Volunteer roles in camden, greater london

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Governance & Legal Support to lead the governance and legal functions of Youth Advantage UK. The Head of Governance & Legal Support will oversee compliance, risk management, and legal operations to ensure the charity operates within all applicable regulations and ethical standards. Managing the Governance & Legal Support Manager, this role will also involve developing and implementing governance frameworks that support organisational growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

● Manage Governance & Legal Support Team: Provide leadership and guidance to the Governance & Legal Support Manager and ensure the team operates effectively.

● Develop Governance Frameworks: Create and implement policies, procedures, and systems to strengthen the charity’s governance structure.

● Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards, including charity law, data protection, and safeguarding.

● Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks, maintaining a comprehensive risk register and working with leadership to address potential challenges.

● Support the Board of Trustees: Act as a key liaison for the Board, preparing meeting agendas, maintaining minutes, and ensuring timely submission of governance reports.

● Legal Oversight: Manage contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

● Training & Development: Provide training and resources to staff and volunteers on governance and compliance matters, ensuring understanding and adherence to policies.

● Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with legal advisors, regulators, and other stakeholders to support organisational compliance.

● Drive Organisational Values: Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice across the organisation.

Ideal Candidate:

● Experience: At least six months in a senior governance, legal, or compliance-focused leadership role within the charity sector or a similar organisation.

● Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage and develop teams, fostering a high-performance culture.

● Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of charity law, governance best practices, and regulatory compliance.

● Risk Management Expertise: Experience in identifying and mitigating risks in a complex organisational environment.

● Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

● Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with governance and compliance tools, systems, and processes.

● Commitment to Diversity: Understanding and experience in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within governance practices.

● Passion for Youth Development: Genuine enthusiasm for supporting young people and advancing the mission of Youth Advantage UK.

Day-to-day Tasks:

● Managing the Governance & Legal Support team, including sharing best practices and ensuring professional standards are met.

● Ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, legal regulations, and internal policies.

● Preparing and distributing materials for Board of Trustee meetings, including agendas and reports.

● Reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements, and legal documents.

● Monitoring and updating the organisation’s risk register.

● Providing guidance on data protection, safeguarding, and ethical practices.

● Maintaining organisational policies and ensuring they are up-to-date and effectively implemented.

● Building relationships with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies.

Short-term Tasks:

● Conducting a review of current governance policies and frameworks to identify areas for improvement.

● Establishing a schedule for regular governance and legal compliance audits.

● Updating the organisation’s risk register and developing mitigation plans for high-priority risks.

● Developing training materials for staff and volunteers on governance and compliance topics.

● Creating a roadmap for aligning governance practices with the organisation’s strategic goals.

Why Join Youth Advantage UK?

Youth Advantage UK is a research led organization that aims to further the rights of young people between 11 and 25 years old across the UK through policy work and projects. As the Head of Governance & Legal Support, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates with integrity, accountability, and transparency. You will work with a passionate and dedicated team, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and develop frameworks that ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission. Youth Advantage UK is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where volunteers can grow both professionally and personally.

Help us to grow brand-new online charity platform A Good Thing! Come on board to help us manage relationships with the businesses that have joined us: use your communications skills to drive more businesses to engage with the platform and to make donations of things they no longer need.

A Good Thing is a not-for-profit set up with one mission: to send less to landfill, and more to a good cause. We're rolling out fast across the UK, momentum is building, and we're growing a network of passionate local volunteer champions right across the country to drive our growth.

You’ll be using both your communications skills and your project management expertise to help us grow the number of businesses engaging with the platform and giving things away.

Come with us on our journey towards reducing waste and boosting wonderful local charities at the same time.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind
• Access to Sense discounts and advice, including cashback and discounts on hight street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Who are LRMN? 

We offer refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants a specialist and holistic service. We advocate for people’s rights, campaign for wider change, meet their basic needs and help  them improve their wellbeing. 

Why do we need you? 

Advocacy volunteers are an essential part of our team, making sure that clients are able to access the right service. You will deal with initial client enquiries (in person, over the phone or  by email), assess what support clients need and help them access the right service for them.  This might be with us, a partner or another external service. 

