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As the Thackray Museum of Medicine looks to build on a period of bold strategic growth since our 2021 redevelopment, we are seeking an experienced, ambitious and community-minded Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. The Thackray is the UK’s largest independent medical museum: a dynamic, civic museum in East Leeds with a nationally significant collection of over 50,000 objects and a clear mission to inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare - past, present and future. Since reopening we have grown audiences, deepened community partnerships and developed an ambitious plan to be the UK’s leading medical museum by 2030.
Role: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Term: Minimum three years from 12th May 2026, renewable (maximum six years)
Commitment: Approx. 1–1.5 days per month (voluntary; reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed)
Your location: Ideally Leeds (nationwide considered); Board meetings four times a year (three may be hybrid; in-person presence preferred).
The Role:
The Chair will lead and steward an engaged, forward-thinking Board to support the CEO and senior team as the Museum consolidates recent gains and secures long-term resilience. You will ensure excellent governance, provide constructive challenge and support to the CEO, strengthen relationships with funders and partners, champion the Museum’s commitment to equity and community co-curation, and be an ambassador for the organisation locally and nationally.
Key responsibilities:
· Set strategic direction: Lead the Board in shaping, approving and monitoring delivery of the CEO’s strategy to meet the Museum’s mission and 2030 ambitions.
· Own governance & risk: Ensure high standards of governance, legal and regulatory compliance, and effective oversight of the risk register.
· Build board capability: Drive trustee recruitment, induction, appraisal and succession planning to secure the skills, diversity and lived experience needed.
· Partner with the CEO: Line-manage and support the CEO - offering constructive challenge, guidance on operations and people matters, and ensuring strong executive accountability.
· Champion income & profile: Use networks to open doors to major funders, partners and donors, and actively raise the Museum’s profile.
· Ensure financial stewardship: Oversee budgets, reserves and trading activity with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, and scrutinise financial reporting.
· Lead effective meetings: Chair Board meetings, encourage robust discussion, ensure timely decisions and follow-through on agreed actions.
· Represent and advocate: Act as an ambassador to civic partners, funders, media and diverse local communities.
· Steward the estate: Support oversight of capital, maintenance and estate priorities for the Museum’s Victorian building.
Who you are:
· Seasoned governance leader: Experienced chair or senior trustee with sound knowledge of trustee duties, charity & company law and governance best practice.
· Strategic thinker: Track record of leading strategy in museums, heritage, culture, health or education - or in complex, stakeholder-facing organisations.
· Fundraising connector: Proven at building relationships with major funders, trusts, corporates or donors and supporting successful income-raising and profile activity.
· Financially literate: Comfortable with budget scrutiny, risk oversight and the commercial realities of earned income models or trading subsidiaries.
· Capital & estate experience: Practical experience of overseeing capital projects, estate stewardship or major building maintenance.
· ED&I and community champion: Committed to equity, inclusion and co-creation, with evidence of widening participation and diversifying leadership.
· Confident ambassador: Excellent interpersonal and public-facing skills; able to represent the Museum credibly to varied audiences.
· Supportive leader: Able to challenge and develop senior executives while fostering a collegiate, high-performing board culture.
· Local affinity desirable: A strong connection to Leeds or experience working in diverse urban communities is an advantage.
For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief . To apply, please send an up-to-date CV, a Supporting Statement (no more than two A4 pages) outlining your interest and relevant experience, in confidence to Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button.
For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence. There is also the opportunity for suitable interested candidates to speak to The Thackray’s CEO in advance of submitting an application.
Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026.
First stage interviews: w/c 13 April 2026 (tbc).
Second stage interviews: w/c 20 April 2026 (tbc).
The Thackray is actively committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We are a Disability Confident employer (registration number DCS036392) and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Thank you!
About Lucas Helps Dogs
Lucas Helps Dogs is a volunteer run charity working in Sri Lanka to reduce the suffering of street and community dogs and cats. We run spay and neuter clinics, provide rabies vaccinations, emergency treatment, and daily meals to street dogs and cats. We also deliver educational programmes in schools to teach kindness to animals and responsible pet care.
We’re currently looking for a Volunteer Grant Writer to help us secure vital funding so we can continue and expand our work for animals in need.
About the Role
As our Grant Writer, you’ll help identify suitable grant opportunities and prepare well-researched funding applications to support our animal welfare projects. You’ll work closely with our founder to understand the charity’s goals, gather information, and develop strong proposals that demonstrate our impact and vision.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys writing and research, wants to gain experience in fundraising, or is passionate about improving the lives of animals.
