Service volunteer volunteer roles in pinner, greater london

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment by welcoming new members to the group and encouraging participation.
• Supporting group conversations – Instigating dialogue based on eye health related days/events or more interest-based topics.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring group rules are followed and that content is appropriate by alerting managers when inappropriate content is posted or when there is a safeguarding issue.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community by by engaging with the people with sight loss, local and national organisations.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers through regular moderator meetings

Time commitment
• This volunteering role requires a commitment of around 5 hours a week, there is the option to volunteer for a greater number of hours but this isn't essential.

How often will I be needed?

• 5 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires an enhanced criminal record check and 2 references.

Location

Region

• Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, North West, South East, West Midlands, North East, South West, Greater London

Home based

• This role is home based

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• An understanding and interest in maximising the benefits of social media platforms. A willingness to learn about local services and activities to inform the community as appropriate. Interested in helping people get the information they need. Good communication skills.

Founded in 2011 by Sophie Hayes, a British woman trafficked into sexual exploitation, Sophie Hayes Foundation’s work has always been centred around sustainable freedom. This means freedom from exploitation, slavery, and trafficking, and also the freedom to look to the future with renewed confidence, rebuilt skills, and a sense of purpose for survivors. Our mission of sustainable freedom has continued over the last 13 years, however, the forms of exploitation, as well as the landscape of support to survivors, have changed beyond recognition. To respond to this, we launched a new strategy in 2024, which set out how we will ‘meet survivors where they are and take them to where they want to be’

Sophie Hayes Foundation aims to work in a proactive and collaborative manner. The Chair plays an important part in setting the tone and bringing all stakeholders together.

Governance and Culture: As Chair, you provide appropriate leadership, oversight and support to the Board and management team on strategy, governance and risk, ensuring that we meet our obligations and responsibilities. The Trustee Board is made up of a diverse group of people, each bringing their own ideas, skills and networks to support the executive team. A new CEO joined the charity about 18 months ago. She has worked to build a strong team and achieved a great sense of community amongst staff, volunteers and programme participants. She worked closely with the Board in the development of a new strategy, is building strong relationships with donors and supporters, and continues to oversee the management of the day to day - with an eye on both long-term needs and immediate challenges.

Development: We rely on support from foundations, key donors and the public, and as Chair, you will be an important representative of the organisation, working with the CEO and other Trustees to build and maintain strong relationships.

Advocacy: Sophie Hayes Foundation is working to improve understanding of the Modern Slavery sector, enhance understanding of the issues, build recognition of the impact of our programmes and influence key decision makers. As Chair, along with other Trustees, you may be called on to assist the CEO with advocacy and to build our brand.

Commitment: We have a bold vision to increase our impact through a combination of direct programming with survivors and through advocacy to build awareness and support. You will need to have the time to contribute to our growth strategy by chairing Board meetings, supporting Committee Chairs, Board officers, and our small but mighty management team, and represent Sophie Hayes Foundation to key stakeholders.

The Bromley Experts by Experience Secretary will play a vital role, working with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chair of Trustees. You will help the Trustee Board carry out their duties in an efficient manner, ensuring all governance documents and procedures are followed. The Secretary will ensure the smooth and efficient running of accessible trustee board meetings and will be the Trustee responsible for leading preparation, administration, and delivery of the AGM.

The Secretary will ensure the trustees recognise and complete relevant actions related to their decisions, and that all decisions made by the trustees comply with the relevant legislative and regulatory requirements the charity is subject to, are in accordance with Bromley Experts by Experience’s governing documents, reflect the aims of the charity, and continue to provide benefit to our members, beneficiaries and local Deaf and Disabled people.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chair of Trustees, the Secretary will ensure the charity meets all its regulatory requirements, has strong governance and foundations to enable Bromley Experts by Experience to achieve as much as we can in future.

