working and the ability to negotiate and compromise where necessary
- A positive attitude to and experience of formal meetings, and the ability to analyse information and challenge constructively
- An understanding of the requirements of small charities to maximise and cultivate donor income
Knowledge and ability
- The ability to understand the difference between strategy and management, and the boundaries of the executive and governance roles
- Experience of assurance of financial reporting, governance arrangements, compliance and risk management
- Experience contributing to business planning
- Innovation, creativity, drive and enthusiasm
- An understanding of the surveying profession and of RICS as a body is advantageous but not essential
What difference will you make?
Over the last five or six years we have seen demand for our support more than double from members of the RICS community, from the UK and across the world. The people we help tell us it makes a life-changing difference, and we are very proud of that.
We hope that you will consider becoming part of the LionHeart story and help shape the future of the support we offer.
If you are willing to share your time and skills with us, we can offer you a rewarding role that will provide you with fresh perspectives, rich discussion, and the chance to contribute to something special.
Before you apply
Want to find out more? You’ll find full details, including a recruitment pack, our application form and some informal online info sessions on our website.
If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please do ask a question via the Reach Volunteering site, and our Governance Manager Kate Ellis would be happy to discuss the role in more detail.
Applications close Sunday 18th May 2025. We expect to interview in London in early June, and hope successful candidates will join our next board meeting on 24 July at RICS HQ, 12 Great George Street, London.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
"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 ePDP Programme Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP) and managing the ePDP Liaison. This position ensures the successful delivery of the ePDP, aligning it with organisational goals and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. The Programme Manager will work closely with senior leadership, Heads of Department (HoDs), and the ePDP Liaison to design, implement, and refine the programme, ensuring it meets the needs of participants and the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Oversight of the ePDP
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Develop and execute the strategic vision for the ePDP, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
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Collaborate with the Director: HRBP, Legal, IT & ePDP to define programme goals, KPIs, and success metrics.
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Continuously evaluate and refine the programme to address emerging needs and industry trends.
2. Team Leadership & Management
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Manage and mentor the ePDP Liaison, providing guidance and support to ensure effective programme execution.
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Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture, encouraging innovation and accountability.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
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Build and maintain strong relationships with Heads of Department (HoDs) and external partners to ensure programme relevance and impact.
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Act as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders, providing regular updates on programme progress and outcomes.
4. Programme Design & Implementation
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Oversee the design and delivery of ePDP content, ensuring it meets the developmental needs of participants.
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Coordinate with internal and external facilitators to deliver high-quality training sessions, workshops, and resources.
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Ensure the integration of feedback from participants and stakeholders to enhance programme effectiveness.
5. Monitoring & Evaluation
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Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track participant progress and programme impact.
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Analyse data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
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Prepare comprehensive reports for senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
6. Communication & Advocacy
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Promote the ePDP across the organisation, ensuring high visibility and engagement.
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Develop communication strategies to highlight success stories and programme benefits.
Required Skills
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Strategic Thinking: Ability to align the ePDP with organisational goals and adapt to changing priorities.
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Leadership & Team Management: Proven experience in leading and mentoring teams to achieve results.
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Stakeholder Management: Exceptional relationship-building skills to engage and influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
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Project Management: Strong organisational skills to manage complex programmes, budgets, and timelines.
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Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
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Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate programme vision and outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
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5+ years of experience in programme management, learning and development, or a related field.
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Experience in designing and implementing professional development programmes.
Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees at Music For Youth (MFY); a national youth music charity that provides life-changing musical experiences for young people aged 25 and under.
Music for Youth brings together over 40,000 young people a year to perform in live music festivals and concerts across the UK. The charity uniquely provides open access to young people, from whatever background or ability, to perform live to audiences: from grass-roots community halls to the Royal Albert Hall. We develop their musicianship, showcasing the richness and diversity of their music through our impactful live performance and development programmes. The wider social and life skills developed by participating in our events benefits all who take part and propels some of the UK's most promising young musicians onto career-changing platforms.
