Volunteer roles in kings norton business centre, west midlands
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.
This role could be for you, if you:
- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
- Are a good listener
- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect
Requirements of a Befriender include:
- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults
Benefits of this role may include:
- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
- An opportunity to engage with your community
Support and training provided:
- Omega Chatterbox induction program
- Safeguarding training
- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app
Location of the role:
- Home-based
When are you needed:
- Provided on enquiry
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.
Omega is a registered charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.
What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):
- Writing letters to clients
- Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
- Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
- Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.
This role could be for you, if you:
- Enjoy writing and receiving letters
- Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
- Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
- Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
- Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
- Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect
What support and training will be provided?
- Feedback from clients and colleagues
- Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
- Answering questions
- Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
- Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
- Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards
What are the benefits for you?
- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
- Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
- An opportunity to engage with your community
Location of the role:
- Mainly your home
When are you needed?
- At a time to suit you
Omega is a registered charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bright Futures UK are looking for warm and energetic volunteer befrienders to provide support and a fun, safe space for young people with serious illness.
Provide companionship virtually for just one hour per week to fit flexibly around your schedule. If you have a hobby that you enjoy, a topic you are particularly passionate about or you just enjoy being sociable, we would love you to join us as a Volunteer Befriender!
What are we looking for?
-
Positive Engagement: Ability to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way.
-
Empathy and Understanding: A kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
-
Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment for a minimum of 14 weeks.
-
Adaptability: Willingness to try new activities and adapt to the needs of the young person you are paired with.
What difference will you make?
-
Impactful Contribution: Make a significant difference in the lives of young people who have missed out on many school experiences.
-
Personal Fulfillment: Gain personal satisfaction from helping young people feel less isolated and more engaged with their education and hobbies.
What will you gain?
-
Enhanced DBS will be provided
-
Safeguarding Level One Training
-
Skill Development opportunities
-
Direct experience working with children and young people
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Exciting Treasurer opportunity with a growing charity that supports victims of modern slavery.
West Midlands Anti Slavery Network brings together partner organisations to combat modern slavery, human trafficking, and exploitation. Through direct victim support, identifying gaps, influencing change, and facilitating solutions, we strive to protect and advocate for the vulnerable in our community.
We are seeking a Treasurer to join our Board.
What will you be doing?
Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that WMASN achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that WMASN has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.
As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of our financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.
Your expertise, advice, and guidance would be invaluable in shaping and implementing our financial strategies.
This role is mainly home-based.
Please request the candidate pack attached for further details.
Time commitment
· Attend quarterly Board meetings: These meetings typically last around 3 hours, held between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Most meetings are conducted online, with one in-person meeting held annually in June at the charity's offices in central Birmingham.
· Participate in Finance Sub-Committee work: The Treasurer is expected to join the finance sub-committee which meets quarterly for approximately 2 hours.
· The overall time commitment varies depending on the charity's activities, with an average of 10 hours per month, including preparation and follow-up tasks.
Trustees are also expected to contribute ad hoc and occasional time outside of Board meetings, the majority of which is done remotely.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for individuals who can bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role, and who will help broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. No prior Trustee experience is necessary – we will provide a comprehensive induction and training.
Qualifications and Experience:
· A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.
· A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
· Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists.
· Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors.
What difference will you make?
As a small charity we recognise the great work, time and commitment of our Board. This position is an opportunity to:
· Give back to a charity that is dedicated to creating positive impact
· Enhance your CV and open doors to new career paths
· Make a difference to those in need
· Learn about the management and strategy side of charities
· Utilise your experience and skills within the voluntary sector
· Work with an interesting team from diverse backgrounds
Before you apply
The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting West Midlands Anti Slavery Network with their Treasurer recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance.
To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills and experience would add value to the Board.
Please send applications and enquiries to the TrusteeWorks team at the email address provided.
WMASN is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
VOLUNTEER/GLD ONLINE
Unleash Your Passion, Volunteer Online with IHF!
Make a difference from anywhere in the world: Join the International Humanity Foundation
(IHF) and help us empower marginalized children and communities (in location) while offering
an opportunity to learn and practice (online).
Join our Global Leadership Development program in one or more of the following divisions or teams:
A. Human Resources (HR): Master essential HR skills while supporting our global team. Assist
with applications, interviews, calendars, and more.
B. Finance: Gain valuable financial experience while managing funds responsibly. Help us track
donations, process grants, and ensure financial stability.
C. Education & Administration: Make a lasting impact on children lives. Develop curricula,
mentor youth, and contribute to various educational projects.
D. Media & PR: Share our stories and amplify our impact. Use your talents in media, graphics,
translation, or writing to connect with the world.
Benefits:
● Make a real difference: Contribute to a meaningful cause and change lives.
● Gain valuable skills: Enhance your knowledge and develop new abilities.
● Connect with a global community: Collaborate with passionate volunteers from diverse
backgrounds.
● Flexible and rewarding: Volunteer from the comfort of your home on your own schedule.
No matter your experience, you can make a contribution! We welcome individuals with various
skills and levels of expertise.
This life changing experience impacts you as well as the children and communities we serve.