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

Responsibilities of the Secretary:

• Prepare agendas in consultation with the Chair and CEO.
• Ensure arrangements for meetings are met including hybrid arrangements and access requirements of attendees.
• Receive agenda items from other Trustees and circulate agendas and any supporting papers in good time.
• Check that quorum is present at each meeting (including hybrid attendance)
• Minute meetings, circulate draft minutes and action points to Board members.
• Ensure the Chair signs (electronic or wet) minutes once approved.
• Check Trustees have carried out action(s) agreed.
• Circulate agendas and minutes of the annual general meeting (AGM) and any special or extraordinary general meetings.
• Ensure up-to-date records are kept of Trustee Board membership.
• Ensure the board fulfils their duties and responsibilities for effective charity governance in line with Bromley Experts by Experience’s policies and the requirements of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

• Ensure X by X Bromley activities benefit its members and beneficiaries.
• Support and advocate for X by X Bromley’s mission, vision and values.

What we ask of you:

• The Secretary should expect to serve for a minimum of 12 months.
• The Secretary is required to attend scheduled meetings with some ad hoc meetings where necessary.
• It is anticipated that the time commitment will be an approximate average 2.5 hours per week. This will mainly comprise of:
  • Board meeting attendance (plus preparation and minutes) every 8 weeks.
  • AGM attendance (plus preparation and minutes)
  • Supporting our annual Disability Pride event.
  • Occasional scheduled meetings with senior staff and/or Chair.
• As we are a very small charity, there could be occasions when extra time will be required (e.g. during the planning of new projects or dealing with any particular difficulties that arise), or where additional support would be appreciated (e.g. attending events, meeting members at project days).

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
• 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.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Experience of how Trustee Boards operate and of effective charity governance
• An understanding of how to make meetings accessible.
• Experience of minute-taking and strong record keeping skills.
• Accuracy and efficiency with an eye for detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, communicating in a way that is accessible to you.
• Possess and demonstrate integrity, objectivity, accountability, and honesty.
• An effective team worker, contributing an independent perspective.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, the Secretary role, and the financial aspects of running a charity.
• A genuine interest in local communities and people.
• Commitment to Bromley Experts by Experience’s aims, objectives and values.

The Secretary must be legally eligible to stand as a registered Company Director and Charity Trustee. Having had previous experience as a trustee of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

The Secretary will require a DBS Check to be completed.

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need. 

Since our first project based in Borneo in 2009, we have helped over 50,000 animals across the globe. We provide a lifeline to dogs and cats every year in need of veterinary care and support via humane dog and cat population projects. We also provide aid to companion animals, working donkeys, and endangered wildlife.

As a small charity, who has big plans, we can’t do it without the support of volunteers and fundraisers.

That’s where you come in! - Join Our Team and Make a Difference!

Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking for a rewarding way to contribute? Become a key part of our monthly online auctions and help raise vital funds for our cause!

As a Donation Support Officer, you'll play a crucial role in collecting items for our auctions, which take place in our Facebook group each month.

What You'll Do:

• Engage your network: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues to gather preloved items for auction. You’ll help give things a second life while raising funds for animals in need!

• Connect with your community: Tap into local Freecycle groups, social media, and even your neighborhood to find exciting items to auction.

• Reach out to businesses: Approach local businesses for new, unused donations. It could be products, services, or gift cards that can help boost the auction's success.

• Spread the word: Share the auctions within your network to encourage bidding and excitement around the cause.

Why Volunteer with Us?

• Make a real impact: Every item you help secure means more funds for our charity, which go toward animal care, rescue operations, and rehoming programs.

• Flexible commitment: You can volunteer from the comfort of your own home and set your own pace. We are looking for around 1-3hrs per week and while some tasks may be time sensitive the majority of the role will be flexible. 

• Support & Training: You’ll join a small friendly team and we will provide guidance to help you succeed in your role.

Join Design in Mental Health Network as a Trustee and help shape the future of mental health environments. Provide strategic guidance, support innovation, champion co-production, and ensure our work delivers real-world impact through inclusive, evidence-based design.