Our admin team is integral to the smooth running of LRMN. Without them our advisors wouldn’t be able to provide life changing support to the people who access our services. 

Our admin team are the first people that clients will talk to so it is essential that we offer a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space and give them the right information about the  services we offer. Given the demand that we face, volunteers help us do that. 
 

What activities will you be involved in?  

As an Advocacy Volunteer, you will work alongside staff and fellow volunteers to provide practical support, advocacy, and guidance to individuals accessing our services. Your role is essential in helping service users navigate various systems, simple applications, access key entitlements, and receive the support they need to improve their circumstances.Your key responsibilities will include:

• Client Support:

  • Assist clients in completing applications for:

    • Free bus transportation

    • Oyster cards (60+ and 65+)

    • National Insurance Number (NIN)

    • Nursery, school, and college admissions/registrations
       

• Signposting and Referrals:

  • Ensure service users who cannot access our services are signposted or referred to appropriate external organizations.
     

• Information and Guidance:

  • Help clients and referrers understand the services we offer and how to access them effectively.

• Administrative Support:

  • Undertake various administrative tasks as identified by the team.

• Expanded Duties (as experience grows):

  • Assist with additional basic applications not listed above.

  • Support clients with simple letter writing and documentation.

  • Take on other relevant duties as needed.  

Location & Schedule:

• This role is based in our Deptford office, specifically during Thursday drop-in sessions.

What can you gain from this opportunity? 

By volunteering with LRMN, you will: 

• Make a difference to the lives of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees living in  south-east London 

• Be part of a diverse, knowledgeable and proactive team in an organisation that has  been running for over 25 years 

• Gain experience of admin work in a business environment 

• Gain an understanding of the issues affecting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants • Have regular support and supervision from the Business and Operations Officer • Be provided out of pocket expenses to the value of £6 for lunch per day (4+ hours) &  up to £15 travel expenses (when volunteering in the office for 4+ hours) 

Is there induction and training? 

Yes, we provide a comprehensive induction to all new volunteers. This covers roles and  responsibilities, safeguarding, record keeping and use of our client management system  (Advice Pro).

You will be provided with the training needed to perform the role and will have the  opportunity to join training with the whole LRMN team.

Who are LRMN looking for? 

We’re looking for someone who is: 

• Passionate about supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers 

• Friendly and approachable and can manage professional boundaries 

• Excellent communication skills

• Proactive and able to use own initiative 

• Organised and methodical in their work 

• Respectful of client confidentiality 

• Experienced in working with multicultural communities 

• Able to use their digital skills to make referrals and manage online systems 

LRMN is committed to equality and diversity. We pride ourselves on having a diverse team  with a range of experiences. We encourage people with lived experience of the asylum  and/or immigration system to apply. If you need additional support to apply or volunteer,  please contact us. 

What commitment do you need to make? 

We ask volunteers to commit to volunteering one day a week during office hours (Mon-Fri) for at least six months. 

How can you apply? 

If you are interested in this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via CharityJobs. 

Volunteers will be required to provide two referees and undergo a basic DBS check.

This is an unpaid volunteer role.

Are you keen to make the workplace fun and engaging for our great people providing great care through the power of cycling?

• An expected time commitment of twice a month
• Volunteer role, expenses paid
• Location: West London

 Using your own bicycle to live by your own values and love of cycling and embed them into the role

 Confident in speaking with others and encourage others to model same behaviours

 Create, promote and maintain a Trustwide Bicycle User Group

 Organise a group of specific ride events with the support from the Travel and Transport Department, encourage people from under-represented groups to take part

 Promote events through advertisement and branding with the support of the Communications and Facilities team.  An expected time commitment of twice a month

 Adhere to the relevant policies and procedures of the Trust, including Infection control, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, Data Protection and Confidentiality policies

 Opportunities to get involved in other areas of the Trust’s work, including our NHS careers

Who are LRMN? 

We offer refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants a specialist and holistic service. We  advocate for people’s rights, campaign for wider change, meet their basic needs and help them improve their wellbeing. 

Why do we need you? 

