Support officer volunteer roles in sunbury on thames, surrey

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• As the Senior HR Officer in our Volunteer Relations team, you will be reporting directly to the HR Manager, as well as oversee the day-to-day management of volunteer relations across our organisation, ensuring the  smooth execution of policies and adherence to the Volunteer Handbook. Your role involves being the primary point of contact for volunteers, addressing queries, and resolving issues promptly while upholding the organisation’s standards and values.

• You will also play a key role in fostering a professional and supportive environment for all volunteers, maintaining productive relationships, and ensuring operational excellence in volunteer management.

Duties

1. Exit Management

• Facilitate seamless volunteer offboarding processes, including conducting structured exit interviews to identify areas of improvement.
• Maintain accurate records of exits to inform retention and engagement strategies.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies during volunteer departures.

2. Volunteer Inactivity Management

• Monitor volunteer activity levels and implement inactivity management procedures in collaboration with line managers.
• Maintain updated records to track and report volunteer activity trends.

3. Grievance and Conflict Resolution

• Implement and manage an efficient grievance procedure to handle volunteer concerns professionally and promptly.
• Ensure impartiality and transparency in addressing grievances, collaborating with relevant stakeholders for resolution.
• Collaborate with the L&D team to provide periodic training for volunteers and managers on grievance handling and conflict resolution.

4. Policy Execution and Compliance

• Act as the primary custodian of the Volunteer Handbook, ensuring volunteers are well-informed about organisational policies and procedures.
• Monitor compliance with organisational guidelines and address any violations in consultation with the HR Manager.
• Partner with the Policy team to update the Volunteer Handbook periodically to reflect regulatory changes and organisational needs.

5. Volunteer Relations

• Serve as the first point of contact for volunteers, addressing their queries and concerns to foster a positive environment.
• Actively promote inclusivity and diversity in all volunteer-related activities.

6. Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure all volunteer-related activities comply with organisational and legal standards.
• Prepare regular reports on the approved Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including challenges and support needed.

Requirements

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)

• Ability to work well in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Passionate for personal development

• Good experience and foundation in employee/volunteer relations

• Right to volunteer in the UK

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

What You’ll Gain

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

We look forward to hearing from you!

Trustee
League Against Cruel Sports
Location: Remote, with one in-person Board meeting per year
Commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month
Term: Three years (renewable for up to three consecutive terms)

Be part of a new era for animal protection

The League Against Cruel Sports is at an exciting point in its 100-year history. With a new Chair, a new CEO and a bold new strategy, we are entering the next chapter in our mission to end the persecution of animals for sport once and for all.

As Britain’s leading animal welfare campaigning charity, we expose cruelty, protect animals and drive legislative and cultural change. From helping to secure the landmark Hunting Act 2004 to tackling new and emerging forms of cruelty, our work is fuelled by compassion, evidence and impact.

We are now seeking new Trustees to join our Board at this pivotal time — people who can help guide our strategy, strengthen our governance and ensure the League continues to be a powerful voice for animals.

About the role

As a Trustee, you will:

• Share responsibility with fellow Trustees for the League’s governance, strategy, and financial oversight.
• Provide support, insight and constructive challenge to the CEO and senior leadership team.
• Help ensure the charity continues to deliver on its mission effectively, ethically and sustainably.
• Act as an ambassador for the League, promoting our work to supporters, partners and the wider public.

This is an exceptional opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a tangible difference for animals — and to help steer one of the UK’s most respected and influential campaigning charities into its next phase of growth and impact.

What we’re looking for

You’ll bring:

• A genuine commitment to animal welfare and to the League’s mission and values: Compassionate, Courageous, Credible, Collaborative and Connected.
• Strategic thinking, sound judgment and the ability to analyse complex information to make evidence-based decisions.
• Experience of operating at a senior or strategic level, ideally within a board or governance setting.
• A commitment to the principles of good governance and the Seven Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership).

Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential – we value diversity of thought, background and experience.

