Volunteer roles in rotherham, south yorkshire

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Crawley, Reigate and district area
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Athari Group

We take future nonprofit founders through a first-of-its-kind accelerator for idea-stage nonprofits.

The marketplace of ideas has a support gap: a great business or social enterprise can get funded at the idea stage, but nonprofits are typically not funded before they get off the ground. Individuals with great ideas often lack the requisite knowledge, fundraising capacity, support, and network to start a successful organization. Athari Group helps to bridge that gap, and support those interested in being in service to a cause greater than themselves.

We take future nonprofit founders through a first-of-its-kind accelerator for idea-stage nonprofits. Leaders in our program receive world-class mentorship and networking opportunities with nonprofit founders, workshops from root cause analysis to board development to initial and advanced fundraising, and the experience of learning alongside a group of peers.

When you work with Athari Group you will get the opportunity to own projects and work directly with our CEO, CMO and co-founders. We want you to be able to learn and enjoy the experience and engaging with our senior team is one way we do that.

Writing Coach

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

In this role, over the course of two months, you are working with co-founder of a new nonprofit (nonprofits primarily in Africa, Latin American and Asia) to write their first grant. It ends up being 10-15 pages but they write it in 2-3 page sections every two weeks with you reviewing and giving feedback. You are not a copy-editor just looking for writing mistakes, although that is welcome, but thinking through their way of explaining their story, the problem they are addressing and their planned work. Sometimes things which are obvious to them are not obvious to a reader from another part of the world so you are looking for those gaps as well.

This document will be a key document for them as they apply for grants in the future.

Time commitment is 1-2 hours a week.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

1-2 months

Universal Maidens Association Cameroon (UNIMAC)

The Universal Maidens Association Cameroon (UNIMAC) is an organization dedicated to empowering women and promoting social and economic development in Cameroon.

Universal Maidens Association Cameroon (UNIMAC) is an organization dedicated to empowering women and promoting social and environmental development within Cameroon. The association recognizes several pressing challenges faced by communities, particularly women and marginalized groups, and aims to address these issues through various initiatives. 

Fundraising & Grant Writing Specialist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Fundraising & Grant Writing Specialist Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

�� Call for Volunteers: Fundraising & Grant Writing Specialist ��

Are you passionate about driving impact through strategic fundraising? Do you have experience in securing grants, sponsorships, and donor contributions for social impact projects? UNIMAC is looking for a Fundraising & Grant Writing Specialist to help us expand our reach and empower more women and youth through education, advocacy, mentorship, and leadership development.

About UNIMAC: It is a purpose-driven nonprofit organization committed to empowering women and girls through education, advocacy, mentorship, leadership training, and personal development. Our programs provide life-changing opportunities, but we need dedicated fundraising experts to help us sustain and scale our impact.

What You’ll Do �� Grant Writing & Applications – Research, write, and submit compelling grant proposals to potential funders. �� Partnership Development – Identify and engage sponsors, donors, and corporate partners who align with our mission. �� Fundraising Campaigns – Plan and execute online and offline fundraising initiatives to support program sustainability. �� Donor Engagement – Develop strategies to maintain relationships with existing supporters and attract new donors. �� Impact Reporting – Assist in tracking and reporting fundraising outcomes to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

Who We're Looking For ✅ Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or sponsorship acquisition. ✅ Strong research and proposal-writing skills. ✅ Ability to create and execute strategic fundraising plans. ✅ Passion for social impact, women’s empowerment, and leadership development. ✅ Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Why Join Us? �� Work with a global team of changemakers across Cameroon, USA, and beyond. �� Gain hands-on experience in fundraising for a high-impact social nonprofit. �� Be part of a mission-driven organisation transforming lives through education, advocacy, training, and mentorship. �� Help scale life-changing programs for women and youth.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Burbrella Learning Academy

Burbrella is a transformative microschool network and social enterprise that reimagines education for underserved, gifted, neurodivergent, and marginalized learners through culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and personalized learning environments.

