6 Programme development specialist volunteer volunteer roles in Liverpool

Bring your voice and experience to a Board where it can shape real change. Join a national children’s health and wellbeing charity, challenge our thinking, influence our future and help us make stronger decisions for the children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do.

Compass exists for children, young people and families who need someone in their corner. For 40 years, we have delivered health and wellbeing services that give people access to the right support, at the right time and in ways that reflect their needs and communities.

We are looking for a voluntary Non Executive Director and Trustee to join our Board and help shape what comes next. This is an opportunity to use your knowledge, experience and perspective somewhere they can influence real decisions and help Compass remain ambitious, accountable and focused on the people our services exist for.

As a member of the Board, you will provide independent oversight, constructive challenge and fresh thinking. You will work alongside fellow Trustees and our senior leaders to help shape strategy, review organisational performance and ensure decisions are thoughtful, evidence informed and consistent with our charitable purpose and values.

Your role will reach across the organisation. You will contribute to discussions about service quality, safeguarding, workforce, finance, risk, performance and long term sustainability. You will ask the questions that help us think differently, test assumptions and understand the likely impact of our decisions. You will also share responsibility for ensuring Compass is well governed, uses its resources responsibly and meets its legal and regulatory duties as a charity.

This role is about more than attending Board meetings. You will have opportunities to deepen your understanding of Compass, connect with the people who deliver our services and see how Board decisions translate into practice. You will act as an ambassador for our work and help us build trust with the communities, partners and organisations around us. You will also contribute to at least one Board advisory group, bringing closer attention to an area where your knowledge, experience or curiosity can add value.

We want our Board to benefit from a range of voices and experiences. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds and walks of life, including those underrepresented at Board level. This is not about asking anyone to speak for an entire community. It is about building a stronger, more representative Board that makes better decisions, challenges established thinking and understands the people it serves.

Previous experience as a Trustee or Non Executive Director would be valuable, but it is not essential. We are interested in what you can bring, whether that comes from your professional career, your community, your lived experience or a combination of these. You will need the confidence to contribute your views, the openness to listen to others and the integrity to put the interests of Compass and the people we support first.

You will be joining a Board where your contribution will be heard and valued. If you are curious about how your experience could help shape a national children’s health and wellbeing charity, we would encourage you to take a closer look.

This is a voluntary appointment. Expenses directly connected with carrying out the role, such as travel, will be reimbursed.

Help a growing education charity build the funding it needs to develop its programmes and reach more children and young people.

Coempowered is a small education charity creating spaces for philosophical inquiry, critical thinking and meaningful dialogue. We work mainly with children, young people and young adults, including Persian-speaking communities from Afghanistan and Iran, with Kurdish-language provision also developing.

We are at an important stage of our development and are looking for volunteers to help us strengthen our fundraising. This is a varied role that can be shaped around your experience, interests and strengths.

You might contribute to:

• researching trusts, foundations, grant programmes and other potential funding opportunities
• identifying opportunities that fit our programmes, beneficiaries and stage of development
• maintaining a funding pipeline and application calendar
• researching funders and understanding their priorities and requirements
• preparing and writing grant applications and expressions of interest
• adapting applications to different funders and criteria
• developing our case for support and other core fundraising materials
• gathering programme, impact, budget and organisational information needed for applications
• helping develop programme and project funding proposals
• keeping accurate records of applications, deadlines, outcomes and follow-ups
• supporting donor and partnership research
• contributing to fundraising planning and reviewing what is working
• helping us develop a practical longer-term fundraising strategy.

Different levels of experience are welcome

You do not need to be experienced in every aspect of fundraising.

If you have substantial fundraising experience, there is scope to take greater responsibility for developing our fundraising strategy, identifying priorities, improving our approach and supporting other fundraising volunteers.

If you are earlier in your fundraising career, or have strong transferable skills in research, writing, communications, project development or similar work, we can agree a more focused area of responsibility and support you to develop your experience.

We would rather build a good team around complementary strengths than expect one volunteer to do everything.

Who we’re looking for

Depending on the area you work on, useful skills and experience could include:

• fundraising or grant fundraising
• bid or proposal writing
• research and information gathering
• strong written communication
• project or programme development
• strategic planning
• donor or partnership research
• maintaining organised records and pipelines
• charity, education or community-sector experience.

Most importantly, we are looking for people who are reliable, thoughtful and able to produce careful, high-quality work. You should be able to work independently, communicate clearly and follow through on agreed responsibilities.