Time commitment

• One in-person Board meeting per year and three virtual meetings, plus an Annual General Meeting.
• Additional engagement between meetings as needed (approximately 1–2 days per month).

Trustee positions are unremunerated, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Join us

If you share our belief that cruelty to animals in the name of sport has no place in a modern society — and you’re ready to play a part in leading the League into its next chapter — we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please send your CV and a short statement outlining your interest and relevant experience by 15 January 2026. Please see the Trustees Brief located on our website jobs page.

Together, we can create a kinder world for animals.

As a Digital Trustee with expertise in AI and digital technologies, including regulation of AI use within organisations, you will play a pivotal role in providing strategic direction to our ethical AI adoption and digital transformation. This position is a voluntary trustee role, requiring a passionate and dedicated individual with experience in emerging tech trends, particularly in the non-profit sector and a genuine commitment to the values and objectives of our organisation.

About Us

The European Network on Statelessness (ENS) is a civil society alliance of organisations and individuals working to promote the right to a nationality in Europe. Our network brings together over 180 members in more than 40 countries. Since establishing in 2012, we have been dedicated to raising awareness about statelessness and the right to a nationality, supporting legal and policy development, and building civil society’s capacity to act. Our secretariat team of 9 is based in the UK, our Board of Trustees includes individuals based in the UK and across Europe.

We are a fully digital and paperless team, using MS365 and a CRM. We have developed and maintain innovative digital tools like the Statelessness Index (which analyses and compares how European countries are protecting stateless people and taking steps to end statelessness) and the Statelessness Caselaw Database (the first database containing case law related to statelessness in Europe, a vital tool for legal practitioners). Now we're looking forward to harnessing technology like AI and more, to continue to innovate in our work to end statelessness and protect people without a nationality.

Emmaus UK is currently undertaking feasibility work to consider the incorporation of an SPV which can become a Registered Provider of Social Housing on behalf of the Emmaus federation in the UK. This is an exciting prospect and would unlock significant potential to achieve our strategic objective to help more people.

To ensure that we are best positioned to pursue this opportunity we are looking to build the expertise of the Emmaus UK Board in:

· Housing Association/Housing Expertise or relevant regulatory expertise - providing strategic input as we develop the subsidiary and proceed with becoming a Registered Provider

· Legal expertise - ideally in a relevant field e.g. charity or corporate governance, housing, property, regulation etc

· Property Acquisition and Development - to support us with providing high quality services and managing sustainable growth

Joining the EUK Board at such a significant moment will enable you to play a key role in the future of Emmaus. You will be an integral part of developing the movement and central to making strategic decisions within EUK as the national body.

Further details:

Location: Home based online meetings.  Two annual face-to-face meetings

Reporting to: EUK Chair and board of trustees

Remuneration: This role is voluntary.  Any travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The attached applicant pack contains further details including the role description and more about Emmaus UK.

To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to the EUK Governance Manager the Email address can be found in the application pack.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 31 December 2025.

Those shortlisted will be informed on Tuesday 06 January 2026 and invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams on either Monday 12 January 2026 or Wednesday 14 January 2026. All applicants will be informed of the interview outcome by Friday 16 January 2026.

Lead one of the UK's most influential social justice funders as Chair of LEF

Location: UK-wide (Remote with occasional in-person meetings)
Type: Voluntary (Expenses Paid)
Time Commitment: 14 days per year

Champion the power of the law as a tool for social justice
LEF is entering a bold new strategic phase, following a transformative rebrand and renewed focus on the power of communities to use and shape the law to achieve social justice. With financial assets exceeding £280 million, LEF is uniquely positioned to build bridges between the law and communities facing injustice, to tackle the root causes of inequality.

We are seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to guide the foundation's governance, culture, and strategic direction. This is a rare opportunity to lead a values-driven organisation committed to equity, inclusion, and the power of the law to create a more just and equal society.

