Programme volunteer roles in uk

Lockdown ended. Loneliness didn’t.

At SUNSHINE, we're here to help, but we need your leadership behind the scenes.

Ready to Make a Real Impact? Lead Our Community Services!

As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we believe that the best way to fight loneliness and social isolation is by building relevant, engaging, and high-quality services. We call this The SUNSHINE Experience, and it’s about more than just giving your time, it’s about using your expertise to create a legacy.

We are seeking a Services and Support Manager to set up and manage our services, ensuring they are truly co-produced with the people we serve and are fit for purpose. If you are a compassionate leader with a passion for community-led support, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing:

This is a key leadership role that will directly impact the well-being of our community. You will be responsible for creating, managing, and evaluating our services, with a focus on quality and participant feedback. Your duties will include:

• Strategic Planning: Project-managing the creation and setup of new services that meet the needs of people in London living with loneliness and social isolation.

• Service Management: Overseeing and ensuring the high-quality delivery of our initial programmes, including:

  • Monthly Participants Advisory Group.

  • Monthly Coffee Mornings.

  • Digital Inclusion and Skills Programme (6 weeks).

  • Wellbeing Wednesdays Programme (6 weeks).

  • Fitness Fridays Programme (6 weeks).

  • Personal Trainer Support Programme (12 weeks).

  • Befriending activities and ad-hoc events.

• Team Leadership: Supporting, mentoring, and motivating our coordinators and leads to excel in their roles.

• Monitoring & Evaluation: Ensuring our services are monitored and evaluated, and that we receive consistent feedback from our participants to continuously improve.

• Reporting & Promotion: Reporting back on our services to meet management and funder requirements, including writing compelling case studies and promoting our success stories on social media and other platforms.

Why You'll Love Being a SUNSHINE Services and Support Manager:

• Be a Leader: You will have a direct say in our services' strategic direction and long-term vision.

• Grow with Us: This role offers fantastic professional development opportunities in project management, leadership, and community development.

• Join a Family: You'll be part of a warm, supportive, and passionate community of like-minded people who are dedicated to our mission.

Ready to start your SUNSHINE Experience?

We're excited to see your application and learn how your unique skills can help our community shine. Apply today and become a part of something truly special.

Let’s not forget how lockdown made us feel. Let’s make sure SUNSHINE is always ready to respond—with heart and with structure.

We don't currently have a website as it's in development, but you can find us on social media @SUNSHINEChty.

We’re Buzzing With Excitement… We’re launching REMIX, a bold new youth social mobility charity in London that’s here to shake things up and make a BIG impact on young people’s lives.

We Need You – A Volunteering Team to Build Our People Power!

In the heart of London, a movement is rising. One that says NOPE to postcode prejudice and YES PLEASE to potential. REMIX is on a mission to "remix young lives" from disadvantaged backgrounds by smashing barriers and building belief.

We’re not just building a charity, we’re building a legacy. And we need a passionate, organised, and visionary Volunteering Team to help us lead the way.

Lead the Charge in Building a Volunteer-Led Movement

Are you passionate about people, purpose, and impact?

Do you have experience in volunteer management, HR, training, or community engagement?

Are you ready to help build a thriving, inclusive volunteer culture from the ground up?

Then REMIX wants YOU to help shape our volunteering programme!

Key Roles in the Volunteering Team:

1. Volunteering Lead

• Design and launch REMIX’s volunteer programme.

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and training of all volunteers.

• Build systems that support, motivate, and retain volunteers.

• Ensure volunteers are empowered, equipped, and celebrated.

• Work closely with the Founder to embed volunteering into our DNA.

2. Volunteering Team Members

• Support the Volunteering Lead in all aspects of programme delivery.

• Help recruit and onboard new volunteers.

• Assist with training, scheduling, and ongoing support.

• Be a friendly face and point of contact for our volunteer community.

• Champion a culture of inclusion, growth, and recognition.

Who We’re Looking For:

• People with experience in volunteer coordination, HR, training, or community building.

• Organised, empathetic, and proactive team players.

• Changemakers who believe in the power of people to drive impact.

• Folks ready to roll up their sleeves and remix the future with us.

What You’ll Gain:

• Strategic leadership and team-building experience.

• A front-row seat to real, lasting impact.

