Safeguarding Team Member Volunteer Roles in Birmingham

As a Trustee you will play a vital role in helping Young Lives vs Cancer to thrive so that families do not face cancer alone.

Are you?

• A finance professional with broad experience across multiple areas of a business in a senior leadership role.
• Over the age of 18
• Willing to devote the time and energy needed (approximately 12-14 days per year to include meeting preparation time/reading papers)

Can / Will you?

• Listen to and promote the voice of children, young people and their families in particular, via our Voice Board - our group of young people with cancer and parents which ensures that lived experience is at the heart of our governance. Ensure their voice informs the governance of Young Lives vs Cancer
• Act as an ambassador for Young Lives vs Cancer and the children, young people and families we support
• Listen to the views of staff and volunteers and of supporters and contribute to an environment where staff and volunteers can, and want to, fight tirelessly for children and young people with cancer.
• Say what you think, especially when you disagree – showing sound, independent judgement – and encourage others to do the same
• See the big picture and think strategically
• Work as part of a team
• Commit to a 3-year term; initially shadowing our existing Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee for a one year period with a view to then being appointed Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee in year two.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their ethnicity, class, sex, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. At Young Lives vs Cancer, we do not just accept difference — we value it, we celebrate it, we nurture it, and we thrive off it. We positively welcome your application irrespective of your background.

We are on a journey, and if you join us, you will be part of a community that is committed make a difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer.

For further information including details on how to apply, please download the recruitment pack attached.

A bit about this role

This role is based in the Canterbury area covering postcodes CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4, CT5, CT6, ME13.

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Volunteer Fundraising team leader

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Team Leader Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role:

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We're looking for someone with:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

A bit about this role

This role is based in the Tenterden area.

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit about this role

This role is based in the Mid Kent area covering Maidstone, West Malling, Aylesford, Larkfield, Leybourne, Bearsted, Paddock Wood, West Kingsdown, Wrotham, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, Lenham etc

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

The Secretary provides administrative support to the operations of the ADH and advises the

Trustee and Executive Committee towards upholding UK Charity Commission guidelines. The

role ensures that ADH adheres to requirements of record keeping and data protection of

members. It provides the point of contact for Executive Committee team members and

Trustees to check and maintain UK policy relating to volunteer-led organisations, recruitment,

equality and safeguarding standards.

The role supports the Executive Committee Chair and Trustees in ensuring ADH team members

are treated fairly, with high standards of respect, dignity and inclusion, and in support of

upholding ADH charitable aims.

Key tasks:

● To maintain an accurate and high standard of records relating to ADH operations.

● To organize and minute a minimum of three Executive Committee meetings per year.

● To advise ADH Trustees on Charity Commission guidelines.

● To maintain and update ADH Charity Commission information.

● To work with the Treasurer to draft the Annual Report.

● To organize the AGM and communicate with members in relation to the AGM, reporting,

voting matters and policy changes.

● To support the Mentoring Coordinator in maintaining records and procedure and

covering for that role when required.

● To act as safeguarding point of contact for Sub-Committee teams and Executive

Committee members.

● To work alongside the Treasurer and Executive Committee Chair to ensure essential

ADH administration is undertaken in a timely manner.

● To offer an open and friendly point of contact across ADH Executive Committee and

Sub-Committee teams to support and facilitate operations.

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

You can be based anywhere in the UK to become a Doorstep Library online volunteer.

• Time commitment: One evening a week (Regular Volunteer), one evening every other week (Semi-Regular Volunteer) or once every 3 weeks (Stand-In Volunteer) during school term times
• Hours per week: 2
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Why volunteer with Doorstep Library?

• It's incredibly fun! You get to explore your inner child and share your passion for books and reading.
• We invest in our team of volunteers to ensure they are valued, supported and are developing.
• You will be a part of the Doorstep Library community of families, volunteers and staff members.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of others. Providing you with a real sense of purpose and achievement.
• You give back to the community you live in or the community you visit every week.
• You build your confidence and improve your self-esteem and mental well-being.
• You will develop skills and enhance your C.V. 

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.  

About Pain Concern
Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work. 

