Legal volunteer volunteer roles in gateshead, greater london

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

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 and part of that journey is to recruit volunteers to ensure the organisation can be carried out and that individual volunteer needs are accounted for.

This role will be a really important aspect of the organisation’s success. We are looking for multiple volunteer co-ordinators, each focusing on different aspects of the organisation or part of the journey for our volunteers, whether it is recruitment, development, personalised support, equity building, events, community building and other areas that you may feel would benefit the volunteer team or the organisations supporters/uses.

To be successful in this role, all you need to be is passionate about the organisation’s goals and reasons for existing, and a creative mindset. The rest we can build together as a team.

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1) Outdated and damaging employment practices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11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public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)

Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do

Location: Variable – we are looking to extend our reach of peer support walks throughout Yorkshire

Main Tasks:

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks

· Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere

· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear

· Be attentive to the well-being of all participants during the walk

· Offer information on YBTC services

· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC

We are looking for people who are:

· Are warm and non-judgemental

· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks

· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers

· Basic physical fitness to complete the walks, awareness of the needs of participants with

different mobility/health conditions

We can offer you the following:

· Full induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people

· The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are: Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.

Company/Charity Secretary (Volunteer Trustee Role)

Help Us Build a Charity That Connects the Forgotten and Uplifts the Invisible

Loneliness is a quiet ache. It doesn’t always cry out—but it weighs heavy. In London, thousands of people are living in isolation, and the consequences are profound: deteriorating mental health, loss of confidence, and a fading sense of purpose.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run grassroots charity dedicated to changing that. We’re creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. But before we can deliver life-changing programmes, we need a strong, ethical, and well-governed foundation. That’s where you come in.

Why This Role Matters

Behind every compassionate charity is a Company Secretary who ensures clarity, compliance, and continuity. As our Company/Charity Secretary, you’ll be the anchor of our governance—making sure our mission is supported by structure, our values are reflected in our operations, and our trustees are empowered to lead with confidence.

This is a trustee role with real heart. You’ll help us stay legally sound, ethically grounded, and emotionally attuned to the communities we serve.

What You’ll Do

• Ensure SUNSHINE meets its legal and regulatory obligations as a UK charity.

• Support the Board of Trustees with meeting coordination, documentation, and decision-making processes.

• Maintain accurate records and filings with Companies House and the Charity Commission.

• Help shape policies that reflect our values of inclusion, dignity, and transparency.

• Be a guiding voice in our governance, helping us grow with integrity.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in charity governance, administration, or legal compliance (professional or volunteer).

• A meticulous eye for detail and a heart for grassroots change.

• Strong communication and organisational skills.

• A belief in the power of structure to support compassion.

What You’ll Gain

• A meaningful role in launching a charity that transforms lives.

• The satisfaction of knowing your work is enabling real connection and healing.

• A team of visionary changemakers who value your expertise and care.

• Purpose, legacy, and the joy of building something beautiful from the ground up.

Let’s build a charity that’s as strong as it is kind. Let’s be the sunshine.

JOIN OUR BOARD

Be the SUNSHINE in people’s lives.

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business

· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers

· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year

· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact

We are looking for people who are:

· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution

· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are Integrity, Compassion, Community, & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and

research.

You know what it's like to practice as a solicitor. You've navigated the pressures, the culture, and the unspoken expectations. Now, imagine using that hard-won understanding to create meaningful change for neurodivergent colleagues who are struggling to find their place in our profession.

We're looking for a qualified solicitor who gets it - someone who can help us build programmes and campaigns that will work because they're grounded in the reality of solicitor practice.

Why does this role need to be solicitor-only?

We need someone who understands the culture, systems, and pressures of solicitor life from the inside. The work involves shaping strategy, influencing decision-makers, and ensuring our programmes reflect the real experiences of neurodivergent solicitors. A qualified solicitor brings both lived experience and professional standing, which helps build trust and makes our work more effective. This isn't about hierarchy, but about grounding the role in practical, credible experience that resonates with the people we're trying to help.

What we're looking for

We need a qualified solicitor who can be our eyes and ears within the profession - someone who understands not just the law, but the culture that surrounds it.

