Students school volunteer roles

Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people?

We are offering 1 young person aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer for 3 months with the Spanish Red Cross in Manresa (Creu Roja Manresa). Placements dates are planned for: September 2025 – December 2025 (subject to visas).

You will be supporting the Creu Roja Manresa youth team’s work with children and young people from excluded backgrounds e.g. migrants, those in the travelling community, homeless families and/or those with poor socio-economic conditions. You will assist in providing practical support e.g. a place to wash clothes, shower, have a meal, and assist with supported environment activities for children e.g. psycho-social support, support with homework, and a space to play.

You will support 3 projects run by the youth team which are thematically linked by humanitarian action at a community level, aimed at preventing social exclusion and improving young people’s well-being.

• Casal-ot: offers 3 hours of evening activities for a group of children, aged 3 -12 years old, during weekdays. Children are divided into groups and rotate through hands-on games, board games, and computing. Those with homework receive help with it, and each child has a responsibility in the kitchen (clearing, laying the table, washing up etc) related to the evening meal.
• Ludugurus: the Ludoteca is a bespoke building based over three floors, providing youth group activities for different age ranges during weekday evenings between 5.30 and 8.30pm. The groups are aged 6-10, 10-12 and 12-14 and the Ludoteca offers an outdoor space to play football, a homework room for quiet study as well as computers for games, board games and arts and crafts projects.
• JNA (Jo’venes Nu’cleo Antiguo (Teenagers from the Old Town): attended predominantly by boys, JNA is based around designated outdoor space which includes a football pitch/basketball court. The age range is between 12-16, for 2 hours per evening, and includes a different sport each week, as well as occasional workshops on health, sexuality, healthy eating etc. The football team may also play at weekends in local leagues.

This is a great opportunity to get involved in these projects and find out what you are interested in. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement!

Typical tasks may involve:

• Running activities with children, using your own initiative and creativity
• Meeting with staff and volunteers to plan, monitor and evaluate activities
• Supporting activities with young people
• Studying Catalan for at least one-two hours per day in order to facilitate integration into the host community and the project.
• Getting involved in other activities and/or services of the Red Cross in Manresa that may be of interest to you
• Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role. Interviews will take place online with shortlisted candidates.

We are keen to hear from individuals especially those who do not normally get the chance to volunteer overseas, who are passionate and motivated about working in the humanitarian sector and international volunteering but who also understand that these types of placements require adaptability and resilience. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs.

Please note that only young people (aged 18-25) based in Wales can apply for this role. Depending on the situation at the time, we will either run an in-person selection day or run zoom interviews with shortlisted candidates.

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

• CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
• The reading group is in Tooting and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education.
• Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
• The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
• The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
• Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
• Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates. 

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

We are currently offering an exciting honorary placement opportunity in schools for trainee or newly qualified counsellors/psychotherapists working towards BACP registration or accreditation.

About the Role:

Young People's Service

Honorary therapists work within the Psychotherapy Service at schools to provide emotional and therapeutic support to young people and children with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse or trauma. The post will entail jointly assessing and providing individual therapy and having weekly supervision with our therapists.

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in (or recently completed) a Level 4 or above counselling/psychotherapy course

• Student member of the BACP, UKCP, HCPC (or equivalent professional body) and adhere to ethical framework of awarding professional body

• Minimum of 50 supervised client hours completed

• Commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and inclusivity

• Minimum 1-2 year commitment

We Offer:

• Ongoing clinical supervision

• Valuable experience in delivering Trauma-Informed counselling support to a diverse client base

• Supportive and collaborative team environment

• Opportunities for further training and psychoeducational workshops

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and availability to Cindie Nielsen, Psychotherapy Services Manager.

Join Arts University Plymouth as Chair Designate of the Board of Governors. In this role, you will lead the body accountable for the strategic oversight of a bold, creative, and forward-thinking institution, as it shapes the future of arts education and innovation.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Tuesday 26th August 2025

Location: Plymouth, Devon

About Arts University Plymouth

Established in 1856, we are proud to be the Arts University in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City.

