Students school volunteer roles

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.

Role title – Treasurer
Sector – Music and the Arts
Hours – 1–1.5 days per month plus quarterly Board meetings
Location – Remote with some London Board meetings
Salary – Voluntary role
Travel requirement – Occasional
Contract type – Voluntary
Accountable to – Chair of Trustees, working closely with CEO and Board of Trustees
Start date – October 2025

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About the Stephen Dodgson Charitable Trust

The Stephen Dodgson Charitable Trust was established in 2015 to support musicians (including professional, student, schools music groups and community groups) and celebrate the music and legacy of British composer Stephen Dodgson (1924–2013). Stephen Dodgson had a long, distinguished and multifaceted career as a composer, Professor at the Royal College of Music and Radio 3 broadcaster. His musical voice could be both playful and deeply evocative, and he was much loved as a mentor to younger generations of musicians that worked with and taught.

The Trust awards grants to musicians, ensembles, festivals, educational institutions and arts organisations that perform, record or raise awareness of Dodgson’s music in line with the Trust’s charitable aims. The Trust responds to external grant applications and we also curate our own artistic and commemorative projects. A small, dedicated Board of Trustees works closely with the Trust CEO to guide and support the organisation’s work, ensuring funds are used thoughtfully and make a lasting, meaningful difference to the classical music community.

Recent projects also include a beautiful centenary book, a collection of essays and fond reminiscences about Stephen Dodgson – the man and the musician – which came out in 2024.

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About the Role

The Trust is looking for a Treasurer to join our Board and take the lead in overseeing the charity’s finances. This is a key role, offering the chance to make a direct impact on the Trust’s ability to support musicians and projects with confidence and transparency.

The Treasurer is responsible for both strategic oversight and hands-on financial management — from preparing budgets and reports to supporting the Chair, CEO and fellow Trustees in financial planning and risk management. This rewarding role will help many interesting and worthwhile projects come to fruition and includes plenty of opportunities to enjoy attending concerts and other similar events. (Recent events include two epic concerts featuring major Dodgson works at St John’s Smith Square, the opening night of this year’s Barnes Music Festival and a Snape Maltings performance of Dodgson’s four-act opera Margaret Catchpole.)

This role would suit someone with financial management skills or similar, and a fair knowledge of and interest in classical music, arts funding, and charitable work more generally. A good communicator who enjoys working collaboratively with others and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to promote music and musicians – especially young musicians ­ will thrive in this role.

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Key Responsibilities

As a Trustee

• Help guide the Trust’s overall strategy and governance
• Ensure the charity’s funds are managed responsibly and in line with our objectives
• Contribute to grant-making decisions and long-term planning
• Act in the best interests of the Trust and support our mission and values
• Represent the Trust at sponsored performances and events

As Treasurer

• Maintain an overview of the Trust’s financial health
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations: bookkeeping, invoice payments, bank statement reconciliations
• Prepare quarterly bank account reconciliations and financial outlooks for the Board
• Ensure compliance with charity law and financial regulations, including annual reports to the Charity Commission
• Advise on budgeting, cashflow, reserves, and investment planning 
• Monitor financial risks and ensure appropriate policies and controls are in place
• Apply at least once a year to HMRC to claim Gift Aid on donations made to the Trust
• Keep Charity Commission and HMRC records up to date
• Work closely with the CEO in aligning financial decisions with impact and priorities, and maintaining contact with ongoing projects

Supporting the Chair

• Assist the Chair in providing leadership and direction for the Board, and enabling the Board to fulfil their responsibilities
• Ensure that the Trust pursues our objects as defined in our governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations
• Support the Chair in enabling well-rounded and strategic discussions among Trustees
• Work in partnership with the Chair and Trustees to support the CEO and freelance staff, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation

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What the Trust Is Looking For

The Trust would welcome someone with the following:

Essential:

• Financial management experience, ideally within or alongside the charity or arts sector
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain finance clearly to others
• Familiarity with accounting software (e.g. Excel, Googlesheets, Xero or similar)
• A sound understanding of financial governance and reporting requirements

Desirable:

• An interest in classical music or the wider arts
• Experience working with or advising a charity, trust, arts organisation, or funding body
• A collaborative, thoughtful, and supportive approach

Time Commitment

• Attend 3–4 Board meetings per year (virtual or in-person, London)
• Ongoing oversight of financial matters (1–1.5 days per month)
• Occasional availability for guidance or working groups between meetings
• Optional attendance at concerts, festivals and other Dodgson celebrations.

