Officer volunteer roles in washington d c, district of columbia

About Bliss

With an impact in all corners of the UK, Bliss is the leading national neonatal charity, championing and developing the services for the 90,000 sick and premature babies born each year, supporting both them and their families. At Bliss, we are committed to improving care, giving voice to babies, and supporting parents to be partners in care. 

This is a really exciting time to join our board. We’ve just launched our new four-year strategy, which puts equity at the heart of everything we do. With NHS reforms underway, a new 10-Year Plan on the horizon, and growing attention on maternity and neonatal care, there’s a real opportunity to raise Bliss’s profile and make a lasting difference for premature and sick babies across the UK.

Chair opportunity

Our new Chair will be an experienced Trustee or Board member with proven ability to manage meetings effectively and foster productive, inclusive discussions. They will bring energy and drive, ensuring robust governance and alignment between strategy and operations. They will enjoy leading inclusive and thoughtful discussions, and share our passion for giving every baby the best possible start in life.

You can find more information about Bliss and the Chair role in our recruitment pack.

Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining Bliss!

Ready to apply?

Eastside People is supporting Bliss in the recruitment of these roles. Please by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why is Bliss’ work important to you and how can you contribute to the charity as our Chair?
• How do you ensure board meetings are focused, inclusive, and lead to clear decisions?
• How would you go about ensuring that our many stakeholders are heard and represented at Board level?

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

Bliss’ Chair, CEO and Trustees will be hosting a 30-minute drop-in session on Mon 8th December at 12pm via Teams. This is an opportunity to learn more about Bliss and what’s involved in joining our Board. You can register to attend here.

The closing date for applications is Mon 5th Jan. 

Longlisting interviews with Eastside People will take place mid-January, with shortlisted candidates invited to panel interviews with Bliss during the week commencing 2 February.

Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to take part in open sessions with staff and Board members, with final interviews scheduled for the week commencing 23 February.

Bliss is an equal opportunities organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and lived experiences. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to equity and inclusion at every level of our governance.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About the Degrees Initiative

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

The charity was founded in 2021, now has around 20 staff members and is growing. We seek a volunteer trustee with significant financial experience including an accounting qualification to join an existing five-person board to help guide a growing initiative that is changing the field of SRM.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to apply their financial expertise in a high-profile governance role, shaping strategy and supporting a mission that empowers Global South researchers to lead in one of the world’s most important climate debates. 

Role 

The volunteer trustee will complement and further strengthen an existing five-person volunteer trustee board including the Chair & Treasurer. The role will entail strategic leadership, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Alongside the Treasurer they will predominantly be advising the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the rest of the senior management team (the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff) to ensure the robust financial health of the charity. This will include: 

• Maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs by overseeing the annual financial planning and budgets proposed by the senior management team 

• Monitoring and evaluating financial progress against budgets and forecasts from staff reporting at quarterly board meetings, acting a voice of financial expertise during board discussions 

• Approving the audited annual accounts and financial statements presented by the senior management team alongside the rest of the board 

• Strategic input by reviewing risk assessments alongside financial implications and advising on the organisation of financial resources and reserves to support the long-term goals of the charity 

• Confirming transparency and accountability in financial operations, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place in addition to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements 

• Advising on how the charity can most effectively conduct its international work, especially providing grants to organisations in the Global South 

• Confirming that the charity has an appropriate investment policy, and that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity

• Sitting on any board sub-committees as required 

Join KidsOut as the Chair or Treasurer and help provide positive experiences for the UK’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 19th January.

Who we are

KidsOut‘s vision is for a society in which every child who has experienced domestic abuse has the chance to experience joy, hope and the simple pleasures of childhood.

Our mission is to bring moments of joy, fun and hope that aid the healing and recovery of children impacted by domestic abuse. We provide passionate and unwavering support for children in refuge across the United Kingdom and create joy-filled experiences that empower each child to overcome adversity, unlock their full potential and flourish in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Through dedicated efforts, we aspire to be a beacon of hope, cultivating brighter futures and fostering a community where every child feels valued, loved and equipped to flourish and get the positive future they deserve.