Our vision is to ensure that every young person in the UK can achieve their musical potential by performing the music they love. We believe that music, and the chance to participate in high-quality musical activities, should be open to every young person.
As Chair, you will guide a committed and experienced Board of Trustees, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to drive strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, and champion our cause at the highest levels.
This is a crucial time for Music For Youth, as we navigate a changing funding landscape and continue to innovate to reach even more young people.
If you are an experienced leader with a passion for the vision, mission, impact and potential of this unique organisation, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
Who We Are
Music For Youth is a national youth music charity that works with schools, youth groups, music hubs, and community organisations to break down barriers to music-making and showcase the incredible talent of young musicians.
Our Programmes and Impact
Each year, Music For Youth reaches over 40,000 young people across the UK, offering them platforms to develop their musical talents across all music genres, and gain confidence. Many of our alumni have gone on to successful careers in the music industry and beyond.
National Music Festivals and Concerts:
We produce and stage high-quality professional standard live music events (including gigs, concerts, and festivals) for young musicians, both regionally at grass roots level, and at the UK’s most prestigious live music venues.
Young Artist Development:
We nurture and develop young musicians so they can realise their musical potential, by initiating adventurous collaborations, commissioning new music, and providing a robust music mentoring programme.
Creative Skills Development:
We provide skills and training development for young people looking for a career in the creative industries in non-performance and stagecraft roles such as stage management, sound engineering, lighting and digital production skills.
Advocacy for Young Musicians:
We campaign to highlight the brilliance of young musicians.
Our work takes place across the whole of the UK with events in all nine regions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This coverage enables us to support and tour the work of other partner organisations so they can reach young people further afield.
For over 50 years, Music for Youth’s annual cycle of regional festivals, local events, a national festival and showcase concerts has made a significant contribution to the music education calendar, bringing together regional providers and young performers, and putting young people’s own achievements into a wider national context:
The Music for Youth Regional Festival is a collection of festivals across the UK aimed to inspire musicians at every level of experience and across every genre of music. This collection of regional festivals forms the UK’s largest festival for young musicians. 30,000 musicians take part every year and many go on to perform again at the Music for Youth National Festival and Music for Youth Proms.
The National Festival is a coming together of musicians, bands and ensembles from across the regions to perform on world-class stages including Symphony Hall, and the CBSO Centre. It is a key date in the Music for Youth calendar, hosted by the city of Birmingham in July. Over 12,000 young musicians aged 4-21 from across the UK take part, featuring all styles, instruments and genres of music.
The Music for Youth Proms takes place at the renowned Royal Albert Hall in London. This two-day showcase celebrates the incredible diversity, talent and creativity of young musicians from all corners of the UK. From orchestral ensembles to choirs, bands, soloists, and more, these talented young performers get the unique opportunity to showcase their skills and share their music with a wider audience.
Staff and Head Office
Given the charity’s national reach, the head office recently relocated from London to Birmingham, now based in CBSO Centre (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) close to the city centre. The staff team of seven permanent staff are based across the UK, with hybrid home / office working arrangements.
Board and Governance
There are nine Trustees, each co-opted on to one (or more) subcommittees: the Audit & Risk Committee, Programmes Committee, and Fundraising Committee.
How Music For Youth is Funded
Music For Youth is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations, receiving 42% of its funds from the annual grant of £279,980 in 2023/24. In addition, the charity raises income from fundraising (sponsorship, institutions, individuals) totalling 33% of annual turnover £672,938 in 23/24, with 10.6% from earned income including event ticket sales of £71,785 in 2023/24.
The charity’s turnover in 2023/24 was £672,938, ending the year with reserves of £101,224.
For further information, please see our latest Annual Account and Report here.
The Opportunity
We are excited to be seeking our next Chair of Trustees to lead the organisation, as our current Chair, John Dixon, comes to the end of his term of service.
