Application support officer volunteer roles

Role description

The Open Spaces Society, Britain's oldest conservation body, needs additional trustees to broaden our reach.If you are keen to develop strategy and policy for creating, defending, and maintaining commons, greens, and paths, and to develop new approaches to make open spaces available to all, this role is for you. 

Trustees may be co-opted by the present board, but are expected to offer themselves for election by the membership at the first available opportunity.

Working collectively, trustees have three main responsibilities. These are to:

1 set a direction for the society,

2 ensure the society’s plans are carried out appropriately,

3 ensure the society meets its legal responsibilities.

The duties of a trustee are to:

4 ensure the society complies with its articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations,

5 ensure that the society pursues its objects as defined in its articles of association,

6 ensure that the society directs its resources exclusively towards its objects,

7 in association with the general secretary, ensure that the organisation is adequately staffed, and that the staff and volunteers have appropriate support and resources to pursue organisational goals,

8 contribute actively to the board’s role of developing strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets,

9 safeguard the reputation and values of the society,

10 ensure effective and efficient administration and financial stability, 1

1 appoint the general secretary and monitor her performance,

12 act in the best interests of the society at all times.

Person specification

• Commitment to the society’s mission

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Strategic vision

• Objective and insightful judgement

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Adherence to Nolan’s seven principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).

You will welcome clients and visitors, and support the smooth running of our local office at our drop in sessions on Mondays or Thursdays (or both)

Commitment: 6 hours/week (flexible)

Receptionists are the first point of contact for clients, welcoming visitors. You’ll record client details on our computer system, explain waiting times, and help ensure the service runs smoothly. The role builds communication, IT, and teamwork skills while making a real difference in the community. Full training and expense reimbursement are provided.

What you gain: Communication skills, admin experience, confidence using IT, and full training.

You'll gain valuable transferable skills in communication, problem solving, teamwork.

Whether you are starting out, changing career, retired, or returning to work, volunteering strengthens your CV and provides practical experience.

About the board and Trustee role 

Trustees are volunteers who oversee the strategic direction of the charity and ensure its compliance with regulators and the law. They are also ambassadors for the charity; and they provide the staff team, which does the day-to-day work, with both scrutiny and support.

The full board meets quarterly. Two meetings focus on ‘business’ – approving budgets and policies, making key decisions, etc. The other two are more discursive, covering strategic issues.

We have four sub-committees: Finance Audit Investment & Risk, Impact & Income Development, Research & Policy, and Governance & People. Trustees are generally encouraged to join at least one sub-committee, which gives them more detailed insight into the charity’s work in that area. A number of trustees choose to sit on multiple sub-committees (there is no upper limit) and trustees are also welcome to attend any sub-committee, for example as a one-off, to see what happens or if they have an interest in a particular agenda item. Sub-committees also meet quarterly.

And there is usually one strategy day a year.

We currently have eight trustees on our board, with experience in public affairs, law, policing, business, research, marketing, inclusion and influencing government. We are looking to a recruit four further trustees. Our primary focus is to bring different perspectives to the board rather than skills, given that the delivery of the charity’s work is delegated to a skilled staff team. 

• One trustee with experience of research (of any type) – an attitude of curiosity, intellectual rigour and open-mindedness. 

• One trustee with professional experience of alcohol treatment (at any level) – the perspective of delivering compassionate support via treatment services, whether charity or NHS settings. 

• One trustee with experience of strategic charity finance – especially interest in weighing up long-term financial strategic choices (not month-to-month financial management: we have a finance team). 

• One trustee from any background. 

 All trustees are asked to bring a commitment to and passion for our vision, mission and values.

What we can offer 

1. Our board of trustees, and our charity as a whole, is warm and welcoming.

2. Everyone is entitled to have their views heard and we work hard to be inclusive of everyone.

3. We are well organised and professionally run.

4. We are a dynamic and fast-paced organisation, with a huge range of interesting work happening.

5. You will have opportunities for personal development and to attend a range of interesting events in your role as a trustee.

6. Finally, and most importantly, we are laser-focused on making as much difference as possible to end alcohol harm.    

Trustees’ Role Description and Person Specification 

Being a Trustee of Alcohol Change UK 

Our Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for the UK’s leading charity in the field of alcohol harm. We are a registered charity (No. 1140287) and a company limited by guarantee (No.