Founded in 1856 as Plymouth Drawing School, Arts University Plymouth offers a range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Pre-Degree study across Art, Design and Digital Media.

Our campus is home to our creative studios, workspaces and laboratories, our public gallery, ‘MIRROR’, Fab Lab South West, and Plymouth Arts Cinema. Making Futures is the university’s flagship international research platform.

Arts University Plymouth is the UK’s newest specialist arts university, and recently achieved the title of 2025 University of the Year (South West) at the Whatuni Awards, as well as being ranked 5th in the UK for Student Satisfaction and 2nd in the UK for staff to student ratio by the Complete University Guide. With a vision for a new kind of arts university for the 21st century, one that prepares graduates uniquely positioned to provide creative solutions to the complex global challenges of our time, our university is confident that we offer the best education to support the next generation of talent to succeed.

Our 2030 strategy, ‘Creative Education for a Changing World’, will ensure that our work is energised and designed to meet the ambitions of our students and staff, while acknowledging the shifting realm of creativity through new technologies and the workplaces of tomorrow.

About the role

To help us take the next transformative steps in delivering our strategy, we are seeking an experienced Chair with a passion for the power of creative education and research to transform lives, societies and cultures.

This is an exciting non-executive leadership opportunity for someone who can steward the university’s governance towards our 2030 ambitions, whilst working with the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive team to navigate the ever-changing and challenging higher education sector. This role will be pivotal in maximising the institution’s potential and positively impacting students and communities.

As Chair, you will champion sustainable growth, social justice, and the empowerment of our graduates to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Who we are looking for

This is an opportunity for a strategic leader to make a significant impact whilst advocating Arts University Plymouth’s place within the specialist HE sector.

We are seeking to appoint a Chair Designate with significant experience in governance who can lead with confidence, influence, and integrity.

The ideal candidate will work to foster a supportive environment while constructively challenging when necessary, helping us to push boundaries and achieve our goals.

The successful candidate will be an exemplary leader who champions our mission and values and who actively engages with students, staff, and other members of the Board of Governors.

The person appointed as our next Chair will demonstrate a deep commitment to inclusivity and reflect our dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of their leadership.

Importantly, we hope to appoint a values-led individual to become our next Chair, who shares our passion for the university, our pride in Plymouth and the South West region, and our deep commitment to creativity and innovation.

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

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 26th August 2025

Heartwood House is a dynamic education charity that supports young people who self-exclude from school and are missing education because of bullying or other trauma. They provide both an academic and therapeutic programme to enable their students to get back on track and reconnect with society. Heartwood House has been delivering services in NW London for 20 years.  They have supported many students in their return to mainstream education, further education and employment.  They work with many local authorities such as Harrow, Hillingdon, Hertfordshire, Brent, Ealing, Barnet, Camden and many more.

Heartwood House (based in Harrow) is now looking to strengthen its Board and we are seeking a Company Secretary and named Trustee for Governance and Law – you will bring insight and understanding of charity law, Charity Commission legal regulations, Company Legislation and best practice. 

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and a highly rewarding way to support an organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Heartwood House is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, Heartwood House are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.

MY NAME IS CLIMATE FILM FESTIVAL 2025

BIRMINGHAM JULY 11-12

Volunteer Photographer and Videographer wanted!

‪We are seeking photographers and videographers to help us document the "My Name is Climate" Film Festival 2025. The event will take place over two days on July 11 and 12 at The Best Western Plough and Harrow Hotel on Hagley Road, Birmingham. We will feature films addressing climate change, social issues, and animal and human rights, with Q&A sessions with filmmakers between screenings.

On Saturday, we will hold award ceremonies and networking opportunities following the screenings, along with photo sessions.

