Insights volunteer roles

Are you fluent in British Sign Language and would like to provide the opportunity for others to learn? This is a great chance to empower others to communicate and bridge the gap between hearing and deaf individuals!

What you will be doing

• Facilitate Online British Sign sessions for beginners or those looking to improve their skills
• Prepare session plans and involve participants in the planning of each session.
• Encourage practice and interaction among participants to develop their skills.

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Hold a BSL qualification/Fluent in British Sign Language
• BSL Level 3 qualified or above
• Good English-speaking skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Events & Programmes Coordinator
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in event planning, programme coordination, and nonprofit work.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.

• Prior experience in event planning or project coordination is a plus, but not required.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.

• A passion for contributing to social impact and supporting charitable initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Event Planning & Execution:

  • Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of monthly charity events. This is a minimum of 1 online event per month.

  • Work closely with team members to ensure events are organized efficiently, within budget, and aligned with the charity’s mission.

  • Help with logistics, setup, and support during events.

  • Manage guest lists, invitations, and event communications.

• Annual Research Programme Coordination:

  • Support the coordination of the charity’s annual research programme. This is currently an annual programme, the Social Justice Research Fellowship, running in 2025 from June 2nd - August 8th.

  • Assist in organizing logistics, outreach, and scheduling for research participants.

  • Ensure that resources and materials are available for programme participants.

  • Track the progress of the programme and report on key milestones.

  • Contribute to planing and logistical initiatives surrounding expanding the provisions of research programmes, including brainstorming and coordination for potential new programmes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure smooth event and programme execution.

  • Participate in regular team meetings, contributing ideas and insights.

  • Provide feedback and suggestions for improving the efficiency of events and programmes.

  • Participate in Outreach & Marketing meetings and follow direction provided from Senior Staff.

• Post-Event & Programme Reporting:

  • Help in post-event evaluations, collecting feedback from participants, and reporting on outcomes.

  • Assist in maintaining and updating event and programme documentation for future reference.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in event management and programme coordination.

• Networking opportunities with peers, university departments and professors, and other charitiable groups.

• Opportunities to develop key skills in project management, communication, and teamwork.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• Certificate of participation of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants who seek refuge in and around Oxford.

With a strong reputation both locally and nationally, our team of approximately 30 staff and 200 volunteers offer a range of services from food and clothes to advice, visits, legal support, education and assistance. Asylum Welcome aims to transform the lives of those it serves.

We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our Trustee Board and support our ambition. This is a challenging and rewarding role, helping to ensure the organisation continues to fulfil its mission, and remains sustainable.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in strategic financial management and of working for or within a Board. Equally important is a belief in our mission, commitment to our values and a collaborative style, able to draw out the skill and potential within our team.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxford community, and we particularly welcome people with lived experience of being a refugee or migrant to join our Board to help strengthen our governance and our  approach. Lived experience in this context means that you have come to this country as a refugee or asylum seeker or have lived with or grown up alongside people who did.

Job description

As a Trustee you will:
a) Be an important part of the body that governs the charity and ensures it delivers its mission effectively.
b) Actively participate in meetings, offering guidance and support to ensure that Asylum Welcome delivers the vital work it was set up to do, in the best possible way for clients.
c) Scrutinise Asylum Welcome’s budgets, plans and financial reports, ensuring they meet the organisation’s needs and the relevant regulatory requirements.
d) Ensure Asylum Welcome is complying with its governing documents and relevant laws, as well as updating and reviewing its own policies and procedures.
e) Bring a particular skill, experience or insight that helps develop Asylum Welcome as an organisation.
f) Act with care and skill in Asylum Welcome’s best interests.

As a Trustee you share, with all the Trustees, equal responsibility for the charity. 

Person Specification

Prospective Trustees will:
a) Be committed to the rights and welfare of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants and to Asylum Welcome’s vision, mission and values and determined to use your skills and experience to make a difference for others.
b) Have experience of developing good relationships with people and organisations, stakeholders and supporters.
c) Be able to work in a team, recognising and respecting the difference between the Trustees’ role and that of staff or volunteers.
d) Be able to contribute to and ensure Asylum Welcome’s future plans and strategic development and/or financial stability.

