Alumni engagement manager volunteer roles
The Sutton Trust is at a pivotal moment in its development. For nearly three decades, we have been the UK’s leading voice on social mobility, working tirelessly to break the link between socio-economic background and life chances. Today, that mission is as urgent as it has ever been. Despite pockets of progress, social mobility in the UK remains low by international standards, with deep inequalities in education, access to professions, and regional opportunity continuing to limit life chances and economic potential.
We are seeking a Trustee with policy expertise who shares our commitment to fairness, evidence, and long-term change. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are keen to hear from those who can help us navigate an evolving political landscape and leverage our research to challenge systemic barriers, ensuring our voice remains the most influential in the national drive to transform social mobility.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Trustee
Policy Responsibilities
- Providing oversight for the charity’s research and advocacy, ensuring the Trust’s work is mission-aligned, evidence-based, and intellectually rigorous
- Supporting the Board in discharging their collective duties around planning, risk and compliance, particularly in areas such as horizon scanning for upcoming legislative changes, political shifts and shifts in social trends affecting the Trust as well as specific regulations around political neutrality
- Leveraging their professional networks and expertise, enhancing the charity’s credibility and influence, ensuring our research translates into meaningful systemic change
General Responsibilities
- Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s vision, mission and values and providing advice on the Trust’s wider purpose, goals and activities
- Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s aims and long-term strategy in furtherance of its charitable purpose
- Ensuring key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively as well as keeping abreast of changes in the Trust’s operating environment
- Monitoring the Trust’s performance against its strategic aims, operational plans and budgets
- Safeguarding and promoting the Trust’s reputation, and acting in the best interest of the Trust at all times
- Ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the Trust
- Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
- Ensuring proper arrangements are in place for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and renumeration of the CEO and they are held to account
- Contributing to regular reviews of the Trust’s own governance
- Ensuring the Trust complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use their specific skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to the Board’s decision-making, and dedicate sufficient time to carry out their responsibilities effectively. This may involve sitting on Board Committees, scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.
Trustees aim to support a specific member of the SLT based on their skills and experience or may participate in appropriate subgroups, e.g., Alumni Leadership Board, Education Advisory Group, (Development) Board meetings, etc.
Person Specification
Mission and Values
- Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage
- High level of personal and professional ethics, integrity, and accountability
- Willingness to safeguard and promote the Trust’s reputation within the wider sector
Strategy and Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to think strategically in order to provide appropriate oversight and scrutiny for the Trust’s overall activity and direction
- Ability to confidently and fairly make evidence-based decisions and constructively challenge the decisions of others if required
- Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team to provide advice, make decisions, and/or solve problems
- A commitment to personal development and a willingness to participate in regular reviews of the Board’s own performance and governance
Governance, Risk and Finance
- Understanding of the legal duties of a Trustee (or willingness to learn), including compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House regulations and commitment to the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee
- Awareness of (or willingness to learn about) financial health indicators and organisational risk management
Specialist Expertise and Experience
- A background in public affairs, civil service, think tanks, education sector organisations or senior policy or research roles in (education) charities
- Strong understanding of how UK government (at local, regional or national level) and/ or the UK education sector works
- Strong influencing and communications skills with the ability to lead discussions, provide expert advice, and influence stakeholders in a professional manner
- Good understanding of how to translate policy jargon into clear, strategic advice for the wider Trustee Board
Interviews
Applications should reach us by 10am, Monday 30th March. First round interviews will take place on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th April, and second round interviews will take place w/c 27th April or w/c 4th May. All interviews will be held at our London offices in Millbank Tower.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
GMYN is seeking to recruit new trustees with the passion and drive to move the charity forward with our recently updated strategy.
Since 2007, we have supported over 15,000 young people across Greater Manchester who face significant challenges, including those with experience of the care system, young refugees, and those with social or mental health needs. We don’t just deliver programmes; we provide a "family" and a platform for young people to have their voices heard.
Following our 2025 Trustee Skills Audit, we are entering an exciting period of new opportunities and are looking for three new trustees to join our passionate board. We are looking for individuals who share our values of compassion, creativity, courage, learning and fun.
We are specifically seeking expertise/experience in the following high-priority areas:
- Finance & Audit Trustee: To provide scrutiny of financial information, budgeting, and support our long-term financial resilience.
