Media volunteer roles in ashford, surrey

Branch Trustee (General Role) RSPCA Chiltern Branch

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. With your support and expertise, we will achieve so much!

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long terms aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About our Branch

The RSPCA Chiltern Branch focuses on rescuing and fostering animals, primarily cats, and offering financial support to pet owners needing help with vet bills. Our dedicated team includes 6 volunteer trustees, 1 animal coordinator, and a full-time shop manager, and we run a successful charity shop in Buckingham.

We are seeking to recruit new trustees, including a Treasurer, Secretary, General Trustee, and Animal Fosterer. We welcome proactive individuals aged 18 to 99 from all social and cultural backgrounds who have common sense, a love for animals, and a willingness to contribute.

Most of our work is done remotely via calls and Google Meetings (monthly or bi-monthly), so you do not need to live in Buckinghamshire or Hertfordshire. However, if you are local, you may enjoy assisting with shop donations or meeting for a coffee. Our branch is a unique, friendly, and supportive environment, offering opportunities for self-learning through the RSPCA website and a variety of unusual and rewarding tasks.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

•  Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
•  Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
•  Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Support Specialist write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
•  Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
•  Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

•  We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:
•  Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
•  Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
•   Local community and supporter relationships;
•  Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or
•   Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.
• Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

•  We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything  you need to carry out the role.
•  Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional  training provided by the relevant branch.
•  The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
•  The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the  lives of animals.
•  A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

We would be delighted to receive a short video introduction explaining why you would like to become a Trustee and what you feel you could offer RSPCA Chiltern – though this is entirely optional. Our voluntary roles involve an informal interview and a trial period. We will kindly request contact details for two referees, and depending on the position, you may be asked to sign an agreement and complete specific training before commencing your role.

If you are passionate about improving animal welfare, we would love to hear from you.

ShowerBox is a registered charity that has been providing free and secure showers as well as toiletries and supplies, warm drinks, snacks and haircuts to individuals facing homelessness since 2018. Our mission is to enhance our guests’ sense of physical well-being and dignity, help combat social isolation, and provide access to other essential resources such as health clinics and mobile libraries. By empowering individuals, we hope to help them make long term improvement in their lives.

Learning of individuals having passed away from preventable illnesses on the streets due to an inability to get clean and the social stigma associated with poor personal hygiene, Sarah Lamptey (our CEO) started offering weekly showers in St. Giles churchyard in Soho, London, from 2019. ShowerBox became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2021 and since then has been expanding nationally. Now, we operate in multiple sites – Central London, Birmingham, and Barking – either independently or in partnership. Central London remains our biggest site, followed by Birmingham and Barking, and we are in initial discussion with others. We receive our funds through philanthropy – currently supported by National Lottery Community Fund, Vitol Foundation, HS2, amongst others. 

As we look to expand to new sites, we are seeking two passionate new trustees to help us grow and thrive. As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, expanding our network, and ensuring our charity is impactful. It will be a volunteer role.

What are we looking for?

• Interest in making a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness/housing security

• Experience serving as a Trustee or Board member (in either for-profit or non-profit organisation)

• An understanding of legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

• Ability to devote time and effort to support a small and growing charity

• Prepared to attend four board meetings per year (mostly online) plus one or two ad hoc committees and/or events in line with their expertise, specific interest, or as needed

We are keen to hear from individuals with the skills and experience to help direct our organisational development within: 

• Operations, HR & Compliance

• Fundraising & Communications

We are particularly interested to hear from professionals with expertise in the following areas:

• UK charity law and compliance

• Risk management & GDPR

• Safeguarding, staff and volunteer wellbeing

• Fundraising and communications strategy (charity / social enterprises)

• Philanthropy or Corporate Partnerships 

• Individuals with a track record in income diversification, particularly from trusts/foundations, major donors, or Corporate Social Responsibility.

• Experience working in the Homelessness or public health sector, especially in the UK 

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in working with ShowerBox. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

HLP is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), supporting a fairer society through our work.

We want our board to reflect the diversity of our helpline communities and sector and to expose bias, provide richer discussions with well-rounded perspectives that will help trustees in their decision-making, which in turn will increase the charity’s legitimacy and impact.

Helplines Partnership is keen to support the above initiatives in increasing the diversity of its board and therefore we are particularly interested in receiving trustee applications from all communities.

