Shop volunteer volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you someone who loves getting creative, catching a show, or simply enjoying a good chat over coffee and cake? Maybe you enjoy painting, crafting, or exploring local galleries, or perhaps you love trying new cafés, going for walks, or just sharing stories and laughs. As a volunteer visitor, you can turn your passions into friendship, spending quality time with someone who’ll appreciate your company, your hobbies, and your enthusiasm.
Watch a video about this volunteer role here
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
- Sitting and having a chat
- Checking in on their well- being
- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
- Enjoying a walk
- A craft activity at home
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.
The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode.
Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities
To represent Family Centre Services within local communities and help strengthen the link between families and the centre by promoting services and support available.
Key Responsibilities:
· Promote Hertfordshire Family Centres by attending toddler and parent groups and local activities.
· Distribute leaflets, posters, and other promotional materials in community venues (e.g. libraries, health centres, nurseries, shops).
· Talk to parents, carers, and professionals about the Family Centre offer, signposting them to services and activities.
· Share updates on Family Centre activities through word of mouth, local networks, and community noticeboards.
· Provide feedback to Family Centre staff about local needs, events, and opportunities for engagement.
· Represent the Family Centre in a positive and professional way at all times.
Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities
· Friendly, approachable, and confident in talking to new people.
· Good communication skills.
· Reliable and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
· Enthusiasm for supporting children, families, and the local community.
· Respectful of diversity and inclusive of all families.
· Knowledge of the local area and networks
Training / Support
· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.
· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses
· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.
· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings
· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities.
Additional Information
· Undergo enhanced DBS check
· X2 References required
· Undertake additional training as and when required
· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Branch Trustee (MILTON KEYNES & NORTH BUCKS BRANCH)
Help Us Make a Real Difference for Animals in Milton Keynes
Do you care deeply about animal welfare and want to use your skills to create lasting change? Do you have corporate business experience that you’d like to use to give back to your community? At RSPCA Milton Keynes, every decision we make, every pound we raise, and every hour we give is about one thing: helping animals in need.
Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity
We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate people who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long terms aims.
About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.
Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!
The RSPCA MILTON KEYNES & NORTH BUCKS Branch
We’re a small independent charity, run by passionate volunteers and supported by a dedicated team. Every year, we rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals who deserve a second chance. But we can only do this because of the funds we raise locally through our charity shops, fundraising events, grants, and public donations. We’re now at a pivotal moment, transitioning to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status, and we need strong leadership and fresh ideas to secure our future. We have two retail outlets, a growing online presence, and funds ready to invest in sustainable revenue streams. What we need is your business expertise and drive to make it happen.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee
What we are looking for in a volunteer:
We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds who can
- Make a real impact on animal lives: Every idea you bring helps us rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome more animals.
- Use your skills for good: Apply your business experience to strategy, fundraising, and growth that truly matters.
- Join a passionate team: Work alongside people who share your love for animals and commitment to making a difference.
- Feel proud and fulfilled: Experience the satisfaction of doing something good—every decision you help shape creates a positive change in our community and gives animals the second chance they deserve.
We’re asking for
- Up to 6 hours per week (flexible).
- Help us structure volunteering, drive fundraising, and develop revenue ideas.
- Bring your corporate experience, creativity, drive, and enthusiasm to a small team that’s ready to grow.
Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee
- We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
- Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Practical considerations
- Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
- Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
- Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
- Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
- References will also be required.
How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee
For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.
We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.
How to Apply:
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you! Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Scope in their search to appoint two new Trustees.
Scope is the UK’s disability equality charity. They campaign to transform attitudes to disability, tackle injustice and inspire action. They create opportunities and provide information and support that empowers.
About Scope
Scope wants a society where all disabled people enjoy equality and fairness. We provide practical advice and emotional support to people and families who need it most. We use our collective power to deliver social change and end injustice for disabled people. We do this by working to change attitudes. We inspire policy change, by both local and national government. We work with organisations as employers and product or service providers. Our shops are at the heart of communities around the country, each one increasing impact. Last year, we supported over 4 million disabled people through our services, our online advice and online community forum. This also importantly gives us the authority to speak to power on behalf of disabled people and their families across the country.
Scope’s new strategy was approved by the Board in 2023 and focuses on achieving seismic change for and with disabled people and their families. We want to build on the impact we have achieved over the last few years. We want to go further in driving social change, achieving equality for all disabled people. Our work is underpinned by our commitment to diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and our values. We are pioneering, courageous, connected, fair and open.
About the Trustee opportunities:
Scope is seeking to strengthen the Trustee Board further and want to welcome 2 new Trustees with expertise in the following areas:
- A qualified accountant with audit/risk or governance experience
- Fundraising
Trustees act as ambassadors for the organisation, engaging with stakeholders such as donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries. They foster relationships, build networks, and advocate for the organisation’s mission, enhancing its visibility and impact.
