Side volunteer roles

Action for Refugees in Lewisham is looking for a trustee to act as secretary, supporting the board's governance role helping AFRIL deliver for refugees and vulnerable migrants in south-east London. Time commitment is flexible, and not onerous, and formal company secretary functions are supported by a member of staff.

AFRIL was founded in 2006 to support asylum seekers, vulnerable migrants and refugees in south-east London to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. Our support is holistic: both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes that tackle the underlying problems that lead to crisis, supporting people to integrate, contribute and thrive. We work in the community across south-east London, including in local asylum hotels.

We are a small charity, with mostly part-time staff, but we make a significant difference. Our client group is predominantly people in, or with experience of, the asylum system. We also support newly granted refugees, and migrants with no recourse to public funds who have complex and unmet protection needs.

AFRIL's board of trustees is collectively responsible for supporting and challenging the charity to oversee its good governance and proper financial control in line with its charitable aims and strategic plan, charity law, and all other relevant legislation. The time required of trustees is not onerous, and is flexible - although it is, of course, possible to take on more responsibility and expand your time commitment.

As a board member, you will be expected to be available for board meetings approximately every two months, which are generally an hour and a half long and take place in a weekday evening. These mostly take place online, with occasional hybrid meetings or meetings in-person.

As secretary to the board, you will be responsible for the timetabling of meetings, the agenda, and for taking and sharing a minute of board meetings – just main points and actions – to support the board in carrying out our remit. You may also assist with other areas of support to the governance for the charity, such as ensuring that we maintain regular review of the organisation’s policies, and providing some assistance from time to time to the member of staff leading on liaison with the Charity Commission and Companies House.

You will also need to be able to commit some ad hoc time to consider papers ahead of meetings, and occasionally to take part in email discussion on issues as they arise. You would also be expected to attend the charity’s AGM, which tends to take place on a Saturday afternoon in January/February.

We value diversity in our trustee team, as we do in the staff team. We particularly welcome applications from anyone who can bring lived experience of the immigration and asylum system, and are always keen to see applications from people with experience with fundraising, or with HR. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.

To apply, please submit a short (no more than one side of A4) letter explaining why you would like to join AFRIL’s board, and what skills and experience you would bring to the role, along with your CV.

The opportunity

The Finance and Audit Committee (FAC) provides BIICL’s Board of Trustees with oversight and assurance on our finances, controls, investments, and audit. We're looking for a chartered accountant or senior finance leader to chair the Committee and join our Board of Trustees at a pivotal moment: a new Director and CEO, a new Director of Operations in post, and a new strategy launching in 2027. You'll bring real technical credibility and the judgement to translate financial detail into confidence for a Board whose backgrounds are mostly legal and academic. In return, you'll help shape the next chapter of one of the world's most respected independent legal institutes.

The current Chair’s term ends in December 2026. We are seeking a successor to join in October, allowing time for handover and induction ahead of the November FAC meeting and the December Board meeting.

Purpose of the role

The Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee provides strategic, non-executive financial oversight rather than day-to-day accounting.

As a trustee, you hold joint legal and fiduciary responsibility for the charity’s overall governance, strategic direction and financial health.

As Committee Chair, you will act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to the Director and Chief Executive and the Director of Operations, ensuring that BIICL’s income is robustly governed, financial risks are mitigated, and resources are deployed optimally to deliver maximum social impact. BIICL outsources financial management to a specialist non-profit accountancy firm, overseen internally by the Director of Operations; you’ll evaluate how well that arrangement is working and recommend change if needed. 

Key responsibilities

Strategic financial oversight

· Budgetary scrutiny: oversee the annual £2.5m operational budget and financial forecasts provided by the executive team.

· Performance monitoring: review quarterly management accounts, analysing variances, cash flow health, and performance against key performance indicators (KPIs).

· Reserves management: champion the regular review of a robust Reserves Policy to safeguard the charity against sudden funding fluctuations.

· Investment assets: oversee the performance of the charity’s cash reserves and any investment portfolios, ensuring alignment with ethical investment strategies.

Audit, risk and internal controls

· Statutory reporting: lead the FAC in reviewing the Annual Report and Accounts, ensuring compliance with Charity SORP FRS102 and statutory filing deadlines.

· External audit: manage the relationship with the External Auditor, leading on the tender process and reviewing the post-audit management letter.

