Public relations volunteer roles

This role is key to building Aspire’s visibility in the local community and connecting with individuals who may be in need of support but unaware of available services. Outreach volunteers help create a warm, informed bridge between Aspire and the public.

Our House Experience Volunteers add the sparkle to any visit – giving everyone a warm welcome, bringing stories from Ickworth to life and helping people get the best out of their day. 

 This role will suit you if you are:

• Warm and friendly.
• Someone with a curious and inquisitive nature, with an ability to engage our visitors, ask questions and facilitate conversations.
• Able to listen thoughtfully and actively.
• Someone with exceptional customer service standards- a desire to put visitors before everything else.
• A good storyteller, with a talent for reading body language and thinking on your feet
• Sensitive to visitor and volunteer needs – working as an effective team member.
• Willing to develop your knowledge of Ickworth, its history and vast collections.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Responding to the diverse needs of visitors, including people with additional access needs.
• Sharing inspirational stories, curious facts and practical information or simply the space for visitors to wander at their own pace.
• Helping visitors to discover more, answering questions and making suggestions so they can enjoy their day, their way.
• Being an ambassador for the whole property and the National Trust. Helping visitors understand the full scope of the offer at Ickworth beyond the house.
• Learning more about Ickworth, so you can share your knowledge and stories of the family and their collections with visitors.
• Responding to the changing needs of Ickworth – supporting ongoing interpretation strategies in the House.
• Supporting with health and safety and evacuation procedures if required.
• Being part of a team that may need to adapt and change in response to local needs, National Trust priorities or changes to government guidelines 

 By getting involved you could· 

• Become part of a friendly and dedicated team.
  Spend time with us at Ickworth, learn about its history, stories and enjoy its beauty.
• Meet people from all walks of life
• Find an opportunity to use your existing skills and develop new ones.
  Improve your communication skills.
  Get a warm glow by knowing you have made a difference to someone’s day out with us.

 You’d also be joining Europe’s largest conservation charity and the wider National Trust team proudly looking after 780 miles of coastline, over 250,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including lighthouses, villages, pubs and a gold mine!). We are a unique charity welcoming millions of people each year and with a vision to open up places for the benefit of everyone, for ever.

All National Trust volunteers will be asked to

• Respect and uphold the National Trust values whilst volunteering with us.
• Complete training required of all NT volunteers and any role specific training
• Adhere to relevant policies and processes including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity. 

 We want all our volunteers to feel welcome and to have an equally positive experience when volunteering with us. So, volunteers will:

• Be provided with the necessary induction, training, equipment and reasonable adjustments to do this role well and safely
• Be offered expenses to cover agreed travel costs between home and place of volunteering.
• Have remote access to support, news and rotas via our volunteer website 

Skills acquired: Adaptability, Communication Skills, Community Development, Customer Service, Event Support, Exhibition Arts, Fundraising, Interpersonal Skills, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Visual Arts

Can you bring your vision, passion, and experience to strengthen our board to deliver our strategy? North Cotswold Foodbank are looking for a trustee to join their board and lead on the key area of Marketing and social media.

What will you be doing?

Responsibilities (specific to your role):

• Establish a marketing strategy, offering leadership, guidance and support, in particular in the realm of social media, with the aim of helping to raise the charity’s profile and increasing donations, ensuring that the strategy aligns with NCFB’s overall goals and values. 
• Take responsibility for ensuring the charity's marketing activities comply with all relevant laws and regulations. Take responsibility for the annual review of relevant policies, such as the social media policy.
• Manage any risks associated with marketing activities, including conflicts of interest, and ensure the charity's reputation is protected. 
• Trustees have a responsibility to scrutinize the marketing budget and ensure that marketing activities are properly funded and monitored. 
• Play a key role in ensuring the charity's marketing activities are conducted ethically and in accordance with all legal requirements and in line with NCFB’s overall goals and values. 
• Follow and actively engage with the charity’s social media accounts.
• Maintain a good understanding of online threats, such as trolling, deepfakes and misinformation, and how these should be managed.
• Trustees may be involved in representing the charity at events or speaking to donors and the public. 