The prospective Treasurer will have:
a) A recognised accounting qualification.
b) Significant experience of financial management, budgeting and reporting.
c) An understanding of the financial, strategic and operational risks and their mitigation in a charity context.
d) Be familiar with charity accounting and statutory reporting requirements.

As Chair of the Finance Committee, the Treasurer leads on all financial matters. The Finance Committee is responsible for making budget recommendations and financial reports for the Board and for agreeing and overseeing financial and related policies. They liaise closely with the Finance Manager to provide quarterly financial reports, the annual budget and annual
statutory accounts to the Board. Input is also required during the annual audit process. 

The Board

Asylum Welcome is governed by a Board of between 5 and 13 (currently 11) Trustees, who are elected at the Annual  General Meeting (AGM) in September. Trustees normally serve for at least 3 years. Additional Trustees may be co-opted between AGMs.

Trustees are not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Zoom and in person) 5 - 6 times a year, usually early evening on a Thursday. Regular dates are agreed a year in advance.

Individual Trustees also join or lead the Board’s Committees. There are currently a Finance Committee (which meets 5 times a year, a week or so ahead of Board meetings) and a People and Governance Committee. We also have occasional task groups for short-term items.

Are you passionate about fitness and the positive impact it can have on others? Do you hold a fitness qualification and interested in volunteering your time to support people in crisis? If so, we have the perfect role for you!

We know that exercise releases happy endorphins that support us to improve our mood. It also helps us to get out in the world, reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, provides an opportunity to connect with others and build friendships. Volunteering with us at Hestia, will mean you will play a vital role in supporting people’s overall wellbeing!

We are recruiting volunteers to coordinate and facilitate fitness and general wellbeing sessions at our services.

What you will be doing

• Design session plans which will enable group members to increase fitness and their general well-being
• Able to recognise the needs of beginners and mixed age/ability groups
• Ensure that everyone taking part has completed a health and wellbeing form, which includes referring those with existing health issues to their GP
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified Fitness Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Willing to participate in supervision and to liaise with Hestia staff as required

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Could you inspire children from across Hestia’s domestic abuse refuges to get active? We are recruiting for a qualified Sport’s coach to support us over the summer holidays! During the school summer holidays, Hestia runs a six-week Summer Play Scheme providing activities and outings for mothers and their children across our refuges. Funded through generous donations from the public, the Summer Play Scheme provides women and children with a safe and supportive space to reconnect by having fun and sharing happy memories together as family.

What you will be doing

• To develop positive relationships with the children and women, maintain professional boundaries and keep accurate records.
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team
• Coordinate a weekly timetable of sports and active games to engage children
• General knowledge about wellbeing and how sport affects physical and mental health
• Support the children to maintain their physical health through exercise
• Support the children to learn/play and work as a team
• Plan activities or sports in collaboration with the children

The skills you need

• Understanding of Domestic abuse and its impact on children and women
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation.
• Calm and patient approach
• A skilled and qualified sports coach/fitness instructor working with children

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Voluntary position, based at our office in Clerkenwell, London
Full-time or part-time (3-4 days per week for a minimum of three months)
Closing date and interviews: recruitment on rolling basis
Suitable for: Legal researchers or Lawyers qualified in any jurisdiction (there is no minimum PQE requirement) with expertise in international human rights and humanitarian law
Fluency in English is essential. Fluency in Turkish and/or French would be highly desirable

The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is seeking to appoint several legal volunteers with an interest in our work relating to conflict resolution. We are offering a number of internships to outstanding candidates. Admission to our internship program is on a rolling-basis, lasting at least three months, and is unpaid. The successful candidates will be current or recent postgraduates or at post-doctoral level.

