Volunteer independent supporter volunteer roles in birmingham

Our Challenge

Brain tumours do not discriminate and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly.

At The Brain Tumour Charity, we aim to address the clear gap in emotional support available to those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, by expanding our counselling service. We know the difference that talking therapy can make to the brain tumour community and our goal is to reach more people, ensuring everyone that wants it, gets the support that they need.

How can you help?
As a Volunteer Counsellor for this service, you would work with a wide range of clients who either have a brain tumour diagnosis themselves, or have a loved one who has been diagnosed. This includes patients/carers who have been newly diagnosed, to those in/post treatment, to people at end of life, or bereaved.

This is a remote service, where we offer up to 8 free sessions to clients, delivered by either telephone or webcam.
 

We’re looking for counsellors who:

• Are qualified with a minimum of a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling
• Are integrative or person-centred counsellors
• Are a member of the BACP (or equivalent ethical body)
• Are committed to attend monthly clinical supervision
• Have an interest in working with people affected by a brain tumour and possibly experience of working with clients in a similar field. (Eg. Neurological conditions, palliative care, bereavement, etc.)
• Have the IT abilities to be able to maintain appropriate and accurate records on our counselling database.
• Have experience of working remotely, via telephone or webcam and is happy to use their own laptop, phone and WIFI for their client work.
• Have their own public liability insurance (or are willing to obtain this.)

The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities.

What can you gain from volunteering with us?

• The opportunity to work with a unique and rewarding client group
• Management supervision and regular, ongoing support from our Counselling Service Team.
• You will receive a financial contribution towards your monthly clinical supervision, with an independent supervisor of your choice.
• All diary management will be carried out by our Counselling Team, reducing the amount of admin required by you.
• The opportunity to apply for paid counsellor roles as and when they become available.

Time commitment

We ask each Volunteer Counsellor to commit to a placement of at least 6 months and to see a minimum of 3 clients per week (at a time suitable for you, but it MUST be at the same time each week). The service operates between the hours of 9am—5pm, Monday-Friday and you will be required to see clients within these hours.

Practical Considerations

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview with our Counselling Service Manager and Counselling Service Officer.

Successful candidates will then receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing support from one of the team. 

We will carry out reference and DBS checks for all successful applicants and you will be required to complete some internal data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the role. 

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

Support Hongkongers to learn and practise English in a welcoming and friendly setting

Organisation: Meridian Wellbeing

Location: Remote (online sessions)

Type: Volunteer

Time commitment:

• 1 session per week (2 to 2.5 hours)

• Initial sessions are expected to take place around lunchtime

• Evening or weekend sessions may be introduced in future based on participant availability

• Final session times will be discussed and agreed in advance with each volunteer

Minimum commitment: 3 months

About Us

Meridian Wellbeing is an independent charity working to improve the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of individuals and communities in Barnet. As part of our ongoing support for Hongkongers who have settled in the UK via the BN(O) visa route, we are launching informal, volunteer-led online English sessions to help participants build confidence in using English in everyday life.

We know that many newcomers from Hong Kong face challenges accessing traditional ESOL courses due to long working hours, family commitments, or limited local services. Our project offers an alternative: flexible, accessible, and welcoming English learning spaces run by volunteers.

We are currently recruiting for two volunteer roles:

1. Volunteer ESOL Teacher (Online)

We are looking for a volunteer with a recognised English teaching qualification to lead weekly online ESOL classes (entry level). Sessions are informal but structured, with a focus on everyday communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver weekly English classes online (2–2.5 hours per session)
• Prepare simple, tailored lesson plans and resources
• Encourage participation in a safe, inclusive environment
• Collaborate with the team and help monitor engagement

Requirements:

• ESOL/TEFL/CELTA/TESOL qualification (required)
• Experience working with English learners (desirable)
• Confident using Zoom or similar platforms (training provided as required)
• Experience managing group sessions/classes
• Friendly, patient and culturally aware
• Fluent or highly proficient in spoken English (native-level fluency preferred)
• Available for lunchtime sessions, with potential flexibility for evening or weekend sessions in future.

2. Volunteer Conversation Café Facilitator (Online)

We’re also seeking facilitators to host informal group sessions where Hongkongers can practise English through conversation. No teaching qualifications are needed — just a warm personality and willingness to support others.

Key Responsibilities:

• Host or co-host weekly conversation sessions online (2–2.5 hours)
• Use topics or prompts to encourage group discussion
• Help create a welcoming, supportive environment
• Respect and support participants with different English levels

Requirements:

• Fluent or highly proficient in spoken English (native-level fluency preferred)
• Friendly and confident leading small groups
• Able to use Zoom (training provided as required)
• Available for lunchtime sessions, with potential flexibility for evening or weekend sessions in future.