· Risk mitigation: oversee the financial section of the organisation’s risk register, ensuring internal controls are sufficient to prevent fraud and compliance failures across complex funding streams, and ensure FAC oversight of the wider Risk Register.

· Fiscal compliance: monitor compliance with complex tax regimes relevant to this scale, including VAT, Gift Aid, and trading subsidiary operations (as applicable).

Committee leadership and Board reporting

· Meeting governance: set the agenda and chair quarterly FAC meetings, fostering an environment of collaboration, constructive, and high-quality challenge.

· Board communication: report clearly to the full Board of Trustees, translating complex financial positions into strategic insights for non-financial board members.

Statutory trustee duties

· Legal compliance: ensure the charity complies with charity law, company law, and all other relevant legislation or regulation.

· Strategic direction: contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in setting the charity’s overarching vision, mission, values, and strategic goals.

· Asset protection: act as a responsible custodian of the charity’s assets, ensuring funds are spent solely in furtherance of its charitable objectives.

· Effective governance: attend and actively participate in full quarterly Board meetings, the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and strategic away days.

· Collective decision-making: maintain the principle of collective board responsibility, upholding and supporting decisions made by the wider board.

Legal and regulatory frameworks

The postholder is required to understand, uphold, and apply the following core regulatory frameworks:

· The 6 Essential Trustee Duties (Charity Commission Guidance CC3): You share collective legal liability to ensure the charity carries out its purpose for the public benefit, complies with its governing document, acts in the charity's best interests, manages resources responsibly, acts with reasonable care and skill, and remains fully accountable.

· Financial Reporting Standards 102 and the Charities SORP: Because our annual income exceeds £250,000, the accounts must be compiled under the Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP), transparently separating restricted, unrestricted, and designated funds.

· The Charity Governance Code: Our Board intends to benchmark itself against this code. You will directly champion Principle 5 (Board Effectiveness) and Principle 6 (Risk and Control) to ensure internal controls are regularly evaluated.

Person specification

Experience and qualifications

· Financial qualification: chartered status (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) is essential.

· Senior leadership: proven experience operating as a CFO, Finance Director, or partner in a professional services practice in an organisation of similar or larger scale.

· Sector expertise: strong working knowledge of Charity SORP, restricted and unrestricted funding, and UK charity law is highly desirable.

· Governance background: previous experience as a trustee, non-executive director, or committee member is advantageous.  

Core skills and attributes

· Strategic clarity: ability to look past the numbers to see systematic risks and strategic opportunities.  

· Collaborative challenge: ability to robustly hold senior staff and third-party advisors to account while maintaining a supportive, professional working relationship.

· Communication: ability to explain intricate financial matters plainly to non-financial audiences.

· Commitment to the cause: a demonstrable passion for the charity’s core mission and alignment with its values. 

Terms of appointment

Term:

Trustee appointments are for a three-year term, renewable for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Time commitment:

Trustees are required to commit approximately 8-10 days per year. There are four board meetings, four FAC meetings per year, a strategy day, plus approx. 2-3 hours per month for executive consultation. 

Location:

London/Hybrid – FAC meetings usually take place online; Board meetings and strategic away days are in-person, usually at our London office.

Remuneration:

This is a voluntary role and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration; however, all reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Reporting to:

Board of Trustees / Chair of the Board

How to apply

To apply formally, please submit a CV and supporting statement, each no more than two sides of A4, clearly outlining your suitability for the role against the criteria in the person specification and your motivation for applying.

Please include your home address, contact email, and mobile number.

We aim to acknowledge receipt within 2-3 days.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We expect to interview candidates from mid-September with a view to appointing by the end of October.

For further information about the role or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Tom Asher, Director of Operations

Walk side by side with those who have a vision impairment. Losing your sight or having no vision can be isolating. We are the charity in Cheshire, North Wales, and Halton that brings support to adults who are going through this, and we want to provide meaningful social opportunties.

Why volunteer for us?

• We offer full training on being a sighted guide
• You get to attend nice events like forest bathing, cinema, golf, and swiming
• We offer travel expenses for those who are local (approx 20 miles)
• It's an active role and you get to support someone socially.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an exciting time for the Helen Bamber Foundation as we continue to grow our impact and strengthen our services for survivors of torture, trafficking and human cruelty, as well as those seeking protection. Our work is more crucial than ever as we advocate for vulnerable individuals within a challenging and evolving global landscape.

