Supporter engagement volunteer volunteer roles in birmingham

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Content Designer
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in content creation, design, and digital communication.

• Proficiency in design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.).

• Excellent written and visual communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail and creative problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to produce high-quality content under deadlines.

• A portfolio or examples of previous work (e.g., social media graphics, posters, digital campaigns) is a plus.

• Familiarity with social media platforms and trends (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.).

• Passion for contributing to social impact and supporting charitable causes.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Content Creation & Design:

  • Design and produce a minimum of 2 social media posts per month, ensuring they are aligned with the charity's voice and branding.

  • Create engaging visual content for various platforms, including social media, newsletters, and website updates.

  • Work with the marketing team to develop creative concepts for campaigns and initiatives.

• Content Strategy & Planning:

  • Assist in developing content strategies that resonate with the charity’s target audience.

  • Ensure content is on-brand, consistent in style, and optimized for different digital platforms.

  • Help create and maintain a content calendar, ensuring timely delivery of posts and materials.

• Brand Consistency:

  • Maintain a consistent visual and written tone across all digital platforms.

  • Stay updated on design trends and digital marketing strategies to ensure content is fresh and engaging.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure a consistent post schedule.

  • Contribute and attend all meetings for the Content Creation Team and directions from the Director of Content Creation.

  • Meet all given deadlines on time and consistently.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in content design and digital marketing.

• Opportunities to build and expand your design portfolio with real-world projects.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• Certification of participation at the end of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Events & Programmes Coordinator
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in event planning, programme coordination, and nonprofit work.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.

• Prior experience in event planning or project coordination is a plus, but not required.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.

• A passion for contributing to social impact and supporting charitable initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Event Planning & Execution:

  • Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of monthly charity events. This is a minimum of 1 online event per month.

  • Work closely with team members to ensure events are organized efficiently, within budget, and aligned with the charity’s mission.

  • Help with logistics, setup, and support during events.

  • Manage guest lists, invitations, and event communications.

• Annual Research Programme Coordination:

  • Support the coordination of the charity’s annual research programme. This is currently an annual programme, the Social Justice Research Fellowship, running in 2025 from June 2nd - August 8th.

  • Assist in organizing logistics, outreach, and scheduling for research participants.

  • Ensure that resources and materials are available for programme participants.

  • Track the progress of the programme and report on key milestones.

  • Contribute to planing and logistical initiatives surrounding expanding the provisions of research programmes, including brainstorming and coordination for potential new programmes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure smooth event and programme execution.

  • Participate in regular team meetings, contributing ideas and insights.

  • Provide feedback and suggestions for improving the efficiency of events and programmes.

  • Participate in Outreach & Marketing meetings and follow direction provided from Senior Staff.

• Post-Event & Programme Reporting:

  • Help in post-event evaluations, collecting feedback from participants, and reporting on outcomes.

  • Assist in maintaining and updating event and programme documentation for future reference.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in event management and programme coordination.

• Networking opportunities with peers, university departments and professors, and other charitiable groups.

• Opportunities to develop key skills in project management, communication, and teamwork.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• Certificate of participation of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

About Us

My Black Dog is a charity that offers anonymous, peer to peer mental health support through our web-chat service. We are committed to making a positive impact on mental health in the UK as we tackle an epidemic that millions of people face.

We were founded on the motto "talk to someone who gets it". We want to connect people who share lived experiences to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space where everybody understands how it feels to experience mental health struggles.

Position Overview

Our web-chat service is run by our Volunteer Pack, each of whom have their own lived experience of mental health challenges. In addition, each shift has a 'Leader' and a 'Mentor'. These are Volunteers who carry out specific roles during the shift and, together, ensure its success:

• Leaders - Managers of the shift. There to ensure the shift runs as it should. They support and guide Volunteers through chats and follow safeguarding processes when an alert is raised. They are also the first point of contact for the shift’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Mentors - There to support and guide Volunteers through chats. Will take over from the Leader if there are safeguarding issues that need the Leader's attention and/or if the Leader needs a break.

As My Black Dog looks to expand our opening hours, we are looking to recruit additional Leaders and Mentors who can run shifts and cover additional shifts as necessary.