We would particularly like to hear from people who:

• Are looking to be part of the leadership of an established and highly respected charity
• Have, or are seeking to develop, experience in a non-executive role
• Are willing and able to devote the necessary time (see time commitment below)
• Care about mental wellbeing and helplines and feel motivated by our vision, mission and values

Time Commitment:

The successful candidate will be required to attend three two-hour teleconference Board meetings per year and one face to face meeting (historically held in London).  Also the Annual Conference which you will be required to attend in person during November. 

This is an unpaid voluntary position; however, reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

What are we looking for?

•  Some experiences of the charity / helpline sector are desirable but not essential.
• As an organisation, we work remotely, using IT solutions such as Teams, Zoom and SharePoint so location is not so relevant. Being comfortable with the use of these technologies would be helpful.

What difference will you make?

 As a small charity, your contribution will be significant and effective. As part of HLP’s Board, you will be helping directly to ensure the effectiveness of the organisation.

Quotes from Trustees who are coming to the end of their tenure:

“Being a trustee at HLP has been a great experience – challenging and positive in equal measure. From a personal point of view, it helped me develop strategic leadership skills and gave me a chance to contribute to areas such as policy development and financial management. Working with and listening to my fellow Trustees was also a great development and networking opportunity. It was also a way of helping HLP grow its impact and do even more for its members and helplines around the country.”

 Becoming a helplines trustee has brought me far more than I imagined. I have gained new friends, learnt new skills and experienced excellent networking across many new areas, I can highly recommend it.

 It has been a privilege to serve as a Trustee with HLP over the last three years and more recently as Co-Chair along with Elizabeth Rimmer. Looking through a professional lens it has been invaluable learning and development for me and allowed us to develop deeper links across the nations in relation to knowledge sharing and networking for our helpline memberships. 

 On a personal level I have very much enjoyed working with the HLP board and staff team who are all genuinely passionate about what they do and the helplines and people they represent. 

Please read the attached Trustee Information Pack for more detail

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in the governance and strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that we operate effectively, achieve our mission, and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are collectively responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets, ensuring they are used exclusively to further our objectives, and overseeing the charity’s financial health, including budgets, financial controls, and reporting. Acting with integrity and in the charity’s best interests is at the heart of the role.

To strengthen our board and support the growth of our charity, we have identified three key areas where additional expertise is needed:

• Marketing
• Legal
• Fundraising

Each of these areas play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission, enhance our impact, and ensure the charity’s sustainability for years to come. In the attached Recruitment Pack, we have outlined individual role profiles for each of these specialisms.

We welcome candidates from diverse professional backgrounds who share our commitment to supporting those affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder. If your current or previous skills or experience align with any of these profiles, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving meaningful change.

​We hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each term, so apply ASAP to be in time to join our next induction.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment.  We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.

Your duties will include:

• Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
• Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
• Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
• Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
• Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
• Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
• Supervising the children during break times;
• Supporting the children during class trips;
• Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
• Providing feedback and comments to the Rainbow Club Headteacher when required.

MHFA England are seeking a Non-Executive Director with expertise in workplace mental health and wellbeing to assist in agreeing and supporting MHFA England’s strategy, ensuring the delivery of MHFA’s overall purpose and mission as a social enterprise.

The Non-Executive Director will ensure the human and financial resources are available to achieve MHFA England’s objectives by providing expertise and guidance.

There may also be an opportunity for the postholder to sit as part of one of our other governance committees.

Principle duties

1. Promoting the highest standards of corporate governance in compliance with regulatory, constitutional, legal, financial, and other obligations
2. Overseeing the delivery of MHFA England’s strategy and performance
3. Protecting the long-term sustainability of MHFA England
4. Safeguarding the reputation of MHFA England
5. Providing expert insight, understanding, and experience relating to workplace mental health and wellbeing 
6. Leading a Board sub-committee, where required
7. Representing MHFA England at collaboration and network events, and contributing to the development of organisational relationships

Person specification

• Experience and knowledge of implementing mental health and wellbeing strategies, policies, training, and support in medium to large organisations, and measuring their impact
• An awareness of economic and political changes that may impact MHFA England
• Sound judgement around corporate governance, financial strategy risk and opportunity
• A commitment to social enterprise and MHFA England’s values and culture
• Highly developed communication, interpersonal, and teamworking skills
• Partnership-minded, political astute and diplomatic, but able to challenge
• Curious and embraces innovation
• A strong personal commitment to workplace equity

Application details

Please submit

• A comprehensive CV including details of your achievements in each role
• A supporting statement. This should clearly set out how you meet each of the criteria set out in the person specification. You should provide evidence in your statement; and not simply a broad claim to have done it - give us examples and dimensions; tell us what this achieved and how it helped meet your organisations' goals
• Please ensure that you indicate in your application any dates when you will not be available, or where we might have difficulty in contacting you
• Please let us know of any accessibility accommodations you may require

Key dates

Closing date for applications is midnight Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a formal interview with the Executive team on Thursday 5 June or Tuesday 10 June held at our London office. There is the possibility of a second formal interview with the Chair between Thursday 12 June and Wednesday 18 June which may be online or in-person.