About DiMHN:

The Design in Mental Health Network (DiMHN) is a UK-based charity dedicated to transforming mental health environments through inclusive, evidence-based design. Our network brings together professionals from healthcare, design, policy, and lived experience to improve mental health outcomes and create spaces that promote dignity, safety, and healing.

Role Overview:

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of DiMHN, ensure effective governance, and champion our values. Trustees are expected to provide strategic oversight and contribute expertise to subgroups or advisory functions.

Why Join Us

Joining the Board of DiMHN presents an opportunity to shape the future of mental health environments across the UK and beyond.

You’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking community working at the intersection of design, care, and lived experience. 

As a Trustee, you’ll:

• Shape strategic direction to drive meaningful change in mental health environments across the UK and beyond.

• Collaborate with a diverse network of leaders, experts, and lived experience advocates, influencing the future of mental health design.

• Provide governance and oversight that ensures the charity’s growth, sustainability, and impact.

• Champion inclusivity by elevating voices often excluded from design and decision-making processes

• Influence policy, standards, and innovation at national and international levels to embed evidence-based design in mental health care.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for people who believe in the power of design to change lives. Whether you come from healthcare, design, research, lived experience, or another walk of life, if you’re motivated by the idea of creating more inclusive, compassionate mental health environments, we want to hear from you.

We have two Trustee vacancies and warmly welcome applications from both first-time trustees and those with previous board experience. 

We value fresh perspectives and offer support to help you thrive in the role. We are especially interested in individuals who can bring insight in one or more of the following areas:

• Mental Health Services & Policy: Clinical, community, lived experience, commissioning, or estates, facilities and planning.

• Digital Health & Technology: Expertise in AI, immersive tech, digital platforms, or digital strategy in care settings.

• Finance & Commercial Strategy: Income generation, business development, or financial planning in health, social impact, or design sectors.

• Research & Evaluation: Academic or applied research, impact measurement, or policy analysis.

We’re also looking for Trustees who embody our values:

At DiMHN, our work is grounded in our core values. We’re looking for Trustees who reflect these values through both mindset and action:

Be Courageous – You’re willing to ask challenging questions, confront assumptions, and help push boundaries to make mental health spaces more inclusive and compassionate.

Empathy in Design – You understand that good design starts with empathy. Whether through lived experience or professional perspective, you value collaboration and co-production with those who access mental health care and support.

Evidence-Led, Impact-Driven – You’re curious, reflective, and motivated by real-world change. You use evidence to guide decisions and are focused on outcomes that make a difference.

Improve Together – You believe in learning together. You’re generous with your skills and committed to helping the DiMHN and the wider sector grow stronger through collective action.

The Bromley Experts by Experience Treasurer will help the board of trustees carry out their financial responsibilities, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chair of Trustees and staff team in establishing strong foundations for this Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation with a view to a financially sustainable future. You will also be supporting us in developing our future approach to financial management, making the most of financial modelling, and supporting clear reporting to funders, partners and stakeholders.

The Treasurer will play a vital role, working with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chair of Trustees and staff team to help the organisation ensure sound financial records, develop income streams, and build impact reports. As part of a new, expanded board of trustees at Bromley Experts by Experience, you will provide effective financial oversight, supporting the CEO and senior staff members in developing our vision and strategy to ensure a financially sustainable future.

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

Responsibilities of the Treasurer:

• Present financial reports to the board in a format that helps fellow trustees understand X by X Bromley’s financial position.
• Advise the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities.
• Work with professional advisors and staff, as needed to oversee the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts.
• Ensure X by X Bromley activities benefit its members and beneficiaries.
• Ensure the board fulfils their duties and responsibilities for effective charity governance in line with Bromley Experts by Experience’s policies and the requirements of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
• Support and advocate for X by X Bromley’s mission, vision and values.

