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Volunteer Executive Assistant to the CEO

Organization: Bright Futures & Hillel Bright Futures Trust Community Hub
Location: Croydon, South London (Office-based)
Time Commitment: Main office days - Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday/Online the remaining days (Potential Job Share available)
Start Date: Immediate (Following successful interview and reference checks)
Benefits: Free hot lunch, travel expenses, free training, and EAP support

About Us

Bright Futures and the Hillel Bright Futures Trust are proud to be South London's leading SEND community hub. Based in Croydon, we offer a vital range of education, training, and well-being services. We mainly serve children aged 4 to 19 years, extending up to 25 years for individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

We are deeply family-centred. We firmly believe that "a happy parent is a happy child." Because we champion equal opportunity and community support, over 90% of our services are delivered completely free of charge. This life-changing charitable work is only possible through the dedication of our incredible team and volunteers.

The Opportunity

Are you looking to use your professional skills to make a real social impact? We are seeking a highly organized, proactive Volunteer Executive Assistant (EA) to support our Chief Executive Officer.

This rewarding role offers the chance to gain high-level experience in the charity sector. You will act as a central pillar across our organization, directly contributing to our growth and community outreach.

What You Will Do: arrange of business admin duties - 

• CEO Support: Manage diaries, schedule meetings, and handle administrative workflows.
• Project Assistance: Coordinate tasks for community initiatives to support free service delivery.
• Human Resources: Assist with volunteer onboarding records and training schedules.
• Fundraising Support: Help track grant applications and coordinate local fundraising events.
• Communications & Social Media: Create content using Canva and manage our active social media profiles.

What We Are Looking For

Essential Skills:

• Tech Literacy: Mastery of the full Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Teams.
• Design Tools: Proficiency in Canva to create engaging social media and marketing graphics.
• Communication: Warm, professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Organisation: Excellent time management and the ability to manage diverse administrative tasks.

Desirable Criteria:

• Driving License: A clean, valid UK driving license is highly preferred.
• Background Checks: A current Enhanced DBS check is ideal, though we can arrange this for you.

Commitment & Flexibility

• We require a commitment on our core days: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Online days: Tuesday and Friday (will consider job share across 3 days)
• We welcome applications from individuals looking for a job-share volunteer arrangement to cover these days.

What We Offer You

• Free Hot Lunch: Provided daily at our hub.
• Travel Expenses: Full reimbursement of reasonable travel costs.
• Well-being Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (via Bright HR).
• Professional Development: Free targeted training where required to enhance your performance in the role.
• References: A high-quality reference upon successful completion of your placement.
• Environment: A friendly, supportive team environment making a genuine difference.

Summary

Signpost offers one-to-one counselling, coaching, outreach, creative therapies, group therapy, and parent support for children and young people aged 5-25.

Detailed description

We are seeking qualified and compassionate children’s counsellors with specialisms in play therapy, art therapy, or drama therapy to volunteer their time and skills to support children navigating emotional, behavioural, or developmental challenges. As a Volunteer Therapist, you will provide a safe, creative, and therapeutic environment where children can express themselves and begin to heal.

·Provide 1:1 or small group therapeutic sessions using your specialised modality (play, art, or drama).

·Build trusting relationships with children to support emotional expression and psychological wellbeing.

·Collaborate with staff and carers to ensure continuity and appropriateness of support.

·Maintain clear and confidential records of sessions and observations.

·Participate in supervision (where applicable) and team meetings.

·Support safeguarding and child protection practices in line with organisational policies.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

·A recognised qualification in Play Therapy, Art Therapy, or Drama Therapy (BACP registration required)

·Experience working therapeutically with children and young people.

·A trauma-informed, child-centred approach to counselling and therapy.

·Excellent communication, empathy, and listening skills.

· A commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and safeguarding.

·Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS prior to starting).

 Training / Support

·A full induction to Signpost will be provided

·Requirement to complete mandatory online training

·A menu of optional training will also be made available

·Ongoing support and regular 1:1/supervision sessions

·Reimbursement of travel expenses (if applicable).

·Opportunities to attend team meetings and One YMCA events, socials and conferences

Additional Information

·x 2 references required

·Valid insurance cover

About Body & Soul 

Body & Soul is a multi-award-winning charity revolutionising suicide prevention through long-term, trauma-informed, community-based support. Our work centres connection, resilience, and equity—recognising that healing happens collectively, not in isolation. 

About Braver Together 

Braver Together is an online therapeutic programme providing structured support for parents, partners, siblings and chosen family of those at risk of suicide.