We anticipate the successful candidate joining MHFA England by Thursday 19 June and attending the following:

– Board meeting on Thursday 19 June 2025 (in-person, London)

– Summer party on Tuesday 8 July 2025 (in-person, London) (optional attendance)

– Board meeting on Monday 29 September 2025 (online)

By applying for this job, you are confirming that you have read the MHFA England Privacy Notice and accept the conditions under which your details will be processed.

Refettorio Felix is a community kitchen with an open-door policy in the Earl's Court area. We provide a safe haven and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those facing homelessness and financial crises.

Using surplus food ingredients, our kitchen freshly prepares a three-course lunch for up to 140 people per weekday. We are looking for friendly and dedicated volunteers to support us in our mission to provide fresh and nutritious meals to our guests.

Your support will have a meaningful impact on the quality of lives of the most vulnerable members of the community. From trained and experienced Chefs to keen home cooks, we would love to hear from you!

Befriending Volunteer

You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wamdsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents.

Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, in the evening on the way home from work or even on the weekends . If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship. 

Befriending Plus

Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme, for individulas needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there.

Shape the future of student advocacy and social change by joining the NUS UK Board as a Lay Director.

We’re looking for an independent director to help steer our strategy, governance, and accountability. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with experience in campaigning, communications, legal affairs, or non-profit leadership who’s passionate about supporting one of the UK’s most impactful student-led organisations.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to attract the broadest possible range of talent. Whether or not you’ve previously held a board or committee role, if you bring relevant expertise, lived experience, or a fresh perspective, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in:

• Financial oversight, audit, or risk management

• Human resources, recruitment, or EDI expertise

• Legal, strategic, or governance experience

• Communications, campaigning, or public affairs knowledge

• Experience in the charity, education, or membership sectors

• A collaborative and values-driven mindset

We are committed to equality of opportunity and especially welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented as Directors of NUS UK and within the sector more broadly.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Help shape the student movement and the future of education

• Influence decisions that impact millions of students

• Work alongside experienced, passionate, and values-led colleagues

• Develop your leadership and governance skills

• Make a meaningful contribution to social change

You’ll receive a full induction, ongoing support, and all reasonable expenses covered—including travel and accommodation when needed.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV (or a link to your LinkedIn profile) and a short covering letter (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and what you would bring to the role.

Apply by: Thursday 3 July 2025, 12 noon.

If you’d like an informal chat about the role before applying, we’d love to hear from you.

You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wandsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents

Joining our amazing team of volunteers is a fantastic way to give back to the community by providing company and support to an older person in your area.

About the role 

You will be volunteering alongside our Community Engagement team, where activities will change and adapt based on client feedback and their evolving needs. Volunteers will help to facilitate activities and events across the borough, including but not limited to our digital inclusion drop-in sessions, coffee mornings, LGBTQ+ group and future activities which will include a gardening club and walking group. Most of our activities run for an hour or two, and we require volunteers to commit to attending at least one session a month. 

About the service 

Various opportunities are available based on our event schedule, which runs weekdays between the hours of 9am-4pm for 1–2 hours..

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Friendly
• Patient
• Great listening skills

Are you looking for a volunteering role that supports the impact of the whole third sector? Infrastructure charity DataKind UK is looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees, including a Chair and Treasurer.

DataKind UK is a small charity with a vision for a strong, thriving third sector that embraces data use to become more impactful. We connect third sector organisations with data professionals to improve their decision making, problem solving, and working practices, by applying data science approaches to sector-wide challenges.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and supportive individuals to fuel our mission and direction by providing oversight of our operations, supporting with major decision-making, and advocating for our work and cause.

Being a trustee is a great way to give your time to a cause you care about, broaden your network, and develop your strategy and governance skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities, as we would like to increase the representation of these groups in our community.

How to apply

To apply, please read our candidate pack for more detail and send a 1-2 page cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role based on the skills outlined in the candidate pack, especially highlighting if you are interested in the Chair or Treasurer role, along with your CV, by Monday 2 June.

Initial screening calls will take place during the week commencing Monday 9 June.

