Employment support volunteer volunteer jobs in Thirsk, north yorkshire

We seek to appoint a community pioneer for ‘Earthed’, a relatively new initiative that seeks to work across the Almondsbury and Severnside area (South Gloucestershire)

The successful applicant will be supported fully so they are free to wander and seek to respond to where God is calling. Applicants will be creative visionaries, who are resilient and able to respond to the challenges such a unique role will uncover.

This isn’t about running polished events or having everything figured out. It’s about bringing people together in simple ways - walks, time around a fire, moments of reflection - and seeing what grows.

The Community Pioneer for Earthed will cultivate spaces where people can connect - with one another, with nature, and with God. These spaces will be open, authentic, and welcoming, especially to those who are curious, questioning, or exploring faith.

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

We are seeking an exceptional leader who can act as a credible spokesperson and ambassador for the Catholic Union, building trusted relationships across the Church, parliament and wider society and helping to grow the Catholic Union’s influence and engagement in the years ahead.

Founded in 1870, the Catholic Union of Great Britain brings Catholic laity and Catholic social teaching to the public square across England, Wales and Scotland. Working in partnership with dioceses, parishes, MPs, MSPs, MSs, peers and Catholic organisations, our vision is of a society in which Catholic laity are informed, equipped and encouraged to engage in public life.

Our work is shaped by three key themes: engagement, education and encouragement. Through these we foster informed participation in public debate, help Catholics and the wider public understand contemporary social and political issues through a Catholic lens, and inspire greater confidence for Catholics to contribute to civic and community life.

In recent years the Catholic Union has developed from being largely volunteer-led into a more professional and strategically focused organisation, strengthening relationships across the Church and wider society. Our Weekly Briefing, now read by around 6,500 people each week, has become a key channel for parliamentary reporting, Catholic news and reflection.

As Director, you will lead the Catholic Union at an exciting moment in its development. You will represent the Catholic Union publicly, strengthening relationships with bishops, diocesan leaders, parliamentarians and Catholic organisations. You will act as a trusted ambassador for the Union, grow our channels of influence and engagement, and work with Trustees, Council and a small experienced team to support the organisation’s continued development.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to serve as a public voice for a respected Catholic organisation and help foster thoughtful dialogue and engagement in public life, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please see the job pack attached. Closing date 10th April.

Self-Employed Chartered Surveyors Sought

 Based in the Midlands and North of England

Flexible, Project-Based Consultancy Making a Difference

Are you an experienced Chartered Surveyor, seeking meaningful work on a flexible basis? Do you want to use your skills to help amazing organisations doing good in the world?

The Ethical Property Foundation is the UK’s only dedicated property advice charity serving the voluntary sector. (Registered Charity Number 1101812) Each year, we provide over 900 organisations with expert, independent property advice and education. We are now looking for one or more self-employed Chartered Surveyors - general practice surveyors and building surveyors to join our team and help deliver affordable consultancy services to the voluntary sector.

About the Role

This is a self-employed, project-based opportunity. Assignments typically require 4-5 days of work (not full-time) and include:

· Lease renewals and rent review advice

· Development of client property strategies

· Options appraisals

· Property acquisition advice

· Property disposal advice

You may also have opportunities to design and deliver property-related webinar training.

Our Associate Property Advisers work flexibly from home, with occasional client site visits across England, Wales, and Scotland.

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking Chartered Surveyors (or equivalent) with:

• Strategic thinking and reporting skills
• Specialisms such as facilities management and / or architectural experience
• General practice skills
• We also have opportunities for building surveyors who can offer a charity rate on their standard fee.

You’ll need excellent communication skills to engage and empower our clients—many of whom support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances—and the ability to investigate, analyse, and propose practical property solutions.

Why join us?

Our clients support a diverse range of causes and manage every type of property imaginable. In the past year, we’ve advised on office buildings, church premises, oast houses, former schools, libraries, theatres, fields, industrial units, and more.

You’ll be part of a team of extraordinary senior property professionals who share a passion for making a positive impact.