Grounded in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), the programme equips participants with practical tools, coping strategies, and deeper understanding to navigate the emotional impact of supporting someone in crisis. [

It offers: 

• A structured group programme ( 14 weeks) 

• Access to therapeutic support

• Ongoing community connection and support 

• A safe, inclusive, non-judgemental environment 

The aim is to strengthen both individual wellbeing and the wider support system around those at risk of suicide. 

How This Role Contributes 

By supporting Braver Together, you are helping to strengthen the wider network around individuals at risk of suicide, recognising that supporting loved ones is a critical part of long-term healing and prevention.

Purpose of the Role 

To support the delivery of the Braver Together programme by helping to create a safe, welcoming, and consistent therapeutic environment for participants, while contributing to engagement, accessibility, and community-building. 

Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that those supporting loved ones feel heard, held, and connected, alongside professional therapeutic support. 

Key Responsibilities 

Supporting Delivery & Engagement 

• Assist with the smooth running of weekly online group sessions (e.g. welcoming participants, managing attendance, supporting logistics) 

• Help foster a warm, inclusive and non-judgemental space for participants 

• Support participant engagement before, during and after sessions 

• Support in creating and promoting community sessions

• Supporting with monitoring and evaluation processes 

Creating Safe & Supportive Spaces 

• Model Body & Soul values of empathy, compassion and respect 

• Be attentive to participant wellbeing and flag any concerns to staff appropriately 

Community & Relationship Building 

• Support the development of connection among participants 

• Contribute to community spaces and follow-up engagement (e.g. community evenings or check-ins) 

Practical & Administrative Support 

• Support session preparation (materials, reminders, basic coordination) 

• Assist with follow-up communications where appropriate 

• Contribute to data collection and feedback processes 

Programme Development & Learning  

• Support outreach and awareness of the programme 

• Contribute to service improvement through feedback and reflection 

• Undertake light research tasks

Boundaries of the Role 

• Volunteers do not provide therapeutic or clinical advice 

• All safeguarding or risk concerns are escalated to trained staff 

• Volunteers work under guidance and supervision at all times 

Skills & Experience (Desirable, not essential) 

• Interest in mental health, suicide prevention, or community support 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills 

• Ability to listen with empathy and without judgement 

• Reliability and commitment to maintaining confidentiality 

• Lived experience or understanding of supporting others (welcomed and valued) 

Why Join Us? 

• Experience within a trauma-informed, DBT-informed therapeutic programme.

• Make a tangible difference in the lives of families navigating suicidality and crisis.

• ​Insight into systemic, community-based approaches to suicide prevention.

• Work in a supportive, inclusive, and creative team environment with a flexible, collaborative working aproach. 

• Being part of a values-driven, inclusive and transformative organisation 

• Experience a full introduction & training program, responding to the needs and interests of our volunteers. 

• ​Opportunities for reflection, learning, supervision, and personal development 

• Ongoing support from our team, our Head of Volunteering, and from a large community of other volunteers. 

Our Commitment to Equity 

Body & Soul is committed to anti-racist, decolonised, and inclusive practice. We actively welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience and from communities most impacted by systemic inequities. 

China Plate are looking for new Trustees to join our friendly and dynamic Board. If you are interested in the ways arts and culture can have a positive impact on the world, we’d love to hear from you.

China Plate is an arts charity based in Birmingham and working across the West Midlands, the UK and internationally. We’re producers: we work with people to make creative projects happen. Our projects include theatre shows, training programmes, audio anthologies, short films and bus stop galleries.

Our artistic programme is underpinned by our four core values: creativity, optimism, integrity and inclusivity. We’re now looking for new Trustees who share these values and who, like us, are interested in bringing communities together to produce creative projects that fire the imagination, make positive change and are open to all.

Our Trustees meet four times a year to discuss the company’s strategy and progress, and to ensure we are meeting all our legal requirements. These Board meetings are hybrid: you can join us online or in our Birmingham office.

Trustees are not paid: they are volunteers who give their time to support charities. However, at China Plate we can cover costs like travel expenses for meetings and events. If Trustees have access requirements – for example if you require BSL interpretation, captioning, or information provided in particular formats – we will also put these into place.

You do not need to have been part of a Board before to join. You could be based in the West Midlands or elsewhere in the UK. We are looking to recruit new Trustees from either inside or outside the arts sector, including those who may not yet be familiar with our work. We’re interested in hearing from anyone who shares our values, is excited by what we’re doing and is keen to support, question and challenge us.

We would particularly like to recruit one Trustee who is a young person (18-30) who has previously taken part in one of China Plate’s Training & Development programmes – such as The Optimists, Young Producers, or our internships and placements.

Deadline to apply is 12pm (midday) on Wednesday 30th September 2026.

If you’d like to find out more, please visit our website to download the Trustee Recruitment pack.