Triage volunteers are an essential part of our team, making sure that clients are able to access the right service. You will deal with initial client enquiries (in person, over the phone or by email), assess what support clients need and help the access the right service for them.  This might be with us, a partner or another external service. 

Our triage team is integral to the smooth running of LRMN. Without them our advisors wouldn’t be able to provide life changing support to the people who access our services. 

Our triage team are the first people that clients will talk to so it is essential that we offer a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space and give them the right information about the services we offer. Given the demand that we face, volunteers help us do that. 

What activities will you be involved in? 

As part of our triage team, you will volunteer alongside staff and fellow volunteers to: 

• Welcome clients to our office/Migrant Hub and speak to them about their needs • Help clients and referrers understand the services we offer and how to access them • Respond to new referrals and upload them onto our case management system

• Contact clients to book in appointments and follow up referrals 

• Take on other administrative tasks as identified from time to time 

As you become more experienced, you may be involved in giving basic advice, providing  support letters and other duties. 

Our triage volunteers can be based at our office (in Deptford Monday-Friday), or our Migrant Hub drop-in service (in Woolwich on Tuesdays), or both! Just let us know in your application form what interests you. 

You will be supervised by the Business and Operations Manager and/or Migrant Hub Coordinator but will liaise with staff across the organisation as appropriate. 

What can you gain from this opportunity? 

By volunteering with LRMN, you will: 

• Make a difference to the lives of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees living in south-east London 

• Be part of a diverse, knowledgeable and proactive team in an organisation that has been running for over 25 years 

• Gain experience of admin work in a business environment 

• Gain an understanding of the issues affecting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants

• Have regular support and supervision from the Business and Operations Officer

• Be provided out of pocket expenses to the value of £6 for lunch per day (4+ hours) &  up to £15 travel expenses (when volunteering in the office for 4+ hours) 

Is there induction and training? 

Yes, we provide a comprehensive induction to all new volunteers. This covers roles and  responsibilities, safeguarding, record keeping and use of our client management system  (Advice Pro).

You will be provided with the training needed to perform the role and will have the opportunity to join training with the whole LRMN team.

Who are LRMN looking for? 

We’re looking for someone who is: 

• Passionate about supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers 

• Friendly and approachable and can manage professional boundaries 

• Excellent communicatiuon skills

• Proactive and able to use own initiative 

• Organised and methodical 

• Respectful of client confidentiality 

• Experienced in working with multicultural communities 

• Able to use their digital skills to make referrals and manage online systems 

LRMN is committed to equality and diversity. We pride ourselves on having a diverse team  with a range of experiences. We encourage people with lived experience of the asylum and/or immigration system to apply. If you need additional support to apply or volunteer, please contact us. 

What commitment do you need to make? 

We ask volunteers to commit to volunteering one day a week during office hours (Mon-Fri)  for at least six months. 

The Squad Club is an impactful hyper-local charity based in Merton - and we are looking for some very special skills to help us in a crucial period of deepening and sustaining our work. 

FINANCE TRUSTEE

We are particularly keen to hear from people with a background in Finance; 

Strong understanding of charity finance, reporting requirements, and relevant regulations (e.g. Charity Commission guidance, SORP).

Familiarity with financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls.

Knowledge of accounting practices and financial statements (e.g. balance sheets, income & expenditure).

Ability to present financial information clearly and accessibly to non-finance board members.

Understanding of the charity’s governing document, structure, and objectives.

Please note we are open to having a Trustee who works in finance, accounting, charity finance and who is looking to develop their skills further and again Board-experience.

What are we looking for?

A motivated individual who would like to use their professional or other experience to contribute to and develop an ambitious long term growth strategy for a local charity.

We ask trustees to dedicate around 8 - 10 hours every 6 weeks of remote work to support the running, strategy, management and governance of The Squad. 

We particularly welcome applicants based in or around the Wimbledon/Merton area, who are able to help The Squad to build connections within the local community and are able to attend and support occasional club nights.

Individual contribution varies a lot depending on the person’s skills, expertise and the time they can commit. We ask that trustees get involved with a variety of aspects of The Squad; from financial matters, governance, marketing, fundraising, strategy or line managing staff.