Your background might include:

• Current qualification as a solicitor (England and Wales)

• Real experience working in or with solicitor firms and organisations

• Understanding of how solicitor practice works - the good, the challenging, and everything in between

• Genuine commitment to making the profession more inclusive for neurodivergent colleagues

• The ability to communicate with everyone from trainees to senior partners

What would be brilliant (but not essential):

• Experience across different types of solicitor practice - private practice, in-house, government, legal aid

• Personal understanding of neurodiversity challenges in professional settings

• A network of contacts within the solicitor profession

• Background in training, mentoring, or professional development

• Experience in charity/not-for-profit law, employment law, or disability rights

What you'll be doing

This isn't about sitting in meetings talking theory. You'll be:

Being our solicitor reality-check:

• Sharing insights about profession culture, challenges, and opportunities that only an insider would know

• Helping us identify the real barriers neurodivergent solicitors face and practical solutions that might work

• Ensuring our initiatives make sense in the context of how solicitor firms actually operate

Shaping our strategy:

• Contributing the solicitor's perspective to our programme development

• Advising on the best approaches for engaging with firms, training providers, and professional bodies

• Helping develop resources that work in real solicitor practice environments

Being our face in the profession:

• Representing us at solicitor-focused events and networks

• Building relationships that open doors and create opportunities

• Speaking at events and contributing to professional discussions where your voice carries weight

Developing what matters:

• Advising on training and support programmes that solicitors will actually use

• Helping create career guidance that reflects modern solicitor pathways

• Supporting research and policy work that affects how solicitors practice

The need-to-know

Time commitment: Around 4-8 hours per month - one monthly trustee meeting plus the solicitor-specific work, and the occasional extra task that crops up. 

Term: We're looking for a minimum 2-year commitment initially, which then becomes a rolling 1-year term subject to the constitutional requirements. 

When we meet: We will be setting our meeting dates at the start of the organisation's year (October 2025) so everyone can plan ahead. 

Next steps:

• Applications close: 5 September 2025 at 17:00

• Interview dates: TBC - dependent on application numbers

• Next board meeting: TBC

Why this role matters

The legal profession is slowly waking up to neurodiversity, but too often the conversation happens without the people who actually understand day-to-day practice. We've seen well-meaning initiatives fail because they don't reflect the reality of billable hours, client demands, and firm hierarchies.

Your perspective as a practising solicitor isn't just valuable - it's essential. You know which ideas will work and which ones will gather dust in the diversity folder. You understand the language that resonates with partners and the approaches that will actually make a change. 

What we offer in return

• Real influence: Your insights directly shape our strategy and programmes

• Professional development: Gain charity governance experience and expand your network

• Meaningful impact: See your profession become more inclusive for future generations

• Supportive environment: Work with a committed team that respects both your time and expertise

• Flexibility: We’re a team of working professionals and always work around professional commitments

• Recognition: References, recommendations, and opportunities to speak on topics you care about

• Expenses covered: We reimburse reasonable costs related to your trustee work

We're committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need any adjustments to our application process, just let us know.

Application deadline: 5 September 2025 at 17:00

Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board of Trustees as Vice Chair.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that
supports families across Suffolk. As Vice Chair, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and wider Board to
help shape our strategic direction, support strong governance and ensure we continue to meet the needs of
families in our communities.

We are specifically looking for someone with charity governance experience. You will bring a solid
understanding of how effective boards operate and feel confident supporting other trustees, offering
constructive challenge and helping to ensure the charity meets its legal and strategic responsibilities.
This Vice Chair role is part of our wider trustee recruitment and we welcome applicants who bring any of the
following:

• Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
• Understanding of family support or volunteer management
• Strong networks and connections within local businesses
• Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
• A passion for making a difference in your community

Interested?
We would love to hear from you. more information and a candidate pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: This is an open and rolling recruitment
Interviews: Held as applications are received
 

Brent Foodbank are looking for someone with to join the board as its new Secretary of Trustees to lead on the administrative duties of the food bank and Board of Trustees.