Traditional public education systems often fail to serve students equitably, especially those who are neurodivergent, gifted, or from historically marginalized communities. These systems disproportionately punish Black and Brown neurodivergent youth through suspensions, expulsions, and criminalization, contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline. Standardized curricula and overstimulating environments exclude students with ADHD, autism, and sensory processing differences, while cultural misalignment, misdiagnosis, and overcrowded classrooms further isolate and stigmatize these learners. Public schools also frequently overlook the needs of families with nontraditional work schedules, leaving parents out of the educational process. In addition, most school buildings are not designed with neurodiverse learners in mind, lacking sensory-friendly design. Burbrella directly addresses these systemic issues by offering inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive microschools where students learn in small, supportive environments tailored to their strengths, identities, and needs. We center restorative practices, sensory-conscious design, family partnership, and differentiated instruction to ensure all students are seen, respected, and equipped to thrive.

Burbrella is building a holistic educational ecosystem that closes opportunity gaps and cultivates empowered learners ready for the future. Our microschools offer safe, identity-affirming, and high-growth environments tailored to the unique strengths of Black, Brown, and neurodivergent students.

We serve learners from early childhood through high school using a scaffolded model:

• K–2: Play-based learning emphasizing sensory exploration, social-emotional development, early literacy, nature, and culinary arts.
• Grades 3–5: STEM-centered inquiry with hands-on exploration in environmental science, robotics, and math fluency. Grades 6–8: Interdisciplinary project-based learning integrating civic engagement, tech fluency, and mastery-based progression.
• Grades 9–12: College, career, and entrepreneurship readiness with dual enrollment, internships, and real-world business development opportunities.

Our model integrates restorative practices, sensory-informed spaces, low student-teacher ratios, and culturally responsive pedagogy to ensure every learner can thrive.

Country: United State of America.

Grant and Compliance Assistant

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

• Assist with identifying and researching potential grant opportunities from public and private funders
• Support the drafting, formatting, and submission of grant proposals and reports
• Track grant deadlines, deliverables, and compliance requirements
• Help maintain organized grant documentation and filing systems
• Assist with internal compliance audits and data collection for reporting
• Support communication between program teams and funding partners
• Stay up to date on changes in grant regulations and funding trends
• Contribute to creating templates, tools, and workflows that support compliance and reporting

Weekly Time Commitment

7-9 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Grants & Bids Writing Volunteers Role Overview

The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) will be 25 years old on 14 August 2025. We seek Grants and Bids Writing Volunteers to join us celebrate our Silver Jubilee from across the world to help us apply for funding from major donors, development aid agencies and public sector tenders.

Duties and Responsibilities

 Grant writing

• Developing and writing grant proposals to foundations and other grant-making organisations.
• Assembling and submitting grant requests, including letters, proposals, and budgets.
• Track and create a calendar of grant opportunities - including deadline dates, required materials,
• Researches and identifies potential sources of funders and corporate and governmental funding.
• Complete and submit grant applications to secure funding

 Tender & Bid Writing

• Write and submit tenders to win contracts.
• Maintaining awareness of tenders, acquiring PQQ questionnaires and tender documentation.
• Responding to tender invitations from the UK and other governments, EU tenders, the public sector and local authorities from the UK in areas such as health and social care.
• Recruit partners for the EU grants & tenders and other tender projects.
• Collating the input of contributions to create a coherent and well-structured final tender and ensuring the timely submission of tenders and other proposals.

Funding and Finance

The role will involve seeking and securing funding and finance for the specific goals, objectives, targets, and outcomes. You will work with the AHO President, the Board and senior management to research and identify public, private, philanthropic, individual giving, and legacy funding and finance. Each volunteer will have the opportunity to choose their goal and set a fundraising target to achieve.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required

• Degree in any subject area that results in superb language writing skills, including grammar, clarity and style.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential. Candidates must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly organised and have experience using online databases and other sources to locate biographical, financial, and philanthropic information.
• You MUST have at least 3 years of experience writing and delivering successful grants and tenders, especially for public health contracts such as health checks, smoking cessation, etc., from the UK government, NHS, DOHSC, Ministry of Justice, London authorities, and county councils.
• An understanding and passion for issues affecting Africa's political, social and economic development and health, social care, climate change and environmental development.

Languages requirements

The ability to speak one of Africa's widely spoken languages would be an added advantage e.g. Afrikaans, Amharic, Arabic, Bemba, Berber, Chewa, Chinese, Dinka, English, French, Fula, Fulani, German, Greek, Hausa, Hindi, Igbo, Italian, Japanese, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kongo, Korean, Lingala, Malagasy, Mandinka, Nambia, Ndebele, Nyanja, Oromo, Portuguese, Russian, Sango, Sesotho, Shona, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Swati, Thai, Tigrinya, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Vietnamese, Xhosa, Yoruba, Zulu, etc. You are still welcome to apply if you don't speak any of the above languages.