For roles involving substantial responsibility for fundraising strategy or major applications, relevant fundraising experience will be important.

Why your contribution matters

Fundraising is central to Coempowered’s next stage of development.

We have developed our educational work largely through volunteer effort. Building a stronger and more sustainable funding base will allow us to improve our programmes, support and train facilitators, strengthen our organisational capacity and reach more participants without compromising the quality of our educational work.

Your contribution could help us identify opportunities we would otherwise miss, submit stronger applications and build the systems and evidence needed to develop longer-term relationships with funders and supporters.

For an experienced fundraiser, there is also an opportunity to have a significant influence on how a developing charity approaches fundraising from the beginning.

Practical details

The role is fully remote and can be carried out from anywhere with reliable internet access.

Working hours are flexible and can be agreed according to your availability and area of responsibility. We ask volunteers to maintain regular communication, attend agreed online meetings where relevant and give reasonable notice if their availability changes.

We are particularly interested in volunteers who can contribute consistently over time, although we may also consider applicants with specialist fundraising expertise who can support a defined project or piece of work.

• Volunteer/Commission-Based Model
• Remote/Global/UK/EU preferred for time-zone availability
• Executive Leadership role
• 10hrs a week commitment

About Project Yananai

Project Yananai is a global non-profit headquartered in the United Kingdom, with Affiliate Entities and Management Teams in India, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals and communities by fostering enduring relationships, enhancing sustainable skills, and delivering compassionate humanitarian aid. We are dedicated to nurturing resilient societies that are self-sufficient and equipped to break cycles of poverty.

Build Yananai’s UK presence and connect UK expertise, partnerships and funding to our global mission.

Project Yananai is looking for an entrepreneurial and highly connected senior leader to build and lead our UK Operations and Partnerships function.

This is a new role with the opportunity to shape how Yananai builds its UK network, develops partnerships, generates funding and connects UK expertise and resources with our international programmes.

Working closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO, you’ll turn ambitious ideas into practical, sustainable programmes and build the relationships and infrastructure needed to make them happen.

What you’ll do

• Build and develop Yananai’s UK operations and partnership network from the ground up.
• Develop our UK Volunteering Access Portal, connecting universities, education providers, professionals, trainers and skilled volunteers with our international Community Learning Hubs.
• Lead the development of UK AI InfoHubs, creating accessible opportunities for communities to develop AI awareness, literacy and skills.
• Build strategic relationships with government, universities, schools, colleges, education providers, businesses, foundations, charities, professional bodies and community organisations.
• Identify and develop funding opportunities across grants, foundations, corporate partnerships and philanthropy.
• Develop compelling proposals, business cases and partnership opportunities.
• Build relationships that bring funding, expertise, volunteers, resources and programme opportunities into Yananai.
• Establish robust governance, safeguarding, risk and compliance systems.
• Build and lead a lean, high-performing UK team as the operation grows.
• Represent Project Yananai externally and help position the organisation within UK and international networks.

About you

We’re looking for a senior leader who is comfortable creating something where there isn’t an established blueprint.

Your background could be in charity, education, international development, social enterprise, technology, business, government or another mission-driven environment.

What matters most is your ability to build relationships, develop opportunities and turn strategy into action.

You’ll ideally bring experience across several of the following:

• Building or scaling a programme, organisation, education initiative or new organisational function.
• Developing strategic partnerships and/or securing funding.
• Working with government, universities, schools, colleges, corporates, foundations, charities or community organisations.
• Programme development and delivery, ideally with an international, education or social-impact focus.
• Senior stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Leading teams, budgets, governance and operational delivery.
• Turning strategy into action and taking ownership in an entrepreneurial environment.

You don't need to be an AI specialist or have a traditional charity background. We’re looking for someone who can bring people, ideas, partnerships, funding and opportunities together — and turn them into meaningful programmes.

Why join Project Yananai?

This is an opportunity to build a UK operation with a genuinely global purpose. You’ll have significant autonomy, direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape innovative initiatives from the beginning.

The role is initially offered on a voluntary pathway or commission-based model, with an expected commitment of approximately 10 hours per week, with the intention of building sustainable funding that can support a future contracted position.

If you’re a builder, connector and strategic leader who wants to create something with lasting international impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Project Yananai is an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. Project Yananai is a UK registered charity number 1209060.

🧭 BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

🌍 Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

🧠 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

• Communication

Position: Board of Director - Vice-Chairperson (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

 Primary Purpose:

Deputize for the Board Chair (Founder), ensure robust board governance, and lead all independent oversight regarding the charity’s relationship with Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd.