If you’d like to have a conversation about the role prior to applying, please email our Executive Director Chloe. 

We are seeking a qualified and compassionate counsellor to volunteer their time to facilitate weekly emotional support groups for people living with sight loss. These groups provide a safe and supportive space for members to share experiences, build resilience, and reduce isolation.

You will lead one or more specialist peer groups, which may include:
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Support Group
• Sight Loss After Stroke Group
• Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Support Group
• Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) Support Group

Each group brings together individuals facing similar challenges, offering mutual understanding and connection. Your skills as a counsellor will help guide conversations, support emotional wellbeing, and foster a caring, inclusive environment.

You will:
• Facilitate a weekly 2 hour emotional support group.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and non judgemental atmosphere.
• Encourage group discussion and peer support while managing boundaries.
• Offer emotional support and signposting where appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with ethical guidelines.

What We Offer:
• Full induction and training related to visual impairment awareness.
• Ongoing support and supervision.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by sight loss.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires 2 references and a criminal record check.

Location

Region

• Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, South West, South East, North West, North East, Greater London, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, East Midlands, East of England

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• This is an online/remote role.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• We are looking for someone who is: • A qualified counsellor (minimum Level 4 diploma or equivalent). • Warm, empathetic, and confident in group facilitation. • Passionate about supporting people affected by sight loss. • Comfortable working with individuals who may be newly diagnosed or adjusting to changes in their vision. • Able to commit to 2 hours per week on a regular basis. Experience working with visually impaired people is beneficial but not essential - training and guidance will be provided.

We're growing our volunteering team and looking to recruit a second Lead Volunteer for our Communications & Marketing Team (and 2 Lead Volunteers specifically for Content.) The successful person will have the overall responsibility for the Charity’s communications and marketing. We’re looking for someone who has a passion for promoting a charity supporting a rare condition and can support and lead a volunteering team as well as plan and use communication tools such as websites, social media, Canva and other digital platforms.

This is a flexible volunteering opportunity, which means your commitment can be balanced around your lifestyle - being part of a team to ensure that communications to our community and supporters are up to date and timely.

You will provide leadership for your team and support the development of a communications plan for the charity.

Key Tasks and Objectives

● Lead a team of communications and marketing volunteers.

● Lead and co-ordinate internal projects, activities and campaigns that help build awareness of our organisation and its aims.

● Run the meetings for the Communications & Marketing Team on a monthly basis.

● Regularly meet with and be the point of contact for the lead volunteers for Content, Social Media and Email Marketing to co-ordinate and plan.

● Where and if possible, to also be an active part of the Communications & Marketing Team either as a content writer, copywriter or another role.

● Identifying, initiating and leading on projects which align to the strategy and realise our goals.

● Collaborate with the team.

● To support the charity in developing a visual form of our Annual Report or other reporting documents such as grant reports.

● Support the development and implementation of the Communications Strategy.

● Protecting our charity brand identity, ensuring it is delivered consistently, both internally and externally.

● Promote the charity across all our channels and forms of communication.

● Ensure effective, regular communication to both internal and external audiences.

● Review progress and effectiveness of the Communications Strategy on an annual basis.

What are we looking for?

About You

To be successful in this role you will:

● Have a real enthusiasm for excellence, innovation, continuous improvement and change.

● Be a team leader who is positive, hands-on and able to get the best out of a team.

● Have excellent interpersonal skills and be adept at building relationships with different stakeholders.

● Have the ability to think strategically but also enjoy being at an operational level to support your team and key stakeholders.

● Have a high level of attention to detail.

● Have the ability to prioritise, plan and organise projects and to manage expectations.

Experience and Skills

● The ability to communicate (verbal and non-verbal) to a wide variety of audiences including the public, various forms of media and on an individual basis.

● Experience in building and leading a team.

● Previous experience of working for charities and/or volunteer organisations is desirable but not required.

● Creativity regarding message management and medium.

● Good IT skills.

● Ability to motivate and enthuse others.

● To be a part of a team.

● Previous experience in marketing, communications, or related fields.

● Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire volunteers.

● Experience of using Canva or similar design packages.

● A strong network of PR and media contacts would be highly advantageous.

What's in it for you?

This role is a fantastic opportunity to volunteer with a small but ambitious charity, developing and honing your skills around leadership in the Third Sector.

Getting the right story in print and online can be challenging, especially when dealing with a rare health condition, but it is definitely rewarding.

You will gain experience in the charity sector, gain new or update your writing skills, a broader C.V., and a sense of accomplishment from using your skills to help people affected by a very painful condition.

You would be leading our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people who may not have heard about the charity or about the condition. You would also have a key role in developing a communications and marketing strategy for a small charity. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference to a rare condition.

