Local development officer volunteer roles in barkingside, greater london

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lambeth Links in their search for their CEO.

Lambeth Links is a small charity with a big ambition: to be a central point of rallying, communication and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ Community who live, work and socialise in Lambeth – the largest borough in London. The organisation aims to strengthen the links between individuals and groups while also highlighting the many issues that continue to adversely affect the community.

Lambeth has a deep and rich history of LGBTQIA+ activism. From being home to founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) to hosting Europe’s first EuroPride in Brixton in 1992, the borough has long been the beating heart of the LGBTQIA+ Community. Lambeth Links exists to continue that legacy of championing collective voice and driving forward change.

As CEO, you will lead the operational and strategic running of the charity, make sure that the organisation runs well every day and that it has the people, systems and income to grow.

The ideal candidate will have :

• Significant experience of leading at senior level in a charity, social enterprise, public or community organisation. This might be as a Chief Officer, Director or Head of a significant function with clear accountability for people, budgets and organisational performance.
• Experience of working directly with or supporting a Board of Trustees or similar governing body, including preparing papers, giving honest advice and implementing decisions.
• Experience of organisational development or change, for example improving systems, structures, culture or ways of working in a small organisation.
• Understanding of the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people, including those who are Black or from other communities of colour, disabled people and people with insecure immigration status, and a commitment to intersectional practice.

​​​​How to Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 11.59pm on 21/12/2025:

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. 
• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role. Please explain how you meet the essential criteria and give one or two examples that show how you have already operated at, or very close to, Chief Officer level. For example, leading an organisation or major function, managing whole organisation budgets or income plans, or steering a Board or governing body through a key decision. 
• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

Community engagement charity Sobus is looking for talented, passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees.  We are looking for a new Trustee Treasurer to help guide the charity through a time of exciting opportunity and development.

It's an exciting time for Sobus, as we look to refresh our service offer, and maximise the investment opportunity following the disposal of a property in 2024.

Our overarching aim is to “strengthen local communities”, through the provision of infrastructure support to the local voluntary sector in the borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and supporting business communities around our North Kensington hub. 

Our work is focussed on five main areas:

• Voice & Representation
• Information & Intelligence
• Brokerage & Partnerships
• Capacity Building & Business Support
• Affordable Premises (through the provision of our business hubs in Fulham and North Kensington)

Trustee Treasurer: We are seeking a committed individual with a proven, professional track record of financial management and leadership at the highest level, and a sound understanding and experience of the voluntary sector.  We need someone with significant experience of leading long-term strategic development and driving financial sustainability.

You will share our vision and want to take a leading role in our journey to be recognised as an outstanding organisation. It would be a significant advantage if you have an understanding or experience of working in the voluntary and community sector, and even more so if you are a current or former resident of Hammersmith & Fulham or have a tangible, established and current connection with the area.

Sobus was formed in 2014 following a merger between the Community & Voluntary Sector Association and Fulham Community Partnership Trust. However, we were first established as the local CVS in Hammersmith & Fulham in 1998. 

Sobus is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity to ensure that we reflect the full breadth of the people that we support. We therefore warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Selection process:

Candidates are requested to complete an application and a equalities monitoring form., and if shortlisted, an interview with our outgoing Treasurer, Chair of the Board of Trustees and the CEO.  t

For an informal discussion about the position, of for the Job Description and application form, contact the Sobus CEO, Sue Spiller

�� Volunteer with Unify Giving CIC 

We’re building a movement of people who believe giving should be simple, human and direct. Our volunteers are at the heart of that.

We don’t care about age, background, or whether you’ve got a perfect CV.
We care about people who want to be part of a team, learn, and create real impact together.

All roles are 5–10 hours a month, minimum 3 months. You’ll be supported by the Volunteer Manager and the wider Unify Giving team.

Charity Liaison Officer

Be our local connector.

You’ll build bridges between Unify Giving and grassroots charities. This means meeting people, listening to what’s needed, and helping bring them into our network.

What you’ll do:

• Visit local charities and community groups.

• Call and email to introduce Unify Giving.

• Help new partners come on board.

If you’re friendly, curious and enjoy meeting people, this is for you.

✨ Who we welcome

• No age limit. We believe good ideas and energy can come from anyone.

• Perfect if you’re out of work and want to build skills and confidence.

• A great chance to be part of a supportive team working on something meaningful.

�� If one of these roles feels like you, or like someone you know — we’d love to chat.