All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life changing results

Role purpose
Pain Concern are seeking an enthusiastic individual with lived experience of a chronic condition to join our Trustee Board. The importance of lived experience on our board ensures our charity has credibility with the general public, government and with funders.
Trustees are both charity trustees and company directors who report to Pain Concerns members.
The Trustee Board has collective accountability and responsibility for the charity and must ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual and statutory requirements.
This is a great opportunity to help shape our work.
Please note that for safeguarding purposes, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a PVG check. The cost of which will be covered by Pain Concern.

What you would be doing
Bring your expert lived experience and insights to aid the decision-making process to ensure the charity fulfils its objectives.
• Complete Trustee Induction training
• Complete Safeguarding training for Trustees
• Respond in a timely manner to trustee business conducted by email and attend any ad-hoc
meetings (appropriate notice given)

Is this role right for me?
We are looking for an individual who possesses some, or all of the experiences, skills and qualities
listed below:
• Lived experience of a chronic condition
• Confident to share opinions and ideas
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
• A working understanding of IT, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams

Commitment and location
• Attend 1-2hr online evening meeting 4-6 times per year
• Volunteer from your own location

Benefits to you
• Opportunity to meet new people
• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team
• Satisfaction of supporting a valuable service in the community

How do I apply?
Please complete the application form on our website

Are you an experienced HR professional looking to make a meaningful impact? We are seeking a dedicated and efficient Human Resources Manager to support our charity in developing and managing our HR strategy, policies and processes.

About Us

Emerge Worldwide's work involves raising awareness surrounding some of the key issues that lead to sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, and its destructive consequences. The work focuses on prevention of the issues, victim identification and support through advocacy, public support and empowerment of communities.

We make an impactful difference in the lives of children, young people, women and professionals as well as organisations and businesses through education and support. There has been a 10% increase in sexual exploitation and sex trafficking against children, and 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry are female. 

How you can help

It is a great opening to gain valuable experience in the human trafficking sector through Emerge Worldwide. As HR Manager, you will crucially ensure ethical, professional and effective management of volunteers and staff is maintained.

The positive impact of the HR Manager role ensures that the organisation can better serve its mission to combat sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an individual with the passion and drive for Human Resources, who will play a key role in shaping our HR policies, supporting our team, and ensuring a positive and effective work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention of volunteers and staff
• Develop HR policies and procedures aligned with best practices
• Manage performance management and Development
• Provide guidance on employment law and HR compliance
• Foster a positive and productive organisational culture
• Deliver on training and development initiatives

Who We’re Looking For

• Proven HR experience (manager level desirable)
• Knowledge of HR policies, employment law, and best practices
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Passion for charitable work and making a difference in people’s lives for a great cause

Time Commitment

Up to 5 hours per week

What you will gain:

• Make a real difference in people’s lives and gain valuable experience in a charitable organisation
• Be part of bringing positive change to women & girls lives, and our communities
• Work with a passionate and supportive team
• Utilise your HR experience and skills in an organisation advocating for a great cause

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.

If you're interested in using your HR skills for a great mission, we'd love to hear from you!

Before you apply

The recruitment process includes an interview, and we will request references and a DBS on successful appointment.

Care Quality, CQC Governance, and Service Quality Trustee - Focus Birmingham

Role Overview
Focus Birmingham is seeking a dedicated Trustee specialising in Care Quality, CQC Governance, and Service Quality to help drive the delivery of outstanding, person-centred care across our services. In this crucial role, you will work closely with the Board to ensure that the charity not only meets but exceeds regulatory standards, with a particular focus on compliance with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) framework. Your expertise will support the Board in overseeing the quality and safety of our services, championing continuous improvement and innovation.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the strategic direction of Focus Birmingham, ensuring the highest standards of care for people with disabilities and support needs.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance on care quality, safety, and service effectiveness, ensuring that Focus Birmingham meets all CQC requirements.
• Support the organisation in achieving and maintaining high ratings in CQC inspections by contributing expertise in governance, compliance, and quality improvement.
• Scrutinise and challenge policies, procedures, and performance data to ensure the highest standards of care and safeguarding.
• Promote a person-centred approach, ensuring that the voices of the people who use our services are central to decision-making.
• Work with senior leadership and operational teams to identify risks and opportunities related to care delivery and service development.
• Oversee Focus Birmingham’s Safeguarding practices, ensuring robust safeguarding policies and procedures are in place, adhered to, and reviewed to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Support the development of a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in care services.
• Ensure the Board is well-informed about emerging trends, best practices, and regulatory changes in the health and social care sector.
• Act as an ambassador for Focus Birmingham, advocating for high-quality, inclusive, and accessible services for people with disabilities.