VOLUNTEERING IS NOT A PAID JOB.

ALL our Volunteer Opportunities are not paid or salaried. Do not apply if you want a paid job or plan to negotiate a pay deal with us. Volunteering allows people to give their time for free to society while gaining the experience they need when applying for future paid jobs.

Job Description:

Youth Advantage UK is seeking a Volunteer HR Officer to provide administrative support to the HR department. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with HR-related tasks such as recruitment, policies, onboarding, and maintaining employee records. The ideal candidate should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

• Lead internal communications initiatives to ensure cultural consistency and alignment.

• Work with the Policy and wider HR team on refining our end to end volunteer lifecycle processes to ensure better engagement from our volunteers. 

• Partner with leadership to craft sharp, impactful messaging for various internal initiatives.

• Partner closely with the L&D team to ensure content aligns with the organisational values and culture.

Requirements:

• Excellent writing and speaking skills.

• IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

• Ability to work well independently and in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Interest in HR and the non-profit sector.

• Experience not required, but any previous experience in HR or administrative roles is a plus.

Benefits:

• Gain valuable experience in HR and the non-profit sector.

• Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.

• Develop professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and time management.

• Flexible working hours.

To Apply:

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest.

The Volunteer HR position with Youth Advantage UK offers a unique opportunity to be a part of a fantastic team that is working on exciting projects aimed at empowering young people across the UK. By joining our team, candidates will have the chance to gain valuable experience in the HR and non-profit sector while developing professional skills and making a positive impact on the lives of young people. Youth Advantage UK is committed to providing opportunities for young people to reach their full potential, and the successful candidate can be a part of making that happen. This is an incredibly rewarding experience for anyone looking to give back to their community and make a difference.

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Email Marketing Officer to support the planning and delivery of email campaigns that engage and inspire our audience. You will be responsible for creating, scheduling, and optimising emails to strengthen communication with students, parents, and supporters. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the email marketing efforts of a growing international education platform.

Key tasks

• Design, build, and schedule email campaigns using email marketing tools.

• Manage audience segmentation and ensure email lists are accurate and up to date.

• Collaborate with copywriters and designers to deliver engaging, on-brand email content.

• Conduct A/B tests to improve open rates, click-through rates, and overall performance.

• Monitor and report on email campaign performance, suggesting improvements.

• Ensure all email content complies with data protection and GDPR guidelines.

What we’re looking for

• Passion for Islamic education and the development of young Muslims.

• Some experience or training in email marketing platforms (such as Mailerlite or similar).

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Good understanding of email marketing best practices (design, copy, segmentation, scheduling).

• Ability to work collaboratively with writers, designers, and marketers.

• Proactive, self-motivated, and results-driven.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Professional development and practical experience in digital marketing and communication.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah (personal & spiritual development) sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

We are looking for creative and enthusiastic Content Writers to join our newly forming content team. You will help produce inspiring, well-researched blog articles, website content, and resources that connect with our audience and communicate the values and mission of Roots Academy. You’ll also learn valuable SEO writing techniques to ensure your content is discoverable and impactful.

Key tasks

• Research and write clear, engaging, and original content for our website, newsletter, and blog.

• Incorporate keywords and SEO recommendations provided by the SEO Specialist.

• Ensure content aligns with Roots Academy’s brand voice and tone.

• Collaborate with the SEO Specialist and wider team to review and refine drafts.

• Suggest new content topics based on research, trends, and audience needs.

What we’re looking for

• Passion for Islamic education and the development of young Muslims. 

• Strong writing, grammar, and research skills.

• Ability to adapt writing style for different audiences.

• Willingness to learn SEO writing techniques (guidance and resources will be provided).

• Reliable, organised, and able to meet deadlines.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Professional development and practical experience in SEO, content marketing, and digital strategy.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah (personal & spiritual development) sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

Leverage your expertise in business development, marketing, and branding to make a tangible impact on our board. This is your opportunity to contribute to a pioneering social enterprise that is a leader in bespoke interpreting services on the cusp of future growth, aiming to double in size over the next three years.