About Children With Voices

Children With Voices (CWV) is a grassroots charity supporting children, young people, and families through alternative education, life-skills programmes, wellbeing activities, and community food hubs.
Our mission is to empower children with confidence, resilience, and the tools they need to thrive. We work closely with local schools, families, and partners to create safe, supportive learning environments where every child is valued and heard.

Role: Community Outreach Officer

Location: London community sites
Hours: 6–10 hours per week
Contract: Volunteer or PT
Reports to: Head of Community & Food Hubs

Role Overview

You will help build strong relationships with families, schools, and partners, supporting local engagement and connecting people to our programmes and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with families and promote CWV services

• Build relationships with community partners

• Support community events and outreach days

• Gather feedback from families and stakeholders

• Help run community sessions and food hub activities

Person Specification

Essential:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Friendly, confident, and community-focused

• Reliable and self-motivated

Desirable:

• Experience in outreach, community work or family support

Benefits

• Community engagement training

• Valuable experience in the charity sector

• Flexible working and positive team culture

• Opportunity to shape local impact

The Social Supermarket Initiative (SSI) is a community-led social enterprise tackling food insecurity and promoting sustainable community growth through our affordable supermarket model, outreach programmes, and ethical partnerships. We are seeking a Volunteer Fundraising Officer to support SSI’s financial sustainability and growth. This role will focus on securing funding through grant writing, donor engagement, and community fundraising initiatives, ensuring SSI can continue delivering its mission and expanding its social impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, research, and pursue grant opportunities, donor funding, and community fundraising streams.

• Develop high-quality, persuasive, and compliant funding proposals and applications.

• Maintain SSI’s funding tracker, calendar, and reporting systems.

• Build and maintain relationships with funders, local partners, and community stakeholders.

• Support outcome and impact reporting to funders and the board.

• Contribute to SSI’s fundraising strategy and advise on opportunities for growth.

Core Duties

• Ensure fundraising and grant activities align with SSI’s mission and compliance standards.

• Exercise professionalism, diligence, and integrity in all fundraising matters.

• Safeguard financial accuracy and transparency in proposals and reports.

• Collaborate with internal teams to gather data, stories, and supporting evidence for applications.

• Create compelling marketing materials to promote fundraising initiatives across various channels.

• Join working groups or project committees related to fundraising and development.

Expectations of the Role

• Attend and contribute to team meetings and planning sessions.

• Stay informed about trends in funding, social enterprise, and community development.

• Participate in project groups or campaigns where relevant to fundraising objectives.

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold SSI’s ethical standards, including diversity and inclusion.

About You

Essential

• Commitment to SSI’s mission and community impact.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and organisational skills.

• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or donor management.

• Solutions-driven mindset, with attention to detail and accuracy in proposals and budgets.
   

Desirable

• Knowledge of social enterprise, food systems, sustainability, or community engagement.

• Understanding of finance, governance, or nonprofit operations.

• Lived experience of food insecurity or involvement in community-led initiatives.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven social enterprise with measurable community impact.

• Hands-on experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor management.

• Networking opportunities through community events and partnerships.

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and meeting expenses.

• Training and professional development to support growth and impact on SSI’s mission.

How to Apply

Please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a short statement (max 300 words) outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience.

Volunteer Role: Trusts and Foundations

We were set up to transform the former Edward Hain hospital, in St Ives, Cornwall, into a community centre for health and wellbeing. The hospital was founded in 1920, with funds from the Cornish Hain Steamship Company. When it closed n 2021, our community, led by the hospital’s League of Friends, came together to save the building for the town. Now it brings together much needed health and wellbeing services, along with social, community and welfare support, all under one roof.

About the role

We are looking for volunteers to help us raise funds from Trusts and Foundations. Grants, such the one we secured from National Lottery, already help keep us open all year. Although previous experience in grant writing would be welcomed, it is absolutely not required. More important are your enthusiasm and desire to help local people. ideally, you will be able to volunteer at least one or two days a month on a regular basis and preferably have access to a computer.

What’s involved?

· Drafting and submitting funding applications with help and support from our team.

· Working with other volunteers and staff to identify new funding opportunities.

· Researching grant-making bodies, trusts, and foundations that can fund the Centre.

The role will suit you if you

· Are comfortable with a computer.

· Have good written communication skills.

· Want to help local residents thrive.

· Can pay attention to detail and follow funder guidelines.

We will support you with

· An induction to volunteering for Edward Hain

· Training and briefings on how trusts and foundations fundraising.

