Business development associate volunteer roles in Edinburgh
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Are you an experienced Board-level leader passionate about education, social mobility, STEM, and creating opportunities for young people?
The Engineering Development Trust (EDT) is seeking an exceptional Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership to its Board. This opportunity would suit an experienced Chair, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Board Member, CEO, Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leader with expertise in governance, strategy, financial stewardship and organisational leadership who is passionate about education, STEM and social impact.
We’re looking for someone with senior leadership experience, strong understanding of charity governance and finance, and the ability to support and challenge at Board level.
About EDT
EDT is a UK-wide education charity delivering over 50,000 learning experiences each year through the Industrial Cadets Awards. We bring together employers, educators and young people aged 9–21, helping them explore STEM pathways and access rewarding future careers. EDT plays a critical role in tackling skills gaps, improving social mobility and increasing diversity across STEM industries.
About the Role
This is a high-impact trustee leadership opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of a national charity. As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, financial oversight and organisational effectiveness.
You will work closely with the Chief Executive, acting as a trusted sounding board while maintaining accountability for delivering EDT’s mission and strategy. You will also act as an ambassador, representing EDT to partners, funders and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees
- Ensure effective charity governance and compliance
- Oversee financial health and sustainability
- Support and challenge the Chief Executive
- Lead Board development and performance
- Act as an external ambassador for EDT
About You
We are seeking a collaborative, strategic and values-driven leader with experience operating at Board, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Chair, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leadership level.
You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership, executive, trustee or non-executive experience
- Strong understanding of charity governance, corporate governance, risk management, financial oversight and organisational strategy
- Experience working with Boards, Trustees, Committees or governing bodies
- The ability to provide both support and constructive challenge to senior executives and leadership teams
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, partnership-building and ambassadorial skills
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, social mobility and creating opportunities for young people
- Strong judgement, integrity and a passion for delivering social impact
Experience gained within the charity, not-for-profit, third sector, education, STEM, skills development, employability, workforce development, youth development, public sector or social enterprise sectors would be particularly valuable, although candidates from the commercial sector with relevant governance experience are equally encouraged to apply.
Commitment
- Approx. 4 Board meetings per year plus committee involvement
- Regular engagement with the Chief Executive
- Attendance at key events and stakeholder meetings
This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Why join EDT?
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the UK, while helping to address critical skills shortages in STEM. You will join a committed Board and executive team and play a central role in shaping EDT’s future at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the sector.
We welcome applications from experienced trustees, board members, non-executive directors, charity leaders, public sector leaders, education leaders and senior executives who share our commitment to improving outcomes for young people and strengthening the future STEM workforce. We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board.
Our mission is to connect young people with STEM and inspire STEM futures.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to get involved in an impactful charity making a tangible difference to the lives of refugees here in the UK.
Our work is simple – we refurbish unwanted bikes and donate them to refugees and people seeking asylum, many living on less than £7 a day, giving them freedom and independence whilst they rebuild their lives.
A bike makes a huge difference – not only is it a practical tool for tackling poverty, those who receive bikes from us report they are more connected in their community, happier and healthier as a result:
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91% of people use their bikes weekly for essential journeys
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84% of people are better able to access legal and other vital support services
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93% report better physical and/or mental health
Alongside our core Bike Donations Programme, we support refugee women to learn to cycle through our Pedal Power Programme; provide ongoing support with bike maintenance through our Repair or Replace Programme; and offer the opportunity for connection and friendship through our volunteer-matching Bike Buddy Programme.
“The Bike Project has given me so much more than just a bicycle — it has given me confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Receiving a bike as a gift allowed me to feel free in society, explore my community, and even join a cycling group where I’ve met wonderful people.
Thank you again for everything you do. Your work changes lives, including mine.”
Ladan, Bike Recipient
About You and the Role
You don’t need to have experience of being on a Board. In fact, the role would be ideal for someone considering taking on their first role as a trustee. We will work with you to understand your duties as a trustee and support you.
You will, however, have experience of one of more of priority areas we are looking for:
- Personal experience of our programmes and/or the UK asylum system
- Press and PR
- Charity governance
- Public, philanthropy and/or high-net worth giving
- Sector experience and/or contacts relevant to the work of The Bike Project
You will be joining a highly committed group of trustees who give their time, expertise and contacts to support the charity. Our trustees are critical in enabling us to thrive and this role plays a key role in supporting the wider board to fulfil its financial responsibilities.
You will work together with the wider staff team to set our strategic direction and improve our work with refugees. At the heart of everything we do is the real and immediate impact a bike makes to the lives of those who have been through so much. You will be part of us achieving that.
The time commitment for a trustee generally totals approximately 8 hours per month. Please see the role description for further details.
Application Process
Deadline for Applications: Friday 28 August 2026
Interviews: Late September – Early October 2026.
Appointment: October 2026
We particularly encourage applications from people with personal experience of the asylum process, women, people of colour / people of the global majority, and people with disabilities.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact hradmin [at] thebikeproject [dot] co [dot] uk
All candidates should complete the application form, including the scoring matrix, and the Trustee declaration as part of this process. Candidates require completing both the CV and application form to be considered for interview. If you have any issues with accessing or editing the document please contact hradmin [at] thebikeproject [dot] co [dot] uk.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.