Volunteer roles
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!
At The Park Academies Trust, we are committed to innovation, collaboration, and making a lasting difference. Our schools are places where both children and adults thrive.
As a Trustee, you’ll play a key role in supporting our leadership, holding us to account, and helping us deliver real impact for our communities. This is a meaningful opportunity to be part of a Trust that believes in the power of education to change lives.
Education is a fast paced environment, with balances strategic planning and reactive capability in order to maximise the impact of our resources as we serve our communities every day. We have two key guiding principles that shape our work as an organisation,
1) will it improve outcomes for pupils?
2) will it make us a happy healthy place to work?. These ground our decision making and policy shaping to ensure we are financially stable in order to deliver exceptional education for all.
We welcome interest from anyone who is keen to use and develop their skills in a values driven organisation with social impact and improving the life changes of children at the heart of everything we do.
Trustees are responsible for:
- Defining the Trust’s mission, values, and long-term vision
- Approving strategy, key policies, and the scheme of delegation
- Appointing and appraising the CEO, and ensuring strong leadership
- Overseeing educational quality, curriculum breadth, and pupil outcomes
- Ensuring financial sustainability and effective use of resources
- Supporting robust risk management and safe estate oversight
- Engaging stakeholders and promoting effective communication
- Ensuring governance structures remain fit for purpose
Trustees are expected to:
- Attend meetings, prepare in advance, remain engaged between meetings and contribute constructively
- Build effective working relationships with fellow Trustees and leaders
- Visit schools and stay connected with the Trust’s work
- Commit to training and continuous development
We welcome people from all backgrounds, especially those who bring:
We are looking for individuals with a strong commitment to education, inclusion, and community values, who can contribute to the strategic development of our Trust as we live out our purpose: ‘Inspiring Futures, Empowering People’. Strategic thinking, along with the ability to interpret and apply data and evidence within an educational context, will be valuable skills for all Trustees.
We are particularly seeking individuals with experience in: 1) School improvement (particularly secondary school or SEND), 2) Safeguarding 3) Finance 4) HR
We are committed to strengthening representation from our Church of England schools and enhancing the diversity of our board. We warmly welcome expressions of interest from all prospective trustees who share our values and meet the necessary criteria.
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.
Make a real difference to children in Wales with a life-shortening condition by becoming a Fundraising Volunteer today!
We’re on the lookout for a friendly and reliable volunteer to join our dynamic People Services Team as a Systems Administration Volunteer.
This role will be based at our main Head Office in Sully, assisting the People Services Team with a variety of both systems-based and general administration duties.
The People Services Department is made up of 3 functions: HR, Learning and Development and the Volunteering Team. This opportunity would suit someone who has previous office-based experience.
Considerations:
Location: Ty Hafan, Hayes Road, Sully, CF64 5XX (Head Office)
Age requirement: 18+
Schedule: Flexible between 9am-5pm, Weekdays
Background checks: 2 references and a Basic DBS check
A good level of IT skills is required for this role, as well as any prior experience of HR systems. An understanding of GDPR is also welcome, however, training will be provided.
We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the informal chat for this role.
Activities include:
• Updating HR systems – including our dual HR/Payroll system, recruitment system and Benefits platform
• Updating employee electronic files
• Updating/amending spread sheets and other information in Excel
• Data input
• Photocopying/filing
• Other ad-hoc administration tasks
Training you will receive:
You will be fully briefed by the Tŷ Hafan team and a full induction will be provided to include:
• Mandatory e-learning to include Safeguarding, Data Protection, Keeping Yourself Safe and Looking After Others
• In-person training to include GDPR
• Ad-hoc role specific training as required – including training on all relevant HR systems.
• All volunteers must complete their mandatory training to continue in their role.
The benefits of joining our People Services team:
• Meet New People and expand your social circle
• Experience the satisfaction of contributing to a meaningful cause
• Enhance your communication skills
• Gain a professional reference after 3 months
• Challenge yourself, gain new experiences, and receive valuable feedback and recognition for your efforts
• Enjoy yourself, feel good about helping others, and make everyday rewarding!