· Coaching on how to draft and submit applications, supported with tools and templates.

• Occasional meetings at the Centre with other volunteers and staff.

We are looking for up to five regular volunteers. There is also an opportunity for significant coaching and development for those interested in pursuing jobs in this field in the longer term and wanting to use this role to develop the necessary skills. For more information contact:

Claire Jefferies Community Hub Officer

CB Plus – Recruiting New Trustees

CB Plus is a leading community charity working across London. As we enter a new strategic phase, we are looking for new Trustees to join our Board.

We want to strengthen our skills, broaden our perspectives, and better reflect the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from minority and under-represented communities, and from people with strong community insight.

We are especially seeking experience in:

• Finance / accounting
• HR / people management
• Public sector commissioning / local government
• Business development / income generation

We also welcome skills in:
Health and care, youth services, safeguarding, community cohesion, EDI, digital, data, communications, legal and governance.

No previous Board experience is required — we value good judgement, commitment, and a passion for strengthening communities.

What the role involves:

• Quarterly Board and Committee Meetings + occasional strategy sessions
• Providing oversight, support and healthy challenge to the leadership team
• Helping shape CB Plus’s future direction and impact

This is a voluntary position; reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Join us in shaping a stronger, more connected London.

We are seeking four new Trustees to join our engaged and dedicated Board.
Organisation: Age UK Kensington & Chelsea (AUKC)
Location: Hybrid; meetings in North Kensington
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Closing date: Monday 5th January 2026

Age UK Kensington & Chelsea is a £2.89m, community-rooted charity helping older people be heard, stay independent, and thrive. Our 80-strong team delivers advice, activities and practical support that tackle loneliness, improve wellbeing and make daily life easier—from social clubs to social prescribing and specialist dementia support.

We’re a proud NHS partner: My Care, My Way now has 28 Health & Social Prescribing Coordinators supporting 7,000+ patients, reducing hospital admissions and boosting independence. Every GP practice in K&C is on board, and we’ve just secured a new three-year contract worth 4.1 million. We’re investing in fundraising for long-term sustainability and exploring innovative ways to help older people thrive.

This is an exciting time to join our Board as we shape our next three-year strategy. We want a Board that reflects our borough’s diversity and we welcome local residents, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people and people from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Following a skills audit, we’re especially keen on hearing from people with skills in finance, fundraising, marketing/communications, and business development & service delivery. Above all, we’re looking for strategic, values-led champions who will support and challenge our leadership—and share our commitment to older people in Kensington & Chelsea.

Volunteer Opportunity: Area Officer - LONDON (Uniformed Role)

Organisation: Ranger Cadets

Location: Hybrid LONDON / Flexible

Commitment: Volunteer in Uniform Leadership Role

About Us

Ranger Cadets is a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine, to belong, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Role

We are seeking dedicated Area Officers to serve in a uniformed volunteer position, providing leadership and oversight across designated areas of London. This is a pivotal role for someone who can combine ceremonial presence with operational management, ensuring that Ranger Cadets units thrive and uphold our values.

As an Area Officer, you will:

• Wear the Ranger Cadets uniform with pride, embodying our values of dignity, inclusivity, and service.

• Provide leadership and oversight for Ranger Cadets, cadet units within your area.

• Support Divisional Officers (Unit Leaders) and volunteers to deliver high-quality programmes.

• Ensure safeguarding, compliance, and organisational standards are upheld.

• Build partnerships with schools, community organisations, and local stakeholders.

• Report to the national leadership team, contributing to the growth of Ranger Cadets across the UK.

Who We’re Looking For

• Experienced managers or coordinators with a background in youth work, education, or community development or within operational management or service delivery.

• Strong organisational and people-management skills.

• Ability to inspire, support, and guide local volunteers.

• Passion for youth empowerment, social mobility, and community impact.

• Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.

What You’ll Gain

• The honour of serving in a uniformed role that represents dignity, pride, and community impact.

• The chance to shape and grow Ranger Cadets in your region.

• The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for young people in your community.

How to Apply

If you are ready to serve in uniform, lead at a regional level, and help unlock the potential of young people, we would love to hear from you.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

Beacon Multi Academy Trust (BMAT) is a medium sized MAT with over 3500 students and a staff body of 460. We believe that every young person deserves the best education possible. Working together, our mission is to raise standards in education to ensure that each and every student reaches their full potential. 