07462605). Our trustees are also members of the charity and directors of the company. Governance is in accordance with both charity and company law. This role description uses the term ‘trustee’ to refer to all three roles (trustee, member, director).

As well as overseeing proper governance, the Board is responsible for strategic decision-making, upholding the reputation of the charity and ensuring that it delivers on its charitable object to reduce alcohol harm. As a trustee you will share this collective responsibility and bring your personal perspectives, skills, experience and connections to bear.

This is an important time for the charity, as we are in the third year of our five-year strategy (Apr 2024 to Mar 2029). Our new trustees will play a key role in helping us deliver on this strategy and in particular navigating a major change in our financial position. 

The Duties and Responsibilities of Trustees 

Governing Documents 

Our primary governing document is the Memorandum and Articles of Association which sets out the formal duties and responsibilities of the trustees, directors and members. It is complemented by our Scheme of Delegation. We have also adopted the Code of Good Governance, and remain compliant with the rules of the Charity Commissioners and Companies House. 

General Duties and Responsibilities 

The following are general duties, based on documentation from the Charity Commission and Companies House: 

1. To act in the interests of the charity’s objects – that is, its cause and its beneficiaries. 
2. To act reasonably and prudently in all matters. 
3. To avoid personal views and prejudices affecting your decision-making. 
4. To protect – and actively promote – the property, interests and reputation of the charity. 
5. To set the strategic direction, provide strategic oversight, and make critical decisions. 
6. To always make decisions collectively as a board and in particular to actively support all board decisions (that are made in accordance with the charity’s constitution) regardless of your personal position on such decisions. 
7. To understand how the charity works, including being fully aware of the charity’s general risks and its financial position. 
8. To ensure compliance with all statutory requirements as set out by Companies House and the Charity Commission and by other relevant statutory bodies and legislation. 
9. To challenge and support the CEO and, through them, the broader staff team. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities 

The following additional duties and responsibilities have been adopted by Alcohol Change UK: 

1. To abide by Alcohol Change UK’s policies, such as those on equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding, code of conduct, conflicts of interest, GDPR, etc. 
2. To endeavour to achieve at least 75% attendance at Board meetings. In accordance with the governing documents, trustees missing three consecutive board meetings without reasonable cause will normally be asked to step down. 
3. To undertake training as required and to participate in an annual development appraisal. 
4. To join at least one of the charity’s four sub-committees. 
5. To represent Alcohol Change UK at events and to act as a positive ambassador for Alcohol Change UK amongst its key audiences. 
6. To understand and respect the boundary between governance and the operational matters that are delegated to the staff team. 
7. To respond to Alcohol Change UK correspondence in a timely manner. 

Person Specification

All trustees need the following:

1. Strong commitment to the vision, values and mission of Alcohol Change UK.
2. An ability to think strategically; that is, thinking of the big picture and the long-term, being impact-focused, and considering the relationship between internal and external factors.
3. An ability to work as part of a team, especially understanding and respecting the nature of collective decision-making.
4. Excellent communications skills, especially active listening, succinctness, clarity, positivity and tact.
5. Commitment to the 7 Nolan Principles on Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
6. Discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
7. A willingness to contribute your individual skills, perspectives, knowledge and experience without acting as representative of any particular interest.

Trustees are appointed for an initial term of three or four years, following which they may be re-elected for a second and third term of three years. 

Trustee roles are unremunerated but reasonable travel, accommodation, childcare and subsistence expenses are of course covered. 

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

We are delighted to be partnering with Activate Performing Arts (Activate), a 35-year-old arts charity that brings contemporary performance to communities and landscapes across Dorset, the UK, and Europe. Activate is known for its free-to-access outdoor arts, festivals, and touring work, driven by a belief in creativity as a public good, connecting people, place and artistic expression. Keen to continue its evolution while staying true to Activate’s core values, the organisation stands at a pivotal moment for growth and development.

Activate is now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Board and support the Artistic & Executive Director in guiding the organisation through the next phase of its development. In this role you will play a key role in shaping the upcoming 3–5-year strategy, supporting Activate prepare for its next Arts Council England National Portfolio application. As Chair, you will also act as an ambassador for Activate through opening networks, championing its work, and supporting the organisation to enhance its visibility and impact.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Prior experience as a charity trustee, ideally as Chair, Vice-Chair or committee Chair, with a solid grasp of good governance and Boards.
• Alignment with Activate’s values around free and low-cost access, landscape and nature, equity, diversity and inclusion, and environmental responsibility, with enthusiasm for thoughtful values-led innovation rather than pure commercialisation.
• Fundraising mentality with an understanding of the funding landscape
• A passion and affinity to the arts and culture sector, ideally including performing arts, festivals, arts within landscape or environmental contexts, including nature-based creativity, outdoor arts.
• Confident, inclusive chairing skills, able to bring out quieter voices, hold respectful but robust discussions, and ensure meaningful contribution from all trustees.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and a supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law.

