Support officer volunteer roles in summertown, oxfordshire

Shape the future of student advocacy and social change by joining the NUS UK Board as a Lay Director.

We’re looking for an independent director to help steer our strategy, governance, and accountability. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with experience in campaigning, communications, legal affairs, or non-profit leadership who’s passionate about supporting one of the UK’s most impactful student-led organisations.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to attract the broadest possible range of talent. Whether or not you’ve previously held a board or committee role, if you bring relevant expertise, lived experience, or a fresh perspective, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in:

• Financial oversight, audit, or risk management

• Human resources, recruitment, or EDI expertise

• Legal, strategic, or governance experience

• Communications, campaigning, or public affairs knowledge

• Experience in the charity, education, or membership sectors

• A collaborative and values-driven mindset

We are committed to equality of opportunity and especially welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented as Directors of NUS UK and within the sector more broadly.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Help shape the student movement and the future of education

• Influence decisions that impact millions of students

• Work alongside experienced, passionate, and values-led colleagues

• Develop your leadership and governance skills

• Make a meaningful contribution to social change

You’ll receive a full induction, ongoing support, and all reasonable expenses covered—including travel and accommodation when needed.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV (or a link to your LinkedIn profile) and a short covering letter (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and what you would bring to the role.

Apply by: Thursday 3 July 2025, 12 noon.

If you’d like an informal chat about the role before applying, we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteer Administrator – Help Us Support Animal Welfare!

Location: RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch – Home based

 Role Type:Volunteer – Administrator

Manager: CEO

Do You Have Strong Admin Skills?

Would you like to use your organisation and communication skills to support animal welfare?

At RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, we are looking for a highly efficient administrator to help our busy team with essential admin tasks. By donating your time and skills, you’ll play a key role in helping us run smoothly and effectively, ensuring we can continue making a difference to the lives of animals.

Why Volunteer With Us?

As a volunteer administrator, you will:

● Support a worthwhile cause and help improve animal welfare.

● Gain valuable skills and experience in administration.

● Be part of a friendly and dedicated team.

● Enjoy a fun and fulfilling role at the heart of the local community.

● Training and development opportunities, including induction and ongoing support.

● Access to the RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials.

What You’ll Be Doing:

● Answering enquiries over the telephone, by email, and by letter.

● Assisting with general administration duties as required such as documentation, scanning and providing support to the CEO, Operations Manager and Finance Manager.

● Supporting the team with ad hoc office tasks.

● Ensuring all data is handled confidentially in line with data protection regulations.

● Supporting the team with ordering supplies.

What We’re Looking For:

● Good organisational skills with attention to detail.

● Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

● Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

● Basic IT and administrative skills, including experience with email and telephone communication.

● An understanding of data protection and confidentiality principles.

What’s in It for You?

● Meet new people and make new friends.

● Learn new skills to enhance your CV.

● A comprehensive induction and training programme relevant to your role.

● Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of your local community.

● Know that your time and effort is making a real difference to the welfare of animals.

● We’re happy to reimburse reasonable travel expenses incurred while volunteering.

Practical Considerations:

● Health & Safety: You’ll need to complete a simple online Health & Safety course before starting the role.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

● An informal interview and trial period.

● Submission of two referees’ contact details.

● Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.

Chair of Trustees Role

Profile Remuneration: This is a voluntary role.

Reasonable expenses for travel may be reimbursed.

