Volunteer roles in barnet, greater london

Graphic Designer & Marketing Volunteer

About us

The Museum of Brands, nestled in the vibrant Notting Hill area of West London, is a one-of-a-kind institution that brings to life the fascinating history of consumer culture through branding, packaging, and advertisements. Our collection showcases over 200 years of social and technological change, offering visitors a nostalgic and insightful journey through history. Established by Robert Opie, the museum is a treasure trove of everyday items that might have been thrown away by past generations, but now tell the story of how consumer trends shaped society.

The Role 

We’re looking for talented Graphic Design & Marketing Volunteers to help create vibrant, on-brand visual content for both our social media and in-house marketing materials. You'll be working with Canva and Adobe tools to bring campaigns to life, from digital posters and Instagram carousels to screen graphics and printed flyers.

This offers an opportunity for hands-on experience in the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) Cultural Sector, ideal for students or individuals with a strong interest in marketing, graphic design and content creation.

What you’ll do:

· Design digital and print marketing assets using Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign including:

o Social media graphics (posts, stories, highlight covers)

o Posters, flyers, leaflets

o Screens and TV slides for internal displays

· Follow and apply our brand identity guidelines to all content

· Translate event listings, updates, and key messages into engaging visual content

· Support and expand ongoing campaign visuals - while also contributing your own creative ideas

· Help plan and schedule social media content using tools such as Meta Business Suite or Hootsuite

· Collaborate with the wider team on seasonal campaigns, exhibitions, and public programmes

· Stay aware of current design trends and help ensure our visual identity remains fresh and dynamic

· Analyse the performance of social media posts, using data insights to adjust and improve future content strategies.

Additional Duties

•  Front of House Support: Train as a Museum Front of House assistant, covering Reception duties, welcoming visitors, handling calls, and assisting with other interdepartmental tasks as needed.

Who we’re looking for:

• Has experience using Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign)
• Has a strong eye for layout, typography, and colour, with a good understanding of visual branding
• Can confidently follow a style guide but also bring your own creative flair
• Has good written communication skills and can transform information into clear, engaging design
• Is well-organised, proactive, and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Bonus: an interest in museums, heritage, arts or cultural marketing

Availability

We're excited to offer this opportunity as either a volunteer role or a student placement, ideal for anyone looking to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and creative environment.

Student Placement: This placement is perfect for someone who can contribute 2–3 days per week, with flexible options for full days (8 hours) or half days (4 hours) based on your schedule.

Volunteering: We are looking for individuals who can offer at least one half day per week for a minimum of three months. This helps create a consistent and valuable experience for both you and our marketing team.

Whether you're hoping to enhance your CV, gain industry insight, or support a cause you care about, we’d be delighted to welcome you aboard.

This placement requires in-person work at The Museum of Brands, London, W11 1QT during the week.

Expenses

Travel expenses up to £5 will be paid, with up to an additional £5 for lunch expenses if you are here for over 6 hours.

Training and support

We have an induction process that ensures you have the information needed to thrive during your time with us. Training is primarily ‘on-the-job’, guided by our Marketing Officer. You'll receive ongoing support, regular feedback, and opportunities for 1-to-1 discussions to enhance your skills and experience. We’re also happy to provide references and CV support to aid in your future employment opportunities.

Our Commitment

The Museum of Brands is committed to:

• Equality and fairness: We believe in providing equal opportunities for all volunteers, ensuring fairness in all aspects of the role.
• Safe working environment: Your safety is paramount, and we comply with all health and safety regulations.
• Confidentiality: We adhere to the principles of the Data Protection Act to ensure your privacy and data security.

Please note: Applicants from some overseas countries are required to have a relevant work permit or student visa in order to volunteer in the U.K. We’ll need to see this for our records before volunteering can commence.