What we ask of you:

• The Treasurer should expect to serve for a minimum of 12 months.
• The Treasurer is required to attend scheduled meetings with some ad hoc meetings where necessary.
• It is anticipated that the time commitment will be an approximate average of 2.5 hours per week. This will mainly comprise of:
  • Board meeting attendance (plus preparation thereof) every 8 weeks,
  • AGM attendance (plus preparation of papers and accounts),
  • Supporting our annual Disability Pride event.
  • Regular scheduled meetings with senior staff.
• As we are a very small charity, there could be occasions when extra time will be required (e.g. during the planning of new projects or dealing with any particular difficulties that arise), or where additional support would be appreciated (e.g. attending events, meeting members at project days).

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
• 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.
• A qualified accountant with not-for-profit awareness and knowledge. An understanding of very small charities and/or DDPOs would be advantageous.
• Competent IT skills, including working knowledge of QuickBooks and Excel.
• Ability to communicate and explain financial information accessibly.
• Strong analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating professional and independent judgement.
• A genuine interest in local communities and people.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, communicating in a way that is accessible to you.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, the Treasurer role, and the financial aspects of running a charity.
• An effective team worker, contributing an independent perspective.
• Possess and demonstrate integrity, objectivity, accountability, and honesty.
• Commitment to Bromley Experts by Experience’s aims, objectives and values.

The Treasurer must be legally eligible to stand as a registered Company Director and Charity Trustee. Having had previous experience as a trustee of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

The Treasurer will require a DBS Check to be completed.

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.

999 Club IS RECRUITING NEW TRUSTEES!

999 Club is a charity doing big things with people facing homelessness. For over 30 years, we've provided a safe haven in the heart of Deptford — offering hot meals, showers, practical support, and a pathway out of homelessness for good.

We're now looking for up to three new trustees to help guide our growing organisation as we develop our new 5-year strategy.

We’re especially keen to hear from people with experience in:

· Fundraising – An ability to use your networks or knowledge to champion our cause and unlock new opportunities.

· Charity Finance – provide strategic financial oversight and potentially chair our Finance Committee.

· Property or Facilities Management – Help oversee the management and potential development of our buildings

What to expect:

As a trustee, you’ll gain leadership experience, broaden your network, and play a hands-on role in tackling homelessness and improving the mental wellbeing of our community. This is a voluntary role involving four board meetings a year (a mix of in-person and virtual), plus occasional events, emails, and committee work. Reasonable expenses are covered.

Inclusion:

We’re committed to building a diverse and representative board. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, or systemic disadvantage.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about increasing and representation for disabled families across society. 

What do I have to do?

Attend meetings roughly four times a year to help steer the organisation towards its goals. And using your skill set to help grow and advance our non-profit. 

Part of the fabric of Buttons & Bubbles that wherever possible people who volunteer and work with us have lived experience of disability and or illness, (including parents, carers, siblings and friends) This includes our board members.

If you would be interested in having more information about this opportunity or need the board member pack in a different format, please get in contact for an informal chat. 

We are Coram, changing lives, laws and systems to create better chances for children, now and forever. Join our Board and be part of our bold and ambitious vision.

Applications close Monday 15th September.

Location: Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ

Who we are

Coram is the UK’s first and longest continuing children’s charity, founded as The Foundling Hospital by Thomas Coram, helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, we are a dynamic group of specialist organisations helping more than one million children, young people and families in the UK and professionals every year across children’s rights and voice, adoption and family services, education, training and professional services.

Our vision is bold and ambitious – to be the Institute for Children, driving insight into impact, creating better chances for children, child by child, and changing the odds of the next generation through research, policy and practice development.

About the role

As Treasurer, you will chair the Finance Committee to ensure robust financial management and oversight across a diverse portfolio of services. You will also join the Investment Committee, serving as a standing member of the Audit Committee, to ensure the appropriate scrutiny of risk and financial stewardship.