Volunteers recruited to DPI’s International Law Department will assist with all areas of its work, in particular, current projects relating to the implementation of ECtHR judgments in Turkey and legal analysis on matters related to international humanitarian law. Other work could include legal research, monitoring and analysis of human rights issues, documentation/organisation of legal materials, analysis of ECtHR judgments, preparing and drafting communications to United Nations bodies, contributing to casework, preparing papers for submission to the Human Dimension of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, editing reports, and providing general support to the legal team. In return, we will provide experience of and insight into the world of international human rights litigation and exposure to legal research at the forefront of conflict-resolution and peace-building.

The suitable candidate will be available ideally full time (Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 17.30) but other arrangements can be made. You will have the opportunity to assist with the general work of the legal department for a period of three to six months, with a particular focus on our legal case-work and on the implementation of ECtHR judgments in Turkey. Candidates are expected to have excellent verbal and written English skills, a strong visual eye, good attention to detail and strong organisational skills. Working well either alone or as part of a team, you will have experience of working with a diverse range of people.

Bridge College, part of the Together Trust, is a specialist college in Manchester for students aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities, complex health needs, and autism. We offer a highly personalised approach to education, helping our learners thrive and reach their full potential.

We are currently seeking a dedicated volunteer to join our Governing Body and play a vital role in shaping the future of our college and the lives of our students.

What Does a Governor Do?

As a College Governor, you’ll support the strategic leadership of the college by:

• Helping shape the long-term vision, values, and priorities.

• Holding college leaders to account for the quality of education, student outcomes, wellbeing, and safety.

• Ensuring compliance with legal and financial responsibilities.

• Engaging with staff and students through visits and meetings.

Who We’re Looking For:

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from individuals with:

• Experience in education, especially in teaching and learning, SEND, or SEMH.

• A commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity.

• The capacity to take on leadership responsibilities, such as Chair of the Quality of Education subgroup (desirable but not essential).

• Strong analytical, evaluative, and collaborative skills.

No specific qualifications are required—just time, insight, and passion.

You’ll also have the chance to take on specific areas of responsibility appropriate to your expertise, such as:

• Teaching and learning

• Curriculum and assessment

Time Commitment:

• Approx. 9–15 hours per term for meetings and preparation

• Additional 5+ hours per term for visits, training, and events

• Initial 15 hours of core training in the first year (mainly online)

• Ongoing annual safeguarding and role-specific training

What You’ll Gain:

• Personal fulfilment from supporting young people with complex needs

• Strategic leadership and governance experience

• Full induction, training, and ongoing support

• Travel and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed

MHFA England are seeking a Non-Executive Director with expertise in workplace mental health and wellbeing to assist in agreeing and supporting MHFA England’s strategy, ensuring the delivery of MHFA’s overall purpose and mission as a social enterprise.

The Non-Executive Director will ensure the human and financial resources are available to achieve MHFA England’s objectives by providing expertise and guidance.

There may also be an opportunity for the postholder to sit as part of one of our other governance committees.

Principle duties

1. Promoting the highest standards of corporate governance in compliance with regulatory, constitutional, legal, financial, and other obligations
2. Overseeing the delivery of MHFA England’s strategy and performance
3. Protecting the long-term sustainability of MHFA England
4. Safeguarding the reputation of MHFA England
5. Providing expert insight, understanding, and experience relating to workplace mental health and wellbeing 
6. Leading a Board sub-committee, where required
7. Representing MHFA England at collaboration and network events, and contributing to the development of organisational relationships

Person specification

• Experience and knowledge of implementing mental health and wellbeing strategies, policies, training, and support in medium to large organisations, and measuring their impact
• An awareness of economic and political changes that may impact MHFA England
• Sound judgement around corporate governance, financial strategy risk and opportunity
• A commitment to social enterprise and MHFA England’s values and culture
• Highly developed communication, interpersonal, and teamworking skills
• Partnership-minded, political astute and diplomatic, but able to challenge
• Curious and embraces innovation
• A strong personal commitment to workplace equity

Application details

Please submit

• A comprehensive CV including details of your achievements in each role
• A supporting statement. This should clearly set out how you meet each of the criteria set out in the person specification. You should provide evidence in your statement; and not simply a broad claim to have done it - give us examples and dimensions; tell us what this achieved and how it helped meet your organisations' goals
• Please ensure that you indicate in your application any dates when you will not be available, or where we might have difficulty in contacting you
• Please let us know of any accessibility accommodations you may require

Key dates

Closing date for applications is midnight Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a formal interview with the Executive team on Thursday 5 June or Tuesday 10 June held at our London office. There is the possibility of a second formal interview with the Chair between Thursday 12 June and Wednesday 18 June which may be online or in-person.

