Business administrator volunteer roles

Join our Board of Trustees

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board and contribute their skills and experience. We are particularly looking for applications from parents and carers whose children attend our Camden Square and Fairfield playcentres. 
 
The trustees are responsible for the administration of the charity, and in contributing to strategies that will future-proof the organisation and help to maintain or improve its CQC and Ofsted ratings. 

The people we’re looking for

We are particularly interested in candidates with
strengths in the following areas:

PACE is seeking to grow its board by recruiting up to 5 new trustees, including a Chair. Our
Trustees need to have the following essential qualities:

• Commitment to giving children and young people in Camden a better start in life
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Willingness to act in the best interests of the organisation
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good independent judgement and work effectively as a Board member
• Sense of humour

Knowledge and experience in:

• Inclusion and disability
• Safeguarding
• Fundraising and income generation
• Finance and compliance
• Governance
• Education, OFSTED and EYFS frameworks
• Facilities management, property and tenure
• Human resources
• Legal expertise
• Play provision

We particularly welcome applicants from an ethnic minority and those who are disabled or the parent of a disabled child, or parents of our service users, as we aim for our Board to be as representative as possible of our beneficiaries. 

Who are we: 
We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families. We take a positive and proactive disability and illness. We don't conform to society's and the media's view that disability is awful, and you have no quality of life. Although we fully acknowledge it gives rise to come of the most heartbreaking and challenging times you will ever face. We ask everyone who joins Buttons & Bubbles to embrace this perspective. If you don't agree with it, then sadly we're not the right organisation for you. 

About the role: 
 
We are looking for people to join our communications team. Helping with a variety of tasks from social media scheduling to posting job adverts to helping create policies.  

Our values: 

We embrace disability and neurodiversity; it makes us a stronger and more brilliant team. No robots at Buttons & Bubbles, thank you! 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a few individuals who may have the following skills and experience. Don't worry if you haven’t as full training will be provided.

Skillset; 

• Communication skills  

• Editing cntent  

• Scheduling content  

• Knowledge of admin programs including spreadsheets and outlook 

• Organised  

• Adaptable  

• Willing to learn and develop  

• An individual with a creative mindset 

• Thrill of building an online community. 

• Have a basic DBS check

• Positive attitude towards disability or illness 

Benefits of joining Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C:  

• Gaining valuable experience. 

• Improving your confidence 

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest. 

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Making a difference to the community 

• Makes a positive impact on people 

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills. 

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers. 

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future 

• Employment opportunities

About Circular Kitchens

Circular Kitchens is a social enterprise and membership platform designed to help restaurants, cafés, pubs, food stalls, and other catering businesses become fully circular: Plastic Free, Ecological, Local, and Zero Waste.

By working with the hospitality sector, we are helping regenerate local communities, strengthen regional food systems, and increase demand for ecological and regenerative agriculture in the UK. Our current focus is launching Circular Kitchens in Whitstable and supporting our first mover restaurants to achieve 3 Star Circular Kitchens certification. Based on learnings from this pilot, we are preparing to scale across the UK, growing our environmental and social impact.

Role Description

Circular Kitchens is seeking a volunteer to support our early-stage software platform development, with a focus on how we manage restaurant resources, pledges, and audits using Coda. We are already working with a highly-skilled volunteer who has developed a strong plan of action and who will serve as a project manager and mentor. 

This role will include working with tools such as Coda, Softr, and Mailchimp to set up automations, clean up data, and brainstorm on future platform improvements. This work supports the early foundations of a scalable platform designed to support hundreds of Circular Kitchens members over time. It is a chance to work with fantastic people, quickly see the impact of your contribution, and be a part of truly building sometihng from the ground up! 

An Ideal Candidate Will Be:

• Experienced in computer science, data science, or a related field

• Comfortable working with digital tools, databases, and information management platforms like Coda

• Excited to work on evolving, early-stage systems

• Well organised with a strong attention to detail

• Interested in digital systems, platforms, or operational design

• Curious about startups, social enterprise, and/or sustainability

This is a voluntary role with a flexible time commitment, offering the opportunity to contribute to the operational backbone of a growing social enterprise and work closely with the founding team on systems designed to have real-world impact.