Contract & Hours: 3-year term (renewable)

Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

Location: Hybrid, with some travel to Dorset for key meetings and events

Closing date: 25th March 2026

Interviews with Activate: w/c 13th April onwards

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by 2nd April prior to shortlist submission on 3rd April.

We are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately

Youth engagement is a core part of our how we function. We have a network of paid Young Associates as well as 2 Young Trustees (under 25 years old). We are now looking to strengthen our Governance with the appointment of another Young Trustee, ideally someone with relevant lived experience and/or has participated in Youth Careers Collective programmes.

Essential criteria

- A commitment to realising Youth Careers Collective’s mission

- Experience of effective, fair and impartial decision-making

- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the duties of effective Trusteeship

Desirable criteria

- Experience of operating at Board or Committee level, either executive or non-executive

- Experience of strategic development and implementation

- Some experience, knowledge and understanding of the charity sector

- Some experience, knowledge and understanding of state schools and colleges

- Experience of income generation, policy, marketing and communication, or digital

We do not expect applicants to have all the above experience, and welcome first-time Trustees and will provide training and support on the role. We also welcome candidates with links to our priority area of west London, those from ethnic minority and black backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve, and from candidates with disabilities.

For more information please read the full recruitment pack.

Join Street Paws as a Trustee — Shape the Future of a Charity Making Real Change

Street Paws is the charity standing up for people and pets facing homelessness, we believe in a future where homelessness never separates people and their pets, because for them a pet is a lifeline not a luxury.

Street Paws stands up for people facing homelessness because, for them a pet is a lifeline, not a luxury. We challenge the misconception that having a pet should ever be a barrier to a secure home. That is why, in partnership with Local Authorities, hostels and support services, we provide accessible veterinary care, training and advocacy – breaking down the barriers and opening doors to make pet friendly support the norm, not the exception.

We are looking for new trustees with legal, cyber security or lobbying/ campaigning expertise to join our board and play a pivotal role in protecting and strengthening the charity as we grow. By joining our Board, you will have the chance to:

Lead Strategy at a High Level

Your decisions directly shape the direction, resilience, and long‑term impact of Street Paws. You’ll help guide a charity that supports some of the most vulnerable animals and owners across the UK.

Make a Big Difference with a Small Time Commitment

We know your time is valuable. That’s why the role is designed to be flexible and manageable:

· A few hours a month, on your schedule

· Just one board meeting per quarter (around 2 hours)

· Remote participation options available

This is a meaningful way to contribute your professional expertise without taking on a heavy workload.

Build Your Board-Level Experience

Whether you’re looking to take your first step into governance or broaden your leadership portfolio, this role offers:

· Real strategic influence

· Exposure to charity governance

· A chance to work alongside passionate, skilled trustees

You’ll be part of a committed team driving forward a mission that genuinely changes lives.

WMS is looking for a treasurer trustee and director (volunteer role)

WMS is a small, award-winning charity with a bold vision! Our mission is to help people navigate through conflict towards peace. We’ve been running for over 20 years on a social enterprise model. Commercial mediators gift their time and expertise in commercial and workplace mediations, and their fees help to fund our office costs. Community mediations and conflict coaching are also delivered by volunteers.  We provide skills training in our local community, in schools across London and organisations nationwide.  We have a committed Trustee board and a part-time CEO who co-ordinates a team of skilled, experienced freelancers doing case-work, communications, projects and training.

In 2025, we directly supported just under 1,000 people. We processed 286 conflict resolution cases, achieving a 93% resolution rate, and trained over 400 adults and young people in conflict resolution skills.

Over the next three years we want to grow sustainably while maintaining our impact. We are looking for a volunteer with budgeting and forecasting expertise to join the trustee Board because our Treasurer is resigning shortly due to other commitments. 