As a Governor you will:

· Champion inclusion, safeguarding and wellbeing

· Support staff and leaders to deliver the best outcomes for our pupils

· Bring your experience, perspective and commitment to our vibrant school communities

Our schools are at the heart of the communities they serve and partnering high expectations with high quality teaching, inclusive practice and continuous improvements, we can achieve our goals.

The Beacon LGB comprises of members that represent Beal High School and BBIH while the TFA LGB comprises of members that represent The Forest Academy.

Our Local Governing Bodies play an important part in our community links, and we are keen to add members who have links to, and a passion for, the local area. 

• Beal is a mixed, community comprehensive school for students aged 11 – 18 and the largest secondary school in England, with over 2,700 students on roll including 900 in the Sixth Form and an ASD additionally resourced provision.
• BBIH is an alternative, high quality provision for 12 -19-year-olds located on the Beacon campus. The curriculum offers academic and vocational pathways in a range of subjects to maximise engagement, success and progression for all.
• The Forest Academy (TFA) is a medium-sized 11-16 secondary school, with a BHS co-located 6th form.  We have an ASD additionally resourced provision, including 6th form provision.
• NELTA SCITT offers outstanding teacher training including QTS, PGCE and Teacher Degree Apprenticeships.   Completion and employment rates are consistently above the national average and trainees meet the Teachers’ Standards at a high level, readily securing employment to embark on rewarding and fulfilling careers. Many NELTA trainees, even as Early Career Teachers (ECTs), go on to achieve early promotion.

The respective governing bodies meet three times per year, and governors are invited attend other school events and visits when they are available.

An induction programme is provided which will include governor induction and role specific training, school visits. peer support as well as access to governance news and information via the National Governance Association. Continued professional development and ongoing support is also provided to ensure that roles and responsibilities are discharged effectively. 

If you would like to play a vital role in helping our pupils thrive, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The Media & Communications Director will play a pivotal role in developing communication strategies to enhance awareness and recognition of mountain rescue and the teams within the UK, and supporting internal communication to enable effective dissemination of information and news for Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW), supporting 47 active mountain rescue teams across the region. This voluntary position is responsible for devising and implementing a robust plan, working alongside a range of partners and colleagues.

Reporting to the CEO, the person will need to contribute to the MREW’s overall future strategy. There will be a need to understand the MR structure and to have the ability to work as part of the MREW Senior Management Team, and alongside trustees, liaison team, regional structure and local teams. 

Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) is a voluntary organisation that provides mountain rescue services 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers support to communities during other crises. It consists of 47 independent volunteer search and rescue teams that operate across eight geographical areas. The organisation serves as the national body to represent the whole organisation, acting as an advisory body, linking with partner organisations and helping to standardise training and share information.

Objectives

 The overarching activities for this role are:

• Development of external communication to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts and ‘new explorers’ taking an interest in the great outdoors. 
•  Leadership of a small team plus the wider Media and Communications Network (MCN) of MR volunteers to develop and deliver a Media and Communications Strategy and programme of activity
  • Publications and online communications (all social media)
  • Website development
  • Development of key messages, inc. support to MREW spokespeople (messages, materials and training) to enable effective stakeholder communications.
•  Leading and planning for effective reactive communications in challenging situations, including issues management, messaging and spokesperson briefing.
• Liaison with external partners (PR, Magazine Editor, Public Affairs), relevant media and stakeholders, including a process for responding to incoming enquiries and interview requests and a process for planning proactive media activities.
•  Development of key messages inc. safety messaging
• The development of effective Internal communications to support knowledge of MREW and to enable consistency of message from the family of Teams.
• Represent MREW at relevant external meetings.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to foster trust and accurately represent MREW’s mission and goals.
•  Ability to work alongside colleagues and manage competing priorities.
• Creativity, imagination and intuition.
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken.
• Good organisational and project management skills.
• An ability to develop, negotiate and work within a financial budget.
• A strategic approach to the reputational management of mountain rescue in England and Wales (at all levels).
• Knowledge and understanding of the various forms of media, including broadcast and print, digital and social, so as to be able to meet their differing needs and ensure that there is a clear process for the handling of approaches or enquiries to MREW from outside media organisations, agencies or individuals.

Personal Attributes

• The ability to lead and motivate a team that combines volunteer and professional roles and that covers a range of disciplines, skills and platforms.
• Capable of working under pressure, within constraints and meeting deadlines.
• The ability to build and maintain relationships, internally and externally, based on integrity and trust.
• The ability to delegate to others, engaging and involving appropriate support from the wider network.
• Strong personal creativity, imagination and intuition in dealing with challenges, opportunities and people.
• A proactive attitude, with the drive and enthusiasm to initiate and carry out projects to conclusion, involving others, on time and on budget.
• Resilience, particularly when faced with challenges, uncertainty and setbacks.

