Operations officer volunteer volunteer roles in Bristol
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Description
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Working Relationships: C-Level Executives, National Research, Policy, Ethics, Research Reporting, and Local Operations
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: Part-time | Flexible hours | Long term commitment
About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership across our national and local operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective delivery of projects and research, maintaining ethical and operational standards, and driving continuous improvement across all organisational systems and processes.
This is a senior voluntary position ideal for an experienced operations or strategy leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make an impact in the not-for-profit or research sector.
Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide executive oversight of Policy, Ethics and Research Reporting, National Operations, and Local Operations (including projects and research).
• Oversee operational delivery to ensure smooth, ethical, and effective implementation of all projects.
• Lead the optimisation of systems, structures, and processes to maximise organisational efficiency.
• Ensure resource allocation is effective and aligned with strategic goals.
• Support and collaborate with C-Level colleagues to drive organisational progress.
• Attend high-level meetings and provide regular operational updates and recommendations.
• Act as a key decision-maker in operational strategy, compliance, and performance management.
• Support and coach department heads and senior managers to strengthen internal leadership capacity.
• Step in to provide hands-on support to other C-Level officers and direct reports when needed.
What We're Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, experienced, and adaptable leader who can bring structure, strategy, and calm to a dynamic environment. You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
• Significant experience in operations management, project delivery, or organisational leadership.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple teams or departments in complex environments.
• Strong ethical grounding and commitment to compliance and transparency.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to balance strategy and execution.
• Experience mentoring or managing senior leaders or functional heads.
• Comfort working remotely with cross-functional, volunteer-led teams.
• A collaborative, supportive leadership style and openness to learning and adaptation.
• An understanding of the not-for-profit, research, or policy sectors (advantageous but not essential).
What You’ll Gain
• The opportunity to lead national operations for a values-led organisation making a tangible impact.
• Executive-level experience within a collaborative, mission-driven C-Suite.
• The chance to refine strategic and operational leadership skills in a complex, real-world setting.
• Recognition through:
o LinkedIn testimonial and reference
o A public thank you post
o Permission to list the organisation as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
o A written reference upon completion of your commitment
Important Information
This is a voluntary position. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. This opportunity is ideal for seasoned operations leaders or executives seeking to contribute their expertise to a meaningful, values-driven mission and support the growth of an impactful organisation.
Apply Now
If you’re ready to help shape the strategic and operational backbone of a growing organisation and support our mission through effective leadership, we’d love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Animal Partnerships team, based at Battersea's London site, is a team who are there for dogs and cats who require a different, specialised environment. For those under socialised cats, for whom a traditional ‘pet home’ wouldn’t be suitable, the Animal Partnerships team are on hand to provide rural homes; often on farms and stables, with the Working Cats Coordinator working in the community finding new homes.
We are looking for volunteer support based in and around Essex. This volunteer will support in researching and sourcing suitable homes in and around Essex, likely on farms, stables and other rural settings for working cats. They will support in positively promoting our Working Cat Programme to achieve happy outcomes for both the cats and their new owners, whilst being supported by the Working Cat Co-ordinator.
This volunteer role is a non-animal facing role meaning it would have no interaction with Battersea Working Cats.
What the role would entail?
This role is based in Essex with very occasional travel into Battersea, London. Please take this into consideration before applying. It is essential for the role that the candidate has a full clean driving licence and an own vehicle. An ideal candidate would live in Essex or within a short distance of Essex.
- Researching and sourcing rural homes within Essex, suitable for potential working cats rehoming.
- Passing on new contact details to the Battersea Working Cat Team.
- Informing and educating members of the public about Battersea’s Working Cats Programme.
- Helping working cat homes to understand how to securely settle and maintain working cats, through sharing advice and support.
- Attend country shows and events to promote Battersea's Working Cat Programme.
- Supporting members of the public in completing applications, via the website, to rehome a Battersea Working Cat.
- Observe the Working Cat Co-ordinator settle working cats into their new homes, in which you were monumental in sourcing.
What skills and experience would be useful?
- Full clean driving licence.
- Your own vehicle – travel expenses will be reimbursed.