• A legacy that lives on in the lives of young Londoners.

• A community of passionate, purpose-driven humans.

• The joy of helping others find their place in the movement.

So… Are You Ready to Remix the Future?

Let’s build something bold. Let’s uplift, empower, and inspire — one volunteer, one programme, one young life at a time.

Join the Team. Build the Culture. Remix the Future.

Teachers and educational facilitators wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are seeking experienced teachers and educational facilitators to lead workshops and deliver engaging environmental education sessions to children and young people. Sessions may take place at schools or around the perimeter of the site we want to transform into East London Waterworks Park.

This role would include:

• Leading hands-on outdoor learning workshops
• Delivering nature-based activities to school groups
• Supporting the creation of ELWP’s Under 18s volunteering policy
• Supporting outreach efforts to promote ELWP’s existing learning programmes

Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:

• Waltham Forest College 
• Henry Maynard Primary School, Walthamstow
• Buxton School, Leytonstone
• Kingsmead Primary School, Hackney
• Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
• UCL 
• Royal College of Art
• University of Westminster 
• Project Zero
• Voyage Youth 
• Loyola University Chicago 
• Vanderbilt University Nashville

We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.

The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely

You should be an experienced teacher, educational consultant, forest school leader, training and development specialist, learning designer, facilitator or any other kind of role creating learning projects, programmes and experiences. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. 

You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By volunteering in this role, you will help shape the future of East London Waterworks Park as a community-led environmental learning space. This will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you!

Looking to gain experience in the conservation sector and inspire people in Gloucestershire to stand up for nature's recovery? You’ve come to the right place!

We have two Wild Trainee roles currently vacant within our Engagement and Communications team – could you join our team?

The Wildlife Trusts have recognised that for nature to be put into recovery, we must better engage and inspire people on a local level – these roles form part of the Wild Trainees Programme, which is designed to provide valuable experience for young people in delivering nature’s recovery through practical work, communications, evidence, and engagement.

The Communications Wild Trainee will work across the organisation and support the Communications and Marketing team to produce inspiring content that influences Gloucestershire to grow more connected with nature.

You can view the Community Action Wild Trainee role here:

Our Community Action and Communications Wild Trainees will work closely throughout their traineeship, collaborating and developing skills from all areas of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

How to apply: Please send us your CV and cover letter outlining why you’d like to be considered for the role and what applicable key skills and you have

Application deadline: Tuesday 30th September 2025

Date of interviews: Tuesday, 7th October 2025

Being a charity we hope all recruitment agencies will appreciate that we want to save money where possible - so thank you, but unless we get in touch, we don't need you help with this role quite yet.

VOLUNTEER VICE-CHAIR

Across the UK, our 65 local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

As a Vice-Chair you’ll support your Chair or Coordinator in making sure your local branch works as effectively as possible.

You’ll bring your leadership, communication, organisation, and motivational skills to this role.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it can include:

• Supporting the Chair/Coordinator in organising branch activities, from setting up branch meetings to planning and completing referrals

• Helping the Chair/Coordinator oversee the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new volunteers

• Deputising for the Chair/Coordinator when necessary

• Acting as a key contact between staff and volunteers

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Confident in leading and chairing a meeting when required

• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email

• Willingness to attend local events to promote the charity’s work

• Ability to understand and follow external and internal policies and procedures

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Confident in communicating with different audiences, including decision-makers and volunteers

• Able to delegate and motivate the activities of others

• Enthusiastic about raising awareness of the charity’s work in the local area

• Willingness to develop skills and experience

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and reference check, and you may need a DBS check if you also have another client facing role.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

Monitoring, evaluation and learning coordinators wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals. 

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for a volunteer to track the impact of our educational initiatives, gather data, and support continuous improvement in our learning programs. This role ensures that our learning activities are effective and contribute meaningfully to ELWP’s overarching goals.

This role would include:

• Developing measures of success of existing environmental education initiatives
• Collecting and analyzing feedback from programme participants
• Recommending improvements based on data insights

Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:

• Waltham Forest College 
• Henry Maynard Primary School, Walthamstow
• Buxton School, Leytonstone
• Kingsmead Primary School, Hackney
• Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
• UCL 
• Royal College of Art
• University of Westminster 
• Project Zero
• Voyage Youth 
• Loyola University Chicago 
• Vanderbilt University Nashville

The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.

