Service manager volunteer roles in islington, redcar and cleveland

We are actively seeking new Trustees for the Acorn Youth Community & Sports Centre in Barton.

We are a charity organisation that has been established since 1965 and was originally created for the youth of Barton. Over the years we have developed the centre into a thriving Youth, Community & Sports Centre.

The centre has been supported by local people who have given us their precious time which has made us who we are today. Now we need YOU! We are seeking fresh eyes and support to bring the centre to the next level. Can you give some of your time and share ideas to further the longevity and success of our centre.

Job Summary
The Trustee plays a pivotal role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This position requires a dedicated individual who is passionate about our mission and committed to ensuring the effective management of resources. The Trustee will work collaboratively with other board members to enhance organisational performance, engage with stakeholders, and promote our objectives within the community.

Responsibilities

• Attend board meetings, usually 4 per year, and actively participate in discussions regarding organisational strategy and policy.
• Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and partners to enhance public relations and fundraising efforts.
• Engage in relationship management to strengthen connections with existing supporters while identifying potential new funding sources.
• Support the development of strategic plans that drive organisational growth and sustainability.

Skills

• Strong relationship management skills, demonstrating an ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent public relations capabilities, with a knack for communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Proven customer service skills, ensuring that all interactions reflect positively on the organisation.
• Experience in fundraising activities, showcasing an understanding of donor engagement strategies.
• A keen interest in market trends related to non-profit organisations and community engagement initiatives.

This role is ideal for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact within their community while utilising their skills in governance, relationship building, and strategic oversight.

Please note, this is a voluntary position.

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Volunteer Trust & Grant Bid Writer to help secure funding that will enable us to continue and grow our life-transforming work in Christian mental health. Working with the Director of Development, the role will involve identifying funding opportunities, preparing compelling grant applications, and helping us build strong relationships with trusts and foundations aligned with our mission.

Mercy UK is a Christian mental health and wellbeing charity, committed to equipping people to live free and stay free through a range of trauma-informed, faith-based support services. From our flagship Freedom Journey programme to practical resources like Keys to Freedom, we support individuals navigating emotional and spiritual challenges and empower churches and Christian organisations to provide meaningful, transformational support.

Key Responsibilities

● Research suitable grant-making trusts and foundations, with a particular focus on those funding mental health, faith-based initiatives, and/or community wellbeing.

● Work closely with the Director of Development to maintain a pipeline of prospective funders.

● Draft high-quality, tailored funding applications that reflect the heart, outcomes, and impact of Mercy UK’s work.

● Collate and interpret project data, outcomes, and financial information to support applications.

● Support the development of template responses and maintain accurate records of submissions and outcomes.

● Assist in preparing follow-up reports or updates required by funders.

What We’re Looking For

● Strong written communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive and inspiring content.

● Attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

● Experience of fundraising through trusts and foundations, or equivalent transferable experience in writing bids or proposals.

● An ability to articulate and represent Christian values and ethos respectfully and effectively in written applications.

● Passion for mental health and wellbeing, and alignment with Mercy UK’s mission and values. 

What You’ll Gain

● The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a growing, impactful charity.

● Experience in trust and grant fundraising, with support and guidance from our development team.

● A chance to use your skills to directly support the emotional, spiritual, and mental wellbeing of individuals across the UK and beyond.

● References and testimonials for future opportunities.

● Access to Mercy UK’s Employee Assistance Programme with Health Assured

Fundraising team leader volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

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.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· 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

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.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Growth Pillar Malawi

Growth Pillar is an innovative and holistic entity geared to catalyse sustainable development and foster both individual and community resilience to environmental, systems and technological change through on-going research, evidence-based strategic policy analysis, programmatic innovation, and provision of technical assistance and enabling resources.

We work with a diverse portfolio of clients including corporate enterprises, financial institutions, public sector bodies, non-governmental organizations, families, and individuals.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together extensive local and international experience, sector-specific expertise, and a deep understanding of the dynamics shaping both local and global contexts. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, customized solutions through rigorous, participatory, and context-sensitive approaches.