- Good cat welfare and behaviour knowledge.
- Good personal skills to communicate well with potential homes and members of the public.
- An interest in Battersea’s Working Cats Programme and a passion to support by finding homes.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the support of a volunteer mentor.
- Basic computer skills.
What skills will I gain?
- All volunteers will have an induction with the volunteering team and then a role related induction and training with the Animal Partnerships Team.
- You will learn about working cats, their behaviour, their needs husbandry and habitats.
- You will learn how to positively interact with the farming/equestrian community.
Where and when would I be volunteering?
- One day a week, driving to rural areas in Essex.
- The role will be based in Essex – an ideal candidate would live in Essex or within a short distance of Essex.
- Trial for 6 months with regular check ins with the Working Cat Co-ordinator and Animal Partnerships Officer (Cats).
- Induction and training will take place at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, London.
We strive to create an inclusive environment and ensure that our volunteers are involved in all aspects of our work, are valued for their commitment, and recognised for the extraordinary things they do for us. We are accredited by ‘Investing In Volunteers’, the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management.
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and value diversity for all current and prospective employees, volunteers, and Trustees. We aim to ensure that this commitment, reinforced by our values, is embedded in our day-to-day working practices and our work together. At Battersea, we provide reasonable adjustments for those with disabilities or neurodiversity to ensure individuals can achieve the best out of their role.
If you require support with your application or wish to discuss reasonable adjustments further please email us. Any declaration of any disabilities or differences will be treated confidentially and compassionately.
KEY DATES:
26/01/26 - Application Deadline
W/C 02/02/26 - Volunteer Interview
W/C 09/02/26 - Volunteer Induction & Start Date
Battersea is here for every dog and cat, and has been since 1860. We believe that every dog and cat deserves the best.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
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.
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
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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
A dynamic charity working on climate change and global development



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Roots Academy.
Roots Academy’s Vision.
A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.
At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.
Why Does Roots Academy Exist?
Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline.
Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.
Role Summary.
To bring our vision to life, we are looking for a dedicated person to play a vital role in managing and strengthening our relationships with partner organisations (such as university Islamic Societies), with a focus on marketing and growth. You will work closely with external partners to increase the number of students attending Roots workshops through creative and innovative methods.
Key tasks
-
Marketing Support - Provide guidance and resources to partners for marketing Roots workshops effectively, including sharing marketing collateral and leading growth initiatives.
-
Performance Monitoring - Monitor the marketing efforts of partner organisations, track key performance metrics, and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement.
-
Communication Liaison - Serve as the primary point of contact through social media between our organisation and partner organisations, facilitating clear and consistent communication channels.
-
Training and Onboarding - Conduct training sessions and onboarding for new partner organisations to familiarise them with our brand guidelines, marketing strategies, and communication protocols.
-
Collaboration - Coordinate cross-functional efforts with internal teams, such as marketing, design, and external partnerships, to ensure alignment with partnership goals.
What we’re looking for
-
Passion for Islamic education and the development of young Muslims.
-
Creative ideas and ability to think outside the box.
-
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
-
Ability to multitask successfully.
-
Proficiency in project management and organisational skills.
-
Analytical mindset for assessing results and suggesting recommendations.
What we have to offer
-
Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.
-
Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
-
Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
-
Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.
Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.
Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.
We teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to Young Muslims across the UK and internationally.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About StreetVet
StreetVet is a fast-growing national charity, committed to providing free vet care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness and to keeping pets and owners together to maintain the human-animal bond. StreetVet relies on its team of clinical and support volunteers in 30 locations around the UK to provide free veterinary treatment, funded by grants, corporate and private donors and partners. Since inception in 2016, the charity has treated over 3,000 pets and has won numerous awards including the Vet Trust Award for the Most Trusted Veterinary Charity, Purina Better with Pets Prize and Homeless Link Excellence Award for Excellent Support.