Responsibilities (common to all trustees):

• Collaborate with the trustee board to ensure that North Cotswold Foodbank’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined and made publicly available when necessary.
• Ensure your charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law. 
• Ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• Ensure that North Cotswold Foodbank has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• Give good counsel and measured advice on any matter that requires it, acting in a collaborative, positive, and constructive way.

What are we looking for?

North Cotswold Foodbank seeks someone with senior-level experience of marketing, and in particular, social media marketing. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• Experience of working with the media (in particular in the realm of social media) and contacts within media organisations and/or agencies.
• A robust knowledge of contemporary IT, systems, and data management.
• An ability to lead on any matters relevant to your role.
• The ability to provide carefully considered advice in a constructive way.
• A knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of North Cotswold Foodbank and Trussell. 
• Sympathy towards the ethos and principles of Trussell.
• An understanding of the reasons why people face hunger, food insecurity, and/or food poverty.
• Someone who enjoys working as part of a team.
• An understanding that some periods throughout the year are busier than others.

We welcome applications from new and experienced Trustees

What difference will you make?

By leading on Marketing and Social Media for the food bank, you are providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with North Cotswold Foodbank.

International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) is a small but mighty animal welfare charity that runs projects and campaigns to create a better future for animals in need around the world.

We’re looking for a Celebrity & Media Partnerships Volunteer to help raise IAPWA’s profile by building relationships with celebrities, influencers, and media contacts. This is a new area for us, so you’ll have the chance to shape it and make a real impact on how our campaigns, appeals, and projects reach the public, as well as amplifying the success of our fundraising initiatives.

Key Tasks

• Researching, identifying, and approaching potential celebrity, influencer, and media contacts.
• Building and maintaining long-term, positive relationships with celebrity ambassadors and public figures.
• Coordinating their involvement in IAPWA’s campaigns, appeals, fundraising and education initiatives, and major announcements.
• Helping to secure interviews, features, and other media opportunities that highlight IAPWA’s work and impact.
• Maintaining a database of celebrity and media contacts, keeping track of activity and outcomes to help us learn and grow in this area.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in PR, media, or celebrity engagement.
• Ideally an existing network of contacts, with the confidence to expand this further.
• A proactive approach and enthusiasm for using your skills to support animal welfare.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to use your experience and connections to make a real difference for animals worldwide.
• Flexibility to volunteer around your own schedule.
• The opportunity to help shape a brand-new area of growth within IAPWA.

Social Media Volunteer

If you have a passion for storytelling and want to support families in your community through championing their voices, then becoming a Home-Start Greenwich Social Media Volunteer is the perfect opportunity. As a Home-Start social media volunteer you will support our Home-Start to coordinate our online presence to engage new audiences in our vital work supporting families.

As a Home-Start volunteer you will be able to:

· Support families by giving voice to their experiences

· Make new connections in your local area

· Grow your communication skills

· Learn about storytelling

· Gain skills in marketing, brand and social media

Elements of the role can be:

• Content Creation: Writing and developing content for videos and social media posts across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others.
• Scheduling Posts: Using tools like Metricool, Hootsuite, or Buffer to schedule and manage content distribution.
• Engagement: Monitoring and responding to comments, messages, and notifications to foster community interaction and growth.
• Campaigns: Planning, executing, and optimizing campaigns to increase brand awareness, followers, and engagement.
• Analytics: Tracking and analyzing the performance of posts and campaigns using analytics tools to inform future strategies.
• Collaboration: Working closely with team members to ensure consistent messaging, tone, and branding across all content and platforms.
• Video Production: Creating, editing, and optimizing video content for use on various platforms, ensuring alignment with branding and messaging.

Potential skills and experience you would like to share with us:

• Social Media Knowledge: Experience with major social media platforms and best practices
• Communication Skills: Strong written communication skills

• Creativity: Ability and joy from thinking creatively when creating content
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with social media management tools and basic knowledge of HTML is a plus
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

Next steps to consider:

• Time: having regular availability however this role can flex to your schedule. It is also possible to support remotely in this role
• Training: You will be given our Home-Start Greenwich/UK training on our policies and work so that you can feel confident in your role. Often you may also receive peer training on using social media tools and understanding our brand.
• Equipment: If you have your own equipment, such as a laptop and internet access you would be happy to use while supporting Home-Start Greenwich.