_________________________________________________________________
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking for a new Treasurer for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the opportunity
This role involves supporting with events in your local area throughout the year.
There is no minimum commitment for the role. Times will vary depending on the requirements of the event. You will be provided with an event brief beforehand to ensure you are happy with the requirements for that activity.
By volunteering you will:
- Be a valued member of the Charity
- Can work with dogs without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership
- Be able to meet like-minded people
- Gain practical experience in the field of canine care and welfare.
- Have fun by joining a friendly, enthusiastic, and supportive team of volunteers.
‘With out the continued hard work and support from our volunteers, we would not be able to provide our clients with our life changing dogs’
What is involved
- Raising awareness of Canine Partners and what we do by speaking to event attendees
- Promoting fundraising activities at the event (selling raffle tickets etc)
- Handing out leaflets, taking donations
- Set up and pack away on event day
- Passing on any leads to the Community Fundraising team
What we require from you
- Age 18 or over
- Access to your own transport with flexibility to visit various locations
- Polite, confident, and personable manner
- Excellent customer service skills
- Most opportunities require standing for the duration of the session and/or being in a busy environment. Please advise us if you have any concerns about this, and we will do our best to support you.
Support and Training
- Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from an event.
- Dedicated point of contact in the fundraising team
- Pre-event briefings outlining the requirements of the event
- Volunteer clothing and ID badge
- Access to our volunteer portal with many resources for your use.
- Invitation to join our Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group
We will change the lives of disabled people using expertly trained dogs to improve physical, emotional and social wellbeing.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do and we'd love you to join us. We have a huge number of exciting and rewarding roles from directly supporting an animal in your home, or one of our centres across the UK, to supporting our shops and educational services. You may even wish to belong to our Pet Loss Support line. Find out more about the ideal role for you. Volunteering is fun and rewarding. We have centres and shops across England and Wales where you can get involved. Just search Blue Cross Volunteering for more info. Thank you.
Please apply online at the web address above.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Befriending Volunteer
You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wamdsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents.
Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, in the evening on the way home from work or even on the weekends . If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship.
Befriending Plus
Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme, for individulas needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there.
Our mission is to help older people to age well in Wandsworth.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About IHF
The International Humanity Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering underserved children in Kenya, Indonesia, and Thailand. We believe in transparency, equal opportunity, and self-sufficiency.
Role Summary
We’re seeking experienced Fundraising Volunteers (remote) with a proven track record—at least 3 years of successful fundraising or grant writing. Your efforts will directly support our global programs and mission.
Responsibilities
Identify and pursue fundraising/grant opportunities
Craft compelling proposals and campaigns
Engage donors and support long-term funding strategies
Work with and lead our fundraising team
Coordinating our At Home volunteers and Global Leadership Development candidates
Requirements
3+ years fundraising experience
Proven fundraising success
Strong writing and communication skills
Self-motivated, reliable, and results-driven
What You Gain
Strategic involvement in meaningful NGO initiatives
Opportunity to expand your global portfolio and build international credibility
Access to leadership roles and professional growth within a purpose-driven organization
A platform to make measurable, lasting impact in the lives of children and communities
Reports To:
Global Outreach Coordinator
Director of Fundraising Initiatives
Please note that shortlisted applicants will go through two rounds of interviews before any contract decision is made. These interviews are designed to assess both your expertise and alignment with our mission and team culture.
Only successful candidates from both interview rounds will be considered for a contract offer
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Community Support/Reach Out volunteer will be volunteering remotely, providing online support and guidance to visitors of The Forward Trust Website communicating in real time using web chat.
The Reach Out Service sits within our Recovery Support Department and is aimed at offering friendly and confidential listening support and assistance. The role involves utilising your communication skills to establish rapport with individuals seeking drug and alcohol help and or to talk about their mental health or other varied life challenges. You will be supporting people who are seeking help for drugs and alcohol help for themselves or from family members concerned for their loved one.
Training is provided to all volunteers to support them with their volunteering role and enable them to further their skills and experience with our client group.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Time Commitment: We recommend that volunteers can commit to an average of 3 hours online per week for a minimum period of six months.
Service Delivery
- Be available for the duration of the shift to answer web-chat/calls as they happen.
- Engage with individuals in a friendly and empathetic manner.
- Gain an understanding of the individual needs and sign post to appropriate organisations for further support or explore specialist services as required.
- Link individuals into Forward Trusts community drug and alcohol services when required and link individuals into drug and alcohol help in other geographical areas where Forward Trust does not have a service.
- Report any Safeguarding concerns to shift supervisor and follow safeguarding procedures as appropriate.
- Respond to offline messages at the beginning of each shift.
- Debrief with and ask for support and guidance from Reach Out Coordinator regarding any concerns arising from web chat conversations.
- Provide handover to supervisor and/or next volunteers covering the shift prior to logging off
- To book shifts in a timely fashion and inform the Reach Out Coordinator of any need to cancel a shift at the earliest opportunity.
- Engage with support and supervision offered by placement supervisor.