To apply, please share your CV along with a short note outlining your interest, any relevant experience, and your desired time commitment.

This role will offer the opportunity to become part of the volunteer team at the Warner Textile Archive to develop practical experience in collections management working with the library and reference collection held by the Warner Textile Archive. The collection includes books, periodicals, and theses on art, history and design. This opportunity is suitable for volunteers as well as students looking to complete placements or work experience as part of their studies.

Role Description

• Catalogue at item level, following data input policies, on collections management system CollectionsIndex+ to support improved access to the library and reference collection. 

• Cross check information on Collections Index + with index cards to include all relevant historic information.

• Work alongside the Archive team and experienced volunteers to support the Archive’s daily work, including conservation and research support.

• There is an opportunity to create a short article and related social media content about your experience of working with the collection.

Further Information

Full training and support will be given on all aspects of the role. No previous experience necessary. 

We are able to facilitate a flexible work schedule based on the individual’s existing responsibilities. For a student placement, we require a minimum of 10 days to provide meaningful work experience.

Some online training on cataloguing, the history of Warner & Sons, and collections care will be required prior to the student’s start date.

The role is not remote and will require travel to Warner Textile Archive, Silks Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3GB. We have a travel bursary of up to £50 per day which is able to offer support with travel costs and £5 per day for subsistence.

Computer facilities will be provided on-site.

About the Warner Textile Archive

The Warner Textile Archive is a significant collection of design, business, economic and social history of textile manufacturing firm Warner & Sons, based in Braintree between the dates of 1870 – 2001. The Warner Textile Archive is the largest collection of an individual textile manufacturer available in the public domain in the United Kingdom. We hold over 100,000 administrative records, paper designs, trial samples, manufacturing equipment and textiles of Warner & Sons, their predecessors and successors, illustrating how furnishing textile manufacturing changed over more than 150 years. 

Essential Skills and Knowledge Required

• Excellent Microsoft Office software skills and general computer literacy, with the enthusiasm to learn new systems.

• Must be dedicated to working to a meticulous attention to detail in regards to accurate data inputting, spelling and grammar.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the willingness to work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers of different ages and backgrounds.

• Must be able to follow clear instructions and ask questions when unsure.

• This position requires moving and lifting large items.

Project Overview

This role will offer the opportunity to become part of the volunteer team at the Warner Textile Archive to support the progress of making inert conservation polyester enclosures for the paper artworks within the collection. The role will involve careful handling of historic paper artworks and creation of bespoke inert polyester enclosures to contribute to the long-term preservation of our significant collection.

Role Description

• Careful handling of fragile historic artworks ranging in date from c.1870-2000s in order to produce accurate measurements to make polyester enclosures.

• Sorting artworks by size and condition to prioritize enclosure creation.

• Measuring, cutting via guillotine, and welding polyester to make the enclosures to exact measurements and conservation standards.

• Ensuring artworks go back into the correct locations after enclosures are made.

• Working with the team on any emergency enclosure requirements for vulnerable items.

Further Information

Full training and support will be given on all aspects of the role. No previous experience necessary. 

We are able to facilitate a flexible work schedule based on the volunteer’s existing responsibilities and deadlines. We require a minimum of ten days commitment to offer training, and to provide a meaningful work experience. A longer time period is preferable. 

Some online training on the history of Warner & Sons and collections care will be required prior to the volunteer’s start date.

The role is not remote and will require travel to Warner Textile Archive, Silks Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3GB. We have a travel bursary of up to £50 per day which is able to offer support with travel costs, and £5 per day for subsistence.

About the Warner Textile Archive

The Warner Textile Archive is a significant collection of design, business, economic and social history of textile manufacturing firm Warner & Sons, based in Braintree between the dates of 1870 – 2001. The Warner Textile Archive is the largest collection of an individual textile manufacturer available in the public domain in the United Kingdom. We hold over 100,000 administrative records, paper designs, trial samples, manufacturing equipment and textiles of Warner & Sons, their predecessors and successors, illustrating how furnishing textile manufacturing changed over more than 150 years.

Essential Skills and Knowledge Required

• Excellent spatial awareness and practical making skills which require attention to detail such as a background in pattern cutting, dress making or technical drawing.

