Business advisor volunteer roles

We're looking for new Board Members who are interested in making a real difference to the future of Graeae.

A pivotal member who is recruited for their specialist skills or knowledge and because they are representative of those with a stake or interest in Graeae’s work. In law, Trustees of Graeae have three particular duties – compliance, care and prudence – which are set out in the recruitment pack.

We are interested in hearing from Deaf, Disabled and neurodivergent individuals and looking to recruit 3-4 people with experience in one or more of the following:

• Financial management
• Law
• Producing (commercial and subsidised sectors)
• Business planning and management
• Equity, diversity and inclusion
• Delivering digital projects
• Fundraising
• HR

Being a Graeae Board Member can be stimulating, challenging and rewarding. It offers the chance to work with a dedicated, committed, resourceful and professional group of people (staff team, Board and advisers) in an innovative and challenging environment.

Settle Stories is recruiting a new Chair of the Board and up to five Trustees, as several long-serving trustees reach the natural end of their terms after years of outstanding service.

Who We Are

A world where every voice, empowered by story, helps build our shared future.

Settle Stories is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation based in the Yorkshire Dales. Since 2010, we have used the power of story to educate, to empower, and to endure. We have reached over 200,000 people across 44 countries and 6 continents. We pioneered hybrid live-streaming for storytelling events in 2019, a year before the pandemic made it necessary. In 2025, funded by the British Council, we collaborated with Msitu Wa Ndoto to broadcast live performances from Africa's oldest burial site, a 76,000-year-old cave in Kenya, connecting artists from the UK and Kenya to audiences worldwide. We are now looking to expand this work, broadcasting from unusual and culturally significant places across the globe.

In schools, our Stories for Schools platform brings the nation's finest storytellers into classrooms through filmed content aligned to the national curriculum. The Storyful Way, our mindfulness-integrated storytelling methodology, is validated by Sheffield Hallam University for its outcomes in emotional well-being and resilience. Judges for our annual Children's Story Competition have included Sir Michael Morpurgo, Joanne Harris MBE, and Anne Fine. Closer to home, Settle itself sits at the heart of everything we do: for 15 years we have preserved the stories of the Yorkshire Dales through oral history projects, heritage archives, and the world's first Listening Gallery, housed in a phone box, keeping local voices alive for future generations.

We have a strong and committed Board, and several trustees have stayed well beyond their original terms. That is a testament to the organisation. In line with good practice, the time has come to bring in fresh voices.

Our current Chair has served two distinguished terms, steering Settle Stories through the pandemic and into its strongest ever position. The organisation is well placed for Arts Council England's next NPO round and the opportunities ahead.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Chair and Trustees who share our values and our passion for the power of story. We are also keen to hear from individuals who would welcome supporting us in a specific area on an advisory basis.

What we are looking for

We are recruiting for Trustee roles and, for those who cannot commit to a Board seat, non-voting Advisor positions. 

Applications for both roles are particularly welcomed from women, those from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and Person of Colour) backgrounds, and from those based in Yorkshire and the North. 

All Trustees must:

• Have an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

• Be confident to work digitally using Zoom/GMeet and shared docs.

• Have strong networks and the willingness to build and share them.

• Exercise good, independent judgment.

• Have the ability to think creatively.

• Have a willingness to speak their mind.

• Have the ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

• Adhere to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, 

accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

We are seeking Trustee candidates with one or more of the following:

• arts practice - people with working experience of the cultural sector from a practitioner and/or manager perspective;

• business skills - commercial experience in earned income growth, B2B sales, or scaling subscription or digital products.

• digital expertise – specifically including:

  • web design and user interfacing (UX/UI);

  • digital security and infrastructure;

  • digital marketing/performance marketing;

• HR and people development - strategic people leadership: organisational culture, equality and inclusion, workforce development.

• finance, legal, and governance experience - commercial finance, charity law or governance, with experience of mixed-income organisations.

Advisors should:

• Be able to demonstrate a high level of skill in one of the areas listed above, and be willing to support the Chief Executive and her team whenever advice or views on service delivery and development is needed. An understanding of Charity Commission requirements is also desirable.

