Support group volunteer volunteer roles in washington d c, district of columbia
About Bliss
With an impact in all corners of the UK, Bliss is the leading national neonatal charity, championing and developing the services for the 90,000 sick and premature babies born each year, supporting both them and their families. At Bliss, we are committed to improving care, giving voice to babies, and supporting parents to be partners in care.
This is a really exciting time to join our board. We’ve just launched our new four-year strategy, which puts equity at the heart of everything we do. With NHS reforms underway, a new 10-Year Plan on the horizon, and growing attention on maternity and neonatal care, there’s a real opportunity to raise Bliss’s profile and make a lasting difference for premature and sick babies across the UK.
Chair opportunity
Our new Chair will be an experienced Trustee or Board member with proven ability to manage meetings effectively and foster productive, inclusive discussions. They will bring energy and drive, ensuring robust governance and alignment between strategy and operations. They will enjoy leading inclusive and thoughtful discussions, and share our passion for giving every baby the best possible start in life.
You can find more information about Bliss and the Chair role in our recruitment pack.
Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining Bliss!
Ready to apply?
Eastside People is supporting Bliss in the recruitment of these roles. Please by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.
Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:
- Why is Bliss’ work important to you and how can you contribute to the charity as our Chair?
- How do you ensure board meetings are focused, inclusive, and lead to clear decisions?
- How would you go about ensuring that our many stakeholders are heard and represented at Board level?
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.
Bliss’ Chair, CEO and Trustees will be hosting a 30-minute drop-in session on Mon 8th December at 12pm via Teams. This is an opportunity to learn more about Bliss and what’s involved in joining our Board. You can register to attend here.
The closing date for applications is Mon 5th Jan.
Longlisting interviews with Eastside People will take place mid-January, with shortlisted candidates invited to panel interviews with Bliss during the week commencing 2 February.
Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to take part in open sessions with staff and Board members, with final interviews scheduled for the week commencing 23 February.
Bliss is an equal opportunities organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and lived experiences. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to equity and inclusion at every level of our governance.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise? ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy. Join us!
What will you be doing?
In addition to the responsibilities of all board members, the Treasurer will:
- Support the Board to review and monitor ECU’s financial performance and sustainability
- Ensure the Board receives timely, accessible and accurate financial information
- Support the team to develop and maintain robust and proportionate financial policies, processes and risk management systems
What are we looking for?
- Commitment to ECU’s mission and values
- Commitment to the legal duties and responsibilities
- Financial management experience, policies, risk
- Qualifications
- Able to interpret, interrogate and communicate financial information
- Work as part of a diverse team, and devote the time
Desirable - treasurer experience
What difference will you make?
We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue.
Before you apply
- Your interest in this role and what you could bring to it
- What would you want to learn and gain?
Interview 25 Feb in London (expenses paid)
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Teachers and educational facilitators wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals.
East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces.
We are seeking experienced teachers and educational facilitators to lead workshops and deliver engaging environmental education sessions to children and young people. Sessions may take place at schools or around the perimeter of the site we want to transform into East London Waterworks Park.
This role would include:
- Leading hands-on outdoor learning workshops
- Delivering nature-based activities to school groups
- Supporting the creation of ELWP’s Under 18s volunteering policy
- Supporting outreach efforts to promote ELWP’s existing learning programmes
Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:
- Waltham Forest College
- Henry Maynard Primary School, Walthamstow
- Buxton School, Leytonstone
- Kingsmead Primary School, Hackney
- Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
- UCL
- Royal College of Art
- University of Westminster
- Project Zero
- Voyage Youth
- Loyola University Chicago
- Vanderbilt University Nashville
We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.
The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely
You should be an experienced teacher, educational consultant, forest school leader, training and development specialist, learning designer, facilitator or any other kind of role creating learning projects, programmes and experiences. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role.
Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park.
You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By volunteering in this role, you will help shape the future of East London Waterworks Park as a community-led environmental learning space. This will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you!
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for an enthusiastic events assistant to join the team in our exciting new community space! Plateful Cafe is a recently established charity that seeks to help refugees in the surrounding area into employment within the food and hospitality sector.