Qualifications

• A basic understanding of public relations principles and practices is an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong eye for detail.
• Familiarity with social media management tools and analytics platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also being self-motivated and proactive.
• A creative mindset with the ability to develop innovative content ideas.
• Experience with graphic design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus, but not essential.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students or recent graduates in Media & Marketing, Graphic Design, or Journalism to gain hands-on experience and contribute to meaningful social media initiatives as we grow our brand's digital presence!

Go Beyond – Chair, Treasurer and Trustees
Inspire brighter futures for children across England

· Location: Meetings in London, Cornwall, Derbyshire + virtual

· Commitment: Chair: ~3–4 days/month | Trustees: ~1 day/month

· Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

Go Beyond is a national children’s charity with a powerful, simple mission: to give children a break from difficult lives.

Each year, we provide life-changing residential breaks in the countryside for over 1,000 children aged 8–13 who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to enjoy time away, make friends, and just be children. With ambitious plans for growth, including pop-up programmes and site expansion [SS1] we're seeking a new Chair (to take over in 2026), a Treasurer, and two additional Trustees to strengthen our already passionate and committed Board.

We welcome applications from people who share our values and want to be part of something special.

We are particularly keen to hear from those with senior leadership experience in:

• Finance / accountancy (especially in the charity or not-for-profit sector)
• Environment, sustainability, or ESG
• Education or youth services – a champion for vulnerable children
• Marketing, PR or communications
• People, culture and EDI (especially within charities or public service)

Why join us?

• Be part of a unique charity that puts children first in everything we do
• Help shape our next 5-year strategy, which aims to provide over 5,000 breaks
• Join a dynamic, engaged Board and leadership team
• Use your voice and experience to ensure children get the joyful, nurturing respite they deserve
• Be inspired – and have fun – while helping others do the same

We are actively working to diversify our Board and welcome people with lived experience that reflects the lives of the children we support. No previous board experience is necessary o become a Trustee – just your time, your ideas, and your commitment to making a difference.

· Deadline: Midday Tuesday 14th October 2025

· Site visit: 22nd – 31st October 2025

· Interviews: 4–6 November 2025 (in London)

Please download the attached brief for more information and details of how to apply. To arrange a confidential conversation, contact our recruitment partner Anna Jay at Public Leaders Appointments.

Join disability and education charity National Star as a Trustee, guiding the organisation as it implements its recently agreed five-year strategy.

What will you be doing?

Do you want to play your part in supporting one of the UK’s leading disability charities to achieve its ambition for growth, providing more education and long-term living opportunities for people with complex disabilities?

National Star, whose headquarters is in Gloucestershire, is seeking several people who share its vision of a world in which people with disabilities are able to realise their potential as equal and active citizens in control of their lives. As a member of the Trustee Board, you will also be a company director as the charity is also a registered company.

Ideal Trustees will:

* Adhere to the charity's values

* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star

* Prepare and participate actively in meetings

* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others

* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy

* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk

* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector

* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

What you will bring:

The charity is looking to recruit people with a broad range of experience and are particularly interested in attracting candidates with knowledge / experience of:

* Company law and the specific legal requirements for charities in special needs and social care sectors

* Marketing and communication expertise including networking and fundraising

* Business acumen with a strong financial background

National Star is a Disability Confident Employer. The charity is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, including those currently under-represented on o0ur Trustee Board, which includes women, people with disabilities and members of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

The Trustee Board meets four times a year, generally during the week between 4pm – 7pm. In addition, Trustees are expected to become active members of a sub-committee. Board papers are distributed in advance to allow Trustees to prepare for each meeting.

What are we looking for?

Ideal Trustees will:

* Adhere to the charity's values of ambition, collaboration, integrity, respect and sustainability

* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star

* Prepare and participate actively in meetings

* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others

* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy

* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk

* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector

* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

We are recruiting several trustees with a range of skills.