- Fundraising & Income Generation Trustee: To help shape our fundraising strategy, focusing on corporate partnerships, grants, and traded income.
- Digital & Communications Trustee: To lead our digital strategy, helping us amplify our brand and marketing efforts.
- Young Trustees - Please see section below on “lived experience”.
However, you do not need to be an expert in these areas to apply. We welcome applications from anyone who shares our values. We believe that a diverse board with a wide range of perspectives is what makes us strong.
The Value of Lived Experience
GMYN aims to create an inclusive welcoming environment for young people and all those who work or volunteer at GMYN or wish to join #TeamGMYN.
Whilst our staff and board of trustees are diverse in many ways, we recognise we are not fully representative of the communities that we serve, and we want to change this. We especially encourage applications from the Global Majority, people from working-class backgrounds, and disabled or neurodiverse individuals.
At GMYN, we believe young people shouldn't just be part of our programmes—they should help lead them. We are looking for new Trustees help shape our future. We strongly encourage applications from:
- Young leaders (18+) who want to make a difference in Greater Manchester.
- Experts by experience: the unique insights you have from navigating the care system, living with a disability, or being a young person in Greater Manchester today. Your first-hand knowledge helps us make better, fairer decisions.
- People who currently use, or have previously been involved in, GMYN programmes including beneficaries, volunteers or GMYN alumni.
Your personal insight and "youth voice" are just as valuable to us as professional qualifications and experience. We want our board to reflect the diverse communities and the resilient young people we serve.
Why join #TeamGMYN?
Our current trustees choose to be part of GMYN because they want to:
- Make a meaningful difference for young people facing disadvantage.
- Gain a deeper sense of purpose by contributing to a cause rooted in compassion.
- Connect with diverse people and new perspectives within the community.
- Share their own knowledge to help more young people thrive.
The commitment
We expect trustees to try and attend all meetings. We have around 5 to 6 evening trustee meetings each year (on-line and face-to-face) plus attendance at the annual strategic planning day.
In addition to this trustees are encouraged to visit our projects and participate in focused working groups as and when needed.
Person Specification
Experience of youth work is not required to be a GMYN Trustee. Neither is previous experience as a trustee.
The main qualities that we are looking for are:
- A demonstrable passion for supporting young people so that they can build a positive future for themselves.
- Commitment to regularly attend and fully engage in board meetings and be pro-active in-between meetings.
- The ability to think at a strategic level and leave the day-to-day operation of the charity to the Senior Leadership Team.
- The ability to work collaboratively with other Trustees and senior level staff.
- Curiosity and the ability to ask challenging questions when required.
- Skills and experiences that are relevant to the high-priority areas as shown above.
Guidance for applicants
If having read this information you would like to apply, we would suggest you set up a short informal chat with our Chair, Liam McDaid Jones. He can provide you with a bit more background to GMYN; where we’ve come from, and where we are heading. He can also answer any other questions you may have about the trustee role.
At GMYN, our vision is #YoungPeopleCan, and our goal is that young people are safe, heard, and capable of great things.
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 QuilomboUK
QuilomboUK is a pioneering organisation committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Through our People First philosophy, we foster workplaces where every voice is heard and valued. Join our remote team to amplify our mission through strategic, inclusive communication that drives engagement, equity, and belonging.
Role Overview
As the Specialist: Talent Communications, you will shape QuilomboUK’s narrative by designing and delivering impactful internal communications and HR marketing strategies. You’ll craft compelling messaging for talent initiatives (e.g., D&I, wellbeing, performance) and lead the creation of employee newsletters, alumni engagement, and employer branding campaigns. This role is ideal for a creative storyteller passionate about using communication as a tool for social justice and organisational change.
Key Responsibilities:
Internal Communication Strategy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive internal communication strategy that aligns with HR and business objectives, ensuring clarity, consistency, and cultural relevance.
- Partner with HR, leadership, and cross-functional teams to communicate talent priorities (e.g., DE&I goals, wellbeing programs, performance frameworks).
- Use data-driven insights to refine communication channels for maximum engagement in a remote environment.
Content Creation & Distribution
- Design and distribute monthly newsletters for professionals and alumni ambassadors, highlighting key updates, success stories, and social justice initiatives.