About the roles

Chair: KidsOut needs someone who brings excellent chairing skills to lead the Board and CEO through change. Strategic knowledge, influence and an ambitious passion for supporting children are required. Credibility to represent KidsOut and positively grow the reputation and value of the charity alongside the new CEO, will be important too, but most of all, a values-aligned and authentic, motivated and committed leader is needed as Chair.

Treasurer: We seek a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), with senior-level experience in finance, audit or accountancy and a values-led approach to be Treasurer. You will play an important role in ensuring KidsOut remains financially resilient and well-positioned to deliver its mission. You will oversee the effective internal controls in relation to financial integrity and the risk management framework, fundraising and external audit processes. You will provide strategic guidance for the Board and executives in relation to financial matters, planning, governance compliance and guarding of financing and resources.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 19th January.

The Board of Trustees plays a vital role by steering and supporting the charity development. We are seeking to appoint a Chair or a Vice Chair. The Studio Upstairs Board is drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and has a variety of skills. To complement the current Board, we would envisage that the Chair had a wide experience of running organisations and a particular interest in the charity sector. We are keen to hear from candidates with skills in the areas of Corporate Governance and Business Development ie: Partnership working or Fundraising as well as those within Digital Technologies, Health or Legal expertise.

The Board Meetings are to be held four to six times a year in London or online. In addition to the full board meetings  there may be occasional committee meetings or meetings of specific task groups. It is expected that the Chair will also maintain regular contact with the Managing Director and other Board members.

Mavar is currently seeking a seasoned networker to join the Mavar Trustee Board as a Trustee with special responsibilities for strengthening our fundraising practice and broadening the charity’s donor base. Working with our Board and CEO, you’ll bring experience, insight and strategic guidance to help develop our fundraising capacity in support of the strategic development of the charity.

Mavar’s Mission

Founded on the belief that everyone has the right to choose their own path in life, Mavar’s central mission is to empower individuals who choose to explore opportunities beyond the strictly orthodox community to fulfil personal goals. Mavar supports our members’ efforts to achieve independence, live authentically and cope with the obstacles they may encounter as they explore options to live, work or study in the secular world – whether or not they choose to leave the Charedi community.

Trustee Role Details

The day-to-day operations of Mavar are conducted by staff and volunteers under the leadership of our CEO and with the overall oversight of the Trustee Board.

Main Duties of the Fundraising Trustee:

• Contribute to the overall governance of the charity as a member of the Board of Trustees.
• Provide advice and support on fundraising strategy, ensuring income generation is planned and executed in alignment with Mavar’s budget framework and objectives.
• Act as a fundraising champion on Mavar’s board, working with the CEO and supporting other trustees to explore fundraising possibilities.
• If you have personal networks with fundraising potential, utilise them to support the work of the charity.
• Support the development of diverse fundraising streams (e.g. individual giving, trusts and foundations, community fundraising, corporate support) and advise and support with appeals and major fundraising events/campaigns.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work and helping to raise its profile.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice, as well as Mavar’s policies and procedures. You are expected to give at least one day per month to your role. Board meetings take place four times a year in London, with a mixture of online and in-person meetings and are complemented by occasional online or in-person feedback meetings with the CEO and the Treasurer.

Person Specification

Essential

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trusteeship
• Knowledge and experience of fundraising (e.g. trusts, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, or digital campaigns)
• Strategic thinker, able to balance long-term planning with practical advice
• Strong communication and networking skills

Desirable

• Experience of charity fundraising
• Existing networks that could support the charity’s fundraising efforts
• Understanding of charity finance and/or marketing
• Familiarity with Jewish cultural context

Next Steps and Timeline

If you are interested in this role, please contact the Chair of the Trustee Board to arrange an informal chat.

If you would like to make a formal application, please send a CV and cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant expertise and interest in Mavar’s mission to the above. Please put your name and the role you are applying for in the subject line.

Context: Mavar’s Service Users

Some men and women who have grown up in the closed world of the Charedi community hold personal and religious values that are not in line with the rest of the community. Attempts to follow their own path often bring them into direct confrontation with family, friends and neighbours who regard expressions of individualism or self-determination as heresy. These individuals fear that the community will ostracise them, leaving them feeling trapped, isolated and helpless.

