Strategic lead volunteer roles in penrith, cumbria

Location: Remote (with weekly virtual check-in)
Time Commitment: 2–3 hours per week
Reports to: Charity Operational Director
Contract: Volunteer (unpaid)

Help Us Grow by Using Your Research Skills for Good

Are you an avid reader, a natural researcher, or someone who enjoys deep dives into information online? Would you like to use those skills to support a grassroots environmental charity?

Willowbrook Farm Charity is looking for a dedicated Volunteer Funds & Partnerships Researcher to help us identify potential grant opportunities and partnerships that align with our mission:
Nurturing Sustainable and Equitable Communities through education, biodiversity, and sustainable farming.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Conducting deep online research to identify grant providers, CSR programmes, and funding opportunities that align with our values

• Reading and analysing funder guidelines to assess eligibility, fit, and application requirements

• Creating clear summaries and recommendations based on your findings

• Identifying potential partnerships with organisations, trusts, or foundations that share our ethos

• Meeting with the Director once a week (remotely) to discuss research progress and priorities

This Role Is Ideal For Someone Who:

• Loves researching and reading in-depth content

• Has excellent comprehension and analysis skills

• Can spot opportunities that match specific criteria

• Is detail-oriented, thorough, and curious

• Enjoys working independently with a purpose

• Wants to support sustainability, inclusion, biodiversity, and ethical living

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to contribute directly to the growth and sustainability of a values-led charity

• Experience in nonprofit research and funding development

• A flexible role that fits around your schedule (just 2–3 hours a week)

• Weekly contact and support from our friendly team

• A reference or LinkedIn endorsement after 4+ months of contribution

• The satisfaction of helping secure funding for meaningful, community-based work

The Impact You'll Have

As a Volunteer Funds & Partnerships Researcher, you will play a critical behind-the-scenes role in helping Willowbrook Farm Charity grow and thrive. Your research will directly contribute to:

• Identifying funding that sustains our projects – Your work will uncover grant opportunities that help us deliver hands-on environmental education, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable living.

• Ensuring we apply only to relevant opportunities – By carefully reading funder criteria and guidelines, you’ll save our small team time and resources, allowing us to focus our energy on the best-aligned funders.

• Laying the foundation for long-term partnerships – Your research may open doors to strategic partnerships with trusts, foundations, and organisations that share our values.

• Strengthening our resilience – In our post-pandemic rebuilding phase, every successful grant or partnership helps us remain independent, community-driven, and inclusive.

• Turning curiosity into change – Your love of reading and research will translate into tangible impact, helping create a fairer, greener future for the communities we serve.

You won’t just be gathering data—you’ll be helping connect people, values, and resources, shaping the future of a small charity with a big vision.

About Willowbrook Farm Charity

Based in Oxfordshire, we provide hands-on environmental education, promote sustainable living, and support inclusive access to nature. We work with people from all walks of life—especially those facing barriers to green spaces—and believe in building a fairer, greener future through practical, grassroots action.

Job description:

Job Title: Learning & Development Specialist

Location: Remote (UK-based)

Department: People & Culture

Reports To: Manager: Learning & Development

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a trailblazing organisation dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Rooted in a People First philosophy, we empower individuals and teams to drive systemic change through equitable learning and growth opportunities.

Role Overview

As the Learning & Development Specialist, you will lead the design and delivery of impactful learning programs that align with QuilomboUK’s mission and strategic goals. You’ll develop leadership curricula, create engaging instructional materials, oversee induction training, and continuously refine L&D initiatives based on feedback and data. This role is ideal for a creative, data-driven professional passionate about fostering inclusive leadership and equipping teams with the skills to advance social justice.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership Development & Training

• Design and implement leadership training curricula, workshops, and coaching programs that cultivate inclusive, equitable, and socially conscious leaders.
• Partner with senior leaders to identify skill gaps and align learning and development (L&D) strategies with organisational objectives.
• Facilitate dynamic workshops on topics like anti-bias leadership, conflict resolution, and change management.

Instructional Design & Content Development

• Create engaging, accessible learning materials, including e-learning modules, facilitator guides, videos, and assessments, using tools like Articulate 360 or Adobe Captivate.
• Embed D&I principles and social justice themes into all content, ensuring cultural relevance and representation.
• Develop microlearning resources and toolkits to support continuous, self-directed learning in a remote environment.