Leaders and Mentors will be assigned a shift based on your availability and preference. The expectation is that Leaders and Mentors will form a ‘pair’ and, together, will do one shift at the same time each week. This is to provide stability, predictability and to encourage community-building between Volunteers. Shifts are usually 3 hours long. We may ask you to cover another shift when we are short, but you will never do more than 6 hours per week.

Training will be provided and you will be supported on shift by a Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will manage all safeguarding issues.

The work you will do as Leaders and Mentors will ensure we provide the best possible service to our Guests. You will also be helping our Volunteer Pack to do what we do best: helping those in need by speaking to someone who 'gets it'.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for people who have experienced their own journey with mental health and are in a strong position to support others. We ask that our Leaders and Mentors:

• Are strongly committed to helping others
• Have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to those seeking help
• Are collaborative and enjoy working with others
• Are encouraging and supportive
• Are organised and can monitor several things at once
• Can remain calm and focused during busy times and when safeguarding alerts are raised
• Are 18 years and over 
• Can commit the time to a regular weekly shift

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are available during the following hours:

• Monday to Sunday, 5pm-7pm
• Friday and Saturday, 7pm-10pm

Role Responsibilities

1. Supervise and support Volunteers whilst on shift with general enquiries, positive feedback and signposting.
2. Assist with general volunteering enquiries whilst on shift. Provide time for guidance, instruction and de-briefing for Volunteers if required.
3. Follow Leaders & Mentors processes including unexpected absence reporting, Volunteer check-in and check-out, and completing Shift Handovers.
4. Monitor web-chat conversations and ensure all chats are tagged.
5. Maintain ability to listen, remain calm and provide intervention if necessary.
6. Be able to have difficult and often complex conversations about mental health, including Guests experiencing crisis and first-stage intervention support.
7. If a Leader, work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when safeguarding risks are identified and, if a Mentor, take over responsibility for shifts when Leader and DSL have to address a safeguarding crisis.
8. Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information, conveying sensitive information in a timely manner to necessary individuals.
9. Provide written follow up of shifts via handover, ensuring all necessary information is handed over at the end of the shift.
10. Adhere to all standards, policies and procedures of My Black Dog.

Please note: An Enhanced DBS Certificate is required for this role. If you do not have one, My Black Dog will arrange the DBS Check for you.

Educators and 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 looking for educator and facilitator volunteers to participate in our community-led working group, who are collaborating with schools, universities and youth groups that help the design of the park. 

Examples of projects are: 

• collaborating on nature walk activities for schools
• supporting university students interviewing teachers
• creating lesson plans to co-design the park. 

Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:

• Buxton School, Leytonstone
• Kingsmead School, Enfield 
• 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. 

Travel Radar is a purpose-driven media organisation committed to making travel more meaningful and accessible for everyone. Since launching in 2015, we’ve become a trusted voice in aviation and air-travel news, reaching over 20 million people worldwide.

We’re powered by a fully remote and diverse team of 50+ volunteers who are passionate about travel, media, and making a global impact. Our HR and People Operations team plays a vital role in ensuring this community is supported, valued, and empowered.

�� About the Role

We’re on the lookout for a motivated HR Assistant to join our People Team. This is a generalist entry-level role with the opportunity to specialise in an area such as:

• Recruitment Coordination

• New Hire Onboarding

• HR Administration

• Employee Experience & Engagement

• Training & Development

You’ll gain hands-on experience in a collaborative, fast-paced environment — ideal if you’re looking to kick-start or grow your career in HR.

�� Key Responsibilities

Depending on your assigned focus, tasks may include:

• Supporting the recruitment process by posting ads, screening applicants, and scheduling interviews

• Assisting with onboarding new volunteers, including documentation and welcome sessions

• Maintaining digital HR records and tracking key data

• Responding to team queries and supporting the delivery of internal communications

• Helping organise training opportunities, check-ins, and team initiatives

• Supporting our HR projects and contributing ideas to improve team culture

�� Perks of Volunteering with Travel Radar

(Please note: This is a voluntary, unpaid role — but packed with value!)