Why This Role Matters
As Chair, you will:
* Lead the Board in delivering LEF's mission, vision, and values.
* Champion inclusive, collaborative, and participatory governance.
* Strengthen LEF's commitment to community accountability and transparency.
* Ensure strong stewardship of LEF's financial assets and charitable objectives.
* Support the Chief Executive with strategic challenge and partnership.
Help build relationships that strengthen collaboration, collective voice and systemic impact.

Who We're Looking For
We're seeking a strategic and values-led leader with:
* Senior leadership experience in governance or strategy.
* Deep commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion.
* Financial literacy and confidence to engage with investment and audit reports.
* Understanding of law as a tool for systemic change.

Desirable qualities include:
* Experience in inclusive and participatory decision-making.
* Direct experience of investment or endowment management.
* Lived experience or deep connection to communities affected by injustice.
* Experience supporting anti-racism or inclusion work at a strategic level.

What You'll Gain
* Play a pivotal role in advancing systemic social justice
* The opportunity to align significant financial assets with a bold social justice mission.
* A platform to support organisations, closely connected to their communities, who are using - or would like to use - the law to drive wider change and greater equity. .
* A collaborative, intellectually rigorous and inclusive Board culture.

Recruitment Timeline
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold LEF's commitment to Power, Culture and Inclusion, they will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the interim Chair/CEO. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Wednesday 10th December and we will send you a link.

Application deadline: Thursday 15th January 2026
First round interview: w/c 12th February 2026
Final interviews: w/c 26th February2026

How to Apply
Charity People Ltd is acting as recruitment advisor to LEF on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you require any assistance or adjustment to make the application process work for you, please let us know.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Barnet Mencap is a thriving medium-sized charity for people with learning disabilities and people with autism and their family carers.

We are looking for people who are interested in making a contribution to their local community. Do you have skills to offer a local charity that could make an impact and improve and change people’s lives?

As a voluntary trustee you would be part of a dynamic and dedicated team that focuses on the strategic direction and governance of the charity and become an ambassador for Barnet Mencap.

We are looking to strengthen our team by recruiting additional trustees. Expertise in one or more of the following areas would be particularly welcome, though not essential if you are the right candidate:

· Legal

· Finance

· Education

· Fundraising

· Marketing

Applications would be most welcome from younger people, people from an ethnic minority and people with an interest in learning disabilities.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ray Booth, Chief Executive.

An Enhanced DBS check will be required for successful applicants.

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: 

1. Support the Board to review and monitor ECU’s financial performance and sustainability
2. Ensure the Board receives timely, accessible and accurate financial information
3. 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)

Our County Representatives (CR) will support our Fundraising Team by being the public face of Combat Stress in their local county, and will help build support from individuals and groups by raising awareness and funds. Income generation is key to our continued success and the support of volunteers enables us to raise more funds to support former servicemen and women, so that when a veteran is having a tough time, we’re there to help tackle the past and to help them take on the future.

Hours:The role is flexible. You can give as much or as little time as you are able. However, we do ask you ideally commit enough time to build meaningful awareness and support on your base.

What are the benefits of volunteering for Combat Stress?

• A full induction to Combat Stress and its work, including training and appropriate materials to support you in the role such as t-shirts, banners and cheer sticks. 
• Ongoing support, advice and guidance from the Senior Challenge Officer. • Learn and develop fundraising skills.
• Meet new people and be actively engaged in your local community.
• Helping our fundraisers to feel great and keeping them motivated throughout their challenge.
• Receive reimbursement for out of pocket expenses 
• Be part of the UK’s leading Charity for veterans’ mental health.
• Have the reward of knowing you will be making a positive contribution to the lives of UK Veterans and their families.

Join the Ranger Cadets as a Uniformed Volunteer Officer!

Step into a role of leadership, legacy, and community impact.

We are seeking Cadet Unit Managers (Officers in Charge) to lead weekly cadet units across England.