The Squad is overseen by a Board of Trustees with a wide set of skills and experience. We draw our strength from having a team of people with a wide range of backgrounds.

As our current Board is geographically dispersed, applicants should be comfortable working in a remote team and communicating via Zoom, email and telephone.

Further information:

You will be welcomed and supported by the Trustee team (we are genuinely lovely and fun)

You will be invited to occasionally support club nights and work directly with our leaders, volunteers and members, to see us in action. 

Depending on your experience and interest, you will work with other board members and club leaders on specific fundraising, strategic or operational projects.

 The Squad club itself is based in Wimbledon, but we ask trustees to attend board meetings every 6 weeks on Zoom and to attend Thursday evening clubs 2 - 3 times per year. 

Days: Primarily Sundays (flexible hours during the week)
Time Commitment: Approx. 3–4 hours/week (flexible)

Are you a creative storyteller with a passion for social media and community impact? We're looking for a Social Media Volunteer to help amplify our work, celebrate our community, and boost awareness of our pantry project.

About the Role:

As our Social Media Volunteer, you’ll play a key role in capturing and sharing the heart of what we do. Your work will help us connect with the wider community, attract more support, and celebrate the impact of our volunteers and services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and implement engaging ways to showcase our pantry project and community stories

• Maintain and grow our presence on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

• Produce live social media content from the pantry (photos, videos, stories, interviews, etc.)

• Develop content ideas and campaigns to increase reach and engagement

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in social media marketing and content creation.

• Letters of recommendation for volunteers who consistently support us for 6+ months.

• Invitations to volunteer socials and events.

• The chance to support a meaningful cause while building your creative and professional skills

• Be part of a supportive, friendly, and fun volunteer team.

• Bolster your cv with work experience.  

You’d Be a Great Fit If You:

• Have a keen interest in social media, content creation, or digital marketing

• Are creative, proactive, and comfortable with taking initiative

• Are available to come in on Sundays to capture live content

• Have a passion for community work and storytelling

Sound like you?
Whether you're a student, creative professional, or just someone who loves using social media for good, we’d love to hear from you. 

About us

At PBE we use economics to improve lives. Through analytical expertise and our close connection with the social sector, we help charities, funders, firms and policymakers tackle the causes and consequences of low wellbeing.

Right now, more than 3 million adults in the UK are living in wellbeing poverty. We want to change that. 

Our team of analysts, researchers and economists work on a wide range of issues related to low wellbeing, including mental health, education, employment, financial security, poverty, disability, inequality, volunteering and civil society. Our current focus areas are loneliness, children and young people’s mental health and private rental housing. We have changed national government policies on charitable giving, data about charities and volunteering, and the relationship between civil servants and charities. Our research and insights helped secure over £1 billion of government funding for children’s services, numeracy education and charities struggling with the cost of living. The government has committed an additional £250 million for children’s social care in 2025-26, partially due to our research into the state of children’s services funding.

We were founded in 2009 by Andy Haldane, former Chief Economist of the Bank of England, and Martin Brookes, former economist at the Bank of England and Goldman Sachs. Our chair is Tera Allas, former Chief Economist at McKinsey, and we are supported by Lord Gus O’Donnell, former Cabinet Secretary, as our Honorary President.

Our three-year strategy provides the most explicit statement yet of our desire to better understand and tackle low wellbeing. It sets out ambitious plans for achieving more impact – by expanding what we already do so successfully to new audiences and partners. It also pledges to achieve deeper impact – by growing our expertise and influence. And it emphasises our commitment to better working – by investing in the development of our people and processes. 

CEO Matt Whittaker leads our executive team including a Director of Operations and Finance, a Director of Development, a Director of Policy and Communications, a Director of Services, and a Chief Economist. The executive is supported by a team of over 20 staff.

About the role

Post type: Voluntary position

We are seeking one or two trustees with fundraising experience. You will have the drive and commitment to support our strategic development and help build our network, reach, and funding base. You will work collaboratively, representing, reflecting and seeking a diverse range of opinions. You should be committed to our vision and values and be able to communicate this enthusiasm to others.