We anticipate the successful candidate joining MHFA England by Thursday 19 June and attending the following:

– Board meeting on Thursday 19 June 2025 (in-person, London)

– Summer party on Tuesday 8 July 2025 (in-person, London) (optional attendance)

– Board meeting on Monday 29 September 2025 (online)

By applying for this job, you are confirming that you have read the MHFA England Privacy Notice and accept the conditions under which your details will be processed.

Non-Executive Director Church House Westminster – marketing focus

£3101 gross per annum (4 Board meetings)

Church House Westminster is the trading name of Church House Conference Centre Ltd and is renowned as one of London’s leading conference and event venues. A member of the prestigious Westminster Venue Collection, Church House Westminster attracts a wide variety of clients from both the corporate and public sectors. The venue can cater for meetings and events from 2 - 600 delegates.

Church House Westminster occupies the spaces used twice yearly by the General Synod of the Church of England. The building has an illustrious history, including the Second World War, when Parliament used it as an emergency location for the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Following the war, the preparatory meetings for establishing the United Nations and the first meeting of the UN Security Council were held at Church House. Major national inquiries, including the Kings Cross fire and the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry sinking, were also held at Church House in the 1980s.

The Conference Centre was established in 1990 and is the wholly owned trading subsidiary of The Corporation of The Church House, a registered Royal Charter charity. All profits from Church House Westminster are covenanted back to the parent charity.

The Board of Directors, comprising executive and non-executive directors, is seeking an additional non-executive director with significant experience in marketing ideally within the events and hospitality industries. At this time, we are particularly looking for someone who can provide strategic insight into marketing, branding, and audience engagement to help grow Church House Westminster's profile and reach. Previous board experience is not necessary; however, executive director or similar high-level leadership is. 

Role of the Non-Executive Director

As a Non-Executive Director of Church House Westminster, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the Conference Centre, ensuring it remains a leading venue in the events and hospitality sector. You will provide valuable independent oversight, helping to steer the business towards sustainable growth while maintaining its core values and charitable purpose. Specifically, your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing strategic insight and oversight to the development and implementation of the 5-year Business Plan, with a focus on marketing and audience engagement.
• Advising on marketing and brand positioning strategies to enhance Church House Westminster’s reputation and competitive advantage in the market.
• Monitoring the company’s financial and operational performance to ensure robust financial controls and risk management processes are in place.
• Acting as a critical friend to the executive team, providing independent support and challenge to help shape key business decisions.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory and governance requirements, safeguarding the organisation’s long-term sustainability.
• Championing innovation and business development initiatives, particularly in digital marketing and audience expansion.
• Attending and actively participating in quarterly Board meetings, as well as occasional ad hoc engagements when required.

Commitment:

4 Board meetings per annum (Jan, May, July, Nov), plus occasional support, notably in support of the marketing function and events.

Recruitment timetable:

• Closing date for application: 15 May 2025
• Preliminary Interviews: 22 May 2025
• Final Interviews: TBC
• First Board meeting for successful candidate: 10 July 2025

How To Apply

To apply for this role, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV, a Supporting Statement/cover letter stating suitability with special reference to marketing and the details of two references. 

Canine Partners trains assistance dogs to transform the lives of adults with physical disabilities and their wider community of family, friends, and colleagues. Our values are excellence, respect, passion, teamwork, innovation and the personal touch’. The charity has a National Training Centre in Leicestershire, and a national network of staff and volunteers, supporting and developing our dogs from birth through to partnership then retirement and beyond with their welfare and care prioritised throughout.