What You’ll Gain:

• Make a real difference in people’s lives
• Develop skills in teaching and group facilitation
• Be part of a supportive and inclusive team
• Receive basic training and ongoing guidance

Note: All volunteers will need to complete a DBS check. Cantonese language skills are not required.

RSBC are looking for volunteers to get involved with our range of online clubs for blind and partially sighted children, young people, and their families.

Role: Online Activities Volunteer

Commitment: Currently, sessions are run both during the week (mostly in the afternoon) and at weekends (usually on a Saturday). Activity volunteering is a flexible commitment, and you will be able to sign up for the session you like and when you have time. It really is up to you and your availability. 

Location: Remote

Availability: RSBC Events · https://lu.ma/rsbc

Age:  18+ 

Our Mission Statement: 

RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. 

By giving young people the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential.

Our success depends on our values 

Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: 

TRUST: Respect and accountability 

ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning 

AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results 

MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems 

What will I be doing?

Our amazing Activity Volunteers play a key role in supporting blind children and young people to take part in a variety of activities. These range from sports, creative (singing, performing, art), audiobook club and day trips. Our activities are designed for blind young people to meet new friends, gain confidence, learn new skills/sports, and become more independent. The skills you have developed in your career and personal life will be invaluable to our young people. 

Key Tasks and Main Duties 

Online activities: 

• support the session timetable 

• facilitate the communication and social interaction between participants 

• encourage members of the group to participate and share their opinions 

Who are you?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow RSBC’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for RSBC. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of sight problems. 

What’s in it for me?

RSBC offers the opportunity to gain insight and experience into helping others with sight issues. As part of your volunteering, you will have access to Sighted Guide training, a training session designed to help you understand the issues and complexities of sight problems and give you the ability to help others navigate the world.

RSBC also provides paid expenses for your volunteering experience, you can claim up to £10 per day.

RSBC can also provide references and impact reports from your volunteering if required. 

You will be fully supported in your role by our team of expert and compassionate service delivery team.

Develop or utilise your skills – As a volunteer, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to develop new skills or use those you already have, which can help to build your CV, boost your employability and give you a sense of satisfaction. 

What's in it for the Community? 

Make a difference to people’s lives

Help in your community

Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them.

Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people. 

Safeguarding:

Due to the nature of the role, before you can begin volunteering with RSBC there are some required safeguarding checks which will need to be completed.

All RSBC volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by RSBC) and must provide two references.

All volunteers will also be booked onto safeguarding training.

RSBC risk assesses all its services and activities.

Next Steps: 

If this sounds like you, please fill out an expression of interest, and one of our volunteer team members will get back to you!

RSBC are looking for volunteers to help out at our Audiobook club. At Audiobook club, the children and young people decide on an audiobook they want to listen to and then discuss its themes afterwards. 

We are looking for volunteers to help facilitate the clubs admin, make sure everyone feels involved and occasionally assume character voices when we do live readings! 

Role: Online Activities Volunteer

Commitment: Currently, sessions are run both during the week (mostly in the afternoon) and at weekends (usually on a Saturday). Activity volunteering is a flexible commitment, and you will be able to sign up for the session you like and when you have time. It really is up to you and your availability. 

Location: Remote

Availability: RSBC Events · https://lu.ma/rsbc

Age:  18+ 

Our Mission Statement: 

RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. 

By giving young people the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential.

Our success depends on our values 

Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: 

TRUST: Respect and accountability 

ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning 

AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results 

MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems 

What will I be doing?

Our amazing Activity Volunteers play a key role in supporting blind children and young people to take part in a variety of activities. These range from sports, creative (singing, performing, art), audiobook club and day trips. Our activities are designed for blind young people to meet new friends, gain confidence, learn new skills/sports, and become more independent. The skills you have developed in your career and personal life will be invaluable to our young people. 

Key Tasks and Main Duties 

Online activities: 

• support the session timetable 

• facilitate the communication and social interaction between participants 

• encourage members of the group to participate and share their opinions 

Who are you?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow RSBC’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for RSBC. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of sight problems. 

What’s in it for me?

RSBC offers the opportunity to gain insight and experience into helping others with sight issues. As part of your volunteering, you will have access to Sighted Guide training, a training session designed to help you understand the issues and complexities of sight problems and give you the ability to help others navigate the world.

RSBC also provides paid expenses for your volunteering experience, you can claim up to £10 per day.

RSBC can also provide references and impact reports from your volunteering if required. 

You will be fully supported in your role by our team of expert and compassionate service delivery team.

Develop or utilise your skills – As a volunteer, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to develop new skills or use those you already have, which can help to build your CV, boost your employability and give you a sense of satisfaction. 

What's in it for the Community? 

Make a difference to people’s lives

Help in your community

Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them.

Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people. 