Key responsibilities

Specific responsibilities:

 Fundraising

• Ensure, via membership of main Board, that PBE has an effective and sustainable fundraising strategy to underpin its business plan and future ambitions.
• Be a member of the Development Committee, which provides more specialist advice and guidance to the Director of Development and team.
• Be a champion for fundraising, increasing knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm across the full set of trustees and other supporters (e.g., patrons).
• Leverage personal and professional networks to identify and introduce potential funders to PBE and play an active role in helping convert these relationships into committed long-term supporters.

Board responsibilities:

Governance

• Ensure PBE has a clear vision and strategic direction and that we are focused on carrying out our purpose for public benefit.
• Delegate authority to the CEO within the terms of the strategic plan and approve key performance indicators.
• Appoint and remove the CEO and monitor, support and hold him to account for the delegated functions.

Compliance

• Ensure that we comply with our governing documents, legal and regulatory requirements and take final responsibility (as per the Memorandum of Association) for PBE.

Judgement

• Make balanced, informed decisions, be prepared to question and challenge when necessary, and help maintain a balanced, constructive relationship between the board and the executive.

Resource oversight

• Ensure resources are deployed effectively.
• Ensure that plans and budgets are in keeping with the aims of the organisation.
• Approve budgets to ensure PBE continues to manage cash flows and reserves prudently.

Accountability

• Ensure that our governance is of the highest possible standard, act with all due care and skill and manage all risks – financial, reputational and others – efficiently and effectively.

Engagement

• Monitor the operating environment in which PBE works, address emerging issues that may impact on our strategy, planning or reputation with key stakeholders; ensure that we retain our ethos, values and standards and offer advice to the CEO and board on areas of personal experience and expertise.

About you

We are looking for exceptional trustees to join the board. Applications are particularly welcomed from those with experience in fundraising for think tank or research-based organisations, and also from those with established philanthropic networks.

We are committed to improving the diversity of our board and therefore are especially keen to encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

Ideal characteristics

You should demonstrate knowledge and experience of the following:

• The vision and values of PBE
• Successful fundraising within the charitable and/or commercial sectors
• Using personal and professional networks that are relevant to PBE’s work
• Being an effective Board member
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Find out more

• Read our latest Annual Report
• Visit our website

PBE is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from all parts of the community, and we give all applicants and employees fair and equal treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality. We also guarantee an invitation to interview for all applicants with disabilities who show evidence that they can meet the role’s ideal criteria.

For details of our applicant’s privacy policy, please visit our website

Are you passionate about helping your local community? Do you enjoy being part of a friendly, welcoming team? Join us as a Student Pantry Support Volunteer and make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience.

About the Role:

We’re looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to support our pantry and community space on any of the following days:

Mondays & Saturdays:

• Receive stock. 

• Stock counting and repackaging

• Organising food and storage areas

Sundays you can join one of the teams that are responsible for the following:

• Welcoming the students.

• Preparing and serving teas/coffees and light snacks.

• Setting up for the pantry by putting out shelves and produce.

• Packing away at the end of the day.

What You Will Gain:

• Be part of a supportive, friendly, and fun volunteer team.

• Bolster your cv with work experience.

• Invitations to volunteer socials.

We would love to hear from You If You Are:

• Friendly and welcoming

• Reliable and committed

• Happy to pitch in where needed

• Looking to make a positive impact

Ready to join us?

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and levels of experience. Just bring your enthusiasm—we'll provide all the support and training you need.

Trustees
Unremunerated – reasonable expenses reimbursed
Time Commitment – approx. one day per month

A national foundation working to improve access to social investment and enterprise support is seeking new Trustees to join its high-calibre Board. Now in its tenth year, the organisation has a strong track record of widening access to finance for smaller charities and social enterprises, particularly those operating in more deprived communities. Its blended finance programmes represent a significant share of the UK’s social investment activity, and it also supports hundreds of organisations to grow their enterprise models and overcome barriers to investment.