Being an advisor is a flexible arrangement between the charity and the individual.  The length of the term will be agreed on an individual basis.

The Chair role

We are looking for a committed individual who has a passion for story and literacy.

• the skills and time to be able to lead a medium-sized Board effectively and efficiently within the legal and best practice guidance set out by the Charity Commission; 

• the skills and time to provide regular support (remotely and in person) to the CEO and staff team at Settle Stories; 

• An understanding of the issues facing small, ambitious charities, and specifically cultural/arts council-funded charities.

Our client is a national movement, bringing together community foundations across the UK, connecting philanthropy with local knowledge to strengthen communities and improve lives. 

Through 47 accredited community foundations covering every postcode of the UK, the network has distributed more than £2 billion to grassroots organisations and local causes over the last fifty years, creating significant impact where it is most needed.  

We are now seeking an outstanding new Chair to lead the Board of at a pivotal moment. 

Chair  
UK-wide, Access to London   
Voluntary, expenses paid  

With a new 2026–2030 strategy, increasing national relevance, and growing opportunities to influence philanthropy, policy and place-based giving, this is a rare opportunity to help shape how capital, leadership and trust reach communities across the country.  

Working closely with the Chief Executive, the Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, champion the organisation externally, and help strengthen their impact, profile and partnerships.  

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who bring:  

• Significant senior leadership experience in business, philanthropy, the public sector or civil society   

• Strong networks and the credibility to convene senior stakeholders   

• Board or chairing experience, with sound governance judgement   

• Strategic insight and the ability to support and challenge constructively   

• A strong commitment to equity, opportunity and thriving communities   

We are keen to engage with accomplished leaders who share the organisation’s mission and values, and who would like to influence philanthropy nationally and locally across the UK.  

We welcome a broad range of perspectives and lived experience to our Board, and warmly welcome applications from individuals from backgrounds typically underrepresented at board level.  

The time commitment is approximately three days per month with an initial term of three years, renewable once.  

For further information, to access the appointment brief and to apply to this role, please visit the Prospectus website.

If you have any queries or wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Tammy Stewart 

 
Recruitment Timetable 
Deadline for applicationsTuesday 2nd June 2026 
Interviews with Prospectus:w/c 8th June 2026 
Engagement sessions with stakeholders:w/c 15thJune 2026 
Interviews with the organisation:22nd June 2026 

What Will You Be Doing?

As a Trustee of Autism Together, you can make a very real difference to the lives of the people we support.

The Board is looking to add to the existing Trustee team, to support Autism Together with its ideas for growth and implementation of its ongoing strategic business plan. As a new Trustee, you can play a pivotal role in driving new pathways to grow our charity and further improve support for the people in our care.

Successful applicants will be joining the board of one of the UK's leading specialist service providers, a charitable organisation which directly supports over 400 autistic adults, through a workforce of more than 900 staff.

Founded in Wirral, Merseyside, in 1968 by a group of pioneering parents, today the charity ranks among the top 1,500 charities by turnover in the UK.

Autism Together is a complex, stimulating, award-winning organisation with an annual income of over £33m and a substantial property portfolio. The charity provides Residential care, Supported Living, Day Services, specialist autism training, and offers advice and support to families across the region.

The organisation manages two farms, an expansive woodland, three cafés, and a rock band led by people the charity supports.

As a charity, our mission is to help autistic people develop to their full potential, and to educate and develop their community around them.

Our Charity Values Are:

• To promote positive communication.
• Be person-centred.
• Promote learning.
• Be respectful.
• Enhance community connection.

Autism affects everyone differently, so we work with each individual to help them overcome the difficulties the condition presents them with, helping them to lead a more active, creative, and fulfilling life.

As a Trustee, you will help us to maintain our missions, values, and ethos as we work towards our strategic goals.

What Are We Looking For?
We are seeking Trustees who will bring relevant skills and experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Community-led development and action.
• Financial management.
• Legal and HR experience in the field of commercial and charity law.
• Communications experience.
• IT and governance structures.
• Property and Estates.
• Governance and/or knowledge of quality assurance.

Beyond technical and strategic abilities, we are looking for individuals who are committed to our mission and values, with strong interpersonal skills to constructively challenge the Board and the Executives in the best interests of the people we support.

