Service volunteer volunteer roles in watford, hertfordshire

Location: Worldwide

Term: Voluntary – Unpaid (reasonable travel expenses can be claimed)

Closing date: 31st July 2025

Inspired by the Islamic faith and guided by our values, we envisage a caring world where communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled, and people respond as one to the suffering of others.

We provide lasting routes out of poverty, empowering people to transform their lives and serving all communities without prejudice.

As an independent faith-based humanitarian and development organisation, Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) has been serving humanity for 41 years. With an active presence in over 40 countries across the globe, we strive to make the world a better and fairer place for the three billion people still living in poverty.

Since we were founded in 1984, Islamic Relief has grown into one of the world’s largest relief and development charities, touching the lives of over 120 million people.

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is seeking to appoint 1 (one) individual to join our International General Assembly (IGA).

Following appointment to the IGA, independent members are eligible for nomination to the BoT after 1 year as an IGA independent member.

Appointments on the BoT are for a 4-year term limit.

The IGA is the highest body of the new Islamic Relief Worldwide governance structure and consists mainly of representatives elected by Islamic Relief family members across five continents, creating a body that is truly globally representative.  It is from the IGA that IRW draws its trustees.

We would like to hear from exceptional applicants with considerable experience and specialist knowledge in a range of professional backgrounds: law, accountancy, audit, humanitarian programming, PR/communications, marketing or fundraising, IT, charity financial policy and strategy, shariah compliance. Those selected will play a vital role in IRW’s strategic work and in helping us respond to key challenges.

As a member of the IGA, it is expected you will be fully committed to the organisational objectives of IRW, sharing our vision, mission and values.  You will be expected to attend meetings and be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role and to act in the best interest of IRW’s work and its rightsholders.

The Role

Key responsibilities:

• Participate in the oversight of  the organisation in accordance with its statutory obligations, making sure that IRW satisfies its regulatory and legal requirements as a charity
• Act in a manner which supports the organisation in meeting aims and objectives as set out in IRW governing documents, and in ensuring IRW long-term security
• Focus on strategic planning and governance when setting IRW priorities and objectives
• Participate in the approval of annual plans, strategies and budgets

• Support the financial stability of the charity and contribute to its effective and efficient administration, reviewing and approving financial strategies and monitoring income and expenditure, to ensure the organisation is in good financial health
• Promote IRW’s vision, mission and values and demonstrate IRW’s values in all of the IGA’s work.

About You

We are seeking exceptional candidates with a breadth of leadership experience who can enhance the strategic development of IRW and have the following skills and qualities:

• A deep commitment and passion for IRW’s faith inspired values, vision and mission
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship  
• Considerable professional experience and specialist knowledge in one or more of the following – law, accountancy, audit, humanitarian programming, PR/communications, marketing or fundraising, IT, charity financial policy and strategy, shariah compliance
• Strategic vision and critical thinking skills
• Skills in problem solving and conflict resolution
• Legislative and operating framework for charities/voluntary and community sector organisations, especially an understanding of Charity Commission requirements
• A good understanding of the context IRW operates within
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; enjoys teamwork
• Willing to be an ambassador for IRW
• Demonstrates past public conduct, statements and behaviour that are in line with IRW’s values and expectations of the role

If you are interested in these roles, please review the information pack before applying.

How to apply:

To make your application for the IGA position, please visit the link for instructions.

The deadline for applications is: 31st July 2025.

PLEASE NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications without a cover letter will not be accepted.

Pre-appointment checks:

Any appointment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:

• Enhanced screening clearance
• Receipt of satisfactory references including the Inter-Agency Misconduct Scheme Reference
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
• Personal social media review

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

The term will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

In line with this Scheme, we will request information from every applicant’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

We seek a Chairperson to head our Board at Evolve Counselling who will guide our strategic direction in the provision of lowest cost mental health counselling for individuals and businesses. 

Location: Cambridgeshire area of operations. Chair can be fully remote. 

Voluntary: Reasonable expenses paid 

Commitment: Initial term of 1 -3 years. Flexible hours per month 

Closing date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025

Overview 

For over 40 years Evolve Counselling has provided lowest-cost professional mental health counselling for adults in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Northamptonshire and beyond, through the skill and dedication of our team of 60+ BACP-registered counsellors.

The role 

We are looking for a new Chair who understands the growing demand for our services and the challenges of competing as a medium sized charitable business at this time. We shall look to our new Chair to build trust and engagement with our CEO, the Trustee Board, our volunteers, and supporters, as we capitalise on great recent work to stabilise and find new opportunities for significant growth. 

