Volunteer roles in south west
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!
Are you passionate about supporting and managing volunteers in a small charity? Our Volunteer Coordinators will recruit, support & develop a team of volunteers, to enhance our work supporting people impacted by a chronic pain condition
What will you be doing?
We are looking for 1 volunteer coordinator to join the coordinators team who will volunteer to support our volunteers in various roles. The volunteer coordinators will
- Help to recruit, and assure the adequate training of suitable, reliable volunteers
- Co-ordinate the volunteers to ensure that there is always someone available to support all our services
- Help to create and distribute information regarding volunteer policies and procedures
- Monitor volunteers during their appointments to retain or replace candidates
- Meet with volunteers to assess their progress and satisfaction, as well as to conduct evaluations or skills audits
- Help to assess organisational and programme needs to determine number and range of volunteers needed for particular projects
- Induction of new volunteers
- Maintain regular communication among volunteers and between an organisation and its volunteers, in order to share news, progress, and available positions
- Maintains a database of volunteers and projects and track metrics
- Help to promote the charity and its volunteer accomplishments
- Set up and arrange any relevant training required for volunteers
What are we looking for?
The Volunteer Co-ordinators role requires proactive and detail orientated individuals with an organised approach and an interest in supporting small charities. They will have good communication skills. The Volunteer Co-ordinators are responsible for the volunteer aspects of Burning Nights CRPS Support to ensure the smooth running of the charity’s services and ensuring that the volunteers are used optimally.
Our Volunteer Co-ordinators are also responsible for ensuring that suitable volunteers have DBS checks where needed and they are adequately trained to do their role working with our Charity Administrator.
Essential
- Experience in volunteering or HR and recruitment
- Managing and supporting volunteers
- Time manage effectively
- Supporting and advising others on policies and procedures
- Ability to motivate and encourage
- Working knowledge of databases
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent organisation and team building skills
Desirable
- Facilitation and/or training skills
- Personal experience of volunteering
What difference will you make?
You most likely will not have heard of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and you wouldn’t be alone in this! But we see and know first hand the impact it has on those living with it and on those caring for someone with the condition. We know the huge challenges they face even with simply getting a correct diagnosis, let alone the appropriate treatment and relevant support.
You will join the charity during a challenging period and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in ensuring we can maintain our support services and become a sustainable charity to allow us to fulfil our aims.
What's in it for the volunteer?
This role is a fantastic opportunity to volunteer with a small but ambitious charity, developing and honing your skills.
You could gain experience in the charity sector, a broader C.V, or a sense of accomplishment from using your skills to help people affected by a very painful condition.
You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people who may not have heard about the charity or the condition. You would have a key role in developing a volunteering team. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference to a rare condition.
A few more details
If you don't have the exact experience, but are interested to volunteer with us, please apply! We would be thrilled to find out about how your interests and experience match with our needs or what we are doing.
This role is done remotely using Zoom, phone and email. You would be working closely with the volunteers and trustees. However we would have regular updates and remote meetings with the Chair and/or Trustees.
We have an induction process to help successful applicant to understand how our Charity operates.
To drive change for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) & ensure people whose lives have been touched by this condition are not alone.



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!
We're looking for 2-3 detail-oriented and strategic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specialist Volunteers to help optimise our online presence and ensure our campaigns and content reach the communities that need them most and increase the charity’s search engine results rankings. The SEO Specialist Volunteers will play a key role in enhancing the visibility and searchability of Burning Nights CRPS Support’s website and digital content.
The SEO Specialist Volunteers will be volunteering within the Communications & Marketing Team to implement SEO best practices, conduct keyword research, improve site structure, and analyse web performance – all to ensure our content reaches a broader audience and amplifies the voice of our charity’s supporters online.
Key Tasks and Objectives
- Competitor and Keyword Research: Conduct keyword research to inform website content and campaign strategies.
- On-page optimisation: Optimise existing content for improved search engine ranking (meta tags, meta descriptions, headers, alt text, etc.)
- Monitor and analyse SEO performance using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush.
- Technical SEO Implementation: Identify technical SEO issues and collaborate with content teams to resolve them.
- Backlink and Off-Page SEO: Assist in developing backlink strategies and improving domain authority.
- Support the content team in creating SEO-optimised articles and pages.
- Provide monthly reports on SEO performance and suggest improvements.
- Stay up to date with SEO trends, Google algorithm updates, and emerging best practices.
Key Skills or Qualifications
- Excellent understanding of SEO principles and search engine algorithms.