At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.
We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role.
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.
A Wales where every child with a life-shortening condition lives a fulfilling life, supported with the compassion and specialist care they need.


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!
Events Officer has the responisbility of organising (along with the help of a Trustee Events Manager) our magical visits to children/adults with LD, this could be at the hospital, social groups, refugee centres, libraries etc etc.
They will monitor the chapter email for submitted event booking forms (some of these will come from events organised by the Events Manager on Trustees). These will then be added to the calendar and advertised to volunteers. They will ensure each event organised has a handful of volunteers confirmed within a week of the event itself. They will then provide information and support to a Lead Volunteer to run the events. They will ensure that regular events are being attended by volunteers and that they have the costume and materials that are needed for these. They will follow up after events to ensure social media posts are made, hours are uploaded and that costumes are returned. They will ensure that all volunteers are attending events.
* To bring children's dreams to life * To provide a professional service * To bring fun to both children and volunteers



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!
We are searching for a enthusiastic volunteer to become the Newcastle chapter's Social Media Officer. The primary role is to ensure the smooth every day running of the social media accounts. This involves responding to messages (even if it’s just sign posting) and replying to comments. They should try to ensure growth of the social media account including Facebook and Instagram with the potential of Twitter. They should make use of the Facebook groups to create an engaging atmosphere for members and chase lead volunteers to ensure they post on the page and group promptly following events. After each event they should make posts following up on it. Finally, they will liaise with photographers and assist with designing and running the website.
* To bring children's dreams to life * To provide a professional service * To bring fun to both children and volunteers



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!
Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.
Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.
What you will do as a prison volunteer:
- Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
- Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
- Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
- Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.
Who we are looking for:
- Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
- Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
- Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
- Someone who is an excellent team worker.
- Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.
Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.
You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.
Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers.
At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.
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!
Yorkshire Cat Rescue - Retail Drivers Mate
Why Join? Help move donations from between the shops and to the rescue centre and vice versa, collect donations from around Yorkshire, and support logistics teamwork!
Aims & Expectations:
Ensure safe transport of goods and maintain a tidy shop floor.
Tasks & Responsibilities:
Help with loading and unloading, sorting items, carrying out deliveries and pick-ups.
Role Boundaries:
No driving required.
Key Policies: Health & safety, manual handling, data privacy, PPE.
Role Support: Report to the Driver, induction and training provided.
Friendly and approachable staff members are available and will assist volunteers in everything they do.
Expenses: Pre-approved travel reimbursed with receipts.
Success Measures:
Smooth transfer of stock, organised collections, packing, and postdelivery.
Positive feedback from interactions.
Location & Hours:
West Yorkshire. Flexible hours to suit individuals during the times the drivers are working.
Behaviour & Dress:
Adherence to code of conduct, clothes suitable for indoor and outdoor working environment, closed-toe sturdy comfortable shoes.
Skills & Specs: Essential - good physical health, willingness to take instruction, enjoy working in a team.
Desirable - warehouse or delivery support experience.
Mission Fit: This role keeps stock moving to maximise the chance of sale, ensuring product availability and safe handling. The Yorkshire Cat Rescue shops exist to support the charity, with all profits going directly to cat care and welfare. By helping our shops, you are helping cats in need.
We’re committed to giving you:
● Inclusivity – All welcome, regardless of background.
● Flexibility – Fitting volunteering around your life.
● Impact – Seeing cats thrive.
● Connection – With cats, staff, and other volunteers.
● Balance – No overcommitment - just what suits you.
● Fun – Builds positive memories and relationships.
● Voluntary Choice – You choose your level of involvement.
● Meaning – Aligned with your values and passions.
Other Opportunities
In addition to the role above, Yorkshire Cat Rescue has a range of volunteer opportunities
available. It’s also possible to combine some volunteer roles. Ask a member of staff for further
information about other areas of the charity you can get involved in.
Ready to Join Us?
Please feel free to pop into one of our shops for a chat.animal
We’d love to show you around, answer your questions, and welcome you into the YCR family.