Joining the Board of a leading national provider of services to autistic people, you will work alongside the current Board of Trustees and the Executive Team to provide a sector-leading service to propel the organisation into a bright, secure and successful future, supporting autistic people and their families to live rich and fulfilling lives.

We look forward to hearing from you.

What Difference Will You Make?

This is an exciting time to be joining our organisation, as we start to see the fruits of our ongoing strategic business plan and continue to expand our portfolio of estates.

This Trustee position is key to supporting the governance of Autism Together, helping guide the organisation in the right direction, while giving our staff the tools and opportunities to provide the best possible care for the people we support.

The Board plays a key role in the running of Autism Together. It sets out the organisational strategy and is responsible for agreeing the direction and values of the charity, while overseeing the finances and managing risk.

With the recent appointment of a new interim CEO, it is an important time for our Trustees to support our existing plans for growth, while looking towards the future of our charity. We need individuals who can offer professional and practical experience, in order to bolster our Board as they undertake key governance decisions in the best interests of the organisation.

Our Trustees contribute significantly to the strategic planning and direction of Autism Together and successful candidates will need to demonstrate experience in governance and good communication, while conforming to our Trustee Code.

The Board recognises that diversity of Trustees is vital if we are to operate with excellence, and we warmly welcome applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Trustees are expected to attend 8 board meetings per year, become actively involved in at least one quarterly sub-committee, and to familiarise themselves with all aspects of the charity's work.

Interested in the Position?

Please apply via this site, letting us know why you wish to become a trustee of Autism Together and what skills you believe you will bring to this position.

All applications will considered by the Board’s Nominations Committee. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted for an informal chat with a trustee, the CEO or a member of the Executive Team and a visit to view some of our facilities to gain a better understanding of the services. Following this, a mutually convenient date for interview will be arranged.

The Treasurer is a key officer of the Board of Trustees, providing strategic financial leadership and oversight. The role ensures the Charity’s financial sustainability, compliance with statutory and funder requirements, and effective financial governance, enabling the organisation to deliver its mission and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to the development and oversight of the Charity’s strategy, with particular focus on financial sustainability and resource planning.
• Advise the Board on financial risks, opportunities, and the implications of strategic decisions.

Financial Oversight

• Ensure the Board receives timely, accurate, and meaningful financial information, including budgets, forecasts, management accounts, and annual accounts.
• Provide assurance that financial reporting complies with regulatory, statutory, and funder requirements.
• Oversee financial controls, policies, and procedures in line with the Charity’s scheme of delegation.
• Oversee the appointment and performance of external auditors and financial advisors.
• Work in close partnership with the Director of Finance to support effective financial management.

Assets, Reserves and Investments

• Ensure appropriate reserves and investment policies are in place and reviewed regularly.
• Monitor investment performance and advise the Board accordingly.
• Ensure the Charity’s assets and equipment are properly maintained, protected, and accounted for.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure the Board understands and fulfils its financial duties and legal responsibilities.
• Lead regular reviews of financial policies, procedures, and the scheme of delegation.
• Chair the Finance and Governance Sub-Committee and report to the Board.

General Trustee Responsibilities

• Contribute to the Board’s strategic leadership, policy setting, and performance monitoring.
• Ensure the Charity’s resources are applied solely in pursuit of its charitable objectives.
• Safeguard the Charity’s reputation, values, and financial stability.
• Act collectively and responsibly as a Trustee, including declaring and managing conflicts of interest.
• Attend and prepare for Board and sub-committee meetings and participate in additional activities as required.

Skills and Experience

• Financial or commercial expertise sufficient to provide strategic financial oversight (professional qualification desirable but not essential).
• Experience of financial management, governance, or risk oversight.
• Ability to scrutinise financial information, ask constructive challenge, and communicate clearly with both financial and non-financial colleagues.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the Charity.       

Finance Trustee - Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is seeking a trustee with financial experience to help shape the future of our high-performing advice charity.

With offices in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford, plus outreach centres across the region, we support a population of 225,000 people. Last year, we helped 14,000 clients with 60,000 issues and secured over £7 million of additional income for them. We are here for everyone to help people move on with their lives.

