Learning volunteer roles in london, england

Help shape a fair, bold solution to the climate crisis. Work with us to turn carbon reduction into real community action.

Our vision is for a world in control of CO2 emissions - a fair social and economic approach that motivates and supports people and organisations to reduce their carbon footprints. 

Our ultimate mission is to persuade people, business and government that together, we can take meaningful action using our Carbon Accounts framework. We are already demonstrating how this would work on the ground in local community action groups. We believe this will inspire governments to introduce the same mechanism to reach science-based emission reduction targets on a national basis. 

What will you be doing?

We are a small, new charity with massive scope to make a difference in shifting the narrative on climate change where other organisations have failed. We are currently almost completely volunteer-led, with the exception of a freelance fundraiser. We would like to build up our trustee board and include trustees who are keen to drive us forward through their active involvement.

Our goal for the next 12 months is:

·    to continue building our local group of activists who watch their carbon and ecological footprints 

·    to create a carbon labelling campaign, a carbon trading group, a carbon footprint and Carbon Accounts app

·    to foster recognition from local businesses and government

·    to create a blueprint which can be adopted in other locations

We want to spread the movement far and wide, to promote public, business, academic and political acceptance of carbon budgets, carbon trading and our Carbon Accounts approach by demonstrating how and why it works, and running communications and fundraising campaigns.

There are many practical activities you could also help with beyond trustee responsibilities, not in any order, for example workshop facilitation, managing volunteers, fundraising, carbon emissions data and spreadsheets, writing or journalism on sustainability, social media, photography or videography.... Skills and experience in any will be helpful.
What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone to jump right in with our small and dynamic team to provide guidance, energy and insight to help us develop. We’re looking for someone who has some experience with: 

·    charity governance

·    policy creation and management

·    strategy development combining marketing, fundraising, volunteer management and finance & business planning

·    you’ll need an awareness of the serious nature of the crisis and the need for radical action by governments, i.e. a strong desire to see society make an urgent response to climate change

·    ability to work online, in person, in different environments with different types of people

·    consistency and good communication

·    co-operation, exchange of ideas, flexibility

·    ability to put ideas across clearly while seeking first to understand others

·    free on Monday evenings for our in-person meetings (not mandatory)

Duration

Our trustee positions run for 3 years after which the person may seek re-election

Location

We are keen on everyone being local, coming to in-person meetings and leveraging their local knowledge and connections, to keep group dynamics strong and foster motivation and commitment. We cover the London boroughs of Hackney, Islington, Camden, Haringey and Westminster.

Lay Representative 

Are you eager to contribute to a leading educational charity? The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT), the UK's leading body for tax advisers, seeks a Lay Representative for its Council. We promote taxation education and aim for a simpler, more efficient tax system.

About the Role: As a non-voting Lay Representative, you will act as a 'critical friend', offering independent insight and challenging Council perspectives. Your external viewpoint will ensure the Institute benefits the public and upholds its charitable goals.

Key Contributions:

* Contribute to the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Institute's strategy.
* Ensure the Institute conducts its affairs in accordance with its charitable status and objectives, focusing on public benefit.
* Provide Council with a yearly report (approximately one side of A4) on perceptions of the charity's work in the public interest and towards its purposes.
* Utilise your skills to analyse complex issues and contribute constructively to discussions.

Who We Are Looking For: We are seeking an individual with strong governance and committee experience, ideally in a non-executive role, especially within charities or public bodies. You should have excellent analytical and communication skills, capable of engaging in strategic discussions and understanding complex reports. We value interpersonal skills, with proven ability to collaborate with diverse groups and influence constructively.

Important Independence Requirements: To ensure role independence, we cannot accept applications from Chartered Tax Advisers, tax-related professionals, or individuals with recent trustee, employee, volunteer, or business ties to the Institute, or close personal connections with trustees or senior management. Please declare you do not fall into these categories in your application.

Time Commitment & Remuneration: The role involves attending five to six Council meetings annually, including at least two in-person meetings in Central London, plus an annual half-day strategy session. A fee is paid for preparation and attendance at meetings and an hourly rate for other authorised work.

The Lay Representative is paid the following:

•£500 preparation, attendance (including the giving of feedback and any associated emails) for all Council meetings (whether in-person or virtual)

•£71.42 hourly pre-approved rate for all other work, which must be pre-authorised in advance by the Chief Executive via email setting out the work. Such instances are expected to be exceptional.

How to Apply: Please submit:

* A comprehensive CV.

* A cover letter (max 1,500 words) explaining how you meet the person specification and role criteria, including the required independence declaration.

* [Optional] A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

Applications must be submitted by email to Rakhi Patel (HR Operations Lead) at CIOT by 29 October 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews between 17 to 19 November 2025.

For an informal discussion about the role, please email Sarah Tempany at CIOT to arrange a conversation with Helen Whiteman, CEO