Experienced Garden Volunteer

The beautiful, award-winning Memorial Garden behind the Museum of Brands was established in 1990 as a peaceful oasis for those living with HIV/AIDS and using the hospice and other services provided in this building when it was the London Lighthouse. The sheltered garden is described by visitors as ‘a haven’,

‘an oasis’, and ‘a hidden gem’. The garden is looked after by a small group of volunteers and the Gardener who originally developed it, working within a very small budget.

This is a small but complex garden, thoughtfully designed and rich in variety. You’ll find opportunities to work on a wide range of tasks — from detailed pruning and planting to structural maintenance and seasonal care. It’s an excellent setting for anyone looking to gain broad hands-on experience, whether you're training in horticulture or simply want to deepen your skills in a purposeful environment.

We are looking for experienced garden volunteers to support the Gardener with the following:

· General garden maintenance including weeding, pruning, deadheading, and mulching

· Planting and replanting seasonal flowers, shrubs, and small trees

· Watering plants and maintaining irrigation as needed

· Lifting and moving heavy pots, tools, compost bags, and garden waste

· Ladder work for tasks such as trimming hedges, cleaning gutters, or maintaining climbing plants

· Sawing and light carpentry, including pruning larger branches and assisting with minor repairs

· Clearing leaves and debris to keep paths and seating areas safe and accessible

· Maintaining and cleaning garden tools and equipment

What we’re looking for:

· A passion for gardening and some hands-on experience (professional or personal)

· Either a trainee gardener, horticulture student, or someone already working in gardening or landscaping or an experienced gardener wanting to give back through volunteer work

· Willingness to carry out practical tasks, including some lifting and ladder work

· Comfortable working outdoors in different weather conditions

· A positive, team-focused attitude with good attention to safety

What you’ll gain:

· Valuable hands-on gardening experience in a unique, award-winning setting

· The chance to be part of a friendly, purpose-driven team

· The satisfaction of helping maintain a space that’s deeply meaningful to others

Training and support:

You will first be invited for a meeting with our gardener, Gary. Volunteers are given relevant training for any tasks carried out, opportunities for regular feedback and we remain open to suggestions on how we can improve the volunteer experience.

Availability:

Our garden volunteers currently come in together on a Thursday.  However volunteering in the garden can occur on any day while the Museum is open (Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-5).  We are looking volunteers who can volunteer over a period of at least 3 months.  Ideally you will be able to start immediately, although this is not essential.

Expenses:

Travel expenses up to £5 will be paid, with up to an additional £5 for lunch expenses if you are here for over 6 hours.

Please note: Applicants from some overseas countries are required to have a relevant work permit or student visa to volunteer in the U.K. We’ll need to see this for our records before volunteering can commence.

We are currently looking for trustees to support our work as the UK’s leading socio-economic inclusion research charity

Social mobility - a measurement of the strength of the link between a person’s childhood circumstances and their adult outcomes - has rightly become one of the most pressing policy matters of our time. The barriers faced by people from lower socio-economic backgrounds are higher in the UK than almost every other developed country and cause disadvantage for too many.

The Bridge Group’s mission is to change this. For over ten years, we’ve supported organisations of all kinds with independent expertise, research and practical know-how to enable them to make a real and lasting impact on socio-economic diversity and social equality.

To help us move into the next ten years with energy, vision and purpose, we are seeking several new trustees with experience of organisational governance and a strong interest in our work.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking to balance the range of skills and experience on our Board, so would particularly welcome applications from individuals who have any of the following:

• A background in, or excellent understanding of financial management

• Experience of fundraising and philanthropic income generation

• Good knowledge of the social sciences and/or a background in research or academia

• Experience in tech, cyber security or AI

• Personal experience of the barriers created by ‘social class’ and/or identify as from a lower socio-economic background.

We are looking for a new on-line counselor to join our organisation. This will mean running an email service and even a Skype / zoom service if you wish.

We are looking for social workers to join our social worker and safeguarding team to give background help and advice to members who are in need of this.

