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Chair of the board of governors volunteer roles
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Remote
Unpaid role, expenses not paid
Voluntary
Job description
Welcome to the NHS Retirement Fellowship
Thank you for your interest in becoming the new chair of the NHS Retirement Fellowship. We are halfway through a five-year plan which is transforming the way we operate, how we engage with the NHS and other key stakeholders, and how we support our members currently and in the future. We have already come a long way from where we started and we are now beginning an ambitious plan of doubling our membership and raising awareness so we can continue with our mission of supporting retired and retiring NHS, health and social care staff. We are seeking a dynamic and professional chair with significant senior leadership experience in the NHS (or the broader health and social care sector) and/or extensive experience of governing a charity to work with us to deliver our vision.
Our Board is made up of a variety of professionals from across the NHS and beyond, a number of whom are members of the Fellowship. We work closely with our dynamic senior leadership team, branch officers and volunteers and have fostered an excellent working relationship for the benefit of our members.
The Fellowship has a small executive team of seven part time staff who all work remotely from home.
The potential for the NHS Retirement Fellowship is immense, and I very much look forward to welcoming you and working with you on this exciting journey.
Julia Hickey
Acting Chair
NHS Retirement Fellowship.
About the NHS Retirement Fellowship
“One of things that makes the NHS a special place to work is the sense of togetherness, belonging and family. So, when colleagues come to retirement, the Fellowship is a wonderful way of maintaining these things and allowing colleagues to continue their connection with the service. I think more can be done to help retired colleagues share experiences, perspectives and support and the Fellowship is ideally placed to do this.” Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive, NHS England
Our motto is fun, friendship and fellowship and it sits at the heart of everything we do.
The NHS Retirement Fellowship began in 1978 when retiring nurse Irene James recognised that for significant numbers of retiring NHS staff, their colleagues and friends had also become their family and that those pivotal connections could be lost. Our role has changed during that near 50 years as the NHS has changed and more latterly with the seismic transformation into a digital world. We now have almost 100 branches from the Highlands of Scotland to the north Devon coast and from Swansea in west Wales across to Norwich in East Anglia. About a third of our members are now national members, often choosing to engage on a more remote, digitally based basis. All our members have access to a portfolio of benefits which we offer, including our flagship travel insurance policy, and we are actively pursuing a partnership which would bring a huge range of benefits and discounts to our members. We also have a special fund to support members at a time of need.
Our branches run semi independently from our main charity with their own committees and bank accounts. Volunteers arrange a variety of activities for their members at local and regional level. National members, who choose not to join a specific branch, can join in with local activities and also have access to an increasing number of online based activities. We also hold an annual conference and AGM where the Board, staff and our members can all come together.
We are increasingly working with the NHS and other stakeholders in partnership to see how we can support employers and retain connections, experience and expertise at local level. We’re helping foundation trusts with governors, hospitals with volunteers and NHS charities with supporters. We’re looking to grow so that we are the voice of the retired NHS and wider health service community and see how our members can offer mentoring, support and guidance to the younger generations of NHS staff.
Our charity is looking to become a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) over the next year.
Our values and mission are unchanged from when Irene James recognised the need to continue to support NHS staff when they retired to enable them to retain links, mutual support and understanding and friendships built over the years in their shared working lives. The NHSRF supports people in retirement to maintain friendships and make new ones, from the NHS, health and social care sectors from a diverse background irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation and to support each other through friendship.
Role description and time commitment
Our Chair will lead the Board in developing and delivering our strategy, working closely with, and providing line management and support to, our chief executive. They will also support our chief operating officer in preparation for Board meetings and our head of communications in the planning of our conference and other duties. Our Chair will also be a key representative of the Fellowship in meeting and liaising with key stakeholders.
Our Board meets remotely three times a year and once a year in person. We also have two strategy days a year and our AGM and conference which takes place over a weekend in October. There is also a standing invitation to our Members Council meetings, which are three times a year remotely and once a year in person.
Timeframes
The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 1 June. Shortlisting will take place in the following week with interviews to take place in London on Thursday 2 July.
Term of office
We are looking to appoint for a three-year period initially. This will take us through 2028 when the NHS will mark its 80th anniversary and the NHS Retirement Fellowship will celebrate its 50th birthday.
