Volunteer roles in birmingham

Orchards is looking for a reliable and organised volunteer to support our vision to see more women free from sexual exploitation. This role offers hands-on experience in the VAWG sector and the chance to contribute to the smooth running of our supported accommodation services.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

We are looking for a patient and caring volunteer to visit a man in his early 60s who lives in a supported living home in central Coventry. He enjoys going to watch the football, woodwork and crafts, gentle walks, and watching sports and films.

Watch a video about this role here

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

The BMC is seeking a number of specialist volunteers to help manage our land holdings on behalf of climbers and walkers. Since 1979 the organisation has acquired eight climbing sites across England and Wales with legal ownership currently split between the Land & Property Trust (LPT, registered charity, No: 05611715), BMC Land Holdings Ltd and the BMC centrally.  The sites include sport climbing, bouldering and traditional crags, the full list in date order of acquisition is:

• Bwlch y Moch, Tremadog (1979)
• Aldery Cliff, Peak
• Stone Farm Rocks, Southern sandstone
• Horseshoe Quarry, Peak
• Craig y Longridge, Lancs
• Wilton 1 Quarry, Lancs
• Harrison's Rocks, Southern sandstone
• Crookrise, Yorks (2016)

Landownership and management is an important aspect of the BMC's work and responsibilities are split between the LPT, and the Land Management Group (LMG) add link which comprises volunteers with backgrounds in geotechnical engineering, law and environmental management. Day-to-day site operations are managed by a part time Land & Property Contractor (100 days per year), operating under the guidance of LPT and LMG, plus additional support staff providing core office services. Please note that these responsibilities do not extend to the BMC head office, or to owned / managed huts.

The Land Management Group (LMG) is seeking new members with experience in woodland / habitat management, the quarry industry, crag development (fixed equipment), health & safety or broader environmental policy. Direct knowledge of BMC sites and involvement in climbing will be a distinct advantage. LMG typically meets twice per year, either virtually, in Manchester or as part of site-based meetings. 

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE 

• Attend two formal meetings per year and contribute to LMGs work between meetings
• Provide expertise, knowledge and support mainly through email correspond
• Advise on situations arising between meetings (reactive and proactive) 

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALITIES WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Relevant experience of land & property matters (conservation, woodland, quarries, site development / fixed equipment, health & safety, visitor management, law) and the wider environmental sector
• Direct knowledge of BMC sites and climbing
• Strong communication skills and good availability (email / phone)
• Close proximity to areas within BMC ownership
• Understand and follow relevant BMC policies and guidance 

WHEN, WHERE AND HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO GIVE?

• Minimum of 2 meetings per year with follow-up communication between meetings.
• Provide occasional technical support for the Land & Property Manager 

BENEFITS OF GETTING INVOLVED

• Feel good about giving something back
• Opportunity to ensure the BMC looks after its eight climbing sites across England and Wales.
• Learning from other volunteers
• Development of skills and knowledge
• Support from the BMC Senior Land, Property & Access Advisor

The BMC is seeking a number of specialist volunteers to help manage our land holdings on behalf of climbers and walkers. Since 1979 the organisation has acquired eight climbing sites across England and Wales with legal ownership currently split between the Land & Property Trust (LPT, registered charity, No: 05611715), BMC Land Holdings Ltd and the BMC centrally.  The sites include sport climbing, bouldering and traditional crags, the full list in date order of acquisition is:

• Bwlch y Moch, Tremadog (1979)
• Aldery Cliff, Peak
• Stone Farm Rocks, Southern sandstone
• Horseshoe Quarry, Peak
• Craig y Longridge, Lancs
• Wilton 1 Quarry, Lancs
• Harrison's Rocks, Southern sandstone
• Crookrise, Yorks (2016)

Landownership and management is an important aspect of the BMC's work and responsibilities are split between the LPT, and the Land Management Group (LMG) add link which comprises volunteers with backgrounds in geotechnical engineering, law and environmental management. Day-to-day site operations are managed by a part time Land & Property Contractor (100 days per year), operating under the guidance of LPT and LMG, plus additional support staff providing core office services. Please note that these responsibilities do not extend to the BMC head office, or to owned / managed huts.

