Project development officer volunteer roles in birmingham

Role Description

We are seeking dedicated innovative thinkers, event superstar planners, and fundraising heroes to join our Events & Fundraising Team at Emerge Worldwide. Our goal is to develop impactful events that generate essential support to protect children and young people from sexual exploitation.

The role will:

• Design and deliver memorable events
• Engage local communities and sponsors
• Promote our mission broadly
• Raise life-changing transformative funds

Your expertise and ideas can help us make an impactful difference to lives.

Join us and contribute to the protection of vulnerable children, young people and women.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking volunteers with experience in Events - designing, researching, planning, delivery, and Community Engagement. We are also seeking volunteers who have fundraising experience including working around sponsorship. 

We are looking for volunteers who have:

● Experience in planning successful events and activities.

● Experience of fundraising in the charity sector is desirable but not essential.

● Reliable, organised with good timekeeping.

● Able to work independently and proactively as well as in a team.

● Clear and confident in communication.

● Excellent working knowledge and comprehension of written English.

What you will gain:

By volunteering with us, you’ll experience the profound impact of helping communities, be part of a movement changing lives across the UK, gain experience in advocacy, and work with a team passionate about protecting children, young people and women against exploitation and trafficking.

Impact of Role

1. Fuelling the Mission

• Every event organised and every pound raised goes directly towards programmes that protect and empower vulnerable children and women.
• Volunteers help generate the funds that allow Emerge Worldwide to deliver training in schools, create resources, and support awareness campaigns.

2. Expanding Reach & Awareness

• Events are not just about money — they also raise the charity’s visibility and influence.
• By helping to plan and run events, volunteers spread the message of exploitation prevention to a wider audience, attracting new supporters and partners.

3. Building Community & Partnerships

• Volunteers help bring people together through fundraising dinners, charity runs, community fairs, and awareness campaigns.
• These events build a sense of shared purpose and create lasting relationships with donors, schools, businesses, and local communities.

4. Creating Memorable Experiences

• With creativity and enthusiasm, volunteers help design fun, inspiring, and impactful events that engage people’s hearts.
• These experiences encourage people to give generously and stay connected to the cause long-term.

5. Sustaining the Charity’s Growth

• By contributing to fundraising targets, volunteers ensure Emerge Worldwide can expand its projects, train more schools, produce more resources, and campaign for systemic change.
• This means their behind-the-scenes efforts translate into life-changing impact for survivors and prevention for those at risk.

We are a welcoming team, dedicated to creating a positive and engaging volunteer experience where you’ll feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring your ideas to life.

Please note that we will request references, and a DBS check will be required due to the nature of our work.

Rising Capacities for Children Africa (RICCA)

Rising Capacities for Children Africa (RICCA) tackles child poverty in rural Kenya, especially in Kirinyaga County, by creating inclusive, child-friendly learning environments. Through the Ricca Afterschool Center, children aged 6–17 access personalized support, mentorship, and engaging programs in arts, sports, agriculture, and digital literacy. These activities foster academic success, creativity, social skills, and life competencies while making learning fun and accessible. RICCA also works with schools to improve teacher quality, infrastructure, and resources, and engages parents in the process. By bridging rural–urban gaps and promoting intercultural dialogue, RICCA empowers communities, protects children’s rights, and breaks cycles of poverty through education.

After-School Curriculum Design Specialist

About RICCA

RICCA is a grassroots organization in rural Kenya working to create equal learning opportunities for marginalized children in public primary schools. We run after-school centers that provide safe, creative spaces where children can learn through play, storytelling, and exploration — not just exams.
RICCA was founded by Kenneth Gitari, whose own journey from a small rural village inspired him to reimagine education so that every child, no matter their background, can dream, learn, and thrive.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Curriculum Design Specialist (Volunteer) to help us strengthen and structure our after-school curriculum framework. This role is ideal for someone passionate about child-centered education, play-based learning, and creating real impact in underserved communities.