• Interest in solving visual and spatial puzzles to limit wastage of materials.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the willingness to work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers of different ages and backgrounds.

• Must be able to follow clear instructions and ask questions when unsure.

• This position requires moving and lifting large items.

The Role

As a Flyer Distributor you will play a crucial role in helping to raise awareness about our services and events within the Enfield community. You will be responsible for disseminating promotional materials such as flyers, brochures, and event announcements to various locations within the Enfield area.

• Distribute promotional materials provided by Age UK Enfield to designated locations across the Enfield area. This may include community centers, libraries, local businesses, healthcare facilities, and other relevant locations.
• Engage with members of the public in a friendly and courteous manner while distributing flyers. Answer any questions they may have about Age UK Enfield's services and provide basic information about upcoming events or initiatives.
• Keep accurate records of the locations visited and the quantity of promotional materials distributed. Report back to the supervisor on to provide updates on distribution progress.
• Act as an ambassador for Age UK Enfield by promoting the organisation's mission, values, and services to the community. Help to increase brand recognition and visibility within the local area.

General Key Skills:

• Ability to work independently without constant supervision.
• Comfortable with walking and standing for long periods in various weather conditions.
• Maintaining professionalism and addressing public inquiries effectively.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, with a strong sense of responsibility.

Time Commitment

2-4 hours Between 10 am - 2 pm (there are other volunteer opportunities available)

Requirements

A DBS Enhanced check will be required. Training to be provided around safeguarding.

Other Information

Please note: It is a unpaid position however travel costs and other volunteering expenses will be covered.

Could your fundraising expertise help save lives?

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is looking for a Trustee with senior fundraising, supporter engagement and income generation experience to join our Board.

This voluntary role is an opportunity to use your expertise to help shape the future of a life-saving charity. As a Trustee, you'll provide strategic oversight, constructive challenge and specialist governance, helping to ensure we can continue delivering critical care to people across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man.

You won't be involved in delivering fundraising activity day to day. Instead, you'll work alongside fellow Trustees to scrutinise strategy, monitor performance, oversee risk and ensure our fundraising remains ethical, effective and aligned with our mission.

We're particularly interested in hearing from people with senior experience in fundraising, development, external engagement or income generation within the charity, social enterprise, public benefit or purpose-led sectors.

You will bring experience in:

· Fundraising strategy and income diversification

· Donor stewardship, supporter journeys and campaign planning

· Fundraising governance, compliance and ethical practice

· Board-level thinking, constructive challenge and sound judgement

· Building relationships and acting as an ambassador for a mission-led organisation

You will also share our mission, values, equity, diversity and inclusion, and Nolan’s seven principles of public life.

Time commitment

The Board meets at least four times a year, plus a strategy day. Trustees are encouraged to sit on two Board Committees, with additional contact usually taking place by email, telephone or Microsoft Teams.

Interested?

If you are passionate about using your fundraising expertise to make a meaningful difference, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 28th August 2026

Guardian Light Foundation

Location: Remote
Commitment: Flexible – approx. 20 hours per month
Role Type: Volunteer
Reports to: Board of directors

�� About Guardian Light Foundation

Guardian Light Foundation exists to protect, support, and empower children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and extreme hardship.

Many of the individuals we serve are navigating complex legal situations while already dealing with trauma, fear, and instability. Access to safe, ethical, and compassionate legal advice can be life-changing — and that’s where you come in.

⚖️ About the Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Solicitor with experience in family law, safeguarding, or domestic abuse-related legal matters to provide initial legal guidance, signposting, and referrals to vulnerable individuals supported by Guardian Light Foundation.

This role is advisory and supportive, not high-volume casework. Your expertise will help people understand their rights, options, and next steps at critical moments in their lives.