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Trustees of Omega are volunteers who lead and manage the charity, ensuring it is well-run and achieves its purposes. They are responsible for the charity's governance, strategy, and overall direction, making decisions that impact the charity's beneficiaries and the wider community. Trustees are ultimately responsible for the charity's legal and financial well-being, and they must act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.
Our trustees are the guardians of the charity, responsible for ensuring it is well-managed, financially sound, and fulfilling its charitable purposes for the benefit of its beneficiaries and the wider community. We look for trustees who have a particular area of experience or skillset so we have a good range of professional expertise represented across the board of trustees at any point in time.
Key Responsibilities:
- Governance and Strategic Direction: Trustees set the charity's strategic aims and direction, plan and review its work, and make decisions about its activities and resources.
- Financial Oversight: Trustees are responsible for the charity's finances, ensuring they are managed responsibly and used to support the charity's purposes.
- Compliance and Legal Duties: Trustees ensure the charity complies with its governing document, relevant laws, and regulations.
- Accountability: Trustees are accountable to donors, regulators, beneficiaries, and the public, ensuring the charity is transparent and operates ethically.
- Safeguarding: Trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity has appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place to protect vulnerable individuals.
- Risk Management: Trustees must identify and manage potential risks to the charity, including financial, reputational, and operational risks.
Qualities we are looking for in our Omega Trustees:
- Commitment: Trustees are volunteers and must be committed to the charity's mission and goals.
- Good Judgment: Trustees need to be able to make sound decisions based on available information and their understanding of the charity's needs.
- Integrity and Honesty: Trustees must act with integrity and honesty, putting the charity's interests first.
- Understanding of Governance: Trustees need to understand their responsibilities and the principles of good governance.
- Communication and Collaboration: Trustees need to be able to communicate effectively with other trustees, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
Omega is a registered charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Joining this role means you'll be at the heart of providing essential support to families facing the unimaginable; caring for their child who's life will be short.
Many families in Wales are unfortunately facing this challenge alone, without support from others.
As a Practical Family Support Volunteer for Tŷ Hafan, you will assist families in need with various light tasks such as cleaning, tidying up and laundry.
Your contribution will go beyond housekeeping; it's about taking some of the pressure off and giving families the breathing space they need to spend more precious time together.
This role offers the satisfaction of knowing you are making a positive impact on families with a child with a life-shortening condition, by helping them create a tidy, clean and safe home environment that reduces their daily stress and worries.
Most importantly, you will be helping us to ensure that no family faces this challenge, alone.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 21+
Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area)
Time commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks.
Background checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting.
Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers with some skills, experience and knowledge of gardening, either as a profession or as a hobby.
Activities include:
Activities include helping families with light housekeeping tasks such as; cleaning, dusting, vacuuming and laundry, giving them the space they need to be there for their child who needs them.
We are looking for volunteers who:
•Can empathise with the families you are helping and show them kindness and respect;
•Are reliable and flexible and committed to volunteering on a longer term basis;
•Will follow our health and safety guidelines, policies and procedures and report any issues or concerns to the Family Support Volunteer Manager;
•Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting;
•Are polite and friendly;
•Can adapt to different situations and challenges;
•Enjoy making a difference in the lives of others
At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.
We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role.
Training you will receive:
You will receive a comprehensive introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, to include an in-person Induction and Training Programme as well as additional e-learning.
You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team who will assist you with any queries or concerns through regular and ongoing meetings.
Other role and organisation specific training is available including both supplementary and mandatory training.
All volunteers must maintain their mandatory training to continue in their role.
The benefits of becoming a Practical Family Support Volunteer in Family Homes:
•Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy;
•Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year;
•Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others;
•Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role.
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.
You will be asked to complete an application form and provide two references via our Volunteer Management System, BetterImpact
A Wales where every child with a life-shortening condition lives a fulfilling life, supported with the compassion and specialist care they need.


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!
Our wetland centres shape unforgettable experiences for our visitors to engage with wetland wildlife and learn more about the amazing work WWT does to conserve wetlands and species around the world.