This year, we are looking to recruit a Trustee and Chair of the Finance and Fundraising Committee to replace the current postholder, who is retiring from the role. This is a key position within the Helen Bamber Foundation’s Board of Trustees, providing oversight of the charity’s financial health and helping to ensure strong financial governance.

Working closely with the CEO of the Helen Bamber Foundation, the Director of Finance and Governance, and the Board, the Trustee will support strategic decision-making by ensuring that trustees have clear and accurate financial information and that the charity operates with robust financial controls. The role also plays an important part in helping the Board balance ambition and growth with responsible financial stewardship.

As a Trustee, you will be part of a small team of volunteers who are collectively responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the charity and supporting its long-term stability.

Full details are available in the Recruitment Pack.

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for the role of trustee and Chair of the Finance and Fundraising Committee, please submit your CV and a short statement.

Your statement should then address the following three questions:
1.What is the main thing that interests you about applying for the role of trustee and Chair of the Finance and Fundraising Committee?
2.What is the particular skill (or skills) you have that you feel would be beneficial to this role? Please relate your answers to (1) and (2) to the information in this pack about Helen Bamber Foundation and the skills we are looking for.
3.Do you have any previous experience of working with a charity board in particular or supporting a charity in general? If you do, please let us know what this was.

The questions can be responded to in one of four different ways:
1.Written A4 (No more than 2 sides of A4)
2.PowerPoint (No more than 3 slides)
3.Audio recording (No more than 5 mins)
4.Video Recording (No more than 5 mins)

If you would like to submit your application using these methods, please email us.

Please apply upload  your CV and statement by 10am on Monday 14th September
If you would like to get more information about the role - or talk to the Chair of Trustees at Helen Bamber Foundation, Adam Epstein - before you express an interest in our trustee position please contact Hannah Padfield, Director of People (details on our website).

TIMELINE

Closing date: 10am on Monday 14th September
Preliminary interviews (online): Wednesday 23rd September
Final panel interviews (in person): Friday 9th October

EXPERTS BY EXPERIENCE SUPPORT

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network , which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

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 and access other information and resources at their website.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an important time for Asylum Aid as we continue to strengthen our impact and support survivors, asylum seekers and refugees. Our work is more crucial than ever as we advocate for people seeking protection within an increasingly challenging and evolving global landscape.

We are looking to recruit a Trustee to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the charity’s financial affairs and fundraising activities. This is a key role within the Board of Trustees, helping to ensure that Asylum Aid remains financially sustainable, well governed and equipped to deliver its charitable objectives.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Director of Finance and Governance, Group Director of Fundraising and the wider Board, the Trustee will provide expert advice and support on financial strategy, budgeting, risk and reserves management, audit and financial governance.

Full details are available in the Recruitment Pack.

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for the role of Trustee, please submit your CV and a short statement.

Your statement should then address the following three questions:
1.What is the main thing that interests you about applying for the role of Trustee at Asylum Aid?
2.What is the particular skill (or skills) you have that you feel would be beneficial to this role? Please relate your answers to (1) and (2) to the information in this pack about Asylum Aid and the skills we are looking for.
3.Do you have any previous experience of working with a charity board in particular or supporting a charity in general? If you do, please let us know what this was.

The questions can be responded to in one of four different ways:
1.Written A4 (No more than 2 sides of A4)
2.PowerPoint (No more than 3 slides)
3.Audio recording (No more than 5 mins)
4.Video Recording (No more than 5 mins)

If you would like to submit your application using these methods, please email us.. 

Otherwise, please submit your application via the website along with your CV and statement by 10am on Monday 14th September. 

If you would like to get more information about the role - or talk to the Chair of Trustees at 
Asylum Aid, Elizabeth Mottershaw - before you express an interest in our trustee position
please contact Hannah Padfield, Director of People (details on the website).

TIMELINE

Closing date: 10am on Monday 14th September 
Preliminary interviews (online): Monday 21st September 
Final panel interviews (in person): Friday 9th October

EXPERTS BY EXPERIENCE SUPPORT

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network , which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

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 and access other information and resources at their website.

Are you full of energy, like meeting new people, and want to make a real difference in your community? Join us as a Fundraising Event Support Volunteer and help bring our amazing fundraising events to life.