�� Focus Areas

�� Children’s Arrangements

• Custody and contact arrangements

• Child safeguarding concerns

• Schooling and parental responsibility guidance

• Early advice on family court processes

��️ Domestic Violence Injunctions

• Non-molestation orders

• Occupation orders

• Restraining orders

• Emergency protection guidance and referrals

��‍�� Single-Parent Legal Support

• Family court guidance

• Child maintenance advice

• Housing rights and homelessness-related legal signposting

• Referrals to specialist legal services where appropriate

�� What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing initial legal advice and guidance (not ongoing representation)

• Supporting safeguarding decisions where legal insight is required

• Advising on urgent legal options in high-risk situations

• Signposting individuals to appropriate external legal services

• Working closely with GLF’s safeguarding and support teams

• Maintaining clear professional boundaries and ethical practice

��️ Safeguarding & Compliance

Because this role supports vulnerable individuals:

• An Enhanced Volunteer DBS Check is required

• DBS checks are conducted via our trusted partner Serve (Rushden)

• All work must align with GLF’s safeguarding policies

• Confidentiality and GDPR compliance are essential

�� Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Qualified UK Solicitor (or equivalent legal professional)

• Experience in family law, domestic abuse, or child safeguarding

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice

• Ability to explain legal concepts clearly and compassionately

• Commitment to ethical and client-centred practice

• Solicitor must hold - Their own Professional Indemnity Insurance and/or Public Liability Insurance cover

Desirable:

• Experience working with charities or vulnerable populations

• Knowledge of housing or homelessness law

• Familiarity with referral pathways and support services

�� Who We’re Looking For

You are someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for protecting children and families

• Believes access to justice should never depend on income

• Can balance professionalism with empathy

• Understands the emotional impact of legal uncertainty

• Wants to use their expertise to create real social impact

⏰ Time Commitment

• Approx. 20 hours per month

• Flexible scheduling

• Fully remote

�� What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact

• Professional fulfilment through purpose-led legal work

• Recognition and appreciation within a growing social enterprise

• Networking with professionals across counselling, housing, and social care

• Opportunity to join an Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the organisation grows

As Treasurer, you'll be the guardian of our wonderful theatre's finances. It'll be your job to keep the committee updated on the theatre's financial affairs. You'll have a full understanding of the Bookkeeper's role, and oversee their work - or, if you wish, you may volunteer for that role too (details available on request). As Treasurer, you'll prepare an annual budget for the theatre, then manage and track progress, producing quarterly reports on actual income and expenditure vs budget. You'll then produce annual accounts for presentation to the independent examiner, and the wider membership at the AGM. The role requires around 25 hours per month of your time, plus an additional commitment at year end. You'll join the board of trustees, which entails a DBS check, and you'll attend monthly committee meetings, in which you'll have the opportunity to contribute to the general running of the theatre.

Training

Over the course of several months, you'll receive a comprehensive handover from the existing Treasurer. At first, you'll shadow them to gain a full understanding of what's required, then they'll shadow you, offering as much support as you need until you're ready to take the reins.

Skills

You'll have a love of numbers (and spreadsheets!), a forensic attention to detail, and great organisational skills. You'll be good at presenting data to people who aren't as mathsy as you, and keen to join a team of friendly, passionate volunteers. This role will be a great fit for a trainee accountant looking for experience, a retiree with bookkeeping or accounting skills, or a self-proclaimed maths geek with time to spare, and a desire to be part of a wonderful community of people.

OVERALL PURPOSE

Overall Responsibility for Co-ordinating the service delivery and impact measurement of a chosen WFRC Project on a day-to-day basis.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be instrumental in the growth and development of a fast-growing women & children’s charity. We are looking for someone to be an integral part of our team by ‘masterminding’ all aspects of running a chosen community project.

With your positive approach, you will enjoy working proactively and have the ability to juggle multiple tasks and respond to the day to day needs of the programme. You will be a confident communicator with the ability to build rapport and get conversations going with a wide range of people. You will lead and coordinate a team of volunteers in the implementation and provision of a responsive, high quality and service user-focused project. Please note that this is an unpaid voluntary role, however, volunteer expenses will be covered for the right candidate.

 OPERATIONAL TASKS

Project Implementation & Delivery:

· Collaborate with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.

· Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and resource allocations to guide project execution.

· Lead project team and facilitate effective communication and collaboration among team members.

· Assign tasks, set priorities, and ensure that project milestones and deadlines are met.

· Identify potential risks and obstacles to project success and develop mitigation strategies.

· Coordinate the allocation of resources, including budget, personnel, and materials, to support project activities.

· Optimise resource utilisation and identify opportunities for cost savings or efficiencies.