Key Benefits

● Gain valuable experience in communications and marketing, plus charity team leadership.

● Make a meaningful impact on the fight to support the CRPS community.

● Develop professional skills and expand your network.

 OVERALL PURPOSE

This role requires a hands-on communicator who is passionate about profiling service user’s voices and creating opportunities for collaboration. You’ll work with local partners to showcase the impact of WFRC’s projects & initiatives, help generate support for the charity, and profile learning, impact and successes back into the wider community.

For the role to be truly transformational the Volunteer Communications, Engagement & Partnerships manager will need to:

· Build relationships with service users, stakeholders and local partners,

· Generate compelling stories, and support communications strategies that amplify WFRC & its impact in the region.

 OPERATIONAL TASKS

  Communications Strategy Development:

® Co-develop and implement a communications strategy for the WFRC’s projects & initiatives as needed.

Content Creation:

® Generate engaging stories, case studies, and digital content featuring service users, stakeholders and local partners.

® Work with stakeholders to create and share their own content, empowering them to tell their stories.

Digital and Media Engagement:

® Profile local activities and partnerships, creating content and stories for social media and other digital platforms.

® Build relationships with local media to amplify the work of WFRC and its stakeholders.

 Engagement Partner Collaboration:

® Work with the project managers and our local stakeholders to identify opportunities to increase the charity’s profile.

® Attend online and in-person meetings with local partners in Wolverhampton to profile our work.

® Generate partner commitment to WFRC’s campaigns and initiatives.

® Work collaboratively with local stakeholders to deliver communications and engagement strategies that showcase our partnerships and impact.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

· Proven experience of general administrative work, including excellent IT skills (using Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint & Access).

· Proven experience of team management.

· Ideally, some experience of working in the charity sector.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Excellent attention to detail.

· Leadership and the ability to ‘make things happen’

· Good time management skills and the ability to work pro-actively & meet tight deadlines.

· Ability to communicate with a variety of people in a friendly, professional and confident manner.

· Ability to relate to and engage with women & families.

We are looking for a volunteer youth worker who will work closely with the WFRC Youth coordinators in the planning and delivery of high-quality youth activities which are fun, safe, social and educational.

You will be helping to provide a safe and supportive environment where young people learn to;

→ treat themselves and others with kindness and respect

→ discover exciting new ideas and activities they are unlikely to experience anywhere else

→ laugh, learn, experiment, make mistakes and

thrive & grow into motivated, positive, resilient and caring citizens

Principal Responsibilities

→ Welcoming young people, ensuring everything is running smoothly and supporting young people in engaging with activities provided.

→ Delivering a drop-in / online session for example organising games, positive activities and conversations, taking accountability for security and safe working within the youth sessions

→ Supporting the delivery of creative and partnership projects

→ Having conversations with young people, identifying issues affecting them and how their needs can be met

→ Mentoring, coaching and supporting individuals, encouraging young people to develop their self-awareness, independence and individuality

→ Identifying where targeted youth support is needed and facilitate referrals and connections

→ Helping ensure that all evidence of projects are properly documented, and that work is evaluated and reported in accordance with contractual commitments

→ Keeping registers, writing evaluation reports and inputting data into our management information system

→ Taking part in outreach activities, both independently and in partnership with other services

→ Developing and building strong community relationships with external stakeholders i.e schools and colleges, and developing relationships with youth networks in Wolverhampton

→ Staying informed on legislation, local and national issues, and best practice in youth work

→ Ensuring child protection procedures are followed and that the safeguarding of young people is paramount

→ Carry out all duties in accordance with WFRC’s policies on Health and Safety, Child Protection and Data Protection, and with relevant legislation

→ Act as a role model for young people, inspiring them to engage in the services and understand and appreciate the role of youth work as a career opportunity

→ Any other duties appropriate to the post as directed by WFRC

You are

→ Friendly, cheerful, positive and self-driven, able to work independently and as part of a team

Education, qualifications or experience

→ Level 2 JNC or relevant youth work experience

→ Experience of working with children and/or young people in an online/ offline environment

→ Experience of organising small scale events or coordinating projects is desirable

Knowledge, skills and abilities

→ Excellent communication skills, with the ability to quickly establish positive relationships with young people and motivate them to participate in activities and events

→ Good organisational and administration skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office

→ Understanding and appreciation of the importance of monitoring and evaluation in a youth work setting

→ Politically and creatively aware and ‘plugged in’ to emerging youth subculture

→ Positive about embracing challenge and change, open to experimenting, new ideas, reflective practice and working with other organisations in a spirit of partnership

→ Ability to prioritise effectively and enjoy multitasking in a busy environment

→ A believer in strongly supportive environments, sharing and being open with colleagues

→ A working understanding of safeguarding children and young people and how to maintain appropriate professional boundaries

→ A working understanding of equality and diversity with the ability to challenge discriminatory behaviour

Unreal offers support and information to people with lived experience of Depersonalisation and Derealisation (DPDR) - including people experiencing symptoms themselves and their carers, friends and families. We aim to raise awareness of DPDR, provide up-to date clinically-validated information, signpost people to relevant resources, push for policy change, assist in research studies and enable people living with DPDR to speak with others through our flagship Peer Support Programme to help support each other.