Growth Pillar addresses complex and interrelated challenges through its integrated programs across research, entrepreneurship, agribusiness, and wellness. Here are the key challenges it solves:

1. Lack of Data-Driven Decision Making and Strategic Policy Implementation • Insufficient use of evidence in decision-making: Many organizations and policymakers operate without solid data, leading to ineffective programs and missed opportunities. • Disconnect between policy and implementation: Even well-designed policies often fail due to poor contextual understanding or weak execution mechanisms. • Inefficient use of development funding: Donor and public sector investments can be wasted without clear targeting or robust monitoring systems.

2. Entrepreneurial Barriers and Limited Business Growth • Early-stage business failure and stagnation: Many entrepreneurs struggle with refining their ideas, accessing funding, and building resilient models. • Lack of access to strategic guidance: Startups and SMEs often operate without experienced mentorship or market insights. • Youth unemployment and underemployment: Limited job opportunities leave young people disengaged and economically vulnerable.

3. Agricultural Underperformance and Climate Vulnerability • Low agricultural productivity and outdated practices: Smallholder farmers often lack access to modern technologies and inputs. • Lack of climate resilience: Climate change threatens food systems, but many farmers are unprepared to adapt. • Underutilization of innovation in agribusiness: Traditional farming systems often lack access to digital tools and innovative approaches.

4. Poor Mental Health, Well-being, and Social Support • Neglect of mental and emotional well-being: Individuals and teams frequently lack access to mental health support, leading to stress, burnout, and reduced performance. • Limited awareness and uptake of wellness services: Mental health remains stigmatized or under-prioritized in many cultures and workplaces.

5. Fragmented Development and Siloed Sector Approaches • Lack of integrated, cross-sector solutions: Development efforts often operate in silos, leading to inefficiencies and limited impact. • Weak collaboration among stakeholders: Governments, NGOs, and private entities often lack coordination and synergy. • Barriers to inclusive development: Marginalized groups frequently remain excluded from innovation, entrepreneurship, and social services.

Through our multidisciplinary team, we offer services in the following areas:

1. Research, Policy, Innovation and Development: We drive impact through evidence-based research, strategic policy analysis, and innovative development solutions. We generate actionable insights across sectors such as health, agribusiness, human development, and entrepreneurship; empowering clients with data-driven and proven approaches that foster informed decision-making and sustainable growth.

2. Entrepreneurship and Business Development: We empower entrepreneurs and businesses to grow, adapt, and thrive. We provide tailored support to refine ideas, overcome challenges, and scale sustainably. Through practical tools, expert guidance, and strategic insights, we help entrepreneurs successfully launch, manage, and expand their ventures in dynamic and competitive markets.

3. Agribusiness and Agricultural Development: We support agricultural transformation through innovative, sustainable, and market-driven solutions. We help clients enhance productivity, adopt climate-smart and resilient practices, and unlock opportunities across the agribusiness value chain. Our services align with global food security goals, contributing to resilient farming systems and inclusive growth in rural and agricultural communities.

4. Social, Health and Wellness: We promote holistic well-being by addressing the social, emotional, and physical health needs of individuals, families, and teams. We offer personalized support to improve mental wellness, strengthen relationships, and enhance productivity; by helping clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and lead healthier, more balanced lives at home, school, work, and beyond.

At Growth Pillar, we are driven by the belief that real change starts with people who care, people like you.

Volunteering with us is not just about giving your time. It’s about using your voice, your skills, and your passion to help build stronger communities, support meaningful causes, and be part of something bigger than yourself. Whether you are interested in research, entrepreneurship, agriculture, wellness, marketing, business development, social media management, human resources, etc., there is a place here for you to grow and contribute in ways that matter. You will be joining a team that values collaboration, creativity, and purpose. You will learn, connect with inspiring people, and work on real solutions to real challenges and make a tangible impact.

So, if you are ready to give back, grow personally and professionally, and be part of something truly rewarding; we would love to have you on board.