As a trustee, you will join a well-known, respected charity, influence strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to meaningful change. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with other professional, dedicated trustees, gain valuable experience, build on your leadership and strategy skills, and increase your employability. Previous Board experience would be an advantage, but is not essential.

You will guide the Board and the Chief Executive Officer on the key assumptions and financial implications of budgets and plans. You will use your financial knowledge and understanding to oversee the financial management of the charity and advise the Board.

You will monitor the charity’s financial performance and support the CEO and financial team in areas such as budgeting, clear and accurate financial reporting and financial compliance. This is an opportunity for you to:

· join a respected national charity

· make a positive impact for people in your local area, and

· gain valuable board experience and build leadership and strategy skills.

The time commitment is four in-person Board meetings and four or five remote committee meetings a year, a Board Away Day and an involvement of 1-2 days per month with the Finance Team. 

What do you need to become a trustee?

Trustees don’t need specific qualifications, but we expect all trustees to have 
six core skills: 

● Insight into the organisation: considering CASL’s objects and its public 
benefit strategically 
● Challenging constructively: clarifying facts; stimulating thought 
● Analysing issues: being objective; evaluating risks; using evidence; 
planning ahead 
● Weighing up opinions: using evidence; balancing long- and short-term; 
prioritising value 
● Interpersonal skills: communicating clearly; listening actively; 
supporting a healthy culture, and 
● Confidence and self-awareness: collaborating with others; treating 
everyone with respect.

In addition, as Finance Trustee you will need:

● financial literacy, including experience of creating and managing 
budgets 
● ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly, and 
● strong analytical skills. 

For this role, we also value:

● experience of working in finance, accounting and/or audit 
● experience in charity finance, SORP, or nonprofit financial management 
● familiarity with financial software, and/or 
● experience of Board or committee work.

Finally, competent trustees should have these six personal qualities to some 
extent, and demonstrate them in their behaviours: 

● Committed - motivated, dedicated, persevering; plays an active role. 
● Responsible - accountable, independent, reliable; accepts collective 
responsibility. 
● Trustworthy - ethical, principled; is a critical friend and focuses on 
continuous improvement. 
● Collaborative - team-oriented, approachable; builds relationships and 
seeks consensus. 
● Confident - independent; contributes constructively and expresses 
opinions courageously. 
● Thoughtful - curious, adaptable, open-minded; appropriately challenges 
the status quo. 

Welcome and Reception Support Volunteer

Bilingual / Multilingual

As a Welcome and Reception support volunteer, you will be an invaluable part of the Manchester Hub team, supporting the hub to deliver vital frontline services. You'll be the first point of contact for clients and visitors, assisting the administration team with reception duties, and supporting the operation of the Shelter office in their day-to-day business 

You’ll act as the first point of contact for our clients, help to understand their needs and help them access necessary support through the duty or appointment services. Being a positive presence in hubs to ensure visitors feel comfortable and welcomed.

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to the individuals we support. You’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to support local people with a range of housing issues as well as providing practical support with form filling and providing a friendly, listening ear. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community. 

Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per week (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Shelter Manchester Hub, Unit 3, Great North Tower, 5 Watson St, Manchester M3 4EE 

Supervised by: Office Administrator

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.

As a Welcome and Reception Support Volunteer, you’ll be supporting the day-to-day work of Shelter’s housing advisors as they provide advice, support and guidance to the people visiting the Manchester Hub. 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Main Tasks include 

• Cover reception and greeting people who come to the office. 

• Communicating with clients via phone and email to share updates on their case and to gather information. 

• Assisting clients with form filling, paperwork and applications around housing and benefits. 

• Supporting clients with digital skills, for example navigating online systems and forms. 

• Signposting clients to relevant services and providing useful information. 

• General administrative tasks (e.g. minute-taking, photocopying, scanning, and filing). 

Skills and experience required 

• Fluent in English and one of the following languages: Urdu, Arabic, Tigrinya, Kurdish Sorani 

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to understand the needs of our clients 

• Interest in social welfare law, e.g. housing; welfare benefits; debt; community care 

• The ability to work as part of a team and value and communicate effectively with others

• Confident using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel and PDF documents to a good standard 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, confidentiality & data protection 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide an induction into your role.  

• Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

• Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills. 

Next steps 

Please complete an online application for this role.

Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Please note, upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and undergo a basic DBS check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information. 

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

 Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our collection box fundraising volunteers help our volunteer groups raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

 What we need from you

You’ll be:

· overseeing the collection and delivery of collection boxes in different locations

· recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters

· researching local areas for collection box ‘hot spots’

· sharing fundraising ideas with other volunteers and putting these into practice 

· sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our collection box fundraising volunteers usually spend 1 to 2 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

 We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

The Organisation

London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) is the UK’s largest charitable childcare social enterprise, with an ambition of changing the world, one child at a time. With 43 nurseries across 13 London boroughs, we deliver high quality early years education and care to children and families across the capital. Founded in 1903, LEYF has evolved into a purpose driven organisation that combines financial sustainability with a clear social mission, reinvesting all surplus into our nurseries, our people and the communities we serve.

Together with families and communities, we give London’s children, especially those most in need, the best start in life through access to affordable, high quality early years education and care. We focus our work in areas of disadvantage, where it can have the greatest impact, supporting children’s development and strengthening communities. Our approach centres on learning through play, creativity and exploration, delivered by skilled and passionate teams. Through our apprenticeships and the London Institute of Early Years, we provide industry leading learning and development opportunities, equipping our people with the skills and knowledge to deliver excellent outcomes for all children. Through strong partnerships and a commitment to continuous improvement, we extend our impact beyond our nurseries and play an active role in shaping the early years sector, while creating inclusive environments where every child and colleague can thrive.

The Role

LEYF is seeking a Chair of Trustees to lead its Board and support the organisation in achieving its charitable objectives and strategic priorities. The Chair plays a central role in ensuring strong governance, enabling LEYF to deliver high quality, cost effective services to children, families and partners, and to maximise its social impact as it grows. Through strong leadership of the Board, you will help guide the organisation as it continues to expand its reach, strengthen its model and deliver meaningful, lasting impact for children and families across London.

This is an opportunity to make a significant difference to the life chances of disadvantaged children by contributing your skills, judgement and strategic insight within a mission driven organisation. You will work alongside a passionate and committed team, leading a Board of Trustees that is collaborative, professional and deeply engaged in LEYF’s purpose. As Chair, you will play a key role in shaping strategy, supporting sustainable growth and ensuring effective governance at an important and exciting stage in the organisation’s development.

The Person

We are seeking an experienced, values led individual who can provide strong leadership to the Board and support LEYF in delivering its social mission at scale.

Experience and Knowledge

• Senior leadership and Board level experience, with a strong understanding of governance
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how a social enterprise operates
• Ability to navigate the balance between social purpose and financial sustainability
• Experience of complex or growing organisations, ideally across the UK
• Understanding of, or interest in, the early years sector and wider social impact landscape
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders across a politically neutral environment

Skills and Capabilities

• Strategic, pragmatic and calm, with sound judgement and the ability to absorb complexity
• Strong influencing and networking skills, with the ability to build partnerships
• Confident communicator, able to represent LEYF with credibility at a senior level
• Financial awareness, with the ability to balance sustainability and risk in decision making

Leadership Style and Personal Qualities

• Values driven, with a strong commitment to LEYF’s mission
• Supportive and appropriately challenging, acting as a constructive critical friend
• Agile and not risk averse, comfortable supporting innovation and growth
• Inclusive and emotionally intelligent, able to foster effective Board dynamics

Commitment

• Willingness to be visible and engaged, including attending meetings, events and visiting nurseries in London
• Ability to commit sufficient time to the role and support LEYF externally where appropriate

Diversity and Inclusion
We warmly welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds,  particularly those underrepresented at Board level. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and believe this strengthens our impact.

Further Information

For further information about LEYF, the role responsibilities and the person they are looking for, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of others, please submit an application which includes the following:

• An up to date CV with details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
• A supporting statement, which addresses your suitability against the criteria in the Person Specification, and details your motivations for applying.