We have opened a community cafe selling delicious Middle Eastern food! Our cafe is staffed by people with refugee status and experiences of forced migration who are being trained to work the food industry, as well as dedicated volunteers like you. We will be running regular community events and fundraisers for which we need a team of events assistants to help plan and run.
If you are passionate about being part of a community that celebrates a diversity of cultures and delicious food, this is your opportunity to make a difference and join us on our exciting journey with Plateful Cafe.
The role:
- Help organise monthly community dinners featuring three course meals from around the globe to enable the charity to engage with and attract donors.
- Help with running the dinner on the daywith tasks including welcoming the guests, serving food and drinks, take payments, setting up and clearing, etc.
- In a team plan and organise other events and fundraisers throughout the year, for example refugee week.
- Work with the marketing volunteers, providing details of upcoming events for promotion; take pictures and quotes at the event.
Skills & Requirements:
- Prior experience of events planning and organisation
- A passion and keenness to engage in community-based work to support refugees and serve the local community
- Good organisation skills including: effective time management, punctuality and delegation of tasks.
- A flexible and proactive attitude to working
- Good responsiveness to emails/ text/ whatsapp
- Practical skills to help prepare and set-up the café for events
- Able to work well in a team and communicate effectively with the rest of the staff and visitors of the cafe
- A willingness to learn new skills
Desirable but not required:
- Prior experience working with refugees, people seeking asylum or other vulnerable groups
- Prior experience of involvement in charity fundraising events
Monthly community dinner times: 10-1pm (cooking); Afternoon: 1-5pm (preparing the hall); Evening: 6-10pm (running the dinner).
Travel costs reimbursed & free dinner.
Often accompanied by live music, and the opportunity to buy artwork created by refugee artists plateful employs refugees to chef at events in the SE



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Remote / Hybrid (UK-based applicants only)
Commitment: Approx. 8–12 hours per month (flexible)
About Guardian Light Foundation
At Guardian Light Foundation (GLF), we believe that every child and single parent deserves a chance to rebuild, thrive, and shine again.
We are a growing social enterprise dedicated to helping homeless and abused children/teenagers and struggling single-parent families find hope, healing, and a pathway to a brighter future.
Our mission is to provide safe housing, life-changing mentorship, legal and emotional support, and employment pathways that empower individuals to live with dignity and independence.
As we build our Future Skills & Employment Hub, we’re looking for a compassionate, empowering, and dedicated Life Skills & Confidence Mentor to join our early-stage team and help us shape lives from the ground up.
About the Role
This is more than a freelance position — it’s a calling for someone who truly wants to make a difference.
As a Life Skills & Confidence Mentor, you will guide young people and single parents through the essential tools of everyday living — communication, self-esteem, decision-making, emotional resilience, and personal growth.
You’ll be part of a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where your voice and expertise directly influence the future direction of our foundation and the lives we transform.
Key Responsibilities
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Deliver interactive life skills and confidence-building workshops (online and in-person)
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Mentor participants on self-awareness, resilience, problem-solving, and positive communication
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Create a safe and inspiring space where participants feel heard and valued
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Develop session plans, resources, and engaging group activities
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Identify individuals needing emotional or practical support and refer them to our in-house wellbeing or counselling team
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Participate in team meetings via Microsoft Teams and share ideas for program improvement
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Act as an ambassador for Guardian Light Foundation at events or networking opportunities
What We’re Looking For
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Deep passion for helping children, teenagers, and single parents rebuild their lives
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Empathetic, patient, and inspiring communicator
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Experience in mentoring, youth work, coaching, or personal development training
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Understanding of trauma-informed approaches or working with vulnerable individuals
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Strong organisational and interpersonal skills
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DBS Certificate (or willingness to complete a Volunteer Enhanced DBS Check – £12.50)
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Commitment to 8–12 hours per month (flexible scheduling)
What You’ll Gain
Joining at this stage means you grow with us — and your contributions truly matter.
✨ Benefits include:
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Opportunity to become part of our Board of Directors or Advisory Board as the organisation grows
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Being a founding mentor in a groundbreaking, purpose-driven UK charity
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Direct impact on the lives of young people and families who need your guidance most
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Recognition on our website and social media for your incredible contribution
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Invitations to GLF’s future events, training, and community networking sessions
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Professional reference and certificate of contribution
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Flexible hours and remote working options
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Belonging to a warm, passionate, and supportive team dedicated to real change
At Guardian Light Foundation, we restore hope for homeless children, teens and single parents scarred by abuse, harassment and homelessness.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Are you a leader who could authentically lead and grow a movement of volunteers in a Community, including helping them navigate change? Do you have a strong commitment to educating, developing and engaging people? We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Network Leader who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams.