What You’ll Do

• Design and structure an engaging after-school curriculum that builds literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
• Integrate play-based, creative, and culturally relevant learning approaches for children in rural settings.
• Collaborate with our team to develop fun, practical lesson ideas and facilitator guides.
• Support the training of local facilitators on effective, inclusive teaching methods.
• Develop adaptable learning materials and frameworks that community educators can easily use.

Who You Are

• You have experience in Curriculum Development, Education Design, or Child Development.
• You’re familiar with alternative learning approaches such as project-led or experiential learning.
• You’re creative, resourceful, and passionate about education equity.
• Experience with rural or resource-limited settings is a strong plus.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to shape an impactful education model reaching children in rural Kenya.
• Collaboration with a passionate grassroots team creating lasting change.
• Recognition and exposure through RICCA’s website, newsletters and a letter of appreciation.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

Job description:

About Us

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

Our mission is to encourage unity across diverse communities, sharing and celebrating cultural lessons through workshops, training programmes, events and research. We challenge racial and societal stereotypes while delivering practical initiatives such as unconscious bias training in the workplace. We develop and deliver projects that promote inclusion, representation, and social change by partnering with local organisations and stakeholders.

Role Description:

Quilombo UK is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Services Sales Executive to join our team through the Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP). This is a target-driven, client-facing volunteer sales role focused on direct outreach and conversion of potential service users into paying clients. You will be responsible for actively identifying leads, initiating conversations, pitching our services, and closing deals.

The successful candidate will sell Quilombo UK’s key service offerings:

● Workshops (e.g. Unconscious Bias, Inclusive Leadership)

● Training Programmes

● Research Services

● Event & Partnership Opportunities

As a member of the Sales Business Development function, you will be managed by a Director and accountable for results that directly impact the organisation’s financial sustainability and growth. This role provides real-world, high-impact experience that mirrors the standards and performance expectations of a paid sales role.

Main Responsibilities:

● Proactively research and identify prospective clients aligned with Quilombo UK’s mission and services.

● Initiate direct outreach (calls, emails, online meetings) to decision-makers across public and private sectors.

● Deliver compelling sales pitches and presentations tailored to each client’s needs.

● Handle end-to-end sales processes, from lead generation and qualification through to closing deals.

● Secure confirmed bookings or contracts for services, including workshops, training, research, or event partnerships.

● Develop and maintain a strong client pipeline, updating CRM or tracking systems regularly.

● Consistently meet or exceed weekly/monthly KPIs related to outreach, meetings, and conversions.

● Collaborate with the Director to refine messaging and sales strategy for maximum impact.

● Maintain a consultative, value-led sales approach while staying aligned with Quilombo UK’s mission and ethos.

● Provide performance updates and sales reports to the Director and Senior Leadership Team.

● Stay updated on industry trends, client needs, and potential growth areas relevant to our services.

Essential:

● Demonstrated experience in a sales, business development, or account management role

● Proven track record of generating leads and closing deals, preferably in a service-based or social enterprise environment

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills

● Strong presentation and negotiation abilities

● Confidence to work independently and take initiative, while collaborating within a remote team

● Passion for social justice, community engagement, and inclusion

● Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Desirable

● Familiarity with CRM tools and remote communication platforms

● Experience selling services to the public sector or third-sector organisations

● Understanding of social enterprises or community-based businesses

● Ability to work without close supervision and meet deadlines

What We Offer:

● Real-world, results-driven sales experience with clear KPIs and performance feedback

● A unique opportunity to influence revenue and impact within a mission-driven organisation

● Coaching and mentoring from experienced directors and leadership

● A collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment

● Certificate of completion and reference upon successful programme completion

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16weeks, is UNPAID, and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

• Work from home

Application question(s):

• Do you have access to a personal laptop or PC?
• Are you sure you can commit to this job as being a non-paid job?
• Do you think you will be able to commit yourself to the PDP programme, implicitly 12 hours per week, for 16 weeks?
• Are you currently based in UK?