Volunteers are essential to our festival, which has been running since 2015, and we need your help to capture these moments. Please apply as soon as possible, and let us know what gear you have and your flexibility, as our schedule runs from 12:30 PM to 8 PM on both days. 

As a charity foundation focused on community awareness, your support will be greatly appreciated. You will be part of a collaborative team alongside other members.
 

We will cover food & drink expenses on site.

Thank you!

My Name Is Climate Team

Do you want to make a difference to Bristol’s mental health? Do you have experience in governing non-profits, or organisations in a similar field? Can you approach challenges with energy and expertise, and help steer the board of an ambitious and specialised organisation with confidence?

If this sounds like you, then we'd love to hear from you.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to...

• Lead a dedicated and passionate group of people (Board of Trustees)
• Help create transformative change that will enrich lives
• Support the strategic vision of an established, award-winning charity

The closing date for this vacancy is Friday 11th July 2025 at 11:59pm. 

Shortlisted candidates will have an interview with the panel in late July - exact date tbc.

We are looking for an Education trustee for Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning with senior educational experience.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for an Education Trustees who can contribute to the strategic direction of our small independent school based in Lancaster, Ofsted rated "Good"; attending termly Board meetings required by the independent school standards. 

The Board meetings are usually on a Friday afternoon and can be attended remotely.

Be the trustee presence on the Education Committee (other members of the committee are senior teaching staff), to provide oversight of the School Improvement plan and report back to the board of Trustees on status; attending bi-termly Education Committee Meetings.

The Education Trustee has line manager responsibility of two members of the school senior leadership team, including annual performance reviews.

At least once per term (3 times per year) the Education trustee will be expected to spend at least half day at school to complete lesson observations of direct report.

We are looking to make prompt appointment to better support our school.

What are we looking for?

Commitment to the ethos and values of the school and a willingness to devote time, enthusiasm and effort to the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee.

Specific professional knowledge and strategic experience in at least one of the following:

▪ Leadership experience within a school

▪ Experience of Independent School Standards  

Willingness to attend meetings of the Board and other meetings as required . Willingness to undertake training and participate in evaluation of the Board’s work.

The Charity and schools are committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment.  An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.      

Conduct as a Trustee is underpinned by the seven principles of public life, as identified by the Nolan Committee:

Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What difference will you make?

The opportunity carries the responsibility and purpose of ensuring the future viability of a very special school offering alternative education in the Lancaster area.

The school is not running at optimum capacity and strategic direction and support to broker key relationships to ensure student recruitment is operating in a way which reaches the young people most in need of our support is vital to the overall success of the charity and to open up opportunities for future investment and growth.

Context 

The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund is the leading UK charity for doctors, medical students and their families.  We provide support and advice to members of the medical profession and their dependents at times of crisis and serious need. We have made significant progress over the last few years growing our reach and increasing our impact.  As the medical profession continues to change, we want to build on our successes, and continue to meet new and emerging needs.

We are very fortunate to have a high profile and dedicated trustee board which includes senior representatives from across the medical profession. We are looking for up to two additional trustees to join our board and help provide strategic direction to the charity. 

We would like to ensure the continued diversity of our Board, and ideally applicants should have direct knowledge of the challenges currently facing the NHS.  In particular, applicants from primary care would be welcomed, as well as those connected to medical schools.  We encourage applicants from across the UK. 

Minimum time commitment

Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at RMBF offices in Wimbledon prior to their first Board meeting, and a Grants and Awards Committee meeting.  The post includes:

· attendance at four trustee meetings alternating between a Central London location, and Zoom

· the provision of additional support (usually by phone or email) around specific areas of expertise

· invitation to the annual general meeting (AGM) of RMBF, which takes place during the day in September

· strategy day held approximately every 2/3 years

· attending ongoing governance and trustee training sessions as required, and to keep skills current.