The new chairperson will ideally bring health and wellbeing experience and commercial skills, as well as a demonstrable empathy for charitable working and commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life. 

The role of the Chair is hugely rewarding and the scope under the leadership of the current CEO for Evolve to grow and innovate is significant. You will have significant senior leadership experience to drawn upon as you take ultimate responsibility for directing and inspiring the Trustees, making sure we are financially sustainable, and well run for our clients. Our ethos is to look upwards and outwards as we strive for a leading position in mental health services for all, and your commercial acumen, professional contacts, and powers of persuasion in business will be a huge support for our ambitions. 

Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, plus away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month. 

For further information or an informal discussion on the role, please contact Kevin Bottrell.

Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to our CEO Gordon Ackroyd.

Become a Creative Workshop Leader with Bright Futures UK

Are you passionate about sharing your creative talents and inspiring the next generation? Bright Futures UK is looking for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to lead engaging workshops for young people who have taken time out of education due to illness.

About the Role:
As a Creative Workshop Leader, you will work with us to design a fun and meaningful workshop tailored to your expertise, which you’ll deliver on a Wednesday afternoon. Whether your speciality is henna design, cake or cookie decorating, crochet, glitter art, or another creative discipline, we’d love to hear from you! You’ll have the full support of our team to ensure your workshop runs smoothly and makes a real impact.

What You’ll Need:

• A skill or craft that can be shared with young people.
• Enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring creativity.
• A willingness to collaborate with us in planning the session.

What You’ll Gain:

• The chance to make a difference in the lives of young people facing significant challenges.
• DBS and training provided at no cost.
• Opportunities to develop your teaching and facilitation skills.
• The rewarding experience of sharing your passion with others.

Why You’ll Love Volunteering with Us:
At Bright Futures UK, we believe in supporting young people as they rebuild their confidence and reengage with education. Through your workshop, you’ll help create a positive, nurturing environment where creativity thrives and connections are made.

We’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader to join our Trustee Board - someone who can challenge and champion our fundraising direction, who brings fresh ideas, a creative edge, and isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Your insight could shape where we go next and help ensure we’re investing in the right opportunities.

Carers Trust is a £13 million charity, leading a £150 million network of local carer organisations. We have a fundraising team that consistently punches above its weight.

If you love collaborating with ambitious teams, challenging the status quo and finding smart, inventive ways to make an impact – this could be the perfect role for you.

Ready to shake things up for a great cause?

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 Friday 11th July. 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. 

Summary of the role of Trustee

Trustees are individually, and as part of the Board, the ‘guardians of charitable purpose’, making sure that all Board and Board Committee decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first; safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation ensuring these assets are used well, and in ensuring that the charity is run sustainably.

But this specific role requires the Trustee to Chair the crucial Board’s Income Generation Committee (IGC).

Like other hospices, in the context of Government decisions about tax and minimum wages and in the generally challenging environment for most donors, we are not able to purely fund our work from current donations, meaning we have been drawing from our reserves.

This has to change if we are to survive and satisfy the ever -increasing demands for palliative care.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Chair the Income Generation Committee, which has the following key priorities:

• Review and constructively challenge the annual fundraising (FR) plans and budget

• Maintain an overview of current fundraising initiatives and their return on investments, working in partnership with the FR team

• Evaluate the risks to achieving projected income streams and advise the FR team and Board accordingly

• In conjunction with the FR team, creatively develop new and potentially high return initiatives that are intended to deliver significant additional income, in excess of current FR budgets

• As part of the Board of Trustees:

• set and maintain vision, mission and values

• ensure plans are in place to deliver income/cost levels that can at least fund current expenditure

• Develop strategy, set overall policy, define strategic objectives and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• Assure continuous compliance with the legal and regulatory standards governing the operation ofthe charity, the charity governing document and any other relevant legislation, updating the articles of association as required.

• Assure proper financial control and ensure the application of resources is exclusively in pursuance of the charitable objects i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are

• Assure the effective and efficient administration of the charity including funding, insurance and premises

• Assure that The Hospice of St Francis pursues its objects as defined in its governing document (e.g. the promotion of any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the district of providing palliative care at the Hospice, at patients home, in our Spring Centre and in the community, and in particular the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of distress and sickness)

• Assure employment procedures and policy and proceduresfor volunteering are compliant with legislation and regulation, subject to regular review and support the fulfilment of strategic objectives

• Assure risk assessments for all aspects of the business are carried out including accurate and timely reporting using the format of risk registers

• To contribute to, assure and maintain effective performance of the Board and Committees, including systems and processes for external assessment of these arrangements

• Support the CEO and Executive Team to fulfil their delegated responsibilities and hold them to account for delivery of strategic objectives

• To attend Board meetings quarterly, up to two Board awaydays annually and serve as a member of up to two Committees.