Our Top Priorities
We are looking for a new Trustee with a governance background who can bring a fresh perspective to our board. Working with the Trustee Board and Senior Leadership Team to support with charity governance, particularly regarding compliance, statutory, legal and regulatory requirements. As a young charity we still need practical, hands-on support from time-to-time from the trustees in their area of expertise while we work to mature into an organisation where the trustees can focus on a purely governance role. Being a trustee can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience, offering opportunities to help shape the future direction of the charity, enhance the lives of people in our local communities and gain valuable satisfaction of contributing to an effective and ambitious growing charity.
Role Description:
The Governance Trustee will oversee the charity’s day to day governance to ensure we are fully compliant and champion risk management. They will provide practical guidance on best practice enabling StreetVet to put procedures and policies in place to achieve this.
Role Responsibilities and Duties:
· Play a full and effective role on the Board of Trustees (attend minimum 75% Trustee Board meetings) to provide strategic direction, support in setting overall strategy and policy, as well as, targets and evaluate performance.
· Act as a conduit for governance information between the Trustee Board, CEO and Operations Manger.
· Reflect upon the charity’s performance and advise appropriate changes to practice.
· To recommend work processes where StreetVet can improve its governance requirements.
· Work with the CEO, wider staff team and Board of Trustees to develop and implement strategy for the charity to strengthen our sustainability and integrity.
Who we’re looking for - knowledge and experience
· A thorough understanding of the Third Sector, Charity Commission legislation and charity governance.
· Ability to advise and recommend governance activities and reviews, where necessary, to fulfil the requirements of Charity Commission.
· Awareness of the challenges a small charity can face in a fast-developing status.
· Excellent networking, influencing and communication skills.
Input and Time Commitment:
· A time commitment of 2-4 hours a month would be expected.
· Trustees are expected to be available for regular consultation and input on a range of issues in between meetings, usually via email.
· Attend at least one outreach a year.
· Attend virtual quarterly board meetings, held on third Tuesday of January, April, July, October at 6pm. Meetings duration approx 1 – 2 hours.
o Papers for the meeting are sent the week prior and Trustees must ensure they have read and understood all the information in advance in order to participate fully.
· Attend annual conference – usually 2 days in London.
· Attend in-person annual strategic review, usually half a day, in London.
· Training will be provided to give a good understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of trustees.
Personal Attributes:
· Good time management and personal motivation, and ability to work flexibly with a small fast-growing organisation.
· Belief in the vision, mission and values of StreetVet.
· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
· An ability to think logically and objectively to identify key issues and good judgement to support robust decision making.
· Ability and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.
· Good communicator, able to both empower and challenge supportively.
· An ability to think creatively and offer new ideas.
· A willingness to speak their mind and voice opinions even if these are not shared by other trustees.
· An ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team.
· Understanding of how to use Microsoft Teams to facilitate collaborative and remote working or willingness to learn.
StreetVet is a national charity, committed to providing free vet care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness & to keep pets & owners together



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) seeks to engage in bidding and tendering to deliver health and social care services effectively. Our goal is to ensure sustainability and positively impact the lives of more people. We want assistance in developing an ambitious strategy.
What will you be doing?
We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for a talented Bid Manager to join our passionate team at the Africa Health Organisation (AHO)! Since 1999, we've been dedicated to delivering health and social care to millions across Africa and the Diaspora, and now we're ready to further elevate our impact.
This year, we're embarking on a mission to broaden our funding strategy by incorporating bid and tender opportunities. Our goal is to engage with governments in Africa and the UK, the public sector, and the public, providing essential, practical, and emotional support to those facing chronic conditions. We need a visionary like you to help us achieve our goals.
We're seeking a dynamic, experienced Bid Manager to develop and execute a winning strategy to secure the necessary financial backing. There are numerous exciting possibilities ahead, including central government tenders, local and statutory opportunities. We're eager to explore them all.
In this pivotal role, you'll plan and execute our bids and tender writing efforts, ensuring that our bid proposals not only shine but also come to life in meaningful ways. If you're a bid writer who thrives on creativity and collaboration, we want to hear from you! Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to inspire and mentor volunteers within our bid and tender team, making a positive impact together. Join us on this exciting journey!
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Role Description:
Bid Management: Lead and manage the entire bid and tender process, ensuring submissions meet deadlines and align with client requirements across the UK & Ireland.