�� Flexible workload – Fit your hours around your schedule
�� Fully remote – We can provide a laptop, desktop, or virtual machine if needed
�� Lunch & travel expenses covered – For any in-person events or team meetups
✈️ Exclusive discount program – Save with 3,000+ retailers (travel, fashion, insurance & more)
�� Professional training – Fully funded CPD Level 3, 5, or 7 certification + industry mentoring
�� Premium tools – Access Office365, Grammarly Premium, Canva Pro, and Adobe Photoshop — available for both Travel Radar and personal use

RSPB Crawley and Horsham Local Group plays a vital role supporting the RSPB locally through a mixture of inspiring talks, guided walks and trips, and other events. This volunteer led group provides a focal point to meet friendly and like-minded people, while learning more about birds and wildlife. For the smooth running of the group we have regular committee meetings and you will need to:

• Take minutes at meetings of the local group committee.
• Disseminate agendas prior to meetings, and actions following meetings.
• Share other information among committee members before and after meeting.

Bring National Identities to Life: Volunteer Graphic Designer for the Loneliness Project at SUNSHINE

Are you a creative visionary with a passion for social impact and identity design? At SUNSHINE—a dynamic start-up charity dedicated to combating loneliness—we’re launching an innovative Loneliness Project that empowers participants to create their very own country in groups. We’re looking for an inspired Volunteer Graphic Designer who can craft visual elements such as flags, coats of arms, and other national identity images to help these groups bring their new countries to life.

About the Loneliness Project

Our Loneliness Project is designed to spark confidence, creativity, and meaningful connections. By inviting participants to work together in creating a unique country—from designing a flag to developing a coat of arms—this project helps individuals build a strong sense of identity, purpose, and community. With your design expertise, you’ll play a crucial role in turning imaginative ideas into visual symbols that represent hope, collaboration, and unity.

Your Role as Volunteer Graphic Designer

As a key creative force in the Loneliness Project, you will:

• Design National Symbols: Create inspiring designs for flags, coats of arms, and other identity elements that will represent each group’s unique country. This will be based off the participants ideas.

• Develop Visual Identities: Collaborate with project facilitators and participants to translate their ideas into cohesive visual identities that reflect their aspirations and cultural narratives.

• Produce Promotional Materials: Help create engaging promotional content, including posters and social media posts, to showcase the project and attract further community support.

• Bring Concepts to Life: Use your technical expertise in graphic design software (like Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent) to produce high-quality visuals that spark dialogue and connection.

You can volunteer on a one-off basis or work with us more regularly, depending on your availability and interest.

What We’re Looking For

We need a design enthusiast who is passionate about art and social change. The ideal candidate will have:

• A Strong Portfolio: Demonstrated experience in graphic design with examples that highlight your creativity and versatility in visual storytelling.

• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in industry-standard design software and a flair for innovative visual expression.

• Empathy & Collaboration: A genuine passion for using design to empower individuals, with excellent communication skills to work closely with project facilitators and participants.

• Flexibility & Initiative: A proactive approach in a start-up environment where every design contributes to a movement toward connection and empowerment.

Why Join the Loneliness Project as Our Graphic Designer?

Taking on this role means more than volunteering your design skills—it’s about becoming a vital contributor to a groundbreaking social initiative. By joining our project, you will:

• Shape a Unique Vision: Bring to life the national identities of groups working to overcome loneliness, and help them build confidence and community.

• Expand Your Creative Horizons: Enhance your portfolio with innovative projects that merge creative design with social empowerment.

• Drive Social Change: See the immediate impact of your work as it fosters genuine connections and transforms lives.

• Be Part of a Movement: Collaborate with passionate individuals committed to creating a more connected and compassionate society at SUNSHINE.

Ready to Design a Nation of Connection?

If you’re excited to use your creative talents to help participants build a vibrant, symbolic identity—and in doing so, combat loneliness—then we want you on our team. Join the Loneliness Project as our Volunteer Graphic Designer and help us bring a world of connection, creativity, and hope to life.

Welcome to SUNSHINE—where every design lights the way to a more united future.

Are you passionate about the natural world and inspiring others to engage with it?

Join us as a Trustee at the Field Studies Council and help shape the future of environmental education.

• You can be based anywhere in the UK
• You’ll need to commit approx. 10 days a year
• It’s a voluntary position but reasonable expenses are reimbursed

About Us

Field Studies Council is an environmental education charity. For over 80 years, we've been inspiring people to understand and care for the natural world. Through our network of centres across the UK, we provide fieldwork and outdoor learning experiences for all ages — from school groups and university students to families and lifelong learners.