Whether you're cheering on runners from the side-lines, helping to run a tombola or collecting vital funds – there’s a role for everyone.

You'll be part of a passionate team, supporting our Fundraising and Events Team to create memorable experiences that raise vital funds for St Barnabas, Chestnut Tree House, and Martlets.

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

1. Assistant facilitation at Young Garrick Youth Theatre sessions in Lichfield OR Burntwood, including helping to set up and clear away spaces, following risk assessments to ensure a safe and welcoming environment

2. Assist with as ‘meet and greet’ for participants, parents/carers, and visitors

3. Support the Youth Theatre Leaders and team with the delivery, administration, communication and positive culture of sessions

4. Assist with gathering and setting out of materials/resources (costumes, props, workshop materials)

5. Providing up to date knowledge of the community programme and acting as a point of call for questions during sessions

6. Support facilitators in providing a safe and welcoming environment and responding to safeguarding concerns in sessions

7. Provide additional help for participants who require extra support.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Attending volunteer training sessions as required

2. Adhering to all Lichfield Garrick Theatre policies & procedures.

3. Contributing to effective Health & Safety management across the organisation.

You will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check for this role.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
 

1. Mentorship from Lichfield Garrick Community Team

2. Monthly check-ins to set development goals

3. Opportunity to lead specific sessions or small projects with support, assistance and feedback.

The successful candidate must be 18+. 

Young Garrick Lichfield sessions run every Sunday in term time from 10am-5.30pm. Young Garrick Burntwood runs every Tuesday in term time from 6.30pm-9pm.

The placement length is flexible, for a minimum of one term and maximum of one academic year (ending July 2027).

The role is ideal for a person looking to gain experience and starting a career in the arts specifically with young people and communities. This could be as a facilitator, practitioner, or administrator/project leader.

There is no experience necessary. Please apply by telling us in one to two sides of A4 / four to six-minute video or audio why you would like the placement and how it will help further your ambitions, studies, or employment. Please indicate whether your preference is to be placed with the Lichfield group, Burntwood group, or either (we intend to offer two separate placements). Please go to the Lichfield Garrick website with details of where to send your application to by the closing date of Monday 14th September 2026.

TRUSTEE MARY WARD SETTLEMENT

Stratford London hybrid

Unpaid role

Voluntary

Education, legal and community services

Actively interviewing

Job Description

Join the Boards of the Mary Ward Settlement, the Mary Ward Legal Centre and the Blackfriars Settlement at a pivotal time for the charities, as the Settlement has relocated to purpose-built accommodation in Stratford. The Mary Ward Settlement has a proud heritage as part of the Settlement Movement which developed in the late 19th Century as a response to urban poverty and social problems arising from industrialisation. Mary Ward founded the Settlement in 1892 to “provide public education and social service for the benefit of the community” at a time and in an area where great wealth and great deprivation stood side by side, much as they do today – the Settlement’s work continues to be important.

Currently the Settlement delivers its services via:

· The Mary Ward Centre – an Institute of Adult Learning and an adult and community learning provider offering a wide range of learning opportunities for local and pan London residents funded primarily by the Greater London Authority.  Most accredited provision is at Level 2 or below in Essential Skills (ESOL, English and Maths and Digital Skills.  There is also a significant and thriving non-accredited offer of courses ranging from 12 weeks to one day workshops, the majority of which are Art and Design. 

· The Mary Ward Legal Centre – providing free specialist legal advice on housing, welfare benefits and debt. We also provide free legal advice as part of our pro bono clinic in the areas of employment, housing, small claims, consumer, and family.

· The Blackfriars Settlement – providing services to the community including health and well-being for older people, and mental health and wellbeing services to support people achieve their goals and stay well.

The Settlement is looking for people who are passionate about social justice, lifelong learning and education, and the importance of strong local communities to foster wellbeing for all. This is an opportunity to:

· Apply your skills and experience in a leadership role.

· Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV

· Support a vital organisation during a time of transformation

· Contribute to the local community.

As part of the Board, you will:

· Set strategic direction

· Hold leadership to account

· Ensure governance excellence

· Act as a charity trustee and company director ensuring financial sustainability and legal compliance.

