Volunteer roles in acton round, shropshire

The Sociological Review Foundation, a registered charity that exists to advance public education on the subject of sociology and related disciplines, is looking to appoint an individual to join the Board of Trustees during an exciting time of organisational growth and development. We are looking to appoint a trustee with experience in fundraising, partnerships and marketing/enterprise development.

What We’re Looking For

We are inviting expressions of interest from individuals who bring experience in one or more of the following:

· Fundraising, philanthropy or donor engagement

· Corporate or academic partnerships

· Social enterprise or charity income generation

· Marketing or strategic communications in the non-profit sector

Your responsibilities as a trustee will include the following:

● To work with other trustees to ensure that the Foundation complies with its articles of association, pursues and works within its mission and charitable objectives, functions within relevant legal and financial requirements, and applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives

● To provide guidance on the Foundation’s fundraising, partnership and income generation strategy in collaboration with the Deputy CEO Fundraising

● To support the development of sustainable funding models and strategic growth initiatives

● To offer insight into market positioning and audience engagement

● To be aware of, and conform to, the responsibilities of a trustee and company director

● To participate in at least three Board meetings each year, as well as the Annual General Meeting. Some of these meetings will take place on Zoom, others in person (in London or other cities in England)

● To commit up to one hour per week on average to the role, including Board meetings

● To play an ambassadorial role and promote the Foundation

● To act in the best interests of the charity and to comply at all times with its policies and procedures.

This is not a paid position; however, travel and any childcare expenses while on trustee business will be covered in line with our expenses claim policy.

Previous experience as a charity trustee is desirable but not essential. You will receive training on the duties and responsibilities of trustees at the beginning of your appointment.

To apply, please send your CV and a one-page covering letter to Operations Director Attila Szanto, outlining your interest in the role and what you feel you would bring to it. The deadline for expressions of interest is Friday 15 August 2025.

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.

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

About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Head of HR to lead and oversee our HR function at a pivotal time in YouthAdvantage UK’s ambition to become a registered charity.

Reporting into the Chief People Officer, you’ll provide strategic leadership to a multi-layered HR structure, directly managing our HRBP Lead and HR Managers, and overseeing five core teams that support the organisation’s people and culture strategy.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced HR leader who wants to give back by mentoring the next generation of HR professionals, shaping policy and practice, and helping us build a strong, inclusive, and values-led volunteer workforce across the UK.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.

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

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

What You’ll Gain
•A chance to lead a national HR function with real-world complexity and purpose.
•The opportunity to mentor and develop emerging HR talent.
•Practical experience shaping HR strategy within the third sector.
•Recognition through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment

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

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

We are looking for a new Young Trustee!

At ThinkForward, we exist to support young people to create better and brighter futures. We want them to be able to identify, realise and shape their aspirations, and be ready to make a successful transition into work. Our FutureMe programme provides five years of personalised coaching and employability activities to get young people ready for the world of work. Coaches build trusted relationships, supporting young people to take control, find solutions to challenges, develop skills and create a positive vision for their future.

As a Young Trustee, you will learn more about the charity sector and influence decisions within ThinkForward. You will represent the voice of young people in decision-making processes at the board level.

You do NOT need to know everything about being a trustee in order to apply. If you are accepted, you will undergo a 6-month training period to see if you enjoy the role. After 6 months, you can decide whether or not you want to continue as a trustee.

If you are looking for a way to develop your skills, share your voice and support young people through working with ThinkForward, this opportunity is for you!

To apply for this role, please read the job pack attached to this ad for more details. Then, apply with your CV and your answers to the following questions:

• Why does this opportunity interest you? (max 200 words)

• Describe a time where you have advocated for an underrepresented group of people? (max 200 words)

• Describe a time where you have had to be organised to complete tasks. OR Describe a time where you have shown commitment to a role despite competing priorities? (max 200 words).

We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you passionate about being a global citizen? Are you looking for a role that really makes a difference? Well, how about joining a global organisation helping to empower women and men to end their own hunger and poverty? If this sounds exciting, we might have the perfect role just for you!

Role: Social Media Volunteer

Reports to: Marketing and Relationships Manager

Contract type: 3-6 months

Hours: 5 hours per week

Location: Remote

About The Hunger Project:

We are a global charity committed to the sustainable end of world hunger. Our mission is to end hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centred strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption in countries throughout the world.