The organisation is now looking to appoint new Trustees who can bring experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Proven leadership in a frontline charity or social enterprise, ideally with additional experience in infrastructure or systems-change roles.
• Senior leadership within a foundation (endowed or non-endowed), with a strong interest in social investment and/or place-based economic development.
• Experience in commercial banking, particularly in capital structuring, co-investment models, or lending to the voluntary and community sector.

For further information, please redirect to the Prospectus website to view the full appointment brief.

Timeline

• Deadline for applications: Sunday 6th July
• First interviews (online): 28th July – 18th August
• Final interviews: Week commencing 15th September

DCD are seeking new (volunteer) grant assessors for DCD’s Grants Committee. The Grants Committee is authorised by our Board of Trustees to award retraining and entrepreneur grants to current and former dancers, via its application process. Awarding grants is the bedrock of DCD’s work, financially enabling dancers to realise their career aspirations and fulfil their potential.

We ideally plan to appoint three new Grant Committee members in July.

If you are interested in bringing your experience and skills to reviewing and assessing dancers’ applications for support, please read the Recruitment Brochure which can be found here on our website 

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to become a Trustee at The Goldfinch Trust, a newly-forming Multi-Academy Trust in South London with a distinctive and vital mission: to deliver exceptional education for some of the country’s most vulnerable and medically complex children and young people.

Initially comprising two sites and formally launching in September 2025, new Trustees are sought to help ensure strong and robust governance structures, helping to shape future growth and planning. The Trust will have an annual budget of £3m, expected to rise with expansion of the organisation.

About The Goldfinch Trust

The Goldfinch Trust is a new Multi-Academy Trust with a distinctive and vital mission: to deliver exceptional education for some of the country’s most vulnerable and medically complex children and young people. The Trust will formally launch in September 2025, initially comprising two highly specialist settings: Maudsley & Bethlem Hospital School (MBHS) and St Peter’s Centre, with strong collaboration already in place with a third school, Kings College Hospital School (KCHS), which is expected to join formally in due course.

MBHS supports children aged 4–19, predominantly of secondary age, many of whom are hospital in-patients receiving treatment for severe psychiatric conditions. The school’s model is designed for short- to medium-term placements, with a key goal of reintegration into mainstream or alternative education once pupils are well enough to transition. The school currently supports up to 64 pupils, with a truly national intake reflecting the specialist nature of its provision.

St Peter’s Centre provides a more community-based education offer, supporting around 32 pupils with complex social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, including autism, anxiety, depression, and school-based trauma. The school supports KS1–4, although current placements are all in the secondary phase. A flexible, part-time attendance model allows the centre to double its reach and offer individualised support.

Kings College Hospital School (KCHS), working under a service-level agreement with MBHS, delivers bedside and on-site education for children with serious medical needs, including cancer and other life-limiting conditions. While not yet a formal Trust member, KCHS is fully aligned with the Trust’s mission and is expected to transfer formally following due diligence.

The Trust’s strategic direction is rooted in partnership with the NHS and regional local authorities, offering a model of educational support that could influence national best practice. The Trust will also relocate MBHS into a purpose-built setting at the hospital’s new development in 2026, offering state-of-the-art facilities designed in collaboration with school leaders. While future expansion is not mapped, the Trust has hosted visits from other hospital and special schools exploring academisation, and organic growth is a realistic possibility over the next few years. A formal growth strategy is yet to be defined, providing incoming Trustees with a unique opportunity to shape the Trust’s long-term development.

The new Board of Trustees will replace the current interim shadow board and will initially comprise seven non-executive directors, with scope to grow to 11 as needed. Local governance arrangements will remain in place at the school level, helping to ensure that Trustee responsibilities are strategically focused.

The Trust will open with an annual income of approximately £3 million, rising with expansion, and enters its incorporation phase with comfortable reserves and prudent financial oversight. The CEO-designate (currently Headteacher at MBHS) is a respected leader in the sector, advising the DfE on hospital school operations and funding, and will work closely with the new board to shape the Trust’s systems, culture, and impact.