The Trustees we appoint will work closely with other Trustees, the Chief Executive and the Executive Leadership Team. Together they will oversee the delivery of our ambitious new strategy. They must be committed to equality, and to involving disabled people in decision making.
Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.
Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.
Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?
- Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
- Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
- Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key responsibilities
Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:
- Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
- Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
- Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
- Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
- Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator
Skills required
No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:
- A non-judgemental approach
- Good listening and communication skills
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Respect confidentiality
- Be able to work on own initiative
- Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way
Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.
Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.
Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?
- Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
- Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
- Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key responsibilities
Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:
- Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
- Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
- Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
- Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
- Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator
Skills required
No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:
- A non-judgemental approach
- Good listening and communication skills
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Respect confidentiality
- Be able to work on own initiative
- Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way
Make a Difference: Become a Trustee for Emmaus Greenwich!
Are you passionate about tackling homelessness and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives? Emmaus Greenwich is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help steer our vital work in London.
Who We Are:
Emmaus Greenwich provides a home, support, and meaningful work through our social enterprises, giving people experiencing homelessness a reason to get up in the morning and a path to regain independence.
Your Role as a Trustee:
- Help shape our strategy and ensure goals align with our vision.
- Provide governance and oversight, ensuring compliance and robust management.
- Volunteer your time (meetings are held five times a year) and potentially get involved in projects.
Who We're Looking For:
We're keen to build a diverse board with skills in:
- Finance & Business Development
- Human Resources (HR)
- Retail & Social Enterprise
- Housing Law
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
Time Commitment:
Trustees at Emmaus Greenwich serve for up to three terms of three years each. The Board meets every two months, both in person and online, and also comes together for an annual in-person strategy session, usually held in winter.
There are three internal sub-committees, each focusing on a specific area of the organisation’s work. These committees also meet every two months, either in person or online, and every trustee is expected to join at least one.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you're an experienced trustee or taking your first step at board level, we want to hear from you!
Join us in creating lasting change for those facing homelessness in our community!
Emmaus Greenwich supports people to move on from homelessness



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a friendly, patient befriending volunteer to visit a lovely gentleman in New Southgate. He is keen to find an attentive listener who will show an interest in hearing his imaginative stories and will giggle at his jokes. He would love for someone to accompany him to McDonalds for a treat, to join him in a bit of music trivia, or sometimes for just a cup of tea and a chit chat.
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
- Sitting and having a chat
- Checking in on their well- being
- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
- Enjoying a walk
- A craft activity at home
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
About Mencap
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an opportunity for a female befriender to visit a lovely, chatty lady in New Barnet. She’s a lover of all things crafty, including making jewellery and painting, but her absolute favourite are jigsaw puzzles. She would love a visitor to do these things with her, as well as going for walks to the local coffee shop for a slice of cake or spending some time in the garden on a sunny day.
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is a Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. As you get to know each our you may choose to ‘go out’ either with or without support from the staff that supports the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
About Mencap
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
RSPCA Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch
We are looking for volunteers to join our Trustee board with expertise in any of these areas:
- Charity finance/ Treasurer
- Marketing/ Social Media
- Fundraising/Retail
- Project management
You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help animals in our area.
Overview
We are looking for enthusiastic people to take the role as a Charity Trustee, who could devote some time to volunteer for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch and support us in boosting our local animal welfare work. Alongside using your expertise, this role will enable you to enhance how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow Trustees, in the running of the Branch and the implementation of a development plan. At a minimum, you would normally be expected to attend a monthly online committee meeting and to spend further time driving forward our activities.
The Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield RSPCA Branch
We are the local branch of the national RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area.
The Branch is in an enviable financial position and employs an experienced member of staff as Branch Manager. Once additional Trustees are in place, we expect to move towards CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) status.
Our main current activities are:
- Providing financial assistance to local people unable to afford unexpected vets’ bills. In the past year, we have allocated £40,000 to this area.
- Collecting petfood donations, which we collate and then pass to our local foodbanks.
- Re-homing cats in the Alton part of our area, organised in co-operation with the neighbouring RSPCA Branch.
- Some fundraising activities, including organising fun Dog Shows.
- We are looking to recruit at least three new trustees to work on significantly developing the Branch over the next few years. Initiatives we are considering are:
- Establishing a comprehensive fostering and re-homing network, across the entire Branch area.
- Major income generation initiatives, including opening our own shops.
- Developing our own animal centre resources, possibly in co-operation with private sector providers in the Branch area.
Core Branch Trustee responsibilities
- Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
- Work in conjunction with fellow Trustees and Branch Officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interests of the Branch and the RSPCA.
- Assist the Branch, as appropriate, to work with and assist national RSPCA staff, including but not limited to Inspectors.
- Actively participate in Branch committee meetings and to attend the Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM).
- Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new Trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
- In conjunction with fellow Trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions.
What we are looking for in a volunteer
We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and encourages people from any background to apply. You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee
- Ongoing support provided by our Branch Manager and assistance from relevant national RSPCA staff.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that will enhance local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Practical considerations
- To become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and have become a member of our Branch.