Some may simply wish to explore options for obtaining a general education or improving their access to employment opportunities whilst wishing to remain within the ultra-orthodox community; others may look to divest themselves of the strictures of ultra-orthodoxy and to lead a more mainstream lifestyle. They all typically lack the everyday life skills to cope with the challenges of the secular world, which appears to them as a confusing, frightening and alien planet. Any effort to integrate with the outside, secular world is hampered by limited English language skills, cultural disorientation, lack of basic education or qualifications and negligible skills for employment.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Make a difference with a charity where every person matters.

Havencare is a long-established, dynamic charity providing homes and support for people with learning disabilities and autism.

We currently provide support to 87 people, providing 6,468 weekly support hours. As our housing aspirations grow, we also act as a landlord for 45 people ensuring they have a safe, secure and affordable home.

As we enter a new chapter - shaping a modernised mission, strengthening governance, and expanding our housing and support across Cornwall, Devon and Plymouth - we are seeking several exceptional Trustees, including a Chair Designate (Deputy Chair) to succeed our long-standing Chair in 2026.

Why join us?

As a Trustee at Havencare, you will contribute to an organisation that is small enough for your impact to be felt and ambitious enough to drive system-level change. You’ll work with a values-led CEO and Executive Team, and a committed Board who believe deeply in transparency, engagement, and quality.

We’re embarking on the next stage of our journey with ambitions to grow our housing offer and to support more people across all three regions. 2026/7 will see us developing our next strategic plan and increasing our approach to co-production.

This is a rare chance to influence a charity undergoing meaningful, positive transformation.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for individuals who share our passion and commitment to delivering person-led, high-quality support and housing solutions.

As an incoming Trustee, your skills, experience, and passion will be instrumental in ensuring that we focus on what we do well, supporting people to support people.

We have identified priority areas to complement our existing strengths. In our Deputy Chair / Chair Designate, we are seeking someone who brings experience of chairing boards, ideally in a charity setting. More broadly, we are seeking Trustees with experience in strategic roles in one (or more) of the following areas:

· Legal (ideally contracts / leases / property)

· HR and People and Culture

· Finance

· Marketing / Communication

· Housing Management/Asset Management/Housing Development (ideally registered providers)

· Commissioning/safeguarding/support

· Business development – particularly in the social care sector

We are dedicated to Board diversity and equal opportunity and welcome applications from leaders who have the experience and passion to join our team. We are also keen to add people to our board who have lived experiences that may reflect the lives of those we support.

The roles

Chair Designate (Deputy Chair)
Support the Chair, strengthen governance, and prepare to lead the Board from Oct 2026.

Trustee
Provide strategic leadership, oversight, and challenge to ensure Havencare fulfils its mission: helping people live their lives through opportunity and choice.

Commitment

• Four Board meetings per year (in person)
• Four committee meetings per year (virtual/in-person)
• Trustees sit on at least one committee
• Time commitment c.10 hours/month (Trustees), increasing to 3–4 days/month for Chair appointment

How to apply

Please download the attached document for full details.

For a confidential conversation, contact our retained recruitment partner:
Anna Jay, MD, Public Leaders Appointments
 

Your application should consist of a CV supported by a covering letter outlining your motivations for applying and highlighting how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of our new trustees.

Deadline: Midday, Thursday 8 January 2026
Interviews: 27th / 28th January - Plymouth

Could you make a difference as a volunteer Digital Champion? 

We are looking for people with a good understanding of how to use computers,

smart phones and tablets to give peer support to people who are new to these

devices. You will help them to do things like: 

• use Google 

• set up an email account 

• look for reliable health information online 

• connect with friends and family using video calling 

• use MS word to write a CV 

• access job search websites 

You need a good level of basic computer skills, but you don't have to be an IT

genius. Much more important is having enthusiasm and patience to spend some

time helping others to get online. 

In return you’ll get: 

• The opportunity to develop your own digital skills and knowledge 

• Free accredited online training

• Access to a community of Champions to help each other and share ideas 

• Ongoing support from a dedicated Digital Support Officer 

• A Digital Record tracking achievements and learners helped – perfect to show prospective employers!

• A free DBS check

• Payment for travel expenses

• Immense satisfaction that you’ve made a difference to someone else 

Find out more 

Digital Champions | Digital skills and support | Clarion Housing 

Could you join the team? 

We are currently looking for Digital Champions to support learners in Hemel Hampstead on the 2nd and/or 4th Friday of each month.

