Trustee role volunteer volunteer roles in Hamilton, south lanarkshire

Are you passionate about supporting and managing volunteers in a small charity? Our Volunteer Coordinators will recruit, support & develop a team of volunteers, to enhance our work supporting people impacted by a chronic pain condition

What will you be doing?

We are looking for 2 volunteer coordinators to join the coordinators team who will volunteer to support our volunteers in various roles. The volunteer coordinators will 

• Help to recruit, and assure the adequate training of suitable, reliable volunteers
• Co-ordinate the volunteers to ensure that there is always someone available to support all our services 
• Help to create and distribute information regarding volunteer policies and procedures
• Monitor volunteers during their appointments to retain or replace candidates
• Meet with volunteers to assess their progress and satisfaction, as well as to conduct evaluations or skills audits
• Help to assess organisational and programme needs to determine number and range of volunteers needed for particular projects
• Induction of new volunteers
• Maintain regular communication among volunteers and between an organisation and its volunteers, in order to share news, progress, and available positions
• Maintains a database of volunteers and projects and track metrics
• Help to promote the charity and its volunteer accomplishments 
• Set up and arrange any relevant training required for volunteers

What are we looking for?

The Volunteer Co-ordinators role requires proactive and detail orientated individuals with an organised approach and an interest in supporting small charities. They will have good communication skills. The Volunteer Co-ordinators are responsible for the volunteer aspects of Burning Nights CRPS Support to ensure the smooth running of the charity’s services and ensuring that the volunteers are used optimally.

Our Volunteer Co-ordinators are also responsible for ensuring that suitable volunteers have DBS checks where needed and they are adequately trained to do their role working with our Charity Administrator.

Essential

• Experience in volunteering or HR and recruitment
• Managing and supporting volunteers
• Time manage effectively
• Supporting and advising others on policies and procedures
• Ability to motivate and encourage
• Working knowledge of databases
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisation and team building skills

Desirable

• Facilitation and/or training skills
• Personal experience of volunteering

What difference will you make?

You most likely will not have heard of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and you wouldn’t be alone in this! But we see and know first hand the impact it has on those living with it and on those caring for someone with the condition. We know the huge challenges they face even with simply getting a correct diagnosis, let alone the appropriate treatment and relevant support. 

You will join the charity during a challenging period and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in ensuring we can maintain our support services and become a sustainable charity to allow us to fulfil our aims. 

What's in it for the volunteer?

This role is a fantastic opportunity to volunteer with a small but ambitious charity, developing and honing your skills.

You could gain experience in the charity sector, a broader C.V, or a sense of accomplishment from using your skills to help people affected by a very painful condition.

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people who may not have heard about the charity or the condition. You would have a key role in developing a volunteering team. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference to a rare condition.

A few more details

If you don't have the exact experience, but are interested to volunteer with us, please apply! We would be thrilled to find out about how your interests and experience match with our needs or what we are doing. 

This role is done remotely using Zoom, phone and email. You would be working closely with the volunteers and trustees. However we would have regular updates and remote meetings with the Chair and/or Trustees.

We have an induction process to help successful applicant to understand how our Charity operates.

A great opportunity to play a role at an exciting stage of LRC’s growth!In 2025, the charity set-up a CRM system - after initial configuration, we now need a volunteer to help operationalise and is used optimally to achieve LRC’s goals.

In 2025, the charity set-up a CRM system using CiviPlus, a CRM system specific to the not-for-profit sector. We already have a technical volunteer who has helped with initial system configuration and can provide ongoing technical support.

The Lyme Resource Centre (LRC) is a charity with a mission to minimise risk of Lyme disease whilst enjoying the outdoors, by educating the public and healthcare professionals about ticks and Lyme disease. 

The charity has grown significantly over the past couple of years, and is now looking for volunteers to help with its next phase of evolution. 

Are you interested in making a difference to the lives of children and young people? Is there a skatepark in your area? If so, this role could be for you.

We are a UK registered youth development charity that uses teaching and learning to skateboard in a structured and supportive environment as a platform to develop the skills and abilities of children and young people.

The Role: Chapter Leader

As a Chapter Leader with the Skateboarding Foundation (SF), your role is to set up and run a Local Chapter that gives young people access to skateboarding and life skills through the SF ‘Eduskate’ programme.