We welcome people who have knowledge and experience of working in the following areas including but not limited to:

· Education, particularly with Adult and Community Learning, FE or Local Authority experience

· Finance, Audit and RIsk

· IT and cyber security

· Legal, Governance and Compliance

· Marketing, HR, Communications and PR

· Fund Raising

· Health and wellbeing

· Charity

· Community work, including volunteering in your local community

Most meetings are remote, but two or three meetings a year will take place in Stratford, East London.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance in their search for two new Trustees.

About  Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) is one of the UK’s leading Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) charities, providing rapid, life-saving critical care across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our Helicopter and Critical Care Cars take the expertise of the hospital directly to the scene of the emergency, reaching any point in our two counties in under 20 minutes. Each mission costs approximately £4,000, and with over 32,000 missions since our founding in 1994, our service is made possible entirely through the generosity of the communities we serve.

LNAA is in a period of significant growth and transformation. We celebrated our 30th anniversary and our 30,000th mission in 2024 and were rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission in 2025 – a milestone that reflects the exceptional standards across our entire organisation. Looking ahead, our five-year strategy focuses on expanding our service further, including the introduction of a second helicopter in 2027 to ensure we can be by the side of even more patients when they need us most.

About the Trustee roles

To support this ambitious strategic direction, LNAA is seeking to appoint two new Trustees: one Generalist Trustee who will bring broad strategic leadership experience and sound governance judgement, and one specialist Trustee with expertise in Digital Technology and AI.

Role 1: Generalist Trustee

A strategic and collaborative leader, bringing broad experience, sound judgement and the ability to contribute constructively to Board discussion across a range of areas.

Essential:

Senior-level strategic leadership or governance experience. Ability to contribute broad perspective, constructive challenge and sound judgement to Board discussions.

Desirable:

• Experience in areas such as Finance, Aviation, Commercial leadership, Marketing or another relevant discipline.
• Familiarity with the charity or not-for-profit sector.

Role 2: Digital Technologies / AI Expertise

Use your skills and expertise to provide insight into digital transformation, AI innovation and emerging technologies, ensuring our work remains relevant, ethical and future-ready.

Essential:

• In depth knowledge of Digital and AI technologies, including strategy and emerging trends.
• Experience providing strategic oversight or advisory input at board or senior level.

Desirable:

• Awareness of ethical and regulatory issues around AI and digital transformation.
• Track record in driving digital innovation, ideally in a non-profit or public sector setting.

Cheerer Volunteering at the Great North run

Would you like to have a great day out, while supporting Shelter’s fundraisers?

Information about the role

The main thing we need you to do is cheer! You will be a vital part of race day, supporting 170 Shelter runners from the side lines. You’ll need to help create a high energy, friendly atmosphere, motivating everyone on race day to do their best.

Volunteering at this event is also an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit whilst contributing towards our mission.

Date: Sunday 13 September 2026

Time: Half a day – approx. 9am – 2pm

Location: Newcastle/Gateshead – along the race route

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

This role fights the housing emergency by creating an inspirational buzz and providing much needed support to our fantastic runners, helping them in their mission to raise money for our Fight for Home.  

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Next steps

If you would like to volunteer at this event, click ‘fill in an application’. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

Newmarket Housing Trust is seeking 2 Trustees (1 x safeguarding and 1 x housing young people). 

Newmarket Housing Trust supports young people and those in financial hardship working in the Horse Racing Industry in Newmarket to access affordable and appropriate housing. 

Many young people across the UK enter the industry each year on apprenticeships, initially completing a residential training course at an education provider, such as the British Racing School, before being employed by a training yard or stud to complete their apprenticeship. It is particularly challenging for these young people under the age of 18 to find accommodation, as they are unable by law to hold a tenancy leaving them vulnerable or unable to enter paid employment in Newmarket. 

Our first project, a 24 room Halls of Residence with live in warden, is currently under construction and due to open August 2027. This accommodation will address many of the issues young people working in horseracing face in Newmarket and will aid the transition from education to employment by providing affordable accommodation, onsite guidance and support and promoting wellbeing. The accommodation will house 16–18-year-olds who have graduated from the British Racing School, National Horseracing College or National Stud and have an offer of employment in Newmarket.

We are looking for 2 x Trustees, with experience in either safeguarding or housing, in particular housing young people. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved with a Charity at the start of its journey, helping to shape policy and strategic direction as we support young people transistioning from education to employment in the Horse Racing Industry.