• Able to be registered as a Directors of the Charity at Companies House, sharing ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run.

• Act as an ambassador supporting the work of the Hospice in generating income and in its relationship with the communities served.

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.

Children Not Numbers are seeking a volunteer Content Creator (Graphic & Video), working remotely, to start ASAP. 

Children Not Numbers (CNN) is a UK-based medico-legal NGO whose mission is to provide immediate support and long-term rehabilitation for children in Gaza - ensuring access to the medical care, education, and advocacy they deserve. From facilitating urgent short-term medical evacuations to providing necessary medical aid and long-term rehabilitation services, our team are dedicated to the wellbeing and empowerment of affected children. Through advocacy and education, the we strive to mobilise resources and drive policy changes for the betterment of children’s lives.

We are looking for a creative, experienced and passionate volunteer Content Creator to help bring our mission to life through impactful visual storytelling. You will work closely with CNN's Communications Manager and other members of the team. This is an exciting opportunity to use your skills in design and multimedia to make a real difference – supporting awareness campaigns, advocacy efforts, educational outreach and fundraising initiatives.

As volunteer Content Creator, your work might include:

• Creating compelling graphics, videos, reels and multimedia content that tell powerful stories and inspire action

• Collaborating with the team to support advocacy, awareness and fundraising campaigns through visual content

• Designing educational materials that communicate complex issues in accessible and empathetic ways

• Developing creative content for social media, newsletters and digital platforms

• Staying aligned with our voice and mission while bringing your own creative ideas to the table

We are looking for someone who is passionate about social justice, human rights and making real-world impact. The role would suit someone with:

• Employed or other substantial experience as a content creator (graphic design, video editing or both) 

• Visual storytelling skills, includng using creative formats to evoke empathy and drive engagement

• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, flexible, remote environment

• Familiarity with creation tools, such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, Premiere or similar software

Bonus if you have:

• Experience with cause-based campaigns or advocacy work

• Knowledge of issues relating to refugees, children’s rights or humanitarian storytelling

• Social media content strategy skills

Why join us?

As a volunteer with Children Not Numbers, you’ll be part of a compassionate, purpose-driven team. You’ll have the opportunity to use your creativity for meaningful change – and connect with a community that values dignity, humanity and justice for all children. 

To apply:

All applications and queries must be made through CharityJob. Please do not contact Children Not Numbers directly.

To apply (including enquiries), please include the below on your application via CharityJob:

• CV
• A link to your portfolio
• Your approximate availability in terms of hours per week (incl. number of hours and time of day)
• Approximate start date. 

A cover letter is not required, as applications will be assessed by CV and portfolio. Suitable applicants will be contacted by our recruitment partner, Laura Macnamara at QuarterFive, to arrange a chat.

If you have any questions, please include these on your application via CharityJob.

Please note: applications without a portfolio will not be accepted.

Due to limited capacity, not all applicants will receive a reply. Please check your junk mail folder.

If you have not received a reply within two weeks of applying, please assume that you have not been successful this time. 

We are grateful for all interest in this volunteer role and apreciative of the time taken to apply. Thank you and we look forrward to receiving your application - the Children Not Numbers team. 

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!

Somebody goes missing in the UK every 90 seconds. Missing People exists to ease the heartache experienced by those missing someone, and to help people who are away from home find their way back to safety. 

What will you be doing?

Missing People's vision is for every missing child, adult and family left behind to find help, hope and a safe way to reconnect. We are a non-judgemental, highly skilled team of staff and volunteers working for everyone who needs us. We provide free, confidential support, help and advice by phone, email, text and live chat.

In our 30th anniversary year, The Trustees and Executive launched a new 2023-2028 Strategy 'From Crisis to Hope' in consultation with people with lived experience and key stakeholders. The three key goals are:

1. Going missing is understood as a crisis that can be a matter of life or death
2. All missing people and their loved ones get the right help at the right time
3. Fewer missing people come to harm.

The new Chair of Trustees must be passionate about Missing People, its purpose and its values. We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who brings valuable experience, skills and expertise. This might relate to the issue of missing (including personal experience of going missing), senior financial experience, charity experience, policing, legal experience and safeguarding. We are keen to further broaden thinking and perspectives and welcome applications from all areas of the United Kingdom, from all communities, which is important as missing touches every community. We believe diversity is important, and we aim for our board to have a mix of people, talents and backgrounds..

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who brings valuable experience, skills and expertise. This might relate to the issue of missing (including personal experience of going missing), senior financial experience, charity experience, policing, legal experience and safeguarding.