Impact
Accountable for creating a network of St John people and supporters that are empowered and enabled to deliver community impact in the form of community first aid, community education and community fundraising.
Accountable for ensuring the people within your network feel that they have sense of purpose, belonging and joyfulness, as well as access to development and growth opportunities.
Expected time commitment: 30 hours per month
Responsibilities
- Leading and inspiring a volunteer movement across a community or geography to deliver community first aid, community education and fundraising activities
- Delivering a diverse, inclusive and positive volunteering experience for those within your network
- Building strong relationships with local communities and organisations (e.g., Local Authorities, NHS, Council for Volunteering Services, etc)
- Leading your community first aid network to respond to the needs of your local communities.
What you will be accountable for
- Convening all St John people in your geography to collaboratively develop a clear plan to deliver against St John’s priorities, as set out in our new strategy.
- Delivery of collaboratively set KPIs in the following areas – Clinical cover at local events, Fundraising, Community Engagement including educating the public and communication and media, and expansion of our work with Young People.
- Developing an operating model for your geography that supports adults and young people, Priory and SJA volunteers, operational and non-operational volunteers to join in, either directly through network delivery or through associated ‘spokes’.
- Inspiring and supporting volunteers to try new ways of working to put the above in practice to deliver more impact in communities.
- Ensuring St John is represented at local networking opportunities and events to raise our profile or advocate for community health.
- Ensure that all volunteers in your network are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge
- Ensure the work of St John and our people is rewarded and recognised
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives based on feedback and best practices, particularly feeding back on the early adopter cohort learning in establishing a network.
You will need to following (personal specification):
- Impactful leadership and people management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to motivate, inspire and support others
- Ability to build relationships with a wide range of people
- Effective planning and organising skills
- Leadership and people management skills
- Ability to work proactively and on own initiative
- Understanding of change and leading people through change empathetically
Training and Support
The training and support we will make available for you is as follows:
Mandatory:
- Welcome programme introducing you to the project & wider charity
- Training in appropriate SJA policies
- St John Safeguarding training relevant to your role
- GDPR
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Keeping you safe at St John Ambulance
- Care Quality Commission
- Leadership training
Optional
- Speaking and listening skills
- Media engagement skills
- Finance process skills.
SJA will provide uniform for this role.
Screening requirements
- Right to Volunteer check.
- Two references
Our values
This role requires the volunteer to embrace the organisation’s vision and values, which are: Communities that preserve and protect life through volunteering for health and first aid.
The way we do things as a charity is underpinned by our ‘HEART’ values. We expect all ourpeople to uphold and apply these values in all they do.
This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations of Offenders Act.
This role profile is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended considering the changing needs of St John Ambulance. It is expected that the post holder will be as positive and flexible as possible in using this document as a framework
RNOH Charity is a vital partner in the way the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital delivers care. Since its inception in 1997, the Charity has raised and administered millions of pounds in donations, which have funded numerous essential projects around the hospital.
We are seeking a Trustee with marketing or fundraising experience.
What will you be doing?
This is an exciting opportunity to join as a Trustee of RNOH Charity. Our Trustees play an important role in making sure that the charity is run in the interests of those we support. They strategically oversee the management and administration of the organisation. We are particularly interested in hearing from marketing or fundraising professionals with experience in developing successful fundraising or marketing campaigns.
In this role, you will:
- Provide strategic guidance on the planning and execution of marketing and fundraising campaigns, with a focus on channel strategy and donor engagement across digital, social and traditional media.
- Advise on market and competitive analysis to inform campaign development and positioning.
- Bring expertise in successful campaign delivery and marketing best practice reflecting appropriate legal and ethical considerations.
Time commitment
- Four virtual Board meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
- Four virtual Committee meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
- Two in-person Board Away Days per year held in the Stanmore area.
- Induction and ongoing training.
