It volunteer roles

Join the Fight for Change – Help Us Build Stronger, More Inclusive Communities

WBC Cares UK is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of boxing. We use sport to empower young people, support those with disabilities or mental health challenges, and uplift individuals facing poverty, homelessness, and social exclusion. From community-based gyms to school outreach, mentoring, and essential aid, our mission is rooted in compassion, inclusion, and resilience.

We’re looking for a passionate and proactive Volunteer Marketing Lead to help amplify our impact. In this role, you'll be instrumental in supporting the team in organising our programmes, delivering hope, empowerment, and practical help to communities across the UK.

Your Role:

• Enliven our brand
• Identify new segements we can serve
• Increase our reach within the community
• Communicate our message and services
• Help us reach more people able to benefit from our services
• Support our team with day-to-day communication and promotional needs
• Manage all aspects of our brand and programme promotion

What We’re Looking For:

• Marketing and marketing communication background
• Strong organisation and attention to detail
• Self-driven 
• Friendly and respectful communication style
• Competence in IT
• 4-10 hours per week, flexible

What You’ll Gain:

• Contribute directly to improving lives in your local community
• Develop marketing and marketing comms skills
• Work alongside a warm, values-led team
• Make a real difference in a supportive, flexible role

The Ramblers are Britain's biggest and most vibrant walking community. The Area Secretary is a key member of the Sussex leadership team, working with the Chair to ensure the team runs smoothly including managing meeting logistics and communicating with Groups in the Area.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Working with the Area Chair to arrange quarterly leadership team meetings, including producing agendas and booking the venue
• Organising the Area AGM, and producing the Annual Report
• Making sure that accurate records of decisions at meetings are produced and circulated on a timely basis
• Keeping in touch with Ramblers' Central Office, sharing news, including key organisational policies, with the Area leadership team and Groups
• As a member of the leadership team, contributing to decision-making on a wide range of issues in relation to activities across Sussex Area of the Ramblers

The Ramblers help everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protects the places we all love to walk. By volunteering as Area Secretary you will be paying a vital role in making sure we can achieve this. Running an efficient Sussex Area Ramblers leadership team is critical to the effectiveness of our organisation, and is part of the overall Ramblers governance. The Area Secretary is a pivotal position on the leadership team and ensures that we meet our obligations efficiently and effectively .

The ideal candidate is likely to have a passion for walking and the outdoors and a familiarity with the activities of the Ramblers and of the Sussex Area. The position is suitable for someone who is highly reliable, capable of taking initiative and with a track record of getting things done. You will need to be well-organised, good at building relationships with other members of the leadership team including the Chair, have fluent writing skills and be confident in producing agendas and decision records. You should be computer-literate and preferably have experience of using audio-visual meeting support equipment and desktop publishing software.

We are currently looking for trustees to support our work as the UK’s leading socio-economic inclusion research charity

Social mobility - a measurement of the strength of the link between a person’s childhood circumstances and their adult outcomes - has rightly become one of the most pressing policy matters of our time. The barriers faced by people from lower socio-economic backgrounds are higher in the UK than almost every other developed country and cause disadvantage for too many.

The Bridge Group’s mission is to change this. For over ten years, we’ve supported organisations of all kinds with independent expertise, research and practical know-how to enable them to make a real and lasting impact on socio-economic diversity and social equality.

To help us move into the next ten years with energy, vision and purpose, we are seeking several new trustees with experience of organisational governance and a strong interest in our work.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking to balance the range of skills and experience on our Board, so would particularly welcome applications from individuals who have any of the following:

• A background in, or excellent understanding of financial management

• Experience of fundraising and philanthropic income generation

• Good knowledge of the social sciences and/or a background in research or academia

• Experience in tech, cyber security or AI

• Personal experience of the barriers created by ‘social class’ and/or identify as from a lower socio-economic background.

                     �� Volunteer Opportunity: Admin Support for Women-Focused Housing Association ��

Are you interested in supporting women and in volunteering in the social housing sector? We’re a small, dedicated housing association focused on empowering women through safe, supportive housing—and we’re looking for a volunteer to help us behind the scenes!