We are seeking up to four volunteer trustees to support the work of the British Muntaineering Council (BMC)’s Land & Property Trust (LPT).

LPT is a registered charity (No: 05611715) with responsibility for the overall management of BMC owned and managed sites. LPT was incorporated in 2005 and in early 2025, adopted a new constitution and Operating Agreement defining its’ purpose and relationship with the BMC. The sites include sport climbing, bouldering and traditional crags.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

• Attend a minimum of two LPT meetings each year and contribute to the work of the Trust
• Provide expertise, knowledge and support mainly through email correspondence throughout the year

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALITIES WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Background in land & property management, law, fundraising, finance, governance or the environmental sector
• Direct knowledge of BMC sites and climbing more generally will also be beneficial
• Email and/or phone availability and willingness to be contacted
• Good communication skills
• Resident in or near the area covered
• Understand and follow relevant BMC policies and guidance

WHEN, WHERE AND HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO GIVE?

• A minimum of 2 meetings per year wither online or face to face with follow-ups via email between meetings.
• Ideally this would be a 3-year term with the possibility to extend for a second 3-year term.

BENEFITS OF GETTING INVOLVED

• Opportunity to ensure the BMC looks after its eight climbing sites across England and Wales.
• Learning from other volunteers
• Development of skills and knowledge
• Support from the BMC Senior Land, Property & Access Advisor 

The BMC is seeking a number of specialist volunteers to help manage our land holdings on behalf of climbers and walkers. Since 1979 the organisation has acquired eight climbing sites across England and Wales with legal ownership currently split between the Land & Property Trust (LPT, registered charity, No: 05611715), BMC Land Holdings Ltd and the BMC centrally.  The sites include sport climbing, bouldering and traditional crags, the full list in date order of acquisition is:

• Bwlch y Moch, Tremadog (1979)
• Aldery Cliff, Peak
• Stone Farm Rocks, Southern sandstone
• Horseshoe Quarry, Peak
• Craig y Longridge, Lancs
• Wilton 1 Quarry, Lancs
• Harrison's Rocks, Southern sandstone
• Crookrise, Yorks (2016)

Landownership and management is an important aspect of the BMC's work and responsibilities are split between the LPT, and the Land Management Group (LMG) add link which comprises volunteers with backgrounds in geotechnical engineering, law and environmental management. Day-to-day site operations are managed by a part time Land & Property Contractor (100 days per year), operating under the guidance of LPT and LMG, plus additional support staff providing core office services. Please note that these responsibilities do not extend to the BMC head office, or to owned / managed huts.

We are seeking a volunteer to Chair the British Mountaineering Council (BMC)'s Land & Property Trust (LPT).

LPT is a registered charity (No: 05611715) with responsibility for the overall management of BMC owned and managed sites. LPT was incorporated in 2005 and in early 2025, adopted a new constitution and Operating Agreement defining its’ purpose and relationship with the BMC. The sites include sport climbing, bouldering and traditional crags.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

• To chair the meetings of the Land & Property Trust twice a year
• Create meeting agendas with the support of the Secretary
• Contribute to the work of the Trust by providing expertise, knowledge and support mainly through email correspondence throughout the year
• Additional support will be required initially to consolidate the BMC's overall property portfolio under a single entity and fully establish LPT’s financial relationship with the BMC. This will require the chair to work closely with senior BMC staff and board members. 

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALITIES WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Background in land & property management, law, fundraising, finance, governance or the environmental sector
• Direct knowledge of BMC sites and climbing more generally will also be beneficial
• Email and/or phone availability and willingness to be contacted
• Good communication skills
• Resident in or near the area covered
• Understand and follow relevant BMC policies and guidance

WHEN, WHERE AND HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO GIVE?

A minimum of 2 trustee meetings per year (online or face to face), weekly follow-up communications and occasional online reporting to / engagement with the main BMC board, Members Council and senior staff as required

Ideally this would be a 3-year term with the possibility to extend for a second 3-year term.