- The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although out-of pocket expenses may be claimed.
What are we looking for?
Ideally you will have experience of operating at executive director level or equivalent. If you have a track record of delivering successful marketing or fundraising initiatives, we would like to hear from you.
We would welcome applications from across both commercial and charity sectors.
- Experience of operating within a Board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation is desirable.
- Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives (Not essential).
- A proven track record of sound judgement, strategic thinking and effective decision making.
- A history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
- A track record of commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
The Charity particularly welcome applications from young people, women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, and disabled people who we know are under-represented in Chair and Trustee roles. Additional induction will be organised for successful candidate without previous Board experience.
What difference will you make?
You would be joining a committed and diverse Board, whose collective expertise underpins our robust governance and shared dedication to our charitable purpose. As a Trustee, your contribution will be invaluable in shaping our strategy and strengthening our fundraising efforts, serving as an advisory resource to the CEO and the Board of Trustees.
Before you apply
Reach Volunteering's TrusteeWorks team are supporting RNOH Charity with their Board recruitment. Please submit your CV, LinkedIn profile or similar along with a covering letter stating why you would like to apply to become Trustee of RNOH Charity and how your skills, abilities and experience would add value to the Board.
If you would prefer to have a chat with a current Trustee or the Chief Executive before making a formal application please get in touch to request this.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking a Director and Chair of Trustees Designate to help shape the future direction of our organisation. We are looking for an individual with proven senior leadership experience - ideally, though not necessarily, within the third sector - who can bring strong strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative leadership style.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Branch Trustee (Lancashire)
This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. With your support and expertise, we will achieve so much!
Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity
We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long terms aims.
As a minimum, trustees are expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment will vary as they will play an active role supporting branch activities.
About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.
Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!
The RSPCA Preston and District Branch
The Preston and District Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee
- Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
- Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
- Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
- Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
- Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
- Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
What we are looking for in a volunteer:
We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:
- Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
- Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
- Local community and supporter relationships;
- Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or
- Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.
- You are 18 years of age
Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee
- We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
- Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Practical considerations
- Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
- Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
- Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
- Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
- References will also be required.
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Opportunity: Adult Instructor (Uniformed Role)
Organisation: Ranger Cadets
Location: Local Cadet Unit (London)
Commitment: Weekly Evening Sessions
About Us
Ranger Cadets is a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.
We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine, to belong, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
The Role
We are seeking passionate Adult Instructors to serve in a uniformed volunteer position, leading on the training, development, and empowerment of cadets within a local London cadet unit. This is a hands-on role for someone who can inspire young people, deliver engaging sessions, and help them progress through our syllabus programme.
As an Adult Instructor, you will:
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Wear the Ranger Cadets uniform with pride, embodying our values of dignity, inclusivity, and service.
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Lead training sessions that equip cadets with essential life skills, tools, and opportunities to grow.
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Support cadets in earning badges for their uniform and advancing through the ranks.
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Mentor and empower young people, building their confidence and resilience.
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Work alongside fellow volunteers to deliver a safe, structured, and inspiring programme.
Who We’re Looking For
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Enthusiastic individuals with a passion for youth development and community service.
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Strong communication and mentoring skills.
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Ability to engage and inspire young people in a group setting.
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Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.
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No prior cadet or military experience required—training and support will be provided.
What You’ll Gain
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The honour of serving in a uniformed role that represents dignity, pride, and community impact.
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The chance to directly shape the lives of young people in your community.
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A role that blends teaching, mentoring, and leadership.
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Personal satisfaction from seeing cadets grow, achieve, and advance.
How to Apply
If you are ready to serve in uniform, inspire young people, and help them unlock their potential, we would love to hear from you.
RANGER CADETS
#PreparedForLife
To empower young people through structured, uniformed experiences that build life skills, leadership, teamwork, and a strong sense of community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
With a goal to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people, the UK's leading autism charity, the National Autistic Society, is looking for three new Trustees to join the Board and help navigate their future challenges.
Applications close Monday 12th January
Who we are
The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and one of the country’s major charities, with a turnover of around £100 million. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.
We are active across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and have a network of volunteer-run branches across the UK. As well as adult services and schools, we run a range of programmes, have dedicated diagnostic services and run specialist helplines. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and the government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws. And we improve public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face.