Role: Volunteer Housing Admin Assistant
Location: London
Hours: Flexible – ideally 1–2 days per week

What you’ll do:

· Assist with general administrative tasks (filing, data entry, document management)

· Help maintain volunteer and resident records

· Support the team with scheduling and communications

· Contribute to a warm, inclusive, and organised office environment

What we’re looking for:

· Good organisational skills and attention to detail

· Basic IT skills (email, Word, Excel)

· A friendly, reliable, and discreet approach

· Commitment to our values of inclusion, respect, and empowerment

What you’ll gain:

· Experience in a supportive, women-centred organisation

· Training and ongoing support

· A chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of women

This is an ideal role for someone lookinfg to gain experience in the housing sector or someone who would like ot deploy ther already existing experience to support women in housing. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

Create Hope is a therapeutic service that provides emotional and mental health support to children, young people, and families. Our goal is to offer a safe space where individuals can explore their feelings, build resilience, and self-awareness through creative and relational approaches.

Our therapeutic services include:
● Play & Creative Therapy
● Systemic Family Therapy
● Person-Centred or Integrative Adult Counselling
● NVR Therapy
● Couples Therapy
● Workshops for parents/carers

As Volunteer Admin Support, you play a key role in enabling these services to happen smoothly by ensuring the background systems and processes are managed well.

Your Role as Volunteer Admin Support

Responsibilities:
● Updating and maintaining client and referral information on Salesforce (training provided)
● Preparing and sending standard emails, agreements, and communication
● Assisting with filing, scanning, and organising paperwork
● Supporting with data entry and record-keeping for monitoring and evaluation
● Helping prepare resources and materials for therapy sessions or events
● Ensuring all records are handled securely and in line with confidentiality requirements

Time Commitment:
We ask that volunteers offer a regular commitment of a few hours each week. This can be flexible and, in some cases, carried out from home.

Location:
Tasks may take place at our Bracknell office or remotely, depending on the type of support being given.

Support & Training

We want to ensure you feel equipped and supported in your role. As Volunteer Admin Support, you will have access to:
● Induction and training on Create Hope systems (including Salesforce and GDPR requirements)
● Ongoing supervision and support from the Create Hope team
● Opportunities to develop new admin and organisational skills
● Being part of a supportive and friendly community
If you ever need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

All volunteers must adhere to Create Hope’s Safeguarding and confidentiality policies.

    VOLUNTEER/GLD ONLINE

Unleash Your Passion, Volunteer Online with IHF!

Make a difference from anywhere in the world: Join the International Humanity Foundation

(IHF) and help us empower marginalized children and communities (in location) while offering

an opportunity to learn and practice (online).

Join our Global Leadership Development program in one or more of the following divisions or teams:

A. Human Resources (HR): Master essential HR skills while supporting our global team. Assist

with applications, interviews, calendars, and more.

B. Finance: Gain valuable financial experience while managing funds responsibly. Help us track

donations, process grants, and ensure financial stability.

C. Education & Administration: Make a lasting impact on children lives. Develop curricula,

mentor youth, and contribute to various educational projects.

D. Media & PR: Share our stories and amplify our impact. Use your talents in media, graphics,

translation, or writing to connect with the world.

Benefits:

● Make a real difference: Contribute to a meaningful cause and change lives.

● Gain valuable skills: Enhance your knowledge and develop new abilities.

● Connect with a global community: Collaborate with passionate volunteers from diverse

backgrounds.

● Flexible and rewarding: Volunteer from the comfort of your home on your own schedule.

No matter your experience, you can make a contribution! We welcome individuals with various

skills and levels of expertise.

This life changing experience impacts you as well as the children and communities we serve.

______________________________________________________________________________

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to expand its reach.

As a Volunteer Integrated Technology Project Lead with Living Reasons, you will oversee the project management of technology integration across all aspects of our operations, including both software and hardware. Working closely with the funding team, you will design and deliver project plans that attract funding and ensure resources are used effectively and in line with funding agreements. You will also lead on the procurement of hardware from third-party suppliers, including organisations that support non-profits with technology solutions.

In collaboration with Technology Coordinators, you will use user feedback to guide the development of software that is accessible, adaptable, and reliable for a diverse demographic of users. This role will also focus on driving innovation—creating solutions that not only strengthen Living Reasons but also have the potential to be developed and supplied to other businesses or end users through the organisation. By leading on strategy, coordination, and delivery, you will ensure that Living Reasons harnesses technology in innovative and sustainable ways that maximise impact.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

At Merstham Community Facility Trust our vision is thriving community where every resident has the opportunity to belong. We aim to support, empower and connect the people of Merstham.

The purpose of the charity is to support the Merstham community by delivering services that reflect the needs and ideas of local residents. We are committed to championing community led projects, events and volunteering opportunities, and we strive to foster a sense of belonging, enhance personal development and promote wellbeing.