Your role will involve providing strategic financial guidance to support Coram’s continued growth, overseeing risk assessment processes and financial controls, and supporting the CEO and Finance Director in presenting comprehensive financial information to the Board. You’ll be instrumental in advising the trustee body on the financial implications of our strategy and policy objectives.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an experienced finance professional to provide strategic financial oversight for a dynamic charity group . We need someone with demonstrable senior finance experience and expertise in financial management and strategy at board level. You should have previous experience as a trustee or treasurer of a charity, combined with commercial acumen and board-level experience in a complex organisation.

Your background should include an understanding of group structures and organisations with diverse income streams. You will also have a strategic mindset and be genuinely aligned with Coram’s mission and values, bringing flexibility and responsiveness to the role.

You’ll be joining us at an exciting time as we develop the Coram Institute for Children and continue expanding our reach and impact across the group. This is your chance as an established finance leader to make a positive change for children in the UK and beyond.

• Time commitment

The role involves approximately 15 meetings per year, each lasting around 2 hours. This includes 4 Board meetings and 4 Finance Committee meetings, typically held in the morning. 4 Investment Committee meetings are usually held in the late afternoon, 2 Audit Committee meetings and 1 Annual Court meeting in the late afternoon or early evening. This also includes meeting and liaison with the CFO and the Group Directors.

Most meetings are held in person at our historic Coram Campus in Bloomsbury, with occasional hybrid attendance available. Meeting timings are scheduled flexibly to accommodate trustees’ availability, and we work hard to ensure the schedule works for all our volunteer trustees.

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

Applications for this role close Monday 15th September.

Fundraisers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy.

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

We are looking for fundraisers to contribute to our community-led fundraising strategy, to develop relationships with funders and to write funding applications. 

You would join our fundraising circle, which coordinates our fundraising efforts. It is currently exploring grant opportunities and developing relationships with businesses and other funders. We meet online on Google Meet and volunteers complete agreed tasks remotely. 

If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you. 

We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers. 

We would also love to hear from potential volunteers without experience but with transferable skills.

East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project. Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen, so you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.

Public Relation/Marketing Trustee- Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives!

At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate individual with PR/Marketing knowledge to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country. 

We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you. 

Who We're Looking For:

We are looking to recruit a PR/Marketing Trustee who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve. 

As a PR/Marketing Trustee, You Will: 

• Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation

• Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity. 

• Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose. 

• Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability. 

• Support the Safeguarding Lead to ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team

• Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts. 

What We Offer: 

• Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need. 

• Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks. 

• Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.

• Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us.

Expectations:

• Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role

• Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely. 

• Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work. 

• External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually. 

• Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work.  

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you! 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!

About UK Reads

UK Reads is the UK-based charity of the global non-profit World Literacy Foundation, which works to eradicate illiteracy and promote equitable access to education worldwide. In the UK, we focus on closing the literacy gap for children from underserved communities, ensuring that every child has access to the literacy support they need to thrive academically and personally.

We deliver high-impact literacy programmes, distribute free books, and partner with schools, libraries, and community organisations to foster a lifelong love of reading. 

About the Pen Pal Project

The Pen Pal Project empowers children aged 7–16 to become confident communicators by engaging them in creative, meaningful letter writing. UK pupils are matched with peers in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries to exchange letters over six structured sessions throughout the academic year.

The project supports pupils in:

• Developing core literacy skills (reading, writing, sentence structure, vocabulary)

• Strengthening confidence, empathy, and communication through storytelling

• Learning about different cultures, family structures, traditions, and daily life in another part of the world

• Practising both written and spoken English in an encouraging, low-pressure environment

Each school cohort follows a themed session plan exploring topics such as identity, youth culture, food, heritage, health, and hobbies.

Sessions are delivered by trained volunteers, with support from teachers and UK Reads staff.