What Difference You Will Make
By bringing your expertise in care quality governance and regulatory compliance, you will:

• Help safeguard the well-being of those who rely on our services, ensuring they receive safe, high-quality care.
• Strengthen Focus Birmingham’s ability to meet and exceed CQC standards, leading to improved inspection ratings and public confidence.
• Influence strategic decision-making to ensure care quality remains at the heart of the organisation.
• Support our teams in embedding a strong culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the voices of the people we support are heard, respected, and reflected in how we shape and deliver care.

What You Will Achieve
As a Trustee, you will contribute to:

• A robust governance framework that supports outstanding care provision.
• Improved service outcomes and positive experiences for individuals supported by Focus Birmingham.
• A confident, well-informed Board that prioritises care quality in strategic planning.
• A proactive approach to regulatory compliance, reducing risks, and enhancing our reputation.
• The growth and development of innovative, person-centred services that empower people with disabilities to live life to the fullest.

Who Are We Looking For?
We are looking for an individual with expertise in health and social care governance, particularly in relation to CQC compliance, service quality, safeguarding, and person-centred care. Ideal candidates will have:

• Strategic-level experience working in or alongside CQC-regulated services such as social care, healthcare, or disability services.
• Knowledge of best practices in care quality, safeguarding, and risk management.
• A strong understanding of governance and supporting services.
• The ability to provide constructive challenge and strategic insight to ensure continuous improvement.
• A commitment to our values and mission, with a passion for empowering people with disabilities.
• A team player, willing to work collaboratively with other trustees and staff to achieve our strategic vision.
• The ability to think strategically, analyse complex issues, and develop creative solutions.
• Availability to attend Board meetings (4 per year), committee meetings (4 per year), other meetings, and engage with individuals with disabilities on an ongoing basis.
• A strong commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting their active participation in decision-making.
• The ability to understand and empathise with the diverse needs and perspectives of adults with care and support needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for facilitating engagement and collaboration.

This is a voluntary role, but the impact you will make is invaluable. If you are passionate about driving excellence in care and safeguarding, we would love to hear from you.

To Apply
Please submit a complete application form via CharityJob.

Closing Date for Applications: 30th March 2025

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming a new Trustee to our team!

We are looking for social workers to join our social worker and safeguarding team to give background help and advice to members who are in need of this.

Someone who can work as part of a team but also on their own when needed, we will take on trainees as we have a supervisor in this team

At CATTs, we work to give every young person 15-29 to access to vital health education, to allow them to be empowered to know their own bodies and to feel confident communicating health worries. We do this by working with young people and providing interactive workshops that will cover a multitude of topics concerning their health. Our work will always be supported by communities we serve and what they want, and need will come above everything else. This will ensure every young person feels heard through our work and by the people that need to hear them.

What are we looking for.....

We are now looking for up to 4 new trustees to lead the organisation and work with the staff team in delivering the next 5 year plan,building CATTs into a leader in cancer awareness, creating sustainable and diversified funding streams, and addressing the health inequalities that young people and communities face on a daily basis.

• Detection: Knowing the signs & symptoms; 

• Prevention: Knowing how to reduce their risk of cancer as a young person; 

• Empowerment & Independence: Making informed choices for themselves and realising that they know their body best.

Put simply, CATTs are for young people, by young people. Diverse backgrounds can lead to different health experiences among young people. CATTs work to make sure all young people have a voice by addressing their specific health needs surrounding different genders, sexualities, abilities, ethnicities and living statuses. CATTs want to create a culture shift of talking to each other frankly about health. Tackling taboo subjects helps create a more open and honest society without shame. If we can break the stigma, people are more likely to get their signs & symptoms checked by a doctor earlier. 

We are currently delivering our five-year strategy, we would encourage applicants to review the strategy (please find attached) and highlight within your application how your skills set could contribute to the delivery of those ambitions. ​

What's in it for you?

We want to be able to develop the leaders of the future, provide a space that you can gain experience in a non-exec role that will help with future roles both paid and unpaid. We are also happy to look at what learning opportunities we can provide you that help you deliver in your role with CATTs, within the rules set out by our regulator, the Charity Commission.