AI-Enhanced Instructional Design

• Using various platforms, create dynamic, AI-generated content (e.g., simulations, scenario-based learning), and adaptive e-learning modules.
• Build AI-driven assessments and feedback loops to measure knowledge retention and behavioural change.

Onboarding & Integration

• Lead the design and delivery of induction programs that immerse new hires in QuilomboUK’s mission, values, and D&I commitments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure onboarding content reflects role-specific and cultural integration needs.
• Monitor new hire feedback to refine onboarding experiences and reduce time-to-productivity.

Training Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Measure training effectiveness using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as engagement rates, knowledge retention, and behavioural change.
• Analyse feedback surveys, LMS data, and performance metrics to identify gaps and iterate on content.
• Stay ahead of L&D trends (e.g., gamification, AI-driven learning) to innovate QuilomboUK’s programs.

D&I Integration

• Ensure all learning initiatives prioritise equity, cultural competence, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Partner with ERG (Employee Resource Group) leaders to co-create programs that address systemic inequities.
• Advocate for accessible learning design, including accommodations for neurodiverse individuals and those with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years in L&D, instructional design, or leadership development, ideally within mission-driven or D&I-focused organisations, with hands-on experience using AI tools.
• Skills:
• Expertise in e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate, Canva) and LMS platforms.
• Strong facilitation and storytelling skills for remote and hybrid audiences.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) to measure program impact.
• Proficiency in prompt engineering for generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) to create scalable content.
• Knowledge:
• Deep understanding of adult learning theories, inclusive pedagogy, and social justice frameworks.
• Familiarity with UK compliance standards related to workplace training.
• Understanding of ethical AI frameworks, algorithmic bias mitigation, and GDPR-compliant AI use in HR.
• Familiarity with AI and how it can amplify (or hinder) equitable learning outcomes.
• Alignment: Passionate about QuilomboUK’s mission and the role of L&D in driving equitable change.

Personal Attributes

• A visionary thinker who balances creativity with analytical rigour.
• Collaborative bridge-builder who engages stakeholders at all levels.
• Adaptive and empathetic, with a knack for simplifying complex concepts.
• Committed to lifelong learning and amplifying underrepresented voices.

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

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

Main Tasks:

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

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

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

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

· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks

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

· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear

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

· Offer information on YBTC services

· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC

We are looking for people who are:

· Are warm and non-judgemental

· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks

· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers

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

different mobility/health conditions

We can offer you the following:

· Full induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people

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

Background

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

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

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

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

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

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

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

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

every week.

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

Our Vision/Mission

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

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

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

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

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

· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business

· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers

· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year

· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact

We are looking for people who are:

· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution

· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

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

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

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

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

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

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

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

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

every week.

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

Our Vision/Mission

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

research.

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

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

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

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

· Helping with event preparation

· Manning checkpoints

· Walking support

· First-aid support

· Marshals

· Support drivers

· Helping with community stalls

We are looking for people who are:

· Warm and non-judgemental

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Good team players, able to work with other staff/volunteers

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you the following:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

About Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity

Background

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

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

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

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

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

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

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

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

every week.

Our charity values are:

Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

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

National Ugly Mugs (NUM) is seeking people with a passion for sex workers’ rights and
safety to join our Board of Trustees.

About NUM and the role of trustees
NUM is a UK-wide charity working with sex workers to end all forms of violence against them. We design and deliver safety tools, carry out research, and provide specialist support services for people in adult industries. We serve sex workers of all genders, ages, abilities, cultures, and modes of work. Our secure digital reporting and alerting system warns communities about dangerous individuals, while our experiential support staff and trained Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) offer one-to-one, trauma-informed advocacy. We ensure sex workers have the information and resources they need to make informed choices about their lives.

Our wellbeing drop-in service (first launched in Glasgow) has now expanded to Manchester and London, alongside the addition of our dedicated vocational support programme for people looking to transition, diversify, or leave sex work. Our racial justice programme reclaims narratives on sex work and race through in-depth conversations, research, and collaborations between racialised sex workers and anti-racist activists, focusing on experiences across five key areas of public life. We conduct research, deliver education packages for professionals, and advocate for policy change to improve safety, rights, and recognition for sex workers across the UK.

We place lived experience at the heart of all services and decision-making, ensuring our
work reflects the needs, priorities, and expertise of the communities we serve.