We’re continuing to advocate on longstanding issues such as social care funding and campaign for what autistic people need to see in the forthcoming autism strategy in England and its equivalent in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We’re also growing our branch network – including national online branches – and we are working on a new mental health programme combining research, digital guidance and policy influencing.
This is a truly transformational and vital time to be part of our Charity. We are in the latter stages of our Vision to Reality Strategy for 2023-2026, which sets out the role of NAS in creating a society that works for autistic people.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved – but there’s always more to be done. As the economic, social and political landscape changes, our strategy must evolve to reflect changes. We need to ensure we continue to increase our fundraising and commercial activities to deliver the scale of impact required.
We’re looking for three new Trustees to join our Board to help us navigate future challenges.
Who we are looking for
- Our Schools Governance Group
We are also looking for two Trustees to join our School Governance Group, one who will chair the committee and one who will be a member of the committee. Our family of schools includes our four independent specialist schools, supporting children and young people from the age of 4 to 22. We aim to make sure we are continually challenging our schools, keeping everyone safe, monitoring their progress and getting the best possible outcomes for all of our pupils in all of our schools.
Previously, we carried out a review of the local governance arrangements of our schools. Historically, the independent schools in NAS were governed locally by an LGB, which brought excellent opportunities for partnership working; however, as time went on, we required a model that would ensure consistency of challenge, support and monitoring across all our schools. We have amended our LGBs locally; the groups focus on partnership working, whilst the strategic direction, development, challenge and support for the executive, assurance and governance sits firmly with our Schools Governance Group as a sub-committee of the trustee board.
Our new Chair of the Schools Governance Group will have strong knowledge and experience of schools, school governance, the DfE and Ofsted and be a senior leader with experience in education and special educational needs. The new Chair of the committee will work closely with our Director of Education and Children’s Services, Chief Executive, Chair of the Board, Chair of the Independent Safeguarding Committee and our Trustee with safeguarding expertise.
The additional member of this committee will be someone who brings strong experience and insight in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and safeguarding. Your expertise will play a vital role in ensuring that our culture and decision-making processes fully reflect best practice in supporting children and young people with SEND, and in maintaining the highest standards of safety and well-being across our organisation.
- Chair of Quality & Assurance Committee
Our current Chair of the Quality and Assurance Committee will shortly be completing their term and we seek a successor with a strong background in adult social care and safeguarding, as well as a solid understanding of commissioning.
This is an opportunity for someone who can offer both constructive challenge and thoughtful support — a person who brings insight, curiosity and a balanced perspective to complex discussions. The ideal candidate will combine strategic oversight with a collaborative and compassionate approach, helping to ensure that quality, safety and continuous improvement remain at the heart of our work. They will be confident in asking the right questions, guiding reflective debate and fostering a culture of openness and accountability across the Committee and the wider organisation.
We’re looking for people who can provide strategic direction, appropriate oversight, scrutiny, challenge, leadership and passion to support our development.
We’re keen to ensure our Board is diverse in every way and we’re committed to ensuring our Trustees reflect our society, our Charity and the people we represent and support. We welcome applications from autistic people, their families and carers. To achieve greater diversity, we’re actively encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds and regions. We can work with you to make reasonable adjustments to ensure you contribute fully to being a member of our Board. Our Pioneer project is focused on ensuring our organisation is an exemplary employer of autistic people. This also extends to our Board.
- Time Commitment
The National Autistic Society Board meets four times, with one overnight strategy away day every year. Our meetings are a blend of face-to-face and virtual meetings. Our Trustees with education experience will join our School Governance Group, which meets quarterly, usually online. Our Quality & Assurance Committee also meets quarterly. We expect the overall time commitment to be approximately one day per month, including reading board papers, ad hoc conversations with board members and the executive and the opportunity throughout the year to visit our services and schools, as well as represent NAS at events.
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 Monday 12th January.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?
ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life.
We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance.
This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Could you help shape Mind in Kingston’s future and support more people with mental health needs?
We’re a passionate, independent local charity working across the Royal Borough of Kingston, affiliated with national Mind. Our vision? A world where everyone experiencing a mental health problem receives the support and respect they deserve — and we won’t stop until that happens.