Our teams work with adults with a wide range of complex physical disabilities as they partner with dogs and benefit from the deeply rewarding bonds that are formed. The Canine Partners team of over 90 staff includes occupational therapists, highly skilled dog trainers, experts in dog breeding, veterinary professionals, and skilled support teams working alongside around a thousand volunteers who help at every stage of the journey to creating life-changing partnerships between dogs and people.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to make a positive and sustained difference, not only to the lives of adults with disabilities, but also to their families and communities.  We are actively seeking to attract new Trustees who will use their skills, experience and expertise to make a real difference to our well-respected and growing charity. We are particularly looking for people who have experience or knowledge in the following areas: 

• Fundraising 

• Veterinary or animal wellbeing

• Dog training or dog behaviourist experience

• Occupational health 

• Working with people with disabilities e.g., health care sector

• IT or digital technology

• People/human resources 

What is involved in our Trustee role for Canine Partners  

The Canine Partners Trustee Board is diversely talented, highly engaged and united in its purpose. It works closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team to ensure Canine Partners effectively delivers its mission and is governed to the highest standards.

We are seeking to attract new Trustees who will use their skills, experience and expertise to make a real difference to our well-respected and growing charity. You will possess strategic vision, organisational acumen and a passion to support adults with disabilities and their network. 

Trustees of Canine Partners will possess the right balance of skills, commitment, interests and motivations to serve the needs of the charity at the time. This will be determined in line with the strategic needs and the profile of the other members of the Council of Trustees. 

We ask for a commitment of attendance at our meetings, five to ten board meetings per year. Our meetings are a combination of online and face-to-face.

We ask you to read associated documentation and contribute to discussions. During our meetings, we debate important decisions robustly, drawing on many different perspectives, and always prioritising the interests of our beneficiaries. Decisions made in these meetings are delivered with collective responsibility, so it is important that Trustees feel empowered to question the Officers and Executive accordingly. 

In addition, Trustees may be asked to offer their skills, expertise and insight into specific projects and/or support Executive arms of the Charity in determining and delivering strategic objectives. This offers the opportunity to both broaden and deepen knowledge and understanding of the work of Canine Partners and, more broadly, a complex skills-led organisation. 

The board celebrates the charity’s values and leads by example. 

Knowledge, Experience and Attributes - What we require from you 

Charitable Trustees have a general obligation to: 

• Act in the charity’s best interests 

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly 

• Act with reasonable care and skill 

Trustees should understand the purpose and activities of the charity and ensure they are in line, and complying, with the governing documents (the Memorandum and Articles of Association). Potential future Trustees must be over 18 and will be appointed following the procedures outlined in the charity’s governing documents. 

A Trustee must have: 

• A commitment to Canine Partners vision and mission 

• A willingness to meet the minimum time requirement.

• Integrity

• Strategic vision

• Good, independent judgement

• An ability to think creatively. 

• Willingness to speak their mind an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

• To work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of Canine Partners 

• Enthusiasm and curiosity 

• Support and challenge the senior leadership team. 

From time to time, formally or informally, Trustees may have to represent Canine Partners to a wide range of current or potential stakeholders. Trustees are expected to ascribe to the Canine Partners values of Excellence, Respect, Passion, Teamwork, Innovation and The Personal Touch and conduct themselves accordingly.

Trustees are expected to commit the necessary time and resources to fulfil their obligations. It is recognised and accepted, however, that individual capacity may vary from time to time. 

Further Reading and Information 

For further information on the duties and responsibilities of charity Trustees, please click here. 

We encourage applications from all sections of society and locations and are keen to ensure continued diversity brings constructive challenge and adds to the governance and work, of the charity.

Do you enjoy singing and listening to all genres of music? We have an exciting opportunity to facilitate a singing and music group in our domestic abuse refuges over the summer holidays! You will be supporting our women and children to get involved and have some fun! During the school summer holidays, Hestia runs a six-week Summer Play Scheme providing activities and outings for mothers and their children across our refuges. Funded through generous donations from the public, the Summer Play Scheme provides women and children with a safe and supportive space to reconnect by having fun and sharing happy memories together as family.