Location: Flexible

Closing date: 9 a.m. Wednesday 30th July

Who we are

Clear Voice is an award-winning social enterprise that provides bespoke interpreting, translation and transcription services. Wholly owned by Migrant Help, Clear Voice donates 100% of its profits to this national charity supporting people affected by displacement and exploitation.

About the role

As we anticipate another period of growth, we are looking to recruit a number of new board members with a depth of commercial acumen to help us drive further diversification of our services and markets.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for experience in strategic business development, marketing and branding. This is likely to have been gained in high-growth B2B sectors, language services, SaaS, or professional services and in technologically enabled service environments. We are interested in hearing from candidates who have proven commercial acumen and have contributed to growth, and this should marry with your interest in our social mission.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 am Wednesday 30th July.

Spectra is a Community Interest Company (CIC), working to improve the choices, health, and well-being of structurally excluded communities across London, particularly in relation to their sexual health, emotional resilience, and well-being, and to combat isolation and minimise risk.

Under the steer of its Chief Executive and Board of Directors, Spectra’s outstanding staff team provides supportive, knowledgeable, and non-judgemental services, all of which are peer-led, meaning they are delivered by people with lived and learned experience. Spectra strives to proactively identify the needs of all its service users, supporting them appropriately and effectively.

We are now seeking suitably experienced and committed individuals to join our Board as Directors of the CIC.

Director with Fundraising Experience: You will provide strategic direction for the organisation around fundraising, including helping to shape and support our fundraising strategy around diversifying our funds and growing our individual giving. You will support Spectra’s delivery of statutory and grant-funded services, help us in advancing our vision, and provide constructive scrutiny and oversight of the Chief Executive and the work of Spectra’s staff.

Director with Communications, Marketing, and PR Experience: You will provide strategic direction for the organisation around communications, marketing, and PR. You will support our plans to increase our reach and brand, further our communications work and strategy, including social media marketing and campaigning, and enhance our PR opportunities. You will support Spectra’s delivery of statutory and grant-funded services, help us in advancing our vision, and provide constructive scrutiny and oversight of the Chief Executive and the work of Spectra’s staff.

Spectra is based in Vauxhall, South London. It is expected that you will attend five meetings (in the evening, currently online on a Monday evening) and two SMT/Board Away Days each year (currently in person). In addition, it is envisaged that you will contribute your expertise outside of Board meetings on occasion, e.g., to review service or planning reports, to input into a focus group, etc.

Join Our Board: Shape the Future of the Climate Movement

Are you passionate about addressing the climate crisis through evidence, advocacy, and global collaboration? We are The Climate Crisis Advisory Group (“CCAG”) - a mission-driven, science-based climate change organization seeking new Board members to strengthen our impact. CCAG is the operating name of Climate Response Limited (“CRL”) a UK company registered with the Charities Commission. You would be a Board member for CRL as the company under which the CCAG brand operates.

CCAG is at the forefront of the climate conversation, guiding public, governmental, and institutional understanding of the crisis. CCAG’s global experts distil complex science into actionable insights, fostering informed decisions that help educate and influence audiences around the world.

CCAG’s strategies come to life through a broad spectrum of activities. For example, CCAG advisors unravel climate complexities through public online discussions, free publicly available in-depth reports, strategic campaigns, and in-person briefings on request.

See our work here: Climate Crisis Advisory Group

What we’re looking for

Our current Board brings deep expertise in leadership, finance, and strategic direction. Now, we’re looking to complement this with specific skills and lived experience—particularly from those who can help amplify our voice, reach new audiences, and deepen our global relevance.

This is a great opportunity for first-time Board members.

We’re especially interested in candidates with experience or skills in:

• Global advocacy in climate or social justice

• Strategic communications or public affairs 

• Fundraising for NGOs, especially from philanthropic donors

• Digital communications, media, and content creation

• Campaigning and public influencing

• Marketing, branding, and public relations

• Experience of working within the Global South or working across cultures and disciplines.

You don’t need prior Board experience—just a commitment to science-based climate action and a willingness to contribute your time, skills, and perspective to help us tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time. 

This is an unremunerated voluntary Trustee role and, like all UK charity trustees, you’ll take on some important responsibilities for overseeing the charity’s work. But you won’t be doing it alone—you’ll be joining a supportive Board with experienced members who will guide you as you learn. 