BENEFITS OF GETTING INVOLVED

• Opportunity to ensure the BMC looks after its eight climbing sites across England and Wales.
• Learning from other volunteers
• Development of skills and knowledge
• Support from the BMC Senior Land, Property & Access Advisor 

Art Explora is a non-profit arts organisation that aims to share arts and culture with everyone - locally, nationally and internationally - and inspire new encounters between arts and audiences.

Arts at Home supports older people to access arts and culture by encouraging conversation and connection through art. We are looking for volunteers to participate in our "Arts at Home" sessions in residential care homes. In these sessions, you will introduce works of art of your choice and facilitate conversations around the artworks with residents. No prior professional experience is needed; we will provide you with the necessary training.

You will need to be able to travel to Birmingham locations independently (pre agreed local travel expenses paid). 

Why you'll love it:

• You will meet new people & alleviate feelings of loneliness through creativity and connection.
• You will be offered spaces on trips to galleries and theatres with our care setting residents as part of our ‘Art Explorers at...’ project. 
• You will learn about art, heritage, and history, through your research and other volunteers.
• You will develop communication and public speaking skills
• You will gain experience working with vulnerable adults and build an understanding of how art can support a sense of community and wellbeing. 

If you are a confident communicator and passionate about arts, we would love to hear from you!

We are a small and friendly team of Trustees who are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join us and become a Trustee for our wonderful charity, Wiltshire Portage. Wiltshire Portage supports families who have children aged birth to school entry with additional needs, empowering parents and carers to help their children to reach their full potential as they transition into school and beyond.

There has been a rise in the number of children who have additional needs over the past few years and research has shown that early intervention is vital in helping these children to develop. At Wiltshire Portage, we have a team of experienced Home Visitors who regularly visit families who have young children with additional needs. During visits, Home Visitors identify areas of support that are needed and deliver child-led learning activities through play. Having a child with additional needs can be challenging and Home Visitors are also able to support parents and carers; providing information and sign posting them to organisations who can help.

As a charity, Wiltshire Portage relies on a team of Trustees to work with the CEO in the running of the charity. Trustees are asked to attend a meeting (this is currently carried out virtually) once every two months in the evening.

Purpose:
To create, manage, and optimise digital fundraising campaigns that drive donor engagement, ambassador participation, and online revenue for the CIC.

Key Tasks:

• Establish and run online fundraising campaigns across social platforms, email, live streams, and community networks

• Help build the online infrastructure for the Volunteer Fundraising Ambassador Programme, including toolkits, digital scripts, social media assets, and onboarding materials

• Develop donor journeys, automation flows, and campaign funnels that convert supporters into recurring donors

• Analyse campaign performance, track KPIs, and present clear data reports to the Senior Fundraising Manager

• Work with the Digital Infrastructure Team to integrate donation forms, CRM systems, email platforms, and dashboards

• Support creative storytelling—producing digital content that is ethical, trauma-informed, powerful, and community-centred

• Stay updated with digital fundraising trends and tools to ensure our campaigns remain innovative and scalable

Ideal For:

Creative, analytical individuals who love blending digital strategy, humanitarian impact, and storytelling to mobilise communities online.

Why Join Us

• Play a central role in shaping a large-scale online fundraising ecosystem for a UK CIC

• Gain real experience building campaigns that run nationally and internationally

• Work with experts in digital systems, marketing, and fundraising strategy

• Develop a portfolio of real campaigns, reports, and data-driven results

• Access recorded training, references, and future paid opportunities

• Be part of a transparent, collaborative team committed to decentralisation and community empowerment

What You’ll Learn

• Digital fundraising strategy: ads, organic campaigns, email sequences, landing pages, funnels

• How to optimise donor journeys and increase engagement

• Data analysis, A/B testing, and reporting techniques

• How to build digital toolkits and onboarding flows for large volunteer teams

• Ethical storytelling and fundraising safeguards

• Multi-platform digital communication within a community organisation

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil CIC is a UK-registered Community Interest Company dedicated to empowering the survivor and young people’s community through advocacy, storytelling, education, and digital innovation.

We are now entering the second stage of our CIC’s development, building the decentralised technological foundation that will support everything we do — from volunteer management and online learning to donor engagement and impact measurement.