Deadline: Deadline: 29th September

Pelican Parcels takes pre-loved and new item donations for babies and children up to age 12 and redistributes these to families facing financial hardship via various existing family services in Brighton & Hove and Sussex.

We are the only baby bank in Brighton and Hove!

We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about wanting to help local families. Our warehouse hours are from Monday to Thursday, 10am till 2pm.

Volunteer tasks vary but may include:

• Quality checking clothing, bedlinen, toys, books and other donations.
• Cleaning and safety checking prams, beds and highchairs.
• Greeting people bringing their donations and family service staff when they come to collect an order during course of duties.

Our next warehouse tour and volunteer inductions are on Monday 13th October or Monday 17th November. The training programme will then run on Mondays for four weeks with the option to switch to another day on completion. Please get in touch for more info. 

Role Requirements

• Positive can-do attitude
• A reasonably good level of fitness
• An good understanding of the English language
• Ability to work with other volunteers
• Ability to listen to and follow instructions
• Attention to detail in quality checking donations
• Passionate about helping local families experiencing financial hardship
• Appreciation and respect of the confidential nature of information that may be acquired.

Benefits

1. This role will give you the opportunity to meet new people.
2. This role provides a valuable service to the community.
3. The knowledge that you've contributed to helping families facing financial hardship.
4. Training will be provided.

Practical considerations

Our address is Units 1 & 2, Manor Industrial Estate, Newtown Road, Hove, BN3 7BA. We are close to Hove Station and other public transport. There is also free parking locally.

Our hours are 10am till 2pm from Monday to Thursday. We ask that volunteers give at least 2 hours a week during these hours.

We require our volunteers to have a reasonable level of fitness. Occasionally there are heavy bags to carry and other items such as beds and mattresses. This is for when we bring items out to our referral partners, when they collect these for the families they support, and when we bring donations in. We use step ladders to reach items that are on high shelves. There are online safety courses that all our volunteers need to undertake but if any of our volunteers have any prior injuries or medical conditions that prevent them from undertaking certain tasks then they can be excused from these particular tasks.

We provide basic DBS check for volunteers, otherwise we require volunteers to bring in their existing DBS certificates. We do not work directly with the families we support.

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. 

Volunteer Mentor – Make a Difference in a Young Person’s Life

What if one hour a week could change a young person’s life - and yours too?

About Us

MAPS Mentoring is an award-winning early-intervention project that supports vulnerable children and young people in the London Borough of Sutton. Our dedicated volunteers provide a safe, supportive space for young people facing challenges such as low self-esteem, difficult family relationships, abuse, bereavement, or self-harm. Through mentoring, we empower mentees to unpack their experiences, build confidence, and find their voice.

About the Role

We’re looking for Volunteer Mentors to join our MAPS Mentoring team. As a mentor, you’ll meet with a young person in Sutton for 1-2 hours weekly over the course of a year. Meetings are flexible and can take place in the evenings, weekends, or during the week for our older mentees, or for in-school mentoring.

No prior experience is needed - just a genuine desire to make a difference in a young person’s life.

With a budget provided for food, drinks, activities, and travel, you and your mentee can choose what to do together. Whether it’s casual coffee chats, dog walks, or saving up for more adventurous outings like GoKarting, Thorpe Park trips, or even indoor skydiving, the choice is yours!

What We’re Looking For

Excellent communication and listening skills
Empathy, patience, and the ability to build trust
Sensitivity and understanding of the challenges young people face
A positive attitude and reliability
Commitment to meeting with a mentee weekly for up to a year
Willingness to undergo a DBS check and attend a full day of training
Prior experience working with young people is welcome but not essential

Why Volunteer with MAPS?

Make a lasting impact on a young person’s life
Gain valuable skills in mentoring and communication
Be part of an award-winning, supportive team
All expenses (food, drinks, activities, and travel) are covered

Ready to Get Started?

