Policy research volunteer roles

Senior Policy Advisor

Youth Advantage UK

Remote

Unpaid role, expenses not paid

Voluntary

Job description

Youth Advantage UK (YAUK) is seeking a Volunteer Senior Policy Advisor to support its Long-Term Research & Policy Team in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to grow its impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring research developed by YAUK can be moulded into policy positions capable of influencing and informing policy makers. Working closely with the Heads of Policy, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to develop convincing narratives to achieve the aims of the organisation. They will should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

•    Taking raw research and developing a convincing narrative that will convince policy makers to take action based on our evidence-based recommendations.
•    Develop recommendations for policy makers based on evidence and aligning with the political priorities of the targeted policy makers.
•    Work effectively with members of YAUK’s research team to turn their research into succinct policy documents.
•    To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategic policies and focus.
•    Support the Head of Policy in delivering the policy team’s wider goals and priorities.
•    Aid junior policy colleagues in completing their work and provide direction in support of the Head of Policy.
•    To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Team in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.
•    Support the creation of blogs and articles on policy related issues and to support with the development of academic articles and reports.
•    Ensure that policy documents developed by the team are of high quality and present YAUK and its work in a good light.
•    To find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

Requirements:

•    Experience or knowledge of how the policy development process works.
•    Knowledge of issues affecting children and young people in the UK.
•    Knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to applying research and development in public policy.
•    Experience of writing or contributing to briefings and other policy documents.
•    Excellent writing and speaking skills.
•    IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
•    Ability to work well independently and in a team.
•    Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
•    Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits
•    Gain valuable experience in influencing policy makers.
•    Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
•    Flexible working hours.

Volunteer Researcher – Fundraising Team

Organisation: Baca Charity
Location: Loughborough (with option to work remotely and visit office monthly)
Hours: Flexible – minimum 2 hours per week
Salary: Voluntary
Start Date: ASAP

About Baca

Baca supports young people who have been forced to flee their home countries due to war, persecution, or trafficking. We provide safe housing, education, and therapeutic care to help them rebuild their lives and thrive in the community. Our vision is to create an inspiring environment that raises hope and strengthens resilience.

The Role

We are looking for a Research Volunteer to join our Fundraising and Communications Team. You will help identify trusts, foundations, and potential partnerships to secure funding for Baca’s vital work.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and record details of trusts and foundations eligible for funding.
• Use online databases and Charity Commission resources to verify information.
• Present findings in an agreed format for the Grants Manager.
• Research potential partnerships and complete pro forma templates.
• Prepare letters of introduction.
• Maintain clear communication with the team.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in desk-based/internet research and using databases.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and email systems.
• Ability to work independently under supervision and take feedback well.
• Understanding of cross-cultural issues and sensitivity when working with asylum seekers.

What We Offer

• Flexible working – from home or in our Loughborough office.
• Role-specific training, safeguarding, and data protection training.
• Induction to Baca and ongoing support.
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people seeking safety.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Manage a small team of remote, part time volunteers

• Develop, review and maintain HR policies & volunteer handbook

• Ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations and GDPR.

• Partner with the wider HR team to ensure alignment and compliance with policies, processes and training.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of UK employment laws and practices and its relevance in a volunteer led organisation.

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)

• Ability to work well in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Passionate for personal development

• Previous volunteering experience or experience in any kind of start up desirable

• Right to volunteer in the UK

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations. We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience.

Your contribution will be recognized through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment

If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Description

Youth Advantage UK (YAUK) is seeking a Volunteer Senior Researcher. The successful candidates will be allocated to lead one of our teams that either conducts, supports or progresses our short term or long term research projects. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

• To lead a small team of volunteers in conducting research or developing research

• To provide oversight of a number of tasks at once while providing support on specific issues as they arise

• To provide guidance to the team

• To work with management and the team to coordinate research projects and planning

• To provide advice and guidance to more junior team members

• To conduct or oversee research projects 

• To ensure of ethical standards at all times and monitor task progress to ensure of compliance

•    Requirements:

•    Experience of leading a small team in a charity or research or policy setting
•    Knowledge of issues affecting children and young people in the UK.
•    Knowledge of a range of research methods
•    Experience of writing or contributing to research or briefings and other policy documents.
•    Excellent writing and speaking skills.
•    IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
•    Ability to work well independently and in a team.
•    Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
•    Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits
•    Gain valuable experience in influencing research projects
•    Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
•    Flexible volunteering hours.