 Key Responsibilities:

•  Chair full board meetings or committee sessions in the absence of the Chair.
•  Lead board discussions, voting, and contract approvals concerning Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd to eliminate conflicts of interest for the Chair/CEO.
•  Conduct annual board performance evaluations and support trustee development.
•  Serve as a sounding board and strategic advisor to the Chair.

 Candidate Specification:

•  Prior experience as a Charity Trustee, Vice-Chair, Chair, or senior executive in the UK non-profit sector.
•  Strong understanding of UK Charity Commission governance (CC3/CC29 guidelines).
•  Impartial judgment, diplomacy, and strong leadership capability.

Benefits:

• 🏛️ Founding Leadership Opportunity - Board members can help shape GLF from the ground up, rather than joining an established organisation where most decisions have already been made.

  🌍 Make a Direct Social Impact - Board members aren't simply attending meetings—they are helping create a future where vulnerable children, teenagers and single-parent families can access: Safe housing, Education and employment opportunities and more

  🚀 Build Senior Leadership Experience - For someone who wants to progress professionally, GLF can provide exposure to:Strategic leadership, Governance and more

  🎓 Training & Professional Development - Where resources allow, offer Board Members access to relevant training

  🤝 Exclusive Networking Opportunities - Give Board Members opportunities to represent GLF at: Business networking events, Charity conferences and more

  🎤 Public Speaking & Media Opportunities - Where appropriate, Board Members can represent GLF through: Radio interviews, TV/media opportunities and more

  ⭐ Recognition on the GLF Website - "Our Leadership Team"

  💼 Access to Professional Projects - Board Members can potentially lead major projects

   🧠 Advisory Board Pathway - Volunteer → Specialist/Expert → Advisory Board → Board of Directors → Senior Leadership

  💻 Professional Technology & Resources - Give Board Members access to appropriate organisational systems, such as:Organisational email, Connecteams, Webex access and more 

  💰 Reasonable Expenses - Where financially possible and properly authorised, GLF can reimburse legitimate expenses incurred while carrying out organisational duties, according to an expenses policy.

  Compensation:
  This is an unpaid volunteer position.

🧭 BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

🌍 Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

💎 OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

🧠 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

• Communication

Position: Board of Director - Treasurer (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

 Primary Purpose:

Provide strategic financial oversight, ensure robust accounting controls, and manage dual-entity financial structures (Charity & Trading Subsidiary).

 Key Responsibilities:

•  Oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and annual audit preparation.
•  Structure tax-efficient inter-company transfers, Gift Aid claims, and cost-allocation mechanisms between Foundation and Enterprises.
•  Present quarterly financial reports and risk assessments to the Board.
•  Ensure full compliance with SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) accounting standards.

 Candidate Specification:

•  ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA professional accounting qualification.
•  Proven experience with UK charity finance, Gift Aid regulations, and trading subsidiary accounting.
•  Ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial trustees.

Benefits:

• 🏛️ Founding Leadership Opportunity - Board members can help shape GLF from the ground up, rather than joining an established organisation where most decisions have already been made.

  🌍 Make a Direct Social Impact - Board members aren't simply attending meetings—they are helping create a future where vulnerable children, teenagers and single-parent families can access: Safe housing, Education and employment opportunities and more

  🚀 Build Senior Leadership Experience - For someone who wants to progress professionally, GLF can provide exposure to:Strategic leadership, Governance and more

  🎓 Training & Professional Development - Where resources allow, offer Board Members access to relevant training

  🤝 Exclusive Networking Opportunities - Give Board Members opportunities to represent GLF at: Business networking events, Charity conferences and more

  🎤 Public Speaking & Media Opportunities - Where appropriate, Board Members can represent GLF through: Radio interviews, TV/media opportunities and more

  ⭐ Recognition on the GLF Website - "Our Leadership Team"

  💼 Access to Professional Projects - Board Members can potentially lead major projects

   🧠 Advisory Board Pathway - Volunteer → Specialist/Expert → Advisory Board → Board of Directors → Senior Leadership

  💻 Professional Technology & Resources - Give Board Members access to appropriate organisational systems, such as:Organisational email, Connecteams, Webex access and more 

  💰 Reasonable Expenses - Where financially possible and properly authorised, GLF can reimburse legitimate expenses incurred while carrying out organisational duties, according to an expenses policy.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid volunteer position.