Someone who can work as part of a team but also on their own when needed, we will take on trainees as we have a supervisor in this team

We are looking for someone who knows the CSA / CMS system to either do some on-line advice sessions or to be on the board readily available to answer CSA questions. This is an on-line role so needs access to facebook and an email address will be provided

We’re looking for a motivated finance professional to join our Trustee Board as Treasurer, provide us with financial strategic direction and help us maintain our long-term sustainability

Working closely with our Chair and Chief Officer, your key responsibilities will include:

• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

• Guiding and advising the Board in the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements

• Chairing the Board’s Finance Sub-Committee

• Reviewing the quarterly and year end accounts produced by our Administrator

• Presenting the year end accounts at the Annual General Meeting

• Ensuring that proper financial procedures and controls are in place to safeguard the charity’s resources

• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves and investment policies

You don’t need to have been a trustee before, but you’ll need to:

• have recognised professional financial qualifications or experience

• ideally, have some knowledge or experience of charity finances

• be familiar with Quickbooks accounting systems and spreadsheets

• have the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences

• be able to explain complex financial information in an accessible way

• be able to exercise good independent judgment and if necessary to make difficult recommendations

• work effectively as part of a team

• have the time and flexibility to respond to the demands of the charity

• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality, equality and data protection

• represent Citizens Advice professionally at all times

If you are interested in joining our successful and expanding service, as we continue to meet the advice needs of the diverse communities we serve, we would love to hear from you.

Who we are:

The Humane League UK (THL UK) is dedicated to ending the abuse of animals raised for food by influencing the policies of leading food companies, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, and encouraging individuals to take action. We are part of a global network of organisations working to create a future where all animals are treated with respect and compassion.

Thanks to our effectiveness, The Humane League has been named Top Charity by the independent evaluator Animal Charity Evaluators for every rating period since 2012.

THL UK is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to furthering equity and inclusion, and we value diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds who will bring a fresh perspective to the team, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. 

​We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer, demonstrating our commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, based on their skills and talent.

You can read more about how The Humane League UK is working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion via our website.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us via our website and we will be happy to discuss, via email or telephone, reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the process.

The Position

We are seeking two new Trustees to add to the current Board of five voluntary members.

Board members (trustees) of THL UK are responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring strong governance, and safeguarding the organisation’s mission, values, and financial sustainability. This is a voluntary position, and trustees are expected to act in the best interests of the charity and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
 

Whether you are an experienced charity trustee or looking for your first board position; if you believe you can share our commitment for ending the abuse of animals raised for food and have the qualities, knowledge and experience we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you.

For full details on the role of trustees please view our information pack which is available in the application resources.

We will be holding a webinar on Thursday 6th November at 7pm GMT for you to find out more about the role and ask any questions you may have. The webinar will be hosted by Sean Gifford, Managing Director and our Board Chair Ben Wickham. If you’re interested, please visit our website via the 'Redirect to recruiter' button.

As it’s a webinar you’ll only be able to see the presenter and not others watching. The webinar will be recorded and available on our website, with captions, within 48 hours of the event.

Person specification and requirements for this role

While specific experience in animal protection is not essential, all Board members must:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the aims and values of THL UK.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

• Bring a strategic mindset and the ability to make well-reasoned, independent decisions.

• Be able to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust, and contribute positively to collaborative team working.

• Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

• Be committed to moving forward with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices.

Specialist Expertise Sought

In addition to the general requirements above, we are particularly seeking candidates who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Charity Governance

• In-depth knowledge of charity governance best practice, preferably gained through prior trustee, board, or senior charity leadership experience.

• Understanding of regulatory compliance and governance frameworks for UK charities.

• Legal skills relating to charity law, contracts, risk management, or related fields (desirable).

2. Charity and Fundraising Finance

• Experience in charity finance, fundraising finance, or non-profit financial management.

• Ability to read and interpret management accounts, budgets, and forecasts.

• Understanding of financial controls, audit processes, and risk management within a charitable context.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and with a range of perspectives. Having reviewed existing Trustees' diversity we would particularly welcome applications from ethnic minorities, disabled people and marginalised groups.