In 2024, we reached nearly 13 million people in Africa, South Asia and Latin America. We believe people living in hunger are themselves the key to ending hunger. In partnership, we work with community members to realise their vision, commitment and leadership so they can feed themselves and their families, and end hunger for good in their communities.

We work to solve the root causes of hunger by supporting the communities experiencing them. As we adapt to meet local challenges and opportunities wherever we work, our programmes have a wide range of objectives, such as, ending child marriage, empowering women leaders, increasing girls in education, engaging local governments, entrepreneurism and employability, climate resilient farming and maternal health.

Our team is a mighty force of changemakers living around the world, including in our partner countries USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and across Europe. Here in the UK, we are a small but awesome team, with big ambitions. Together we have an entrepreneurial attitude and a hunger to grow and scale our impact significantly over the next five years.

About You:

The successful candidate will be joining a small UK-based team with big ambitions, so you’ll need to be comfortable with change and working within a fast-paced, agile organisation. You will work collaboratively with our UK team and global colleagues, to radically scale up our UK activities. As such, you will be pro-active, result driven and have a can-do attitude. This is a multi-faceted role that has huge potential for growth and development. Most importantly, you’ll be committed to the sustainable end of hunger. If this sounds like you, then read on!

The role:

You’ll be engaging with our audience on various social media platforms to promote the work of The Hunger Project.

You will be:

• Creating exciting content for our Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages.
• Connecting with followers, answering questions, and tailoring content to the audience.
• Reviewing engagement figures and growing our online platforms.

Required skills and attributes:

• Experience with social platforms – personal or for business.
• Ability to understand and follow The Hunger Project’s brand and social media guidelines.
• Experience in working to a deadline.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.
• Top-notch spoken and written communication skills; you have a keen eye for detail and detest spelling mistakes.
• Previous experience using Canva and scheduling posts in a platform like Later

This role can offer you:

• Great addition to your CV, portfolio, and LinkedIn.
• A chance to use your own creative skills and ideas while gaining social media experience.
• Broader insight into how a global charity operates and communicates with its audience.
• Opportunity to contribute to real-world change and make a difference.

If this sounds like the role you’ve been looking for, get in touch and let’s talk.

Apply with a cover letter and CV by 15th August 2025.

Join Design in Mental Health Network as a Trustee and help shape the future of mental health environments. Provide strategic guidance, support innovation, champion co-production, and ensure our work delivers real-world impact through inclusive, evidence-based design.

About DiMHN:

The Design in Mental Health Network (DiMHN) is a UK-based charity dedicated to transforming mental health environments through inclusive, evidence-based design. Our network brings together professionals from healthcare, design, policy, and lived experience to improve mental health outcomes and create spaces that promote dignity, safety, and healing.

Role Overview:

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of DiMHN, ensure effective governance, and champion our values. Trustees are expected to provide strategic oversight and contribute expertise to subgroups or advisory functions.

Why Join Us

Joining the Board of DiMHN presents an opportunity to shape the future of mental health environments across the UK and beyond.

You’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking community working at the intersection of design, care, and lived experience. 

As a Trustee, you’ll:

• Shape strategic direction to drive meaningful change in mental health environments across the UK and beyond.

• Collaborate with a diverse network of leaders, experts, and lived experience advocates, influencing the future of mental health design.

• Provide governance and oversight that ensures the charity’s growth, sustainability, and impact.

• Champion inclusivity by elevating voices often excluded from design and decision-making processes

• Influence policy, standards, and innovation at national and international levels to embed evidence-based design in mental health care.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for people who believe in the power of design to change lives. Whether you come from healthcare, design, research, lived experience, or another walk of life, if you’re motivated by the idea of creating more inclusive, compassionate mental health environments, we want to hear from you.

We have two Trustee vacancies and warmly welcome applications from both first-time trustees and those with previous board experience. 

We value fresh perspectives and offer support to help you thrive in the role. We are especially interested in individuals who can bring insight in one or more of the following areas:

• Mental Health Services & Policy: Clinical, community, lived experience, commissioning, or estates, facilities and planning.

• Digital Health & Technology: Expertise in AI, immersive tech, digital platforms, or digital strategy in care settings.

• Finance & Commercial Strategy: Income generation, business development, or financial planning in health, social impact, or design sectors.

• Research & Evaluation: Academic or applied research, impact measurement, or policy analysis.

We’re also looking for Trustees who embody our values:

At DiMHN, our work is grounded in our core values. We’re looking for Trustees who reflect these values through both mindset and action:

Be Courageous – You’re willing to ask challenging questions, confront assumptions, and help push boundaries to make mental health spaces more inclusive and compassionate.