We are a leader in biodiversity training, the publisher of best-selling wildlife ID guides, and a champion for accessible outdoor education, particularly for disadvantaged young people. Our mission is simple but vital: to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

Your Opportunity to Make a Difference

We’re currently looking to appoint four new Trustees to bring fresh perspectives and help us grow in diversity, representation and expertise. As a Trustee, you'll help guide and shape our charity’s future.

While the day-to-day running of our charity is handled by our staff and volunteers, the Board of Trustees plays a key role in making sure everything stays on track.

That includes overseeing our work, making big-picture decisions, and ensuring we meet our legal and regulatory responsibilities. It’s an important role, but you won’t be doing it alone. You will:

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to support our mission and values
• Use your insight and experience to influence decisions that impact tens of thousands of learners annually
• Act as an ambassador for environmental education and social inclusion
• Contribute to Board and committee meetings, and participate in key annual activities including visiting one of our field centres each year to see our work in action
• Use your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to help us innovate, grow, and reach more people

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be an academic, ecologist or environmentalist to join us or have charity trustee, company director or equivalent experience — we welcome applicants from all walks of life. We are especially interested in candidates with skills in:

• Charity governance
• Finance (qualified professionals – potential Honorary Treasurer role)
• Fundraising & stakeholder engagement
• Marketing & communications

Above all, we want individuals who are:

• Passionate about equal access to outdoor learning
• Ready to speak up and bring a new perspective
• Willing to give their time and energy to support the Field Studies Council

We’re committed to building a Trustee board that is inclusive, representative, and reflective of the diverse communities we serve.

We warmly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in charity governance — including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ communities, young people, and those with lived experience of social or economic disadvantage.

If you're excited by our mission and ready to help others experience the power of nature, we’d love to hear from you.
 

What’s Involved

• Approx. 10 days per year commitment for an initial 3-year term (this includes board and committee meetings, and a centre visit)
• Most meetings are held virtually, with one in-person event annually
• All reasonable expenses are covered
• Appropriate training and support will be provided

Please download the Trustee Candidate Information Pack to learn more and take the next step in helping us connect people with the natural world

Trustee – PR & Marketing Specialist

Help shape the future of deer conservation and education

The British Deer Society (BDS) is looking for a passionate and experienced professional to join our Board of Trustees, bringing expertise in PR and marketing to help us expand and diversify our reach.

Why join us?

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding BDS, ensuring we achieve our mission to educate, inspire, and advocate for deer welfare. You’ll provide strategic oversight, support our executive team, and help grow our membership by engaging diverse audiences across age, gender, and background.

About the role

Our Trustees share collective responsibility for the governance and administration of the charity. This includes ensuring BDS has a clear strategy, that our goals align with our vision, and that we operate effectively and ethically. Trustees act as a group, working collaboratively to support and challenge the leadership team.

What we’re looking for

We seek a Trustee with:
✔ Expertise in PR and marketing, ideally with experience in membership growth and audience engagement
✔ A strong understanding of governance and strategic oversight
✔ A passion for conservation, education, and wildlife advocacy

By joining BDS, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of deer conservation and education in the UK.

Interested? Apply now and help us take BDS to the next level! 

About the National Tremor Foundation: 

The National Tremor Foundation (NTF) is a leading charity dedicated to providing support and advocacy for individuals living with neurological tremor-related conditions, including Essential Tremor (ET) and other movement disorders. Our mission is to improve the lives of those affected by tremor through research, education, and the provision of vital services.

Position Overview: 

The National Tremor Foundation is seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to join our Board of Trustees

Trustees provide strategic leadership and governance, ensuring that the Foundation fulfils its mission and objectives while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people living with all kinds of neurological tremors.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Leadership: Work closely with the Chairperson and other trustees to provide strategic direction and oversee the implementation of the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values. 

• Governance and Oversight: Ensure that the Foundation complies with all legal and regulatory requirements and uphold the highest standards of governance. This includes financial oversight and reviewing organisational performance. 