We need a “hands on” trustee who can act as a key strategic advisor to the CEO and the Board, guiding growth, funding, and major financial decisions.  Currently there are: 

• 4 in person 2 hour evening board meetings per annum, in Clapham Junction

• 4 Zoom meetings per annum for 90 minutes over lunch time

• Annual strategy morning, usually on a Saturday in November

As we don’t have a CFO, the Treasurer also has a short monthly meeting in person or on Zoom with the CEO to discuss financial targets, budgets and forecasts. They support the CEO with the submission of statutory annual accounts and are available for ad hoc advice on financial queries which may arise.

We’d like to hear from people who are motivated by our mission to build peace in a polarized world. We need expertise and experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and accounting and a willingness to support and challenge the CEO and the Board.

Whilst a knowledge of Charity SORPS would be an advantage, we are open to applications from people who are willing to learn! 

Please send a CV and covering letter outlining your experience and why you’d like to join us.  We aim to interview in March and for the Treasurer to join us in time for the new financial year on 1 April 2026.

Make a difference where it matters most. Help save young women’s lives.

Georgia’s Voice is a suicide prevention charity providing vital mental health support to young women aged 18–25 across Cornwall. Founded in 2020 following the tragic death of 19-year-old Georgia, the charity exists to ensure that no young woman feels unheard, unsupported or alone at her most vulnerable moment.

Georgia’s Voice offers safe, compassionate and non-judgemental support through weekly groups, a welcoming drop-in hub, counselling, workshops and community-based activity. Our work is grounded in lived experience, empathy and trust, and for many young women our services are a lifeline

As the charity enters an exciting new phase, with an ambitious five-year strategy focused on strengthening impact, sustainability and reach, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair and several Trustees to help shape our future and strengthen our governance at this critical time

The Opportunity

This is a powerful opportunity to join a values-led organisation making a real and measurable difference to young women’s lives in Cornwall. We are refreshing and growing our Board to ensure it has the breadth of skills, experience and perspective needed to support the charity’s next stage of development.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who share our commitment to equality, safeguarding and lived-experience-informed practice, and who are motivated by the opportunity to contribute their skills to a cause that truly saves lives.

Chair of Trustees

Purpose of the role
The Chair will provide leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, strong decision-making and a constructive, supportive relationship with the Founder and senior team.

We are seeking someone who brings:

• Board-level experience, ideally within a charity or purpose-driven organisation
• Strong leadership, facilitation and interpersonal skills
• Confidence handling risk, complexity and sensitive issues
• A values-driven approach aligned with Georgia’s Voice’s mission

The Chair role is suited to someone able to take an active, hands-on governance role.

Trustees

We are particularly interested in Trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance or accounting
• Fundraising and income generation
• Marketing, communications or PR
• Legal, regulatory or government
• Digital and technology

We also warmly welcome applicants with lived experience relevant to our work, who can help ensure the voices of young women remain central to our governance.

Commitment and Practicalities

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, renewable up to three terms
• Time commitment is approximately one day per month (Chair slightly more)
• The Board meets four times per year, in person or online
• An annual in-person Strategy Day is also held
• Reasonable expenses are reimbursed

RC Archdiocese of Southwark
Lay Trustee Appointments
Unremunerated

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark covers the geographical area of the whole of London south of the Thames, all of Kent and the eastern parts of Surrey.  With currently 180 parishes, 171 schools and 450 employees it is one of the largest dioceses in the UK.

The Diocese Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is run by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for determining the strategic direction of the Diocese, management of the assets, the smooth running of the day-to-day administration and the legal discharge of its responsibilities.

The role of a Lay Trustee is about helping the Archdiocese achieve its ambitious vision for evangelisation and leading people to Christ, while especially promoting our diverse and vibrant communities. The Archdiocese is seeking to secure a range of skills and expertise in the appointments, which include legal, property or safeguarding. Experience within the education sector may be helpful.

In addition to the general duties and responsibilities outlined by the Charity Commission of England and Wales, Lay and Clerical Trustees collaborate to help shape the strategic vision of the charity and work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and his team focussed on key functions including education, fundraising and property management.

This will mostly be achieved through attendance at the Trustee meetings, which take place at least once a quarter. There is a minimum requirement of three meetings a year, with additional meetings for the first year.

Lay Trustees must be practicing Catholics, but they do not have to be Southwark Archdiocese parishioners.

How to apply

Application is by way of CV initially followed by a Supporting Statement, which should concentrate on motivation, credentials, experience and knowledge and be around 1,000 words max.

Expressions of interest and applications will be reviewed and progressed on a rolling basis.