Proposal Development: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop tailored, high-quality, and persuasive proposals that align with our value proposition.
Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with sales, operations, legal, and clinical teams to gather critical input and ensure accurate, compliant, and compelling submissions.
Market Analysis: Stay informed on market trends, tender opportunities, and competitor activity to identify and secure strategic opportunities.
Compliance: Ensure all submissions adhere to company standards, client specifications, and relevant regulatory requirements.
Process Improvement: Continuously refine bid processes, content libraries, templates, and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Post-Submission Activities: Manage debrief processes and gather feedback to inform future submissions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead AHO bids: Manage the whole bid process with a hands-on approach.
- Create strong responses: Tailor solutions that clearly show our value.
- Support growth: Work with Business Development and Marketing to boost propositions.
- Drive best practice: Lead bid qualification, governance, and reviews.
- User-focused: Understand needs and clearly present our solutions.
- Know the landscape: Medical, research industries, and opportunities.
- Know our strengths: Stay sharp on our services and competitors.
- Seal the deal: Coordinate smooth contract closures.
- Stay tidy: Keep the bid library updated and accessible.
- Keep comms clear: Align stakeholders throughout the process.
- Stay compliant: Follow governance and secure approvals.
- Push for quality: Lead reviews to ensure high-standard submissions.
- Maintain the opportunity pipeline: utilising CRM and creating reports for management.
- Taking the lead on other business development activities, such as award submissions, whitepapers, and sales collateral.
- Supporting every stage of the sales funnel: by working closely with marketing, sales, implementation, and operations teams.
What are we looking for?
Person Specification: What You'll Bring:
- At least two years of proven experience in bid and tender management, preferably within the healthcare (NHS & private), medical, or technology sectors.
- End-to-end bid management experience: A minimum of 4 years' experience leading the whole bid process.
- Preferred qualifications include a degree in Business, Communication, Marketing, Creative Writing, English or equivalent.
- APMP Certification is also desirable.
- Sector versatility: Experience with both public- and private-sector bids in the medical, biotech, biomed, health, and social sectors is preferred.
- Industry knowledge: Understanding of contact centres and/or customer experience is essential.
- Commercial acumen: Strong business sense, negotiation skills, and a hands-on approach.
- Resilience under pressure: Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
- Detail orientation: High attention to detail to ensure quality and accuracy.
- Growth mindset: Self-motivated, proactive, and focused on continuous improvement.
- Strong communicator: Confident and articulate, with the ability to build trusted relationships across stakeholders.
- Time management: Skilled at prioritising tasks and managing competing deadlines.
What difference will you make?
In this exciting role, you will lead the strategic process for winning new business through competitive bids, tenders, and proposals, ultimately elevating AHO's success. Your specialised knowledge will enhance our win rates and maximise revenue by bringing clarity, quality, and coordination to what can be a complex and high-stakes journey. impact
Your primary mission is to boost AHO's tender win rates and strengthen our strategic advantage. By diligently overseeing each step of the bidding process—from initial evaluation to final submission—you will significantly improve the quality and persuasion of our proposals, directly increasing our chances of securing valuable contracts.
You'll provide key insights to help AHO target the most promising opportunities by implementing a thoughtful "bid/no-bid" process. This approach will ensure we focus only on lucrative and winnable contracts that closely align with our strategic goals, ultimately saving time and resources and allowing us to prioritise high-potential projects.
In this role, you will orchestrate a well-coordinated process that drives operational efficiency. As the central point of contact, you will gather input from diverse internal teams—sales, finance, legal, and technical—ensuring everyone collaborates smoothly to meet critical deadlines.
As a leader, you'll elevate the quality of our bid content. By overseeing the creation of compelling, polished materials, you'll ensure our final submissions are professional, cohesive, and error-free. You will utilise a centralised content library containing valuable resources, such as case studies and CVs, to streamline efforts and enhance our proposals.
You will keep projects on track by developing detailed project plans and timelines, ensuring all tasks are completed on time—especially critical in the fast-paced environment of tender submissions. Your effective management will ease colleagues' workloads, allowing the entire team to shine.