· Communicate project status, updates, and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.

· Establish and implement quality assurance processes to ensure that project deliverables meet established standards and requirements.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, including project plans, schedules, budgets, and reports.

· Prepare and present project status reports, dashboards, and presentations to senior management and stakeholders.

 Volunteer Management:

®  To oversee recruitment, induction and training of all new project volunteers.

®  To supervise, performance manage, appraise and support the professional development of project volunteers.

®  To communicate regularly with volunteers via phone, emails, and other means of communication.

®  To manage and authorize volunteer expenses.

®  To recognize and appreciate volunteers’ efforts.

Evaluation, Monitoring & Performance:

® To set up monitoring and evaluation systems and ensure volunteer compliance.

® To produce quarterly and ad hoc performance reports.

® To monitor performance regularly, taking action where under-performance is identified in liaison with management.

Personnel & Training & Communication:

® To identify training needs and undertake "in-house" and external training as requested and approved by line manager.

® To develop one’s own professional growth with input from line manager.

SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Essential Skills & Experience:

· Strong understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.

· Excellent written & verbal communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

· Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a proactive and results-oriented mindset.

· Experience in the non-profit sector or with social impact projects is preferred but not required.

· Strong office administration skills, with experience in overseeing office operations.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access).

This role will offer the opportunity to become part of the volunteer team at the Warner Textile Archive to gain practical experience in collections management. Volunteers will be responsible for assessing hand-painted paper artworks depicting patterns that were translated into printed or woven textiles by Warner & Sons during the period of c.1870s-2000s. The project involves evaluating existing data regarding specific items and cataloguing these pieces, alongside photographic digitisation, and making inert conservation polyester enclosures to protect the designs. This opportunity is suitable for volunteers as well as students looking to complete placements or work experience as part of their studies.

Role Description

• Catalogue at item level, following data input policies, on collections management system CollectionsIndex+ paper designs held within the collection to support improved access. Improve catalogue records to internal and international standards for the paper designs, including creating descriptions, checking locations, adding keywords and manufacturing numbers, as well as information on weave structure and design where possible, materials, colour. Record details on object condition where necessary.

• Cross check information on Collections Index + with index cards to include all relevant historic information.

• Take photographs of catalogued items and name image files within our policy structure. Upload to Collections Index+ records.

• Using our conservation polyester welding machine, create bespoke sized enclosures for designs to repack to conservation standards.

• There is an opportunity to create a short article and related social media content about your experience of working with the collection.

Further Information

Full training and support will be given on all aspects of the role. No previous experience necessary. 

We are able to facilitate a flexible work schedule based on the individual’s existing responsibilities. For a student placement, we require a minimum of 10 days to provide meaningful work experience.

Some online training on cataloguing, the history of Warner & Sons, and collections care will be required prior to the volunteer’s start date.

The role is not remote and will require travel to Warner Textile Archive, Silks Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3GB. We have a travel bursary of up to £50 per day which is able to offer support with travel costs and £5 per day for subsistence.

Computer facilities will be provided on-site.

About the Warner Textile Archive

The Warner Textile Archive is a significant collection of design, business, economic and social history of textile manufacturing firm Warner & Sons, based in Braintree between the dates of 1870 – 2001. The Warner Textile Archive is the largest collection of an individual textile manufacturer available in the public domain in the United Kingdom. We hold over 100,000 administrative records, paper designs, trial samples, manufacturing equipment and textiles of Warner & Sons, their predecessors and successors, illustrating how furnishing textile manufacturing changed over more than 150 years. 

Essential Skills and Knowledge Required

• Excellent Microsoft Office software skills and general computer literacy, with the enthusiasm to learn new systems.

• Must be dedicated to working to a meticulous attention to detail in regards to accurate data inputting, spelling and grammar.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the willingness to work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers of different ages and backgrounds.

• Must be able to follow clear instructions and ask questions when unsure.

• This position requires moving and lifting large items.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 6 September 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 7 and 18 September 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 8 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 15 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 22 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 12 November 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Who we are

The Humane League UK (THL UK) is dedicated to ending the abuse of animals raised for food by influencing the policies of leading food companies, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, and encouraging individuals to take action. We are part of a global network of organisations working to create a future where all animals are treated with respect and compassion.