Help steward one of the UK’s most distinctive institutions. As a Trustee of The Edward James Foundation Ltd, you will support West Dean’s mission to nurture creativity, conserve heritage, and sustain the environment.

Location: Sussex and London

Time commitment: 1 day per month. Commitment can vary, so your attendance will be agreed upon with you once appointed.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 6th October

Who we are

The Edward James Foundation is a registered charity comprising West Dean College (including the School of Arts, School of Conservation and KLC School of Design), West Dean Gardens, West Dean Estate and West Dean Tapestry Studio.

Our mission is to advance creativity, conserve heritage, and care for our extraordinary estate  –  providing world-class education in arts, design, craft and conservation, while enriching culture and the environment.

Our vision is to be recognised internationally as a centre of excellence, where creativity, heritage and landscape are brought together to inspire and equip future generations.

Across West Dean – from our college to our gardens, collections and estate – we bring people together to learn, make and experience. Students and visitors are guided by leading practitioners and the distinctive environment we care for. In turn, they develop the insight, skill and imagination to conserve heritage, enrich culture and contribute to a better world.

About the roles

Our current context

West Dean is at a pivotal moment. Under the leadership of a new Chief Executive and refreshed senior team, we are addressing longstanding financial challenges and reshaping the organisation for the future.

A deficit reduction plan is being developed, with renewed focus on:

• Commercial and operational resilience
• Sharper strategic clarity
• Sustainable stewardship of our assets and estate

We are preserving what is unique and irreplaceable, while being rigorous about modern expectations of scale, impact, and performance.

As a Trustee, you will contribute to the governance, oversight, and strategic direction of the Edward James Foundation. You will work closely with the Board and Executive Team to ensure West Dean is governed responsibly, managed effectively, and delivering on its charitable purpose.

Who we are looking for

We are particularly keen to appoint Trustees with senior commercial or retail leadership experience, ideally from a large, complex organisation. This may include:

• National retail groups or membership organisations
• Visitor attractions or heritage organisations
• Consumer-facing brands with a values-led ethos
• Further Education and Higher Education

You may have held executive roles such as Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, or Commercial Director – or you may now be operating in a non-executive or portfolio capacity.

Crucially, you will bring:

Strong financial and operational judgement

• Experience of transformation or turnaround
• A focus on commercial performance and organisational impact
• Experience as a charity trustee or non-executive is strongly preferred. A connection to the arts, design, heritage, or education will be welcomed –  but is not essential.

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. Monday 6th October.

TRUSTEE – LOBBYING AND PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIENCE
EVERY FUTURE FOUNDATION (EFF)

About Every Future Foundation
Every Future Foundation (EFF) is an anti-racist education charity working to eradicate institutional racism within UK schools. Through programmes like Champions for Change, teacher training, and the Activism Academy, we empower students, educators, and leaders to challenge racism and build equitable school environments.

As we scale our impact and pursue systemic change through policy reform under our 3-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2027), we are seeking a Trustee with lobbying and parliamentary expertise to join our Board.

Role Purpose

The Trustee will play a key role in supporting EFF’s advocacy work to influence national education policies, build strategic relationships with policymakers, and ensure anti-racism becomes a priority within the UK education system.

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance and Strategic Oversight

· Provide strategic guidance to EFF’s Board and Senior Leadership Team on policy, lobbying, and parliamentary engagement.

· Support the organisation’s Racial Equity in Education objectives, ensuring alignment with our 3-Year Strategic Plan and influencing priorities.

· Champion EFF’s mission to eliminate institutional racism, bringing experience of navigating political systems and parliamentary processes to achieve meaningful policy change.

2. Policy and Advocacy Support

· Advise on EFF’s lobbying strategy, helping the organisation engage effectively with policymakers, parliamentary committees, and government bodies.

· Guide EFF in building and maintaining relationships with:

o MPs, All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), and policy influencers.

o Local authorities, councils, and education committees.

· Support the organisation’s advocacy campaigns, such as its work with Citizens UK and the Racial Equity in Education Action Group, to influence systemic reforms.

· Assist in drafting and reviewing policy recommendations, briefing papers, and parliamentary submissions.