Management responsibilities:

• To contribute to the management of MREW through regular business meetings, ensuring that the media and communications aspects of activity are considered in planning and decision-making.
• To ensure all network members are treated fairly, in line with MREW policies and also its mission and values.
• To develop an approach to the sustainability of the Media and Communications function, including succession planning for key roles and the strengthening of the dispersed network.

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. You will need to demonstrate commitment to the mission and cause of the charity. 

Qualifications

• Essential to this role is an awareness of the internal character of MR and the external environment in which it operates, and an ability to identify and anticipate communications priorities.
• Practical experience in a media or communications management role is also desirable, for instance, such as journalism, PR, marketing, or online media.
• An ability to plan proactive media and communications activities and to develop ways of measuring their effectiveness.
• Experience of issues and crisis management, enabling anticipation and support to management and others on the development of plans, messages and position statements.

Additional notes

• To work with the CEO to plan for future activity and to ensure that a planned communications approach is developed.
• To ensure all committee members are treated fairly through MREW Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To work with other national teams to release internal communications, press statements and support campaigns as required.
• This is a voluntary role within MREW, elected annually; it is expected that the applicant will serve a term of 5 years, with a possible extension of a further 5 years if desired.
• Travel during the working day may be required, with occasional absence from home overnight, as meetings with partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders may cover a large geographical area. Out-of-pocket expenses can be reclaimed in line with the MREW Expenses Policy.

ChatGPT said:

Who They Are
Kensington and Chelsea Social Council (KCSC) serves as the Council for Voluntary Services for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Its vision is to see powerful, engaged communities driving meaningful change, and its mission is to strengthen and champion both local communities and the voluntary and community sector.

KCSC is a membership organisation, registered as a charity and a limited company. It represents around 600 voluntary and community organisations and provides a wide range of services designed to support, connect, and advocate for its members.

The Role
KCSC is seeking individuals with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Senior leadership (CEO, Director and/or Chair)

• Financial management or accountancy

• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Community development

• Cultural change or change management

• Economic development

• Environmental or sustainability matters

• Charity law

• Human Resources

Expressions of interest are welcomed from those who can contribute to KCSC’s strategic direction and help strengthen the local voluntary and community sector.

Overview 

The Social Supermarket Initiative (SSI) is a community-led social enterprise addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable community growth through our affordable supermarket model, outreach programmes, and sustainable partnerships.

We are seeking a Marketing & Communications Officer who is creative, strategic, and collaborative to lead SSI’s storytelling, public engagement, and community-focused communication initiatives. This role combines content creation, campaign management, brand stewardship, and stakeholder engagement to support SSI’s mission and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Content creation and management: Write, edit, and publish clear, engaging, and inclusive content for SSI’s website, newsletters, blogs, press releases, and wider communications.

• Campaign development and execution: Plan and implement marketing and communications campaigns across digital and traditional channels to raise awareness, support membership growth, and increase engagement.

• Website management: Update and maintain SSI’s website content, ensuring it is accurate, accessible, up-to-date, and user-friendly.

• Brand management: Ensure SSI’s brand guidelines, tone of voice, and visual identity are consistently applied across all communications and materials.

• Stakeholder engagement: Develop and maintain effective communication with members, volunteers, staff, partners, funders, and community networks.

• Develop and deliver marketing campaigns that promote SSI’s services, membership model, and community programmes.

• Manage SSI’s online presence, including its website, newsletters, and (where appropriate) social media platforms, in coordination with the Social Media Manager and Graphic & Content Coordinator.

• Support outreach and events with branded materials, graphics, and promotional content.

• Track campaign performance, analytics, and community engagement metrics, providing insight to inform future activity.

• Manage relationships with local media outlets, community partners, and networks.

• Uphold brand consistency across all digital, print, and in-person communications.

• Collaborate with Outreach, Membership, and Community Engagement Teams to align communications with SSI’s wider social impact goals.

About You

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences and channels.

• Confident using digital tools such as email marketing platforms, basic website/content management systems, and analytics tools to support campaigns and track engagement.

• Ability to develop and implement marketing and communications strategies that align with organisational goals and community needs.

• Comfortable tracking, analysing, and reporting on campaign and communications performance, using data-driven insights to improve future work.

• Able to work effectively with different teams and stakeholders, integrating marketing and communications activity across the organisation.