Key Responsibilities
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Research potential grants, trusts, and foundations that align with our mission
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Write clear, compelling funding proposals and supporting documents
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Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines and track submissions
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Help develop a case for support and collect information for applications
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Review feedback from funders to improve future submissions
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Collaborate remotely with our small, friendly team
What We’re Looking For
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Strong writing, research, and communication skills
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Attention to detail and good organisational skills
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Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
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Interest in animal welfare and compassion for dogs
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Experience in grant writing or charity fundraising
What We Offer
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The chance to make a direct impact for animals in need
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Experience in grant writing and charity fundraising
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A flexible, supportive, and friendly volunteer team
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A reference after 3 months of volunteering
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The opportunity to use your skills for meaningful change
Time Commitment: 2–5 hours per week, flexible schedule
Location: Remote – you can volunteer from anywhere
Commitment: Ideally 3 months or more
How to Apply
If you’d like to use your writing skills to make a real difference for dogs and cats in Sri Lanka, we’d love to hear from you!
Please send a short email outlining your interest and any relevant experience
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you be a star baker, master chef or perhaps you simply enjoy baking or cooking! We are recruiting for a volunteer to join our team supporting individuals to learn new recipes together as a group.
Baking and cooking helps to relax, get creative and indulge in our senses. Often, it can spark nostalgia and helps us to recreate positive experiences or memories. Inspire and motivate people in our services to do something that brings joy, an opportunity to learn new skills whilst connecting with others over sharing baked goods and delicious meals.
What you will be doing
- Research and plan new recipes for cooking/baking sessions in collaboration with the group each week
- Encourage individuals to participate in the sessions and delegate cooking tasks
- Support individuals to shop for ingredients needed for the session
- Support individuals each week in setting up for the sessions and tidying away afterwards
- Encourage individuals to participate in all aspects of the planning and attendance
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need
- Food Safety Certificate/knowledge or willingness to complete relevant training
- Passion and knowledge of healthy eating and cooking
- Ability to engage, encourage and motivate individuals to participate in sessions
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
Registered Charity
0
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?
Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!
What you will be doing
- To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
- Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
- Encourage individuals to continue independent activities
The skills you need
- Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
- Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
- A calm and patient manner
- Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
- An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.
Registered Charity
0
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Thank you!
The Refuge Admin Support Worker Volunteer supports the daily running of our Bexley Refuges by helping women and families access activities, appointments, and resources.
You’ll assist with admin tasks, run or support group activities and house meetings, make contact calls, keep records updated, and help with in-house and external activities.
The role suits someone proactive, friendly, organised, and confident with IT, with an understanding of domestic abuse. Experience with children or groups is a bonus.
Volunteers gain experience in the VAWG sector, access training and supervision, and play a key role in supporting women on their recovery journey.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Solace exists to end the harm done through gender-based violence. Our aim is to work to prevent violence and abuse.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
As a Volunteer Fundraiser for unpaid carers, you will play a key part in helping Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing secure funding that enables us to continue and expand our vital services for unpaid carers across the borough.
Working alongside senior managers, you will help identify and apply for funding opportunities, assist with administrative and community-based fundraising activities, and represent the charity in local events. Your support will directly contribute to improving the quality of life for carers by enabling new services, resources, and opportunities.
This role is ideal for someone with good communication and organisational skills who enjoys building connections and making a tangible difference in the community.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
• Research and help identify funding opportunities relevant to our work with carers.
• Support senior managers with administrative tasks linked to grant applications and fundraising.
• Keep accurate records of fundraising activity, donations, and outcomes.
• Attend and help organise fundraising events that support our mission.
• Assist or lead in writing small grant applications
• Collect and log donated items for our range of services.
• Monitor when key funding streams renew or reopen, ensuring timely applications.
• Carry out any other agreed tasks related to fundraising and community engagement.
• To carry out the above tasks in accordance with the policies of Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing, including our Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Health & Safety.
Preferred Skills and Qualities
• Good understanding of marketing and community engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Organised, reliable, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience writing small or medium, funding applications.
• Willingness to travel across the borough to attend events (expenses reimbursed).
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Able to understand and work within resource and role boundaries.
• Passionate about achieving a high-quality service for unpaid carers in Hillingdon.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
What You Will Gain
• Purpose and fulfilment: Contribute directly to sustaining and growing services that support unpaid carers.
• Professional experience: Gain valuable insight into charity fundraising, marketing, and community partnerships.
• Skill development: Strengthen your communication, writing, and organisational
skills.
• Confidence building: Engage with funders, local businesses, and the public in meaningful ways.
• Training and support: Receive full induction and ongoing training and guidance from experienced staff.
• Recognition: Be part of a supportive team, attend volunteer celebrations, and receive references or certificates for your contribution.
Additional Notes / Special Requirements
• Flexible working hours and days.
• An enhanced DBS check and references will be required before commencing the role.
• Travel expenses reimbursed in line with Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing’s volunteer policy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.