We are supported by a dedicated network of volunteers and ambassadors whose expertise and lived experience are central to what we do.

Despite being a small and relatively young charity, officially founded in 2019, we have established ourselves as the leading voice on DPDR in the UK and are proud of what we have achieved.

Unreal enters this next chapter from a position of real strength. We have established ourselves as the leading charity for DPDR in the UK, with a peer support programme that continues to grow in demand, strong relationships with clinicians, policymakers and researchers, and a clear strategic direction.

We have recently set our key priorities for 2026 to 2030, and we are looking for new board members who are excited to help us deliver on that ambition.

This is a significant moment for the charity. We are recruiting for trustees at a time when we have strong foundations, a clear sense of purpose, and real momentum. The people who join us now will help shape the next chapter of Unreal.

At such a pivotal time for the charity, and to help achieve our ambitions, we are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Trustees.

We are currently recruiting:

• A HR/Governance Trustee

• A Finance Trustee

• A Fundraising Trustee

We welcome applications from people with or without previous trustee experience. What matters most is your commitment to our mission and the skills and perspectives you bring.

We have attached our recruitment pack with details of the individual roles. 

Time commitment

• Board meetings: monthly (9 per year), held online

• Full trustee days, held in person: twice a year

• Online Trustee meetings, twice a year

• Additional time required for specific projects or sub-committees

Support for new trustees

We are committed to making trusteeship at Unreal as accessible and rewarding as possible. All new board members will receive a full induction and training

Expenses

All reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out your role as a trustee will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy.

What we are looking for

We are not looking for a particular type of person. We are looking for the right people. Within our trustees and board, we aim to bring together a range of skills, backgrounds and perspectives. 

Full role specifications for each position are included below. These set out the specific skills, experience and qualities we are looking for, alongside the responsibilities of the role.

In addition to the specified roles below, we will also be recruiting more widely, and welcome applications from anyone who fulfils the below general criteria. 

We particularly welcome applications from:

• People with lived experience of DPDR, including carers, friends and family members.

• Clinicians and researchers working in the field.

Skills and experience that are valuable to us include:

• Finance

• Fundraising

• HR

• Governance

• Expertise in the mental health or charity sector. 

We ask all trustees to commit to a term of three to four years. The Chair may be appointed for a term of up to five years.

Before you apply

Trustees of Unreal must meet the following eligibility criteria. Please check these before applying.

You must:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Not be automatically disqualified under the Charities Act 2011. This includes any person: with undischarged bankruptcy those who has been declared bankrupt; that has entered into an IVA; been disqualified as a company director; or that has certain unspent criminal convictions relating to dishonesty, fraud or contempt of court

• Have no safeguarding restrictions that would prevent you from working with vulnerable people

• Be willing to declare any conflicts of interest and to complete a DBS check

If you are unsure whether any of the above applies to you, the Charity Commission website has further guidance.

All trustees are expected to uphold Unreal's Code of Conduct for Board Members. A copy will be shared with shortlisted candidates and must be signed on appointment.

General Trustee Responsibilities

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.

• Integrity, sound judgement and professionalism.

• Ability to contribute to effective governance and strategic decision-making.

• Willingness to act in the charity’s best interests at all times.

• Ability to work collaboratively and constructively as part of a board.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Understanding of confidentiality, accountability and conflicts of interest.

• Awareness of safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion responsibilities.

• Financial awareness and responsible oversight of resources.

• Sufficient time and commitment to fulfil trustee duties and attend meetings.

• Willingness to undertake training and ongoing development.

• Relevant professional, leadership, governance or lived experience would be advantageous.

How to apply

To apply, please send the following:

• A CV or brief summary of your relevant experience

• A short personal statement of up to 250 words setting out what you would bring to Unreal and why the role appeals to you

We ask that any applications submitted are in the candidate’s own words. 

Deadline

The closing date for applications is 27 August 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place in September 2026.

The Recruitment Process

We want to make this process as straightforward and human as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal conversation with one or more of our trustees, giving you a chance to find out more about us and for us to learn more about you. Successful candidates will then be invited to a formal panel interview with set questions. 

Interviews will be held virtually, though if you would prefer to meet in person we will do our best to accommodate this.