If you are a committed and enthusiastic person who wants to make a difference to the lives of the people of Merstham then this could be the volunteering position for you!

Our key initiatives are:

Addressing financial hardship by running a food club, hosting a food bank and providing a Community Fridge, using surplus food collected from local supermarkets and making it accesible to local residents, also saving tonnes of food ending up as waste. During the winter we provide a 'warm hub'

Improving Wellbeing including activities to address social isolation for example a community allotment, bee keeping, chatty tables, Craft tables, games evenings and a Cinema Club -aimed at reducing social isolation in the elderly. We have a number of mental health initiatives and have trained 20 Community Champions - who can give basic advice on mental and physical health issues. We organise various community events for example an Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Fayre and Coach outing to the coast.

Community Enablement Signposting to support, including access to Citizens advice, food bank and support groups. Employment support - provided by partners at the Hub to assist path to employment and increase employability. Up-skilling and training of volunteers and Lead volunteers to put skills back into our community, IT support

The Board is currently composed of six trustees and two associate trustees. We employ a manager, four part time office staff and three caretakers who conduct the work of the charity. There are about 60 volunteers and 20 Wellbeing Champions involved in the Hub, carrying out activities such as IT support, reception duties, Repair cafe etc. During the winter months we run a 'Warm Hub' where people of reduced means can receive a cup of tea, biscuits and a friendly welcome.

 As Chairman of the Board of Trustees you will play a vital role in shaping the future direction of the charity, and securing it's success in challenging the social inequalities faced by the community of Merstham.

Core Skills

1. Leadership & Facilitation

   • Ability to lead and inspire trustees and volunteers.

   • Encourages participation and manages diverse opinions.

2. Communication

   • Clear, respectful, and persuasive speaking and writing.

   • Able to represent the charity in public and with stakeholders.

3. Governance & Strategic Thinking

   • Understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities.

   • Can help develop and oversee long-term plans.

4. Meeting Management

   • Skilled in chairing meetings effectively, ensuring they are focused, inclusive, and productive.

5. Financial Awareness

   • Basic understanding of budgets, funding, and financial accountability (doesn’t need to be a finance expert).

6. Conflict Resolution

   • Ability to manage disagreements constructively and maintain harmony on the board.

Key Attributes

1. Integrity

   • High ethical standards and commitment to the charity’s mission.

2. Commitment

   • Willing to dedicate sufficient time and energy.

3. Impartiality

   • Treats all opinions fairly and avoids favouritism or personal agendas.

4. Empathy & Community Focus

   • Understands and connects with the community the charity serves.

5. Confidence Without Ego

   • Willing to make decisions and stand by them, but open to being challenged.

6. Reliability

   • Can be counted on to follow through with responsibilities and support the board and staff.

Optional but Valuable

• Fundraising experience

• Policy or nonprofit background

• Local community ties

• Experience managing volunteers

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

**Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying: **

• 17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))

• 3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

More Information

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.

Are you passionate about families of disabled children having a voice? Do you have 10 hours a month to lead our charity?

Reading Families’ Forum is a small local charity with an experienced Trustee Board and our current Chair is retiring.

The Forum's role is to ensure that families of children with disabilities and/or additional needs can participate fully in the development of services within the Reading Local Authority. Help us make sure that services reflect families' needs.

The post holder will lead the Trustee Board and manage our 2 part-time staff.

We are the local parent carer forum and are part of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums, who provide training and support to the individual forums.

A full job description and application form is available on request. We are happy to arrange an informal chat with the current Chair and/or some of our Trustees. 

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))

• 3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are reimbursed
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.

    VOLUNTEER/GLD ONLINE

Unleash Your Passion, Volunteer Online with IHF!

Make a difference from anywhere in the world: Join the International Humanity Foundation

(IHF) and help us empower marginalized children and communities (in location) while offering

an opportunity to learn and practice (online).

Join our Global Leadership Development program in one or more of the following divisions or teams:

A. Human Resources (HR): Master essential HR skills while supporting our global team. Assist

with applications, interviews, calendars, and more.

B. Finance: Gain valuable financial experience while managing funds responsibly. Help us track

donations, process grants, and ensure financial stability.

C. Education & Administration: Make a lasting impact on children lives. Develop curricula,

mentor youth, and contribute to various educational projects.

D. Media & PR: Share our stories and amplify our impact. Use your talents in media, graphics,

translation, or writing to connect with the world.

Benefits:

● Make a real difference: Contribute to a meaningful cause and change lives.