Where candidates bring similar skills and experience, we may take lived experience or background into account to help us build a more representative and inclusive board.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance.

• Ensure that THL UK complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Oversee the financial health of the charity, approving annual budgets and monitoring financial performance.

• Champion the fundraising work of THL UK in various ways–for example by introducing new donors from your network, actively promoting THL UK’s fundraising initiatives (like our end of year appeal), or by donating directly if you have the means to do so.

• Protect and promote the charity’s values, reputation, and effectiveness.

• Support and challenge the executive team to achieve the organisation’s objectives.

• Act as an ambassador for THL UK, promoting its work to stakeholders and the public.

• Participate in Board meetings (typically four per year) and occasional sub-committee meetings, as well as contributing advice and guidance outside formal meetings when required.

Key competencies

• Strategic thinker: Looks at consequences, implications, interdependencies, and indirect effects, all in both the short and longer term. Looks beyond the immediate goal or issue and with the greater context, not just the content of the moment. Is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations.

• Problem solver: Identifies issues, effectively structures problems, analyses information to produce insights and generates wise, actionable recommendations. A forward-looking thinker who anticipates the needs of the organisation.

• Effective: Strategically able to focus our energy, resources and talent toward impactful actions that will reduce, and ultimately end, the abuse of animals for food.

• Communication and strong interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust and can adapt to different tones and styles and be able to engage with people from all walks of life.

The commitment

We are looking for trustees that are able to commit the time needed to support the growth and aims of our charity.  You should be able to spend about four hours per month on regular trustee business. In addition to this, we also ask trustees to commit to: 

• Four quarterly Board meetings per year, plus preparation time. Quarterly board meetings tend to happen in the evenings between 6:30 - 9 pm. 

• Two other ad hoc board meetings throughout the year, which may happen in the evenings or during regular working hours. 

• Participation in sub-committees or working groups where relevant.

• Attendance at our in person all team summer workshop, held at the end of July.

• Occasional attendance at in-person fundraising or public engagement events.

The Interview Process

• The closing date for applications is Sunday 23rd November 2025.

• We will be carrying out telephone screening calls from Monday 24th November to Thursday 11th December 2025.

• We will inform all candidates if they will be invited to interview by Thursday 18th December 2025.

• Interviews will be held remotely from Monday 12th to Thursday 22nd January 2025.

• The successful candidates will be invited to attend a board meeting in February 2026 before being voted in.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us via our website and we will be happy to discuss, via email or telephone, reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the process.

UK (Various Locations)

Closing Date: 12 November 2025

Ref 7193

Save the Children UK is looking for an individual with People, Culture and Organisational change/Transformation experience to join us as our Trustee and Chair of the People Committee.

You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive, and the Executive Leadership Team to help shape and champion our transformation journey, ensuring our people, culture, and organisational design enable us to deliver lasting impact for children.

About Us

Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. Together with partners, supporters and communities, we deliver lasting results for millions of children — including those hardest to reach.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional individual to serve as the lead Trustee on our Board for all things People, Culture, Change and Business Transformation.

Save the Children UK is in the middle of a revised organisational strategy reshaping how we work to drive deeper, lasting outcomes for children. We are undoing internal bureaucracy, reimagining partnerships, clarifying our service offers and flattening our internal layers. We are keen on unlocking Agile as a philosophy to become more autonomous, accountable, and human-centred. Over the coming years, we aim to embed meaningful child participation, raise more flexible funding for local leaders, and champion greater power and resources for communities. And we will develop as an organisation that is lighter, more joyful, and more human-centric to create deeper impact.

All of the above is already underway through programmes and plans. We are looking for a Board member to champion the transformation work that is happening within the organisation and within the People team. You will be a trusted sounding board, a challenger who helps us raise our game, and a “lighthouse” for our vision for change.

You could be a current or former Chief People, Transformation, Effectiveness or Innovation Officer, a consultant, or an academic in management thinking - someone with deep expertise in helping organisations make positive, sustainable, and long-lasting change so that they deliver better on their purpose.

As Trustee, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight and governance on People, Culture, and Organisational Effectiveness matters as Chair of the People Committee.

• Champion our transformation agenda, bringing insight and challenge on how to build a more agile, empowered, and joyful organisation.

• Act as a sounding board to the Chief Executive and Executive Team, providing constructive challenge and support on people and culture priorities.

• Ensure alignment between SCUK's transformation goals and our broader strategic ambition to deliver deeper outcomes for children.

• Uphold the highest standards of governance, compliance, safeguarding, and accountability as a member of the Board of Trustees.

• Represent SCUK at key events and act as an ambassador for our values and mission.

About You

We are seeking a Trustee who:

• Is engaged with, and excited by, SCUK's vision, mission and values.

• Is a strategic thinker, with demonstrable and deep expertise in People and Culture matters and organisational management.

• Has a strong track record in successfully designing and delivering strategic and holistic organisational change.

• Has experience leading multi-phased people, culture and effectiveness programmes that have delivered measurable results for the organisation.

• Has deep understanding of, and can champion, Agile and agile ways of working.

• Chairs meetings effectively, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Will work to guarantee the highest standards of integrity and governance, and help ensure statutory requirements are met.

• Is able and willing to devote the necessary time to the role (see below).

• A demonstrable commitment to championing diversity and inclusion, and a clear understanding of power, privilege, and how this affects everyone, particularly the children and communities with which we work.

• An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Trustees, and of the difference between governance and management functions; and corporate governance issues, especially those that might affect a large international not-for-profit organisation.

Other highly desirable experience

• A good understanding of child poverty in the UK, and an interest in international affairs.

• Experience with digital innovation and technology-enabled transformation.

• Willingness to build and use networks to make introductions for SCUK, for example to explore best practice in or facilitate fundraising, or advocacy and campaigning.

The knowledge and skills listed above represent “the ideal candidate”. Please do not be deterred from applying if you do not fulfil every highly desirable capability.

We warmly welcome applications from candidates across the UK, particularly from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and regions of England outside London. Previous Trustee experience is not required — we welcome first-time Trustees and will provide induction and support.

Additional Information / Terms of Appointment

• This is a voluntary position, with reasonable expenses covered. We want to do what we can to remove barriers for Trustees on low incomes or with little spare. Please let us know during the application process if this could be an issue for you, so that we can explore options together.

• Trustees are required to attend all Board meetings (four Board meetings and one or more Board calls per year), and for this role, quarterly People Committee meetings. You may also be asked to join an additional committee. Trustees may also be asked to participate in Board strategy days, telephone conferences, or travel on behalf of SCUK.

• Meetings are held at SCUK's Head Office in Farringdon, London, with hybrid participation possible.

• Trustees are appointed for an initial term of 2 years, after which Trustees can be reappointed for two further terms of 3 years each, up to a maximum of 8 years.

To learn more about the position, please review the Role Profile on our website. 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: 

Save the Children UK believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable where all children have the opportunity to change their world. We apply this to our workforce and we are committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation where all employees have a sense of belonging and feel that they can be "Free to Be Me". We are not looking for just one type of person - we want to recruit people who can add fresh perspectives, innovative ideas or challenge that disrupts the risk of group think. 

We are especially interested in people whose childhood experiences - of life on a low income, of migration, of being in a racialised community, of the care system, of being LGBT+ or in an LGBT+ family or living with (or with someone with) a disability - help us to see things we might otherwise miss. Whatever your story is we want to hear it because we know that different voices, ideas, perspectives and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of children around the world. This is the reason why we are all here. 

Every year, millions of phone calls made by people who stammer are mishandled. Callers are misunderstood, laughed at or hung up on. Voice recognition systems don’t recognise their speech. 