With an energetic, skilled and focused Executive Team led by Phil Castang MBE - and a highly experienced supportive Board of Trustees bringing their wealth of collective experience spanning leadership in music, education, arts, fundraising and industry - now is an exciting time to join this unique national music charity, as we prepare for the next phase of development.
The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and governance to Music For Youth, ensuring the organisation is well-managed, financially sustainable, and delivering on its charitable objectives:
Leadership
- Chairing meetings of the Board and ensuring that it runs effectively, fulfils its duties and carries out resolutions.
- Creating an environment in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately.
- Provide clear strategic direction for the charity, working with the CEO and Board to set long-term goals.
- Act as an ambassador for MFY as required, promoting our work and advocating for youth music at national and local levels.
- Support MFY in maintaining strong partnerships with funders, arts organisations, schools, and the wider music sector.
Governance & Compliance
- Lead an engaged and effective Board of Trustees, ensuring good governance and compliance with charity law.
- Manage, support and appraise the performance of the CEO, ensuring they and their senior leadership team have the resources and guidance to deliver MFY’s mission.
- Oversee financial sustainability, risk management, and organisational policies.
Fundraising & Advocacy
- Work with the Board and executive team to develop fundraising strategies, securing income from grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
- Represent MFY at high-profile events, engaging with stakeholders and championing the value of youth music.
What we are looking for
As our new Chair, you will share a commitment to the mission of Music For Youth. While it is not essential to be from a Music or Music Education background, we are looking for someone who has passion for the impact - and potential - of the charity and can demonstrate how their experience can help us navigate the pivotal years ahead.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:
- Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
- Financial literacy
- High level networking and advocacy skills.
- Knowledge of charity and corporate governance.
- Experience and confidence in managing risk, change and innovation.
- Understanding and awareness of broader social, political and economic issues.
In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the following beneficial areas.
- Board membership in the not-for-profit sector
- Working in or with organisations and with individuals in the cultural sector
- Working in or with public bodies or national policy makers
The organisation recently undertook a Skills Audit of the Board and identified the following areas where we are looking to continue strengthening the experience. While not essential for the role of Chair, alongside the core skills and experience outlined, we would certainly welcome individuals who may also be able demonstrate experience around:
Digital: to take advantage of the potential for digital transformation
Finance: to provide additional oversight and financial rigor
Fundraising: with income from individuals a future opportunity to explore further
Time Commitment
The Chair can expect to commit the equivalent of 12-15 days per year at - and in prep for - key Trustee meetings, including full Board Meetings held four times a year (at least one in person in Birmingham, where the charity is headquartered). This time also includes regular meetings with the CEO (the majority online), and regular comms with the CEO as required, which may ebb and flow, depending on the time of year. In person meetings are kept to a minimum.
In addition, the Chair would be expected to attend a minimum of two of our: Regional Festivals (March – April), National Festival (Birmingham or elsewhere, early-mid July) and the Youth Proms (London, end of November), to represent the Board and host key stakeholders, including funders. ,
Term
We are looking for someone who can commit to an initial three-year term, which could then be renewed for a second term.
Learn more and apply
If you would like to have an exploratory conversation with the current Chair or Vice Chair about the charity or the role, please contact John Dixon (current Chair).
Application Process
To apply for the role of Chair at Music For Youth, please submit:
- 1. A CV.
- 2. A cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing:
- Why you are interested in this role.
- How your skills and experience align with MFY’s mission.
- What you would bring to the organisation.
Please send your CV and Cover Letter to Phil Castang (CEO) with the subject line: Application for Chair of Music For Youth.
Deadline for Applications: Friday 27th of June at 12pm.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Music for Youth National Festival taking place between Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th July in Birmingham. (Please note - this is not a requirement of the application process but a chance for you to see the work of the charity in person).
Interviews: will take place on Wednesday 10th September in Birmingham.
The week before the interview (week commencing 1st September), you will have the opportunity to have an informal conversation with the CEO and other Trustees online. Date to be confirmed.
If you have any access needs or other practical questions - or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the role with the Vice Chairs before applying - please get in contact.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.