Individuals with experience in research, programme evaluation, data analysis, or education assessment are encouraged to apply. Attention to detail and an interest in measuring impact will be key strengths in this role. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. 

You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By volunteering in this role, you will help shape the future of East London Waterworks Park as a community-led environmental learning space. This  will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you!

Educational partnerships and community developers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for a volunteer to lead partnership development and community outreach efforts for East London Waterworks Park. This role focuses on building and nurturing relationships with learning bodies to increase the opportunity for partnership opportunities. 

The role would include:

• Researching and identifying new opportunities for environmental learning initiatives
• Building and nurturing relationships with schools, education bodies, and nonprofit organizations
• Supporting outreach efforts to promote ELWP’s existing learning programmes

Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:

• Waltham Forest College 
• Henry Maynard Primary School, Walthamstow
• Buxton School, Leytonstone
• Kingsmead Primary School, Hackney
• Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
• UCL 
• Royal College of Art
• University of Westminster 
• Project Zero
• Voyage Youth 
• Loyola University Chicago 
• Vanderbilt University Nashville 

We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.

The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

We welcome individuals with experience in outreach, partnership building, education, or nonprofit engagement. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are key. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role.

Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. 

You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By volunteering in this role, you will help shape the future of East London Waterworks Park as a community-led environmental learning space. This will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you! 

Looking to gain experience in the conservation sector and inspire people in Gloucestershire to stand up for nature's recovery? You’ve come to the right place!

We have two Wild Trainee roles currently vacant within our Engagement and Communications team – could you join our team?

The Wildlife Trusts have recognised that for nature to be put into recovery, we must better engage and inspire people on a local level – these roles form part of the Wild Trainees Programme, which is designed to provide valuable experience for young people in delivering nature’s recovery through practical work, communications, evidence, and engagement.

The Community Action Wild Trainee role is an essential part of our wider vision, inspiring communities across the county to take meaningful action for nature and creating bigger, better and more connected landscapes for people and wildlife.

Our Community Action and Communications Wild Trainees will work closely throughout their traineeship, collaborating and developing skills from all areas of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

How to apply: Please send us your CV and cover letter outlining why you’d like to be considered for the role and what applicable key skills and experience you have.

Application deadline: Tuesday 30th September

Date of interviews: Tuesday 7th October

Being a charity we hope all recruitment agencies will appreciate that we want to save money where possible - so thank you, but unless we get in touch, we don't need you help with this role quite yet.

Learning and curriculum designers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for volunteers to develop learning content and resources, such as lesson plans and educational materials, to support our environmental learning goals. This role will focus on creating school-friendly resources for our website and collaborating with educators to enhance our offerings.

The role would include:

• Developing online learning resources for our website (on-going project)
• Designing or tailoring existing lesson plans and activities for schools 
• Supporting the creation of ELWP’s Under 18s volunteering policy
• Supporting outreach efforts to promote ELWP’s existing learning programmes

Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:

• Waltham Forest College 
• Henry Maynard Primary School, Walthamstow
• Buxton School, Leytonstone
• Kingsmead Primary School, Hackney
• Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
• UCL 
• Royal College of Art
• University of Westminster 
• Project Zero
• Voyage Youth 
• Loyola University Chicago 
• Vanderbilt University Nashville

We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.

The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

Ideal candidates have experience in curriculum design, teaching, or educational resource development. Creativity, strong writing skills, and an understanding of outdoor or environmental education will be valuable. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role.  

Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. 

You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By volunteering in this role, you will help shape the future of East London Waterworks Park as a community-led environmental learning space. This will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you!

Ready to Remix the Future?

We’re very excited to be launching REMIX -a bold new youth social mobility charity in London that’s here to shake things up and make a BIG impact on young people’s lives.

We Need You – Youth VOLUNTEERS Who Want to Be the Voice of Change!

In the heart of London, a movement is rising. One that says NOPE to postcode prejudice and YES PLEASE to potential. REMIX is on a mission to "remix young lives" from disadvantaged backgrounds by smashing barriers and building belief.

We’re not just building a charity, we’re building a legacy. And we need young people aged 16–26 years old to help us lead the way.