Interviews will take place on the 17, 18, and 19 June 2025, with the aim of new members being recruited and onboarded for the following board meeting in August.

We are looking for individuals to join our Board in 2025. In recent years we’ve increased and diversified the membership of the Board including the launch of our Associate Board Member programme in 2023. We are looking to continue this work with dynamic and committed people to support further growth and development, building on our achievements.

We want to recruit new Board Members, alongside an opportunity for two Associate Board Members.

Being a Board Member

Board Members play an integral role in providing robust governance and stewardship, in externally supporting future development through advocacy with regional, national and international stakeholders, potential funders and partners from the public and private sectors. Board Members benefit from working with a small, creative and enthusiastic team on the strategic development of the organisation.

What is an AND Associate Board Member?

We have developed a 12 month programme for two Associate Board Members. These roles will work alongside the AND Board of Trustees, and have been designed as a development  programme aimed to support potential candidates who do not yet have (sufficient) board-level experience, or the required availability, but have the passion and potential to be a future AND Board member.

The Associate Board Member roles have been created to support individuals who are currently under-represented in the cultural sector, providing greater access to training opportunities, and to add further diversity and richness of perspective to the organisation.

Associate Board Members will:

• bring unique experience from their field of expertise 
• share our passion for new ideas and artforms
• place inclusion and engagement at the heart of our culture and vision
• be provided with relevant shadowing, mentoring or training opportunities to support their skills development over 12 months
• attend quarterly AND Board meetings (without legal responsibility or voting rights) 
• have the opportunity to apply to become a Board Member after 12 months

It is not necessary to have governance/board-level exposure or experience, but a general understanding of how boards work is required.

If you feel that you don’t quite meet the person specification in the recruitment pack but you’re excited and interested in the opportunity, please get in touch following the application process outlined below.

Joining the AND Board as a Trustee

We are currently looking for individuals to join the AND Board with experience in the following areas: 

• Strategic Regional Public Sector Knowledge
• Environmental Sustainability
• Charity Finance 
• PR / Digital Communications
• Regional commercial business knowledge across the creative sector, immersive and digital technologies

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and we’re interested in hearing from anyone who believes they have skills or experience to positively contribute to the organisation. We’re also looking for candidates interested in exploring a Vice Chair role with a view to future succession planning for AND Chair. We’re committed to opening up opportunities to people who are currently under-represented in the cultural sector, and we particularly welcome applications from candidates from ethnically diverse backgrounds, Disabled candidates and candidates under 30.

What is it like to be on the AND Board?

Read an interview with our Trustees Sam Bompass and Katie Moffat about being on the AND Board.

About AND

AND is an arts organisation known for creating radical, site-responsive projects at the intersection of art, technology and digital culture.

Working across the UK and internationally, AND commissions artists to explore the social, environmental and ethical implications of emerging technologies. Our portfolio includes large-scale outdoor artworks, exhibitions, research programmes, residencies, online projects and our flagship AND Festival — a nomadic biennial bringing cutting-edge digital experiences to diverse locations.

Our work often takes place in unexpected settings, from post-industrial towns to natural landscapes, creating space for bold experimentation and critical reflection. At our core, we champion interdisciplinary collaboration and are committed to inclusive, sustainable practices that challenge what is considered ‘normal’ in culture today

Practical Details

AND’s Board currently meets for a minimum of four times a year, through a mix of online, and in person meetings in Manchester (UK). There are additional, occasional meetings and sub-committee groups which can be attended via video call. We are particularly interested in hearing from North-based candidates, especially those with regional public sector or commercial business expertise, although we are open to applications from candidates from across the UK.

This is an unpaid role. You’ll need to commit around a day a month to the role. AND will reimburse reasonable travel expenses to meetings in full.

How to apply

• Read our AND Board Membership Recruitment Pack or our AND Associate Board Membership Pack
• If you’d like to speak informally about becoming an AND Board Member or Associate Board Member, you are welcome to request a conversation by Friday 30 May 2025
• Following this, we ask for a CV along with a short written statement (max 1 page) / video (max 3 minutes) to be submitted by Midnight Sunday 22 June 2025 with AND BOARD MEMBER ROLE or AND ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBER ROLE as the subject field.
• Complete an Equal Opportunities Form (submitted anonymously)

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to become a Trustee at The Goldfinch Trust, a newly-forming Multi-Academy Trust in South London with a distinctive and vital mission: to deliver exceptional education for some of the country’s most vulnerable and medically complex children and young people.