To foster long-term business growth, you'll create a wealth of knowledge around our tenders and bids. By conducting insightful post-submission debriefs and analysing feedback, you will capture invaluable lessons from both successes and setbacks. This ongoing improvement process will enhance our bidding capabilities for future opportunities.
You also have the opportunity to enhance AHO's brand reputation by submitting well-organised, accurate, and compliant bids. By doing so, you'll showcase our professionalism and reliability to clients, building trust and solidifying our credible standing in the market.
Strategic alignment is vital for sustaining consistent, stable business growth. Together, we can make a remarkable impact on development.
Applicants must submit a CV and a cover letter explaining how they meet the role description and the person specification.
Interviews will be arranged and conducted via Microsoft Teams.
Interview dates are agreed with the applicant.
To promote equity in health, to combat disease, and to improve the quality of, and lengthen, the lives of the people in Africa and the Diaspora.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Applications close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026
Location: Home-based but with regular travel, including to periodic board meetings in London or other locations within the UK
This is an opportunity to chair a charity transforming lives by helping more people experience the positive impact of learning. You can help shape the future of this remarkable charity and lead the Board of Shannon Trust to broaden, deepen and mature what we deliver.
Who we are
Picture this: a person in prison who struggles with literacy and numeracy reads their first sentence, they write their first letter home to their children or completes their first numeracy task. They begin to imagine a future beyond the prison walls.
This is what happens when someone learns with Shannon Trust, and it happens thousands of times each year across prisons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Currently, 65% of people in prison can’t read, or struggle to. Even more struggle with numeracy.
These are not just statistics; they represent people who have been locked out of opportunity, who struggle with daily tasks, such as helping their children with homework or filling out a job application. At Shannon Trust, we believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, and that literacy and numeracy skills help build the foundations upon which people can rebuild their lives.
Where we are now
Shannon Trust has experienced remarkable growth over recent years. We have gone from a team of twelve people to one hundred staff today, supported by a volunteer base that brings us close to 250 people working to change lives through learning. The core of what we do is one-to-one peer mentoring in prisons. In 2025 alone, more than 11,000 learners used our reading and numeracy programmes, with 2,000 new volunteer peer-mentors trained to support them. We work in around one hundred prisons across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, delivering our Turning Pages reading programme and Count Me In numeracy programme. We are increasing our reach into the community, too. This growth is the result of sustained focus, strong relationships with funders who believe in our work, and the proven impact of our peer-led learning model.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a Chair who is strongly motivated by our cause, with a genuine empathy for the people we serve and a commitment to the person-centred language and inclusive thinking which are woven into everything we do. You will bring an engaged and engaging leadership style, have resilience and a personal gravitas.
You will be someone who is comfortable with complexity as we shape our organisation for the next chapter of our development. You will understand the importance of process, culture, and effective operations as the means of delivering a successful strategy and sustaining an organisation.
You will be someone who can help us be better advocates whether that is supporting our Chief Executive to build relationships with policymakers, helping us think through how we position ourselves in the education and criminal justice landscape, or using your own networks to create opportunities for Shannon Trust to influence and inform. We need a Chair who sees advocacy as part of the role.
Most importantly, our new Chair must be a strong partner for our CEO, a mentor, challenger and support.
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 23rd February 2026
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?
ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life.
We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance.
This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise? ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy. Join us!
What will you be doing?
In addition to the responsibilities of all board members, the Treasurer will:
- Support the Board to review and monitor ECU’s financial performance and sustainability
- Ensure the Board receives timely, accessible and accurate financial information
- Support the team to develop and maintain robust and proportionate financial policies, processes and risk management systems
What are we looking for?
- Commitment to ECU’s mission and values
- Commitment to the legal duties and responsibilities
- Financial management experience, policies, risk
- Qualifications
- Able to interpret, interrogate and communicate financial information
- Work as part of a diverse team, and devote the time
Desirable - treasurer experience
What difference will you make?
We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue.
Before you apply
- Your interest in this role and what you could bring to it
- What would you want to learn and gain?
Interview 25 Feb in London (expenses paid)