Two Ways to VOLUNTEER With Us:

1. As one of our Young Trustees

Join our Board and be the youth voice at the highest level of decision-making. Help shape our strategy, challenge the status quo, and make sure REMIX stays true to its mission of being youth-led.

2. As one of our Youth Ambassadors

Be the face and voice of REMIX in your community. Help us design programmes that actually work for young people. Represent our mission, share your story, and inspire others to get involved.

What You’ll Do In These Roles With Us:

• Speak up and shape the future of REMIX.

• Co-create programmes that reflect real youth experiences.

• Represent REMIX at events, online, and in your community.

• Advocate for social mobility and inclusive leadership.

• Help us stay bold, relevant, and youth-led.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Young people aged 16–26 years old from all backgrounds.

• Passionate about equity, opportunity, and making change.

• Ready to bring fresh ideas, lived experience, and energy.

• No formal experience needed, just your passion, committment, your voice and vision.

What You’ll Gain Volunteering With REMIX:

• Leadership experience and a platform to be heard.

• Skills in strategy, advocacy, public speaking, and more.

• A community of changemakers who’ve got your back.

• The chance to build something that lasts - and matters.

• Boost your CV and work experience.

• A reference for participanting with us at REMIX as a vital volunteer.

So… Are You Ready to Remix the Future?

Let’s build something bold. Let’s uplift, empower, and inspire — one voice, one programme, one young life at a time.

Apply Now. Be the Change. Remix the Future.

SEED Madagascar is seeking a Pro Bono PR & Media Consultant to expand the organisation’s international visibility and amplify awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing communities in Madagascar. This role will focus on securing high-profile media coverage, cultivating relationships with journalists, and identifying opportunities for SEED’s voice to be featured internationally. We are looking for an experienced PR professional with existing contacts and proven expertise in media outreach who is motivated to use their skills to contribute to sustainable development and conservation. 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 and add to international best practice through research and publication across all of our programmatic areas.

Location: Remote

Timeframe: Long-term, part-time, flexible (approx. 1–2 days per week)

Duties and responsibilities

● Identify and secure opportunities for SEED’s work and stories to be featured in international news outlets, podcasts, and other platforms.

● Leverage existing media contacts and networks to build SEED’s global visibility.

● Draft, edit, and pitch press releases, op-eds, and feature stories that communicate SEED’s mission and impact.

● Provide strategic advice to SEED’s Media & Communications team on positioning and PR best practices.

● Arrange interviews, guest articles, and media appearances for SEED staff and leadership.

● Monitor and report on media coverage, highlighting reach and impact.

● Support capacity building within SEED’s communications team, sharing knowledge and contacts where relevant.

Person specification

Essential

● Significant professional experience in PR, journalism, or media outreach.

● Strong existing network of international media contacts, with proven success in placing stories.

● Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to pitch compelling narratives.

● Strategic mindset with the ability to advise and mentor less experienced team members.

● Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work independently in a remote context.

● Commitment to SEED’s ethos, values, and mission, with cultural sensitivity and respect.

Desirable

● Experience working with NGOs, particularly in development, conservation, or humanitarian fields.

● Knowledge of Madagascar or wider global south contexts

Raising Futures Kenya is looking for an enthusiastic, committed Trustee, with a passion for supporting our small but mighty international NGO through a journey of shifting power to our partner NGO.  We are particularly looking for individuals with experience in fundraising in the international development sector, and a strong understanding of the international fundraising landscape. 

Responsible to: Chair, Raising Futures Kenya

Purpose: To guide and advise on the international fundraising landscape, and shifting the power (including fundraising) to our Kenyan partners.

Hours: Approximately 6-8 hours a month. 

Salary: This is a voluntary role. 

We currently have seven Trustees across the UK, USA and Kenya and three paid, part-time staff. Board meetings are every 6-8 weeks in the evening via Google Meet.

About Raising Futures Kenya

For 22 years, Raising Futures Kenya (England & Wales charity no.1181670) has worked alongside local people, and our partner NGO, in Kenya to develop projects which are owned by the community and create long-term, sustainable change to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods. 