About Ranger Cadets:

Ranger Cadets is a new uniformed youth work organisation with a clear purpose: to equip young people with essential life skills, tools, and opportunities that help them grow into active citizens who make a positive contribution to society. Through training, service, and ceremonial identity, cadets gain confidence, resilience, and pride—while building a legacy of community impact.

Your Mission:

• Lead with pride: Manage a cadet unit one evening per week.

• Serve with honour: Support occasional weekend public duties, representing the Ranger Cadets in your community in uniform.

• Inspire the next generation: Guide young people through training, service, and ceremonial events.

Your Path to Advancement:

After 12 months of service, you’ll have the opportunity to rise in rank to Multi-Cadet Unit Manager, taking command of two or more cadet units—expanding your leadership and impact.

Why Volunteer with Ranger Cadets?

• Be part of a uniformed tradition that blends discipline with community pride.

• Gain leadership experience and ceremonial training.

• Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.

• Join a movement that values honour, service, and legacy.

Call to Action:

If you’re ready to wear the uniform, lead with dignity, and inspire the future, step forward today. Become a Ranger Cadet Officer—your journey starts here.

RANGER CADETS 

#PreparedForLife

We are seeking individuals who can empower children and young people, to support and share our mission within their current school or youth provision setting (Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts and Youth Groups).
You will encourage your group to share the mission of Mary's Meals, raise awareness of our work and fundraise.

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.

Volunteer Opportunity: Divisional Officer (Uniformed Role)

Organisation: Ranger Cadets

Location: London (local unit)

Commitment: One evening per week, 7–9pm

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 committed Divisional Officers to serve in a uniformed volunteer position, managing one of our weekly cadet units in London. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can inspire young people, coordinate adult volunteers, and deliver our cadet syllabus programme with energy and dignity.

As a Divisional Officer, you will:

• Lead a local Ranger Cadets unit one evening per week (7–9pm).

• Wear the Ranger Cadets uniform with pride, embodying our values of dignity, inclusivity, and service.

• Manage and coordinate adult volunteers, ensuring clarity and support in their roles.

• Deliver and oversee the cadet syllabus programme, helping young people gain essential life skills.

• Ensure safeguarding, compliance, and organisational standards are upheld.

• Build a welcoming, inspiring environment where every cadet feels valued and motivated.

Who We’re Looking For

• Enthusiastic leaders with experience in youth work, education, or community engagement.

• Strong organisational and people-management skills.

• Ability to inspire and guide both young people and adult volunteers.

• Passion for youth empowerment, social mobility, and community impact.

• Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.

What You’ll Gain

• The honour of serving in a uniformed role that represents dignity, pride, and community impact.

• The chance to directly shape the lives of young people in your community.

• A role that blends leadership, teaching, and community service.

How to Apply

If you are ready to serve in uniform, lead a weekly cadet unit, and help unlock the potential of young people, we would love to hear from you.

RANGER CADETS 

#PreparedForLife

The Opportunity

We are recruiting 3 lay Trustees! Do you bring skills and experience in communications, human resources or membership engagement? Would you like to use these at board level to shape a charity? We'd love you to join our Board of Trustees if so.

This is a fantastic opportunity to have a great impact on the UK’s mental health at the highest level!

Does this matter to you as much as it matters to us? Then a Trustee role with UKCP will give you the chance to support a cause with your professional skills.

Who is the UK Council for Psychotherapy?

UK Council for Psychotherapy is a leading organisation for psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. We believe that psychotherapy can help us in profound ways. Solving immediate issues and transforming how we think, feel and behave is how we do this.

We offer professional support for our members here in the UK.  We are also the leading research, innovation and educational body. UKCP continue working to advance psychotherapies for the benefit of all.

What matters to us

We see first-hand the power of psychotherapy to improve lives. We speak up for the importance of psychotherapy in national and local policymaking. UKCP also represents the social value of psychotherapy in the UK today.