Work Location: Remote

We are seeking a Director and Chair of Trustees Designate to help shape the future direction of our organisation. We are looking for an individual with proven senior leadership experience - ideally, though not necessarily, within the third sector - who can bring strong strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative leadership style.

City of Wolverhampton College is looking for dynamic and committed individuals to join its Corporation Board as Governors. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of a forward-thinking college whose purpose is to define futures.

Location: Wolverhampton

Time commitment: 12 hours per month

 Closing date: 9 a.m. Wednesday 12th November

Who we are

City of Wolverhampton College currently operates from two main campuses in Wolverhampton – Paget Road and Wellington Road – and delivers over 300 different qualifications through a range of full-time and part-time courses, including apprenticeships and HE. We also have specialist provisions for polymer training, rail, and electric vehicle maintenance, delivered from satellite sites at Telford, Dudley, and Bentley Bridge (Wolverhampton).  Each year, we deliver education and training to around 9,000 students.

As an education provider, the College is subject to periodic inspection by Ofsted.  The most recent inspection took place in January 2023, and the College was rated ‘Good’ overall, demonstrating the high level of quality that we deliver across the College. This is further demonstrated by our consistently high achievement rates, our growth in our student recruitment numbers and the high levels of satisfaction that both our students and our staff report.

Over recent times, we have been progressing with an exciting estate transformation project, which has already seen us extend our Wellington Road campus to include new training workshops and classrooms as part of our Construction Innovation Centre. Furthermore, in November, we will take the next step on this journey by vacating our Paget Road site and moving into a new state-of-the-art campus – the City Learner Quarter.

These estate developments are just one example of how we continue to evolve and develop our provision, ensuring that the education and training we deliver are of the highest quality whilst led by the needs of our local community, employers and stakeholders such as the West Midlands Combined Authority.

From a strategic perspective, our new strategic plan will be published soon and has been created in collaboration between our Governors and our Senior Leadership Team, led by our Principal & Chief Executive, Louise Fall, who was appointed just over a year ago.

Once this plan is published, attention will turn from development to delivery, and to do this, Louise and her colleagues across the college will be able to call upon the board for their support. Our Board is made up of a diverse range of successful strategic leaders. As our college enters a new phase of its journey, we believe now is the right time to add new perspectives and expertise to our board. As such, we now seek to appoint a number of new members who can provide this in the years ahead.

About the role

Becoming a Governor at the City of Wolverhampton College is a rewarding opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to make a tangible difference to education, our local communities, and the lives of diverse group of learners.

As a Governor, you will play a central role in shaping the future of the College, ensuring it continues to thrive and delivers high-quality education and training.

Working collectively as part of our Corporation Board, led by our Chair, Mike Hastings, you will help determine the organisational culture, educational character and strategic direction of the College, while safeguarding its financial health and long-term sustainability. For context, our annual turnover is c.£43m, and we have a formal financial health rating of Good.

Governors at the College hold responsibility for approving such things as our mission and our annual budgets, as well as overseeing the performance and remuneration of senior leaders. The Board also sets frameworks for staff pay and conditions, ensuring that the College remains an excellent place to work and study.

In our most recent external review of governance, our board was recognised as being high-performing and for ensuring that we prioritise the success and well-being of our students. The findings of this review showed our board was highly proficient and consistently had a positive impact on college strategy, effectiveness and outcomes.

Your impact as a Governor will be wide-reaching: from safeguarding the use of public funds and ensuring strong governance, to setting and monitoring targets that drive student retention, achievement, and success. In short, you will help ensure every learner has the opportunity to reach their potential.

Who we are looking for

Having considered the current skills composition on our Board, we believe there are several areas of expertise which would add considerable value to our Board. These are:

• Qualified finance professionals
• Professionals working in senior compliance, risk and audit-focused roles
• Those working in leadership roles within local employers and the wider business community, ideally leading business operations of an organisation which complements the curriculum strategy of the college.
• Those with oversight and responsibility for large-scale capital development projects and facilities management in similarly large and complex organisations
• A professional with expertise in the area of safeguarding

Prior experience as a member of a non-executive board is not essential, but it will, of course, be welcomed, especially where this experience relates to time served on an audit or finance committee within a complex business or not-for-profit environment.