 Person specification 

Our trustees must have:

· a commitment to the objects and goals of RMBF

· a willingness to meet the minimum time commitment

· integrity

· strategic vision

· a willingness to actively contribute at meetings

· an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

· an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the benefit of RMBF

Duties of our trustees

The duties of an RMBF trustee board trustee are to:

Ensure the RMBF pursues its charitable objectives in ways which are relevant and appropriate for doctors, their families and medical students

Contribute actively to the Board by providing strategic leadership to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance

Safeguard the RMBF’s reputation, in particular by ensuring it operates legally and ethically, within its constitution; by ensuring the success of its charitable work; and by ensuring that it remains financially viable.

RMBF Governance

For information, other committees supporting the RMBF are:

• The Grants and Awards Committee which meets on the first or second Wednesday of alternating months 
• the Finance Committee which meets in December, March and June immediately preceding the Board 
• the Compliance Committee which meets in June
• the Staffing Committees which meets in March

To apply, please send your CV with a covering statement to Mrs Michelle Zal by close of play on Friday 11th July.  Interview dates TBC, but taking place shortly after the closing date, remotely for first round, and in-person at RMBF offices in Wimbledon for second round. 

If you require more information ahead of applying, please contact Mrs Michelle Zal, Admin Manager/Committee Secretary in the first instance.

About UK Reads

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

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

About the Pen Pal Project

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

The project supports pupils in:

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

• Strengthening confidence, empathy, and communication through storytelling

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

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

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

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

Role Overview

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

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

Responsibilities

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

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

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

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

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

• Use creativity and cultural awareness to promote engagement and curiosity

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

  • Reviewing students’ letters for safeguarding

  • Submitting short post-session reflections or feedback forms

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

Time Commitment

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

• Each session includes:

  • ~1 hour in-school delivery time

  • ~1 hour admin/reflection time

• Plus training, planning, and communication time as needed

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

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

Who We're Looking For

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

Essential:

• Strong spoken and written English

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

• Reliable, organised, and able to follow session plans

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

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

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

• Willing to complete a DBS check and safeguarding training

Desirable (but not required):

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

What You’ll Gain

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

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

• Support from a dedicated project coordinator throughout your placement

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel costs

• A reference upon successful completion

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

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

Safeguarding & Inclusion

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

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

Excalibur Academies Trust, a dynamic and growing Academy Trust with schools spanning from Bristol to Reading, is looking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees, possessing extensive leadership, governance and chairing experience, to lead its Board. The Trust is based in Marlborough, Wiltshire, comprises 20 schools and has an annual budget of £140m.

Excalibur Academies Trust (EAT) is a dynamic and growing Multi-Academy Trust based in Marlborough, Wiltshire. The Trust comprises 20 schools across a broad geographical area, stretching from Bristol in the West to Reading in the East. It includes six secondary schools (four of which have post-16 provision) and 14 primary schools, some of which include nursery provision, enabling the Trust to deliver education across the full 2–19 age range.

EAT was established in 2012 and has grown steadily, expanding significantly in 2023 by welcoming a five-school Multi-Academy Trust into its fold. The Trust now operates a diverse portfolio of schools serving a wide range of communities, from small rural primaries with mixed-age classes to large urban secondaries with over 1,700 pupils. The Trust includes five Church of England schools linked to the Oxford and Salisbury Dioceses, making EAT a ‘mixed MAT’ with bespoke Articles of Association that accommodate both faith-designated and community schools. The diversity of the Trust is a key strength, underpinning its inclusive ethos and commitment to high standards across all settings.

Ofsted has judged the majority of EAT’s schools as ‘Good’, with one school rated ‘Outstanding’. The Trust has a dedicated School Improvement Team which works closely with schools to support them on their development journeys.

The Trust’s finances are managed prudently, with schools maintaining balanced budgets despite ongoing pressures in the education sector. EAT has an annual income of approximately £140 million and holds comfortable reserves. Some schools include specialist resource bases for pupils with additional needs such as hearing or visual impairments or autism spectrum conditions, and EAT’s provision for SEND and safeguarding has been consistently strong. EAT receives annual capital allocations to maintain and improve its estate. A central estates team supports individual schools, ensuring all buildings are safe and well-maintained.