Initially comprising two sites and formally launching in September 2025, new Trustees are sought to help ensure strong and robust governance structures, helping to shape future growth and planning. The Trust will have an annual budget of £3m, expected to rise with expansion of the organisation.

About The Goldfinch Trust

The Goldfinch Trust is a new Multi-Academy Trust with a distinctive and vital mission: to deliver exceptional education for some of the country’s most vulnerable and medically complex children and young people. The Trust will formally launch in September 2025, initially comprising two highly specialist settings: Maudsley & Bethlem Hospital School (MBHS) and St Peter’s Centre, with strong collaboration already in place with a third school, Kings College Hospital School (KCHS), which is expected to join formally in due course.

MBHS supports children aged 4–19, predominantly of secondary age, many of whom are hospital in-patients receiving treatment for severe psychiatric conditions. The school’s model is designed for short- to medium-term placements, with a key goal of reintegration into mainstream or alternative education once pupils are well enough to transition. The school currently supports up to 64 pupils, with a truly national intake reflecting the specialist nature of its provision.

St Peter’s Centre provides a more community-based education offer, supporting around 32 pupils with complex social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, including autism, anxiety, depression, and school-based trauma. The school supports KS1–4, although current placements are all in the secondary phase. A flexible, part-time attendance model allows the centre to double its reach and offer individualised support.

Kings College Hospital School (KCHS), working under a service-level agreement with MBHS, delivers bedside and on-site education for children with serious medical needs, including cancer and other life-limiting conditions. While not yet a formal Trust member, KCHS is fully aligned with the Trust’s mission and is expected to transfer formally following due diligence.

The Trust’s strategic direction is rooted in partnership with the NHS and regional local authorities, offering a model of educational support that could influence national best practice. The Trust will also relocate MBHS into a purpose-built setting at the hospital’s new development in 2026, offering state-of-the-art facilities designed in collaboration with school leaders. While future expansion is not mapped, the Trust has hosted visits from other hospital and special schools exploring academisation, and organic growth is a realistic possibility over the next few years. A formal growth strategy is yet to be defined, providing incoming Trustees with a unique opportunity to shape the Trust’s long-term development.

The new Board of Trustees will replace the current interim shadow board and will initially comprise seven non-executive directors, with scope to grow to 11 as needed. Local governance arrangements will remain in place at the school level, helping to ensure that Trustee responsibilities are strategically focused.

The Trust will open with an annual income of approximately £3 million, rising with expansion, and enters its incorporation phase with comfortable reserves and prudent financial oversight. The CEO-designate (currently Headteacher at MBHS) is a respected leader in the sector, advising the DfE on hospital school operations and funding, and will work closely with the new board to shape the Trust’s systems, culture, and impact.

The Trust’s Requirements

The Goldfinch Trust seeks dedicated and skilled Trustees to form its inaugural Board. This is a rare opportunity to help establish a new Trust from the ground up – setting its vision, guiding strategy, and developing systems to support the education of children and young people with serious medical and mental health conditions. While the Board will be supported by a team with expertise in finance, law, and HR, the Trust is particularly keen to hear from candidates with executive leadership experience in areas such as education, healthcare commissioning or procurement, charity governance, or growing organisations. Skills and backgrounds of interest include: strategic leadership in education, strategic growth, Healthcare commissioning or procurement, Safeguarding, SEND, Estates management/Health & Safety, Digital strategy Finance, and Audit.

Trustees will play a vital role in supporting and challenging the executive leadership team, ensuring high-quality provision and the effective use of public funds. A deep commitment to the Trust’s mission, supporting some of the country’s most vulnerable learners, is essential.

The full Trust Board will meet once per term (three times a year). In addition, Trustees will join one of two committees: Finance or Education Provision, which will also meet termly (three times a year).

There are plans for an annual strategy conference, likely to run over an extended half-day or full day. Meetings are expected to be scheduled in the early evening (5:pm–6.30pm starts) and last up to two hours. The precise meeting calendar is yet to be confirmed, but Trustees should expect a blend of face-to-face, online, and hybrid meetings. Some physical attendance will be required, so candidates should live within a reasonable commute of Beckenham (BR3 3BX) or Camberwell (SE5 8AB).

Trustees will be supported by a professional governance team, including external consultants currently advising on the Trust’s establishment. This is a unique opportunity to shape a new Trust that will provide life-changing support for young people with critical medical and psychiatric needs. By joining The Goldfinch Trust’s founding board, Trustees will not only help to define the strategic vision of the Trust, but also contribute to a pioneering model of integrated education and healthcare that could influence policy and practice across the country.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.