A good cup of tea and a relaxing snack looking over our beautiful wetlands are an important part of that experience. Plus, all the profit from our cafes and shops goes back into funding WWT projects.
We're looking for friendly, welcoming people to help in our café and make that experience a great one.
In this role, you will be:
- Serving our visitors light meals, snacks and drinks
- Helping keeping our café tables clear, clean and free for use
- Engaging with our visitors, directing them to our seasonal highlights and daily talks, helping them to make the most of their visit
- Supporting behind-the-scenes with tasks such as washing up and sorting deliveries - keeping us on track
- Helping with food displays- helping visitors to make those tricky choices!
Our café has an amazing view of the reserve and you'll be able to watch the seasons change whilst helping visitors to have an enjoyable day.
Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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!
The Chapter Secretary ensures smooth running of the local chapter by managing communication, meetings, and documentation. The Secretary is responsible for organising chapter meetings, prepare agendas, take structured minutes, and upload them to Onedrive, ensuring they are shared with all attendees. In addition the Secretary also help coordinate volunteer socials and support chapter activities.
The Chapter Secretary should have strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to coordinate meetings, manage calendars, and keep accurate records. Attention to detail, good communication skills and time management are essential in addition to being reliable, proactive and collaborative.. Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, OneDrive.
* To bring children's dreams to life * To provide a professional service * To bring fun to both children and volunteers



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!
Supporting Trustees through the recruitment of central charity virtual roles including Trustees and Officer roles through creating and managing role adverts, reviewing applicants,conducting interviews and supporting onboarding.
* To bring children's dreams to life * To provide a professional service * To bring fun to both children and volunteers



WANTED: Local Legends. No Cape Required.
Some kids climb trees.
Some build rockets from cardboard boxes.
Some are learning how to light a fire without burning their eyebrows off.
They’re curious, messy, hilarious – and they need YOU.
At 23rd Poplar Scouts, we’ve got a growing bunch of Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers (ages 4 to 18) who are bursting with energy, questions, and potential.
And we’re looking for more grown-ups (yes, you!) to join our crew of volunteers.
Here's the deal - we don’t care if you can’t tie 12 knots or survive a week in the woods with just a spork or whether you're a parent, student, working professional, or retiree.
We do care if you:
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Enjoy seeing young people grow in confidence
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Like a laugh
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Are reliable
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Are up for trying something new (even if it involves glitter, tents, or biscuits)
You could help once a week, once a month, or just whenever you can. We’ll show you the ropes, give you some training, and promise not to make you wear shorts in winter.
This is about community, confidence, and connection – and giving young people a place to feel like they belong.
Sound good?
!!!Click on apply and share a few details about yourself.
Join us at 23rd Poplar Scouts and help shape the future, one adventure at a time.
Volunteer roles available in:
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Squirrels (4–6 yrs) – storytelling, play, and first friendships.
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Beavers (6–8 yrs) – crafts, games, and learning new things.
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Cubs (8–10½ yrs) – exploring, teamwork, and outdoor skills.
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Scouts (10½–14 yrs) – adventure, responsibility, and independence.
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Explorers (14–18 yrs) – leadership, community service, and big challenges.
As a group, we set out to produce lasting memories and experiences that our members wouldn't get anywhere else.
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!
Volunteer Role: Trusts and Foundations
We were set up to transform the former Edward Hain hospital, in St Ives, Cornwall, into a community centre for health and wellbeing. The hospital was founded in 1920, with funds from the Cornish Hain Steamship Company. When it closed n 2021, our community, led by the hospital’s League of Friends, came together to save the building for the town. Now it brings together much needed health and wellbeing services, along with social, community and welfare support, all under one roof.
About the role
We are looking for volunteers to help us raise funds from Trusts and Foundations. Grants, such the one we secured from National Lottery, already help keep us open all year. Although previous experience in grant writing would be welcomed, it is absolutely not required. More important are your enthusiasm and desire to help local people. ideally, you will be able to volunteer at least one or two days a month on a regular basis and preferably have access to a computer.
What’s involved?
· Drafting and submitting funding applications with help and support from our team.