Please see Job Description for full details.

Blood Cancer UK is looking for new Trustees, due to the upcoming retirement of current Board members. At Blood Cancer UK we fund world-class research, provide trusted information and support to people affected by blood cancer, and campaign to improve outcomes for everyone living with or beyond blood cancer. Our vision is clear: we are here to beat blood cancer. 

Who we are looking for 

We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to beating blood cancer and who can bring strategic thinking, sound judgement, curiosity and a collaborative approach. You do not need previous trustee experience to apply. 

We would particularly welcome applicants with experience in areas such as, finance, working in the NHS, clinical practice, research, fundraising, or marketing. We are also keen to hear from people with personal experience of blood cancer and from people whose voices and experiences are under-represented in charity governance. 

How to apply 

Please apply by submitting your CV and a supporting statement (no more than 2 A4 pages) outlining why you are interested in becoming a Trustee and what you would bring to the role. 

Help our registered charity with retreats or community events!

We are a registered charity, housed in a beautiful English medieval manor with an ancient courtyard and a magnificent timbered Great Hall, dating from the 13th century. It is situated in extensive grounds where deer roam freely and where squirrels run up and down trees.

We are recruiting volunteers to join and to help us run activities. In exchange of your work, we offer free board, including 3 meals a day. We hold retreats, workshops, and run a weekly community cafe intended to create an exchange between the Abbey charity and the local community. 
As a volunteer, you will play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for our guests and visitors and you will greatly benefit from the interactions with our retreat visitors who come from all ways of life. 

You will have your own unique room in this ancient building BUT DEPENDING ON THE ACTIVITIES (usually during a retreat) YOU CAN BE ASKED TO SHARE A ROOM WITH ANOTHER VOLUNTEER — always around the same age and gender, and usually for no more than 3 or 4 nights. The rooms are not en-suite but there are showers and toilets nearby. The food provided is vegetarian.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR STAY IS SUBJECT TO A ONE WEEK TRIAL. It is something to keep in mind before applying. This rule applies to us as well as to you: the first week is an opportunity for both sides to make sure that the arrangement is a good fit.

For UK nationals or people with the settled status, you can stay at the Abbey for up to 3 months. 

We expect volunteers to help 25 hours per week. You must be able to help flexibly, both independently and as part of a group, and without us having to chase you. Please note that we are expecting from our volunteers to help with whatever is needed rather than what they want to do. We expect volunteers to be responsible, proactive, mature and respectful. 

Most of the help is very straight forward and does not require special skills: we mainly need help to keep the place clean and tidy and to welcome guests and visitors. We are particularly interested in volunteers with housekeeping and hospitality experience, customer service skills, or volunteers able to help for different tasks as gardening, cooking, cleaning, DIY and so on. If you have a prior interest in mindfulness and/or meditation, we would be very interested if you would like to share your practice.

Your days off may not be the same from one week to another and you don't necessarily have consecutive days off. You will always work on Saturdays as we are running our weekly cafe and you may also sometimes work on Sundays depending on our activities, but you will have time off each week. The Abbey Manager and the Housekeeping & Volunteers Coordinator are  very cautious about providing the best balance possible between your work and your free time. Each Monday, you will have your weekly schedule.

After induction and training we like to get our volunteers straight into action. After training you would typically be expected to:
- Assist with cleaning, ironing and preparing the Abbey for our guests
- Give a hand in the kitchen and serve food to our guests and clients
- Welcome guests and visitors.

Please note that you will be sharing a house with a small group of people (usually between 5 and 6), mainly international volunteers, and we expect you to be part of the Abbey life (e.g. you don't take your meals on your own in your room). You will be living, eating and working among other people with different temperaments, cultures and personalities. The Abbey is not the place for you if you don’t enjoy socializing and if you don't wish to be part of a group. Of course, you will have plenty of time for quiet and solitude each day and there will be time for your own work, besides the Abbey tasks, if you are a digital nomad. And on your days off, you do your own things and live your life :)

Our house is a quiet and peaceful place, well suited for rest, reflection and respectful communication. It isn't a place for late night parties, illegal drugs and a city lifestyle — but if you like being surrounded by nature and meeting new people from different cultures as well as living and working together in a friendly and beautiful environment, then this is the place to be. You will have a lot of freedom, autonomy and time for yourself as long as the work is done and the house rules are respected.