Role Overview

As a Writing Session Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in supporting literacy, creativity, and inclusion in schools. You’ll work directly with students to help them explore personal expression, read incoming pen pal letters, and craft thoughtful responses.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about education, communication, cultural exchange, and making a difference at a grassroots level.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate six themed writing sessions at a primary or secondary school in London (sessions take place during school hours)

• Create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere where all students feel safe to write and express themselves

• Support pupils with varied literacy levels, including those with special educational needs (SEND), English as an additional language (EAL), or lower confidence in reading/writing

• Guide pupils in reading and responding to letters received from international pen pals

• Encourage vocabulary development, sentence structure, and narrative skills using the provided facilitator resources

• Use creativity and cultural awareness to promote engagement and curiosity

• Complete light administrative tasks (~1 hour per session), including:

  • Reviewing students’ letters for safeguarding

  • Submitting short post-session reflections or feedback forms

• Attend a short online training session and stay in communication with the UK Reads team

Time Commitment

• Approx. 6-8 hours/month over the academic year

• Each session includes:

  • ~1 hour in-school delivery time

  • ~1 hour admin/reflection time

• Plus training, planning, and communication time as needed

• Sessions are typically spaced two per academic term (six total)

Volunteers are matched with one school and are expected to complete the full six-session cycle to ensure continuity and build rapport with pupils.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds. You don’t need formal teaching experience — just commitment, empathy, and a passion for helping young people thrive.

Essential:

• Strong spoken and written English

• Comfortable working with children and young people in a school setting

• Reliable, organised, and able to follow session plans

• Open-minded, culturally sensitive, and adaptable to different learning styles

• Able to commit to a minimum of 6 sessions over the academic year (during school hours)

• Based in London or able to travel to schools across the city

• Willing to complete a DBS check and safeguarding training

Desirable (but not required):

• Experience in education, youth work, creative writing, literacy support, or mentoring

What You’ll Gain

• A highly rewarding volunteer experience with visible impact on young learners

• Full training and a ready-to-use facilitation guide

• Support from a dedicated project coordinator throughout your placement

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel costs

• A reference upon successful completion

• The opportunity to be part of a meaningful international exchange project

• Connection to a network of volunteers and educators working toward literacy equity

Safeguarding & Inclusion

We are committed to child protection, safeguarding, and inclusive learning environments. All letters are reviewed by facilitators before being exchanged. Volunteers must complete a DBS check and basic safeguarding training before beginning their placement.

We value lived experience and encourage applications from those who reflect the communities we serve, including volunteers from Black, African, Caribbean, and diaspora backgrounds.

Join Pioneer Educational Trust as a Trustee and apply your leadership experience to an organisation with clear values and exciting potential.

• Location: Slough , Windsor and Maidenhead (with hybrid facilitation)

Applications close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 27th August.

Who we are

Pioneer Educational Trust is a nationally recognised, forward-thinking multi-academy trust currently operating four schools across Berkshire: Desborough College, Foxborough Primary School, Trevelyan Middle School and Upton Court Grammar School.

Our mission is bold and clear: to pioneer, to inspire collaboration, to invest intelligently and to drive equality.

We believe in a liberating education that equips children and young people not only with academic excellence but with the skills and values they need to lead, contribute, and thrive in an interconnected world.

At the heart of our work is our commitment to the well-being and growth of both students and staff. We are proud of our culture, which is rooted in ethical, relational leadership, inclusion and high expectations. We strive to ensure everyone in our community feels seen, heard and empowered to succeed.

About the role

This is an opportunity to shape the future of a growing and ambitious multi-academy trust committed to inclusion, excellence and intelligent innovation.

We are seeking experienced professionals with strategic acumen and ethical leadership skills to support our executive team and ensure outstanding outcomes for our learners. As a Trustee, you work collaboratively to implement strategies that enable Pioneer to grow sustainably and continue delivering excellence. Your commercial insight will help us refine how we manage and grow central services such as finance, estates and IT, as well as explore opportunities for strategic partnerships and expansion.

You will also play a critical role in safeguarding the financial health of the Trust, ensuring educational excellence, and championing equity and community engagement across all our schools.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for Trustees with strong general management and organisational leadership experience. People experienced in making tough commercial decisions, leading strategic change and turning vision into delivery.