· Working with other volunteers and staff to identify new funding opportunities.
· Researching grant-making bodies, trusts, and foundations that can fund the Centre.
The role will suit you if you
· Are comfortable with a computer.
· Have good written communication skills.
· Want to help local residents thrive.
· Can pay attention to detail and follow funder guidelines.
We will support you with
· An induction to volunteering for Edward Hain
· Training and briefings on how trusts and foundations fundraising.
· Coaching on how to draft and submit applications, supported with tools and templates.
- Occasional meetings at the Centre with other volunteers and staff.
We are looking for up to five regular volunteers. There is also an opportunity for significant coaching and development for those interested in pursuing jobs in this field in the longer term and wanting to use this role to develop the necessary skills. For more information contact:
Claire Jefferies Community Hub Officer
Our mission is to provide affordable and accessible health, well-being and community services for St. Ives and surrounding areas, across all ages.



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!
Volunteer Role: Dementia Support Group and/or Activity Sessions
We were set up to transform the former Edward Hain hospital, in St Ives, Cornwall, into a community centre for health and wellbeing. The hospital was founded in 1920, with funds from the Cornish Hain Steamship Company. When it closed n 2021, our community, led by the hospital’s League of Friends, came together to save the building for the town. Now it brings together much needed health and wellbeing services, along with social, community and welfare support, all under one roof. About the role Can you commit between 2 and 4 hours a week to help those suffering from Dementia? We are looking for volunteers to spend a short time each week working with our Community Hub Officer (CHO) to create a welcoming and supportive environment for our Dementia Support Group (Forget-Me-Not Café) and help to provide specially designed crafts activity sessions such as leaf printing, making seasonal decorations etc. All our visitors are accompanied by their carers and as a volunteer you will receive specific awareness training to give you the confidence to provide conversation and a smile for those with dementia at the Edward Hain Centre.
What’s involved?
Our dementia activities and group sessions are attended by all kinds of people experiencing dementia. We work with specific care homes whose elderly residents are brought along by their carers and we run a Forget-Me-Not Café, set up for individual carers or relatives to bring along those they care for with dementia.
Specific tasks include:
• Greet attendees warmly as they arrive.
• Support the CHO with setup and organisation.
• Prepare and serve teas and coffees.
• Welcome session attendees, ensuring they feel comfortable.
• Help attendees take part in table activities (if they want to). The role will suit you if you:
• Have a friendly and approachable personality.
• Are reliable and willing to support others.
• Have good communication and enjoy being part of a team.
• Enthusiasm for creating a positive community space.
Why Volunteer with Us?
• Make a meaningful impact in your community.
• Meet new people and build connections with others.
• Gain experience in group facilitation and support and working with the elderly.
• Be part of the Edward Hain Centre Team!
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THIS ROLE PLEASE CONTACT OUR COMMUNITY HUB OFFICER CLAIRE JEFFERIES:
Our mission is to provide affordable and accessible health, well-being and community services for St. Ives and surrounding areas, across all ages.



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!
Wicksteed Park opened in 1921, making it the oldest theme park on UK mainland. Its founder, Charles Wicksteed purchased the land in 1913. His initial goal was to create a model village for the local community, however following World War One and housing reforms, Charles looked to develop a park for people to spend their leisure time. He set up a charitable trust in 1916 and went on to build a number of prefabricated houses – some of which still exist and are within the park grounds.
A century ago, Charles Wicksteed put into practice his deep-held belief that all children, no matter how rich or poor, should have somewhere safe and fun to play outdoors. Public parks in Charles’ own youth had been very formal places where you walked sedately along the paths, keeping off the grass. He was determined to provide something different and here at Wicksteed he did just that, using his engineering skills to provide a new and exciting element to public open spaces.
Swings, slides and roundabouts, parks and playgrounds are the background to many of our freest and most joyful childhood memories. They are something that we all share, generations of us, from all over Britain, but this is where it all started. Wicksteed Park is truly somewhere amazing and very special.