The role requires commitment and active participation. Our Governors meet five times per year in person on Thursdays from 5 pm, with additional committee and strategy sessions across the year. Preparation, attendance, and engagement are essential, as is a willingness to attend College events and undertake training. On average, the role involves around 12 hours per month.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 12th November. 

Help shape the future of volunteering.
We are seeking passionate and committed Trustees to join the Volunteering Matters Board at an exciting moment, as we launch our new 2025–2030 strategy. 

Our work spans mentoring programmes, social action projects, community transport and youth-led campaigns – all designed with and for local people. By harnessing the power of volunteers and working in genuine partnership with communities, we create initiatives that are inclusive, relevant and sustainable, making a real and lasting difference across the UK.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to building a Board of Trustees that reflects the diversity of the communities we work with and support. We believe that a broad range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthens our governance and enhances our ability to make well-informed decisions.

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and communities – particularly those who are currently underrepresented in charity leadership, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, and those with lived experience relevant to our work.

We value the unique contributions that each person brings and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all Trustees feel respected, supported, and able to thrive.

Join us as  A Trustee or Treasurer.

Trustee 
Are you passionate about the power of volunteering to transform lives and strengthen communities? We’re looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide our charity’s next chapter.

As we continue to grow and adapt to meet the changing needs of our communities, we’re particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

Human Resources (HR)
Fundraising and income generation
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA)
Technology, digital systems and AI
Marketing and communications
Safeguarding
Whether you’re an experienced Trustee or looking to take on your first board role, we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds to support us through an exciting time.

Join us as Treasurer
Are you a finance professional who believes in the power of volunteering to create stronger, more connected communities? We’re seeking a dedicated and skilled Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help guide our charity’s financial strategy as we grow and evolve.

As Treasurer, you will play a key role in overseeing our financial health, ensuring strong governance, and supporting the Board and senior leadership to make sound, sustainable decisions. You’ll bring insight, scrutiny, and strategic thinking to help us maximise our impact and reach.

We’re looking for someone who:

Has a strong background in finance, accountancy, or financial management
Understands charity finance
Can communicate complex financial information clearly to a non-financial audience
Is committed to our mission and values
Your financial expertise could help us unlock even greater potential in the communities we support through volunteering.

Please note, as the role of Treasurer is also a Trustee, please read the Trustee role profile alongside the Treasurer one.

If you are ready to make a difference and lead an organisation committed to empowering communities, we want to hear from you.

Please complete the application form and feel free to submit an audio or video file in place of/or in addition to your application via email.

Join us in making a positive impact and help us build stronger communities for all.

Award-winning theatre company One Tenth Human is seeking people with a passion for developing children’s STEM potential to join our Board of Trustees. Could you help us succeed with our next adventures?

One Tenth Human is an award-winning theatre company based in Lancaster, led by Artistic Director Sarah Punshon. We are a registered charity (no. 1195497), on a mission to empower primary-age children with better stories about their own potential. We explode myths and expectations when it comes to science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths (“STEAM”) because too many children reach adulthood believing these subjects are not for “people like me”. We want to change this.

We create and tour interactive theatrical adventures nationally to arts venues, libraries, schools, and village halls. Since our formation in 2016, we have been commissioned and co-produced by Shoreditch Town Hall, Z-arts, China Plate, Polka Theatre, Tutti Frutti, Big Imaginations, ARC Stockton, The Dukes Lancaster, and Lancaster Arts. We reach nationally, but are deeply embedded in our local region, working closely with schools, community groups, charities, and higher education partners to incubate new work and give more children the chance to take part in our life-changing adventures.

Our current Board has expertise in the arts, business management, charities, and STEM public engagement. You can find out more about them here.

The Board meets for 90 minute meetings every quarter on Zoom, with occasional in-person Away Days.