Location: Must be available for board meetings in person in London

Time commitment: Quarterly board meetings, annual strategy day, plus additional time for Chair duties as required

Term: 3 years (renewable up to a maximum tenure of 9 years)

The Chair of the Board of Trustees provides leadership to the Board, ensuring it functions effectively to support and guide the charity in achieving its mission. The Chair is responsible for setting the tone for the Board’s work, promoting a strong culture of governance, and facilitating effective, inclusive decision-making. The Chair helps to steward the strategic direction of Dallaglio RugbyWorks, ensuring that the charity remains focused on its purpose, values, and long-term sustainability. The Chair also acts as a key ambassador for the organisation and helps build productive relationships both within the Board and with external stakeholders, including the charity’s founder.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board in maintaining a clear and strategic focus on the charity’s mission, values and long-term goals.
• Chair quarterly board meetings, facilitating inclusive, well-informed, and effective decision-making.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance among Trustees.
• Provide a supportive and constructive relationship with the CEO, acting as a sounding board and trusted advisor.
• Ensure that the board fulfils its legal and governance responsibilities, including oversight of financial health, compliance and risk.
• Ensure robust financial oversight, including the long-term financial sustainability of the organisation, and the appropriate use of resources.
• Build and maintain a constructive and appropriate relationship with the charity’s founder, supporting their continued connection to the mission while ensuring clarity of roles and governance.
• Represent the charity externally, where appropriate, to build its profile, credibility and influence.  
• Support the executive team by facilitating introductions to key contacts, influencers, and potential supporters or partners.
• Lead board development, including Trustee recruitment, succession planning, and reviews of board performance.
• Champion best practice in governance and uphold the charity’s values and reputation.
• The Chair is a member of the Nomination, Remuneration & HR Committee, with twice yearly online meetings to be attended.

General Trustee Responsibilities

• As Chair, you also carry the core responsibilities of a Trustee, including:
• Ensuring that the charity complies with its governing document and all relevant legislation and regulation.
• Using your skills, knowledge and experience to support sound decision-making and organisational development.
• Safeguarding the assets and values of the charity, and ensuring resources are used effectively to achieve charitable purposes.
• Acting in the best interests of Dallaglio RugbyWorks at all times, exercising reasonable care and independent judgement.
• Promoting transparency, inclusivity, and integrity across the organisation.

The above list of duties is indicative only and not exhaustive. Trustees will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonable commensurate with the role. The Board of Trustees is jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Trustees, should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual Trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.

Person Specification

We are seeking a strategic and inclusive leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people.

Experience

•  Proven experience chairing a Board or senior committee in a charity, public body or corporate setting.
• Previous experience serving as a charity Trustee, with a strong understanding of governance and collective responsibility is highly desirable.
• A respected professional with credibility and connections in relevant sectors, able to influence and support the charity through relationships and networks.
• Strong alignment with the mission and values of Dallaglio RugbyWorks.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with Trustees, senior leaders and stakeholders.
• A track record of strategic thinking, sound judgement and independent decisionmaking.
• Familiarity with governance frameworks and the legal duties of charity trustees.

Skills & Attributes

• A strategic and inclusive leader with strong facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills, able to build consensus and navigate complex discussions.
• Prepared to commit the time required for effective leadership, including attending quarterly Board meetings in person and supporting ad hoc responsibilities between meetings.
• Willing to use personal and professional networks to support the charity’s development, profile, and partnerships

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation. 

Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you! 

STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees. 

We are in particular looking for applicants who: 

• Have lived experience 
• Have HR experience 
• Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
• Have charitable fundraising experience. 

 Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged. 

Role Description

To provide strategic oversight of:

• STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law; 
• STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
• Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives; 
• The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
• Monitoring and reporting of financial information; 
• STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
• Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.

Also to:

• Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
• Attend and prepare for board meetings
• Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
• Approve accounts
• Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
• Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
• A commitment to STAR’s values
• An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments. 
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
• Integrity and good independent judgement
• Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
• Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
• Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.

Desirable 

Five years experience in one or more of:

• Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
• Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
• Charitable fundraising;
• Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
• Organisational development, growth or change;
• Human resources;
• Financial management/accountancy;
• IT;
• Negotiations;
• Marketing and public relations;
• Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
• Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
• Campaigning;
• Social Media/ Communications 

About Student Action for Refugees

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive. 

Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by: 

• empowering young people to be changemakers; 
• providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects; 
• challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK; 
• Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation 

We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.