The Trust’s Requirements

The Goldfinch Trust seeks dedicated and skilled Trustees to form its inaugural Board. This is a rare opportunity to help establish a new Trust from the ground up – setting its vision, guiding strategy, and developing systems to support the education of children and young people with serious medical and mental health conditions. While the Board will be supported by a team with expertise in finance, law, and HR, the Trust is particularly keen to hear from candidates with executive leadership experience in areas such as education, healthcare commissioning or procurement, charity governance, or growing organisations. Skills and backgrounds of interest include: strategic leadership in education, strategic growth, Healthcare commissioning or procurement, Safeguarding, SEND, Estates management/Health & Safety, Digital strategy Finance, and Audit.

Trustees will play a vital role in supporting and challenging the executive leadership team, ensuring high-quality provision and the effective use of public funds. A deep commitment to the Trust’s mission, supporting some of the country’s most vulnerable learners, is essential.

The full Trust Board will meet once per term (three times a year). In addition, Trustees will join one of two committees: Finance or Education Provision, which will also meet termly (three times a year).

There are plans for an annual strategy conference, likely to run over an extended half-day or full day. Meetings are expected to be scheduled in the early evening (5:pm–6.30pm starts) and last up to two hours. The precise meeting calendar is yet to be confirmed, but Trustees should expect a blend of face-to-face, online, and hybrid meetings. Some physical attendance will be required, so candidates should live within a reasonable commute of Beckenham (BR3 3BX) or Camberwell (SE5 8AB).

Trustees will be supported by a professional governance team, including external consultants currently advising on the Trust’s establishment. This is a unique opportunity to shape a new Trust that will provide life-changing support for young people with critical medical and psychiatric needs. By joining The Goldfinch Trust’s founding board, Trustees will not only help to define the strategic vision of the Trust, but also contribute to a pioneering model of integrated education and healthcare that could influence policy and practice across the country.

Working Hours:
Sessional – typically 1 hour per workshop, with some sessions lasting 2 to 4 hours depending on the venue and format
Flexible scheduling across weekdays and occasional weekends

Pay Range:
£30–£40 per session (inclusive of expenses)
Rates may increase for extended or specialist sessions

Job Type:
Freelance / Sessional

Location:
Primarily London — in schools, youth centres, and charities
Occasional sessions held across other UK regions

About the Role:
Are you passionate about working with young people and using creativity to spark real change?

Penificent is seeking dynamic and socially conscious workshop facilitators to lead sessions exploring topics like identity, mental health, financial literacy, and storytelling. Through creative exercises like zine-making, comic-based discussions, or social media reflections, you’ll help participants build confidence, express themselves, and explore complex issues in engaging ways.

You don’t need to be an artist — but if you have creative skills (like drawing, digital illustration, or comic creation), that’s a great bonus. What matters most is your ability to connect with people, lead group sessions, and deliver workshops that educate and inspire.

You may also have opportunities to join us at Comic Con events, contribute to our growing content platforms, and help bring our Peace of War universe to life in fun and meaningful ways.

Key Responsibilities:
✅ Facilitate engaging and inclusive workshops
✅ Adapt materials to suit different ages and group needs
✅ Create a safe, inspiring environment that encourages expression
✅ Support setup and wrap-up of each session
✅ Collect participant feedback and report outcomes
✅ Follow safeguarding policies throughout

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience working with young people or community groups

• Confident in leading workshops or group sessions

• Passion for youth empowerment, education, or social issues

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Organised, reliable, and flexible

• Basic understanding of safeguarding and child protection

Desirable:

• Creative background (art, comics, zines, media, etc.)

• Experience working in schools or alternative education spaces

• Ability to travel to different venues across the UK

• Familiarity with storytelling as a tool for education or healing

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay: £30–£40 per session (incl. travel/expenses)

• Comic Con involvement: opportunities to represent Penificent at events

• Creative growth: potential to feature in our content or contribute to comics

• Supportive, impact-driven team

• Access to training and professional development

• Flexible freelance work with purpose

To Apply:
Send your CV and a short message telling us why you’re interested in this role. If you have a portfolio, samples of your work, or anything creative you’d like to share — feel free to include it!
 

We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience or from underrepresented communities. Let’s change the narrative together.