We’re now looking for new Trustees to help lead us forward. We’re looking for people who can:
- Think strategically and creatively
- Lead the organisation towards fully achieving its commitment and ambition
- Scrutinise the impact we’re having
- Communicate clearly and sensitively in large group discussions
- Use independent judgement to make decisions on behalf of the organisation
- Be committed to our mission, vision and values.
Role Highlights:
- Time Commitment: 4–8 hours per month (meetings held online)
- Voluntary role with expenses paid
- Trustees receive: Induction, training, expenses, and skill-building opportunities.
How to Apply:
To find out more about both roles and how to apply, please visit our website:
Mind in Kingston – Current Volunteer Opportunities
We are Mind in Kingston. We fight for mental health. For Respect. For Support. For you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About The Academy
The ethos of the Confidence Academy is very simple: Participants get their money back once they attend their selected fitness and wellbeing events. When you show up for your health, when you show up for yourself... your refund is your reward.
The Confidence Academy exists to make the tools of confidence-building — through improved nutrition, better mental and physical fitness, and community support — accessible to all, particularly to struggling and marginalised communities who often feel invisible or left behind. Health inequality is one of the biggest injustice of them all that we don't talk about yet our health is the sole foundation of our existence.
Who Created The Confidence Academy?
The Academy is founded by a 37 year old refugee from Bangladesh, Rayhana Sultan. She is an ex-prisoner. This social enterprise was created after she was able to rebuild her life after prison, hospital detention and recovery through psychotherapy and a supportive community. She is now a finance manager working for the local government in the UK. Outside her day job, she is a model, a panel advisor for the charity Working Chance and now through the Confidence Academy, she wants other people to find the inspiration to turn their pain into power, stigma into strength.
The inception of this CIC is driven by the fact that nearly 60% of the UK population in 2023/24 were reported as obese or overweight. This is a national crisis in a context where our healthcare system is overstretched, support for mental health is not on par which can be exacerbated by health-related problems and an ageing population is awaiting us. Growing old or not being able to afford the regular gym in an era should not mean fitness services are inaccessible to you. So we are here to change it.
What's Happening Next?
We will begin rolling out weekend fitness and wellbeing activities shortly after New Year 2026, supported by online seminars, podcast-style discussions, and community “vox pop” features that amplify real voices and lived experiences around health, confidence, and inclusion. These activities will include group exercise sessions, nutrition and wellness education, mindset and resilience workshops, and confidence-building programmes designed to enhance both physical and mental wellbeing.
Your Role
As the Recruitment Lead, you will work closely with the Director, attend briefing meetings, and then take independent leadership over the recruitment function. This role suits someone who enjoys people-focused work, brings creativity, takes pride in ownership, and wants to help build the Confidence Academy from the ground up.
This opportunity is ideal for someone starting their career in HR or people-management and looking for meaningful work experience.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Collaboration
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Attend meetings with the Director and take briefing points accurately.
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Attend team meetings with other members of the squad to bring vision to life (online or remote depending on business needs).
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Work independently between meetings, using initiative, creativity, and leadership to drive recruitment processes.
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Help shape the culture of the Academy by taking pride in developing a supportive and inclusive volunteer community.
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Maintain strong relationships with volunteers and escalate wellbeing needs or concerns to Directors. This academy is volunteer-led. The wellbeing of the volunteers is paramount so we want to make sure everyone who is contributing their effort and time to run The Confidence Academy is proud.
Recruitment & Selection
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Draft job descriptions for new volunteer roles.
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Post opportunities on recruitment platforms and community boards.
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Work with other team members to create infographics and promotional materials for vacancies.
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Review incoming CVs.
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Email applicants and manage communications professionally.
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Schedule interviews and manage the interview diary.
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Interview candidates as one of the panelists.
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Prepare interview formats, scoring sheets, and structured question sets.
Onboarding & Volunteer Support
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Assist in onboarding new volunteers.
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Maintain the internal volunteer database and ensure information is kept updated.
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Demonstrate people-oriented leadership and emotional intelligence by supporting team wellbeing, fostering communication, and promoting a positive culture.
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Develop training materials for continuous professional development of the Volunteers in collaboration with the Director.
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If desired, you may also deliver informal training to build your presentation and public-speaking skills.