Our aim is to create a digitally connected ecosystem that allows survivors, young people, and our partners to access resources, training, and opportunities from anywhere in the world. As we await funding for our next phase, This project will help us build the digital backbone of our organisation 

The Digital Systems Research & Implementation Team will help us identify the most effective, decentralised, and sustainable digital tools on the market to take us forward.

This team will play a critical advisory role in guiding which platforms we invest in — ensuring that every system we choose is ethical, scalable, open-source, and aligned with our mission.

About the Project

Your work will directly shape the digital future of our CIC.
The team will:

• Research and evaluate open-source and nonprofit-friendly digital tools (LMS, CRM, donor systems, AI marketing tools, etc.).

• Assess features, usability, compliance, cost-effectiveness, and decentralisation potential.

• Report and recommend the most suitable options for our organisation’s stage of growth.

• Collaborate with external experts (once funding is secured) to help customise and integrate chosen platforms.

You won’t be expected to build or code systems yourself — instead, you’ll help us make smart, evidence-based decisions that position our CIC for long-term success and operational excellence.

Roles Available

1.Tech Enthusiast / Digital Systems Volunteer

Purpose: To connect the dots between technology, usability, and community needs.
Key tasks:

• Evaluate accessibility and user experience from the perspective of staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries

• Suggest tools that enhance transparency, inclusion, and efficiency

• Support external experts by testing workflows and providing user feedback during implementation
  Ideal for: Individuals passionate about technology for good, decentralisation, and community impact.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a core digital transformation project in a growing ,creative, innovative UK social enterprise.

• Work with real systems and expert advisors shaping the CIC’s long-term digital decentrailiesd strategy.

• Gain hands-on experience in research, decision-making, and systems planning.

• Receive references and recorded training access for your future portfolio.

• Collaborate with a team that values innovation, transparency, and community-people driven design.

• Be the 1st to apply for paid positions as the C.I.C

What You’ll Learn

• How nonprofits evaluate and adopt open-source systems

• The process of digital transformation within a CIC structure

• Research and reporting best practices

• The ethics and practicality of decentralised digital infrastructure

• Cross-team collaboration in a multi-stakeholder environment

2. Full Stack Web Developer (open-source)

Purpose:
To architect, build, and refine digital products that support the CIC’s mission, decentralised systems vision, and community-first approach.

Key tasks:

• Develop and maintain internal and external web applications that streamline operations, onboarding, training, and user engagement

• Integrate APIs, automation tools, and open-source systems into a unified digital infrastructure

• Build modular, scalable front-end and back-end features aligned with our decentralised and community-led framework

• Support the Tech Enthusiasts and Digital Systems Team by turning research and ideas into working prototypes

• Optimise performance, security, accessibility, and user experience across all digital platforms

• Collaborate with designers, project leads, and external experts to implement digital solutions that serve staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries

Ideal for:

Self-driven and mission-focused developers who want to use their technical skills to support community empowerment, decentralisation, innovation, Creativity and systems-building within a growing CIC.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a core digital transformation project in a growing, creative, innovative UK social enterprise

• Work with real systems and expert advisors shaping the CIC’s long-term decentralised digital strategy

• Gain hands-on experience building digital products for real-world community use

• Receive references and recorded training access for your future portfolio

• Collaborate with a team that values innovation, transparency, and community-people driven design

• Be the first to access paid roles as the CIC grows and formal roles open

How This Role Feeds Into Our Mission

This team will lay the digital foundation for everything our CIC does — helping us choose systems that will empower survivors and young people to connect, learn, and thrive safely and efficiently.
By identifying the best tools on the market, you’ll be ensuring our future operations are secure, efficient, and impactful — built on technology that reflects our values and vision.

 How to Apply

Please apply via CharityJob with:

• A short cover letter outlining why you’d like to join this digital transformation project, and

• Any relevant coursework, volunteer, or professional experience.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a friendly group introduction session to meet the team, learn about our mission, and select their preferred focus area.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organisation that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects
that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to apply for one of our volunteering positions. We will speak to you about what your aims are to ensure that the volunteering position you are applying for is suitable. By volunteering you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

We are looking to appoint a volunteer who has management experience and who is able to support the functions of our Marketing Department through the effective management of our marketing team and marketing policy. These functions include: website, social media, engagement, events and sponsorship (as a temporary function within this department).