Key tasks

Secretary of Trustees Responsibilities:

• To ensure that there is a record of all Trustee board correspondence
• To ensure that arrangements for Trustee meetings are communicated to the rest of the board, including when and where, inviting trustees to send agenda items and providing to the board with previous meeting minutes in good time prior to the meeting.
• To ensure decisions and policy creation/adaption are clearly recorded in formal minutes, with who will do what and when as agreed by the Trustee board.
• Ensure formal minutes are taken, produced and distributed to the rest of the trustees in good time, as well as ensuring previous meeting minutes are signed by the chair once approved by the trustee board.
• To check that actions have been taken following decisions at previous meetings.
• To ensure the trustee board meets its legal obligations, including reporting, meeting charity and company law, as well as insurance requirements.
• To ensure that the annual report (to go alongside annual accounts) is produced and sent to the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales).

Key responsibilities along with the board of trustees include:

• to approve, support, and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated
• to review and approve financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and sub-committee meetings and any Trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Brent Foodbank
• a passion for the foodbank’s vision and strategy
• the ability to write and record minutes clearly and to provide clear advice on procedural and relevant legislative matters
• experience of working or volunteering in a governance role or equivalent experience
• an ability and experience to contribute to matters in a supportive and confident manner
• the ability to listen and engage with people with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences
• an understanding of our local community and the services, agencies, faith communities and other groups within it

We welcome applications from new and experienced Trustees.

What difference will you make?

By leading on the administrative matters of the food bank board, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with Brent Foodbank.

Volunteer Board Member (California Only) – HELPING CHILDREN INC (Remote)

Organization: HELPING CHILDREN INC
Location: Remote (Must reside in California, USA)
Type: Volunteer Position – Board of Directors
Time Commitment: Approx. 4–6 hours/month
Start Date: Immediate

About HELPING CHILDREN INC:
HELPING CHILDREN INC is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering children globally through education, health, and rights-based initiatives. We are a California-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a growing presence in Sri Lanka, Ukraine, and other regions.

Volunteer Opportunity – Board Member (California Resident Only):
We are seeking a dedicated and reliable Volunteer Board Member who lives in California to join our U.S. Board of Directors and support the operational and legal representation of our organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as an authorized representative of HELPING CHILDREN INC in the State of California.

• Assist with opening and managing a U.S.-based bank account on behalf of the organization.

• Participate in virtual board meetings and strategic planning discussions.

• Sign official documents and complete state/federal filings as needed.

• Provide guidance on compliance and administrative matters relevant to California-based nonprofits.

• Support fundraising and public engagement efforts, when possible.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years or older and currently reside in California.

• Familiarity with nonprofit operations or willingness to learn.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Commitment to the mission and values of HELPING CHILDREN INC.

• Ability to represent the organization with professionalism and integrity.

Preferred (not required):

• Experience with nonprofit banking, governance, or legal compliance.

• Background in law, finance, or public administration.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of children globally.

• Gain nonprofit board leadership experience.

• Receive a letter of recommendation and volunteer certificate upon request.

• Flexible remote work with meaningful purpose.

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Brent Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

The role involves acting as a charity trustee to set the strategic direction for the foodbank.  Providing good governance, ensuring that the foodbank meets its objectives and fulfils its charitable purpose.  Ensuring the foodbank operates within its budget and in compliance with its charity, legal and operational goals.

Key tasks

Key Responsibilities along with the board of trustees include:

• to approve, support, and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated
• to review and approve financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and sub-committee meetings and any Trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Brent Foodbank
• a passion for the foodbank’s vision and strategy
• experience of working or volunteering in a governance role or equivalent experience
• an ability and experience to contribute to matters in a supportive and confident manner
• the ability to listen and engage with people with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences
• an understanding of our local community and the services, agencies, faith communities and other groups within it

We welcome applications from new and experienced Trustees.

What difference will you make?

By serving as a trustee at the foodbank you are part of providing a vital support function in our local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Brent Foodbank.

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a forward-thinking organization dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Through our People First approach, we aim to create workplaces where every individual feels respected and empowered. Join our remote team to play a vital role in ensuring seamless HR operations that uphold our values and compliance standards.