Candidates taken forward to interview will be required to complete a formal declaration of eligibility to become a Trustee.

Every effort will be made to facilitate an informal visit to the Archdiocese Offices and the opportunity to meet with the Financial Secretary prior to formal interview.

This position is a Trustee role, sitting on Hidayah's board. The IT/Tech This role will oversee Hidayah’s IT infrastructure to ensure suitability and sustainability of charitable activities.

What are the responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

● To ensure Hidayah’s IT operating systems and equipment are fit for purpose

● To drive the delivery and improvement of data protection procedures, using technology to improve the operations of the charity

● To keep the website updated, refreshed and ensure plug-ins and links are valid. This will include creating new pages, updating SEO and ensuring hosting agents are compliant with GDPR

● To take the lead in evaluating IT related proposals for the Board of Trustees

● To provide strategic oversight of implementation and project manage any IT related projects

● To assist with documentation of processes and delivery of specific tech training for volunteers

● Manage and moderate the Hidayah Discord server

● Operate as Hidayah’s Google Workspace administrator

● Work with the wider Digital Team to facilitate the technical development of Hidayah as an organization

How much commitment is required? 

We are flexible around your own schedule. However, the following commitments are in place for all members of the Hidayah Board:

● To be able to attend all Trustee meetings and to deliver a comprehensive report to the Trustee each meeting with updates and to completed actions as and when they appear

● To aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary when close to Hidayah events as well as the events themselves (where possible due to geography)

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives

● To be part of a communications group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments

● To contribute toward and to maintain the administration of our file sharing system ‘Google Drive’ so it is always up to date with clear records, templates and forms

● To check emails and to respond when needed

● Enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah

● To contribute toward the Annual Report once a year

● To be in post until the next AGM

● The role is subject to a 6 months probationary period.

What do we expect from a Trustee: IT Tech Officer

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Knowledge: 

● Educated to degree level or experience which demonstrates equivalent technical role

● Knowledge of Wordpress / Frontend development skills (Currently using Breakdance for our website)

● Adept knowledge of Discord as a communications platform and server management

● Knowledge of Google Workspace

Personal Skills:

● Ability to understand confidentiality, equality and diversity and safeguarding procedures;

● Ability to respond to resolving conflict situations if needed;

● Someone who can behave with professionalism.

Administration Skills:

● To regularly check, maintain and keep up to date Hidayah administration and data handling systems such as using Google Drive to store information

● A high degree of literacy of Microsoft Office and IT Applications

● To be part of a communications text group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments and to inform the Board Members of any developments;

● To read, understand and agree with the constitution of Hidayah (available on website).

Additional:

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives.

Ensure you do not have a conflict of interest with your current role and check this prior to applying for this role.

DCF are a small, local, family-founded charity focusing on supporting children and young people's wellbeing. We provide youth groups, workshops and 121 support in schools and in the community. 

We are looking for a Finance Trustee to lead on financial oversight of the charity, set up financial controls and processes and oversee our Treasurer.  

We currently have a lack of financial oversight which impacts on grant applications and planning.  We have a need for trustees with specific skillsets so that each board member can take ownership of their areas related to the charity.  Currently our CEO has a very active role within Board meetings and would benefit from support from proactive members.

We would like to grow the Board and create processes and procedures that diversify our income and sustainability. We currently deliver services in two boroughs (Croydon and Merton) and have a 5 year plan to expand to four boroughs.  

What are we looking for?

This individual should have:

• Knowledge and experience of charity finance practices
• Professional accounting, finance or similar qualification
• Strong understanding of financial management and reporting
• Experience in establishing and setting out strategic goals and direction in organisations
• Ability to explain financial procedures to other Board members
• Experience of providing Governance to organisations 
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, and to exercise good, independent judgement.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

The role will involve:

• Supporting the Treasurer
• Providing overview of income, expenditure, reserves, balance sheet, and cashflow
• Recording transactions
• Monitoring spend for various projects
• Providing reports to the Treasurer and Board 
• Forecasting project and operational spend with CEO 
• Attending 'monthly' meetings (10 per year)
• Providing information to HMRC and Pension providers 
• Monitoring compliance with local accounting laws and regulations

What difference will you make?

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about giving back and helping our future generation of young people.  

In this vital role you will be able to offer your unique skill set to provide invaluable guidance on financial procedures and ways of streamlining processes, therefore enhancing the charity's ability to run smoothly and reach more young people.  We are looking for someone to keep us on track financially as well as helping us to formulate our vision for the future.