Here are just some of our highlights from last year:

• 37  STAR university student society groups, across 28  towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders. 
• 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
• 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers  through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events. 
• 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
• 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of  existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of  university staff. 
• 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
• 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.

If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.

Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025

Interviews: Rolling

As our new Chair, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation and the lives of those we serve. The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission.

About Youth Concern

We are an independent charity based in Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire that supports 13-25 year olds. We are inclusive; we aim to support all 13-25 year olds, but specialise in helping those facing additional challenges.

What will you be doing?

Your expertise, passion, and fresh perspective will be invaluable assets as we navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Vale’s young people. Your commitment to our cause will be met with unwavering support and appreciation from fellow trustees and our dedicated executive team.

Role summary 

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the board, ensuring that Youth Concern achieves its mission, and fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation
• Work in partnership with the Chief Executive and team
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation
• Optimise the relationship between the board and Youth Concern’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings, with others (mainly and normally the Chief Executive) as appropriate
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Youth Concern; be willing to champion Youth Concern’s work through personal networks
• Provide supervisory support, annual appraisal and ongoing development and input to the Chief Executive

 Time commitment (estimated at two days per month)

• Attending 6 board meetings annually. Currently meetings last 2 hours and are held in person, with the option to attend remotely. 
• Attend sub-committees as required, which are around 1 each month (although as Chair, you are a member of all sub-committees, so can attend more as desired/needed)
• Monthly scheduled meeting with the Chief Executive with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue
• Attending an annual half day strategy session.

What are we looking for?

Essential

• Experience of being a trustee. (You do not need to have been a Chair previously.)
• Experience of working with or for young people
• Experience of leading organisations through periods of growth
• A keen sense of strategic purpose
• An inclusive leadership style and the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Oversee Youth Concern’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress. Whilst the trustee/treasurer takes the lead on this, the Chair is a member of the finance sub-committee
• Be responsive
• Live within easy and quick travel time of Aylesbury

What Difference will you make?

Why should you apply?

Youth Concern believes every young person has the right to be fed, to a safe home, to a good education and later, to employment.

In becoming a trustee, you will be helping young people thrive. And because:

• You believe a few hours a month, working for young people, is a good investment of your time
• You want to give something back
• Your skill set will benefit a growing local charity
• You want to be part of Youth Concern’s success story

We are seeking a finance volunteer to support our charity’s financial operations. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in charity finance while contributing to a meaningful cause.

We’re a small charity with an income of around £140,000, which comes from individual donations and grants. While we currently have a part-time bookkeeper and a volunteer finance director, we’d love to have some support with some or all of the following tasks.

What impact will they have?

Your support will help us reach more women seeking mental health support via our 1-1 counselling services.

About the volunteer

Description

We are looking for a volunteer who can support us in creating:

· Monthly management accounts (essential)

· Budget for the year, including forecasting

· Prepping for grants, such as answering questions for elements of grant applications

· Preparing quarterly board reports

· Planning for different financial scenarios and forecasting

· Costing charitable activities

· Has good communication and organisation skills

· Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.

Skills

· Financial management skills, as listed in the description

· Has relevant charity experience and recognised training qualification, with professional bodies such as ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

Our Education Officer, Laura Chepner, coordinates the Vegan Campout Family Marquee each year and is looking for an enthusiastic assistant. This role begins with some remote administrative support and builds up to on-site assistance a few days before the festival. You would be required on site from Tuesday 26th August, supporting Laura, up to the morning of Friday 29 August when you will clock off. After that, you’re free to enjoy the rest of the festival from Saturday onwards (free ticket included). vegv

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in gaining hands-on experience in events or festival planning, while gaining an exclusive behind-the-scenes insight into one of the UK’s most successful vegan festivals. 

Why do we need you? 