As a Conservation Research Assistant (RA) with SEED, you will play a crucial role in supporting our conservation research efforts in the unique ecosystems of southeastern Madagascar. Working from our base in Sainte Luce, you will be responsible for overseeing the management and support to the volunteers and take part in a variety of research tasks and data collection across our conversation projects. You will work closely with and report to the Senior Research Assistant to ensure the smooth running of field operations and contribute to the success of conservation projects.

Location: Fort Dauphin, Anosy Region, Madagascar

Timeframe: 12 months

Terms and conditions: Voluntary post, 800,000 Ar per month to support with accommodation costs (field-based food/transport provided) with a £650 contribution to insurance

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Data Collection & Research

o Support the organisation and execution of the research schedule.

o Lead data collection efforts in the field, ensuring high-quality and accurate data.

o Assist in setting clear research objectives and ensuring they are consistently met.

o Lead research initiatives focused on lemurs, reptiles, amphibians, flora, and emerging projects, including setting up transects and quadrats.

o Assist with qualitative research, including conducting community surveys and ensuring clear communication during meetings.

o Support the development and application of research methodologies and protocols.

o Assist in the development of new research protocols and methodologies.

o Help analyse research data and contribute to the write-up of research findings, reports, and papers.

2. Volunteer Management & Support

o Coordinate the logistics and fieldwork for short term international volunteers.

o Provide training and supervision on field research techniques, including data collection, species identification and research methodologies.

o Offer regular feedback to volunteers and staff to ensure the continual development of skills.

o Provide pastoral care and support for volunteers in the field, ensuring their well-being and managing any issues that arise.

3. Field Operations & Logistics

o Assist in managing the logistics of fieldwork, including equipment and resource coordination.

o Ensure all research and fieldwork adheres to SEED’s protocols, including health and safety guidelines.

o Support in managing the research camp to ensure it is well-organised and functioning smoothly.

4. Communication and dissemination of conservation programme

o Facilitate communication between the research team, SEED staff and local guides.

o Build and maintain positive relationships with local guides, volunteers and community members.

o Provide accurate and engaging content about SEED’s research for our website and social media platforms, including photographs.

5. Policy & Compliance

o Ensure compliance with SEED’s policies, including safeguarding, anti-corruption and whistleblowing procedures.

o Participate in ongoing training to promote adherence to SEED’s health, safety and ethical standards.

6. Additional Tasks

o Assist with other tasks as requested by the Director of Programmes and Operations, Conservation Research Coordinator, or Senior Research Assistant within the scope of this role.

Personal specification:

• Have a Bachelors in a conservation related field, and at least one years practical experience in field-based research

• Previous experience with data collection and cleansing

• Knowledge of either primatology, herpetology or botany is desirable

• Previous experience of collecting data with a working knowledge of GPS and/or GIS

• Experience of working with volunteers or providing pastoral care

• Hold a current First Aid certificate

• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED Madagascar’s ethos and approach and be a good ambassador for SEED Madagascar at all times

• Have passion, curiosity and motivation for the job and the ability to enthuse others

• Have the ability and desire to work with teams from different economic and cultural backgrounds and across multiple language barriers

• Have the ability and desire to build capacity and share skills across cultures

• Demonstrate proven ability to recognise and appropriately deal with challenging situations

• Demonstrate an awareness of and comfort with increased social and professional responsibility, working at all times with cultural sensitivity and respect

• Demonstrate the ability, social skills and confidence to give clear guidance and support to other members of the team in respect of the philosophy and procedures of SEED Madagascar in order to protect both their safety and the reputation of the NGO

• Experience of volunteering programmes or the ability to manage and support volunteers

• Be punctual and be able to work to tight deadlines in an organised manner and to a high standard

• Have a flexible and patient attitude

• Have excellent problem-solving skills

• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.