Let’s do good, together.

Marketing Officer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Role Description

• Support the development and implementation of sales and marketing strategies.
• Creating awareness of products and services offered by the company.
• Plan advertising and promotional campaigns for products or services on a variety of media (including marketing campaigns on social media platforms, print etc.)
• Liaise with stakeholders and vendors to promote success of activities and enhance the company’s presence.
• Prepare content for the publication of marketing material and oversee distribution.
• Conduct market research to identify opportunities for promotion and growth.
• Maintaining a healthy relationship with the clients.
• Respond to the client queries regarding products and services in a timely fashion to explain the advantages of the products or services offered and follow up with them in order to close business deals. Supporting the company to set and meet sales and marketing targets.
• Negotiating the deals with the clients.
• Assist with negotiations of collaboration agreements, and scopes of work with local and international partners.
• Develop creative strategies to retain clients including interviewing them to take their feedback and incorporate it into the growth plan.
• Assist in company’s branding and media communication activities such as press releases, advertisements, marketing collaterals, social media and web site.
• Create, monitor, and report on key performance metrics to determine effectiveness of sales and marketing efforts and anticipate customer needs.
• Participating in internal and external exhibitions and conferences.
• Writing monthly reports on the performance of the campaigns.
• Assist with special projects and tasks as requested.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do

Location: Variable – we are looking to extend our reach of peer support walks throughout Yorkshire

Main Tasks:

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks

· Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere

· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear

· Be attentive to the well-being of all participants during the walk

· Offer information on YBTC services

· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC

We are looking for people who are:

· Are warm and non-judgemental

· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks

· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers

· Basic physical fitness to complete the walks, awareness of the needs of participants with

different mobility/health conditions

We can offer you the following:

· Full induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people

· The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are: Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.

What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies

In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference.

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

• This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. 

NEAT is looking for people to join our Local Governing Committees (LGCs) as school governors. We're open to hear from any candidates who are motivated to contribute to the enhancement of education in our schools, whether that be with years of education experience, or with new insights and innovative thinking about how schools and Academy Trusts can and should support learners and other stakeholders.

Our LGC members (school governors) come from a wide range of backgrounds. What they have in common is that they want to help our schools be the best they can be and our pupils to succeed. People who know our local communities bring real insight to the LGC.

We're especially keen to support people who may not have much opportunity to be involved in governing bodies, and those from underrepresented groups. If you have a passion for supporting pupils and some relevant skills or experience, we're keen to hear from you.

As a governance volunteer, our LGC members have the opportunity to use and develop their skills in:

• building relationships and networks
• teamwork
• communication and influencing
• strategic thinking
• problem solving
• using data
• leadership and Board practice
• specialist areas such as Careers, Health & Safety, Special Educational Needs (SEND), or Safeguarding

Being a school governor is not only a great way to use your existing experience and expertise in your community, but is a great way to learn new skills, receive training in leadership and board skills, upskill and make a difference. There's a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and working with a range of people from different backgrounds, professions, and life experience.

Our governance volunteers (school governors) have direct impact in the community through:

• decision making in the best interests of pupils to improve their education, wellbeing and future prospects and raise community aspirations
• shaping school policies and aims, allowing teachers to focus on delivering high-quality educational experiences
• stakeholder engagement to ensure that the voices of staff, parents, pupils and other stakeholders are heard

Most LGC members have a four-year term of office, except for co-opted members who are appointed for one year. They attend around four meetings each year, which are usually held late afternoon/early evening during term-time. LGC members are also involved in scrutiny activities in school, which usually happen once or twice a term during the school day. LGC members also participate in decision-making panels (for admissions and exclusions) for schools in the Trust. The average time commitment for our LGC members is 8-12 hours per month.

NEAT takes safeguarding seriously, and all governance volunteers are required to undertake a vetting process (including DBS check) during appointment to best safeguard our pupils and schools.

Fundraising team leader volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

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.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· 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

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.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Are you a HR professional? Could you give an hour a week to tackle pregnancy and maternity discrimination? Then we need you!