3. Advocacy and Ambassadorship

· Act as an ambassador for EFF, promoting our work and mission in parliamentary and policy spaces.

· Support the CEO and Senior Leadership Team in meetings with government representatives and key stakeholders to articulate our case for systemic change.

· Represent EFF at relevant parliamentary events, public forums, and coalition-building opportunities.

4. Board Contribution

· Bring knowledge of parliamentary processes and political systems to Board discussions, ensuring decisions are informed by an understanding of policy landscapes.

· Offer challenge, support, and oversight on advocacy activities and progress towards policy goals.

Person Specification

Essential

· Parliamentary and Lobbying Expertise: Experience engaging with UK parliamentary processes, policymakers, government bodies, or advocacy campaigns.

· Strategic Influence: Ability to advise on lobbying strategies to achieve policy reform and systemic change.

· Networks and Relationships: Strong connections within political, parliamentary, and public-sector spaces, with an understanding of how to leverage relationships for advocacy.

· Commitment to Anti-Racism: Passion for racial justice and education equity, aligned with EFF’s mission and values.

· Strong Communication Skills: Ability to represent EFF effectively with political stakeholders, offering clear, persuasive, and strategic advocacy.

Desirable

· Experience working with organisations driving education reform, racial justice, or systemic change.

· Understanding of APPGs, parliamentary committees, and public affairs best practices.

· Policy-writing or public affairs expertise in areas such as education, equality, and inclusion.

Commitment

· Term: 3 years (renewable).

· Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per month, including attendance at 4 Trustee Board meetings per year (a mix of in-person and virtual).

· Occasional participation in parliamentary events, advocacy meetings, and policy-related activities.

Why Join Every Future Foundation?

This is an exciting opportunity to drive systemic, long-term change in the UK education system. As a Trustee, you will:

· Play a pivotal role in influencing policies that combat institutional racism in schools.

· Use your expertise to support a dynamic, growing charity with a clear mission for impact.

· Work alongside a dedicated and passionate team committed to racial equity in education.

· Enhance your governance experience while making a meaningful contribution to social justice.

TRUSTEE – FUNDRAISING SPECIALISM
EVERY FUTURE FOUNDATION (EFF)

About Every Future Foundation
Every Future Foundation is an anti-racist education charity committed to eradicating racism in schools. Through programmes like Champions for Change, teacher training, and the Activism Academy, we empower students, educators, and leaders to challenge institutional racism and create inclusive, equitable school environments. Our vision is to eliminate racism from the UK education system.

As we enter a new phase of growth and sustainability under our 3-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2027), we are looking for a passionate, strategic Trustee with fundraising expertise to join our Board.

Role Purpose

The Fundraising Trustee will support the Board and Senior Leadership Team in driving fundraising strategies to secure sustainable income, build key partnerships, and ensure delivery of the organisation's objectives. This role will contribute to expanding our income streams, fostering donor relationships, and strengthening EFF's financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance and Strategic oversight

• Actively contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring alignment with the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan and fundraising goals.
• Provide governance oversight as part of the Board of Trustees, ensuring fundraising activities comply with regulations, ethical guidelines, and best practices.
• Support EFF in achieving its financial targets and diversifying income streams, reducing reliance on grant funding.

2. Fundraising Strategy and Development

• Advise on and oversee the implementation of EFF's fundraising strategy, focusing on:
  • Corporate Partnerships: Develop relationships with businesses for financial and in-kind support.
  • Donor Engagement: Identify opportunities to secure major donors and philanthropic supporters.
  • Grant Funding: Support applications for project-based grants, ensuring alignment with funder priorities.
  • Earned Income: Assist in promoting paid training and consultancy services for schools and councils.
  • Mentoring: Providing mentoring and advice to the CEO and senior leadership team on fundraising applications and fundraising activities.
• Use personal networks to identify and cultivate new funding opportunities.
• Provide guidance on donor stewardship, ensuring long-term relationships are maintained and grown.

3. Advocacy and Ambassadorship

• Act as an ambassador for EFF, representing its vision and impact to prospective donors, corporate partners, and funders.
• Support the CEO and Senior Leadership Team in fundraising meetings and events, helping to articulate a compelling case for support.
• Champion fundraising priorities at Board meetings, offering challenge, advice, and support.

Person specification

Essential

• Fundraising expertise: Proven experience in fundraising, income generation, or development, particularly within the charity, education, or non-profit sectors.
• Networks and influence: Ability to leverage networks to unlock new funding opportunities and connections.
• Strategic mindset: Understanding of income diversification and sustainable fundraising models, including corporate partnerships, individual giving, and grants.
• Commitment to Anti-Racism: Passion for racial equity and a belief in the transformative power of education to create systemic change.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the Board, CEO, and Senior Leadership Team.

Desirable

• Experience working with organisations that deliver training, consultancy, or social justice initiatives.
• Knowledge of fundraising regulations, charity governance, and the funding landscape in the UK.

Commitment

• Term: 3 years (renewable).
• Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per month, including attendance at 4 Trustee Board meetings per year (a mix of in-person and virtual).
• Occasional participation in fundraising events, strategy workshops, and meetings with donors or partners.

Why Join Every Future Foundation?

This is an exciting time to join EFF as we scale our impact and strengthen our sustainability. As a Trustee, you will:

• Play a key role in eliminating institutional racism from UK schools.
• Contribute your expertise to a growing, ambitious organisation delivering real change.
• Work alongside a passionate and skilled team committed to education equity.
• Enhance your governance experience while championing a cause you care about.

Join Gloucestershire College as a HR Governor to play a vital part in shaping the College’s vision, mission, and values, develop its long-term strategy and contribute to the future success of the organisation.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 10th November 2025

Location: Gloucester

Time commitment: 40 hours per year

About Gloucestershire College

Gloucestershire College (GC) is a career-focused further education provider operating across three campuses in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and the Forest of Dean. We are proud to have been rated “Good” in our latest Ofsted inspection and to have strong financial health.

We offer a range of academic, professional, and technical training programmes for school leavers, adults, and employers. These include award-winning apprenticeships, university-level and professional qualifications, part-time, online, and short courses, with tailored support for students from start to finish.

Our mission is to deliver ‘learning that works‘ through practical courses that offer skills businesses really need in industry-standard facilities, taught by passionate, subject specialists.

We provide bespoke training solutions to more than 1,300 employer-partners, enabling them to fill skills gaps and build a solid talent pipeline for the future. We provide training programmes in a wide variety of areas, including accounting (AAT), automotive, business support, construction and building services, education and early years, engineering, hairdressing, health and social care, hospitality, human resources, IT and cyber, management and marketing.

All our learners benefit from tailored support and development throughout their journey to higher education or employment, including valuable work placement and enrichment opportunities.

We are committed to ensuring all individuals are valued and work in a safe environment, promoting the ethos of safeguarding and equality, diversity, and inclusion in all our practices. We expect all Board Members to share this commitment.

About the role

The Board of Governors aims to set and take forward an ambitious vision for the College that equips its learners for their future lives and meets the needs of the community, employers and the wider Gloucestershire community whilst maintaining the College’s financial health.

The role of a governor is to contribute to the work of the Board as follows:

• The Board sets the strategic direction of the College and monitors College performance by setting targets and agreeing key performance indicators with the Executive Team.
• The Board, led by the Chair, provides checks and balances to the operational Executive Team led by the Principal & CEO.
• The Board is accountable for its stewardship of public funds to deliver a quality service and for the performance of its legal and statutory duties.
• The College values its governors’ breadth of experience and skills and recognises the contribution that governors make to the success of the College.

In return, you will benefit from joining a high-performing board and thriving College, with the opportunity to develop your professional, contribute to the local community and transform lives.

Who we are looking for

We are looking to engage a new Governor from a wide range of backgrounds with the skills, experience, and commitment to play a pivotal role in shaping all aspects of the future of the College. We are particularly keen to engage strategic HR/OD expertise on the Governing Body that will help support the future direction of our college, bring valuable insight and support, and hold the executive to account on the full portfolio of board-related matters.

You will need to bring your own sector knowledge, professional curiosity and a passion for societal change through education. There is no requirement for you to be an expert in education, and both fellow board members and the executive team will value your experience from outside the sector.