If you join us…

You will be a part of a committed Board who is doing more to reflect the communities we serve. This is an opportunity to shape the work and direction of UKCP. Help us achieve our vision of a world in which emotional and mental wellness is a human right.

Equality, diversity and inclusivity are felt throughout our values and the culture of our work practices. So, you’ll enjoy the rewards of helping us to be a voice of change where it’s needed.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for three Trustees to join the UKCP Board, bringing any or a combination of the skills and experience listed below. All candidates will share our commitment to improving the UK’s mental health and understand the importance of high-level governance in achieving this.

We are particularly seeking:

• HR Trustee – Someone with proven experience and insight into human resources practices, people management, organisational culture, staff wellbeing, recruitment, and talent development.
• Communications Trustee – Someone with professional experience in communications, marketing, and/or public relations.
• Membership Engagement Trustee – Someone who can provide insight-led oversight of UKCP’s membership activities.

Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying, as it contains important details about the role and our organisation.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining UK Council for Psychotherapy!

What’s next?

Eastside People is supporting UK Council of Psychotherapy in the recruitment of these roles. You can click here/follow the link to apply today.

The closing date for applications is Monday 5th January. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after. Shortlisted candidates will then have an interview with UKCP shortly after this.

We acknowledge every application. You’ll always hear from us after taking the time to apply - we look forward to hearing from you!

Education Volunteer Role Description 

Are you passionate about changing the way we treat animals? Do you want to help reduce environmental damage? Do you want to inspire people to enjoy healthy vegan food that both looks good and tastes great? 

The Vegan Society aims to make veganism more accessible. We help people to adopt a vegan lifestyle by supporting individuals, policy- and decision-makers, caterers, manufacturers, healthcare professionals and the media. 

Why do we need you? 

Laura Chepner is our Education Officer, and she is looking for a volunteer to support her in her role. Laura has a background in education, with a degree in Primary Education which preceded a decade of teaching and a short stint in the role of SENco (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). Shortly after that, Laura theorised vegan-inclusive teaching, published An Educator’s Guide for Vegan-Inclusive Teaching and worked as the UK’s first vegan-inclusion education specialist until joining The Vegan Society. 

At The Vegan Society, Laura supports vegan learners in education who have been discriminated against by acting as an intermediary between their families and the institution. Additionally, Laura supports educators by creating resources and delivering training sessions on what it means to be vegan-inclusive in their practice. Furthermore, Laura empowers parents/guardians to ask for vegan-inclusion by creating documents, with the help of The Education Network, that they can present and highlight their rights. 

What does this role involve? 

We support vegan learners and their families by offering practical resources, including tips for discussing veganism with schools, understanding legal protections and addressing concerns like catering and inclusivity. Our resources aim to help create an educational environment where vegan families feel respected and valued. This role will involve creating resources for families and educators. For example, template letters, guidance on legal protections, policy review requests, learning materials for children and much more.

What training and support is available? 

The ideal candidate for this role will have a background in Primary Education and be comfortable working independently. However, we are always willing to invite volunteers along to staff training when possible and to deliver training on specific skills in-house, as identified throughout the volunteering period. This role is remote, so support from the Education Officer will be available through email and phone calls as required. Monthly reviews with the Volunteering and Engagement Officer will also be conducted to ensure the volunteer is happy in their role. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

• Qualified teacher

• Good written English

• Competent using Microsoft Office

• A strong understanding of the aims, campaigns and tone of voice of The Vegan Society 

• The ability to work independently. 

What does my availability need to be?  

This is an ongoing role and tasks will be requested by Laura on an ad hoc basis, volunteers can accept or decline each task. Volunteering can be done outside traditional working hours and in any time zone, although meetings and staff support will only be available between 9am and 5pm UK time. We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of six months to make the best use of recruitment and induction time and to get the best out of their volunteering experience.

Who does this role report to?

Laura Chepner, Education Officer and Kaya Gromocki, Senior Volunteering and Engagement Officer.

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.