● Gain valuable skills: Enhance your knowledge and develop new abilities.

● Connect with a global community: Collaborate with passionate volunteers from diverse

backgrounds.

● Flexible and rewarding: Volunteer from the comfort of your home on your own schedule.

No matter your experience, you can make a contribution! We welcome individuals with various

skills and levels of expertise.

This life changing experience impacts you as well as the children and communities we serve.

______________________________________________________________________________

Become a  Member of our Governing Body or a Co-opted Member of one of its Committees

Barton Peveril College invites applications for the voluntary, non-remunerated roles of Corporation Governor or Co-opted Member of one of the Corporation's Committees.

We seek committed individuals who possess a dedication to Sixth Form Education and the development of young people within the Eastleigh, Southampton, and surrounding areas. 

This is a unique opportunity for residents to contribute directly to the strategic direction and governance of a leading educational institution.

About Barton Peveril College

Barton Peveril College is the largest sixth form college in the country by student numbers, serving over 5,000 16-18 year olds and holding an Outstanding judgment across all four key areas by OFSTED.

Our mission is to foster a strong community committed to the highest standards of effort, achievement, and ambition, preparing students to thrive as positive citizens in a complex society. The College maintains a strong financial performance, evidenced by an "Outstanding" financial health score, which has facilitated over £30 million in strategic capital investment over the last decade.

• Students: In excess of 5,000 16-18 year olds studying A Levels and BTEC courses.

• Outcomes: More than 80% progress to Higher Education annually; the majority of the remainder enter Apprenticeships or Employment.

• Reputation: Judged Outstanding across all four key OFSTED judgments: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

The Role and Responsibilities

The appointment is primarily strategic in nature, focused on providing robust oversight, direction, and scrutiny, rather than day-to-day management.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting the College's strategic direction and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and funding requirements.

• Scrutinising performance and holding the Executive leadership team to account as a 'critical friend.'

• Engaging in discussions concerning strategic planning, financial oversight, and the monitoring of teaching and learning quality.

• Reviewing, understanding, and challenging reports prepared by the College Leadership team prior to and during formal meetings.

We are committed to appointing a diverse range of individuals. Whilst previous experience in governance is not a prerequisite, candidates must demonstrate a genuine interest and passion for contributing to the betterment of the local community and enabling students to fulfil their potential. 

Required Areas of Expertise

We welcome individuals with varied skills and experience.  At this time we are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with professional expertise in the following domains:

• Finance;

• Information Technology (particularly Cyber Security and/or Artificial Intelligence); or

• Secondary or Higher Education

Potential exists to progress to become a Committee Chair or Vice Chair of the Corporation.

Time Commitment and Logistics

Commitment

Voluntary and non-remunerated; reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed.

Term of Office

Governor: Four years; Committee Member: Three years.

Meetings

2-3 Monday evenings per term on site at the College in Eastleigh, generally lasting 2-3 hours.  Online attendance is not generally permitted but will be considered in specific circumstances.

Preparation

An estimated 2-3 hours of advance reading is required for each meeting.

Full Governors serve on the main Corporation and at least one dedicated Committee (e.g., Search and Governance, Standards, Finance and Employment, Audit). Co-opted Members serve solely on a Committee initially, with potential progression to a full Governorship within 6-12 months.

Candidates are also strongly encouraged to attend additional College events and departmental visits each term.

Application and Recruitment Process

Submission of Interest

Interested candidates should apply by submitting the following documents.

1. A brief Curriculum Vitae (CV).

2. A Letter of Interest (not exceeding 250 words) detailing suitability for the role, relevant experience, and any particular specialism or interest.

There is no fixed deadline for applications. Due to administration by volunteers, applicants should allow up to 10 working days for a response.

Recruitment Stages and Prerequisites to Appointment

All applicants will be invited to the College to meet with the Chair of Governors, the Principal, the Clerk, and an existing Governor. This process is intentionally informal, serving as an opportunity for mutual assessment and for candidates to tour the College facilities.

Safeguarding and Compliance: All appointed Governors are required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, annual Safeguarding training, and commit to the College Code of Conduct, which incorporates the 'Seven Principles of Public Life' (Nolan Principles).

Support and Further Information

New Governors receive comprehensive onboarding and support from the College Clerk, including access to internal and external training events.

Details regarding the current Corporation and its function are available on the College website.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Should you have a disability and require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact us confidentially to discuss the steps that can be taken. Barton Peveril College is fully committed to the principles of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))

• 3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

More about this role:

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are reimbursed
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.