Through our Seed of Hope training and support programme we enable 14-25 year olds (75% girls) to secure employment or start a small business, generating enough income to live above the poverty line. We provide free technical vocational and business skills training, alongside mental health and wellbeing support which has led to over 90% of graduates being in employment, self-employment or further education. Seed of Hope offers young people opportunity, dignity and hope. 

All training is combined with 3 key elements of support which makes our project unique and more successful than vocational training alone. 

1. Daily life skills and mental health wellbeing curriculum which includes topics on common mental health issues to challenge stigma and signpost students to the free counselling sessions we offer, gender equality, knowing and asserting your rights, family planning, health, hygiene and nutrition. 

2. Practical help is provided to ensure we remove any barriers young people may face in gaining an education and attending lessons, such as; free cooked lunches, support with travel costs, childcare vouchers for young mothers and free menstrual hygiene packs. 

3. Graduate support helps young people set up their own business and generate a sustainable income. This includes tailored business and financial literacy training, access to the Seed of Hope Business Hub providing computers, tools, and materials for graduates to use to launch their business, plus an ongoing peer mentoring scheme from former successful Seed of Hope graduates. 

If students are traumatised, hungry or can’t afford sanitary products, they won’t be in a position to learn. We treat every student as an individual and personalise our support to their specific needs and circumstances to set every student up for success. We know this holistic approach is more successful than vocational training alone, and has the most meaningful impact for young people.

Achievements

Some of our achievements include:

• Over 3,100 young people in Kenya have received free skills training.

• Since 2021 we now support more young people in a year than our first 15 years combined.

• 91% of our graduates are in full time employment, self-employment or further education.

• Received multi-year funding from the Department for International Development (now FCDO) and other reputable grant givers, including a US funder who has granted us $100,000USD a year to go directly to our Kenyan partner as part of our journey to shift power to our partner.

• Awarded the ‘Small Charity, Big Impact’ award by the Foundation of Social Improvement 2019 for achieving disproportionate impact to our size.

• Awarded ‘Charity Governance Award for Improving Impact’ in May 2022.

• Shortlisted for ‘Diversity and Inclusion Award for Best NGO on Promotion of Human Rights’ in Kenya in March 2022.

The future of Raising Futures Kenya

We are in Year 3 of our 2022-2026 year Strategic Plan. The focus is on shifting the decision making power to our partner NGO in Kenya.  It’s an exciting time to join as we think about our plan for the next strategic era.

Role Summary

Responsibilities of all Trustees

• Ensuring the organisation pursues its charitable objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document. 

• Ensuring strategic objectives are developed and met in order to provide greater public benefit, namely to the young people and communities we work alongside in Kenya.

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public.

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.

• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.

• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the CEO.

• In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. 

Networking and partnership development

• All Trustees are expected to assist Raising Futures Kenya to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation, from seeking funding opportunities to galvanising personal and professional networks to generate income.

• Act as a proud ambassador for Raising Futures Kenya, representing the charity at meetings and facilitating networking and funding opportunities as these arise. 

• Join relevant networks and associations to further your understanding of the sector we are in, and to promote the work and best practices of the charity. 

Advise on fundraising 

• Support the strategic direction of how funds are raised by the UK and Kenya, in terms of shifting the power.

• Provide direct feedback to fundraising staff on approaches, bids or key organisations.

• Link Raising Futures Kenya with key contacts or organisations in the fundraising sector.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience;

Essential:

• Experience as a fundraiser in an international development organisation.

• Understanding of the localisation or shift the power agenda.

• A commitment to the organisation, and willingness to devote approximately 6 hours a month and attend Board meetings.

• Understanding of the regulatory responsibilities of a Charity Incorporated Organisation (or willingness to learn) 

• A willingness to speak your mind with respect, tact and diplomacy. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Honesty and integrity. We’re a values led organisation and want to ensure that everyone who joins us shares our values of honesty and integrity.

• Teamwork and commitment. We’re a small organisation and rely on each other to lean in and play a part in achieving our objectives. We believe in getting the work done, but having fun along the way so our meetings are often light-hearted.

• Passionate about furthering the impact of our work, in whatever way you can. For example utilising your networks to share the work we do or to seek donations.

Desirable: 

• Competent in understanding finances.