Written information is sent out a week before each meeting, requiring careful reading and consideration. Trustees may take on additional tasks suitable to their area of expertise between meetings, but the role is fundamentally one of governance and strategic guidance.

We are currently recruiting for Board members with the following skills:

(A) Financial Management Trustee. We are seeking a Board member who would be able to support our financial management, working with the Treasurer (and our accountant) to oversee financial planning, processes, and compliance. Your experience might be an accountancy qualification, experience with charity financial management, experience in business, or similar. Your role would include joining our Budget Working Group, which meets quarterly, one to two weeks before each Board meeting.

(B) Board Members. More broadly, we are keen to recruit Board members who have any one (or more!) of the following areas of expertise:

• ○  Marketing/PR;

• ○  Fundraising / philanthropy;

• ○  Charity governance / legal;

• ○  IT;

• ○  Children aged 3-10 years - whether as a teacher, parent, carer, or volunteer;

• ○  Education, particularly primary education;

• ○  Science, technology, engineering or maths: this might mean in industry, in academia, in

  museums, or another public engagement area. In addition, we expect all Board members to have:

• ○  Interest in our work

• ○  A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion across all aspects of society

• ○  The equivalent of about 1 day per month to devote to us.

  We would be particularly interested to talk to applicants who are based or have networks in the North-West, but this is not essential. Our meetings are via Zoom and current Trustees are based in Manchester, Leeds, York, and London.

Closing Date:

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and applications will be reviewed as they are received.

The Role:

We are currently seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board as Treasurer. It’s a voluntary role that requires a committed individual with financial expertise to take a collaborative approach, supporting our Trustees, our Head of Finance and Governance, and our management team to oversee the financial affairs of our charity and ensure that they are legal, constitutional, and within accepted accounting practice.

Our Organisation:

Greener and Cleaner delivers locally but thinks, and influences, nationally. Our vision is greener, healthier, better connected communities across the UK. We seek to achieve this through normalising 360-degree sustainable living, bringing the community together to make changes that can deliver a big impact. We have a non-judgemental peer-to-peer approach, so that all elements of the community feel empowered to take action in how they live, work, and play and in how they use their voice to push for change.

Treasurer Role:

The primary role is to ensure alongside other Trustees that they accept ultimate responsibility for the affairs of G&C and ensure that it is solvent, well run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for which it has been set up. As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls, and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements, as produced by the finance team or others where appropriate, to the Board of Trustees
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place. 
• Liaising with any paid staff about financial matters, as appropriate.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management. 
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems. 
• Drawing any major financial concerns to the attention of the trustee and the management team.
• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves in line with its reserves policy, and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity. 
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy and that investments and assets are maximised.
• Leading on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors. 
• Overseeing the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating, and reporting corporate risk. 
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies – for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Supporting other Trustees in understanding the charity’s financial position and decision making.
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the charity and its ethical fundraising policy.
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.

The Person We’re Looking For:

• A finance professional with a firm understanding of charity finance and some experience of fundraising and pension schemes.
• Knowledge of charity fundraising, bid writing, and/or other income generation and/or securing funding through creation or leveraging of partnerships and networks (at a national or local level).
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity and the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
• Clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with auditors.

In addition, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all Trustees.

Responsibilities of All Trustees:

• Demonstrating a commitment to G&C’s objectives
• Contributing to setting the strategic goals and monitoring performance by active participation in Board discussions and decision-making
• Actively assisting the charity to build their connections and partnerships for the purposes of most effectively delivering their goals and fundraising
• Ensuring that G&C complies with its governing documents, the law, and all other relevant documentation
• Helping to identify risks and ensuring appropriate controls are in place
• Helping the Board to make sound decisions by making available their own personal knowledge and experience
• Assisting the Chair to appoint and appraise the performance of the Senior Leadership Team members
• Sharing relevant skills and expertise with the Senior Leadership Team members
• Making all reasonable efforts to attend Board meetings, away days, development meetings, publicity events, and other such public functions as requested by the Chair
• Ensuring the charity’s focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion remains at the heart of its strategy and delivery