Key details

• Day Rate: £220
• Working Hours: Flexible, variable based on agreed project deadlines
• Location: Work from home with travel as required for site visits
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: The post holder falls within the definition of ‘Person Employed’ and are therefore included within EPF’s PI insurance.
• DBS Clearance: Provided by EPF
• Reporting To: Head of Property Services

Start date

By mutual agreement.

Interested in using your property expertise to make a difference? 

Job Title: Community Fundraising Executive

Full Job Description: Full details for this role, including a full job description and Benefits summary can be found on our Organisations website. 

?? Location: South Midlands to Southampton

??  Hours: 37.5 (flexibility is required)

Please note that this is a fixed term, 12 month contract

We’re seeking an experienced Charity Fundraiser who will play a pivotal role in raising lifesaving funds and spreading awareness of the vital work our charity does.

What We Offer:

• Enhanced annual leave, with even more added as your service grows
• Additional annual leave purchase options
• Enhanced sick pay
• Life assurance
• Blue Light Card eligibility and access to generous discount schemes
• A supportive, purpose-driven team
• Access to our comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, our people are encouraged to get involved in our internal EDI networks. Want to find out more? visit our website www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk. 

What You’ll Be Doing:

The Community Fundraising Executive works closely with the National Community Fundraising Manager to deliver short and mid-term strategic plans and priorities for the function. The role is responsible for growing community awareness of the charity and driving fundraising activity across the region to meet income targets by proactively seeking out creating new opportunities and relationships. The key areas of activity the role is responsible for include generating and building relationships with community groups, organisations, volunteers and supporters, identifying new opportunities and leads within the region that will generate new income streams for the charity, and presenting to local organisations and groups within the region.

What We’re Looking For:

•  Demonstrable evidence of behaviour in line with the core values of TAAS throughout career to date.
•  Collaborative approach to achieving departmental and wider organisational objectives
•  Passion for the work that TAAS does
•  A flexible approach to allow adaptability to the changing needs of the organisation
•  Experience as a fundraiser within a charity.
•  Comfortable approaching new business opportunities.
•  Highly motivated self-starter.
•  Strong relationship building and communication skills.
•  Ability to manage a database effectively.
•  Good presentation skills.
•  Ability to meet and exceed income targets.

Click “Apply Now” and help us to keep our helicopters flying and continue saving lives.

Environment

TAAS is an inclusive working environment where Equality, Diversity and Human Rights are guiding principles, individuals are respected and a value of having a diverse workforce is recognised. The recruitment, employment and development of people are based on qualifications, experience and competency to do the job, eliminating personal bias or prejudice.

As an organisation, TAAS are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults involved in any of our activities. Our commitment applies to all acting on our behalf, i.e., employees, contractors, volunteers, supporters, patient, donors and visitors, meaning that all have a responsibility towards safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom they have contact with. Any new staff starting with the organisation will need to be committed to Safeguarding, complete relevant Safeguarding training and report any concerns they may have. TAAS operate a safer recruitment process, as part of our Safeguarding policy, which includes identifying and rejecting anyone who may be a risk to vulnerable people. If you have applyed for this role within the last 6 months, please be aware your application may be automatically declined.

Make a difference every day with PDSA  

About Us   

Join us to help keep even more people and pets together when times are tough. For over a century, PDSA have provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship.    

We’re now on a journey to expand our reach to support even more people and their beloved pets. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need passionate and driven individuals who are ready to embrace change and help shape a future-focused PDSA. Together, we'll build a stronger organisation to ensure our services help those who need us most for the next hundred years.    

If you're ready to make a real difference and be part of a team that's creating positive change, we want you to join us. Let's build a brighter future for pets and their owners, together.   

About you  

As a Project Communications Officer, you will play a key role in delivering clear, engaging and consistent internal communications that help frontline teams understand and adopt change across the Frontline Improvement Programme. The role involves developing tailored communication plans, crafting compelling messages for diverse audiences, and managing core channels such as newsletters, presentations and social platforms. A central focus is building strong relationships with stakeholders, supporting the Improvement Champion community, and showcasing project progress through impactful, human‑centred storytelling.