Sessions are held at Grove Hill Community Centre, HP2 6BJ and Woodhall Community centre, HP2 7JX between 10am and 2pm, you don’t have to be able to volunteer for the whole session, a couple of hours would be perfect! 

Whilst the session time is fixed, we welcome volunteers who can volunteer

weekly, fortnightly or monthly.  

Apply here:

We are looking for one Trustee & Deputy Chair to join our Charity Trustee Board to support the Union through its next steps. A strong and active Board is crucial for us as we develop and implement our strategy, face challenges, maximise opportunities and endeavour to create an even better Union; one that continues to be flexible and agile enough to react quickly to the changing needs and interests of our student members and achieve our vision.

The Person

The right candidate will thrive in a student led, highly responsive environment and have an enthusiasm for supporting and guiding a student organisation. They will command confidence, have sound judgement and strong communication and leadership skills. We are looking for a trustee with the following skills/experience

Finance Experience: 

• Preferably financial experience from a charity outside of the SU sector
• Understanding of financial oversight
• Ability to interpret financial information to support strategic decision-making
• Awareness of charity finance and regulatory requirements

Chairing Experience: 

• Ability to deputise for the Chair, and chair meetings of the Board
• Ability to build a strong and effective working relationship with the Board of Trustees Chair
• Ability to foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees
• Assist and support the Chair in providing leadership to the Board, through the governance arrangements, and also acting as a ‘sounding board’ and confidante to the Chair in the execution of their role

Due to the current make-up of our Trustee Board, we are not actively searching for candidates with skills, knowledge and experience related to the Student Union and HE sector and we would welcome candidates from other sectors or regions to apply. That said, we would very much like to encourage anyone who feels that they could bring something to our Board to apply, regardless of experience - our purpose and values also lead us to welcome first time Trustees too!

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our Trustee Board to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

Further Information

Application is via a comprehensive CV plus a supporting statement (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing why you are applying for the position and what requirements you meet to carry out the role

We are looking for a finance professional to join our engaged and friendly board as Treasurer, with specific oversight of the charity’s financial management. While day-to-day financial administration is carried out by employees or external providers, the Treasurer works closely with them and the Board to ensure sound financial governance. The Treasurer provides financial leadership, helps trustees understand the organisation’s finances, and ensures that the charity meets its financial and statutory obligations.

You will have a qualification in Financial Management, Accounting, or Audit, and a strong understanding of financial management in the voluntary or business sectors. Previous charity experience is not necessary, but a willingness to undertake training is essential (usually one day).

You will have the ability to communicate financial information clearly to those without financial expertise and be a strategic thinker, with the ability to balance financial scrutiny with broader trustee responsibilities.

Our board meet once a month (either virtually or in person in London) for around 90 minutes. We aim to have strategy days twice a year. You will meet with the CEO and Finance Manager once a month, and be available for ad hoc emails, advice. Trustees are usually appointed for a three-year term, which can usually be extended. 

We will provide access to training (typically one day) if you do not have direct experience in charity finance.

You will also bring a commitment to the values, aims, and objectives of the charity, and a desire to help children and young people who have experienced grief.

Are you ready to help shape the future of mental health support for racialised communities?

Mary Seacole House is Merseyside's leading wellbeing service for Black and racialised communities. For over 30 years, they've stood as a beacon of hope in Liverpool, offering advocacy, emotional support and wellbeing activities designed with the ethos of "same rights, different needs."

Now, as the charity enters a pivotal period of transformation, we're seeking a Treasurer to join the Board of Trustees and help steer the organisation towards change, growth and greater impact.

Location: Liverpool (hybrid meetings, open to a flexible approach)
Time commitment: Approx. 1 Board meeting per month, plus additional involvement during a period of change
Remuneration: Voluntary, with reasonable expenses covered

About Mary Seacole House

Originally founded to address the lack of understanding around Black mental health. Today, Mary Seacole House provides culturally appropriate advocacy, runs a multicultural wellbeing service and fights for the rights of racialised communities across Liverpool.

Under the leadership of a new CEO and working alongside a refreshed and reenergised Board, they're building strong foundations for the future - and we need your skills to achieve big, bold ambitions.