Trustee Person Specification:

In addition to the Treasurer role specific above, our Trustees will ideally also demonstrate the following:

• A commitment to the objectives and activities of G&C
• A willingness to devote time and effort to G&C beyond attending board meetings
• Have strategic vision, an ability to think creatively, and an appropriate level of financial literacy
• Understanding of and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of their position
• Have good independent judgement
• Be willing to effectively act as part of a team
• Adhere to the Nolan Principles of public office: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership
• A willingness to allow the Employee/s to make reasonable decisions and to act within the limits prescribed by the Board

To Apply:

To see the full job advertisement with details on how to apply, and to learn more about the role and our organisation, please see the attached supporting documents.

We're building tech to predict employee burnout. We're bootstrapping painfully. Need someone who knows UK grants and has fundraising contacts to help us actually fund this.

The Situation

We're building a platform that predicts employee burnout 2-4 weeks before it happens. We have psychologists, tech people, and a working plan. What we don't have is money.

We're bootstrapping. Every penny is coming from the founders. We need someone who can help us find UK grants, foundations, and funding sources so we can:

• Hire developers properly (not Upwork disasters)
• Pay for proper infrastructure
• Move faster than our current painful pace
• Actually pay people who deserve to be paid

What We Need You To Do

Find money. Simple as that.

Specifically:

• Research UK grants for mental health tech, employee wellbeing, innovation, social enterprise
• Write grant applications that don't sound like AI wrote them
• Identify foundations that fund this kind of thing
• Use your network to open doors we can't open ourselves
• Advise on fundraising strategy - what's realistic for a pre-revenue startup

Current State:

• MVP launching December 2025 (yes, this year)
• Pre-revenue but have pilot companies interested
• Strong team (psychologists, AI/ML, CTO, UX)
• Evidence-based approach (not wellness fluff)
• Desperate for £20-100K+ to do this properly

Your Tasks

Weeks 1-2: Research & Strategy

• Map UK funding landscape for our sector
• Identify 15-20 realistic grant opportunities
• Prioritize by fit, timing, amount
• Create application timeline

Weeks 3-6: Write & Submit

• Draft grant applications (we'll help with technical content)
• Tailor each one (no copy-paste jobs)
• Submit before deadlines
• Follow up where needed

Weeks 7-12: Network & Cultivate

• Connect us with foundation contacts
• Attend relevant funding events (if any)
• Build relationships for future rounds
• Advise on corporate partnerships

Time commitment: 3 hrs/day first month (heavy research/writing), then 2 hrs/day ongoing

Why This Role Matters

Right now we're:

• Trying to find developers we can afford
• Using AI coding tools because we can't hire proper devs
• Moving slower than we should
• Stressing about infrastructure costs

With proper funding we could:

• Hire a full-stack developer (£40-60K would change everything)
• Pay for proper hosting and tools
• Run a real pilot with multiple companies
• Pay our psychologists for their time
• Move from "painful bootstrap" to "actual startup"

Your work could literally determine whether this launches properly or limps along.

Who We're Looking For

Someone who:

• Knows UK funding - grants, foundations, social enterprise funding
• Can write - applications that get approved, not rejected
• Has contacts - someone at a foundation might actually take your call
• Gets startups - understands we're scrappy and pre-revenue
• Cares about mental health - this isn't just a box-ticking exercise

Experience we actually need:

• 3+ years in grant writing or fundraising (charity or social enterprise)
• Track record of successful applications (tell us what you've won)
• Understanding of UK funding landscape
• Can write persuasively without corporate waffle
• Comfortable with tech/innovation projects (or willing to learn)

Bonus points:

• Experience with Innovate UK, UKRI, Wellcome Trust, mental health funders
• Network in impact investing or social finance
• Previous startup fundraising experience
• Understanding of NHS/health sector funding

What You Get

Be honest about what we can offer:

• Equity: If you help us raise significant funds (£50K+), we'll discuss equity
• Commission: Could arrange success-based payment (e.g., 5-10% of funds raised)
• Experience: Real fundraising experience you can put on your CV
• References: If you're good, we'll recommend you everywhere
• Network: Connect with our team and pilot companies
• Impact: Help us actually fund mental health prevention (not just talk about it)

This could be paid eventually. Right now we need someone who believes in the mission enough to help us get the resources to make it happen.