Profile

• A creative and strategic thinker with strong writing and communication skills.

• Experience in marketing and/or communications. 

• Organised, proactive, and adaptable to a fast-paced, community-focused environment.

• Passionate about SSI’s mission to promote dignity, affordability, and inclusion.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven social enterprise with clear, measurable community impact.

• Hands-on experience across marketing, communications, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement.

• Collaboration with a committed, values-driven team working across operations, outreach, and community engagement.

• Training and development opportunities to support your professional growth.

• Potential for extended collaboration, references, or future opportunities within SSI, subject to organisational need.

How to Apply

Please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a short statement (max 300 words) outlining your interest in the role. 

We’re looking for three new members to join the Board of Directors at Hackney School of Food. This is a chance to help shape a dynamic, community-driven organisation that’s improving health and building skills through food education.

Who we are
Hackney School of Food is a food education hub in Clapton, founded in partnership with the LEAP Federation of Schools and the charity Chefs in Schools.

We believe learning to cook and grow food is a vital life skill, and sharing this knowledge builds healthier, more resilient communities. We’re on a mission to provide children, families, and our local community with the tools to improve their diets and well-being. By building knowledge and confidence in growing and cooking nutritious food, from seed to spoon. Our programmes include curriculum-linked lessons, after-school and holiday clubs, family cooking and growing projects, and adult workshops.

We transformed a former caretaker’s house on the site of Mandeville Primary School into an award-winning teaching kitchen and turned tarmac into a flourishing garden. A once-disused classroom is now our Garden Room, where we host educational workshops and dining events for our community.

In 2023, we became a Community Interest Company (CIC) – a not-for-profit social enterprise – meaning our work is driven by the needs and interests of our community. Since opening, we’ve welcomed thousands of people through our doors, working with schools, community organisations, and local residents.

To see more about what we do visit our website.

New board members 

We want to recruit Directors with a diversity of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested in applications from people with one or more of the following skills/experiences:

• Fundraising and income generation expertise

• Business development or growth strategy experience

• Knowledge/experience in social enterprises or start-ups

• Strong network connections, particularly in Hackney / East London

To make an effective board member, it’s also important you are:

• A good communicator with sound judgement

• Open-minded, collaborative and willing to listen

• Confident engaging with different people and perspectives

• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility

You don’t need to tick every box. If you’re committed to Hackney School of Food’s mission and the communities we work with, we’d love to hear from you. Previous board experience is welcome but not essential. We are keen to support first-time board members.

Our commitment to creating a diverse board 

We encourage anyone interested to apply.  But we also want to make extra sure our board represents and reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applicants of any gender but do encourage men to apply, to improve gender balance on our board. We welcome applications from black and global majority people and people living locally in Hackney. If you feel comfortable sharing this, we would really like to know if you have any lived experience of food insecurity or health inequalities in your application. 

What Does Being a Board Member Mean?
Our Board of Directors provides oversight, strategic direction, and support to  the team at Hackney School of Food. Board members:

• Provide leadership, helping to set strategic goals and priorities

• Support fundraising and networking efforts

• Act as ambassadors for the CIC

• Oversee compliance and legal and regulatory obligations

• Ensure we are financially sustainable and stay true to our CIC objectives

• Offer advice and support to the managing director and the wider team.

• Bring expertise, ideas, and lived experience to guide our development
   

Time Commitment
On average, the role will take 1–2 days a month, including:

•  quarterly board meetings

• occasional working group or fundraising meetings

• offering advice or support and reading papers in between meetings

Benefits
Being a board member is a valuable way to broaden your professional experience, including management and leadership skills. As a board member, you’ll:

• Play a meaningful role in improving access to food education.

• Gain experience in governance, leadership, and strategy

• Work alongside passionate, committed people who care about making a difference

This is a voluntary (unpaid) role. We will reimburse reasonable travel and subsistence expenses so that income is not a barrier to participation.

The Practical Bits

To apply, please send your CV and a short covering letter (maximum one A4 page) to us directly by Sunday 11 January 2026. You'll find our email on our website.

In your covering letter, please tell us:

• Why you’re interested in joining the board

• What skills, experience, or lived experience you would bring

• How you connect with Hackney School of Food’s mission

What happens next

• Applications will be reviewed by our Managing Director and current board members.

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal interview in late-January.

• You’ll then have the chance to meet current board members to ensure the role is the right fit for both sides.

All Directors will need to complete an enhanced DBS check before starting.