What you will be doing

• To develop positive relationships with the children and women, maintain professional boundaries and keep accurate records.
• Facilitate a weekly singing and music group
• Provide opportunities for the group to collaborate on agreed themes/ songs for future groups
• Coordinate and plan group sessions
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun for a range of ages.

The skills you need

• Understanding of Domestic abuse and its impact on children and women
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Experience in music in either a professional, educational or personal level

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Role Overview

As the Volunteer Executive Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting the CEO by managing key administrative and strategic tasks that help drive the organisation’s success. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, gaining insight into high-level decision-making and organisational strategy.

You will act as a trusted partner to the CEO, assisting with scheduling, communication, and project coordination to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. 

This role is perfect for someone who:

Enjoys taking initiative and finding creative solutions to challenges.

Has a keen eye for detail and can anticipate the needs of leadership before they arise.

Is looking for a hands-on learning experience in executive leadership, nonprofit management, or organisational strategy.

Wants to make a meaningful impact by supporting a mission-driven organization.

Responsibilities:

Act as a key point of contact and liaison between the CEO and internal/external stakeholders.

Coordinate, prepare, and follow up on meetings, ensuring the CEO is always equipped with relevant information and materials

Draft and edit correspondence, reports, and presentations to maintain a professional and impactful standard.

Undertake research and data analysis to support decision-making and strategic initiatives.

Assist with project management tasks, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met.

Support the planning and coordination of events, campaigns, and advocacy initiatives.

Keep track of key actions, priorities, and goals, ensuring the CEO's time is optimised for maximum impact.

Adapt to the evolving needs of the CEO and the organization, stepping into new challenges with enthusiasm.

What We’re Looking For

Strong organizational and time-management skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Proficiency in Microsoft Office / Google Suite

Ability to work independently and handle confidential information

Previous experience in executive support or administration (preferred but not required)

Passion for our mission and a commitment to supporting nonprofit work

What You’ll Gain

By joining us as a Volunteer Executive Assistant, you’ll gain more than just experience—you’ll become part of a meaningful mission while developing key professional skills. Here’s what you can expect:

- Valuable Executive-Level Experience – Gain first hand insight into the operations of a CEO and how strategic decisions are made within an organisation.

- Professional Development – Enhance your skills in executive administration, leadership, time management, and communication—great for career advancement.

- Mentorship & Networking – Work closely with an experienced CEO and connect with professionals across different sectors, expanding your career opportunities.

- Resume Booster – Having experience as an Executive Assistant to a CEO is a strong asset for future job opportunities, particularly in business, nonprofit leadership, and administration.

- Flexibility – Enjoy a volunteer role that fits around your schedule. We understand that life is busy, so we offer flexibility in working hours.

- Personal Fulfillment – Contribute to a cause you’re passionate about, knowing that your work is directly helping to drive real change.

This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with a CEO, gain invaluable executive experience, and contribute to a mission-driven organisation. If you’re highly organised, proactive, and eager to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Join us in driving positive change—apply today by sending your CV and a brief cover letter

We look forward to welcoming you to the team!

Join our Trust with a unified vision for educational excellence as a Trustee and influence how our schools operate, improve and evolve.

Location: Hybrid / Peterborough and North Cambridgeshire

Time commitment: 4 board meetings + 3 committee meetings / year

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 9th June

Thomas Deacon Education Trust (TDET) is a thriving multi-academy trust serving over 5,500 pupils across seven academies, including primary, secondary, all-through and alternative provision schools. We are proud of our strong community focus and the work we do to empower communities through high-quality education across Peterborough and North Cambridgeshire.

We are now seeking passionate, high-calibre individuals to join our Board of Trustees, particularly those with expertise in finance and estates/infrastructure.

These are key appointments at a time of strategic transformation and increasing operational efficiency. You’ll help shape the future of our Trust, support the executive team and ensure we continue delivering high-quality education for all children and young people across our diverse communities.

Who we are

Our Trust was established to bring together local schools under a unified vision for educational excellence, community service and sustainable growth. We currently operate seven schools — five in Peterborough and two to the south in Cambridgeshire — across primary, secondary, all-through and alternative provision settings.