• Knowledge and experience of programmes in;

• Education, Technical Vocational Training or Entrepreneurship

• Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Young people

• Girls and women

• Income generation

• Farming/agriculture

• Programmes in Kenya

• We are always looking for candidates who have lived experience of any of the following;

  • Kenya

  • East Africa

  • Technical Vocational Training

We are committed to a culture of inclusivity.  We are able to grow and learn better if we have a diverse organisation formed of the collective sum of individual differences, lived experiences, knowledge and self-expression.  We don’t want to exist in an echo chamber.  In recruiting for our team we welcome the unique perspectives you can bring in terms of culture, education, opinions, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, values, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, beliefs, nation of origin and languages spoken.

Normally Trustees are asked to commit to a 3-year term on the Board and serve for a maximum of 2 terms.  All appointments are subject to completion of a successful 3 month probationary period. For more details about the legal obligations of Trustees visit the Charity Commission website and read its publication CC3, The Essential Trustee. 

Please note: the law places certain restrictions on becoming a charity Trustee (for example, you cannot be under the age of 18, or been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonestly).  If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, visit the Charity Commission website.

Trustee (Voluntary Role)

Location: Nationwide

Department: Volunteer Roles

Salary: Volunteer Role

Job Type: Part time

Contract Type: Permanent

Do you want to help lead an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. To support our strategic development, we are recruiting new Trustees to help steer our activities and strengthen our governance.

Working collaboratively with our non-executive Board of 14 trustees, your responsibilities will include shaping and monitoring the charity’s strategic direction, overseeing financial planning, risk and compliance, supporting and constructively challenging senior staff, and acting as an ambassador for our work. You’ll also ensure our governance is robust and that we meet our regulatory obligations. The role typically involves between four and ten days each year and is unpaid, though reasonable travel and other expenses will be reimbursed.

To succeed in this role, you will bring strong personal commitment to our mission, the confidence to engage in strategic and governance discussions, and a readiness to support and challenge respectfully. You do not need prior trustee experience - training and support will be provided. We particularly welcome applicants with skills or experience in governance/regulation or legal practice, digital strategy, marketing and brand development, fundraising, board-level financial management, HR and organisational development, educational practice, leadership across public/private/charity sectors, government relations, and equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are equally interested in those with lived experience relevant to our mission (for example, developing reading skills later in life or having personal experience of the criminal justice system).

If you share our dedication to supporting literacy, numeracy, and transformation within the criminal justice system, we’d love to hear from you - please see our recruitment pack for further details.

Benefits: Induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your volunteer role; ongoing support and quarterly reviews to gain the most from your volunteering experience; flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role; reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are reimbursed.

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Ready to Lead the Mission? Become our Head of Youth Work!

Help us build a future where every young person thrives.

At URBAN YOUTH, our vision is to create a London where every young person has the confidence, skills, and support system to thrive. We’re looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to become our Head of Youth Work, leading our incredible team of volunteers on the front lines.

This isn’t just a role; it’s a chance to be at the very heart of our charity. You will be responsible for planning and delivering our youth activities and programmes, directly impacting the lives of young Londoners.

What you'll do:

• Lead the Team: You will be the point person for our youth work volunteers, providing them with guidance, support, and mentorship.

• Plan and Organise: You'll oversee the planning and delivery of all our youth clubs, workshops, and activities, ensuring they are fun, safe, and aligned with our mission.

• Be a Role Model: You will be a key leader, providing a positive example for both our volunteers and the young people we serve.

• Ensure Excellence: You will be responsible for maintaining the high quality of our programmes, making sure we are consistently building positive memories and relationships.

Who are we looking for?

We are searching for someone with a passion for youth development and a natural ability to lead. You don’t need formal experience, but you should have a solid understanding of what it takes to connect with young people. You are perfect for this role if you are:

• A Natural Leader: You inspire and motivate those around you.

• Organised: You can manage schedules, coordinate activities, and keep a team on track.

• A Great Communicator: You are skilled at listening, giving feedback, and building strong relationships.

• Committed to Our Mission: You believe in the potential of every young person and are ready to dedicate your time to helping them thrive.

This is a high-impact, rewarding opportunity to gain senior leadership experience in a new and growing charity.

Ready to lead our team?

Application Deadline: Sunday, 12th October 2025, before 1pm.

URBAN YOUTH

Your City. Your Vibe. Your Leadership.