About the organisation

SEED Madagascar is a British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high-quality community health, sustainable livelihoods, education infrastructure and conservation programmes to support long term, sustainable change while adding to International best practice through research and publication. 

King’s Trust International and University of East Anglia Collaborative PhD Opportunity

King’s Trust International (KTI) and the University of East Anglia (UEA) are delighted to offer a unique PhD opportunity focused on strengthening the evidence base for ‘what works’ in transforming the lives of NEET ( Not in Education, Employment or Training) and at risk young people in Barbados.

This fully funded PhD will be based at UEA, with joint supervision from leading academics in behavioural economics and international development, and will include a secondment within KTI’s Impact Team. We are seeking an exceptional candidate to lead the design and delivery of high-quality research on the long-term impact of our flagship Team Programme, delivered by our partner the Barbados Police Service since 2016.

Team is a full-time, 12-week personal development and employability programme for young people facing challenges such as low confidence, limited motivation, and a lack of employability skills. The programme combines outdoor and community projects with classroom-based learning, fostering teamwork and progressively building essential core skills such as communication, reliability, confidence, motivation, and resilience.

This post will be based in the UK and is open to national and international applicants.

For more information on KTI’s activities including Team Barbados please visit our website at Kings Trust International

As a PhD student on this project, you will:

· Contribute to global evidence on effective interventions for ‘at risk’ and NEET youth in the Caribbean.

· Travel to Barbados to work directly with partners and young people.

· Gain visibility as a thought leader on youth development, employability, and crime reduction.

· Have the opportunity to share your work and engage with policymakers at the highest level, including the UN, World Bank, and national governments.

· Develop versatile skills in data analysis, research design, and policy influence.

This is an ideal pathway for candidates aspiring to careers in:

· International Development

· Advocacy & Public Policy

· Consulting & Organisational Development

Data Analytics

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. As a member of the board of trustees you will be responsible for setting the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. You will use your knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure we achieve our charitable objectives and represents the interests of all stakeholders.

Kidney Research UK has been at the forefront of pioneering research for six decades, investing in talented researchers and funding work that could ultimately lead to a cure. Our work has resulted in vital breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of those affected, changing the future for many kidney patients.

We have made remarkable progress but there is still much to do. The number of people living with kidney failure continues to rise and we must go further to drive innovation and increase investment in renal research. Of course, like so many other charities and organisations we are doing this important work during challenging times.

We have adapted well to the changing world, and we are finding exciting new ways to reach our goals. We know we must rise to the challenge for kidney patients everywhere and we remain determined to grow our income so we can deliver more impact.

Our trustees play a vital role in the governance of Kidney Research UK, which enables and accelerates the impact that we have as an organisation for our patient community. Working closely with your fellow Trustees, the chief executive and wider leadership team, you will be part of a team that guides and oversees the delivery of Kidney Research UK's strategic priorities. We have a number of trustees who are due to retire from their roles during the next 12 months, and we are looking for new trustees to join our board and be part of this exciting transformation.

If this sounds like you and you think you could make a difference, we’d encourage you to review the attached role description below and apply to join our dedicated board of trustees.

Could you use your skills and experience to make a difference as a trustee for a fantastic small health charity?

Pharmacy Research UK is the principal research charity supporting pharmacy professionals to develop research skills and lead research to improve healthcare for the benefit of patients and the public.

We fund research projects and individual bursaries, working to improve skills across the pharmacy sector, to provide an evidence-base to improve the practice of pharmacy, to highlight the vital role of pharmacy in our health services and ultimately to improve public health. 

We are looking to recruit two new trustees to join our board as we look to grow and develop this fantastic small charity.PRUK is run by a small but dedicated staff team, with oversight from our trustee board. Anyone can be a trustee and we welcome all applications to join our board. We always seek to maintain a good balance of skills and experiences on the board and so are particularly interested to receive applications from people with experience in academia, pharmacy, fundraising and the voluntary sector, and / or finance and accounting. We also want to ensure that our board is representative of the community we serve and so encourage applications from female candidates and candidates from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and from candidates across all nations of the UK. 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil CIC is a UK-registered Community Interest Company dedicated to empowering the survivor and young people’s community through advocacy, storytelling, education, and digital innovation.

We are now entering the second stage of our CIC’s development, building the decentralised technological foundation that will support everything we do — from volunteer management and online learning to donor engagement and impact measurement.

Our aim is to create a digitally connected ecosystem that allows survivors, young people, and our partners to access resources, training, and opportunities from anywhere in the world. As we await funding for our next phase, This project will help us build the digital backbone of our organisation 

The Digital Systems Research & Implementation Team will help us identify the most effective, decentralised, and sustainable digital tools on the market to take us forward.

This team will play a critical advisory role in guiding which platforms we invest in — ensuring that every system we choose is ethical, scalable, open-source, and aligned with our mission.

About the Project

Your work will directly shape the digital future of our CIC.
The team will:

• Research and evaluate open-source and nonprofit-friendly digital tools (LMS, CRM, donor systems, AI marketing tools, etc.).

• Assess features, usability, compliance, cost-effectiveness, and decentralisation potential.

• Report and recommend the most suitable options for our organisation’s stage of growth.

• Collaborate with external experts (once funding is secured) to help customise and integrate chosen platforms.

You won’t be expected to build or code systems yourself — instead, you’ll help us make smart, evidence-based decisions that position our CIC for long-term success and operational excellence.

Roles Available

1.Tech Enthusiast / Digital Systems Volunteer

Purpose: To connect the dots between technology, usability, and community needs.
Key tasks:

• Evaluate accessibility and user experience from the perspective of staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries

• Suggest tools that enhance transparency, inclusion, and efficiency

• Support external experts by testing workflows and providing user feedback during implementation
  Ideal for: Individuals passionate about technology for good, decentralisation, and community impact.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a core digital transformation project in a growing ,creative, innovative UK social enterprise.

• Work with real systems and expert advisors shaping the CIC’s long-term digital decentrailiesd strategy.

• Gain hands-on experience in research, decision-making, and systems planning.

• Receive references and recorded training access for your future portfolio.

• Collaborate with a team that values innovation, transparency, and community-people driven design.

• Be the 1st to apply for paid positions as the C.I.C

What You’ll Learn

• How nonprofits evaluate and adopt open-source systems

• The process of digital transformation within a CIC structure

• Research and reporting best practices

• The ethics and practicality of decentralised digital infrastructure

• Cross-team collaboration in a multi-stakeholder environment

2. Full Stack Web Developer (open-source)

Purpose:
To architect, build, and refine digital products that support the CIC’s mission, decentralised systems vision, and community-first approach.

Key tasks:

• Develop and maintain internal and external web applications that streamline operations, onboarding, training, and user engagement

• Integrate APIs, automation tools, and open-source systems into a unified digital infrastructure

• Build modular, scalable front-end and back-end features aligned with our decentralised and community-led framework

• Support the Tech Enthusiasts and Digital Systems Team by turning research and ideas into working prototypes

• Optimise performance, security, accessibility, and user experience across all digital platforms

• Collaborate with designers, project leads, and external experts to implement digital solutions that serve staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries

Ideal for:

Self-driven and mission-focused developers who want to use their technical skills to support community empowerment, decentralisation, innovation, Creativity and systems-building within a growing CIC.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a core digital transformation project in a growing, creative, innovative UK social enterprise

• Work with real systems and expert advisors shaping the CIC’s long-term decentralised digital strategy

• Gain hands-on experience building digital products for real-world community use

• Receive references and recorded training access for your future portfolio

• Collaborate with a team that values innovation, transparency, and community-people driven design

• Be the first to access paid roles as the CIC grows and formal roles open

How This Role Feeds Into Our Mission

This team will lay the digital foundation for everything our CIC does — helping us choose systems that will empower survivors and young people to connect, learn, and thrive safely and efficiently.
By identifying the best tools on the market, you’ll be ensuring our future operations are secure, efficient, and impactful — built on technology that reflects our values and vision.