Training, materials, resources, equipment and ongoing support, advice and guidance will be provided.

Key responsibilities

Your key responsibilities include:

• Setting up and running the chapter
• Recruiting coaches
• Recruiting learners
• Coordinating the delivery of the coaching programme
• Raising funds and spreading the word
• Helping us monitor and evaluate the programme
• Giving three/four hours a month of your time

You’ll have overall responsibility for the chapter’s activities, compliance, and smooth running. You’ll provide direction and support to your chapter committee, chair meetings, and ensure volunteers, coaching programmes, and fundraising are well managed.

The role involves motivating the team, planning chapter development, and stepping in where needed to keep things on track. You’ll also liaise with the national Board of Trustees, keeping them informed of key decisions and changes. 

Strong leadership, organisation, and a passion for youth development (and ideally skateboarding) and the charity’s mission are essential.

The Wellbeing Officer (Trustee) provides information, guidance and advice to volunteers and service users around topics such as mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, if service users or volunteers have any concerns, the best point of contact is the wellbeing officer.

What do we specifically expect of this role?

● Delivery of a plan to proactively assist officers and volunteers in public-facing roles, with tools and techniques to prevent or reduce any initial harm/trauma from purposeful or accidental harmful interactions - social media, live events, outreach, panel events, etc.

● Providing support for service users by way of triaging and responding to requests that come through to the wellbeing inbox. ● Building and maintaining wellbeing resources for service users and following a data-informed approach as to areas of wellbeing improvement. This includes building relationships with external service providers that can assist in helping members of our community.

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your own schedule. However, the following commitments are in place for all member of the Hidayah board:

● To be able to attend all Trustee meetings and to deliver a comprehensive report to the committee each meeting with updates and to completed actions as and when they appear;

● To aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary when close to Hidayah events as well as the events themselves (where possible due to geography);

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives;

● To be part of a communications group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments;

● To contribute toward and to maintain the administration of our file sharing system ‘Google Drive’ so it is always up to date with clear records, templates and forms; 1

● To check emails and to respond when needed;

● Enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah;

● To contribute toward the Annual Report once a year;

If taking on the role, you're expected to be in post until the next AGM. This role is subject to a 6 months probationary period.

What do we expect from a Wellbeing Officer (Trustee)?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

● A self-starter who can volunteer with minimal supervision.

● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

● Friendliness, enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah.

● Reliable and regular volunteer.

● A team-player.

Additional:

● Experience of successfully working collaboratively.

● Preferably some experience of mentoring and/or supervision.

● Prior experience of wellbeing provision.

● Must be 18+ and live in the UK

Support our charity’s vital work at the heart of governance

TVS is a small charity working with rural schools in South Africa to empower vulnerable children through education. We are seeking a volunteer Secretary to our Board of Trustees. If you are organised, detail-oriented, and keen to play a pivotal role in the smooth running of a charity this is a fantastic opportunity to ensure our board meetings are well-organised, documented, and productive, helping us deliver our mission to our beneficiaries.

As Secretary, you’ll be responsible for preparing agendas and minutes, coordinating board communications, maintaining records, and supporting the trustees in compliance and governance matters. You will work remotely, with regular online or in-person meetings alongside our dedicated team of trustees and volunteers.

If you have strong administrative skills, a proactive attitude, and a passion for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Join us and help shape the future of our charity!

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances
• providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Role Purpose

The Chief Governance & People Officer (CGPO) is a senior C-suite executive responsible for ensuring the organisation operates with strong governance, legal compliance, and a healthy, engaged volunteer culture. The CGPO provides strategic leadership across governance, legal support, HR, culture, learning, and volunteer experience. They oversee multiple Heads of Department, set strategic direction for their portfolio, and collaborate closely with the CEO, Trustees, and other C-level Officers to drive organisational performance and long-term development.​

Key Responsibilities

1. Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Lead governance, legal support, and HR strategy across the organisation.

• Drive portfolio performance and ensure alignment with organisational goals.

• Contribute to C‑suite decision‑making and long‑term planning.

2. Governance Leadership

• Maintain an up‑to‑date governing document and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Oversee GDPR and data protection standards.

• Support Trustees with governance advice and reporting.

3. Legal Support Oversight

• Oversee legal risk management and compliance processes.

• Review key legal documents and guide legal research.

• Strengthen organisational understanding of legal responsibilities.

4. HR Leadership & Culture Development

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and volunteer checks.

• Provide strategic oversight of conduct, standards, and people policy.

• Promote a positive volunteer culture and engagement.

• Lead development of training pathways and HR policies.

5. Portfolio Management & Line Management

• Line‑manage Co‑Heads of HR and the Head of Governance & Legal Support.

• Provide strategic direction, coaching, and performance oversight.

• Ensure effective cross‑department collaboration and clarity of roles.

6. C‑Suite Collaboration & Organisational Leadership

• Work closely with the CEO, Deputy CEO, COO, CPO, and Trustees.

• Shape organisation‑wide policies, frameworks, and strategic initiatives

Person Specification (Applicant Criteria)

Essential Criteria

• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, or legal frameworks.

• Experience in HR, people management, or organisational culture development.

• Ability to lead multiple departments and manage senior volunteers.

• Excellent communication, judgement, and decision‑making skills.

• Ability to interpret policies, regulations, and legal documents.

• Experience handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organisational goals into actionable plans.

• Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership and safeguarding good practice.

• Ability to work collaboratively at executive level.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with Trustees or governance boards.

• Knowledge of GDPR, data protection, and risk management.

• Background in law, HR, organisational development, or compliance.

• Experience in volunteer‑led organisations or the charity sector.

• Ability to design and deliver training or learning programmes.

• Experience managing organisational change or culture initiatives.

Executive Director

The Longest Yarn

Flexible

Initially Voluntary Basis with Expenses Covered to be based in the U.K. 

About The Longest Yarn

The Longest Yarn is an internationally recognised knitted and crocheted exhibition project preserving wartime stories through immersive textile art, historical interpretation and community participation. Registered as an Association in France since 2023 with CIO pending in U.K. 

Having toured extensively across the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States, The Longest Yarn now consists of two major exhibitions.

One exhibition, The Longest Yarn: Britain at War, is based in the United Kingdom and is already booked to tour major cathedrals and other significant venues through to 2028.

The original D-Day exhibition now has its permanent home in Normandy near the landing beaches, where it is exhibited for approximately six months of the year, with the flexibility to tour across the UK or Europe during the winter months.

Together, the exhibitions continue to grow as a major international remembrance and heritage initiative.

Founded as a simple project combining creativity, education, remembrance, community involvement and support for veteran causes through large-scale public exhibitions and events, The Longest Yarn rapidly exceeded all expectations, attracting more than 500,000 visitors within just 23 months.

We are currently working with several veteran charities, including one major initiative helping to provide a home for a homeless veteran living with PTSD. Developing and expanding our support for veteran causes remains an important part of the future vision for The Longest Yarn.

The Role

Could You Help the Founder Build The Next Chapter?

Over 500,000 people have now visited .

What started as a slightly bonkers knitted D-Day idea has grown into:

• a permanent Normandy exhibition
• a second UK touring exhibition
• veteran partnerships
• media attention worldwide
• and more opportunities than one person can realistically manage alone.

We are beginning the search for somebody to help build this properly for the future.

This may suit somebody from:

• military or veteran backgrounds
• tourism or events
• heritage or museums
• operations or logistics
• volunteer coordination
• charity or project management

Most importantly — you need to believe in people, possibility, and what this project represents.

Initially this is about finding the right person and exploring what the role could become over time.

Reporting Structure

The Executive Director will report directly to:

• Founder & Creative Director
• The Board of Trustees

To Apply

If it sparks your interest, please apply with your CV and we can organise an informal chat with the Founder and Creative Director.

TVS is a small, volunteer-led charity dedicated to working with rural schools in South Africa, aiming to empower vulnerable children through education.  We are recruiting a team of volunteers to work with our trustees to help us to continue our work to transform lives. If you are passionate about building relationships and driving positive change, you could make a significant impact as a volunteer Corporate Partnerships Officer, helping our charity connect with businesses, develop collaborative projects, and secure crucial support for our cause.

In this role you would advise our board on developing strategies and take on a variety of responsibilities such as

Conducting prospect research to identify potential corporate partners

Securing new partnerships with firms whose values align with the charity.

Relationship building maintaining regular, high-quality communication with partners

Organising and facilitating employee-led fundraising initiatives

Representing the charity at networking opportunities to raise the profile of the organization.

If you have experience in business development, networking, or simply a desire to make a difference, we encourage you to join us. You would be working remotely but would be at the heart of our organization, meeting up regularly, online or in person, with our trustees and fellow volunteers.

Equal Aqua is seeking a Trustee with significant fundraising expertise to provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive substantial income growth as the organisation scales towards a seven-figure annual income. The role involves actively leveraging networks to open doors to major donors, corporate partners and grant-makers, initiating high-value funding conversations and developing new income streams. The Trustee will help shape and oversee the organisation’s long-term fundraising strategy, support the cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, mentor the fundraising team and strengthen proposals and donor engagement. Acting as an ambassador for the organisation, they will also help raise Equal Aqua’s profile within influential networks while ensuring strong governance, accountability and performance through the Board and Fundraising Committee. The ideal candidate will bring senior-level fundraising experience, strong sector knowledge in areas such as WASH, climate or international development, and a network capable of unlocking significant new funding opportunities.

Equal Aqua is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; Equal Aqua Uganda is a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both). Both operate equally and in unison. The purpose of EAU is to enable communities in Uganda to have access to safe and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. EAU supports schools and communities facing the greatest WASH inequalities by providing water tanks and filters, running classes and workshops, and empowering young people to be WASH change makers in their community. The current Board of Trustees, consisting of 5 members based in UK and Uganda, provides guidance to the volunteer EAU management team as well as supporting the implementing volunteers based in UK, Uganda and other countries.

The objectives of EAU are, in Uganda, to:

1. To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda

2. To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples

3. To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change

The role of trustees is:

1. Sculpt and maintain EAU’s vision, mission, objectives and values.

2. Act as ‘critical friends’ in the development of EAU’s policy, programming and planning.

3. Actively champion EAU externally, opening doors to people and organisations that can support our cause, fostering awareness and engagement in the UK, Uganda and internationally.

4. Support in particular with income generation activities, advising and supporting delivery of major campaigns and helping to build EAU’s donor and partner base.

5. Establish and maintain systems for reporting and monitoring.

6. Ensure that the financial affairs of the organisation are conducted properly and are accurately reported.

7. Manage risk and ensure compliance and accountability with the governing document (EAU Constitution), external regulators and the law (UK and Uganda).

8. Safeguard EAU’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation.

Ensure EAU has the appropriate structure and resources to deliver the above.

Trustee Responsibilities:

1. To attend and contribute to EAU Board of Trustee meetings, held at least on a quarterly basis. To work with EAU management to set an agenda in advance of this meeting.

2. Currently, Trustees will hold the position for a maximum of 3 years. This length of trusteeship will be reviewed with the aim of staggering Trustee terms to ensure a smooth transition between board members.

3. To support the recruitment of additional trustees, from diverse backgrounds and providing a range of expertise.

4. To offer personal expertise and skills in select areas for the benefit of EAU. This may include legal, management, practical, fundraising, marketing or other relevant areas.

5. To offer advice and feedback on EAU’s main fundraising programmes, e.g. events and grant applications.

Additional Responsibilities of Trustee with fundraising expertise

To provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive significant and sustainable income growth for Equal Aqua, with the ambition of building towards a seven-figure annual income.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Fundraising Leadership
   Provide Board-level oversight and strategic direction for the development and execution of an ambitious, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with EAU’s growth plans, ensuring clear pathways to seven-figure annual income.
2. Active Income Generation & Network Mobilisation
   Proactively generate income by leveraging personal and professional networks to:
   • Open doors to high-value donors, grant-makers, corporates and philanthropic partners
   • Introduce EAU to influential individuals and decision-makers
   • Initiate and nurture strategic funding conversations
   • Identify and pursue new income streams and partnership opportunities

This role requires active relationship-building and direct contribution to income growth, not solely advisory input.

1. Pipeline Development & High-Value Fundraising
   Support the identification, cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and major donors. Where appropriate, personally lead or co-lead high-value approaches.
2. Committee Leadership & Support
   Provide experienced guidance to the Fundraising Committee and fundraising volunteers, strengthening capability, confidence and performance across the team.
3. Hands-On Mentorship & Quality Assurance
   Offer practical, hands-on support to fundraising volunteers, including:
   • Reviewing and strengthening proposals and pitch materials
   • Advising on donor strategy and positioning
   • Supporting preparation for high-stakes meetings and presentations
4. Visibility & Advocacy
   Act as an ambassador for EAU, raising the organisation’s profile in relevant networks, events and forums, and positioning EAU as a credible, high-impact partner.
5. Governance & Accountability
   Attend quarterly Fundraising Committee meetings (one of EAU’s management committees) and relevant Board meetings, ensuring clear income targets, performance monitoring and accountability for results.

Desired Background and expertise of Trustee with Fundraising expertise.

 Senior Fundraising Experience

• A substantial track record (ideally 5+ years) in charity fundraising, with experience operating at a strategic level. This should include demonstrable success in securing significant income from one or more of the following: trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, institutional funders or high-net-worth individuals. Experience supporting organisations through periods of income growth or scale-up is highly desirable. International development experience is strongly preferred.

• Sector-Relevant Knowledge
  Strong understanding of fundraising dynamics and donor priorities within one or more of Equal Aqua’s core thematic areas, including:
  • WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
  • Climate and environmental sustainability
  • Menstrual health and gender equality
  • Rural enterprise and livelihoods
  • International development

Familiarity with the funding landscape in these sectors – including trends, key funders and partnership models – would be a significant advantage.

• Network & Influence
  An established professional network that can be activated in support of Equal Aqua’s growth ambitions, with the credibility and confidence to engage senior decision-makers and prospective funders.

• Strategic & Commercial Acumen
  The ability to think entrepreneurially about income generation, identify new revenue opportunities, and contribute to building a diversified and resilient funding portfolio.

About the Charity

Since 2014, Barking Mad Dog Rescue has been rescuing and rehoming hundreds of abandoned dogs and cats from the Castelu area in Constanta, Romania. We have provided veterinary care and second chances to animals in desperate nee, but our work is just beginning.

We are a lean, committed team of passionate volunteers working remotely across the UK, supporting a dedicated team working on the ground in rural Romania, where resources are severely limited and where access to modern infrastructure is precarious. We now need to enhance our resources to help us achieve our aims of transforming animal welfare in Castelu, educating the local community about responsible and compassionate pet ownership, and building sustainable solutions to the stray animal crisis.

Role Overview

As our Fundraising Lead, you will play a vital role to help deliver BMDR’s mission, driving the development and delivery of the charity’s fundraising strategy and all related projects and materials.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will design and help us implement a multi‑channel fundraising strategy that includes regular giving, corporate sponsorships, legacy gifts and other income‑generating programmes. 

The ideal candidate is someone who is resourceful, enjoys being creative and working with others to design successful income‑generating campaigns. You will have solid experience in fundraising or marketing within a comparable charitable setting and have strong project‑management skills. 

The role will require around 4-6 hours of volunteer time per week. It will be home-based.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the creation and implementation of the charity’s fundraising strategy, exploring a broader mix of revenue sources, ensuring income growth.
• Deliver feedback mechanisms, surveys and storytelling that showcase donor impact and strengthen loyalty.
• Promote a data-driven fundraising culture,develop performance metrics for campaigns and ensure evidence-based decision-making.
• Champion cross-collaboration, ensuring all teams understand their role in driving the financial sustainability of the charity. Work closely with the Comms and Adoptions teams to embed fundraising messages and calls to action across all touchpoints, and to ensure all content is accurate, current and on-brand.
• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with the UK Charity Commission’s Code of Practice, GDPR and internal policies.

Person Specifications

• Strong written and oral communication; comfortable speaking to donors and partners.
• Ability to translate mission into measurable goals and drive growth.
• Experience of, or demonstrable aptitude for, developing and delivering fundraising strategies.
• An understanding of rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing processes; familiarity with UK & EU animal-welfare regulations.
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the fundraising team.

Application Process

1. Submit your CV and a short covering letter outlining what draws you to this role and how your skills can contribute to BMDR’s mission.
2. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to:

• A video interview with the charity trustees
• Deliver a short presentation to demonstrate suitability, which may include relevant previous work in a similar arena

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. Our charity is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce.

Could you be a Cry-sis Helpline Listener?