If you are looking to develop your board skills or to use the skills and experience you have gained to give back to your community and help others to succeed, and you share our passion and commitment to our goals and values, we would welcome your interest.

Peridot Partners and Gloucestershire College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

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. Monday 10th November 2025.

Join The Difference as our next Chair as we tackle the social injustice of lost learning in England’s schools.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 31st October.

The Difference is a charity working to create a more inclusive education system where every young person can thrive. Founded in 2018, our mission is to ensure that rates of lost learning are falling by 2030. We take a three-pronged approach, delivering evidence-based programmes that equip school leaders to embed a whole-school approach to inclusion, conducting research to inform best practice and using our networks and expertise to influence policy and drive system-wide change.

We are seeking a new Chair to guide us through our next phase of growth and impact. This pivotal role will provide strategic leadership, strengthen governance and ensure the Board is well-equipped to support and challenge our executive team. The Chair will work closely with the CEO, championing high performance, inclusivity and constructive debate while helping shape strategy, oversee board development and support key areas such as fundraising and policy influence.

We are looking for an experienced non-executive with strong governance knowledge and proven skills in leading a growing organisation. Prior Chair experience is not essential, but strategic leadership and a collaborative approach are key. Above all, you will be an empathetic and inclusive leader, committed to our mission to ensure every student can access learning and feel a true sense of belonging.

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. Friday 31st October.

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 the CARAS ESOL Team:

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face adult ESOL classes in Tooting. Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session every Wednesday during these times: 

• Mondays ESOL 9:30 to 13:30

• Tuesday 9:30 to 11:30

• Tuesday One-to-one employability and language learning support 15:00 to 17:00 

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 ESOL classes; 

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

• 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; 

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

Requirements: 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older; 

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

• An interest in education and English language teaching; 

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

• To be reliable and punctual; 

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

• The ability to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months; 

• 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; 

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

 *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

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

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; 

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

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

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 volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’ 

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Tooting on Mondays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10am - 3pm
• Tuesday 2pm - 6pm
• Wednesday 11am - 6pm

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 ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

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

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• 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;

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

Requirements: 

Essential 

• To be 18 years or older;

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

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

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

• To be reliable and punctual;

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

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• 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 

Desirable 

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

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; 

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

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

To Apply: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers with email subject header “Youth ESOL Teaching Assistant Volunteer”. 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

Go Beyond – Chair, Treasurer and Trustees
Inspire brighter futures for children across England

· Location: Meetings in London, Cornwall, Derbyshire + virtual

· Commitment: Chair: ~3–4 days/month | Trustees: ~1 day/month

· Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

Go Beyond is a national children’s charity with a powerful, simple mission: to give children a break from difficult lives.

Each year, we provide life-changing residential breaks in the countryside for over 1,000 children aged 8–13 who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to enjoy time away, make friends, and just be children. With ambitious plans for growth, including pop-up programmes and site expansion [SS1] we're seeking a new Chair (to take over in 2026), a Treasurer, and two additional Trustees to strengthen our already passionate and committed Board.

We welcome applications from people who share our values and want to be part of something special.

We are particularly keen to hear from those with senior leadership experience in:

• Finance / accountancy (especially in the charity or not-for-profit sector)
• Environment, sustainability, or ESG
• Education or youth services – a champion for vulnerable children
• Marketing, PR or communications
• People, culture and EDI (especially within charities or public service)

Why join us?

• Be part of a unique charity that puts children first in everything we do
• Help shape our next 5-year strategy, which aims to provide over 5,000 breaks
• Join a dynamic, engaged Board and leadership team
• Use your voice and experience to ensure children get the joyful, nurturing respite they deserve
• Be inspired – and have fun – while helping others do the same

We are actively working to diversify our Board and welcome people with lived experience that reflects the lives of the children we support. No previous board experience is necessary o become a Trustee – just your time, your ideas, and your commitment to making a difference.

· Deadline: Midday Tuesday 14th October 2025

· Site visit: 22nd – 31st October 2025

· Interviews: 4–6 November 2025 (in London)

Please download the attached brief for more information and details of how to apply. To arrange a confidential conversation, contact our recruitment partner Anna Jay at Public Leaders Appointments.