CHECKS REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE
- 2 References (this may be from a keyworker, volunteer supervisor, tutor or sponsor if you are not able to provide a work reference)
- Enhanced DBS Check
Perks and Benefits
TRAINING & INDUCTION
Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following E-Learning (Data Protection/GDPR/PECR, Safeguarding – Knowledge and Health & Safety – Knowledge).
A full induction to your team including placement specific policies and procedures. Additional volunteer training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement.
Skills You'll Need
Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking for from volunteers:
- If in recovery, to be 12 months abstinence from all mood altering substances.
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Ability to use computers and IT equipment.
- To have good verbal and written communication skills.
- To have a clear understanding and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
- To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.
- To have the ability to reflect and receive feedback.
- To be reliable, flexible and committed.
- To treat individuals with respect and dignity.
- To have the ability to follow instructions.
- To be committed to own learning and development.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About us: GT Scholars is a charitable social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve aspirations. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.
What makes us different? We run tutoring, mentoring & career insight programmes that help our scholars, aged 11-18, discover their strengths, develop their mindsets and design their own futures.
There are many charitable organisations and social enterprises offering programmes to improve the life chances of young people.
However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low income homes.
We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background.
Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for volunteer tutors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!
If you are an undergraduate or graduate, you could make a difference by joining us as a volunteer tutor. As a volunteer tutor, you’ll need to:
-
Have a passion for helping children and young people
-
Provide online one-to-one tutoring support for 1 hour week
-
Build pupil confidence in English.
-
Have strong subject knowledge (confident enough to tutor up to GCSE)
-
Work collaboratively with other tutors and mentors
-
Have a minimum of an undergraduate degree or be working towards this
Volunteer tutoring can be extremely rewarding and volunteers with GT Scholars benefit from:
-
A flexible schedule - you can choose online tutoring hours to suit your schedule
-
The chance to grow your contacts and meet like-minded volunteers
-
The chance to make a real difference in the life of a young person.
Additional information: We’re looking for tutors that can commit to a minimum of 2 academic terms of volunteering.
We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 3 years old.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About us: GT Scholars is a charitable social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve aspirations. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.
What makes us different? We run tutoring, mentoring & career insight programmes that help our scholars, aged 11-18, discover their strengths, develop their mindsets and design their own futures.
There are many charitable organisations and social enterprises offering programmes to improve the life chances of young people.
However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low income homes.
We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background.
Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for volunteer tutors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!
If you are an undergraduate or graduate, you could make a difference by joining us as a volunteer tutor. As a volunteer tutor, you’ll need to:
-
Have a passion for helping children and young people
-
Provide online one-to-one tutoring support for 1 hour week
-
Build pupil confidence in Science.
-
Have strong subject knowledge (confident enough to tutor up to GCSE)
-
Work collaboratively with other tutors and mentors
-
Have a minimum of an undergraduate degree or be working towards this
Volunteer tutoring can be extremely rewarding and volunteers with GT Scholars benefit from:
-
A flexible schedule - you can choose online tutoring hours to suit your schedule
-
The chance to grow your contacts and meet like-minded volunteers
-
The chance to make a real difference in the life of a young person.
Additional information: We’re looking for tutors that can commit to a minimum of 2 academic terms of volunteering.
We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 3 years old.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Home-Start works with families in communities, supporting thousands of families and children to transform their lives. At Home-Start Birmingham Central and South-West we're now seeking a Chairperson.
What will you be doing?
At Home-Start Birmingham Central and South-West we are seeking a Chair to contribute their expertise and experience to lead and support the effective running and governance of the Scheme.
We’re looking for a skilled volunteer who can Chair the board, as well as lead on strategic and operational advice and guidance.
As Chair, you will work with fellow trustees and the Scheme Manager, to advise on governance, have oversight of finances, risks, safeguarding, lead on the direction of the Scheme to achieve its objectives and support operational aspects.
The role will be responsible for:
· provide supervision and management of Scheme Manager and act as sounding board for staff
· lead and support the Strategic role to use local procedures appropriately
· contribute to Board discussions about the Home-Start’s capacity in working with more complex families, including those where there are child protection concerns
· support the Board to monitor and review systems, policy and procedures to ensure good practice within the Home-Start and compliance with the Home-Start Quality Assurance Standards
· Ensuring the board of trustees understands and fulfils its responsibilities
· You will also play a vital role, along with the rest of the board of trustees, in developing our overall Scheme strategy and ensuring the ongoing good governance of the Scheme.
What are we looking for?
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
· Good management experience.
· Ability to effectively and clearly communicate.
· Sound judgement and problem solving skills.
· Confidence to put forward ideas and suggestions and effectively and appropriately challenge.
What difference will you make?
Your support as Chair will assist us in being able to continue to provide vital individual, non-judgemental, compassionate and confidential volunteer-led help and support to local families in Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, Ladywood, Soho and Quinton.
What's in it for the volunteer?
You will have the opportunity to use your knowledge and expertise to influence the strategic management of the Scheme and allow the Scheme to continue to make a real difference to the lives of families and children in the local area.
You will have the opportunity to develop or enhance your strategic leadership skills by supporting in the development and implementation of the overall Scheme strategy, working alongside committed and professional fellow trustees and staff.