Do you know, or could you imagine what it’s like to have a baby who just won’t stop crying?

An exhausting, overwhelming feeling - and the desperate wish that someone who *gets it* would pick up the phone?

That’s exactly what our Helpline Listeners provide. And if you’ve been there yourself or could imagine how exhausted a parent feels, you might be just the person a struggling parent needs to hear from.

What you’ll be doing

Taking calls from parents and carers at the end of their tether, offering a kind ear, non-judgemental support, and safe, practical guidance - all from the comfort of your own home, in your own time.

We’re looking for people who

• Are warm, empathetic listeners who can help someone feel heard.
• Can volunteer their time, at times that suit their schedule.
• Are committed to supporting families without judgement.

Maybe you have direct experience of a baby that just won’t stop crying, maybe you have seen how it impacted someone close to you. 

Above all we need you to care, to be understanding, and to be patient. 

What you’ll get from us

• Training using our comprehensive online training, with phone-based role play sessions to assess how you’re getting on.
• An experienced buddy when you first join.
• Ongoing support so you never feel alone in the role.
• A free to use, online or telephone based call system which keeps you and callers safe. 
• A group of trustees who are keen to hear and act on any suggestions to improve the charity. 
• The knowledge that your experience is genuinely helping other families through one of the hardest times of their lives.

-----

Ready to turn your experience into something powerful?

We’d love to hear from you.

 Welcome to the NHS Retirement Fellowship

Thank you for your interest in becoming the new chair of the NHS Retirement Fellowship. We are halfway through a five-year plan which is transforming the way we operate, how we engage with the NHS and other key stakeholders, and how we support our members currently and in the future. We have already come a long way from where we started and we are now beginning an ambitious plan of doubling our membership and raising awareness so we can continue with our mission of supporting retired and retiring NHS, health and social care staff. We are seeking a dynamic and professional chair with significant senior leadership experience in the NHS (or the broader health and social care sector) and/or extensive experience of governing a charity to work with us to deliver our vision.

Our Board is made up of a variety of professionals from across the NHS and beyond, a number of whom are members of the Fellowship. We work closely with our dynamic senior leadership team, branch officers and volunteers and have fostered an excellent working relationship for the benefit of our members.

The Fellowship has a small executive team of seven part time staff who all work remotely from home.

The potential for the NHS Retirement Fellowship is immense, and I very much look forward to welcoming you and working with you on this exciting journey.

Julia Hickey

Acting Chair

NHS Retirement Fellowship.

About the NHS Retirement Fellowship

“One of things that makes the NHS a special place to work is the sense of togetherness, belonging and family. So, when colleagues come to retirement, the Fellowship is a wonderful way of maintaining these things and allowing colleagues to continue their connection with the service. I think more can be done to help retired colleagues share experiences, perspectives and support and the Fellowship is ideally placed to do this.” Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive, NHS England

Our motto is fun, friendship and fellowship and it sits at the heart of everything we do.

The NHS Retirement Fellowship began in 1978 when retiring nurse Irene James recognised that for significant numbers of retiring NHS staff, their colleagues and friends had also become their family and that those pivotal connections could be lost. Our role has changed during that near 50 years as the NHS has changed and more latterly with the seismic transformation into a digital world. We now have almost 100 branches from the Highlands of Scotland to the north Devon coast and from Swansea in west Wales across to Norwich in East Anglia. About a third of our members are now national members, often choosing to engage on a more remote, digitally based basis. All our members have access to a portfolio of benefits which we offer, including our flagship travel insurance policy, and we are actively pursuing a partnership which would bring a huge range of benefits and discounts to our members. We also have a special fund to support members at a time of need.

Our branches run semi independently from our main charity with their own committees and bank accounts. Volunteers arrange a variety of activities for their members at local and regional level. National members, who choose not to join a specific branch, can join in with local activities and also have access to an increasing number of online based activities. We also hold an annual conference and AGM where the Board, staff and our members can all come together.

We are increasingly working with the NHS and other stakeholders in partnership to see how we can support employers and retain connections, experience and expertise at local level. We’re helping foundation trusts with governors, hospitals with volunteers and NHS charities with supporters. We’re looking to grow so that we are the voice of the retired NHS and wider health service community and see how our members can offer mentoring, support and guidance to the younger generations of NHS staff. 