Empathy in Design – You understand that good design starts with empathy. Whether through lived experience or professional perspective, you value collaboration and co-production with those who access mental health care and support.

Evidence-Led, Impact-Driven – You’re curious, reflective, and motivated by real-world change. You use evidence to guide decisions and are focused on outcomes that make a difference.

Improve Together – You believe in learning together. You’re generous with your skills and committed to helping the DiMHN and the wider sector grow stronger through collective action.

Are you a tech professional passionate about giving back?
Career Compass is looking for a volunteer from the Technology sector to help inspire sixth form students (ages 16–18) by delivering a dynamic session about the world of tech.

We're a UK social mobility charity supporting state-educated students by connecting them with professionals and opening up access to careers they may not otherwise encounter.

What we’re looking for:
A tech professional who can:

• Talk about what it's like to work in the tech industry

• Share insights on the variety of roles available (e.g. software, data, cybersecurity, product)

• Discuss key skills, emerging trends, and real-world challenges in the sector

• Offer honest, relatable advice to students who may be new to the field

Your commitment:

• �� 5 hours upfront to co-design the session with our team

• �� 1.5 hours, twice a year to deliver the session online and answer questions

What you’ll gain:

• The chance to inspire and empower students from underrepresented backgrounds

• A rewarding pro bono opportunity that fits flexibly around your work

• A way to use your industry knowledge to promote diversity in tech

The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) exists to improve musculoskeletal (MSK) services in the UK. We are a membership organisation which brings together patient, research and healthcare professional organisations working in MSK health. Working together as an alliance, we have a powerful voice to influence policy and improve standards of care.

Our vision is:

• The MSK health of the population is promoted throughout life

• Everyone with MSK conditions receives appropriate, high quality interventions to promote their health and well-being in a timely manner.

ARMA is a registered charity and a limited company, meaning that the board are both trustees of the charity and directors of the company. ARMA is a strong, stable and highly regarded charity with a track record of influence and success. We are relatively small in financial terms with a core budget of circa £100K in addition to project budgets, which vary from year to year. We also have healthy financial reserves.

We value the role our Trustees make. Our Treasurer plays and an important role alongside our CEO overseeing the financial health and integrity of the organisation.

While you may not have held a trustee position before, you will have the ability and professional confidence to work as part of a dynamic board of trustees. You will bring:

• Financial background with a firm understanding and appreciation of income statements and balance sheets, not-for-profit awareness and knowledge

• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the board and other stakeholders.

To apply for the position, please provide the following documents:

• Your CV
• A supporting statement (maximum two pages) that outlines your interest in the role of ARMA treasurer, and how you meet our requirements.

The deadline is 9.00am on Monday 25 August.

Interviews will be held in September.

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI)

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) empowers rural communities to fight poverty, restore degraded lands, and build climate resilience through sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and eco-friendly livelihoods. By equipping farmers, women, and youth with the skills and tools to regenerate ecosystems and boost local economies, RUWAI is creating a future where people and nature thrive together.

Communications

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) is a nonprofit organization empowering rural communities across Nigeria through sustainable agriculture, climate action, ecosystem restoration, youth development, and community resilience. We aim to reduce poverty, promote environmental stewardship, and build climate-smart livelihoods in some of Africa’s most vulnerable regions.

Position Summary

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Volunteer Communication Officer to join our growing team. This role is ideal for someone who is eager to use storytelling, media engagement, and strategic communication to drive social and environmental impact.

Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement communication strategies to raise awareness of RUWAI’s work. Create compelling content (articles, social media posts, newsletters, press releases, donor reports). Manage and grow RUWAI’s social media platforms and online presence. Support the design and dissemination of impact stories, campaign materials, and advocacy content. Liaise with media, partners, and stakeholders to promote RUWAI’s initiatives. Assist in organizing communication for events, project launches, and campaigns.

Ideal Candidate: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience in social media management, content creation, or journalism. Knowledge of environmental and rural development issues is a plus. Graphic design, photography, or video editing skills are an advantage. Committed to RUWAI’s mission and able to volunteer 5–10 hours per week.

What You’ll Gain: Meaningful experience contributing to real impact in rural communities. Exposure to grassroots development and climate advocacy. Networking opportunities and professional growth. Reference letter and recommendation upon successful completion.