Governance at EAT is well-established and effective. The Trust has four Members, including a representative of the Church of England, and 13 Trustees from diverse professional backgrounds. Several Trustees joined following the 2023 merger, bringing valuable insight and expertise. The Board is supported by a Head of Governance and has benefitted from an External Review of Governance (ERG), conducted by the Confederation of School Trusts (CST). The recommendations from the ERG have largely been implemented, and the Trust operates a stable and robust governance structure. EAT is a member of both the CST and the National Governance Association (NGA), giving Trustees access to extensive training and support.

The Trust’s Requirements

Excalibur Academies Trust is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Trust Board and support the Trust’s continued development. The current Chair, who has served since 2018, will step down in summer 2025 due to increasing work commitments. This role offers a rare opportunity to influence the strategic direction of one of the largest and most diverse MATs in the South of England.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience of chairing a Board or acting as vice-chair or committee chair in a complex organisation. They will be comfortable leading a board of significant scale and overseeing matters such as finance, education, risk, and governance. A background in executive leadership—particularly within education, public service, or corporate governance—would be advantageous.

The Chair will play an important strategic and leadership role, working closely with the CEO, Trustees, Members, and executive leaders. While current arrangements do not include a regular scheduled meeting between the Chair and CEO, the CEO is open to establishing a routine catch-up—initially more frequent, then settling to monthly or half-termly as appropriate.

Board meetings are held six times per year, typically on Friday mornings from 9am – 11am, and usually followed by a school tour to see the Board’s impact in action. Meetings take place across sites in the Trust but most commonly include:

• St John’s Marlborough, SN8 4AX
• Ashton Park School, Bristol, BS3 2JL
• John O’Gaunt School, Hungerford, RG17 0AN
• Fairfield High School, Bristol, BS7 9NL
• The Wren School, Reading, RG30 2BB

Occasionally, meetings are held at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Swindon, SN5 8UB.

Committee meetings are held online via MS Teams, usually on Friday mornings and lasting up to two hours. Trustees are expected to join one or two committees. The current committees include:

• Finance, Premises & IT (six meetings per year)
• Audit & Risk (three meetings per year)
• Education Scrutiny & Student Welfare (four meetings per year)
• Staffing (between four and five meetings per year)
• Academy Committee Chairs (six meetings per year)
• Christian Distinctiveness (one meeting per year)
• Admissions Panel (ad hoc as required)

While the Chair is not expected to lead all committees, the current view is that the incoming Chair will sit on the Finance, Premises & IT Committee (which will be chaired by another trustee, per DfE requirements) and attend Audit & Risk Committee meetings.

The successful candidate will be well-supported in their induction and transition into the role. Existing Trustees bring substantial experience and are committed to ensuring a smooth handover. EAT’s Head of Governance will provide detailed onboarding and compliance support, while the CEO and fellow Trustees will welcome the new Chair into a culture of collaboration, integrity, and shared purpose.

This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced leader to contribute to the strategic growth and educational excellence of a forward-thinking, values-driven trust. With a proven track record of school improvement and sound financial stewardship, EAT is poised for continued success – and the new Chair will be central to that journey.

The Board of Aston Community Education Trust, comprising 12 schools primarily centred in Sheffield, is recruiting up to four new Trustees possessing a range of skills – including finance, risk and audit; marketing; safeguarding, curriculum and standards; and legal/procurement. The Trust supports 5,000 young people and has an annual budget of c.£40 million.

Aston Community Education Trust (ACET) operates 12 schools, primarily based in Sheffield, with offices in Holderness. Established in 2011, ACET was an early adopter of the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) model. The Trust includes nine primary academies—most of which received ‘Good’ or better ratings in their latest Ofsted inspections—and three secondary academies. Of the secondaries, one is rated ‘Good’ while the other two are judged as ‘Requiring Improvement,’ though both are progressing well according to Ofsted monitoring.