We are committed to making this process as accessible as possible. If you require any adjustments to support your application or participation in the interview process, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, including in how we recruit. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of DPDR, and from those who are underrepresented in charity leadership.

Do you want to take part in vegan volunteering around your local area?

You can do that – right here at The Vegan Society. 

We have an ever-growing Community Network of vegans just like you, who have a passion to volunteer and promote veganism where they live. 

Every month, our Network choose from a range of outreach tasks. These could include town centre stalls, writing to a councillor or MP, sharing our campaigns on social media or contacting local businesses. You're in control of how much or how little you do. 

As an Advocate, you will have a network of other Advocates and an Organiser in your area. Your Organiser will be your main point of contact. They will send you tasks every month and ask you to feed back on what you've completed and any positive outcomes. 

Why do we need you to volunteer?

As the vegan community grows, veganism itself becomes better understood. We're finding that more people are looking to The Vegan Society to find out what being vegan is all about.

Local communities are starting to see the vegan movement as something real and something that’s happening in their area. More people are embracing a vegan lifestyle, which we welcome. From new businesses, to families, to councillors, many people need support. This could be with a range of topics: going vegan, finding correct information around a vegan diet, providing vegan options in their business, MPs listening to vegan constituents, and learning about our work.

Local issues are often unique and more varied than national issues. Our volunteers from local areas are vital! They enable us to share our messages and campaigns in an effective way. Research tells us that people are far more likely to trust information from a peer rather than an outside expert, so community volunteering vastly increases the impact of our campaigns.

Our network of committed local vegans across the country is growing! The Vegan Society organises various outreach activities to influence change in every level of society. There are a range of activities going on all the time, from general educational stalls at events to meeting with local policy influencers.

Advocates are a crucial voice in their own community. They ensure that our campaign messages are spread far and wide. They provide a strong vegan presence in local communities.

What does the Advocate role involve?

Being an Advocate for veganism with The Vegan Society will mean communicating with people in your local community. You'll share the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. You will form part of a local group, headed up by a local Organiser. The Organiser will feed back your collective efforts to staff. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group, for vegan socialising and ideas sharing.

You’ll stay in touch with the Organiser and bring your passion to tasks. Activities can range from staffing a stall to giving a talk at an employee event. It could also mean writing to a local newspaper or lobbying an MP.

Messaging can differ every month. Part of our mission statement is to ensure people can remain vegan, so you might focus on getting more vegan options available in local businesses. Or within our Live Vegan for Less campaign, you may share cheap vegan recipes to help people with the cost of living.

When acting as an Advocate, you will use The Vegan Society’s branding and messaging guidelines. Your local Organiser will guide you in doing this, as they hold physical resources and handbooks. You can report any issues and feedback you have to your Organiser. You can also contact staff if your Organiser isn't available or you have any problems.

What training and support is available?

You will be provided with a big welcome and full induction from your local Organiser. They will introduce you to the group and any actions that are ongoing. Any training and development will be provided via your Organiser, and you can also ask for specific training on any areas that you need some development in.

What skills would be useful in doing this role?

• The ability to stay motivated in order to achieve the best possible outcomes
• Good email etiquette, responding in a timely manner
• Committed to veganism and the mission of The Vegan Society
• Ability to stay calm if confronted with differing opinions or challenges
• A good communicator, with the ability to be persuasive
• Confident in communicating with people from a range of backgrounds
• Experience of campaigning
• Any experience in talking with members of the public through customer/public service would be helpful
• Awareness of current affairs, especially those that relate to veganism
• Regular availability and a willingness to stay committed to actions
• Good team player

How much time do I need to invest? 

For Advocates, we ask for people to engage in a minimum of four to six actions per year. An example of an action could be writing to an MP or holding a stall. But the more you can do, the better! On occasion, there may also be online meetings to plan for actions or provide training.

Chair of Trustees - The Family Place Foundation

We are recruiting a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our charity’s development.

Location: Remote, with occasional in‑person trustee meetings (typically once or twice a year) held in the Clyro/Herefordshire area.

Time commitment: Approximately 1–2 days per month. This includes six trustee meetings a year, occasional ad‑hoc discussions and light‑touch support between meetings (for example reviewing policies or responding to emails).

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About us

Established in 2020, we are a small, well-established charity with a strong grounding and a clear purpose. We raise funds to provide support to adopted, fostered and kinship care children and their families to improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and reduce the impact of early trauma. In collaboration with leading UK practitioners, we support the delivery of a range of services providing essential therapeutic care and family support that isn’t covered by statutory funding. Services offered include Family Activity Days, Specialist Clinical Workshops, Advisory Consultations and Family Respite Camps. We also work to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children who cannot live with their birth families. We are a warm, committed team with a strong reputation for high‑quality support, clear governance, and genuine care for the families we serve.