About the role

As Treasurer, you'll play a vital role as a Trustee and with delegated responsibility for ensuring financial stability and good governance. You'll:

• Oversee financial reporting and ensure clarity for all trustees.
• Support the CEO and Chair with budgeting, forecasting and financial compliance.
• Help shape financial policy and guide strategic decisions during a period of change.

This is genuinely unique and exciting opportunity to join the Board of a small, but mighty charity. It's a chance to roll your sleeves up and make a tangible difference, at a significant time of change.

About you

We're looking for someone who brings:

• Financial expertise (accounting qualification required; charity experience desirable).
• Leadership experience at Board or senior level.
• Commitment to anti-racism and an understanding of marginalised communities.

If you have lived experience of racism or migration, or deep knowledge of Liverpool's cultural context, we'd especially love to hear from you.

Why join now?

• Be part of a charity tackling racial injustice in mental health.
• Shape strategy and governance during a critical period of growth.
• Gain satisfaction and a sense of pride, working alongside passionate trustees and a visionary CEO with shared values.

To apply: Please send your CV and a short statement (around 300 words) on why this role matters to you to Amelia Lee at Charity People.

If you prefer an informal conversation about time commitment (or anything else) first, please connect with Amelia and we'll find a mutually convenient time to talk.

Deadline: 9am on Friday 9th January. However, please do get in touch ASAP if interested - we'll never close early, but it would be great to ensure you have enough time to apply around the busy Christmas period.

Interviews will be held in January, after the festive season.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

We are seeking a new Treasurer with experience as a qualified accountant, to drive the financial sustainability our charity supporting unpaid carers.

What will you be doing?

Our Board of Trustees is made up of 11 trustees from a range of backgrounds including, health, social care, education and the private sector. 

Demand for our services is higher than it has ever been. Cases are increasingly complex and resources stretched. Changes to the funding landscape, including the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and North East Combined Authority (NECA) present both challenges and opportunities for the organisation.  As the ICB looks to make savings, new regional opportunities are arising with NECA, which require collaboration across a number of carer organisations. 

We are one year into our 5 year strategic cycle, which sets out clear priorities and goals. To help us grow and thrive, and, deliver our Corporate Strategy, we need a Treasurer who can:

• Oversee our finances and keep us sustainable
   
• Ensure we meet charity requirements 
   
• Support the management team with budgets, reporting, and good financial practice.

The Treasurer will play a vital role in guiding our Trustees in overseeing our finances and helping us succeed. We’re looking for someone who is a qualified accountant and is willing to give a few hours a month to support the work we do.

This is a great opportunity to put your skills to use in a meaningful way, and work with a committed and motivated board of trustees and senior leadership team, to help meet the needs of unpaid carers and work towards a more sustainable future.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who is a qualified accountant who can oversee the organisation's finances and provide sound financial advise to aid the board of trustee in their decision making. 

Ideally we are looking for a Treasurer who has lived experience as a unpaid carer, but this is not essential.

What difference will you make?

As Treasurer, this is a great opportunity to put your financial skills to use in a meaningful way, and work with a committed and motivated board of trustees and senior leadership team, to help meet the needs of unpaid carers and drive our strategic vision and priorities. 

Before you apply

We will contact potential applicants, within 5 working days of their expression of interest, to arrange an informal meeting with the Chief Executive to talk through the role.

Following this and upon receipt of an application form, an interview will be arranged within 4 weeks.

Sunderland Culture is entering a bold new chapter, and we are seeking to appoint two Independent Trustees who can bring expertise, constructive challenge, and important oversight to Board discussions and decisions. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, wider Board team and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.

Role of The Board

The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;

• Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities.

• Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”

• Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence. • Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.

• Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.

• Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures.

The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:

• Ambition & Quality

• Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)

• Inclusivity and Relevance

• Environmental Sustainability

Independent Trustees – Role Description

We are seeking to appoint two independent trustees who will bring expertise, insight, and constructive challenge to Board discussions.

We are particularly seeking expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance and audit

• Fundraising and income generation

• Community cohesion

Time Commitment

• Approximately 1 day per month (variable to time of year).

• Board meetings: (4–6 times per year).

• Membership of sub-committees: (4 meetings per year).

• Preparation and engagement outside meetings.

• Term: 3 years, renewable twice.

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.

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.