Key accountabilities:

• Departmental strategic management 
• Marketing policy development 
• Social media output 
• Website development and design 
• Engagement and events 
• To take part in department wider management and leadership activities
• To support the planning of department activities
• To take on line management roles as assigned
• To provide effective supervision and guidance to other volunteers as delegated
• To oversee departmental tasks
• To provide support and additional capacity with regards to progress of departmental relevant tasks

Requirements 

• To have experience working in the charity sector or voluntary sector 
• To have experience in managing a team of people/volunteers 
• To be competent in IT, social media and website design 
• To be an effective communicator and leader
• At least 7 or more years of relevant experience.
• Some experience (ideally 2 or more years) of managing or leading a team.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
• Right to volunteer in the UK

Benefits

• This is a UK based 100% Fully remote and flexible role 

• Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

 Why volunteer with us?

We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations. 

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Application Instructions

Upload your CV in a PDF format only, applications outside of this format may not be considered.

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative

Obuyisi bw’Omu Initiative empowers underserved communities in Uganda—particularly women, youth, and children—through grassroots action, advocacy, and partnerships. It addresses key challenges including limited mental health support, poor water and sanitation, barriers to quality education, and the impacts of climate change. Programs create safe spaces for mental health awareness, improve clean water access and hygiene, and provide educational resources and mentorship to promote inclusive learning. Climate action efforts involve tree planting, conservation, and sustainable practices. By fostering community ownership and engaging volunteers, Obuyisi bw’Omu drives practical, sustainable solutions that enhance well-being and resilience for lasting positive change.

Role (Volunteer, unpaid): Business Developer

Role Description: 

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative empowesr Ugandan communities with mental health, WASH, education, and climate resilience initiatives.

What you will do :

• Identify and secure new partnerships with organisations, sponsors, institutions, donors and individuals aligned with our mission.
• Research and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and corporate sponsorships.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Develop proposals, pitches, and presentations to support outreach, collaborate on campaign messaging and fundraising events
• Support programme expansion by assessing community needs and tracking ongoing community engagement
• Support in preparing donor reports and impact summaries for donors and investors.
• Manage email communication, respond to inquiries, and support follow-ups with prospects and partners
• Participate in business meetings, document key takeaways, and track follow-up actions.

Minimum Hours per Week: 10+ hours per week

Duration: 6+ months

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative

Obuyisi bw’Omu Initiative empowers underserved communities in Uganda—particularly women, youth, and children—through grassroots action, advocacy, and partnerships. It addresses key challenges including limited mental health support, poor water and sanitation, barriers to quality education, and the impacts of climate change. Programs create safe spaces for mental health awareness, improve clean water access and hygiene, and provide educational resources and mentorship to promote inclusive learning. Climate action efforts involve tree planting, conservation, and sustainable practices. By fostering community ownership and engaging volunteers, Obuyisi bw’Omu drives practical, sustainable solutions that enhance well-being and resilience for lasting positive change.

Role (Volunteer, unpaid): Marketing Specialist

Role Description: 

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative empowesr Ugandan communities with mental health, WASH, education, and climate resilience initiatives.

What you will do :

•Support Weekly Marketing Tasks: Assist with various marketing activities such as content creation for social media, campaign analysis, brand image improvement and more!
•Social Media Strategy: Help create and schedule content using Meta Business Suite based on basic social media marketing principles.
•Task Tracking: Check in and update your progress using the task tracker in Excel or Notion provided by the manager.
•Team Support: Be ready to step in and assist another team member with her tasks when needed.

Minimum Hours per Week: 10+ hours per week

Duration: 6+ months

We’re looking for three new members to join the Board of Directors at Hackney School of Food. This is a chance to help shape a dynamic, community-driven organisation that’s improving health and building skills through food education.

Who we are
Hackney School of Food is a food education hub in Clapton, founded in partnership with the LEAP Federation of Schools and the charity Chefs in Schools.