To learn more about our work, please search online for “The Family Place Foundation”.

We are now seeking a Chair of Trustees to help guide the charity through its next stage of development, including shaping our emerging Family Foundations project, a significant new early‑years initiative for the charity, alongside our ongoing portfolio of funded projects delivered through our specialist partner. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated Board and a small operational support team who care deeply about the families we serve and the long‑term sustainability of the organisation.

The charity is currently led by a Board of four trustees, supported by two part‑time operational staff and a small group of volunteers.

As Chair, you will provide leadership to the Board, ensure effective governance, and help the charity continue enabling the delivery of high‑quality, trauma‑informed support. You will work closely with the trustees and operational colleagues to help shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the charity remains compliant, resilient, and focused on its mission. You will also play a key role in strengthening the charity’s governance and fundraising, which in turn enables the therapeutic delivery carried out by our specialist partner. 

A supportive handover will be provided to ensure a smooth and confident transition into the role.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Warmth, clarity and good judgement, with a balanced, proportionate approach to governance.

• A genuine commitment to improving the lives of adopted, fostered and kinship care children and an understanding of the challenges faced by families affected by early trauma.

• Confidence in chairing discussions, helping the Board reach clear, well‑considered decisions.

• An understanding of good governance, including risk, safeguarding and compliance (or a willingness to learn).

• The ability to work collaboratively with trustees and our small operational support team, offering encouragement and constructive challenge while supporting the charity’s governance and fundraising role, which enables the specialist delivery work carried out by our partner.

• Strategic thinking, with the ability to help shape the charity’s direction and ensure long‑term sustainability.

• Reliability, integrity and a calm, steady approach, keeping the charity’s purpose at the centre of decision‑making.

• Meets the eligibility requirements to serve as a charity trustee, as set out by the Charity Commission.

Helpful but not essential:

• Experience of chairing a board or committee

• Experience in charity governance, education, social care, therapeutic work, or community leadership would be helpful, but we are open to a wide range of backgrounds.

• Lived or professional experience related to adoption, fostering, trauma or family support.

What We Offer

• A warm, committed Board, small operational support team and group of volunteers who work collaboratively and value clear communication.

• A meaningful opportunity to shape the future of a small but growing charity with a strong reputation for high‑quality, trauma‑informed support.

• Flexible time commitments that fit around work and family life.

• A chance to make a tangible difference to adopted, fostered and kinship-care children and young people, and the families who care for them.

How to apply

Please apply through the CharityJob platform with your CV and a short supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and your relevant experience. 

If you would like an informal conversation before applying please contact the charity directly using the details provided on our website. We would be happy to arrange a conversation with the current Chair or another member of the Board if you would like to learn more about the role.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Could you help shape the future of our Charity?

We are recruiting new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the strategic direction, governance, and long-term success of ECI.

Trustees play a vital role in shaping how we deliver our services and ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our communities.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not require previous Trustee experience — full support and induction will be provided.

Who we’re looking for

We are particularly interested in people with lived experience or skills in areas such as:

• Using ECI services or similar support services
• Moving to Exeter or building a sense of belonging in a new community
• Being part of a minority group within the community
• Disability access and inclusion
• Child safeguarding and/or adult safeguarding
• Human resources (especially employee relations or employment law)
• Legal services or law

We also welcome anyone with different lived experience, professional skills, or perspectives that could help us improve and develop our services.

What you’ll be doing

As a Trustee, you will:

• Help shape ECI’s strategic direction and priorities
• Contribute to the governance and long-term development of the charity
• Ensure ECI meets legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities
• Champion ECI’s work and its impact in the community
• Use your experience, skills or networks to support and strengthen the organisation

The Board meets every two months, in person and online (usually weekday evenings). Between meetings, you may be asked to support areas linked to your skills or interests.

Commitment

• Around 3–4 hours per month
• Bi-monthly Board meetings
• Flexible involvement outside meetings when needed
• Open to applicants aged 18+

What you’ll get

• Full induction and ongoing support
• Opportunity to influence and shape a local charity’s future
• Experience in charity governance and strategic decision-making
• A chance to use your skills and lived experience for community impact
• Travel and reasonable expenses reimbursed
• A welcoming and supportive Board and staff team

Come and make a difference to some young people who really need your input.

Go Beyond are a national UK charity giving children who have been bereaved, abused or bullied, who are living in poverty or caring for loved ones the chance to escape their worries and pressures through free breaks in the countryside. We need volunteers to help us deliver fun, creative and adventurous activities throughout the year.

Go Beyond’s centres in Essex, the Cornish coastline, and on the edge of the Peak District are where vulnerable young people facing various challenges in their life come for a week of freedom and fun. Running Monday-Friday throughout the year, our breaks give children and young people the chance for time away from the worries of their everyday life, to make friends, try new things, build confidence, and ultimately go home inspired by what the world can offer them and what they, in turn, can offer the world.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

As a breaks volunteer, you will be part of a team, including trained Break Leaders, and will support by being an extra pair of eyes and ears, and a helping hand where needed. You will spend time with the young people attending Go Beyond and help ensure they have a positive week full of experiences and memories that will last a lifetime!

Full training and support will be given throughout. We have a wide variety of volunteer roles available and key responsibilities can include:

• Helping the Break Leaders with day-to-day tasks, such as setting up activities and keeping the centre tidy
• Assisting at mealtimes with preparing, serving, and cleaning
• Leading planned activities based on your skills with support from Break Leaders (such as baking, sports games, gardening, arts and crafts etc.)
• Capturing photos of special moments for the young people (using Go Beyond cameras only)
• Accompanying our driver to collect or drop off groups and supervise behaviour on the buses
• To be a positive role model and lead by example at all times
• To be encouraging and supportive to the young people and take an interest in each child
• To take part in the activities alongside the young people
• To be aware of boundaries and know when it is important to enforce these
• To inform the Break Leaders of any issues or concerns you have relating to the young people or the break experience
• To contribute to personalised messages which the young people receive in their goody bags as a lasting memory of their Go Beyond break
• To read, sign and ensure Safeguarding and Health and Safety Policies and Reporting Procedures are followed, and contribute to Go Beyond Hazard Analysis Critical Control Principles, Risk Assessment and Quality Assurance processes.

Qualities & Skills

• Enthusiasm and a willingness to help
• Good communication skills and a positive, friendly attitude
• Non-judgemental and approachable
• Experience of working with young people
• Willingness to work flexibly, adapting tasks to suit the needs of the group
• Ability to work well as part of a team in a busy, fast-paced environment

What you can gain from volunteering with Go Beyond

• Gain new skills and experience in a professional environment
• Training and personal development opportunities
• Join an enthusiastic team of people who want to make a difference, just like you
• We will happily provide a reference for volunteers who complete training and reach the agreed number of volunteer hours
• Have a rewarding experience making a difference to children living in desperately difficult circumstances across the UK

Time commitment

A break will run Monday to Friday, various weeks throughout the year

Application process

• Complete the application form online 
• Two successful references will be required
• A successful DBS check would need to be completed (we pay, but you will need to prove your ID at the Post Office, which costs £12)
• A 30 minute online induction session
• Discussion of which break, where and when.

Cards for Bravery is a registered charity dedicated to brightening the days and improving the emotional wellbeing of hospitalised and seriously ill children through services such as the distribution of positive handmade cards, care packages, and activity packs.

As part of our charity, we distribute 'Bravery' Packages to seriously ill children. These are care packages full of gifts to help brighten the days of seriously ill children and their families.

As a Bravery Package volunteer, you will assist the charity with coordinating and putting these packages together.

This is a vital role for our organisation and we are looking for reliable applicants. Applicants will work alongside one of our current Bravery Package Volunteers.

This role is hybrid, with remote work online but also requires some volunteering to be completed in person in Braintree, CM7 2NL area. Applicants must be able to travel to this area when needed and travel expenses can be reimbursed if needed. The office is wheelchair accessible. In-person timings can be flexible including weekdays and weekends.

A DBS Check will be required for this role, completed by the charity.

An ideal match:

• Someone who is positive, dependable and hardworking and is dedicated to helping us bring smiles to seriously ill children’s faces
• Someone with clear communication, teamwork and time management skills
• Organisational skills
• Creativity skills
• Basic computer skills for using emails, Google Forms and Google Sheets (informal training will be provided but basic IT skills is helpful).

The role will include activities such as:

• Helping to maintain the dedicated bravery package email
• Helping to maintain and oversee the nomination form
• Creating and packing Bravery Packages
• Contacting businesses for potential donations
• Keeping track of stock of donations of items
• Support with distributing and posting Bravery Packages

As a team member, we also require you

• Attend at least 3 monthly team meetings a year (out of 6, remote via Google Meets)
• Be part of a unique team and give ideas to help broaden Cards for Bravery
• Regularly communicate and keep in contact with your volunteer coordinator

Benefits:

• Time arrangements are flexible
• Volunteer hours and certificates can be made available if required
• We will be flexible and understanding to those with additional circumstances such as those who are chronically ill/disabled themselves
• Joining a positive and friendly team!

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer for Cards for Bravery! It is a unique and fun way to make a difference.