Role Overview

As a Talent Administrator, you will be the backbone of the Talent Advisory team, ensuring smooth HR processes, meticulous record-keeping, and compliance with legal and organisational standards. Your work will focus on exit procedures, HR documentation, administrative support, and data protection, enabling the team to operate efficiently while advancing QuilomboUK’s mission. This role is perfect for an organised, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a remote environment and believes in the power of equitable systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Exit Procedures & Offboarding

• Manage end-to-end exit processes for resignations, retirements, and contract conclusions, ensuring a respectful and consistent experience.
• Conduct exit interviews (virtually), document feedback, and share insights with the Talent Advisory team to identify trends and improve retention.
• Collaborate with Legal, IT, and managers to ensure the timely return of equipment and access revocation.

HR Records & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date HR records (digital and physical), including contracts, right-to-work documents, and visa expiry dates.
• Prepare audit-ready documentation for internal and external compliance reviews (e.g., GDPR, ISO standards).
• Track and renew right-to-work checks, visas, and other legal requirements, flagging expiries proactively.

Administrative Support

• Assist the Talent Advisory team with administrative tasks, including drafting ER case correspondence, updating HRIS data, and generating reports.
• Manage HR system updates (e.g., employee status changes, promotions) and ensure data integrity across platforms.
• Coordinate team calendars, meetings, and training sessions to optimise workflows in a remote setting.

Data Protection & Security

• Serve as the first point of contact for data protection queries, ensuring compliance with GDPR and company policies.
• Train employees and managers on the secure handling of sensitive HR information in a remote work environment.
• Monitor access permissions to HR systems and escalate potential breaches to the Manager: Talent Advisory.

Qualifications

• Experience: 1+ years in HR administration, data management, or a similar role. Exposure to remote work environments is a plus.
• Skills:
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g., BambooHR, Workday), Google Products, and virtual collaboration tools.
• Strong written communication skills for drafting policies, reports, and employee correspondence.
• Knowledge:
• Understanding of GDPR, UK right-to-work requirements, and fundamental employment law.
• Familiarity with D&I principles and their application to HR processes.
• Alignment: Passionate about QuilomboUK’s mission and commitment to equitable, transparent systems.

Personal Attributes

• A meticulous problem-solver who takes pride in accuracy and compliance.
• Discreet and trustworthy when handling confidential information.
• Proactive self-starter who thrives in a remote, fast-paced environment.
• Team-oriented with a “no task too small” mindset and a commitment to collective success.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Impact: Ensure the integrity of HR systems that directly support equity and social justice.
• Flexibility: Work remotely with a team that values work-life balance and inclusivity.
• Growth: Build expertise in HR compliance and data management within a mission-driven organisation.
• Culture: Join a collaborative, values-led team where your contributions are celebrated.

Role Description

We are seeking dedicated innovative thinkers, event superstar planners, and fundraising heroes to join our Events & Fundraising Team at Emerge Worldwide. Our goal is to develop impactful events that generate essential support to protect children and young people from sexual exploitation.

The role will:

• Design and deliver memorable events
• Engage local communities and sponsors
• Promote our mission broadly
• Raise life-changing transformative funds

Your expertise and ideas can help us make an impactful difference to lives.

Join us and contribute to the protection of vulnerable children, young people and women.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking volunteers with experience in Events - designing, researching, planning, delivery, and Community Engagement. We are also seeking volunteers who have fundraising experience including working around sponsorship. 

We are looking for volunteers who have:

● Experience in planning successful events and activities.

● Experience of fundraising in the charity sector is desirable but not essential.

● Reliable, organised with good timekeeping.

● Able to work independently and proactively as well as in a team.

● Clear and confident in communication.

● Excellent working knowledge and comprehension of written English.

What you will gain:

By volunteering with us, you’ll experience the profound impact of helping communities, be part of a movement changing lives across the UK, gain experience in advocacy, and work with a team passionate about protecting children, young people and women against exploitation and trafficking.

We are a welcoming team, dedicated to creating a positive and engaging volunteer experience where you’ll feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring your ideas to life.