The Team

You'd work with:

• Founder (that's me (Don Diffang)- doing everything, need help with funding)
• Chief Behavioral Psychologist (evidence base for grants)
• Occupational Psychologist (workplace wellbeing expertise)
• CTO (technical bits for applications)
• Business Development person (partnerships)

Small team. No bureaucracy. Everyone's hands-on.

Timeline

November-December: Heavy research and first wave of applications January-February: Ongoing applications and relationship building March onwards: Either you've helped us raise money or we're still bootstrapping

Flexible hours. Most work is solo (research/writing) with weekly check-ins.

Success Looks Like

Minimum viable success:

• 10-15 applications submitted to relevant funders
• Clear funding pipeline for next 6-12 months
• Connections made with 3-5 foundations/funders
• At least 2-3 applications that have a real shot

Actual success:

• £20-50K raised in next 3-6 months
• £50-100K+ raised in next year
• Sustainable funding strategy in place
• Relationships built for future rounds

Dream scenario:

• Major grant or investment secured
• You becoming our part-time paid fundraising lead
• Proper funding to launch and scale

Why Not Paid?

Because we don't have money. That's literally why we need you.

If we had £50K lying around, we wouldn't be posting volunteer roles - we'd be hiring developers.

But: if you help us raise funds, we'll pay you from those funds (success fee or salary). And equity is definitely on the table for someone who helps us break out of bootstrap mode.

What We Promise

We won't:

• Waste your time on applications that have no chance
• Give you fluffy "brand guidelines" instead of real content
• Micromanage your writing
• Disappear when you need information

We will:

• Be realistic about our chances
• Provide all technical/impact content you need
• Respond fast to questions
• Give you credit when grants succeed
• Discuss equity/payment when funding comes in

Current Funding Landscape (What We Know)

We've identified a few areas but need expert help:

• Innovate UK: Smart Grants for innovation (maybe?)
• UKRI: Mental health research angle
• Wellcome Trust: Mental health innovation
• Big Lottery/National Lottery: Community wellbeing
• Health Foundation: Workplace health
• Mental Health Foundation: Prevention focus
• Social investment: If we structure right
• Corporate foundations: Companies with wellbeing focus

But we don't know:

• Which ones we're actually eligible for
• How to position ourselves (charity? social enterprise? tech startup?)
• What our chances realistically are
• Who to talk to
• How to write applications that work

That's where you come in.

To Apply

Tell us:

1. Your track record (be specific)
   • What grants have you won?
   • How much money have you raised?
   • What sectors/causes?
2. Your knowledge of UK funding
   • Which funders would you target first for us?
   • Why?
3. Your network
   • Any contacts at foundations/funding bodies?
   • Any that might be relevant to mental health/wellbeing tech?
4. Your availability
   • Can you commit 2-3 hrs/day for 8-12 weeks starting now?
   • Would you want equity vs. success fee vs. future salary?
5. One question for us

Attach your CV with fundraising successes highlighted.

P.S. If you've raised money before and you're between roles or have spare time, this could be perfect. Help us get off the ground properly and we'll remember it (with equity and paid work when we can).

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for Trustees to manage the affairs of the Coventry and District Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area.

As a trustee of a branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals.

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long terms aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary dependent on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties such as the role of chairman, treasurer or secretary.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Coventry and District Branch

The Coventry and District Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any area. Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.

Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• You will need to be 18 of over
• You must not be disqualified from being a Trustee. Please read the Charity Commission’s guidance on who can be a Trustee of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.