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI)

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) empowers rural communities to fight poverty, restore degraded lands, and build climate resilience through sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and eco-friendly livelihoods. By equipping farmers, women, and youth with the skills and tools to regenerate ecosystems and boost local economies, RUWAI is creating a future where people and nature thrive together.

Grant Specialist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Grant Writer/Fundraising Volunteer Role Description

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) is seeking a passionate and skilled Grant Writer/Fundraising Volunteer to support our mission of restoring ecosystems, empowering rural communities, and advancing climate resilience in Nigeria. The volunteer will play a vital role in identifying funding opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and building relationships with donors and funding partners.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Funding Opportunities: Identify and monitor grant opportunities from foundations, international donors, corporations, and government agencies aligned with RUWAI’s mission.

Proposal Development: Draft, edit, and submit high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, letters of inquiry, and donor communications.

Donor Engagement Support: Assist in developing pitch materials, case statements, and progress reports to engage current and prospective donors.

Collaboration with Team: Work closely with program leads to gather relevant data, impact stories, and budget details for funding proposals.

Grant Calendar Management: Help maintain a calendar of deadlines and reporting requirements, ensuring timely submissions.

Reporting and Documentation: Contribute to writing donor reports, impact summaries, and narrative updates to strengthen funder relationships.

Fundraising Strategy Input: Offer ideas to diversify and strengthen RUWAI’s fundraising efforts, including exploring crowdfunding, partnerships, or campaigns.

Ideal Candidate Should Have:

Excellent written communication and storytelling skills.

Experience in grant writing, fundraising, or nonprofit communications (preferred but not required).

Strong research and organizational abilities.

Passion for sustainability, rural development, and environmental justice.

Self-motivated, collaborative, and detail-oriented.

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Irise International is at a pivotal and exciting moment in our journey to achieve menstrual justice.

We are a small but globally respected charity based in Sheffield, working across the UK and East Africa to end menstrual injustice by shifting power to young activists and grassroots leaders. Our work is bold, inclusive, and grounded in lived experience. From launching youth-led policy tools in UK schools to co-hosting pan-African feminist gatherings, we amplify the voices of people who menstruate in spaces they’ve historically been excluded from.

We’ve just launched our 2025–2030 strategy and are entering a crucial phase of development. We’re building new income streams, deepening youth leadership, and evolving into a post-founder organisation under new leadership. We’re also piloting exciting collaborations—with councils, universities, and feminist businesses—while supporting our small team with the structure they need to thrive.

Our current Chair will step down in 2025, and we’re seeking someone to work alongside them and our CEO over the next 6–12 months to support a smooth and values-led transition.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a hands-on, relational governance role where your voice will help shape the next chapter of an ambitious and radically hopeful organisation.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Lead with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to equity

• Champion inclusive, youth-led governance that centres marginalised voices

• Act as a sounding board and strategic partner to the CEO

• Facilitate a collaborative and engaged board culture

• Support fundraising, advocacy, and strategic partnerships where appropriate

We particularly welcome interest from individuals with lived or professional experience in menstrual health, youth-led activism, gender equity, or anti-oppressive practice. We value non-traditional leadership journeys and want this role to be accessible and sustainable for the right person.

As Chair, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the CEO between board meetings and leading their annual appraisal

• Chairing quarterly, inclusive board meetings

• Supporting board recruitment and mentoring

• Supporting strategic reflection on partnerships, funding, and risk

• Upholding Irise’s values and accountability to our menstrual justice framework

This voluntary role requires an average of 3–4 hours per month. We offer flexibility and support with access needs, caring responsibilities, or other adjustments. Travel expenses are reimbursed.

If you’re keen to develop your research and admin skills, learn more about fundraising, make an incredible difference to saving rainforests, and have some spare time, this could be a great opportunity for you!

Rainforest Trust UK is seeking a Volunteer Research Assistant to support our fundraisers with identifying and researching potential new donors, other funders and advocates. Our research activities are hugely important as they inform, guide and direct our fundraising efforts and you will help us to secure invaluable funds for our conservation programmes across the globe. 

This role would be ideal for an aspiring major donor or trusts & foundations fundraiser or someone who loves to research, has an interest in data, an eye for detail and is passionate about fundraising for environmental causes. There will be a strong focus on ethical fundraising practices such as GDPR compliance and completing due diligence on prospects. 

We will provide induction training and appropriate ongoing support and guidance relevant to the role. By the end of the volunteering opportunity we hope that you will be a confident fundraising researcher with the ability to identify funding sources, make good judgement calls and be able to support fundraising managers. 