Please note that we will request references, and a DBS check will be required due to the nature of our work.

About Remus Horse Sanctuary

We are a charity in Essex that provides lifelong care for rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, and other animals. We promote animal welfare and responsible ownership.

Why Join Us?

Becoming a trustee is a chance to make a real difference. You’ll help guide the charity’s future, support animal welfare, and work with a passionate team.

What Trustees Do

- Ensure the charity serves the public good
- Follow legal and governance rules
- Act in the charity’s best interests
- Help shape strategy and monitor progress
- Represent and promote the charity’s values

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome all backgrounds, especially those with experience in:
- Fundraising (strategy, donor engagement, grants)
- Legal (charity or animal welfare law)
- HR (people management, safeguarding, volunteer coordination)

What You Need

- Strategic leadership experience
- Strong communication skills
- (Bonus) Knowledge of the UK charity sector

Commitment

- 3-year term (renewable up to 6 years)
- 4 board meetings per year (in Essex or online)
- Voluntary role (expenses reimbursed)

Person Spec

Essential

• Experience of guiding and directing an organisation at a strategic level during periods of pressure change and development
• Confident and effective communication skills

Desirable

• An understanding of the UK Charity sector and fundraising processes within this context.

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office, renewal for three further terms to a maximum of six years.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available at colleges England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or remote)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed
Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

·Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.

JOB BRIEF

We are seeking a strategic and persuasive Campaigner to join our advocacy team at The IWI: International Women’s Initiative. In this critical position, you will leverage your extensive political acumen and strategic insight to influence legislation and policy on behalf of The IWI. The Campaigner will play a critical part in shaping public policy and advocacy initiatives that align with our mission and objectives. They will serve as a key liaison between our organisation and governmental entities, ensuring that our interests are effectively represented and advanced. Ideal candidates for this role possess a keen understanding of advocacy, the legislative process, excellent communication skills, and an unwavering commitment to the human rights of women. We encourage applicants who may not meet every requirement to apply. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a valuable addition to our team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

o Establish and maintain relationships with elected officials, policymakers, community leaders, coalitions, advocacy groups  and other stakeholders to promote The IWI's objectives;

o Monitor and report on legislative developments and emerging issues that may impact The IWI;

o Collaborate with internal teams to align lobbying efforts with broader organisational goals and messaging;

o Draft and advocate policy proposals, position papers, policy briefs, reports, and testimony to articulate our stance on key issues, while representing The IWI in public forums;

o Prepare reports and recommendations for senior staff;

o Draft and disseminate press releases, position papers, and other communication materials to promote The IWI advocacy initiatives;

o Utilise social media platforms to enhance public engagement and support for The IWI lobbying efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

o 5+ years of experience in change behaviour, lobbying, public policy and government relations, with a proven track record of successful advocacy and campaigns efforts.

o Deep understanding of the legislative process and the political landscape (in the USA, Europe specifically), particularly as it relates to CEDAW;

o Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively;

o Experience in developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including lawmakers, industry groups, and grassroots organisations;

o Strong network of contacts within the legislative and regulatory community; media and related NGOs.

o Able to work independently with minimal supervision;

o Ability to manage people and multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred:

o Advanced degree in public policy, political science, law, or a related field;

o Experience in women’s human rights relevant to The IWI's mission;

o Proven ability to navigate complex political environments and build consensus among diverse groups;

o Membership in relevant professional organisations or certifications in lobbying or advocacy is a plus.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND RELEVANT TECHNOLOGIES

o Proficiency in using advocacy management software and tools for tracking legislation and stakeholder engagement;

o Strong analytical skills to assess the impact of proposed legislation on organisational objectives;

o Familiarity with social media and digital advocacy platforms to enhance outreach efforts.

SOFT SKILLS AND CULTURAL FIT

o Advanced interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset, capable of working effectively with diverse teams;

o Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for advocacy;

o Integrity and professionalism, demonstrating a commitment to ethical lobbying practices;

o       A passion for public service and a deep understanding of the issues affecting women’s human rights globally.