What’s in it for You?

• The opportunity to be a driving force in the fight against climate change and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

• Learn leadership and governance skills while contributing to a cause with global significance.

• Connect with other professionals in the environmental and climate sectors.

Your Commitment:

We work remotely and Board meetings are held 3 times a year online. Board members are expected to commit approximately 1 day per month.

How to Apply:

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the climate crisis, please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you’re interested in joining the Board of Climate Response Limited by 22nd August 2025. We are also available to answer any questions you might have.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you passionate about communities and grassroots grant giving? The Asda Foundation is looking for new Independent Trustees to help shape our strategy, strengthen our governance, and broaden our impact.

Who we are: Asda Foundation is Asda’s independent charitable foundation, committed to transforming communities and improving lives through targeted grant funding. We support local organisations, respond to emergencies, and provide hardship support for Asda colleagues.

What we’re looking for: We are looking for people who truly care about making a difference in communities across the UK. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. No prior trustee experience is needed—just a commitment to making a difference.

We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in:

-Finance

-Technology & AI

-Corporate foundations or the charity sector

Time commitment: Quarterly board meetings + working groups – estimated 3 hours per month

Location: Leeds or remote via Teams Please note: this role is not remunerated but reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed.

How to apply: If you are interested in making a difference in communities, please submit a letter detailing why you would like to be a trustee along with your CV.

Our recruitment application window will close on Tuesday 22nd July, but we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. When submitting your application, please include ‘Trustee Application’ in the subject of the email. If successful, we will be holding interviews over the summer.

About Classics for All

We believe that delving into the ancient world – through ancient history, classical civilisation, Latin and Ancient Greek – is not only enjoyable but also profoundly beneficial for all pupils. It enhances their cultural awareness, sharpens their language and analytical skills, and boosts their aspirations and achievements.

We are currently developing a new strategy, and as a trustee you will have an opportunity to help shape and deliver our new vision.

Vision

A future where every young person can unlock the wisdom, wonder, and imagination of the ancient world - regardless of background or circumstance.

Mission

We believe that discovering the ancient world can transform lives.

That’s why we work to:

• Ignite curiosity and a lifelong love of learning through the stories, ideas, and cultures of the ancient world
• Raise aspirations and broaden horizons by connecting students with the richness of the past
• Build cultural capital, giving every child access to the knowledge and confidence to thrive
• Empower state schools and teachers to bring Classics to life in every classroom
• Champion the value of Classics as a vital part of a broad, rich, and inclusive education

Our governance

Our Board members are all passionate about changing young people’s lives through accessing Classics education. They are responsible for the strategy and good governance of the charity, working in partnership with the Chief Executive.

There are up currently nine members of our Board, including the Chair and Treasurer. Trustees serve a three-year term which can be renewed.

The Board meets for formal meetings, both in-person and virtually, four times a year. Along with other duties, whilst voluntary, this represents a sizeable time commitment and hard work.

Board committees

In addition to the Board, there is a Finance and Operations Committee who meet quarterly. There are some other operational committees that support different aspects of our work. The committees are small groups of Trustees and volunteers, who focus on particular areas of the charity in line with strategic developments and make recommendations.

Trustees will be encouraged to join a committee best suited to their skills on appointment to the Board. Each committee will be led by a Chairperson who is responsible for the overall running of their committee.

• Finance and Operations Committee: develops and delivers the financial strategy of the charity, including the budget, financial controls and fundraising strategy. It is also responsible for risk management.
• Remuneration Committee: has oversight of the pay process for staff.

• Nominations Committee: responsible for leading Trustee recruitment.
• Philanthropy Advisory Group: supports our fundraising through activating networks and sharing ideas to develop our income generation activities.
• Events Committee: supports the ideation and delivery of events supporting our charitable goals.

Responsibilities of a Trustee

The Board of Trustees is legally responsible for the charity – this is a significant responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. Trustees have responsibility for ensuring the charity is well run, financially secure, and doing the work it is meant to be doing. There are specific legal and other duties. It is recommended you look at the Charity Commission ‘The Essential Trustee’ guidance, which can be found online here.

You can also view our profile on the Charity Commission website. If you want to find out more about our current Trustees, visit our website.