We’re not going to sugar-coat it, things aren’t great for working parents and pregnant women. It can feel frustrating and a bit depressing at times, but by being part of the Pregnant Then Screwed volunteer team, you get to turn that frustration into something positive. In the last year the fantastic volunteers on our Advice Line have spoken to over 5000 women and parents, collectively providing around 40 hours of free support and advice every week. Hundreds of women and parents call our Advice Line every day, but with a small team of volunteers we are only able to answer a fraction of those calls—this is where you come in.

We are looking for brilliant HR professionals who want to help Pregnant Then Screwed tackle the Motherhood Penalty by becoming a Volunteer HR Advisor.

Our Volunteer Advisors give around 1-2 hours a week of their time to the Advice Line. They use their HR knowledge to offer a kind, empathetic support and advice to help people to identify and challenge pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the workplace.

About the role

Role Title: Volunteer HR Advisor 
Location: Home-based (UK)
Reporting To: Head of Support Services

Time Commitment

The Advice Line is open Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm, with various available shifts during those times. We ask volunteers to give 1-2 hours per week on the Advice Line for a minimum of three months. 

Alternative time commitments can be considered and discussed as part of your application, so please do include any information that might be useful in your application form.

Main Role Purpose

The Advice Line HR Advisors play a vital role in providing support and guidance to working parents facing unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace via our advice line. Volunteers will offer advice, listen empathetically, and provide information about employee rights and available resources. This role is critical in empowering parents to make informed decisions and navigate workplace challenges effectively.

Essential requirements

• Minimum CIPD level 5 Diploma in People Management with one professional reference.
• Knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and policies related to pregnancy, maternity leave, and discrimination.
• Access to a mobile phone/laptop/tablet to receive calls. You will not be charged for calls and your number will not be shared.
• Access to a reliable and secure WIFI connection. Public WIFI is not suitable for this role.
• Excellent active and empathetic listening skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• A kind and welcoming telephone manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Comfortable using online communication tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer incoming phone calls to the PTS Advice Line from individuals seeking support and advice.
• Listen actively, empathise, and provide HR advice and guidance to support callers with their enquiries.
• Signpost to further information and other support organisations if necessary.
• Make referrals to our legal partner if required.
• Record all details of the call on our CRM system.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions, adhering to all Pregnant Then Screwed guidelines and policies.

What you can expect from PTS

• The opportunity to use your skill set to tackle the Motherhood Penalty and make a meaningful impact.
• An onboarding and induction period which can be completed at your own pace.
• Support from the PTS staff team and volunteer network.
• Access to our Volunteer Training Hub.
• Opportunities to help us further develop and shape our Support Services.

Become a Trustee at Sunrise Multicultural Project

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?

We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the future of Sunrise Multicultural Project.

As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, ensuring we stay true to our mission, and supporting the development of initiatives that promote inclusivity and integration. We are seeking individuals with a range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences – whether in community work, finance, governance, fundraising, or marketing – who share our commitment to empowering minority groups and fostering a more connected, diverse community. 

If you are eager to contribute your time, expertise, and passion, we would love to hear from you!

Are you keen to move the arts forward? Are you passionate about the role the arts can play in building a better society? Do you think that diverse voices deserve to be heard through poetry? Do you want to be an empowering advocate for poetry’s transformative power? Forward Arts Foundation – the charity behind National Poetry Day and the Forward Prizes for Poetry – is looking for a new Chair and Trustees to join its board. We’re a small, ambitious team working nationally and online to celebrate poetry, support new voices, and widen accessibility. With a reach of over 2.4 million people each year, we’re looking for board members who can help us grow and govern well. We're particularly keen to hear from prospective Chairs and Trustees with experience in education, digital, fundraising and philanthropy, or governance and leadership. We’d also welcome the chance to support people under the age of 30 take their first step into trusteeship. Our meetings are flexible, online-friendly, and inclusive by design. Poetry is for everyone – and we want our board to reflect that.
 