Candidates will bring: 

• General management or executive leadership experience
• A track record of strategic execution
• Commercial acumen, 
• A collaborative but challenging mindset
• Effective stakeholder engagement skills

You do not need experience in education or with multi-academy trusts. What matters is your ability to contribute, collaborate and support us to drive our mission. This is a governance role with real influence. Joining Pioneer means becoming part of a forward-thinking trust that values collaboration, innovation and making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.

Peridot Partners and Pioneer Educational Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

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

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 27th August.

Role title: Trustee

Location: Flexible (travel to London will be required at least three times a year for in person board meetings)

Salary: N/A (Volunteer role)

Time commitment: Attend 3 in person board meetings annually and 3 online sub committees. Exceptional board or sub-committee meetings may be scheduled when necessary.

Contract: The Trustee is appointed for an initial 3-year term with the option of renewal for up to 3 terms. The maximum term for all trustees (including the Chair) is 9 years. 

Purpose of the role:

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join an impact-focused and ambitious charity supporting refugees to access meaningful employment and build a new life.

The board’s role is to govern Breaking Barriers effectively, in service of our vision and mission. Trustees provide support and challenge to the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and are ambassadors for the charity.   

Essential Duties of the Trustee Role:

• Ensure Breaking Barriers is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
• Comply with Breaking Barriers' governing document and other laws that apply
• Act in Breaking Barriers' best interests: prioritise Breaking Barriers' objectives, avoid conflicts of interest, and follow procedures to manage any conflicts
• Ensure Breaking Barriers is accountable: meeting legal, accounting and reporting requirements
• Manage Breaking Barriers' resources responsibly: managing risks, protecting assets and people, getting the resources we need, having appropriate controls and procedures
• Act with reasonable care and skill using your skills and experience, deciding when you need professional advice, ensure Breaking Barriers remains solvent

Other Responsibilities:

• Understanding the vision, mission, goals and values of Breaking Barriers together with a good grasp of the operational context and the expectations of partners
• Strategic leadership and vision: help to guide the organisation with a strategic vision, aligning the board and staff's efforts with the mission. Ensure that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Facilitating discussions: Lead conversations when necessary, ensuring focus on key issues and decisions
• Leveraging opportunities: Support and participate in fundraising strategies, leveraging networks, and engaging with donors and stakeholders to secure necessary resources for the organisation's work
• CEO and SLT support: Maintain a constructive relationship with the CEO and SLT, creating a positive and strong working relationship to jointly set and achieve appropriate targets, staying in regular contact and acting as a sounding board to discuss strategic or staffing related matters, issues - coaching, supporting and challenging as necessary
• Ambassadorship: Act as an ambassador, representing and promoting the organisation's mission, values, and interests to external stakeholders, enhancing its reputation, and fostering collaboration, fundraising and promotional opportunities

Person Specification: 

We are seeking board members with a passion for the mission, vision and values of Breaking Barriers, and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience which we define as people from a refugee background, with first hand experience of seeking sanctuary or migration to the UK.

In addition, we actively seek candidates who bring any of the following:

• Prior fundraising expertise: focusing on corporate and high-end individual funding to generate leads, ability to contribute to active fundraising efforts, introductions to relevant networks and relationships
• Leadership experience at a senior level within corporate organisations and a commitment to actively making introductions to relevant networks and contacts
• Refugee/forced migration sector experience: leading or developing initiatives/programmes in areas relevant to the mission, such as employability or recruitment

To view the full job description and person specification, as well as details on our accessible recruitment process, please view the attached recruitment pack.

Other considerations

• As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.
• Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully considered when deciding action.   

How to apply

If you are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you. To apply, please submit a CV and statement (up to approximately 500 words/1 A4 page) outlining:

• Why you are interested in the role
• What skills you would bring to be successful in this role
• Any experience you would like to highlight
• Any reasonable adjustments you require for the interview process

Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is 11:30pm on Tuesday 09 September. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network.