CATTs has identified that the following areas of expertise must be covered within the Trustees: 

• HR/Safeguarding/EDI 

• Strategic finances 

• Fundraising/hands on finances 

• Traditional Marketing/Branding 

• Social Media Guru 

• GP Communication 

• Community Engagement/Workshop Approach 

• Sales/Market Research/Selling Workshops 

• IT/Tech/Website 

• Public Health & Health Inequalities 

• Social Impact/Monitor & Evaluation 

As part of this recruitment round, whilst we welcome all applications we specifically, as seeking to bring onboard individuals with experience in; 

• Strategic Finance

• Marketing and Social Media

• Public Health

• Human Resources

• Operational delivery

As part of this recruitment round, the structure of the trustee board, will be changing from one overall chair to one chair and two vice chairs (one supporting governance responsibilities of the charity, one supporting operational delivery).

Person specification 

Each trustee must have: 

• A commitment to the mission of CATTs; 

• A willingness to meet the minimum time requirement; 

• Integrity; 

• Good, independent judgement; 

• An ability to think creatively and to use your imagination to support the future of the charity; 

• A willingness to speak their mind 

• Possess the willingness to understand the charities legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of the trusteeship 

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of CATTs.

CATTs is willing to provide training and support to any new trustees that have not previously held positions of responsibility (Please find attached further information on the responsiblities of being a trustee).

The commitment from you...

CATTs would like our trustees to commit at least 3 to 5 hours a month of availability to help with the staff team, along with 6 meetings (1 hour 30 mins each) of the board per year. This is the minimum but if you can commit more on either a long-term or for a particular project that would be great.

How do I apply?

After completing a short application and blind-shifting process we will invite shortlisted applicants for an interview with our trustees and the CATTs staff team. We will look at the option of shadowing our current board team but are also happy to hit the ground running joining the board fully straightaway.

Deadline for applications: 23:00 Sunday 16th March 

We will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible, and are looking at short listing applications from Monday 17th March, and as they come in after that. 

If you are successful at moving onto the next stage, interviews will be arranged for April/ May  with appointments to be confirmed in June / July 2025.

Our challenge
Brain tumours do not discriminate and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly.
The Support Team at The Brain Tumour Charity are aiming to address the clear gap in emotional support available to those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, by expanding their counselling service. Following the delivery of a successful pilot service, we know the difference that talking therapy can make and our goal is to reach more people, ensuring everyone that wants it, gets the support that they need.

How can you help?
As a Counselling Assessment Volunteer for this service, you will be the first point of call for new clients entering in to the service. This role will require you to talk to a wide range of people - from those newly diagnosed, to others at end of life and also bereaved. As a Counselling Assessment Volunteer, you will be required to:
- Carry out pre-booked counselling assessments with clients who have self-referred themselves into the counselling service
- Gather information through the assessment about the client’s circumstances, explore their needs, explain how the service can help and discuss with them whether the counselling service is suitable
- Confidently follow our safeguarding process, to ensure risk is assessed and appropriate steps are taken to safeguard each client’s well-being
- Observe confidentiality in line with our organisational policy
- Keep accurate and appropriate records on our internal database

We’re looking for...
Someone who is empathetic and supportive in nature, and who is excited by the opportunity to bring this counselling service to the wider brain tumour community. You will also need:
- Experience in providing emotional support to others, perhaps through another role focusing on bereavement, mental health or life limiting illnesses
- Ideally have had previous training in counselling, mental health first aid, or other relevant course
- Ability to work autonomously
- Relevant IT skills in order to maintain appropriate and accurate records on our counselling database
- As this is a home-based role, you will need access to a telephone and computer that you are happy to use for this service

We particularly encourage applications from those who are significantly underrepresented in our sector, including individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

What can you gain from volunteering?
- You’ll have the opportunity to apply your existing support skills in a new way
- You will join a pioneering team, who are passionate about expanding the counselling service
- You will be supported in your role and will have a check in and check out with a team member before and after each shift

Time commitment
We are looking for a commitment of 2 hours per week (minimum) which would allow you to carry out 2 assessments. All assessments must be carried out between 9:30am-4pm and we would ask all volunteers to work on a rota system, volunteering at the same times each week.