Trustees are volunteers; they are not paid. Reasonable expenses can, however, be reimbursed (e.g. to cover travel costs).

As a Trustee, you will be acting collectively as part of the Board of Trustees. Together, the Board is responsible for all of the points above.

Role Description

Trustees are expected to:

• set the vision, mission, values and objectives of the charity.
• develop the strategic direction of the charity; establish and monitor policies necessary for the proper governance of the charity’s activities.
• ensure that Classics for All operates in accordance with its governing documents, and is accountable to its regulators, funders, members and beneficiaries.
• maintain oversight of the management of the charity’s financial and other resources.
• support the Chief Executive.
• maintain oversight of risks faced by the charity.
• have regard for how the charity contributes to public benefit.
• appoint from its members representatives to other committees.
• ensure suitable representation of the charity to other bodies.
• promote Classics for All to external organisations, acting as spokespeople as necessary, and to review and develop partnerships with other organisations.
• to regularly appraise their own work, delegating responsibility to committees where necessary.

Skills

• We need a well-rounded Board with a diverse skill set. No one individual is expected to have experience in everything, therefore we are always on the lookout for individuals who bring a range of experiences and differing perspectives to the group.
• We are additionally interested in those who can bring experience from the legal world, digital transformation and marketing and communications.

Diversity and inclusion

As a social mobility charity, being inclusive is a fundamental value of Classics for All. We welcome applications from all eligible people and are particularly keen to receive applications from those who are from communities that are less represented within charity governance and Classics education. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from those who attended a UK state-maintained school, regardless of if Classics was offered at their own school. You do not need to be a Classicist to join our Board – there will be no Latin tests! 

Other requirements

There are just a few more requirements. We are seeking candidates who:

• will be aged 18+ on 1 September 2025.
• are allowed by law (both company law and charity law) to be a Trustee. This means that you must not be disqualified from being a Trustee or Director. Individuals are disqualified if:
  1. they have an unspent conviction for offences of dishonesty or deception (the same goes for attempting, aiding or abetting these offences);
  2. they are currently declared bankrupt or subject to bankruptcy restrictions or an interim order;
  3. they are subject to a debt relief order, a debt relief restrictions order or interim order;
  4. they have been disqualified from being a company director;
  5. they have unspent convictions for terrorism-related offences, money laundering or bribery;
  6. they have violated certain Commission orders relating to finances or property;
  7. they have committed misconduct in public office, perjury or perverted the course of justice;
  8. they have disobeyed an order or direction of the Commission on application to the High Court;
  9. they have committed civil contempt of court relating to false statements;
  10. they are a designated person for reasons linked to terrorist activity by the Treasury;
  11. Individuals who are subject to notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2013
• are not subject to a disqualification Order under the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 or Protection of Vulnerable Adults List.

How to apply

The closing date for applications is Monday 4 August 2025 at 12noon. Please complete thieonline form. The questions you will need to answer are listed below for ease of preparation. You will also be asked some diversity monitoring information. Please be assured that this information will not be used as part of the screening process.

Unfortunately, we are unable to give feedback to applicants not shortlisted for interview. We actively try to provide feedback to candidates interviewed.

By submitting an application, you are giving permission for your personal information to be stored and processed for the purpose of arriving at selection decisions, for it to be used as a basis for a personal record if you are successful, and for sensitive data to be anonymised and used for the purpose of diversity monitoring.

Questions

Each question has a maximum character allowance of 1,500 characters (approx. 300 words)

1. What motivates you to support the teaching of Classics in state schools, and how does this align with your personal or professional experiences?

We are particularly interested in how your experiences have shaped your views on educational inequality and social mobility. Please share any relevant experiences that have influenced your commitment to widening access to Classics. 

1. Trustees play an active role in the governance and strategic direction of the charity. Can you describe a time when you’ve taken on a leadership or governance role –formally or informally – and what you learned from that experience?

We are looking for evidence of your willingness to contribute time and energy to the work of the Board, and how you approach collaboration, decision-making and accountability. 

1. What unique perspectives, skills, or lived experiences would you bring to the Classics for All Board, and how would you hope to contribute to our future development?