We have matured as an organisation, embedding centralised services (HR, IT, Estates, Finance), promoting stronger curriculum alignment across schools and building a sense of collective identity. Like all multi-academy trusts, we continue to face challenges, especially around funding, SEND provision and estate management, however, we remain committed to progress. All of our schools have been inspected in the last three years, and our improvement journey is well underway.

Our governance model is evolving. We’re reintroducing two subcommittees — Education Committee and Finance, Audit and Risk Committee — in 2025/2026. Trustees meet three times per year for full board meetings and three times for the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and Education Committee.

Our high-performing board currently has a strong educational presence, with trustees drawn from school and higher education backgrounds. However, we are thin on numbers and underrepresented in critical areas.

Now, we are particularly seeking individuals from finance, business services and estates sectors to strengthen our ability to challenge, support and guide the Trust as it enters its next phase.

We do not stand still as a Trust. Our new Trustees will join at an exciting time as we undergo new complex estates projects (e.g., a multimillion-pound roof repair at Thomas Deacon Academy), evolving community partnerships and growing cross-trust collaboration. We are ready for the next step, and we need exceptional trustees to help lead the way.

About the role

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in the strategic leadership and governance of the Trust. This is a high-impact, voluntary role with real influence over how our schools operate, improve and evolve. Your focus will be to ensure that the Trust is delivering on its educational mission while remaining financially sustainable and operationally sound.

We are particularly looking to appoint individuals to:

• Join the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee or Education Committee
• Provide strategic and technical oversight of finance, audit, or capital/infrastructure projects
• Chair the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, if suitably experienced

You’ll be part of a collaborative, values-driven board that works closely with a dedicated executive team. Your insights will help guide decisions around budget setting, estates investment, compliance and educational outcomes. You’ll need to commit to regular reading of board papers, engage in meaningful discussion at meetings and support the executive team with scrutiny and challenge.

Meetings are a mix of online and in-person formats, with the flexibility to accommodate professional commitments. While we have a strong preference for candidates based in or connected to Peterborough or Cambridgeshire, we are open to outstanding individuals from further afield who share our mission and can commit the necessary time and attention.

The role is voluntary, but the impact is profound: you’ll be helping shape the education, life chances and wellbeing of thousands of young people across the region.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking candidates with a passion for education and a deep commitment to public service. Your professional background might be in finance, audit, capital projects, or estates management, ideally with experience overseeing budgets, risk, or infrastructure in complex organisations.

We’re especially interested in individuals who can bring:

• Finance expertise (accounting, audit, financial oversight)
• Capital or estates experience (infrastructure, property, construction)
• Leadership experience within high-accountability or regulatory environments
• Strategic mindset, with the ability to interpret data, challenge assumptions and support sound decision-making

We would also value:

• Familiarity with multi-academy trusts or the Academy Trust Handbook
• Experience chairing audit or governance committees
• Links to our local communities in Peterborough and South Cambridgeshire

Equally important is who you are as a person: communicative, thoughtful, committed and unafraid to ask the difficult questions. We’re looking for trustees who bring a mix of professionalism and heart, who care deeply about equity, diversity and inclusive education and who want to make a tangible difference.

We are committed to building a board that reflects the rich diversity of our schools and their communities.

If you want to be part of a Trust that’s ambitious, community-rooted and on a clear improvement trajectory, then we would love to hear from you.

Peridot and Thomas Deacon Education Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Communications Board Member

YAF’s Communications Team underpin all of the organisation's outputs by managing our communication channels and brand identity. They are instrumental in providing a voice for our Board, our members and our industry peers. 

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work as part of a creative and proactive team, with the autonomy to devise innovative content plans and company-wide messaging. It’s a great opportunity to develop a combined fundraising, marketing and digital skill-set, offering tangible and versatile professional experience. 

What you’ll gain:

• Fantastic opportunity to develop new skills and experience outside of your work and boost your CV

• Chance to work with a friendly team and like-minded people that are passionate about transforming the landscape of voluntary professional development in arts fundraising

• Develop your network with leaders in arts fundraising and in the cultural sector

• Attend all YAF’s events and networking opportunities