What difference will you make?

By joining National Star's Trustee Board, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing a part in the future development of one of the leading disability charities in England and Wales as well as being able to develop your own skills in board level discussions, executive decision making and strategic planning. Your fresh perspective could help the charity to see things in a different light and your professional expertise could be utilised to support our staff team in delivering our vision and values.

You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by young people with complex disabilities and be able to build your professional network.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance providing a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and a CV. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our additional application form

No Panic is a national self-help charity, which supports people with a range of anxiety problems, including panic attacks, OCD, agoraphobia, social phobia and health anxiety.

We are looking for a skilled volunteer to co-ordinate our Social Media Awareness Team remotely. This is a team of volunteers including Social Media Awareness Raisers, who film and edit interviews with people discussing their anxiety experiences, for uploading to social media.

The role of the Social Media Awareness Team Co-ordinator volunteer will be:

· To hand out tasks to the team,  like creating content and contacting anxiety content creators about appearing on our social media.

· Assist with preparing interviews.

· Check content before it is uploaded to our social media.

· Communicate relevant policy changes to the team..

· Carry out the role of a Social Media Awareness Raiser, if there is a shortage of them in the team.

You will be supported by the Awareness Officer.

We anticipate this volunteering will take up about 4 hours of your time per week.

We are looking for a Trustee who is passionate about arts and social justice, who wants to make a difference and is able to compliment our Board of Trustees, Artistic Director, and Executive Director as we work together to develop the impact and profile of Cardboard Citizens.

We are looking for strategic thinkers and committed collaborators who are passionate about the arts and social justice.

We especially welcome those who can bring lived or professional experience in areas such as communications, campaigning, public engagement, fundraising, or media- skills that will help us grow our public profile and deepen the impact of the stories we tell.

We believe that the need for Cardboard Citizens is as urgent as it ever has been with the current external environment and the challenges for our communities with experience of homelessness and poverty.

Whilst we'd like to hear from applicants from a range of backgrounds and experiences, we are particularly keen to hear from those with skills in any of the following areas:

• Digital, New Media
• Communications / public relations
• Environment & Sustainability
• Development
• Strategic partnerships

The general attributes we're looking for in a potential Trustee include:

• Good judgement
• An ability to think creatively and strategically
• An ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
• Effective interpersonal skills
• An active commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• An ability to command trust and respect
• An understanding and acceptance of a Trustee's legal duties and responsibilities
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort required.

Trustees will be required to:

• To serve an initial term of 4 years, with the possibility of re-appointment until 8 consecutive years' service has been reached.
• To attend 4 x 2-hour Board Meetings a year, committee meetings as required, as well as an annual Away Day.
• To attend events, performances, workshops and other engagements, to gain a full experience of the breadth of Cardboard Citizens work.
• To sit on one of the Board's Committees.
• To provide specialist advice and expertise as required and appropriate.
• To advocate and champion Cardboard Citizens' work, values, ambition, and strategic direction.

Volunteer Outreach & Partnership Specialist (Black British Caribbean Focus)
Remote | Min. 3 days/week | Volunteer | Monthly London meet-ups

Are you passionate about justice, healing, and truth-telling in the Black British Caribbean community? Do you believe in the power of voice, visibility, and strategic collaboration? Join us.

About Us
We are a new CIC podcast and media platform that provides a safe space for survivors of childhood sexual trauma within the Black British Caribbean community to tell their truth—and shame the devil. Through storytelling, cultural therapy, and partnership building, we aim to heal and empower.

We're now recruiting a Volunteer Outreach & Partnership Specialist to lead one of the most critical arms of our CIC.

Your Role

1. Guest Outreach & Curation (Primary):

• Lead strategy to find, vet, and schedule guests from the Black British Caribbean community who are ready to share lived experiences of childhood sexual trauma in a respectful, empowering, and supported environment.

• Manage the guest outreach pipeline via Airtable, Trello, or Notion.