This role is based remotely.

Role commitment: flexible but ideally between 5-12 hours per week, spread over over 1-2 days

We will be reviewing applicants on a rolling basis so please get in touch as soon as you can.

Your role

Amazing, giving, and inspiring are just a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role 

As a Regional Fundraising Volunteer, you will support Rethink Mental Illness in generating income, raising awareness, and building community engagement through local fundraising initiatives. The role will involve event planning and support, and public engagement to help achieve regional fundraising goals. 

You will play a major part in bringing to life regional fundraising activities in line with our “Rethink in the Community" concept and increase regional awareness to generate much needed additional income and amplify the impact of the work Rethink Mental Illness do.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. 

Regional locations

Whilst this is a home based role, you will occasionally attend events within your region. We're particularly interested in receiving applications from people who live in the following areas:

Yorkshire & Northeast: Newcastle, Gateshead, York, Sunderland

Northwest: Manchester, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent

Midlands: Birmingham, Solihull, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Walsall

Southwest: Gloucester, Bristol, Plymouth, North Devon, South Devon, Cornwall

East of England: Norfolk, Norwich, Ipswich

What you will be doing as a Regional Fundraising Volunteer: 

• Support and assist in organising and participating in local fundraising events.

• Help with event logistics, set-up, and participant engagement to ensure smooth delivery. 

• Take part in local initiatives acquiring donors and do it yourself fundraisers. 

• Increase awareness of the organisation’s work by helping to promote regional fundraising activity. 

• Represent the organisation at schools, community groups, and public events, delivering presentations to inspire support. 

• Communicate with supporters via phone, email, and face-to-face interactions. 

• Attend and contribute to meetings with the fundraising team and supporters to share updates and ideas. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

You will have good knowledge of your local community and be passionate about making a difference to those severely affected by mental illness. You will also have:

• The ability to organise events and activities

• The ability to inspire and motivate others

• Good communication skills

• Creative ideas to promote diverse fundraising activities 

• Dedication to our cause 

Who are we? 

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”     

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.     

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion   

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.   

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation   

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.   

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. 

About Queer Beyond Belief

Queer Beyond Belief exists to imagine and build a world that welcomes and celebrates us all — no ifs, no buts. We are a values-driven, community-rooted organisation committed to integrity, collective liberation, anti-oppression, and queer joy.

Our Board holds us accountable to our mission, stewards our resources, and ensures we stay true to what we stand for.

Purpose of the Role

As a Non-Executive Director, you’ll bring your skills, insights, and lived experience to help shape our strategic direction and keep us accountable. You won’t be involved in day-to-day operations — instead, you’ll act as a critical friend: offering challenge, support, and specialist advice when needed.

Non-Executive Directors ensure that our governance is robust, ethical, and in service of the communities we exist for.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Strategic Oversight:
  Contribute to setting and reviewing our vision, mission, and long-term plans. Offer constructive challenge and help the Board make informed, brave decisions.
   

• Champion Accountability:
  Hold the Executive Directors and wider team to account for delivery of agreed plans, compliance, and ethical practice.
   

• Safeguard our Values:
  Uphold our principles of integrity, anti-oppression, collective liberation, and queer joy in every decision and discussion.
   

• Bring Specialist Insight:
  Offer your unique expertise, perspective, or lived experience to strengthen our understanding of the issues facing our communities.
   

• Ensure Good Governance:
  Attend meetings, read papers in advance, declare any conflicts of interest, and participate actively in discussions and decisions.
   

• Act as an Ambassador:
  Represent Queer Beyond Belief positively and help build trusted relationships with our communities and allies.
   

What we’re looking for

We welcome people from all walks of life — you don’t need Board experience to apply. We’re especially keen to hear from people with skills, perspectives, or lived experience that are underrepresented in leadership.

You should:

• Share our commitment to collective liberation, anti-oppression, and queer joy.
   

• Be willing to speak up and ask questions that help us do better.
   

• Be ready to work collaboratively and collectively — no solo heroes here.
   

• Be able to commit time for meetings, preparation, and occasional ad hoc support.
   

Eligibility

• You must be legally eligible to serve as a company director in the UK.
   

• You must declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
   

Support

We know governance roles can feel daunting. We’re committed to making leadership accessible — we’ll provide an induction, reasonable adjustments, and opportunities to build your governance skills.

This is an unpaid voluntary role. Reasonable expenses for Board work will be reimbursed when pre-agreed.