Vegan Campout's Family Marquee is growing year on year and we want to ensure it continues to be a welcoming, engaging and successful space for children and families. To achieve this, we need a dedicated and capable volunteer to support Laura Chepner, our Education Officer, in preparing and delivering an event that gets better every year. As the marquee evolves and expands, so too does the work required behind the scenes – and your help will be vital in making this year the most successful yet. 

What does the role involve? 

In the months leading up to the festival, you’ll support Laura with various administrative tasks, including managing emails and maintaining Excel spreadsheets. This support will gradually increase as the event draws nearer. 

You may also assist in liaising with volunteers and artists, collecting and managing essential information such as DBS certificates and first aid qualifications. 

From Tuesday 26 August, you’ll be on-site helping with the physical setup of the marquee, coordinating deliveries, arranging activities and supporting logistical tasks. You’ll also help liaise with partners and sponsors to ensure everything is in place and ready for the opening day. 

What training and support is available? 

There is no formal training required. You will be working closely with Laura, who will guide and support you throughout the entire process. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

We are looking for a volunteer who is: 

• Proficient in administrative tasks 
• Confident using Microsoft Office, especially Excel 
• Organised, reliable and dependable 
• Friendly with strong people skills 
• Comfortable managing communications and coordinating information 

What does my availability need to be? 

*Non-negotiable – You must be available to arrive on-site at Campout from Tuesday 26 August and remain until the morning of Friday 29 August. Food and breaks will be fully catered for during this period. 

In the months leading up to the festival, there will be a few hours of admin support required each week. From May onwards and this will gradually increase, reaching a maximum of around 16 hours per week across June, July and August.

Reports to: Chief People Officer
Direct Reports: HRBP Lead, HR Managers
Team Structure: Six HR Teams (HRBP team, Recruitment, Learning & Development, Volunteer Relations, Policy, and Engagement) – supported by Senior HR Officers and HR Officers
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: 12 months minimum | Part-time | Flexible hours

About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Head of HR to lead and oversee our HR function at a pivotal time in YouthAdvantage UK’s ambition to become a registered charity.
Reporting into the Chief People Officer, you’ll provide strategic leadership to a multi-layered HR structure, directly managing our HRBP Lead and HR Managers, and overseeing five core teams that support the organisation’s people and culture strategy.
This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced HR leader who wants to give back by mentoring the next generation of HR professionals, shaping policy and practice, and helping us build a strong, inclusive, and values-led volunteer workforce across the UK.
Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.

Key Responsibilities
•Provide overall leadership to the HR function, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and values.
•Manage and coach HRBP Lead and HR Managers to ensure smooth delivery across all people-related functions.
•Oversee and guide the five core HR teams:
oRecruitment – ensuring effective onboarding of skilled and diverse volunteers.
oLearning & Development – supporting volunteer upskilling and capability-building.
oVolunteer Relations – maintaining engagement, support, and wellbeing.
oPolicy – upholding inclusive, clear, and robust HR governance.
oEngagement – fostering culture, recognition, and retention.
•Partner with the Chief People Officer on strategic planning, workforce design, and key organisational initiatives.
•Lead succession planning and ensure continuity across all volunteer HR roles.
•Monitor performance and facilitate cross-team collaboration.
•Champion inclusive, accessible practices across the organisation.

What We're Looking For
We’re looking for someone who’s experienced enough to hit the ground running and humble enough to grow with us.
You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
•Solid operational HR experience, ideally across generalist and specialist areas such as recruitment, employee relations/law, L&D, and policy.
•Previous line management experience, with a demonstrable record of supporting and developing HR team members or volunteers.
•A practical, sleeves-rolled-up approach - someone who is hands-on, accessible, and able to get things done in a busy, volunteer-led environment.
•A strategic mindset, but also the willingness to dig into day-to-day HR activity and problem-solving.
•A collaborative, coaching-ready attitude - this is a great opportunity for someone who has enough experience to stand on their own feet, but is open to being coached by the Chief People Officer to further develop their leadership style.
•Good communication and people skills, with the ability to work across different functions and with a wide range of volunteers.
•An interest in or understanding of the third sector and volunteer engagement is a bonus, but not essential.
•Experience working remotely or in hybrid teams is helpful.
•Above all, a genuine passion for youth empowerment and a belief in what we’re building at YouthAdvantage UK.
What You’ll Gain
•A chance to lead a national HR function with real-world complexity and purpose.
•The opportunity to mentor and develop emerging HR talent.
•Practical experience shaping HR strategy within the third sector.
•Recognition through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment

Important Information
This role is completely voluntary. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. It is ideal for experienced HR professionals looking to give back, stay active in leadership, or contribute to a values-led organisation in a meaningful way.

Apply Now
If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help shape a dynamic, inclusive, and youth-focused volunteer organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Chair - Finance and Audit Committee

Community Action Suffolk, CAS is the county’s leading infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector.  CAS is currently seeking a Chair for the Finance and Audit Committee.

The role

To provide effective leadership, the Finance & Audit Committee Chair must have a clear understanding of the committee’s duties and responsibilities; be able to commit the necessary time and be available on urgent financial matters.

 The Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee will be supported by a small committee of trustees and Head of Finance.  Meetings are quarterly and held at our office in Ipswich or alternatively online.

Role responsibilities:

• excellent working knowledge of finance and audit practices and internal control functions and risk management  frameworks
• develop understanding of the organisation and its financial structure
• sound judgement and professional scepticism

The person

 This is a role for an experienced qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or similar), who shares our vision and has a proven ability in strong leadership, organisational and financial matters. They will be someone who is motivated, pragmatic and demonstrates sound commercial and business acumen and have the requisite business, financial, communication skills to be the Chair the Finance and Audit Committee. Any knowledge of the insurance industry would be beneficial but not essential.

You will enjoy the opportunity to support an important charity in Suffolk dedicated to improving opportunities for all, ensuring a strong and thriving VCFSE sector and that our county is one where every voice counts to make Suffolk the best place to live and work.

You’ll work collegiately with our trustees and in partnership with our Chief Executive, ensuring strong accountability to the board as a whole. There’ll be scope for professional development as well as personal reward in running the charity. In summary, its an opportunity to make a real difference.

Remuneration

Like most not-for-profit board roles this position is unremunerated, however expenses can be claimed where appropriate.

If you would like an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Belinda Couldridge to arrange a conversation with the Chair of Trustees or the Chief Executive.

 To apply, please provide the following via email:

• A comprehensive CV including details of two referees.
• A supporting statement, explaining how you believe your skills and experience match the requirements of the role description and person specification.

We are seeking a finance volunteer to support our charity’s financial operations. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in charity finance while contributing to a meaningful cause.

We’re a small charity with an income of around £140,000, which comes from individual donations and grants. While we currently have a part-time bookkeeper and a volunteer finance director, we’d love to have some support with some or all of the following tasks.

What impact will they have?

Your support will help us reach more women seeking mental health support via our 1-1 counselling services.

About the volunteer

Description

We are looking for a volunteer who can support us in creating:

· Monthly management accounts (essential)

· Budget for the year, including forecasting

· Prepping for grants, such as answering questions for elements of grant applications

· Preparing quarterly board reports

· Planning for different financial scenarios and forecasting

· Costing charitable activities

· Has good communication and organisation skills

· Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.

Skills

· Financial management skills, as listed in the description

· Has relevant charity experience and recognised training qualification, with professional bodies such as ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

We Stand are recruiting a number of voluntary positions for the Board of Trustees, with this advert focussing on the Chair of the Board.
 

We Stand is the only national charity that specialises in helping non-abusing parents and carers to protect and support their sexually abused children.

Our Mission is to provide support in a non - judgmental environment for non abusing parents and carers of sexually abused children. 

Our Services help families at a time of extreme trauma caused by child sexual abuse – providing emotional and practical support to young victims, siblings and non-abusing parents/carers so that they can move on positively with their lives together. 