We believe learning to cook and grow food is a vital life skill, and sharing this knowledge builds healthier, more resilient communities. We’re on a mission to provide children, families, and our local community with the tools to improve their diets and well-being. By building knowledge and confidence in growing and cooking nutritious food, from seed to spoon. Our programmes include curriculum-linked lessons, after-school and holiday clubs, family cooking and growing projects, and adult workshops.

We transformed a former caretaker’s house on the site of Mandeville Primary School into an award-winning teaching kitchen and turned tarmac into a flourishing garden. A once-disused classroom is now our Garden Room, where we host educational workshops and dining events for our community.

In 2023, we became a Community Interest Company (CIC) – a not-for-profit social enterprise – meaning our work is driven by the needs and interests of our community. Since opening, we’ve welcomed thousands of people through our doors, working with schools, community organisations, and local residents.

To see more about what we do visit our website.

New board members 

We want to recruit Directors with a diversity of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested in applications from people with one or more of the following skills/experiences:

• Fundraising and income generation expertise

• Business development or growth strategy experience

• Knowledge/experience in social enterprises or start-ups

• Strong network connections, particularly in Hackney / East London

To make an effective board member, it’s also important you are:

• A good communicator with sound judgement

• Open-minded, collaborative and willing to listen

• Confident engaging with different people and perspectives

• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility

You don’t need to tick every box. If you’re committed to Hackney School of Food’s mission and the communities we work with, we’d love to hear from you. Previous board experience is welcome but not essential. We are keen to support first-time board members.

Our commitment to creating a diverse board 

We encourage anyone interested to apply.  But we also want to make extra sure our board represents and reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applicants of any gender but do encourage men to apply, to improve gender balance on our board. We welcome applications from black and global majority people and people living locally in Hackney. If you feel comfortable sharing this, we would really like to know if you have any lived experience of food insecurity or health inequalities in your application. 

What Does Being a Board Member Mean?
Our Board of Directors provides oversight, strategic direction, and support to  the team at Hackney School of Food. Board members:

• Provide leadership, helping to set strategic goals and priorities

• Support fundraising and networking efforts

• Act as ambassadors for the CIC

• Oversee compliance and legal and regulatory obligations

• Ensure we are financially sustainable and stay true to our CIC objectives

• Offer advice and support to the managing director and the wider team.

• Bring expertise, ideas, and lived experience to guide our development
   

Time Commitment
On average, the role will take 1–2 days a month, including:

•  quarterly board meetings

• occasional working group or fundraising meetings

• offering advice or support and reading papers in between meetings

Benefits
Being a board member is a valuable way to broaden your professional experience, including management and leadership skills. As a board member, you’ll:

• Play a meaningful role in improving access to food education.

• Gain experience in governance, leadership, and strategy

• Work alongside passionate, committed people who care about making a difference

This is a voluntary (unpaid) role. We will reimburse reasonable travel and subsistence expenses so that income is not a barrier to participation.

The Practical Bits

To apply, please send your CV and a short covering letter (maximum one A4 page) to us directly by Sunday 11 January 2026. You'll find our email on our website.

In your covering letter, please tell us:

• Why you’re interested in joining the board

• What skills, experience, or lived experience you would bring

• How you connect with Hackney School of Food’s mission

What happens next

• Applications will be reviewed by our Managing Director and current board members.

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal interview in late-January.

• You’ll then have the chance to meet current board members to ensure the role is the right fit for both sides.

All Directors will need to complete an enhanced DBS check before starting.

Do you have a passion for using your beautician skills and expertise to support those who have experienced crisis? People in our services would benefit from social engagement, relaxation, and joy from learning about simple treatments they could use for themselves such as hand, foot massaging, manicures, pedicures, hair styling, cutting, overall hygiene tips and routines.

What you will be doing

• Facilitate weekly sessions via zoom
• Encourage group discussions around wellbeing, self-esteem and looking after themselves
• Inspire and motivate the group to be involved in future planning/designing of the session
• Share basic beauty tips and routines with group members
• Offer relaxation techniques that can be used to de-stress and promote positive mental wellbeing

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified beautician
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun