Policy researcher volunteer volunteer roles in Edinburgh

Research & Policy Officer (Volunteer)

Purpose: To support research / policy projects in areas of the UK, ensuring strategic alignment, quality assurance, and effective collaboration that drives systemic change for young people across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of research / policy projects, ensuring outputs are high-quality and impactful.

• Lead on drafting policy briefs and research reports, setting standards for evidence-based advocacy.

• Coordinate multi-stakeholder collaboration, i.e councils, commissions, and community organisations to deliver change.

• Identify emerging issues and opportunities, help in shaping the research agenda in line with organisational priorities.

• Represent the organisation in external meetings.

• Ensure consistency and coherence across multiple projects running in different localities.

Person Specification

• Background in social policy, law, health, climate, or political science, ideally with professional or postgraduate experience.

• Proven ability to manage complex projects and coordinate across multiple stakeholders.

• Excellent strategic thinking and communication skills, able to influence decision-makers.

• Strong IT and remote collaboration skills.

• Deep commitment to human rights

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.

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!

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.

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

• As the Senior HR Officer in our Volunteer Relations team, you will be reporting directly to the HR Manager, as well as oversee the day-to-day management of volunteer relations across our organisation, ensuring the  smooth execution of policies and adherence to the Volunteer Handbook. Your role involves being the primary point of contact for volunteers, addressing queries, and resolving issues promptly while upholding the organisation’s standards and values.

• You will also play a key role in fostering a professional and supportive environment for all volunteers, maintaining productive relationships, and ensuring operational excellence in volunteer management.

Duties

1. Exit Management

• Facilitate seamless volunteer offboarding processes, including conducting structured exit interviews to identify areas of improvement.
• Maintain accurate records of exits to inform retention and engagement strategies.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies during volunteer departures.

2. Volunteer Inactivity Management

• Monitor volunteer activity levels and implement inactivity management procedures in collaboration with line managers.
• Maintain updated records to track and report volunteer activity trends.

3. Grievance and Conflict Resolution

• Implement and manage an efficient grievance procedure to handle volunteer concerns professionally and promptly.
• Ensure impartiality and transparency in addressing grievances, collaborating with relevant stakeholders for resolution.
• Collaborate with the L&D team to provide periodic training for volunteers and managers on grievance handling and conflict resolution.

4. Policy Execution and Compliance

• Act as the primary custodian of the Volunteer Handbook, ensuring volunteers are well-informed about organisational policies and procedures.
• Monitor compliance with organisational guidelines and address any violations in consultation with the HR Manager.
• Partner with the Policy team to update the Volunteer Handbook periodically to reflect regulatory changes and organisational needs.

5. Volunteer Relations

• Serve as the first point of contact for volunteers, addressing their queries and concerns to foster a positive environment.
• Actively promote inclusivity and diversity in all volunteer-related activities.

6. Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure all volunteer-related activities comply with organisational and legal standards.
• Prepare regular reports on the approved Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including challenges and support needed.

Requirements

• 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

• Good experience and foundation in employee/volunteer relations

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

What You’ll Gain

Recognition 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

We look forward to hearing from you!

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.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organisation 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 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.

What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to apply for one of our volunteering positions. We will speak to you about what your aims are to ensure that the volunteering position you are applying for is suitable. By volunteering you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

We are looking to appoint a volunteer who has management experience and who is able to support the functions of our Communications & Marketing Department through the effective management of our marketing team and marketing policy. These functions include: website, social media, engagement, events and sponsorship (as a temporary function within this department). 

Key accountabilities:

• Departmental strategic management 
• Marketing policy development 
• Social media output 
• Website development and design 
• Engagement and events 
• To take part in department wider management and leadership activities
• To support the planning of department activities
• To take on line management roles as assigned
• To provide effective supervision and guidance to other volunteers as delegated
• To oversee departmental tasks
• To provide support and additional capacity with regards to progress of departmental relevant tasks

Requirements 

• To have experience working in the charity sector or voluntary sector 
• To have experience in managing a team of people/volunteers 
• To be competent in IT, social media and website design 
• To be an effective communicator and leader
• At least 7 or more years of relevant experience.
• Some experience (ideally 2 or more years) of managing or leading a team.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
• 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 organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff 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 organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. 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!

Introduction:

Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee and Vice Chair of Harry’s HAT. Please read this trustee application information pack carefully before completing your application.

Who we are:

Harry’s HAT is a UK based charity focusing on paediatric hydrocephalus. Our mission is to make life better for children and their families affected by the condition. The Board of Trustees works to achieve this through:

• Raising awareness of paediatric hydrocephalus through workshops and training.
• Supporting research and funding training for front-line medical health and social care professionals.
• Signposting families to trusted organisations and providing access to peer support.
• Campaigning for earlier diagnosis.

The opportunity:

Harry’s HAT is entering an important phase of development and the Board of Trustees is seeking a motivated individual to join as Vice Chair of Trustees. This voluntary trustee role supports the Chair of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer in ensuring strong governance, clear policy development and effective leadership across the charity.

Key responsibilities:

The Vice Chair trustee supports the Chair of Trustees in providing leadership to the Board and maintaining effective governance. Working closely with the Chair, CEO and fellow trustees, the Vice Chair supports strategic direction and ensures trustee decisions reflect the charity’s mission vision and values.

The Vice Chair trustee contributes to the Fundraising and Risk Group ensuring governance and policy considerations inform discussions and decisions. A key responsibility is leading trustee oversight of policy development including safeguarding, governance, finance and operational policies, ensuring they are compliant regularly reviewed and embedded in day-to-day practice.

The Vice Chair also supports trustee recruitment and development and acts as a trustee ambassador for Harry’s HAT representing the charity externally with professionalism and warmth.

Meetings and time commitment:P

Trustees are expected to attend:

• Six trustee board meetings per year held online.
• Quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings.
• Two one-to-one meetings per year with the Chair of Trustees.
• The AGM and occasional additional trustee meetings.
• Mandatory online training and timely communication.

Skills and experience:

The ideal trustee will have experience of charity governance and trustee leadership. Essential experience includes chairing or supporting a board or committee, understanding trustee legal duties, experience of policy development, strategic awareness and confident communication. Trustees must exercise discretion and confidentiality. DBS clearance is required.

Desirable experience includes previous trustee or Vice Chair roles familiarity with small charity governance and understanding of safeguarding and risk management.

Personal attributes:

Trustees should demonstrate integrity, fairness and impartiality. The Vice Chair trustee must be committed, collaborative and able to build positive working relationships with trustees staff and volunteers.

Term and remuneration:

Trustee appointments are voluntary with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The initial trustee term is one to three years with a three month probation period.

#Chair #Chairoftrustees #trustee 

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 

The Charity for Action on Spiritual Abuse (formerly Replenished Life) is on a bold mission — and we need passionate, committed individuals to join us at a pivotal moment in our journey. 

Our Vision 

We believe in a world where everyone who has experienced harm in a spiritual, religious, or faith-based context is: 

• Heard and understood 

• Properly supported 

We are working towards a world where every faith and secular organisation: 

• Knows how to recognise and respond to spiritual abuse 

• Understands what a healthy religious or spiritual culture looks like 

Why Now? 

Thanks to a major Comic Relief Organisational Growth Fund grant, we are scaling up in big ways — expanding our support services, training programs, and research initiatives. With this growth comes an exciting opportunity: 
We’re recruiting 3 new trustees to join our dynamic and forward-thinking board. 

Who We're Looking For 

We are especially keen to hear from people with skills and experience in any of the following areas: 

• Financial planning and oversight 

• Strategic thinking and organisational development 

• Safeguarding and complaints handling 

• Policy, process, and quality assurance 

Whether you're already a trustee or exploring this role for the first time, if you believe in safer spiritual spaces and have time to give (around 1–2 days per month), we want to hear from you. 

We are committed to building a diverse trustee board that reflects the communities we serve, and we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds, faiths, and none. 

Why Become a Trustee? 

Being a trustee is more than governance — it’s purposeful leadership. It means: 

• Playing a vital role in a growing, impactful charity 

• Using your skills for social good 

• Collaborating with passionate, kind, and committed people 

• Gaining new experience and strategic insight (great for your career or personal growth!) 

• Helping shape national conversations around spiritual abuse, faith, and safeguarding 

We’ll support you every step of the way with training, resources, and a friendly, engaged trustee and leadership team. 

Time Commitment 

• Quarterly online board meetings (weekday evenings) 

• One in-person strategy day per year 

• Occasional reviews or input between meetings 

• Ongoing contribution to your portfolio area — within your flexible 1–2 days/month 

Practical Bits 

• This is a volunteer role (reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed) 

• Supportive induction and ongoing trustee development provided 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

To express your interest, contact Ruth Appleton through charity job message 

Download the full Trustee Recruitment Pack

Want a chat? Ruth is happy to talk more about the role before you apply. 

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.

Harry’s HAT is a UK-based charity focusing on paediatric hydrocephalus.

Our mission is to make life better for children and their families who are affected by hydrocephalus. We work towards this through:

1. Awareness: delivering workshops and training to help people understand paediatric hydrocephalus.

2. Research: supporting research and funding training for professionals in health, social care and related fields.

3. Signposting and support: helping families find organisations that can offer advice, guidance and peer support.

4. Campaigning for early diagnosis of the condition.

We are now recruiting a Governance Trustee to strengthen our Board and help ensure our governance framework remains robust as the charity grows.

The Governance Trustee will play a key role in supporting good oversight, strong policy development and effective decision-making across the organisation.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Supporting the Board in maintaining strong and effective governance.

• Helping review and develop the charity’s policy framework, including safeguarding, governance, finance and operational policies.

• Ensuring policies are reviewed regularly, compliant with current legislation and embedded in day-to-day practice.

• Working closely with fellow Trustees and the CEO to ensure decisions reflect our mission, vision and values.

• Contributing to the work of the Fundraising and Risk Group, ensuring governance considerations inform the group’s discussions.

Attending and actively participating in:

• Six Board meetings per year (usually held on the third Sunday of every other month from 18:00–19:30 via Teams).

• Quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings (1.5 hours, evening).

• Two 1-2-1 meetings per year with the Chair of Trustees.

• The charity’s AGM and any additional meetings or events as needed • Providing occasional input on matters raised by the CEO, Trustees, staff and volunteers.

• Acting as an ambassador for Harry’s HAT and representing the charity with professionalism and warmth.

#trustee #governance 

The Income Generation Officer will play a pivotal role in enhancing the financial sustainability and growth of Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW), supporting 47 active mountain rescue teams across the region. This voluntary position is responsible for devising and implementing a robust income generation strategy to ensure the long-term funding and stability of the organisation.

Resource is required to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to support long-term funding and organisation growth, financial stability and the achievement of income goals. This will include building relations with major donors, corporate partnerships, legacies and individual giving. In addition, there is scope to drive income through MR membership and via grants from trusts, foundations and government.

Reporting to the CEO, the person will need to contribute to the MREW’s overall future strategy. There will be a need to understand the MR structure and to have the ability to work as part of the MREW Senior Management Team, and alongside trustees, liaison team, regional structure and local teams. 

Using the MREW Income Generation Strategy, they will review all existing income generation streams to understand their viability and scalability, along with all potential new income streams to develop sustainable income for MREW.

Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) is a voluntary organisation that provides mountain rescue services 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers support to communities during other crises. It consists of 47 independent volunteer search and rescue teams that operate across eight geographical areas. The organisation serves as the national body to represent the whole organisation, acting as an advisory body, linking with partner organisations and helping to standardise training and share information.

Objectives

The overarching activities for this role are:

• Develop an income generation plan, aligning with the financial planning cycle, with a periodic review and reporting cycle. Deliver against the plan.
• Central to the role will be the following essential tasks:
  • Grant Writing: Researching and writing grant proposals to secure funding from various trusts, foundations, and government agencies. 
  • Corporate Partnerships: Building and maintaining relationships with businesses to secure corporate sponsorships, donations, and in-kind contributions. 
  • Donor Engagement: Cultivating and managing relationships with individual donors and supporters to ensure their engagement and long-term support. 
• Create an opportunity to develop long-term wills and legacy income.
• Develop compelling cases for support grounded in impact and aligned with MREW values and mission.
• Build and steward high-value relationships with funders, donors and strategic partners.
• Oversee income targets whilst ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical standards.
• Research and develop grant opportunities from national and local bodies, in conjunction with regional and local teams.
• Lead on income generation for MREW, working with member teams and all other stakeholders. Support regional and local team fundraising opportunities. Foster collaboration, empowerment and accountability.
• Agree on short-term and long-term fundraising targets and opportunities alongside the MREW Senior Management Team.
• Represent MREW at relevant external meetings.

Skills

• Experience generating income, with a demonstrable track record of developing and leading fundraising strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to foster trust and accurately represent MREW’s mission and goals.
• Ability to work alongside colleagues and manage competing priorities.
• Financial literacy, including budget creation and management.
• Creativity, imagination and intuition.

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. You will need to demonstrate a commitment to the charity's mission and cause. 

Qualifications

• Financial or project management qualifications are desirable.

Additional notes

• To work with the Finance Director to plan for future year budgets and to ensure that an accurate record of all financial transactions are produced and maintained for the MREW Finance Director, including the fundraising pipeline.
• To ensure all committee members are treated fairly through MREW Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To work with the national media team to release press statements/support campaigns as required.
• This is a voluntary role within MREW, elected annually; it is expected that the applicant will serve a term of 5 years, with a possible extension of a further 5 years if desired.
• Travel during the working day may be required, with occasional absence from home overnight, as meetings with funders and other stakeholders may cover a large geographical area. Out-of-pocket expenses can be reclaimed in line with the MREW Expenses Policy.

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: 

1. Support the Board to review and monitor ECU’s financial performance and sustainability
2. Ensure the Board receives timely, accessible and accurate financial information
3. 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)