Thanks to our effectiveness, The Humane League has been named Top Charity by the independent evaluator Animal Charity Evaluators for every rating period since 2012.

THL UK is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to furthering equity and inclusion, and we value diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds who will bring a fresh perspective to the team, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer, demonstrating our commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, based on their skills and talent.

The Position

We are seeking two new Trustees to add to the current Board of four voluntary members.

Board members (trustees) of THL UK are responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring strong governance, and safeguarding the organisation’s mission, values, and financial sustainability.

This is a voluntary position, and trustees are expected to act in the best interests of the charity and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
 

Whether you are an experienced charity trustee or looking for your first board position; if you believe you can share our commitment for ending the abuse of animals raised for food and have the qualities, knowledge and experience we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you.

For full details about the role of trustees please view our information pack which you can find in the application resources below.

If you would like to watch a recording of our recent webinar where we discussed the role in more detail, you can view this by following the link to our website.

Person specification and requirements for this role

While specific experience in animal protection is not essential, all Board members must:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the aims and values of THL UK.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

• Bring a strategic mindset and the ability to make well-reasoned, independent decisions.

• Be able to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust, and contribute positively to collaborative team working.

• Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

• Be committed to moving forward with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices.

Specialist Expertise Sought

In addition to the general requirements above, we are particularly seeking candidates who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Charity Governance

• In-depth knowledge of charity governance best practice, preferably gained through prior trustee, board, or senior charity leadership experience.

• Understanding of regulatory compliance and governance frameworks for UK charities.

• Legal skills relating to charity law, contracts, risk management, or related fields (desirable).

2. Charity Fundraising

Experience and understanding of charity fundraising, with particular relevance to EA-aligned funding environments.

• Knowledge of charity fundraising principles, governance considerations, and ethical fundraising practice.

• Understanding of the Effective Altruism funding landscape, including grant-making bodies, donor expectations, and impact-led funding criteria.

• Experience supporting or advising on grant applications, funder relationships, and individual donor stewardship.

3. Farmed Animal Campaigning

Knowledge of campaigning and advocacy within animal protection movements, with a particular focus on farmed animals.

• Understanding of the strategic landscape of farmed animal protection, including corporate campaigns, legislative advocacy, public engagement, and movement priorities.

• Experience of designing, advising on, or evaluating campaigns that seek measurable improvements for farmed animals.

• Awareness of the wider animal protection movement, including key organisations, campaign tactics, risks, and opportunities for collaboration.

• Scientific or veterinarian understanding and experience with farmed animals (desirable).

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and with a range of perspectives. Having reviewed existing Trustees' diversity we would particularly welcome applications from ethnic minorities, disabled people and marginalised groups.

Where candidates bring similar skills and experience, we may take lived experience or background into account to help us build a more representative and inclusive board.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance.

• Ensure that THL UK complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Oversee the financial health of the charity, approving annual budgets and monitoring financial performance.

• Champion the fundraising work of THL UK in various ways–for example by introducing new donors from your network, actively promoting THL UK’s fundraising initiatives (like our end of year appeal), or by donating directly if you have the means to do so.

• Protect and promote the charity’s values, reputation, and effectiveness.

• Support and challenge the executive team to achieve the organisation’s objectives.

• Act as an ambassador for THL UK, promoting its work to stakeholders and the public.

• Participate in Board meetings (typically four per year) and occasional sub-committee meetings, as well as contributing advice and guidance outside formal meetings when required.

Key competencies

• Strategic thinker: Looks at consequences, implications, interdependencies, and indirect effects, all in both the short and longer term. Looks beyond the immediate goal or issue and with the greater context, not just the content of the moment. Is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations.

• Problem solver: Identifies issues, effectively structures problems, analyses information to produce insights and generates wise, actionable recommendations. A forward-looking thinker who anticipates the needs of the organisation.

• Effective: Strategically able to focus our energy, resources and talent toward impactful actions that will reduce, and ultimately end, the abuse of animals for food.

• Communication and strong interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust and can adapt to different tones and styles and be able to engage with people from all walks of life.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 6 September 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 7 and 18 September 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 8 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 15 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 22 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 12 November 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.