- Proven experience in conducting SEO audits, strategy development, and implementation.
- Experience using SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush or similar platforms.
- Previous experience in digital marketing, content strategy, or technical SEO.
- Ability to perform keyword research and competitor analysis.
- Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and content management systems (ideally Django framework).
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
- Evidence of organisational skills, with good attention to detail.
- The ability to work independently, turning recommendations into action without needing constant oversight.
- A passion for using your skills to support patients and families impacted by a debilitating pain condition and help save lives.
- Passion for creating inclusive and accessible digital spaces.
- Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
- Enthusiastic about supporting a small charity.
- Willing to learn, adapt, and collaborate with a supportive team.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of Google Ads for nonprofits.
- Experience of using Django framework websites.
- Familiarity with accessibility best practices and inclusive web design.
- Experience working with or volunteering for nonprofit / charitable organisations.
- Demonstrable IT skills, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft.
- Good research and information management skills.
- An understanding of the charity sector and/or fundraising.
Key Benefits
- Volunteer as part of a forward-thinking, supportive team.
- Unique opportunity to directly contribute to strategic SEO recommendations, and the implementation of those changes to increase the charity’s visibility.
- At Burning Nights CRPS Support you’ll use your SEO skills for a mission with a real, measurable impact. This is more than just a volunteer role, it’s an opportunity to change and save lives.
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families impacted by a severe pain condition.
- Building your network and forming connections with like-minded people and organisations.
- Enhance your CV and gain skills that are transferable to a variety of career paths.
- Receive training and ongoing support from our team.
- Experience the personal satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from helping others.
Training and Support
- Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
- This a remote volunteering opportunity with regular online team check-ins and collaborative sessions with a supportive, creative, and inclusive team environment.
- Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
- Regular updates on charity activities.
- Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
- After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
- Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.
To drive change for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) & ensure people whose lives have been touched by this condition are not alone.



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!
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Trustee – Funding & Bid Application Review
We are seeking a new Trustee to strengthen our multi-skilled and hard-working board, with specific expertise in funding and bid applications.
While we already have skilled board members and volunteers who can write strong funding applications, what we currently lack is the time and experience to:
- Research potential funding opportunities
- Review and filter which opportunities are worth pursuing
- Summarise and present recommendations to the Board and staff
This new Trustee role would add significant value to the work we already provide - by helping us focus our efforts on the most promising funding sources.
Skills and Background
We are open to a range of professional backgrounds. You may not be actively working or may have a little time free to support us in this role, but we are looking for people who can bring the following:
- Experience in bid applications, grant funding, or fundraising — particularly in identifying and assessing opportunities
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to weigh up eligibility, likelihood of success, and fit with our charity’s mission
- Confidence in working with information, making judgements, and communicating clear summaries to colleagues
- A background in areas such as fundraising, charity administration, project management, finance, business development, or legal/governance would all be relevant and useful
Commitment
As a Trustee, this voluntary role involves attending Board meetings, which are approximately every two months, an annual strategy day, occasional working groups and the AGM. Meetings are held in person where possible, with online options available. We also hold fundraising events, which you are warmly encouraged to support. The expected commitment is around 10 hours a month, including reviewing opportunities and communicating with fellow Trustees and staff via email, WhatsApp, or phone.
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.
We are looking for a trustee with demonstrable skills in publicity and communications. We need advice and guidance on how we can publicise our work. Our current Board does not have expertise in social media, communications plans, or publicity. If you have experience in education would be ideal but we primarily need someone with a strong track record in publicity and communications.
We are looking for someone who cares about and wants to help young people who are in the care system to make it to and through university. This is not about helping individual youngsters personally. We are building and funding programmes to enable others to help them more effectively.
You need to be willing to be a trustee. This involves preparing for meetings by reading the papers, speaking up in meetings and sharing your opinions and experience, working with others on the board and with our education partners to develop ways we can fulfil our goal of increasing the number of care-experienced young people who successfully complete a degree and find work.
You need to be able to meet the time commitment which is to attend our (virtual) trustee meetings. These are held on a Wednesday afternoon once a quarter – the dates are published well in advance. We also get together, in person, for up to a full day once a year – again usually on a Wednesday. You will need to prepare for meetings and there may be the occasional other tasks so we recommend thinking of a time commitment of 2 -3 hours a month.
Previous experience as a charity trustee is highly desirable, but not essential, as you will have a full explanation of the duties and responsibilities of trustees during your induction.