• Fundraising and Advocacy: Support fundraising efforts by leveraging personal networks, helping raise the Foundation’s profile, and engaging with key stakeholders. Advocate for the needs of people living with all kinds of neurological tremor. 

• Policy and Program Development: Contribute to the development and review of policies and programs that meet the needs of those living with neurological tremors and their families and care giver. 

• Risk Management: Ensure that the Foundation is effectively managing risks and developing strategies to mitigate them. 

• Collaboration and Support: Engage with staff, volunteers, and the community to support the delivery of services and activities. 

Skills and Experience: 

• Experience in Governance: Previous experience in a trustee or non-profit governance role is highly desirable, although not essential. 

• Commitment to the Mission: A passion for improving the lives of individuals living with neurological tremors and a commitment to the mission of the National Tremor Foundation. 

• Skills in Leadership: Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. The ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders. 

• Financial Acumen: Experience with financial oversight and the ability to understand budgets and financial statements. 

• Fundraising or Advocacy Experience: Experience in fundraising, marketing, or advocacy would be beneficial but is not essential. 

• Personal Qualities: A collaborative and solution-oriented approach, with a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, and empathy for those affected by tremor conditions. 

• Medical Knowledge: Having a medical background would be advantageous for this role, especially someone that is aware of the current care pathways and treatment options for neurological tremors.

Time Commitment: 

Trustees are expected to attend at least four Board meetings per year (approximately 2 hours each), plus additional time for fundraising activities and events. Trustees will also be required to attend our annual conference and other ad-hoc meetings as necessary. Trustees are also expected to take on a portfolio lead and provide support to the General Manager to deliver on this. 

Term: 

Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for a further term. 

Lived Experience Sight Loss Trustee - Focus Birmingham – Empowering Lives and Shaping the Future

Focus Birmingham’s (Focus) Trustees are all volunteers, playing an essential role in overseeing the charity’s activities in partnership with the Board of Trustees. The CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) manage the day-to-day running of the charity, but it is the Board of Trustees that holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring the charity continues to grow and delivers on its vision.

The purpose of this trustee role is to bring a ‘lived experience’ perspective to help shape the future of our organisation. You will ensure our services reflect the diverse needs of the people we support and help us advance our mission of improving lives by creating opportunities for people with care and support needs. This role will help them feel empowered to live life to the full and unlock their potential.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Co-production Strategy: Ensure the development and implementation of a co-production strategy in collaboration with the Board and Senior Leadership Team that promotes meaningful involvement of the people we support in decision-making processes.

• Engagement and Participation: Ensure that the Board and Senior Leadership Team champion the active engagement of the people we support in all aspects of the organisation, including programme design, service development, and policy formulation.

• Advisory Groups: Support the Senior Leadership Team in establishing and maintaining advisory groups or panels made up of the people we support, their families, and carers, ensuring their voices are heard, and their perspectives are considered.

• Training and Capacity Building: Provide advice on the development of a learning and development strategy that equips staff and volunteers with the skills to provide person-centred care.

• Feedback Mechanisms: Work with the Board and Senior Leadership Team to implement effective feedback mechanisms, surveys, and evaluation tools to gather input from individuals with care and support needs on the charity’s activities.

• Advocacy: Advocate for the rights and autonomy of the people we support both within Focus Birmingham and in the wider community. Raise awareness of the importance of co-production.

• Policy and Governance: Review, provide advice, and contribute to the development of policies and governance structures that ensure the people we support have a genuine and influential role in the organisation.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborate with fellow Trustees, staff, and volunteers to embed co-production principles across the organisation. Provide guidance and mentorship to staff involved in co-production activities.

What Difference You Will Make and What You Will Achieve

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact by ensuring that individuals with care and support needs are at the forefront of decision-making:

• Networking: Build connections with disability advocates, self-advocacy groups, and stakeholders.

• Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in not-for-profit governance and co-production practices.

• Personal Satisfaction: Contribute to a cause that empowers individuals with care and support needs, helping them exercise their agency and unlock their potential.

How to Apply

If you are committed to empowering individuals with care and support needs and promoting their active participation in shaping Focus Birmingham’s future, we invite you to apply for this trustee role. Your lived experience and expertise in co-production will be instrumental in helping us achieve our mission of improving lives by creating opportunities for people with care and support needs, so they can live life to the full and reach their full potential.