Practical considerations
You will receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific train-ing for the role, as well as ongoing direction from one of the team, who will be your key contact. We carry out references for all individuals who will be volunteering with us on a regular basis. Volunteers will be required to complete some internal training, data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the role. Volunteers must be over 18. We may close applications early if we recieve a high number of applications for this role. 

• Role: Trustee for UK Board
• Experience: Candidates with experience in International Development (INGO experience) or Primary Education desired
• Subcommittees: Optional committee role in Audit & Risk Committee or Remuneration Committee
• Remuneration: Pro bono
• Time commitment: c. 10-12 days commitment per year
• Terms of the appointment: 3 years with possibility to renew for a further 3 years
• Location: UK – London and remote

About UWS

WHEN WE EDUCATE THE FUTURE, WE CHANGE THE FUTURE

Education accelerates poverty reduction, female empowerment, and improved infant mortality.
Yet, 251 million children worldwide are out of school.
 

This changes now.

UWS works to ensure children have access to quality, inclusive education in remote and marginalised communities by collaborating with local partners, communities and governments.

We deliver schools, we train teachers and we strengthen education systems.

Our low-cost, high impact model builds capacity, not dependency. This ensures that education systems continue to flourish beyond our involvement.

Shifting focus from delivering change in the short term, to empowering change for the long term, we go beyond educating the future, to changing it.

Our vision is Zero Education Poverty.

UWS is an international nonprofit that was established in 2008 to provide children in remote and marginalised regions access to free quality, inclusive primary education. We currently operate in rural areas of Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Madagascar, working with over 320 communities and over 70,000 children to date. We currently have three Boards, in the UK, USA, and Germany. This recruitment is for Trustees of the UK Board. 

Role summary

• Role: Trustee for UK Board and committee role (Audit & Risk Committee or Remuneration Committee)
• Remuneration: Pro bono
• Time commitment: c. 10-12 days commitment per year
• Terms of the appointment: 3 years with possibility to renew for a further 3 years
• Location: UK – London and remote

Role specification

The UK Board of Trustees governs UWS by setting its strategic direction, approving its goals and objectives, and providing oversight to ensure the organisation fulfils its mission. Trustees use their networks and expertise to support UWS in expanding its reach and impact.

Due to some Trustees stepping down at the end of their term, UWS is seeking one new Trustee to help expand its reach internationally to serve more children in remote communities. UWS is now particularly interested in candidates with International Development experience (INGO experience), particularly in Primary Education and ideally with an understanding of gender inclusive education – ensuring girls have the same start in life as boys. 

While UWS is headquartered in London, it has teams delivering programmes in Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Madagascar. Trustees play a key role in advocating for UWS, offering strategic guidance, and helping to develop partnerships that support its mission.

Diversity

At UWS, we are committed to ensuring our leadership reflects the diverse communities we serve. We believe that different perspectives and lived experiences strengthen our governance and decision-making. As part of this commitment, we are actively seeking to broaden representation on our board and encourage applications from individuals who bring diverse insights and backgrounds.

We particularly welcome applications from:

• Individuals with lived experience of informal, disrupted, or limited access to education.

• People from—or with strong connections to—our programme countries (Nepal, Myanmar, Madagascar, and Cambodia) or other low-income countries facing similar education challenges.

• Those with direct experience of overcoming barriers to education in low-income contexts.

Appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, we may apply positive action where candidates from underrepresented backgrounds demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

We encourage all who share our mission to apply and help us build a more inclusive and representative organisation.

Terms of appointment

This role is unremunerated, and the time commitment is approximately 10–12 days per year. This includes four Board meetings and one annual strategy day. Trustees may also choose to join a committee or provide ad hoc advisory support based on their expertise and availability.

UWS is committed to safeguarding children, and safe recruitment is central to this commitment. All applicants will be required to undertake a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check as a condition of Trusteeship.

Process

This process is being run in-house by the organisation, who will view the applications without edits. We therefore advise applicants to avoid using ‘see CV’ or ‘please call me to discuss further’ in your application as it may restrict your chances of progressing to the next round.

Deadline for applications: 25 April 2025
Shortlisting and candidates can expect to be contacted by: 9 May 2025
Candidates can expect the process to be completed by: Middle of June 2025.