Trustees at NUM play a vital role in helping us fulfil our core mission of ending all forms of violence against sex workers. They support NUM as an organisation and the members of the NUM team by providing support, advice and guidance through our day-to-day operations and the overall strategic vision of the charity. Some of that takes place at quarterly trustee meetings, where the CEO reports on NUM’s work and brings decisions and choices to the board for discussion and advice, and some takes place between meetings when individual trustees have skills or experience that can support team members and have the time to take on a supportive or mentoring role. Our current trustees bring with them a wide range of
experience from sex worker organising and advocacy, media and public engagement,
campaigning and social justice, academia, finance, and other aspects of the third sector.
They also oversee legally required duties such as approving the annual report, reviewing
risks and finances, and ensuring the charity complies with the law and meets its charitable
objectives.
Trustee roles are voluntary positions. However, NUM will pay for any reasonable expenses incurred as part of the role.

Who we’re looking for
The most important thing is that you believe in NUM’s work and want to join us to help us
continue this. We need people willing to volunteer their time to shape our practice and our services, and guide the charity as we continue to meet the needs of sex workers across the UK.

We particularly welcome applications from those with:

• Lived experience within sex worker communities
• Legal expertise (particularly relating to organisations, governance, and charity law)
• HR expertise (including recruitment, compliance, and employment law)
• Fundraising and income generation expertise

This experience may come from trustee roles, management positions in third-sector organisations, or other relevant voluntary or lived experience. You don’t need prior trustee experience — what matters most is commitment, skills, and a willingness to learn.

We value skills, competencies, and lived experience over job titles, and encourage applicants to draw on the full range of their background — including voluntary roles or sex work-based examples from their working history. We are looking for people who understand the realities of working within a charity and who can bring fresh ideas, insight, and expertise to support NUM’s mission.
If you don't have the specific skills listed above but believe you could contribute in other ways, we’d be happy to hear from you — please get in touch to discuss.

We are looking for Trustees who are proactive and solutions-focused. Individuals who, when they see a challenge, are willing to take the lead in mobilising others and driving practical action. Someone who doesn’t wait to be asked, but steps in with energy, clarity and a positive mindset to help move things forward collectively for NUM and in the pursuit of our
charitable goals.

Other skills and attributes that we would like from any prospective trustees are:

• A strong commitment to the mission and core values of NUM
• A high degree of integrity
• The ability to think strategically and plan for the future with good judgement
• Critical thinking skills
• Creativity
• The ability to work well as part of a team to collectively make decisions surrounding
• NUM’s future work, vision and strategy
• A willingness to undertake any necessary training
• An understanding of safeguarding
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a charity trustee

We know that great boards bring together a mix of perspectives, skills, and experiences - both lived and learned. We’re especially keen to hear from people whose voices are often underrepresented in leadership, including (but not limited to) people with experience in the sex industry, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people, people under 30 years old, and those from working-class backgrounds. If you care about our mission and meet the core criteria, please consider applying - even if you don’t tick every single box.

The responsibilities of trustees at NUM include:

• Attend four regular board meetings a year (online and/or in person)
• Advise on, and help develop, organisational strategy and delivery, including policies that fall within your expertise
• Ensure compliance with governing documents and the law
• Ensure accountability to funders, NUM members and wider movement
• Maintain proper fiscal oversight, signing off and scrutinising reporting against budgets
• Oversee the management of risks to NUM’s funding, reputation and delivery
• Exemplify NUM’s values and culture through ways of working and interacting
• Maintain effective board performance (including appointing new board members)
• Effectively work with, and respect the expertise of the NUM staff and volunteer team

We estimate that the role will require approximately 1–2 days per month, including quarterly meetings and some responsiveness between these. The standard term for a Trustee is 3 years.

We are looking for trustees who reflect the different communities served by Thirtyone:eight and bring a range of skills and expertise that will assist us in achieving our mission and vision.

We are particularly keen to appoint trustees who are based in, or who have relevant knowledge of operating in, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

We welcome applications from all ethnic minority groups and age-groups.

We are specifically looking for trustees with experience in the one or more of the following areas:

• IT
• Fundraising and Campaigning
• Marketing, Communications and PR

Commitment

Trustees currently meet as a full Board four times per year, one of which is in person and includes an overnight stay. The remaining meetings are conducted online and times vary to assist attendance of all members. In addition to full Board meetings, trustees will be strongly encouraged to participate in committees and working groups, which again are held remotely. An invitation is also extended to all trustees to attend an annual team event which includes an overnight stay.