Before you apply

• Please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.
• Interviews will be an informal virtual chat with our CEO and then with the wider Board.

Applications are welcomed from people across the Sutton and Croydon Communities. If you live more than 30 miles from these locations, your application is likely to be unsuccessful. Board meetings are in person and on-line so being able to attend is a key part of the position.

Following the success of the 2025 Council Climate Action Scorecards last year, Climate Emergency UK is looking to create the third edition of the Action Scorecards. Analysing council climate action only becomes valuable if you track the progress that has been made. Therefore, we are looking for volunteers to assist us in managing the Freedom of Information (FOI) requests we are sending to councils to answer some of the Scorecard questions.

Why are we doing this?

We’re in a climate and ecological crisis and local councils have the power and influence over around 30% of emissions in their local area. Councils are uniquely placed to make a real impact on emissions within their area. We know that councils are listening to the Scorecards results and taking more effective action. The average score in the 2025 Action Scorecards increased by 7 percent points. The Scorecards are a campaigning tool that residents can use to hold their council to account on their climate action, and lobby for specific, targeted change. We have also found evidence of 34% councils using and referencing the Scorecards in committee meetings, reports or in their own press releases and organisations across the sector are utilising the data from the Scorecards as well. Finally, this UK wide assessment will demonstrate where the UK and devolved governments need to provide more support to local authorities in order for them to take even further action.

How can you help?

We need at least 200 volunteers to pull this project off! We are sending councils a small number of FOI requests in order to answer some of the Scorecard questions. We have already written the FOI requests, and we need volunteers to manage the FOI request responses from all 400 councils and input their answers into our Scorecards. 

What experience do I need?

We will provide training so you don’t need any experience. If you have previous experience of sending FOI requests using WhatDoTheyKnow or reading responses to FOI requests that would be useful but not necessary in order to apply.

What will I gain?

This is a great opportunity if you want to work with FOI/EIR requests in the future. As you’ll be processing a variety of FOI requests from different council types across the UK, you will gain a deep understanding of the FOI request process and strengthen your analytical skills as you read and interpret the responses. By helping with this project you will be making a real contribution to the fight against the climate crisis.

What we need from you

You will need to be available to attend the following sessions:

• Volunteer induction
  You will only need to attend an induction session on either Tuesday 19th May or Thursday 21st May 2026.

• FOI Training
  You will need to attend the training session on 26th May 2026 from 5:30-7:30pm.

Scorecard FOI requests volunteers will be carrying out crucial tasks to manage the thousands of FOI responses we will be submitting. Using WhatDoTheyKnow you will be logging whether a council has responded to an FOI request and extracting the answers to create a data set of answers that will be used to mark councils in the Scorecards. Every volunteer will be trained and supported to manage the FOI responses.

Each FOI request will take between 10-30 minutes to classify and extract responses and the more you do, the quicker you will become. This can be done flexibly according to your scheduling needs. Our core FOI volunteers should be able to give 10 hours per week for 5 weeks between 25th May 2026 and 19th June 2026. You will need access to a laptop or computer with good internet for this volunteer position in order to access WhatDoTheyKnow.

Note: We will not accept current Councillors or Officers (Parish/Town councillors/officers are free to apply). 

How it works

• You will receive training on how to use WhatDoTheyKnow and manage the FOI responses.

• You will use WhatDoTheyKnow Projects to first classify and then extract information from FOI requests as we receive responses from councils across the country. 

• You will be supported through online communication with other volunteers across the country.

• You will be supported on Slack so at any point you will be able to ask questions of CE UK staff and other volunteers. There will also be an optional weekly FOI team co-working session, where you can work with CE UK staff and other volunteers, ask questions and get to know the other volunteers.

Trustee and Chair of Trustees

Help shape the future of environmental philanthropy and strengthen funding for climate, nature and people.

Location: Remote, UK wide
Remuneration: Voluntary, unremunerated. Reasonable expenses covered
Term: Three years, renewable once
Time commitment: Approx. 8 days per year for Trustees, approx. 12 days per year for Chair
Closing date: Monday 30 March, 17:59
Interviews: From Wednesday 22 April

About the opportunity

An established and respected network within the environmental funding community is seeking a new Chair of Trustees and two additional Trustees to join its board.