We are seeking someone to join the team on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract, working across our Pet Hospitals. We are looking for someone to join the team in this role and produce timely, high‑quality communication outputs, generating positive engagement from colleagues. The position also requires thoughtful planning, awareness of risks and the ability to use data and insight to measure communication impact, ensuring every message supports smooth change adoption across our Pet Hospitals.

This role is ideal for someone who has successfully delivered change communication plans and understands how to craft messages that help teams embrace new ways of working. You will bring experience using key communication platforms and navigating the complexities of a multi‑site organisation. Knowledge of programme and change management is essential, as we need someone who is agile, confident and comfortable working in changing environments while collaborating with stakeholders across the organisation.

This is a home‑based role with UK‑wide travel when required, primarily across the East and West Midlands. You will be expected to visit sites and attend team meetings at our Telford Head Office and Pet Hospitals across the UK.

Rewards, support and benefits    

We’re really passionate about being a great place to work, somewhere people feel proud of what they do, connected to a meaningful purpose, and able to make a genuine difference every day. Our teams are collaborative and supportive, and we encourage everyone to bring their ideas, individuality and passion for pets to work with them.  

As well as a rewarding role and a positive, people-focused culture, we also offer a wide range of benefits, including:  

• Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances.  

• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, with option to buy or sell an extra five days. 

• Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day annually.  

• Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.  

• Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind.  

• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 wellbeing support   

• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform.  

• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support you and your family.  

• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.  

To apply for this role, click Apply Now at the top of the page, create a candidate account and complete our simple application form.     

PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams that reflect the communities we serve. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunities for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.   

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss via email or telephone reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the recruitment process.   

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.   

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.   

The Woodland Trust is looking for an Engaging Communities Officer to join our exciting Sherwood’s Living Legends project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. A development grant has been awarded by Heritage Fund to help the Woodland Trust progress the project over 18-months to apply for a 5-year delivery stage grant. If this application is successful, the project will safeguard the future of ancient and veteran trees in Sherwood Forest and reconnect communities with this iconic landscape. This is a fixed term contract for 18-months, with the potential for an extension. 

The Role: 

• Lead the community-focused development of Sherwood’s Living Legends, shaping how people connect with the cultural, historical and ecological significance of ancient and veteran trees. 
• Co-create imaginative engagement approaches with consultants, using storytelling, heritage and local myth to inspire urban and rural communities. 
• Define target audiences and craft compelling key messages that will underpin the project’s delivery-stage communications. 
• Promote the project across the Sherwood NCA through social media, local press, PR events and creative outreach activity. 
• Ensure engagement plans are inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of diverse communities and participants. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, community groups, landowners and Woodland Trust teams to support joined-up project development. 
• Monitor and evaluate engagement activity, gathering insight and data to inform project design and future delivery. 
• Represent the project internally and externally, sharing successes and supporting alignment with wider Woodland Trust communications. 

The Candidate: 

• Experienced in coordinating and delivering varied community events, including consultations tailored to different audiences and locations. 
• Confident leading groups outdoors, with experience engaging children, schools and community participants in nature-based activities. 
• Skilled in partnership working, able to collaborate with volunteers, community groups and external organisations to achieve shared outcomes. 
• Strong communicator with excellent written, verbal and digital skills, including social media content creation and public-facing representation. 
• Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, with an understanding of how to design accessible and welcoming engagement. 
• Organised and proactive, able to manage multiple workstreams, prioritise effectively and work independently within a dispersed team. 
• Competent with IT systems, particularly MS Office and collaborative platforms such as Teams. 
• Professional, positive and adaptable, able to represent the Woodland Trust and partners with confidence and clarity. 
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic DBS Check, as part of our pre-employment screening. 

Benefits and Wellbeing: 

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 
• Life Assurance 
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time) 
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme 
• Enhanced Parental Pay 
• Employee Assistance Programme 

About Us: 

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees. 

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: 

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.  

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application. 

Application Advice: 

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and CVs are redacted until after shortlisting is complete. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role. Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI): 

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.

Apply Now: 

If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete. 

Interviews to be held on April 21st 2026.