 How to Apply

Please apply via CharityJob with:

• A short cover letter outlining why you’d like to join this digital transformation project, and

• Any relevant coursework, volunteer, or professional experience.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a friendly group introduction session to meet the team, learn about our mission, and select their preferred focus area.

Role summary

To provide essential administrative support to the Compassionate Communities project. The role will support the planning and coordination of community activities, maintain accurate records, and assist with communications and scheduling under the supervision of the line manager. A level of commitment is required for this role, to be mutually agreed with the line manager.

Main duties of the role

• Assist with the coordination and preparation of Compassionate Communities events and activities

• Support the booking of venues, resources, and scheduling of meetings

• Maintain and update electronic and paper records, including spreadsheets, attendance registers, and contact lists

• Assist with written communications such as emails, invitations, and follow-up notes

• Prepare and distribute agendas, minutes, and supporting materials for meetings or working groups

• Support data entry, reporting, and light research tasks as needed

• Attend meetings or community events occasionally to provide on-the-day support

• Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times, following organisational policies 

Help shape the future of cleft care worldwide – become a Fundraising Trustee at CLEFT.
Are you an experienced fundraiser looking to make a meaningful difference? Join a passionate Board of Trustees committed to improving cleft care and research in the UK and internationally.

CLEFT is a UK-based charity working to bridge the gap in cleft care and knowledge through sustainable, long-term partnerships. As we grow, fundraising has become a strategic priority – and we’re looking for a new Trustee with fundraising expertise to help us reach the next level.

As Fundraising Trustee, you’ll play a key role in:

• Strengthening relationships with donors and supporters
• Identifying and progressing new grant and fundraising opportunities
• Supporting fundraising committees and events
• Developing and coordinating a fundraising plan aligned with our budget and goals
• Ensuring donor reporting and compliance with fundraising legislation

You’ll also contribute to the wider governance and strategic direction of the charity, attending bi-monthly Board meetings (mostly via Zoom), quarterly fundraising committee meetings, and our annual Away Day in London.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. If you’re proactive, creative, and passionate about equitable healthcare, we’d love to hear from you.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role...

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

What can I expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
• Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
• Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
• Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
• Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathy to cats and our values
• Good communication skills
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Confidence in handling money

How much time is expected of me?

Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

Our client is the leading organisation for young women on low or no pay in England and Wales. Our purpose is to create an equal world of work and raise young women’s incomes.

We work with and for young women aged 18–30, campaigning for a fairer financial future while providing practical support to help them thrive. Together, we champion workplace equality, amplifying young women’s voices and creating change through services, research, campaigning and influencing.

Trustees

Time commitment: 1 day per month, including 4 board meetings per year and 1 away day, held in London

Unremunerated, with reasonable expenses paid, including accommodation and childcare

This is an exciting time to join our Board and work with our brilliant Chair, to help us continue to go from strength to strength.

We are looking for Trustees who want to champion young women, who have a real commitment to our strategy, prior experience of being a charity trustee and the time to commit to the role.

Successful candidates will also have at least one of the following:

• Current or previous experience of being a CEO of a campaigning charity, with expertise in social change as well as charity leadership
• A commercial background, with deep expertise in the employer landscape
• Expertise in politics and strong political networks

People of all genders, ages and backgrounds are welcome on our Board.

For further information, please see the pack below.

If you have any queries or wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors at Prospectus.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: Midnight, Sunday 25th January 2026.

Prospectus interviews: 2nd to 4th February

Panel Interviews: 23rd and 27th February

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.