You will need to be aged over 18 and have:

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to your duties as the Chair of Trustees - approximately 2-3 days per month
• Leadership, strategic vision and creative thinking
• Ability to manage a trustee board and take decisions for the good of the charity
• Ability to chair board meetings effectively and manage diverse perspectives
• Strong communication, interpersonal and networking skills
• Independent judgment and be willing to speak your mind
• The ability to read, understand and question reports including financial plans and information
• The ability to follow the rules of governing documents and any professional advice
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and encourage team working
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices
• Prior experience of committee / trustee work (desirable) 
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the charity (desirable) 
• Wider involvement in the voluntary sector (desirable)

What difference will you make?

Our Chair of Trustees is integral to the mission and purpose of the charity, holding the Board and Executive Team to account for delivering the mission and achieving our ambitious goals. The Board of Trustees is made up of an experienced team of individuals who bring breadth of background, a range of deep skill sets, lived experience of the issue of missing and demonstrable empathy and passion for the work of Missing People. The Chair of Trustees will be responsible for the effectiveness of the Board of Trustees, planning and guiding meetings to ensure broad dialogue, good decision-making and clear actions.

Our Chair will work closely with the CEO and the Board to develop the charity’s strategy and to oversee its implementation and progress against its business plan. As part of this the Chair will provide support and challenge to the CEO and their senior team. 

As the Chair of Trustees at Missing People you will be driven by a powerful mission to be a lifeline when someone disappears. You will work closely alongside the Board, Executive team and Chief Executive in a collaborative way to lead the charity. The role provides a good opportunity to be involved in strategic planning in an organisation grounded in the issue of missing with a diverse group of committed and motivated Trustees.

Trustees meet quarterly at online and in-person meetings (usually in London). The Board has dedicated Committees for Finance, HR, Ethics, and Safeguarding, and Advisory Groups representing people with lived experience of the issue of going missing, policing, fundraising and policy. The Chair will attend and be a member of other committees or working groups and ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the charity.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach or the application form on the Missing People website, attaching your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 A4 pages) that demonstrates how you meet the criteria listed in the role description attached. 

On the 'Work for Us' page of the Missing People website you will also find a Letter to Applicants detailing more information about the role and the charity. 

Go Dharmic is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented volunteer to assist in managing and growing our online stores on Shopify and eBay. This role supports our fundraising efforts, with all proceeds going toward humanitarian aid, food relief, and environmental initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage product listings on Shopify and eBay (descriptions, pricing, photos)

• Support inventory tracking and order fulfillment coordination

• Monitor customer queries and provide timely responses

• Assist with basic marketing tasks, such as promotions and social media integrations

• Analyze sales reports and suggest improvements to drive growth
   

Ideal Candidate:

• Experience with Shopify and/or eBay platforms

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Interest in social impact, charity, or nonprofit work

• Able to commit a few hours per week remotely

Canopi Foundation carries out two main charitable activities, that of Canopi and Education Saves Lives. They together form a small group, with Canopi Foundation overseeing the two activities.

• Canopi is a not-for-profit organisation offering flexible and affordable workspace for charities and other Social Sector organisations in a central London location. Our mission is to support the Social Sector by providing modern, flexible work environments, support services, and events tailored to a like-minded community of changemakers.
• Education Saves Lives is is dedicated to improving health and well-being in vulnerable communities around the world by providing life-saving health education through simple, engaging video lessons. These educational resources are delivered in local languages and tailored to the needs of each community, empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and lead healthier lives. 

Canopi Foundation is seeking 3 new Trustees to join their Board - Use your expertise to create positive social impact both locally and globally as a Trustee of Canopi Foundation.

What will you be doing?

As a Trustee of Canopi Foundation, you’ll help provide strategic direction, ensure good governance, and support financial oversight. Key responsibilities include:

• Governance & Leadership: Ensure legal and regulatory compliance, uphold the charity’s mission and values, contribute to Board decisions, and promote integrity and transparency.
• Strategy & Planning: Shape and monitor strategic plans, assess risks and opportunities, and stay informed on sector trends.
• Financial Stewardship: Approve budgets and reports, oversee resource management and risk, and support income generation and fundraising initiatives.

You will be part of a team of committed individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in the world. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your skills, knowledge, and experience to drive Canopi Foundation’s mission forward.

There is a full role description in the candidate pack.

Time commitment: Approximately one day a month on average, comprised of preparation for and attending: Four Board meetings a year (usually via Zoom), one annual strategy day (in person), and 1hr monthly informal catch ups (via Zoom) Ad hoc support for Chief Executive of Canopi and Education Saves Lives. While most meetings are virtual, occasional in-person sessions occur (82 Tanner Street, London) 

What are we looking for?

Skills and qualifications:

We are seeking Trustees with the following skills / experience to take lead oversight for these areas:

• Social Sector Experience: someone with a solid understanding of the charity and third sector, and strong experience in strategy and leadership. You’ll offer insights that help us respond to sector challenges and increase our impact
• Fundraising and Income Generation: someone with a background in fundraising and income generation to support the team with ideas, insight, and a fresh perspective on our income strategy
• Legal (Charity Law and Regulation): someone with legal expertise - especially in charity law and regulation - to guide the Board in making sound and compliant decisions

As part of our longer-term succession planning, we would welcome interest from candidates who may be open to taking on additional Board leadership responsibilities in the future, eg Chair or Committee roles.

We are committed to creating a board of trustees that reflects the rich diversity of our community. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences - regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or socio‑economic status. We believe that varied perspectives strengthen our governance and help us serve better.

There is a full description in the candidate pack.

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, your expertise and guidance will directly shape the future of Canopi Foundation and its two impactful initiatives: Canopi, supporting social change organisations with affordable workspaces, and Education Saves Lives, delivering vital health education globally. Your input will strengthen our strategy, governance, and sustainability - helping us reach more people, respond effectively to sector challenges, and grow our impact. This is a meaningful opportunity to use your skills to support a mission-driven organisation making a real difference in people’s lives.

We are seeking a passionate and committed Trustee to join our Board and help guide our strategic growth. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an organisation that places local people at the heart of creating positive change. We are particularly interested in recruiting candidates that have skills in finance and legal compliance.

As a Trustee, you will:

Strategic Leadership
o Help shape our strategic direction and ensure we fulfil our charitable objectives
o Monitor progress against our "Empowering Futures" 2024-2026 strategy
o Contribute to developing future strategic plans

Governance
o Ensure the charity operates within its governing document and legal framework
o Safeguard the charity's reputation, values, and integrity
o Approve policies, annual budgets, and financial statements
o Ensure proper financial controls and risk management systems are in place
• Financial Oversight
o Review financial performance and ensure financial stability
o Ensure charitable funds and assets are used appropriately
o Support the development of diversified income streams
• Advocacy
o Act as an ambassador for The Mason Foundation
o Use your networks to support our mission and expand our reach
o Promote our work and impact to potential partners and supporters

Safeguarding
o Ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals
o Foster a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

What You'll Bring
• Strategic vision and good judgment
• Commitment to our mission of reducing inequalities
• Willingness to devote time and effort
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Understanding of charity governance (desirable)

What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey

What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey

Here at Youth4Youth, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.

If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.

About the role

The role of Software Tester is responsible for the testing of Youth4Youth’s technology solutions. The role involves communication with other Youth4Youth team members; creating test plans; creating test cases; running tests and analysing results to produce reports. The tester will be supporting a website and chat system.

Responsibilities 

• • Conduct functional, acceptance, end-to-end, and regression tests to ensure software quality and performance.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with product design and development teams to develop comprehensive user experiences across mobile, web, and app platforms.
  • Regularly liaise with the wider team to ensure that test plans align with user requirements and core charity objectives.
  • Analyse test results and write detailed reports, communicating findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Identify areas for improvement and work proactively to enhance software functionality.
  • Stay up to date with technological innovations and new testing tools.

Skills 

• • Enthusiasm for learning about Youth4Youth’s users and processes.
  • Excellent problem-solving and communication skills to engage with team members and clients.
  • Strong written communication with attention to detail.
  • Design and spatial skills for usability assessment.
  • Adaptable mindset to handle changing tasks and technologies.
  • Willingness to stay updated with new software applications and techniques.
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure and AWS.
  • Experience working with APIs.
  • Keen problem-solving and solution-building abilities.
  • Openness to learning new technologies.
  • Strong verbal and written communication.
  • Organisational skills to deliver tasks on time and manage effectively.
  • Collaborative experience and team support.
  • Proficient IT skills, especially with Microsoft applications.
  • Understanding of software engineering, programming, and development.
  • Experience with JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and frameworks like React and AngularJS.
  • Knowledge of continuous integration/delivery (CI/CD) and version control systems like Git.


 

Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.

Benefits of volunteering with Youth4Youth

We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:

• Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
• Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
• Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Youth4Youth volunteers
• Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Youth4Youth has on its direct beneficiaries

The hiring process

Our hiring process typically has two stages 

1. Video or Written Application (when applicable) 
2. Interview with the Volunteering Coordinator for that role

Some roles will have extra stages but we’ll let you know as early as possible if so.

Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to assist.