Please send us a CV and a short cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements for the role
We focus on improving the aspirations and education opportunities of care leavers. In particular we work to get them into and through Higher Education
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a trustee who has personal experience of the care system as a looked- after child or care-experienced young person. We need someone who has made it to and through university so that they can help us fully understand the challenges and issues that can occur.
We are looking for someone who cares about and wants to help young people who are in the care system to make it to and through university. This is not about helping individual youngsters personally. We are building and funding programmes to enable others to help them more effectively.
You need to be willing to be a trustee. This involves preparing for meetings by reading the papers, speaking up in meetings and sharing your opinions and experience, working with others on the board and with our education partners to develop ways we can fulfil our goal of increasing the number of care-experienced young people who successfully complete a degree and find work.
You need to be able to meet the time commitment which is to attend our (virtual) trustee meetings. These are held on a Wednesday afternoon once a quarter – the dates are published well in advance. We also get together, in person, for up to a full day once a year – again usually on a Wednesday. You will need to prepare for meetings and there may be the occasional other tasks so we recommend thinking of a time commitment of 2 -3 hours a month.
Previous experience as a charity trustee is highly desirable, but not essential, as you will have a full explanation of the duties and responsibilities of trustees during your induction.
Please send us your CV and a short cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements we are looking for.
We focus on improving the aspirations and education opportunities of care leavers. In particular we work to get them into and through Higher Education
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a trustee with experience of the policies and pathways offered to looked after children around accessing university. This might include experience of virtual schools for looked after children, or university admissions and the outreach particularly to looked after children, or government policy in these areas.
We are looking for someone who cares about and wants to help young people who are in the care system to make it to and through university. This is not about helping individual youngsters personally. We are building and funding programmes to enable others to help them more effectively.
You need to be willing to be a trustee. This involves preparing for meetings by reading the papers, speaking up in meetings and sharing your opinions and experience, working with others on the board and with our education partners to develop ways we can fulfil our goal of increasing the number of care-experienced young people who successfully complete a degree and find work.
You need to be able to meet the time commitment which is to attend our (virtual) trustee meetings. These are held on a Wednesday afternoon once a quarter – the dates are published well in advance. We also get together, in person, for up to a full day once a year – again usually on a Wednesday. You will need to prepare for meetings and there may be the occasional other tasks so we recommend thinking of a time commitment of 2 -3 hours a month.
Previous experience as a charity trustee is highly desirable, but not essential, as you will have a full explanation of the duties and responsibilities of trustees during your induction.
Please send us a CV and a short covering letter explaining how you match the requirements for the role
We focus on improving the aspirations and education opportunities of care leavers. In particular we work to get them into and through Higher Education
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a trustee who understands charity finance. Ideally you would be a qualified accountant, perhaps retired, but with a particular expertise in charity finance. We have a bookkeeper who does the work for us, so we are not looking for someone to do our accounts but we need a trustee who can give them direction and ensure the Board has the necessary financial information.
We are looking for someone who cares about and wants to help young people who are in the care system to make it to and through university. This is not about helping individual youngsters personally. We are building and funding programmes to enable others to help them more effectively.
You need to be willing to be a trustee. This involves preparing for meetings by reading the papers, speaking up in meetings and sharing your opinions and experience, working with others on the board and with our education partners to develop ways we can fulfil our goal of increasing the number of care-experienced young people who successfully complete a degree and find work.
You need to be able to meet the time commitment which is to attend our (virtual) trustee meetings. These are held on a Wednesday afternoon once a quarter – the dates are published well in advance. We also get together, in person, for up to a full day once a year – again usually on a Wednesday. You will need to prepare for meetings and there may be the occasional other tasks so we recommend thinking of a time commitment of 2 -3 hours a month.
Previous experience as a charity trustee is highly desirable, but not essential, as you will have a full explanation of the duties and responsibilities of trustees during your induction.
Please send a CV and a covering letter explaining how you match the requirements for the role
We focus on improving the aspirations and education opportunities of care leavers. In particular we work to get them into and through Higher Education
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Transform is looking for a new Treasurer to join our board of Trustees!
We are looking for a qualified accountant, preferably with experience in the charity sector; knowledge and experience of the drug sector an advantage.
As we are a small organisation this is quite a hands-on role. You will need:
To work collaboratively with the CEO, our book-keepers and the auditors to produce annual accounts
and regular financial statements
Proven accountancy qualifications, budgeting and understanding the finance of small
charities including a working knowledge of xero
Ability to translate finances in an easy-to-understand manner for different
stakeholders with less financial knowledge
Good knowledge of charity governance rules and procedures
To be passionate about the values and mission of the charity
You will also work closely with the Chair and the Board to ensure we are meeting our
financial objectives
You will be willing to bring experience, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and be
willing to broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.