• Liaise with our team to ensure a trauma-informed, mission-aligned guest journey.

2. Partnerships & Sponsorships:

• Identify and secure sponsorships and partnerships with charities, organisations, government bodies, and brands aligned with our values.

• Build and maintain a network of long-term collaborators in mental health, therapy, media, and advocacy.

• Align partnerships with growth, impact, and fundraising goals.

3. General Duties:

• Attend monthly in-person team meet-ups (Greater London).

• Collaborate with other CIC team members.

• Represent our values: knowledge of self, community love, and truth-telling.

What You Bring

• Strong ties to the Black British Caribbean community (through lived or professional experience).

• Background or skills in: outreach, journalism, PR, charity work, sales, safeguarding, or project management.

• High emotional intelligence; trauma-informed or open to learning.

• Independent, reliable, and values-aligned.

Commitment & Benefits

• Time: 3 days/week minimum (flexible, remote)

• Location: Remote with monthly London meet-ups

• Term: Min. 6 months (potential for paid role as CIC grows)

• Perks:

  • Travel expenses and refreshments for meet-ups

  • Access to CIC wellness/therapy sessions

  • LinkedIn recommendation + CPD

  • Credit on podcast and future documentary

  • First access to paid roles

Why Join Us?
This is more than outreach—it's movement-building. You’ll shape the foundation of a powerful podcast, media, and mental health platform for our community. You'll work closely with the founder and gain access to networks, healing spaces, and career-shaping experiences.

Apply Now
Click Apply and in 300 words, tell us why this mission speaks to you.

Our Programming volunteers provide a warm welcome to everybody as part of the programming on property, making sure our visitors get the most from their experience with us. 

 This role will suit you if you are:

• Someone who loves meeting people and being part of a team
• Looking for new experiences
• Wanting to utilise your communication skills or develop them further
• Someone who enjoys a busy environment
• Flexible with what you can support with, there will be a rota you can pick and choose the events and activites you wish to get involved in
• Cheerful – even when last minute changes including the weather affect proceedings

By getting involved you could:

• Help support activities across the property
• Support ticketing, guiding, ushering and hosting events with external partners
• Enjoy some of our events 1st hand from a seat in the wings
• Become part of a friendly and dedicated team
• Enjoy new experiences and learn something new every day
• Build your confidence and experience
• See first-hand the rewarding results of helping visitors have a great time
• Share your enthusiasm and passion for what we do 

You’d also be joining Europe’s largest conservation charity and the wider National Trust team proudly looking after 780 miles of coastline, over 250,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including lighthouses, villages, pubs and a gold mine!). We are a unique charity welcoming millions of people each year and with a vision to open up places for the benefit of everyone, for ever.All National Trust volunteers will be asked to

• Respect and uphold the National Trust values whilst volunteering with us.
• Complete training required of all NT volunteers and any role specific training
• Adhere to relevant policies and processes including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity. 

 We want all our volunteers to feel welcome and to have an equally positive experience when volunteering with us. So, volunteers will:

• Be provided with the necessary induction, training, equipment and reasonable adjustments to do this role well and safely
• Be offered expenses to cover agreed travel costs between home and place of volunteering.
• Have remote access to support, news and rotas via our volunteer website

Tasks and responsibilities

• Providing a warm, welcoming and friendly approach to all of our visitors to our events and activities
• Supporting our visitors by providing them with information and guidance so they get the most from their time with us during the event
• Supporting visitors at several points throughout their experience
• Being ‘in the know’ at events and during activities to best help our supporters enjoy it in the way best suited to them
• Support accessibity needs during events to help ensure all visitors are feel included and welcome
• Responding to situations to ensure we always provide a great experience for people – and often spotting issues before they happen!
• There will be plenty of opportunities to do the little things that make a big difference to someone’s experience at Ickworth
• Helping things run as smoothly and safely as possible – this includes getting to know health and safety and evacuation procedures.
• Being part of a team that may need to adapt and change in response to local needs, National Trust priorities or changes to government guidelines

Skills acquired: Adaptability, Advice & Guidance, Communication Skills, Community Development, Crafts, Customer Service, Event Support, Fundraising, General Education, General Play and Recreation, Guiding, Interpersonal Skills, Music Arts, Public Relations, Teamwork, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts, Youth Activities Management

Bromley Experts by Experience runs different events for our members, and for the wider local Deaf and Disabled Community. Most events are monthly – apart from our annual Disability Pride. Events offer opportunities for Deaf and Disabled people to share ideas, feedback on local issues and get to know each other. Each event has two members of staff present, organising the agenda, setting up the room and supporting the tech to include online attendees. 