To apply, please submit a completed application form via CharityJob.

Additional details about the role can be found in the attached recruitment pack. If you require any reasonable adjustment to support your application for this role, please contact Focus Birmingham via the details in the recruitment pack.

Closing Date for Applications: 11/05/25

Become a Trustee at Options for Life
Make a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Location: Sandwell, West Midlands
Commitment: Four Board meetings annually, plus the AGM, strategy day, and quarterly sub-committee meetings
Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed

Are you passionate about creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive? Options for Life is looking for committed, values-driven individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

We are a vibrant, Sandwell-based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to live fulfilling, independent lives. Our services include community hubs, outreach, drop-ins, and access to a wide range of community-based activities. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to choice, dignity, and empowerment.

The Role

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the strategic leadership and governance of the charity. Working closely with the Chair, CEO, and fellow trustees, you will help shape the future of our services, ensure we stay true to our mission, and uphold our responsibilities as a charitable organisation.

We are particularly interested in individuals who can bring:

• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills
• Experience in leadership, change management, HR, fundraising, safeguarding, health and social care, or community engagement
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to discussions and decisions

Previous trustee experience is not essential—we welcome first-time trustees and provide full induction and support.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to use your skills and experience for social impact
• Involvement in meaningful work that changes lives
• Personal and professional development through trustee training and networking
• A chance to work alongside passionate people and make a lasting contribution to your local community

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of disability, people from underrepresented backgrounds, and younger people seeking their first board experience.

Ready to get involved?
To express interest or learn more, contact our Chief Executive, Nicola Thomson.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Our ambassadors are a network of volunteers, based across England – organising fundraising activities, representing the charity in their local area and helping to engage people with the work of the charity.

Ways to get involved
As an ambassador you can get involved by:
•  Inspiring family, friends, colleagues and your networks to support the charity
•  Attending cheque presentations in your local area and thanking our donors face-to-face
•  Setting up a fundraising group with friends, family or colleagues
•  Getting people involved in our latest fundraising appeals and campaigns
•  Promoting sign-ups to our UK and overseas challenge events to friends, family and your networks 
•  Making introductions to your contacts who may support the charity
•  Placing, emptying and banking coin collection tins in cafes, restaurants, shops and your community

What we ask of you
This role would suit you if you:
•  Are looking for a long term volunteering role
•  You would like to get involved with various volunteering opportunities
•  Enjoy fundraising and would like to connect with like minded people

What we offer in return
We are committed to supporting our volunteers and offer the following:
•  A monthly e-newsletter giving you ways to get involved
•  Bi-annual meetings and the opportunity to meet other members of the team
•  Resources to help you fund raise 
•  Ongoing support from the ICC UK team
•  Regular updates about the children and the difference you are making
•  Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, fast learning Midlands & Wales intern to join our growing team at Human Appeal; helping us with admin tasks, recruitment of volunteers for events and online fundraising campaigns, research for various upcoming events and help with general tasks.

Main tasks include: 

• Administrative tasks such as collating data, contacting signups for various challenges, deployments and events. 

• Assist with administrational tasks relating to fundraising

• Research venues, catering and other fundraising related tasks for upcoming events 

• May be asked to go to occasional events dependent on location 

Knowledge/Experience/Skills required: 

• A good understanding of humanitarian relief

• Effective written and oral communication skills 

• Problem solving skills 

• Ability to prioritise your workload 

Benefits of volunteering with us: 

• Experience of operating within the Fundraising department of an international charity 

• Opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in Fundraising

• Excellent support as part of a friendly team 

• Excellent training opportunities 

• Offer to provide references after 3 months of volunteering 

• Support in developing your CV (should you want it) 

• Opportunities to take part in Human Appeal events 

Learning & Development: 

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Human Appeal will provide:

• A detailed induction to provide you with an overview of Human Appeal 

• Training and shadowing providing all the information and skills needed to fulfil the role

• A dedicated member of staff to provide ongoing support and supervision 

• Payment of “out of pocket” expenses in line with Human Appeal’s expenses policy 

• A volunteer handbook that outlines all of the policies and procedures you will need to be aware of whilst volunteering