About Transform
Transform Drug Policy Foundation is a global leader in developing, and advocating for, more
humane drug policies. Our vision is a world where drug policy contributes to safer and
healthier societies. We want to recruit a treasurer, to oversee income and expenditure of the
organisation, to help drive forward our work.
This is an exciting time in drug policy. Rapid changes in approach are occurring in the UK and
internationally. Transform has a long history of shaping these changes and seeking to ensure
that reform reduces harm, improves social justice and protects public health. Our Anyone’s
Child campaign is a highly effective family-led movement that has had a significant impact
here and abroad. But like so many charities, we are feeling the strain from the cost of giving
crisis and gaining longer-term sustainable funding is essential for the continuation of our
important work.
We welcome applications from all candidates with the skills and commitment to support the
work of Transform. We especially welcome applications from Black and minority ethnic
candidates as part of our commitment to ensuring a full diversity of experience is reflected in
our work. We are also interested to hear from candidates with personal lived experience
which informs their understanding of the need for drug policy reform.
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!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
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 Role
We're seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Sales & Business Development Volunteer to help drive our growth and expand our reach. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain hands-on experience in sales, business development, and relationship management while making a meaningful contribution to our cause.
Key Responsibilities
As a Sales & Business Development Volunteer, you'll work closely with our team to identify new opportunities and build lasting partnerships. Your responsibilities will include:
- Researching and identifying potential clients, business leads, sponsors, partners, and business opportunities.
- Supporting the development of sales strategies and outreach campaigns.
- Helping to create compelling proposals and presentations.
- Conducting initial outreach to prospective clients via email, phone, and social media
- Help maintain the contact database with updated leads and follow-up notes.
- Analysing market trends and competitor activities.
- Contributing ideas to improve our sales processes and materials.
- Reach out to companies, NGOs, and institutions to introduce TESYouth’s initiatives.
What We're Looking For
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Interest in sales, marketing, fundraising or business development
- Comfortable with technology and learning new systems
- Proactive, organised, and able to work independently.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- A positive attitude and desire to contribute to a social impact organisation.
(Previous experience in sales, customer service, social media for business purposes, marketing, or or business development is a plus, but not required.)
What You'll Gain
- Practical experience in sales and business development
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals
- Opportunity to build your professional network
- Development of valuable transferable skills
- Flexible working arrangements
Additional Information
- This is a voluntary role and can be carried out entirely remotely.
- All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
About TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a social enterprise and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing youth unemployment. Through training programmes, work experience, interactive workshops, and volunteering opportunities, we support young people in developing their skills and achieving their career aspirations.
Together with our collaborators and partners, we aim to make a lasting positive impact in the community.
TESYouth is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.
Tackle and reduce youth unemployment by providing with the necessary tools to develop skills, aptitudes, knowledge and self-confidence.
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!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills.
Area coordinators support and coordinate a team of prison volunteers. They help recruit and induct new volunteers and are the first point of contact for advice and support. Area coordinators lead and inspire the team via quarterly 1 to 1s and area meetings. They also help oversee the progress of Shannon Trust in prisons in their area and provide cover and support where needed.
We are looking for volunteers who are organised, flexible, able to work independently, and able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years. Due to the nature of the role prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 5 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
For full role description and to apply please visit our website.
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!
Who are Governors for Schools?
Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.
We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.
Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.
What’s involved?
There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.
Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.
Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.
Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.
Who can be a governor?
The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.
Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.
Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.
You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.
What’s the process?
You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.
You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.
Ongoing support
Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.
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!
Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Southampton and the surrounding area are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.
What will you be doing?
Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues
The core responsibilities involved are:
- Ensuring accountability
- Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
- Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
- Budgetary allocation and control
- Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
- Setting the school’s aims and values
- Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher
The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.
A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.
What are we looking for?
You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.
Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.
What difference will you make?
Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.
As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:
- help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
- work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
- gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work
Before you apply
You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.
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!
Who are Governors for Schools?
Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.
We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.
Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.
What’s involved?
There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.
Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.
Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.
Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.
Who can be a governor?
The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.
Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.
Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.
You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.
What’s the process?
You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.
You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.
Ongoing support
Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
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Who are Governors for Schools?
Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.
We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.
Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.
What’s involved?
There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.
Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.
Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.
Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.
Who can be a governor?
The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.
Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.
Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.
You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.
What’s the process?
You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.
You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.
Ongoing support
Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.