Board

We Stand is run by a Board made up of volunteer Trustees. We are seeking a committed and passionate individual, to fill the role of a Chair of the Board.​
 

Expectations of Chair role

• Experience of strategic leadership: Guiding the board in setting the charity's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with its mission and objectives. 

• Governance Oversight: Monitoring the board's performance and ensuring trustees fulfill their duties and responsibilities. 

• Meeting Management: Leading board meetings, ensuring they are conducted effectively and efficiently, and that all necessary information is available. 

• Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the CEO, staff, and other trustees. 

• Risk Management: Overseeing the identification and management of key risks and opportunities for the charity. 

• Ambassadorial Role: Representing the charity to external stakeholders and promoting its work. 

• Support and Challenge: Providing support and guidance to the CEO, while also challenging them to ensure effective performance and decision-making. 

• Time Commitment: Dedicating sufficient time and effort to the role, including attending meetings, preparing for meetings, and engaging in other related activities. 
   

Experience of holding a previous Chair position is not essential, but desirable. Experience of working at a senior level is essential. 

Trustees required – Evolve Counselling CIO (1181861) 

• Location: remote/Cambridgeshire area 

• Voluntary role: reasonable expenses paid 

• Time commitment: 0-5 hours per month (estimated), mostly outside office hours 

• Term: negotiable, e.g. interim/three years/extendable by re-election 

• Application closing date: 7 July 2025 

The Role: 

Dynamic Trustees needed, with charity and commercial skills, to support mental health CIO. With an ambitious development programme up and running, we need to expand our Trustee Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a crucial time of growing demand for our services. 

About Us: 

Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in mainly Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time. We deliver talking therapies to adults – online and in person. Our service delivers around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access counselling support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training, to organisations and businesses large and small. 

What We’re Looking For: 

Our Trustee Board is currently drawn from the counselling and therapies community, plus commercial and other charity backgrounds. Now, with crucial development of the CIO ahead, we are looking for new members to expand the Board to its maximum ten places and to gain skills and insight from an equal, diverse and inclusive group that takes in business skills, knowledge of charities, and experience of not-for-profit finances to make growth plans a reality. 

The Board will keep us on track with good governance through oversight of our work and will also help our keen new CEO to secure a sound financial base from which to grow our operations to meet the ever-increasing demand for our services. 

We welcome applications from individuals with backgrounds in any of the following areas: 

• Business strategy and planning 
• Commerce/industry 
• Governance 
• Working within the charity/CIO sector 
• Financial management 
• Legal expertise 
• Health and wellbeing services 
• Mental health counselling 
• Health service commissioning or delivery planning 
• Advocacy or advice services 
• Data protection/GDPR knowledge 
• Adherence to the Nolan Principles of Public Life 

Application process: Please email with your CV and letter of application, stating why you’d like to become a Trustee at Evolve Counselling and how your skills and experience align with our plans for growth. 

Our Admin Volunteers provide vital support to our staff and volunteers to help us reach as many people as possible with the Mary’s Meals story and help us keep our promise to the 2.4 million children we feed every day.

What is the role of an Admin Volunteer?

The role of Admin Volunteer may involve:

• Conducting research
• Data entry
• Contacting organisations to offer talks or promote our campaigns 
• Helping us to thank our supporters
• Supporting event organisation
• Providing general admin support
• Allocating volunteer speakers to booked talks

What difference will i make?

• You will enable us to reach more people with the story of Mary’s Meals
• You will support our staff in their work to feed the next hungry child
• You will help us find new places to give talks, and support volunteers who are giving these talks to have all the information they need
• You will ensure our records are up-to-date and accurate
• You will help us provide a good service to supporters

What support and resources will i receive?

• Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
• A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
• Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
• Resources to fulfil your role
• A regular volunteer update e-mail

What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?

• Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
• Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
• Meeting new like-minded people
• Increasing confidence and team-working skills
• Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
• Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.