This organisation works to create an effective, flourishing ecosystem of environmental philanthropy that is supporting people and the planet to thrive together. With a growing membership of funders, advisors and fundraisers, it plays a vital role in convening, connecting and strengthening the sector.

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic oversight and guidance across finance, programmes, communications and relationships. As Chair, you will lead the board, act as a line manager to the Executive Director and ensure strong governance and effective decision making.

You will bring sound judgement, a willingness to offer constructive challenge and a commitment to high standards of governance. Above all, you will share a belief in the importance of environmental action and effective philanthropy.

About the Trustee role

Trustees are responsible for ensuring:

· Clear strategic direction and delivery of charitable objectives

· Effective stewardship of resources

· Robust governance and regulatory compliance

· Thoughtful risk management

· Insight into the wider global context affecting environmental funding

We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

· Environmental funding, including international funding

· Financial and operational management

· Strategic communications and influencing

· Network coordination and development

· Philanthropy advisory or working with family offices

· Fundraising and membership models

About the Chair role

In addition to the above, the Chair will:

· Lead quarterly board meetings

· Support and line manage the Executive Director

· Ensure the board has the right balance of skills and perspectives

· Act as an ambassador and external figurehead

We are looking for prior leadership or chairing experience, strong strategic capability, an understanding of charity governance and experience engaging with funders.

Commitment

Board meetings are held online quarterly, with additional sub-committee meetings and preparation time. There is one in person team and trustee away day each year. The Chair role includes monthly meetings with the Executive Director and additional preparation responsibilities.

These are voluntary roles. Expenses are provided.

Inclusion

Diversity of background, perspective and experience strengthens governance and impact. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals from marginalised communities and those most affected by climate change and nature loss.

If you would like to play a meaningful role in strengthening environmental philanthropy at a critical time, we would welcome your application.

You may also have experience in areas such as; Non Executive Director, Board Member, Committee Member, Advisory Board Member, Charity Trustee, Foundation Trustee, Trust Director, Philanthropy Advisor, Grant Maker, Environmental Programme Lead, Director of Fundraising, Head of Partnerships, Chief Executive, or Senior Strategic Leader.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client - Not For Profit People.

What does it look like to lead a charity where community voice sits at the heart of every decision?

Down’s Syndrome Manchester (DSM) is a vibrant, member‑led charity supporting individuals with Down’s syndrome and the families, carers and professionals who walk alongside them. From the earliest days after diagnosis to the milestones of adulthood, DSM creates connection, belonging and the conditions for people to thrive.

With DSM at a pivotal point of growth and change, we’re seeking a Chair who can bring the skills and experience needed to confidently lead the charity through this exciting period of consolidation and development.

Location: Greater Manchester
Renumeration: Voluntary, with reasonable expenses covered
Time commitment: Estimated at approximately 1-2 days per month

About Down’s Syndrome Manchester
You’ll be warmly welcomed into a friendly, member‑led community that has gone through significant recent growth, under the leadership of a talented CEO. From energetic early‑years support to social groups that spark friendships, DSM is now looking to build on its support and advocacy across Greater Manchester.

DSM responds directly to what families need and empowers them to shape the charity’s future. Growing fast and full of potential, we’re now looking to further strengthen foundations and step confidently into the next chapter – guided always by member voice and experience.

About the opportunity
We’re looking for a committed Chair with a pioneering spirit, able to bring steady, compassionate and strategic leadership to a recently developed Board and a dedicated CEO.

You’ll ensure the Board is effective and focused, offer constructive support and challenge to the CEO, and help embed strong governance and decision‑making structures. Holding a strategic view while keeping DSM’s member‑led ethos always front and centre, you’ll create the space for big picture thinking and clarity as the organisation evolves.

Who are we looking for?
While previous Chair experience would certainly be an advantage, we also warmly encourage applications from experienced charity trustees or commercial board members ready to step into a bigger leadership challenge.

We’d particularly welcome people who bring:

• Experience in governance, organisational leadership or strategic oversight
• A calm, focused and relational leadership style
• A commitment to inclusion, equity and lived‑experience‑led decision making
• The ability to bring structure and accountability to a growing charity

Why this role matters
With big, bold and brave ambitions, a rapidly growing membership and an exceptional team ready to deliver, the right Chair will help ensure the charity is fighting fit for the future. You’ll futureproof the organisation to make sure it is:

• Well governed and resilient
• Values led
• Member driven
• Future ready
• Equipped for the opportunities ahead