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What You Get in Return
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Induction and ongoing supervision by the Founder/Director
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Access to brand guidelines and creative templates
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Informal training on safeguarding, data handling, and health & safety
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Office space may be provided for collaborative projects
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Volunteering Certificate at the end of the completion of hours
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Complimentary t-shirt/jacket and other freebies
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Professional reference
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Travel and meal expenses reimbursed up to £20
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£50 in Amazon Vouchers when you help us deliver our first fitness session (our launch event) in the 2026 New Year.
Start Date: Thursday, 27th November 2025.
Equal Opportunities
The Confidence Academy is committed to inclusion under the Equality Act 2010. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and provide reasonable adjustments where needed.
Status
This is a voluntary role and does not create a contract of employment or entitlement to salary, benefits, or worker rights. Volunteers are free to withdraw at any time.
#workexperience #humanresource #hr #operations #admin #office #leadership #management #manager
If you require any reasonable adjustment during interview, please mention it in your cover letter. Thank you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We're seeking up to two new trustees with charity experience and local knowledge of in Barrow-in-Furness and South Cumbria who wish to use their skills to support brilliant causes in our community through making grants.
The Sir John Fisher Foundation invests in organisations that serve needs and grow ambitions in the area around Barrow-in-Furness. Our focus is funding core costs and projects that produce sustained results in the community, arts, music and education.
Being a trustee of The Sir John Fisher Foundation is an outstanding opportunity to deepen knowledge of philanthropy and the charity sector, or to build skills in strategy, governance, impact and charity finance.
As a trustee, your role is to work with other trustees to set our strategic direction, oversee the effective running of the charity and participate in the Foundation’s grant-making decisions. This includes:
- Assessing grant applications for our main and core grants programmes
- Attending two full-day board meetings per year, in person (usually around May and November in or near Barrow-in-Furness)
- Attending two further online board meetings per year, usually for ~2 hours
- Participating in site visits to applicants and grantees
- Contributing to planning and implementing the Foundation’s strategy, working with other trustees and staff, in line with our charitable objectives
- Overseeing the financial sustainability of the charity to fund our grant-making programmes, including our investments, mainly our shareholding in James Fisher & Sons
- Supporting the Foundation’s staff team with the general management of the charity
- Ensuring the charity meets its legal obligations as set out by the Charity Commission, and effectively fulfils its general functions and duties
We are looking for trustees with the following essential skills, knowledge and personal qualities, as well as demonstrating the values of the Foundation:
- Commitment to the Foundation’s objectives and grant-making priorities
- Knowledge of the issues faced by people living and working in our geographical priority area (Barrow-in-Furness and the surrounding area)
- Previous experience working or volunteering for a charity
- A sound understanding of the responsibilities of charity trustees (or willingness to learn)
- Understanding of charity accounts (or willingness to learn)
- Strong strategic and critical thinking skills; a critical friend who can give challenge respectfully and be open to changing own views if necessary
- Excellent analytical and decision-making skills
- Personal integrity and humility; discretion
- Ability to work collaboratively
- Willingness to devote the time and energy required to trustee duties
Previous board, trustee or grant-making experience is not necessary. We are actively seeking candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, and professional expertise. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our governance, enrich our decision-making and ensure that our mission is carried out equitably. We encourage applications from individuals who bring lived experiences and insights that have been historically underrepresented in leadership roles.
We encourage applications from first-time trustees whose skills and backgrounds will enhance the board in other ways, as we can provide a thorough induction, trustee buddy, training and support. Through our memberships of the Association of Charitable Foundations and Yorkshire Funders, we can provide access to relevant grant-making training opportunities and networking with grant-makers on a regional and national level.
Apply by 5pm, Sunday 11th January 2026.
We will be longlisting based on the following criteria, so please ensure these are covered in your application:
Why you are interested in being a trustee with the Sir John Fisher Foundation
How you meet the essential skills, knowledge and personal qualities
We will invite longlisted applicants to an online interview with trustees during the week of 26th January 2026. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to an in-person interview in Barrow-in-Furness the week of 9th February 2026. Please let us know if you will require any adjustments or special provisions for any part of this process.
The Sir John Fisher Foundation invests in organisations that serve needs and grow ambitions in the area around Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.