Welcome Volunteers help event attendees have a comfortable, accessible experience. They greet attendees arriving by taxi, direct people around the venue, pop the kettle on, and say hello to those coming along for the first time. Right before, and right after the event can get busy, having someone to specifically welcome attendees, and get them settled in, makes a big difference! 

What is involved:

Our Community Events include monthly Coffee & Chats – where members can socialise and meet new people and Forums – where members can share their lived experience and feedback on local services. 

• We send event dates, regularly in advance, and ask you to indicate which you can do. We’ll then check shortly before if anything has changed – we understand it sometimes does! 
• On the day – attend the relevant venue, for the events you are supporting. 

Staff will ask you to support attendees, by doing one or more of the following: 

• Meeting attendees from taxis and show them into the venue. 
• Greeting attendees as they come into the event space. 
• Helping attendees find a seat. 
• Making new or nervous attendees feel comfortable and welcome. 
• Introducing new attendees to each other or to staff at the event. 
• Asking if attendees would like a drink and popping the kettle on. 
• Letting people know where the toilets and other facilities are. 
• Handing out and collecting feedback forms. 
• Taking attendees back to taxis after the event closes. 

IMPORTANT: As a Deaf and Disabled People’s organisation, our regulations require that our staff, trustees and volunteers bring with them lived experience of disability (self-identified or otherwise). See how we define this below.

When / Where / How often?:

• We ask Welcome Volunteers to help at a minimum of two events each year. 
• Monthly events (Coffee & Chat and Forums) happen at Community House, South Street, Bromley, BR1 1RH on selected Thursday afternoons between 2pm to 4pm. Check the events page of our website for dates. 
• For monthly events, you will usually be needed at the start and end. 
• We ask Welcome Volunteers to arrive by 1.30pm. 
• You are welcome to stay for refreshments, or to go and come back. (You need to return by 3.55pm ready to help attendees leaving).

What you will get out of it:

• Receive a Volunteer Welcome and ongoing support from X by X.  
• Meet new people and be part of a team.  
• Experience of inclusive and accessible events. 
• Practice your interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Out of pocket travel expenses and free refreshments during the event. 
• Know you are part of creating a more accessible experience for attendees.

What we ask of you:

• Attend the events and meetings that you agree you are available for, and if something changes in your availability, let us know as soon as you can.
• Treat everyone with respect and in an inclusive way.  
• Follow event staff instructions on the day. 
• Volunteer at a minimum of two events each year. 
• Be on time and let us know if you’re running late. 
• Be available for the duration of the event, unless otherwise agreed. 

Key skills and qualities

• A belief that Disabled People can and should be actively welcomed and included in our communities. An understanding that it is barriers in society that make that harder. This is called the Social Model of Disability. 
• Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
• An inclusive, non-judgemental attitude. 
• Able to make people feel included and relaxed. 
• Comfortable with people and communicating in a way that is accessible to you. 

What we mean by lived experience of disability:

As we follow the Social Model of Disability, our definition of Disabled person includes anyone who is being discriminated against or disabled by barriers in society, including:

• People with physical impairment
• People with visual impairment
• Deaf people
• People with hearing impairment
• People who are neurodivergent
• People with learning difficulties/disabilities
• People who experience mental health conditions/mental distress
• People with long-term health conditions

We recognise that a lot of these impairments are invisible and many people have more than one impairment.

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available across England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or hybrid)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed

We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. We’ll work with you to match your skills and location with a college in need of your expertise.

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

· Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available at colleges England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or remote)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed
Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

·Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.