- Trustees are elected annually.
- You must not be disqualified from being a Trustee. Please read the Charity Commission’s guidance on who can be a Trustee of a charity.
- You will need to sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act, clarifying that you are not disqualified from being a Trustee.
- References will be required.
How to find out more about being a Trustee
For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.
We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!
Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.
We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield branch
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Trustee vacancies. Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the charity achieves its core objects as set out in the governing documents. They oversee the overall management, finances and administration of Dove Cottage and ensure that the charity is successfully implementing a clear strategy in line with our vision. Trustees are also there to support and constructively challenge the senior staff team (the Dove Cottage Manager and Income Generation and Marketing Manager).
The trustees of Dove Cottage have a responsibility to:
· Support and provide advice on Dove Cottage’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
· Oversee Dove Cottage’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
· Provide leadership to the board and to ensure that trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity.
· Support and, where appropriate, provide constructive challenge to the executive manager.
· Ensure that the board as a whole works well and in partnership with key staff.
· Ensure the effective administration of the charity.
· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled.
· Review and approve Dove Cottage’s financial statements.
· Provide support and challenge to senior staff, specifically the Dove Cottage Manager and the Income Generation and Marketing Manager in the exercise of their delegated authority and responsibilities.
· Keep abreast of changes in Dove Cottage’s operating environment.
· Contribute to regular reviews of Dove Cottage’s governance arrangements.
· Attend board meetings, well prepared to contribute to discussions.
· Exercise independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to protect Dove Cottage’s interest, to the exclusion of your own/third-party interests.
· Ensure appropriate accountability to LOROS as sole member.
· Contribute to the promotion of Dove Cottage’s objects, aims and reputation through the application of your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
Working hours/commitment
All trustees are required to:
· Attend at least four board meetings each year, although trustees may together decide to change the frequency of meetings.
· Attend the charity’s Annual General Meeting and any extraordinary general meetings should these be required.
Meetings will usually be held in person at the hospice in Stathern. There will be times when trustees need to be actively involved beyond board meetings. This may involve visiting the hospice, tea room and shops, helping out at events, scrutinising papers, leading discussions, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, responding to complaints and concerns, and getting involved in various matters about which they have a special expertise.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About The Creighton Centre
For over 100 years, The Creighton Centre has been at the heart of its community, providing connection, care and opportunities for generations of local people. With a rich heritage and an ambitious future, we are now seeking someone to become our next Chair of Trustees.
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to provide leadership to a well established, values driven charity at a pivotal moment in its history.
About the role
As Chair, you will lead our Board of Trustees and work in close partnership with our new CEO to ensure strong governance, clear strategic direction and long-term sustainability.
Over the coming year, the Board will be setting the charity’s strategic priorities and overseeing an exciting programme to renovate and future proof our historic building, unlocking new opportunities for community use and income generation. The Chair will play a central role in guiding this work at Board level.
Who we’re looking for
We are seeking a Chair who brings strong interpersonal skills, good judgement and a collaborative leadership style. You will be someone who values good governance, inclusive decision-making and clear strategic thinking.
You will bring:
- Significant board experience and a strong understanding of governance
- The ability to lead a Board effectively, encouraging constructive challenge and collective ownership
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- An appreciation of the privilege and responsibility of stewarding a long-established community charity with premises
Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an organisation with deep community roots and real impact.
What's in it for you?
- A chance to chair a respected charity with over a century of community impact
- An opportunity to help guide a significant period of strategic development and renewal
- The privilege of stewarding an organisation with a strong sense of purpose, place and heritage
- A supportive, engaged Board and an experienced Chief Executive team
If you are looking for a meaningful Chair role where your leadership can make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.
Please provide a CV and cover letter outlining your interest in the role and what skills and qualities you might bring. Please do refer to the attached Role Decsription for guidance on preparing your cover letter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
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Do you want to support the running of the charity that supports people in Berkshire’s hospitals?
Are you the person to develop and lead our business opportunities planning, alongside our existing trustees?
You could join the Board of the Friends of Berkshire Hospitals, a charity that improves the experience of patients, visitors, medical staff and others who work in the Royal Berkshire and Wokingham Hospitals.
Our charity grew from a Reading-only organisation set up in 1957, which itself grew from a charitable group in the 1940s. We’re now serving both Reading and Wokingham hospitals, and intend to expand our services and thus our charitable business even further: to better serve all those in the hospitals. Our expenditure in 2024 was £366k, and we have plans to expand our business and fundraising operations outside of hospital premises.
The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee
Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in the services we provide to those in hospitals, and we’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries.
We are looking for experience of developing a business, not necessarily in the not-for-private-profit sector, identifying new opportunities and relationships, creating and implementing our new marketing strategy.
We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups.
You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee, including access to external training.
If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members.
Trustees are not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, regular contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.
We ask for no more than ten hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc. You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.
How to apply
This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification is available.
Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references.
Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.
I need to know more
Contact Mike Allen via Apply Now, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom)