ACET runs an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit at Thurcroft Juniors, which has been rated ‘Outstanding’. From September 2025, all junior schools within the Trust will transition to full primary schools, expanding their intake to include Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils. ACET is a well-established, medium-sized Trust known for its robust leadership and transparent governance, with regular audits and Ofsted reviews publicly shared online. The Trust is firmly embedded in the urban heart of South Yorkshire.

ACET operates under clearly defined Articles of Association and a revised Scheme of Delegation that guides its governance. It maintains strong working relationships with Sheffield, Rotherham, and Derbyshire local authorities. The Trust actively engages with DfE-funded English and Maths Hubs for curriculum and teacher training support.

Its secondary academies collaborate with Wales High School in Rotherham, and all schools participate in teacher training placements for PGCE and QTS qualifications through partnerships with Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield. The primary schools benefit from a collaborative hub model, with professional development and leadership training available across all academies.

Currently, ACET is not seeking immediate expansion in terms of adding new schools to the Trust. The strategic focus is rather on converting its junior schools into full primary settings and strengthening outcomes across its secondary phase. The CEO’s senior leadership team includes a range of school improvement professionals working across both phases, supporting leaders with inspections and improving educational outcomes.

The Trust serves approximately 5,000 pupils and employs around 750 staff. Its academies serve a diverse demographic, predominantly from lower socio-economic areas of Sheffield. Two schools—Listerdale and Waverley Primary Academies—have more balanced socio-economic intakes. A defining characteristic of the Trust is its focus on supporting disadvantaged communities, including families with intergenerational unemployment. The Trust leadership is deeply committed to using education as a transformative tool and views ACET as a central community anchor.

Financially, ACET’s 2023/24 outturn aligned with expectations. All academies operated within their original budgets, and the Trust maintained an annual income of approximately £40 million. The 2023/24 external audit report confirmed ACET’s compliance and effective management of DfE funding. The Trust holds reserves in line with DfE recommendations, indicating prudent financial stewardship. Nonetheless, like many Trusts serving disadvantaged populations, ACET faces growing budgetary pressures. High SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) needs and poor attendance rates among secondary students are particularly impactful on financial and academic performance.

The Trust’s Requirements

ACET’s Trust Board currently comprises eight Trustees, though several retirements are anticipated within the next year. The Trust aims to recruit at least four new Trustees to maintain governance capacity and expertise. Specifically, the Trust seeks individuals with skills in:

1. finance, risk and audit;
2. marketing;
3. safeguarding, curriculum and standards;
4. legal/procurement.

There may also be a need to appoint a new Chair and Vice Chair within 12 months, so candidates with Board leadership experience and ambition to assume such a role within the Trust are especially welcome.

Succession planning is underway, and the Trust is working to ensure Board resilience during this transition. All Trustees have the option to operate remotely if required.

In terms of governance structure, ACET has four members – an ‘eyes-on, hands-off’ role akin to that of the shareholder – and completed an External Trust Review with the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) in March 2023. A follow-up action plan is currently in progress.

Trustee time commitments are clearly outlined: the full Board meets up to six times per year, while sub-committees meet at least once per term. Trustees usually join one or two committees aligned to their expertise.

Meetings are scheduled for late afternoons and offer both in-person and remote attendance options. Local candidates from Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, or Derbyshire are especially encouraged to apply, provided they bring relevant expertise.

New Trustees will complete a structured induction that includes face-to-face and online sessions, mentoring, and engagement with senior leaders, including the CEO, CFO, and academy heads. Trustees are expected to contribute beyond regular meetings by joining committees, participating in review panels, attending key Trust events, and, where appropriate, helping to appoint senior leaders. Committee meetings are held termly and typically last around two hours.