This can leave them being locked out of bank accounts, or unable to book GP appointments and get the help they need. It makes phone calls a nightmare. We’re here to stop this. 

Between November 2025 and October 2026, we will be providing free Zoom workshops to companies and organisations, where we will outline the steps needed to end the phone call nightmares. We are looking for volunteers who stammer to talk directly to businesses and help them understand how and why these changes are needed. Our Workshop Volunteers will be at the very front of our national Space to Stammer strategy, which forms part of our National Lottery work. It’s an exciting opportunity to join STAMMA as we grow and launch our new Phone Call Nightmares Campaign. 

We're looking for volunteers who can commit to at least 5 workshops over the next year. Please see the full role description on our website for current dates,

About the role

Working with our Training & Outreach team, we’re hoping that, following training, you’ll feel comfortable to: 

• Work within a pair to deliver pre-prepared workshops to a diverse audience of organisations. 

• Answer questions and facilitate discussion. The workshops will roughly comprise of 30mins of presentation, and 30mins open forum for discussion.

• Share and answer questions about your own experiences on phone calls. 

• Facilitate training with Zoom: taking turns in a pair to manage Zoom administrative functions such as switching on the captions, keeping an eye on questions in the chat box, allowing visitors into the session, muting/unmuting.

• Act as an ambassador for STAMMA, helping us to build good relationships with organisations, to help enact real change.

Who are we looking for?

You’re likely to enjoy volunteering in the Training & Outreach Service if you: 

• Enjoy public speaking and chatting with groups or would like to develop these skills. 

• Have or are interested in developing presentation skills. 

• Are comfortable both speaking and using the chat function in Zoom (or are happy to learn more about the platforms functionality). 

• Are comfortable sharing your personal experiences in relation to phone calls. 

• Have good time management skills – sessions will only last an hour, and every second counts! 

• Are passionate about making the world a better place for people who stammer. 

• Can commit to at least five sessions in advance.

For this role, it’s essential that you have a stammer. We think our message is best delivered directly from people who stammer, and your lived experiences will help make them sit up and listen.

You will need a quiet place where you can work in relative privacy and not be overheard during Zoom calls or telephone calls. You also need to have access to your own computer or laptop.

As a volunteer you can, of course, step back from the role at any time. However, both you and the service are likely to get most out of the opportunity if you’re able to volunteer with us for 12 months or more. By gradually learning and developing your confidence in the role, you can have the biggest impact. 

What can you gain from this opportunity?

This is a wonderful opportunity to join a small and friendly team! We'll make sure you're supported in every step of your journey, and you'll get to meet some inspiring people. You'll gain skills that you'll be able to use in all areas of your life and build experiences for your CV. Most importantly, you will make a real difference in the lives of people who stammer.

How to apply

To apply, please click 'apply' to fill in the volunteer form that is on our website. 

We are dedicated to making sure our roles are accessible and open to all. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Role Overview:
We are seeking a proactive and organised Fundraising Admin Intern to support our fundraising initiatives. This role will primarily assist with the logistical and administrative aspects of challenges, events, and online campaigns. The intern will also have the opportunity to specialise in projects focused on East Africa.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support for fundraising challenges and events
• Assist with logistics planning and coordination for campaigns
• Support the delivery of online fundraising initiatives
• Collaborate with teams working on East Africa-focused projects
• Attend events as required (travel within London/South region)

We are looking for a new governor with strong financial expertise, likely qualified as an accountant or with similar experience. You’ll be excited by delivering an excellent education for our students and keen to engage with our school’s development.

What will you be doing?

About You

We are looking for a new governor with professional experience accounting or financial management. The successful candidate will become part of a Governing Body comprising 18 members, all of whom are representatives of the school, and join the school’s Finance & Resources Committee. 

Time Commitment

Governors usually spend ~20 hours per term on core governing duties.

The Governing Body meets four times a year to undertake its regular duties, with occasional meetings for urgent or time critical decisions. Regular meetings currently take place on Wednesdays during term time, usually at 5/5.30pm. Governors also need to allow time to read papers and prepare for meetings.