- Create visually engaging content (e.g., infographics, videos, podcasts) to promote talent programs, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.
- Maintain an editorial calendar to prioritise timely, mission-aligned messaging.
Talent Initiative Messaging
- Craft clear, inclusive messaging for HR campaigns (e.g., anti-racism training, mental health resources, recognition programs) to drive awareness and participation.
- Embed social justice principles into all communications, ensuring language reflects QuilomboUK’s values and amplifies marginalised voices.
- Develop toolkits for managers to cascade key messages effectively across teams.
HR Marketing & Employer Branding
- Collaborate with the Talent Acquisition team to design an HR marketing strategy that enhances QuilomboUK’s employer brand and attracts diverse talent.
- Produce content for careers pages, social media, and recruitment campaigns that highlight our culture, D&I commitments, and employee stories.
- Analyse retention and engagement metrics to refine messaging that supports talent retention.
D&I Integration
- Ensure all communications reflect QuilomboUK’s DE&I goals, using inclusive language and imagery.
- Partner with ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) to co-create content celebrating diverse identities and perspectives.
- Lead initiatives to educate employees on equity topics through targeted campaigns (e.g., cultural awareness months, disability inclusion).
Qualifications
- Experience: 3+ years in internal communications, HR marketing, or content creation, preferably in DE&I-focused or mission-driven organisations.
- Skills:
- Exceptional copywriting and storytelling abilities for diverse formats (newsletters, scripts, social media).
- Proficiency in design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and communication platforms (e.g., Google Chat).
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence leaders and collaborate across teams.
- Knowledge:
- Understanding of DE&I communication best practices and trauma-informed messaging.
- Familiarity with employer branding strategies and talent lifecycle touchpoints.
- Alignment: Passionate about QuilomboUK’s mission and the role of communication in driving equity.
Personal Attributes
- A creative visionary who balances innovation with cultural sensitivity.
- Empathetic listener who translates complex ideas into relatable, actionable content.
- Detail-oriented organiser who thrives in a fast-paced, remote environment.
- Advocate for inclusive language and accessible communication design.
Why Join QuilomboUK?
- Impact: Shape narratives that advance social justice and employee belonging.
- Creativity: Experiment with multimedia storytelling in a values-driven environment.
- Culture: Join a collaborative team where authenticity and courage are celebrated.
- Flexibility: Remote work with autonomy and opportunities for growth.
The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
Amplify voices. Ignite change. #CommunicateForJustice #PeopleFirst #InclusiveStorytelling
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!
As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2028, we are looking for committed new trustees with energy, passion and time who will continue to drive us forward.
Musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn't: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. Young Sounds is here to change this.
For nearly 30 years we've supported talented young people from low-income families, helping them to overcome financial and social barriers. Whether they're making or creating music our programmes help young musicians from across the UK to fulfil their musical potential.
Trustees are expected to engage with and support all aspects of the charity, helping to foster stakeholder relationships, representing the organisation regionally and nationally and ensuring compliance and safeguarding.
Principal responsibilities are:
- Strategy - contributing actively to the formation of strategy, the Young Sounds business plan, and evaluating the performance of the organisation against the plan.
- Oversight - ensuring that the charity is well run, efficient and compliant with the charity's Articles of Association, its policies, including safeguarding and EDI, governance codes of practice, legal responsibilities and upholding the organisation's reputation and values.
- Advocacy - advocating for the charity at all times, supporting fundraising efforts and promoting the work of the charity in the trustee's daily life.
Requirements:
Previous trustee experience is not necessary, and we welcome trustees who can bring a diversity of life experiences, cultural knowledge and expertise.
As a national charity we are keen to attract trustees from all parts of the UK, and particularly those who are based outside London and the South East.
For this round, we particularly welcome expertise in the following areas:
- EDI and CSR programmes in the creative industries
- Youth culture and content creation
- Music Hub and/or National Curriculum expertise
- Fundraising
- Contemporary music performance and production
Above all we are looking for trustees who are passionate about, and willing to advocate strongly for, giving all young people the opportunity to have a musical life, particularly those facing the most barriers. We also expect trustees to have an overarching commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Please see the Role Information Pack for full details including how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