Our charity is looking to become a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) over the next year.

Our values and mission are unchanged from when Irene James recognised the need to continue to support NHS staff when they retired to enable them to retain links, mutual support and understanding and friendships built over the years in their shared working lives. The NHSRF supports people in retirement to maintain friendships and make new ones, from the NHS, health and social care sectors from a diverse background irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation and to support each other through friendship.

Role description and time commitment

Our Chair will lead the Board in developing and delivering our strategy, working closely with, and providing line management and support to, our chief executive. They will also support our chief operating officer in preparation for Board meetings and our head of communications in the planning of our conference and other duties. Our Chair will also be a key representative of the Fellowship in meeting and liaising with key stakeholders.

Our Board meets remotely three times a year and once a year in person. We also have two strategy days a year and our AGM and conference which takes place over a weekend in October. There is also a standing invitation to our Members Council meetings, which are three times a year remotely and once a year in person.

Timeframes

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 1 June. Shortlisting will take place in the following week with interviews to take place in London on Thursday 2 July.

Term of office

We are looking to appoint for a three-year period initially. This will take us through 2028 when the NHS will mark its 80th anniversary and the NHS Retirement Fellowship will celebrate its 50th birthday.

Our chair role is unpaid, but we will reimburse you for reasonable travel expenses.

Role- Head of Governance and Legal (Voluntary)

Reporting- CEO/CPO

Location- Remote, UK-based

Commitment: We estimate this role requires 4–6 hours per week, with flexibility to manage your own time. All meetings are remote and scheduled in advance.

Compensation: Voluntary role (non-paid)

About YouthAdvantage UK

YouthAdvantage UK is a volunteer-led, research-based organisation championing the rights and wellbeing of young people aged 11 to 25 across the UK. We influence national policy, deliver grassroots projects, and elevate youth voice in key debates; from education to mental health, climate action to justice reform.

We are seeking a passionate, committed Head of Governance & Legal to join our senior leadership team and help shape the strategic foundations that support our work.

About the role

As Head of Governance & Legal, you will lead a small team focused on risk, compliance, and governance excellence. You will ensure our work is rooted in sound legal and ethical frameworks and will support our growth with robust, transparent policies and guidance. You’ll also provide strategic support to our Board of Trustees and act as the senior point of contact for all legal matters.

This is an ideal opportunity for a governance, legal, or compliance professional looking to gain sector leadership experience while supporting a values-driven youth organisation.

 What you’ll gain

• Strategic leadership experience in a national charity
• A portfolio of governance and legal work with social impact
• Board-level exposure and public recognition of your contribution
• A flexible and supportive remote-first culture
• Testimonials, references, and public acknowledgment upon completion
• A chance to help shape youth policy at a systemic level

What you’ll do

• Lead and support the Governance & Legal Support Manager and team
• Design, update, and implement governance frameworks and organisational policies
• Maintain regulatory compliance across charity law, safeguarding, and data protection
• Liaise with the Board of Trustees - prepare agendas, minutes, and reports
• Oversee legal documentation and contracts
• Maintain and review the organisation’s risk register
• Build relationships with regulators and external legal advisors
• Embed a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from a broad range of professional backgrounds. You might be:

• An experienced lawyer, company secretary, or governance lead
• A compliance or legal professional seeking strategic exposure
• A postgraduate in law or non-profit management looking for leadership experience
• Returning to work and keen to rebuild your senior-level skillset
• Recently semi-retired and passionate about giving back

 Essential:

• Experience in governance, legal, or compliance leadership (minimum 12 months)
• Familiarity with UK charity law and regulatory frameworks
• Ability to lead and support others with tact and clarity
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to equity, youth empowerment, and ethical standards

To Apply

If you’re interested, just send us your CV and a few lines about why the role appeals to you — this can be a short paragraph in your email or a separate note. If you'd prefer an informal chat before applying, we’d love to hear from you. Just drop us a message and we’ll arrange a time.

Volunteer Acknowledgement

Although this is a volunteer role, we’re committed to recognising your contribution. Upon successful completion of your commitment, you can request:

• A LinkedIn testimonial or written reference
• A public thank-you post on our social media
• Permission to list your role with YouthAdvantage UK on your CV and LinkedIn