The Girls’ School Governing Body has three sub-committees – Finance & Resources, Curriculum, and Health & Safety and Personnel. These meet at least termly.

We encourage governors to attend one governors' day per term when specific topics central to educational outcomes are highlighted for discussion with staff and students. Governors are also invited to attend public events such school play performances, music concerts and prize-giving ceremonies.

Skills and Background

Following a recent skills audit, we are particularly interested in individuals who have had experience in finance. We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability, or age.

Being a Foundation Governor

Governors come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions and include some appointed by the staff of the school, parents and the Tower Hamlets Local Authority.  A majority of the governors are appointed by the Central Foundation Schools of London. As an Educational Charity we support two schools in inner London, the Girls' School and also Central Foundation Boys' School in Islington. This appointment will be a joint appointment by the Foundation and the Girls' School governing body.

Training on the of role of governor will be provided for successful candidates.

Becoming a Girls’ School Foundation Governor

The governing body has three core functions:

1. Ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction of our school;
2. Hold the executive leaders to account for the educational performance of our school and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and
3. Oversee the financial performance of our school and make sure its money is well spent.

The successful candidates will join the governing body in Spring 2026 and will receive a full induction which is supported by ongoing training and development for all governors. 

What are we looking for?

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a new governor excited by and committed to the delivery of an excellent education for our students. We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability, or age.

Applicants need to have a keen interest in the school and are prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work to  improve opportunities and outcomes for students. We are particularly interested in individuals who have had skilled and professional experience in accounting or finance. 

More widely, we are keen that new governors add a breadth of skills, perspectives, and experience to enhance our work. We want people who are good verbal communicators, will ask insightful questions, are able to build strong relationships and have good analytical skills. It would be beneficial to also have local knowledge. Most important, you would have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work to help improve outcomes for our students. 

What difference will you make?

Your impact matters

As a Foundation Governor you will play a critical role in fulfilling our vision that through an exceptional Central Foundation education, every student learns, develops, and grows so they can reach their full potential. 

The Girls' School provides a high-quality education for girls from 11 to 19 years old. A school that is rightfully proud to continue a long tradition of excellence in education as well as caring for the welfare of our students. A Central Foundation education involves providing students with a wide range of educational experiences not available to many state schools or students from the communities and backgrounds we serve.

As a governor at Central Foundation Girls' School, you will

• help to create an inclusive and empowering environment where every student thrives.
• help to transform lives through an unwavering commitment to high expectations and standards for all.
• be part of a school with a passion for learning which drives us to challenge and support each other, fostering excellence in every endeavour.
• value and celebrate the achievements of all community members, recognising the unique contributions each person brings.
• nurture positivity, creativity, innovation, and inspiration, to help cultivate a vibrant community where every individual feels empowered to succeed and make a difference. 

Central Foundation Girls’ School is rightfully proud to continue a long tradition of excellence in education as well as caring for the welfare of our students. The school was originally established in 1726 and is now one of the largest schools in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. As a Foundation Governor you will ensure that tradition of excellence continues while keeping pace with the modern, changing world.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance. 

Please send your CV with a short covering statement telling us why you are interested in joining the Central Foundation Girls' School Governing Body and what you think you would bring. 

Interviews will take place in December and January with the Chair of Governors, Hilary Evenett. An appointment confirmation meeting will take place with the Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees.

There will be the opportunity to visit the school as part of the interview process. 

New governors will be invited to join the Governing Body at their Spring Term meeting.

Please contact us via Reach with any questions.

Volunteer at Cockpit Open Studios

Become part of the Cockpit volunteer team! Our Open Studio events are a busy time at Cockpit Bloomsbury and Cockpit Deptford; the events occur twice a year and it is an invaluable opportunity to meet a diverse body of makers that create and sell their craft directly to the public. The volunteer team are key and help Cockpit to deliver a smooth and enriching experience to all our partners and visitors. What is Cockpit? Cockpit is a centre of excellence in contemporary craft. Spanning a wide range of craft disciplines, Cockpit makers are united by their extraordinary skill and imagination. Bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, our mission is to equip makers to succeed on their own terms, creatively and commercially.