Safeguarding:

Due to the nature of the role, before you can begin volunteering with RSBC there are some required safeguarding checks which will need to be completed.

All RSBC volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by RSBC) and must provide two references.

All volunteers will also be booked onto safeguarding training.

RSBC risk assesses all its services and activities.

Next Steps: 

If this sounds like you, please fill out an expression of interest, and one of our volunteer team members will get back to you!

We are looking for trustees who will offer challenges, experience, and expert knowledge to help us think differently. We are looking for individuals who will take an active role in the governance of the Charity and support our expansion objectives - to remain financially stable whilst actively growing our volunteer network, our geographical coverage and our paid services to increase the number of families and young people we can support each year.

Person specification:

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time & effort to the role.

• An understanding of, or interest in, special educational needs and disability affecting children and young people and their families.

• Skills to analyse proposals, examine their strategic consequences and make concise recommendations as part of the Board.

• Ability to cooperatively work with the whole team of trustees, and with employees and volunteers.

• Willingness to speak your mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; but also listen to the views of different people before reaching a decision.

• Secure personal access to digital communication technology with an ability to competently and efficiently use those resources.

• Willingness to be available to employees for advice and enquiries on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.

The ideal applicant would also possess the following:

• Extensive networks, and a willingness to draw on contacts as appropriate.

• Experience of working at a senior management / leadership level.

We are keen to hear from anyone who has a passion for our cause and feels that their experiences and expertise could be beneficial to our Board.

If you would like to be considered, please contact us for an application form link and provide a copy of your CV.

The application process will comprise of a two-stage interview, followed by referencing. We anticipate that successful applicants will be invited to join the Board in Autumn 2025.

We look forward to hearing from you.

CPRE Berkshire is the local branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, a national charity that champions the countryside and promotes sustainable land use. An opportunity has arisen to help us shape the future of Berkshire’s countryside as our new Treasurer. As part of CPRE’s influential network, we advocate for responsible planning, protect green spaces, and engage with local and national decision-makers to shape policies that affect rural communities and landscapes.

Our Requirement

CPRE Berkshire is seeking a new Treasurer to work with its board of trustees and oversee the charity’s financial affairs. This is a voluntary role, ideal for someone with financial management experience who wants to contribute meaningfully to local environmental advocacy.

As Treasurer, you will:

- Maintain oversight of income, expenditure, and budgeting

- Prepare financial reports and ensure compliance with legal requirements

- Manage transactions and process payments

- Advise the board on financial sustainability and planning

We’re looking for someone who:

- Has experience in finance, accounting, or budget management

- Can present financial information clearly to non-specialists

- Is comfortable working independently and attending trustee meetings

- Shares our commitment to protecting Berkshire’s countryside

This role is unpaid, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed. You’ll be joining a small but committed team working to rebuild CPRE Berkshire’s capability ahead of CPRE’s centenary year in 2026.

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available across England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or hybrid)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed

We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. We’ll work with you to match your skills and location with a college in need of your expertise.

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

·Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available at colleges England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or remote)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed
Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

·Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.

The overall role of a Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the organisation’s financial affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. 

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the Treasurer  include: 

• Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements (including arranging for the accounts to be submitted to the accountant). 
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs.
• Ensuring that Mind in Kingston has appropriate reserves in line with its reserves policy.
• Ensuring that appropriate financial reports are presented to the board.
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Liaising with any paid staff and volunteers about financial matters.
• Advising on the financial implications of Mind in Kingston’s strategic plans.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy.
• Ensuring that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of Mind in Kingston.
• Monitoring the organisation’s investment activity and ensuring it is consistent with the organisation’s policies and legal responsibilities.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, for example the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• If external scrutiny of accounts is required, ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Supporting other trustees in understanding the organisation’s financial position and decision making.
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation and the ethical fundraising policy.
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.

Person specification

In addition to the person specification for the Treasurer should have the following qualities:

• Relevant financial management/accounting qualifications and/or experience.
• Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes or willingness to learn.
• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
• Being prepared to make unpopular recommendations to the board.
• A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

We are seeking a new Chair to provide strategic leadership at a time when demand for our advice services is at an all-time high. Help shape our vision, champion our mission, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing challenges.

About Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Citizens Advice East Berkshire offers crucial help and advice when people need it most. No one but Citizens Advice sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today. 

What will you be doing?
We are at an important stage in our development and we are seeking a new Chair to replace our current Chair who will be standing down as her term finishes. We have ambitious plans for our future and we are looking for a Chair who can help drive our mission forward.

Building on our successes to date, we want a new Chair to lead us through the next exciting phase of our journey. You will have a strong background and track record of providing leadership at board and/or senior executive level and will have a passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges. You should have the judgement and vision to operate effectively at strategic level and you should demonstrate the skills and expertise to help drive our mission forward. We are looking for someone with 3 years+ professional experience in one of the fields of Fundraising strategy, Governance, Operations management or Advice / Advocacy. 