We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.

We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling.We’d love to hear from students with an interest in mental health, psychology, content development, and gaming. 

A Little About Us!

Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, unincorporated, unregistered charitable organisation. We use a research-led approach to protect the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work, research, services, and events. We promote and empower change.

Why We Need You!

Youth Advantage UK is in its early stages but growing steadily. We are seeking volunteers to help us achieve our goal of becoming a registered charitable organisation. Your legal expertise is essential to our development and compliance. Volunteers are the backbone of our progress, and we deeply appreciate those who choose to support our mission.

Duties

• Provide legal guidance and support across the organisation
• Assist in drafting and reviewing policies, procedures, and legal documents
• Support the organisation in its journey toward charitable registration
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including GDPR
• Attend meetings with senior management and trustees to offer legal insight
• Help maintain accurate legal records and documentation
• Respond to matters of legal concern and help resolve legal disputes

Requirements

• Qualified lawyer in England and Wales (Barrister or Solicitor)
• Formal legal education or experience in the legal sector
• Strong understanding of UK charity law and governance
• Familiarity with GDPR and data protection regulations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

What We Offer!

We welcome anyone who wishes to contribute to a meaningful cause. We’ll discuss your goals to ensure the volunteering position aligns with your interests and aspirations. Volunteering with us offers the opportunity to gain experience, learn new skills, and be part of a growing organisation dedicated to empowering young people in the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. 

NEAT is looking for people to take a leadership role as Chairs/Vice Chairs of our Local Governing Committees (LGCs). We're open to hear from any candidates who are motivated to contribute to the enhancement of education in our schools, whether that be with years of education experience, or with new insights and innovative thinking about how schools and Academy Trusts can and should support learners and other stakeholders.We are looking for people who can work with a range of people to support our schools, leading the governors and coordinating with school and trust leaders and external stakeholders. 

Our LGC members (school governors) come from a wide range of backgrounds. What they have in common is that they want to help our schools be the best they can be and our pupils to succeed. People who know our local communities bring real insight to the LGC. 

We're especially keen to support people who may not have much opportunity or experience with governing bodies, and those from underrepresented groups. If you have a passion for supporting pupils and some relevant skills or experience, we're keen to hear from you.

As a governance volunteer, our LGC members have the opportunity to use and develop their skills in:

• building relationships and networks
• teamwork
• communication and influencing
• strategic thinking
• problem solving
• using data
• leadership and Board practice
• specialist areas such as Careers, Health & Safety, Special Educational Needs (SEND), or Safeguarding

Being a school governor is not only a great way to use your existing experience and expertise in your community, but is a great way to learn new skills, receive training in leadership and board skills, upskill and make a difference. There's a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and working with a range of people from different backgrounds, professions, and life experience.

Our governance volunteers (school governors) have direct impact in the community through:

• decision making in the best interests of pupils to improve their education, wellbeing and future prospects and raise community aspirations
• shaping school policies and aims, allowing teachers to focus on delivering high-quality educational experiences
• stakeholder engagement to ensure that the voices of staff, parents, pupils and other stakeholders are heard

Most LGC members have a four-year term of office, except for co-opted members who are appointed for one year. They attend around four meetings each year, which are usually held late afternoon/early evening during term-time. LGC members are also involved in scrutiny activities in school, which usually happen once or twice a term during the school day. LGC members also participate in decision-making panels (for admissions and exclusions) for schools in the Trust. The average time commitment for our LGC members is 8-12 hours per month.

For LGC Chairs, there is need to be involved in contact with a range of stakeholders within the school, the community, and across the trust. This will include more frequent meetings in school, possibly during the day, although many of these may be outside normal school hours. Depending upon school priorities, we would expect the typical Chair time commitment to be around 15-20hrs per month, although some of this can be done online and by phone around work and home commitments.

NEAT takes safeguarding seriously, and all governance volunteers are required to undertake a vetting process (including DBS check) during appointment to best safeguard our pupils and schools.