We are especially keen to hear from candidates with expertise in marketing and communications, legal, or digital transformation, but we also welcome other skills and experiences that could enrich our Board’s diversity and effectiveness.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

About Us

For three decades, Forward Arts Foundation (‘Forward’) has been at the forefront of new poetry and now reaches an estimated 131 million people each year.  We are a national charity working across the UK and online to widen poetry’s audience, honour achievement and support diverse talent. Through our two flagship programmes, Forward Prizes for Poetry and National Poetry Day, we work towards a better society where individuals and communities can develop their innate creativity, their agency and their understanding through the making and sharing of poetry. 

Leadership and Management

Forward is led by its board of eight Trustees, chaired by Jamie Andrews. Jamie is Director of Public Engagement at the British Library and brings extensive experience as a trustee of several charities, including Oxford House. Other trustees are Forward’s founder William Sieghart CBE, responsible for the 2013 Sieghart Report on libraries and e-books; Kim Evans, former senior executive at BBC and Arts Council; Aoife O’Connor, poet and producer; Amelia Richards, culture and communications leader; treasurer and CFO Latinka Pilipovic; marketing manager Maya Ophelia and data scientist Mary Amanuel.

The organisation is led by Mónica Parle and Lucy Macnab, Co-Executive Directors.   Both have experience as directors of writing organisations (First Story and Ministry of Stories). Mónica is an award winning writer and Lucy brings national policy and strategy design experience from Arts Council England. With joint accountability, they each work 0.5FTE. The team also includes Jay Bhadricha, Head of Programmes, and Annalise Peters, Finance and Operations Coordinator. 

The team is supported by freelance specialists in education, communications, finance and fundraising. 

We believe poetry is for everyone. Our approach to recruiting trustees is shaped by a commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications for vacancies from D/deaf and disabled and black and minority ethnic candidates, as well as candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds, as they are under-represented in the arts, and we commit to review our processes to ensure that our organisation more closely reflects the society it serves.

Chair Role

The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.  

1. Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board.
2. Work in partnership with the Co-Executive Directors and Vice Chair.
3. Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
4. Plan and chair the board meetings with the Vice Chair and Co-Executive Directors.
5. Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Forward.

What we are looking for 

1. Experience of being a trustee. You do not need to have been a Chair before.
2. A keen sense of strategic purpose. 
3. An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing. 
4. The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment. 
5. Advocate - be able and willing to champion Forward’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
6. A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 
7. Be responsive. At a small charity, things sometimes ‘come up’ that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to. It is very helpful to have a Chair who is available and responsive.

Trustee roles 

We are also looking for trustees with expertise in any of the below and a belief that your skills will contribute to the strong and effective governance and growth of a small charity. We are especially looking for experience and networks in: 

• Fundraising or philanthropy
• Governance/institutional/policy leadership
• Digital/data/design
• Education
• We’re also interested in applications from those under 30 or those seeking their first trusteeship, and offer support and guidance from an experienced ‘buddy’ trustee.
• Ideally, applicants should show interest in or understanding of the literature/arts sector and/or literacy and education.

Responsibilities of all trustees 

• Support and provide advice on Forward’s purpose, vision, goals and activities. 
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee Forward’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress. 
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Provide support and challenge to Forward’s Co-Executive Directors 
• Keep abreast of changes in Forward’s operating environment.
• Applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts to promote Forward’s work.

Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees 

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as  trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. 
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values of wonder, play and openness.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Terms and Commitment 

Location: All board meetings may be attended online. We will try to meet face-to-face when we can. But trustees are welcome wherever they live.  

We estimate you’ll need to commit around 30 hours over the course of a year. The board meets quarterly and we have a strategy day one afternoon a year. Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term, with a maximum of 2 terms.

Salary: Unpaid, travel expenses will be reimbursed if needed and where necessary.

Deadline for applications: 21 July

Interviews beginning w/c 28 July

To apply or find out more, contact Co-Executive Director Lucy Macnab explaining why you would like to be a trustee. If you are interested in being Chair, please make this clear. You may want to tell us what your previous experience is, and what knowledge and skills you have and what you would like to gain from the experience. Also someone we can talk to as a referee. We will accept applications in any medium.

For those applying for the chair role, you are welcome to have a call with Jamie Andrews, current chair, to find out more.

Forward Arts Foundation is a registered charity (charity number: 1037939) and a company limited by guarantee (company no: 02902864), registered in England and Wales.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.