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges
• Ideally has served as a Chair or Vice Chair and is familiar with leading a Board

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

• Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice and the Citizens Advice network
• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• Have a good basis of leadership skills (and preferably you have served within a Board, ideally as Chair or Vice Chair or led a Committee)
• Have the ability to facilitate and lead meetings
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to exercise good independent judgment
• Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing to undertake mandatory training in your role
• Line manage and support the Chief Executive Officer

What difference will you make?
Citizens Advice East Berkshire makes transformational differences to people who need support when facing life crises. As Chair you will play a significant part in ensuring we are able to expand and grown our services to make a significant difference to many more individuals and families. 

Respond is seeking a qualified accountant to join the Board of Trustees as honorary Treasurer.

About the Respond Treasurer role

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer in a vital governance role at Respond: the Treasurer maintains an overview of the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer also supports good governance, helping set the strategic direction of the charity for the years to come.

The role would suit a qualified accountant with some knowledge of charity accounting and the ability to communicate financial information to the wider board in a clear and accessible way. 

With a passionate Board of Trustees and a committed staff team, you’ll join an organisation focused on making a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma.

Please note this is a voluntary role. Any expenses incurred while carrying out the duties of the role will be reimbursed.

About Respond

Respond is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma. Respond offers psychotherapy and advocacy support and provides specialist trauma informed training for services.

Through specialist advocacy and therapeutic support, we support people to navigate complex systems such as criminal justice, social services and housing, and to cope with the impact of trauma, build healthy relationships and move forward with their lives.

If you are a qualified accountant that shared our passion for supporting survivors, we would love to hear from you.

Join Our Board – Become a Trustee at Coventry Citizens Advice

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Coventry Citizens Advice is looking for new trustees to help guide our vital work supporting over 13,000 people each year.

This is a unique opportunity to use your skills to influence positive change, support strategic direction, and help shape services for those most in need.

No previous trustee experience required — just commitment, good judgement, and a desire to help others. We’re especially keen to hear from people with experience in HR, legal, fundraising or research & campaigns.

Time commitment: 5–7 hours/month | Meetings held in the evenings
Apply by: 31 August 2025

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

What we're looking for

We need a finance-minded trustee who can keep us on the right track financially while we focus on creating real change. You don't need to be a charity expert (we'll teach you that), but you do need to care about what we're doing and have the skills to help us do it properly.

Your background might include:

• Professional experience in finance, accounting, or bookkeeping

• An ability to make sense of financial information and explain it to others

• Strong attention to detail (because the small stuff does matter)

• A genuine enthusiasm for our mission and charitable objects

What would be brilliant (but not essential):

• Previous charity sector experience

• Formal accounting qualifications

• Experience with charity accounting software

• Understanding of what it's like to run a small charity on a tight budget

What you'll be doing

This isn't about sitting in boardrooms making abstract decisions. You'll be:

• Keeping our finances healthy: Overseeing day-to-day financial operations and making sure our bookkeeping stays accurate

• Being our financial voice: Presenting clear, understandable financial reports at monthly trustee meetings

• Planning ahead: Leading our annual budget process and helping us make smart financial decisions

• Staying compliant: Ensuring we meet all charity financial regulations and coordinate our annual independent examination

• Managing risk: Helping us spot potential financial challenges before they become problems

• Helping with fundraising: Writing grant applications, helping come up with fundraising ideas

The need-to-know

Time commitment: Around 4-8 hours per month - this includes one monthly trustee meeting, your financial review work, and the occasional extra task that crops up

Term: We're looking for a minimum 2-year commitment initially, which then becomes a rolling 1-year term subject to the constitutional requirements. 

When we meet: We will be setting our meeting dates at the start of the organisation's year (October 2025) so everyone can plan ahead. 

Next steps timeline:

• Applications close: 5 September 2025 at 17:00

• Interview dates: TBC - dependent on application numbers

• Next board meeting: TBC

Why this role matters

Every month, we see the difference our work makes to neurodivergent legal professionals who've struggled to find their place in traditional firm culture. Your financial expertise won't just keep our books balanced - it'll help us scale our impact responsibly and ensure we're here for the long haul.

What we offer in return

• Real impact: See directly how your skills contribute to meaningful change

• Supportive team: Work with a committed and welcoming board that'll have your back

• Professional development: Gain valuable charity governance experience

• Flexibility: We’re a team of working professionals and always work around professional commitments

• Recognition: References and recommendations for future opportunities

• Reimbursed expenses: We cover reasonable costs related to your trustee duties

We're committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need any adjustments to our application process, just let us know.

Application deadline: 5 September 2025 at 17:00

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.