Seeking a Chair/Co-Chair and a Treasurer

Are you passionate about helping children develop a love of reading? 

We are looking for a Chair/Co-Chair and a Treasurer with Board level experience to support our small but mighty charity to bring the joy of reading to primary school children across the country.

Location: Online Salary: Voluntary with reasonable expenses reimbursed

Deadline for applications: 30th September 2026

About Us:

The Children’s Bookshow is a national charity that inspires children with a love of books and reading through an annual programme of inspiring theatre and digital performances and engaging creative workshops. We showcase some of the best authors and illustrators of children’s books from around the world, and celebrate children’s literature in translation. 

We are an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation that has been running successfully for 24 years. Each year, we deliver 15 events in venues ranging from iconic theatres such as The Old Vic in London to community spaces and smaller scale theatres such as the New Wolsey in Ipswich, plus a programme of 60 creative workshops in primary schools. We target areas of high socio-economic deprivation, support environmental sustainability, and partner with local authorities, libraries and education providers. Every child who attends our theatre performances receives a free copy of the author’s book to take home and keep. This is integral to our offer - putting excellent books directly into the hands of children.

“Having Frank Cottrell-Boyce in for a free workshop really did make such a difference to our school and to our children. Frank was able to inspire every single child to write, no matter their need or ability, and children who would normally be reluctant to share their ideas in front of the class were confident to do so. Every single one of them went home talking non-stop about the amazing author they had met - with many now inspired to become authors. I can't put into words how grateful we are or how much of an impact those couple of hours have had on both the children and staff.”  Teacher,Winyates Primary, Peterborough

The opportunities:

If you have the expertise and passion to support our work and help us to deliver the impact and change experienced by Winyates Primary, then we would love to hear from you!

Thanks to successful fundraising, The Children’s Bookshow is financially stable for the next two years. Iterative growth and continued financial sustainability are crucial for us to fulfill our aspirations for the future: 

• Give more primary school children the invaluable experience of a live author event at a local theatre.

• Enable children to work creatively with a world class artist in their own classroom.

• Increase book ownership by putting a free book into the hands of every child who attends one of our performances.

We are recruiting a Chair/Co-Chair and a Treasurer to join our Board of highly-skilled, committed and friendly Trustees to guide and support us in achieving these aims.

Chair/Co-Chair:

We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Chair/Co-Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. You will work with our Board to ensure good governance, and act as a supportive, critical friend to our Senior Leadership team. 

What You Will Do

• Lead Board meetings and maintain focus on our core mission.

• Support and guide our CEO and Senior Leadership Team.

• Collaboratively with Trustees, ensure our charity complies with legal duties and Charity Commission regulations.

• Act as an external figurehead to help raise our profile.

We Are Looking For:

• A commitment to the values and mission of our charity.

• Strong strategic leadership, communication, and listening skills.

• A supportive, engaged and positive approach helping to move our charity forward to achieve our shared aims.

Time commitment: around 8-10 days per year.

Treasurer:

We are seeking a new Treasurer to ensure high standards of financial governance and decision-making, and to act as a key sounding board for the Co-Directors in the financial planning, management and reporting of our charity. This will include overseeing our annual budget and cashflow and quarterly management accounts, and advising on how best to invest our reserve fund. 

We are looking for: a skilled and experienced  finance professional, ideally with accountancy qualifications, with Board level experience with a UK charity and an interest in our work.

Time commitment: around 5-7 days per year.

Meetings:

There are typically four Board meetings a year lasting around an hour. Three of these meetings take place online and we endeavour to meet in person once a year in central London for a meeting followed by lunch. We welcome Trustees to attend our theatre performances and online events wherever possible to directly experience our work. 

We also have a Finance and Operations Committee that occasionally meets online and reports to the Board, which Trustees are invited to opt into to share their expertise in specific areas such as Finance, Staffing, Fundraising and Development. 

How to apply

Please email your CV and a covering letter (each a maximum of 2 sides of A4) detailing your relevant expertise and experience for the role of Chair/Co-chair or Treasurer, and why you would like to be part of The Children’s Bookshow. We look forward to hearing from you. 

The Children’s Bookshow is committed to creating a collaborative Board of Trustees that is inclusive and representative of our society. We actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and from all sections of society to apply.