ACET has a well-developed governance infrastructure. It employs a Lead Governance Professional, a Financial Director, and a team of School Improvement Directors who support the CEO in preparing reports and maintaining oversight. The Trust places high importance on safeguarding and has a dedicated Safeguarding Governance Group led by executive staff and supported by designated safeguarding leads across academies. A safeguarding Trustee is nominated annually, and all Trustees are required to complete safeguarding training and remain familiar with statutory guidance, including the DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE). Safeguarding is monitored rigorously, with data shared regularly with the Board and included in the Annual Report.

ACET supports its Trustees through partnerships with the National Governance Association (NGA) and CST, enhancing professional development opportunities. The Trustee role is seen as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to educational and social impact in South Yorkshire. The Trust is described as forward-thinking and led by a second-generation CEO committed to sustainable growth over the next five years. Every decision is anchored in ACET’s values of excellence, equity, integrity, empowerment, and esteem, all of which place children at the heart of the Trust’s mission.

Salford City College is currently seeking professionals with Board-level or appropriate life experience to join our Corporation Board.

What will you be doing?

As one of the most successful and influential colleges in the region, Salford City College is home to over 11,000 students spread across six campuses, offering a broad range of provision from A-levels and vocational courses, to Apprenticeships, Higher Education, community outreach programmes and employer training.

We are actively seeking to diversify the makeup of the Corporation to more accurately reflect our student body.

The post is voluntary, and the typical commitment is around 90 hours per academic year. In addition to the work of the Corporation and its committees, governors are encouraged to participate in the life of the College, which includes graduations, award ceremonies and shows performed by the celebrated Pendleton School of Theatre.

What are we looking for?

Applications are particularly welcomed from those with experience in the following areas:

• Teaching and Academia – we are looking for applicants with academic backgrounds in Further or Higher Education and, in particular, those with experience of teaching inspection/audits, quality assurance or academic governance.
• Business and commercial - we are seeking applicants who have held senior executive roles within the private, business and commercial sectors.

What difference will you make?

As one of our Governors, you will help set the strategic direction of the College, and ensure that we are meeting the needs of all our learners. Working effectively with Board colleagues, you will contribute to College decision-making and monitor executive performance to help us deliver the best possible education.

Before you apply

If you are interested in becoming a governor at Salford City College Group, please contact us via the Reach website,  to learn more about the application and appointment process. 

Job Title: Volunteer Fundraiser
Organisation: Soulscape
Location: Berkshire
Position Type: Voluntary
Time Commitment: 8–16 hours per week (flexible)
 

About Soulscape

Soulscape is a Wokingham-based charity working with schools in Berkshire to support young people’s mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. We create safe, reflective spaces where students can explore the big issues in their lives—from anxiety and identity to relationships and resilience.

In the last year alone, we worked with over 5,000 young people across 27 schools. With demand for our programmes growing, we’re looking for a dedicated Volunteer Fundraiser to help us reach even more young people.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to use their creativity and leadership skills to support a cause that really matters. As our Volunteer Fundraiser, you'll:

• Lead fundraising initatives

• Plan and coordinate a range of engaging fundraising events and campaigns

• Bring fresh and innovative ideas to increase income and awareness

• Oversee event logistics and ensure compliance with relevant policies

• Maintain financial records from fundraising activities

• Be an ambassador for Soulscape within the local community

What We're Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is enthusiastic, proactive, and passionate about helping young people. Ideally, you will have:

• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills

• A positive, can-do attitude

• Good organisational skills and attention to detail

• Confidence in prioritising tasks and delegating responsibility

• Experience handling money and event coordination

• Knowledge of local community networks (desirable but not essential)

What You'll Gain

• The chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people

• Opportunities to develop new skills in fundraising, leadership, and event planning

• Flexible volunteering hours that can fit around your schedule

• Experience working within a friendly, passionate, and growing team

• The opportunity to shape the direction of fundraising at Soulscape

Time Commitment

We are looking for someone who can volunteer 8 to 16 hours per week, with flexibility depending on your availability. This role could be shared between two volunteers if preferred.