A charity and UK top 100 social enterprise, Cockpit gives makers tools to build their businesses so they can focus on what they do best: making. We provide funded studio space, in-house business training and coaching, and exhibition opportunities for 176 makers practicing 23 different disciplines. Beyond Cockpit we work with makers throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.

Cockpit as we know it today began in 1986 when Camden Recycling created five starter units in Cockpit Yard for young, unemployed makers. In the early 2000s we opened our second location in Deptford and launched our pioneering business support programme. From there, Cockpit’s reputation grew to become the destination for makers starting up in practice. Highly sought-after, a place at Cockpit is a mark of quality.

The Role: Open Studios Volunteer

What will you do?
By joining the Cockpit team as a volunteer, you help us by being an on-site presence at our Open Studios events, and you will actively engage with those running the event, offer help, talk to and guide visitors around the building and pass any problems/issues back to the event manager.

Key Qualities:
• Ideal for someone with a genuine interest in craft and the creative sector and keen to learn from interactions with the core team and makers.
• Good communication skills, friendly and with a natural ability to engage with the public,
• Confidently share some knowledge with visitors about Cockpit and what it does as a charity.
• Possess a calm and measured presence to assist with the smooth delivery of the events.

Who are we looking for?
• Presentable, confident and enthusiastic individuals who have a keen interest in craft, design and the visual arts.
• Have some experience of working at events, customer service and/or invigilating exhibitions
• Can confidently and clearly give directions and assist the public with queries.
• Able to attend on-site training/orientation sessions w/c 28 October.

Cockpit Event Dates:

Bloomsbury:
Thursday 27 November, 2 - 5pm - Press, Trade, Tours
Thursday 27 November, 5 - 9pm - VIP event
Friday 28 November, 12 - 6pm - Public
Saturday 29 November, 12 - 6pm - Public
Sunday 30 November, 12 - 6pm - Public

Deptford:
Friday 5 December, 2 - 5pm - Press, Trade, Tours, VIP
Friday 5 December, 5 - 9pm - Public
Saturday 6 December, 12 - 6pm - Public
Sunday 7 December, 12 - 6pm - Public

Hours of Work:
• You would be expected to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the start of the public opening times.
• The shifts are usually in 3-hour blocks with ½ hour break unless specified.
• You will not need to be available for all the days/times, but should be able to offer shifts equivalent to two full days.

Expenses
• A stipend of £25 is allocated to cover daily travel expenses and food allowance. Please provide receipts with your claim form.
• You will also be able to redeem a lunch voucher at the onsite café, if you working a full day.
• Refreshments and light snacks will be provided for breaks.

How to apply and get involved If you would like to get involved, please send your CV by Tuesday 28 October, 6pm. Please include ‘Volunteer’ in the Subject line.

• Please let us know how many days you would like to do and any availability restrictions you are already aware of.
• We will review all applications following the deadline, and notify you via email.
• Those who are selected will be given a schedule that is tailored to the number of days and hours you can offer.
• There will be orientation and training sessions held at each site, attendance is required as it will be opportunity to ask questions and meet the core team and understand the landscape of each site.

• A great opportunity to volunteer as Cafe Assistant at a unique heritage site, London Museum of Water and Steam
• Based at the historic Kew Bridge Waterworks the museum tells the story of London's water supply, the site, its people and the amazing pumping engines that helped to make London the city it is today
• Cafe Assistants provide a warm and friendly greeting for all our visitors                                              
•  They should work collaboratively with Visitor Welcome volunteers and Duty Managers
•  Help to prepare hot drinks and snacks and to take responsibility for money handling
• There is an opportunity to gain a Level 1 Certificate in Food Hygiene