It is good to see this story of Kettering’s contribution to our nation’s health and happiness and to remember that Wicksteed is a place with an incredible heritage and an exciting future. Wicksteed Park is much more than an amusement park and continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to play and explore in its beautiful grounds.
Still delivering its core heritage but focusing on the connections with Kettering and wider communities, Wicksteed Charitable Trust has an opportunity to grow and transform, ensuring we are contributing to our communities’ wellbeing for the next century. It is thanks to the value, care, generosity, determination of our amazing volunteers that ensures the park has continued to deliver over some challenging years for the park.
We are now looking to expand our Trustee Board and are looking for people from a range of backgrounds who understand our community, the challenges that modern families face and have the drive and determination to deliver strategic objectives to build on our links and our regional presence. We would also like to hear from people who can bring professional expertise especially in areas including Law, Finance, Leisure and Tourism and Land Management.
As a Trustee at Wicksteed Park you will join a small team of existing Trustees. We are looking for individuals who will bring their own experience to complement our collaborative approach. You will be asked to speak out, offer opinion and be a critical friend, enabler and constructive challenge to the team..
About Us
Charles Wicksteed’s dream was to provide free play for all. Today The Wicksteed Trust’s main objective is to provide a safe environment for people of all ages to relax and play and to provide a focus for community activity. Wicksteed Park is a Grade II listed Historic Park with four County Wildlife Sites and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
We play an important role in Kettering contributing to our communities’ health and happiness. Our aim is to grow and develop our offering to Regional and National communities promoting what Wicksteed Park has to offer.
Role
Trustees are responsible for making sure the charity stays true to its mission and vision. Being a Trustee of an historic, community-based charity, means making decisions that will impact on the communities we serve across in Kettering and the wider county, enriching lives and providing a focus for community activity.
Trustees, led by a Chair, have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, the charity’s management and administration. They act as the ultimate decision makers of the organisation, protecting the interests of the members and the public. They agree the strategy and hold the executives to account for the management of the organisation.
Responsibilities
Governance
· Understand the charity’s purposes as set out in its governing document and ensure compliance to law and other relevant regulations.
· Ensure the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these in partnership with other Trustees.
· Ensure the sustainability of the charity and sound risk management.
· Oversee what the charity does and what it needs to achieve.
· Be responsible for the performance of the charity and for its 'corporate' behaviour.
· Act as a guardian of the charity's assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment, and proper application.
· Ensure the charity's governance is of the highest possible standard.
Leadership
· Contribute to the development of the charity‘s long term strategy.
· Raise public profile and promote the reputation of the organisation.
Financial Management
· Ensure the charity’s assets are only used to support or carry out its purposes.
· Evaluate risks to the assets or reputation.
· Monitor and assess the organisation’s results in relation to the agreed strategy, budget and implementation plan.
In addition to the above duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading sub committees, leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the Trustee has particular expertise.
Person Specification
The Board of Trustees collectively needs skills and experience in the following areas:
· Law
· Finance
· Land Management
· Leisure and Tourism
Essential
· Ability to commit to essential Board and Sub Committee meetings and participate on any further critical meetings or email discussions as appropriate.
· Good communication skills across all levels.
· Excellent planning and organisational ability with long term focus.
· Genuine passion and interest in the charity’s work.
· Integrity and openness.
· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
Desirable
· Understanding of charity governance, legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities.
· Understanding of the voluntary sector.
Length of appointment
Our Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, and can be re-appointed for up to two more three-year terms (there is a maximum of nine years’ continuous service).
Time commitment
The estimated Trustee time commitment is a minimum of 6 half day full trust meetings each year (held every other month), plus reading and preparation time. Board meetings will be held at Wicksteed Park in Kettering. Additional commitment to any sub-committee or ad-hoc duties may be reasonably required. Sub-Committee meetings may be held online and it is expected these will be held quarterly.
Remuneration
The Trustee appointment is voluntary but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with the expenses policy.
Location
Wicksteed Park, Kettering, NN15 6NJ.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Wicksteed Charitable Trust follows the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and seeks a diverse Trust Board to meet the needs of the organisation.