Legal volunteer volunteer roles in manchester

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack. 

Voluntary role, c. 0.5 day per week
Meetings held in Macclesfield

The Silk Heritage Trust celebrates and shares the extraordinary story of Macclesfield; a story of creativity, industry, and enterprise. After a period of focused work, we are in healthy and optimistic position, with a clear strategic plan and the resources we need to achieve an ambitious step-change in the coming years. Support from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund mean that we’re able to look forward to a transformed future at the heart not only of the North West’s industrial heritage, but also the wider international patrimony of textile design and manufacture.

With a new lease in place on Paradise Mill, and a significant opportunity to restore and commercialise the looms and pattern books we hold, we are preparing to make a once-in-a-generation investment in the future. Our goal is to create a unique, integrated visitor experience, with the breathtakingly atmospheric Paradise Mill complementing the wider story of Macclesfield’s heritage and people, as told in the neighbouring Silk Museum. The Old Sunday School building, one of our town’s landmark buildings, will be sensitively transformed so that it will continue to be a popular and much-loved community hub.

We are looking for an energetic individual who can act as a figurehead for the Trust, help strengthen and develop our networks, develop our landmark buildings and gain support for our vision. Our new Chair will bring skills and experience as a strategic leader, community and sustainability champion and entrepreneur.  If you share our passion for the regenerative power of heritage and culture, and can help drive our vision, then we look forward to hearing from you.

Expressions of interest should be received by 19 July 2025.
Interviews are expected to be held in Macclesfield between 21 - 28 July 2025.

Endometriosis UK is the largest UK charity for those with endometriosis. Endometriosis UK works to:

• Provide support to those with endometriosis and their families and friends
• Provide clear, objective information about the condition and its treatments
• Raise awareness amongst health professionals and the general public about the condition
• Support research into endometriosis.

This is an unpaid role. Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be paid.

Time commitment:

• five Trustee Board meetings a year, including preparation for meetings, reading papers etc; and attendance at an annual strategy day and AGM (held on the same days as Board meetings). Three meetings are held in person on London on a Saturday, with two meetings being virtual evening meetings.
• Trustees have the opportunity to take part in Board sub-groups and project groups to develop aspects of the organisations’ work. Current sub-groups include the Finance Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Group.

Trustees are also invited to attend Endometriosis UK events.

We are currently recruiting for ONE NEW TRUSTEE to join the board. We are particularly looking for significant experience of charity governance, management and best practice. Examples of how this might have been gained include having worked at a senior level in a charity, or previous trustee experience.

If you are keen to join the Endometriosis UK Board and don’t have this experience, there will be further opportunities over the next year as we will be recruiting for more trustees as Board members reach their maximum length of service. Keep an eye on our social media for more information.

Personal experience of living with, or having a close family member with, endometriosis, is vital on our Board. Whilst we look favourably on applications from those in the endometriosis community, we already have Trustees with first hand lived experience and new trustees do not need to have endometriosis.

We also particularly welcome applications from trustees from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to diversity.