Our chair role is unpaid, but we will reimburse you for reasonable travel expenses.
Organisation
NHS Retirement Fellowship
View profile
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Registered Charity
11 - 20
We provide friendship, fellowship and fun to retired NHS and other health and social care staff, volunteers and their friends and families
Refreshed on: 11 May 2026
Closing date: 01 June 2026 at 23:00
Tags: Finance, Care Management, Business Intelligence, Compliance / Quality, Database Management, Energy, Information Management, Governance / Management
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Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire (On-site)
Unpaid role, expenses not paid
Voluntary
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job description
Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Tewkesbury is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.
What will you be doing?
Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues
The core responsibilities involved are:
· Ensuring accountability
· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
· Budgetary allocation and control
· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
· Setting the school’s aims and values
· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher
A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.
What are we looking for?
This vacancy is for an alternative provision secondary school. Ideally, you would have previous experience in the education sector however please still apply if your skills lie in a different industry. Previous chairing or leadership experience is desired but not necessary if you feel you have education knowledge to offer.
You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.
What difference will you make?
Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.
Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.
As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:
· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.
· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work
Before you apply
You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.
About Governors for Schools
Objectives
Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.
We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.
Organisation
Posted on: 08 May 2026
Closing date: 06 August 2026 at 15:03
Tags: Governance / Management
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Thank you!
East Sussex (On-site)
Unpaid role, expenses not paid
Voluntary
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job description
Are you looking for a skilled volunteering opportunity to support your career progression? Do you have a passion for improving outcomes for all children? Could you use your professional skills to help shape the future of education?
As a school governor, you’ll operate at board-level and develop strategic leadership skills and assist in making decisions on a wide range of topics; all while collaboratively improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for schools in Eastbourne to strengthen their governing boards and enhance outcomes of pupils within your communities. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a governor and how to apply.
Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role as well as have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.
You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a governor as long as you’re over 18 and happy to have a DBS check, you can apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities. As a governor, you’ll be supported by the Chair, head teacher and the rest of the governing team.
This vacancy is for an alternative provision looking to find a governor to sit on their board who is passionate about making a difference. The school is passionate about offering young people the chance to realise their unique talents and potential.
If you’re interested in becoming a school governor, fill out the short application form on our website.
Organisation
Posted on: 08 May 2026
Closing date: 06 August 2026 at 15:05
Tags: Governance / Management
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Thank you!
Barking, Greater London (On-site)
Unpaid role, expenses not paid
Voluntary
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job description
Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Barking in Essex is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.
What will you be doing?
Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues
The core responsibilities involved are:
· Ensuring accountability
· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
· Budgetary allocation and control
· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
· Setting the school’s aims and values
· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher
A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.
What are we looking for?
This vacancy is for a Primary School and nursery (ages 3-11). The school would ideally like to find someone who has experience in safeguarding and anti-bullying.
You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.
What difference will you make?
Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.
Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.
As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:
· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.
· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work
Before you apply
You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.
About Governors for Schools
Objectives
Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.
We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.
Organisation
Posted on: 08 May 2026
Closing date: 06 August 2026 at 15:04
Tags: Governance / Management
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Does something look incorrect in this job listing?
Thank you!
Spalding, Lincolnshire (On-site)
Unpaid role, expenses not paid
Voluntary
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job description
Do you want to support a local school in enhancing its outcomes for its students? Do you want to develop your board level experience? Have you got a passion for making a difference in your communities?
As a school governor, you’ll operate at board-level and develop strategic leadership skills and assist in making decisions on a wide range of topics; all while collaboratively improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for schools in Spalding to strengthen their governing boards and enhance outcomes of pupils within your communities. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a governor and how to apply.
Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role as well as have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.
You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a governor as long as you’re over 18 and happy to have a DBS check, you can apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities. As a governor, you’ll be supported by the Chair, head teacher and the rest of the governing team.
This vacancy is for a primary school looking to find a governor to sit on their board with experience of SEND and Safeguarding. The school is a small friendly village school set in an old building and embraces the natural environment to ensure the children have a strong relationship with their communities.
If you’re interested in becoming a school governor, fill out the short application form on our website.
Organisation
Posted on: 08 May 2026
Closing date: 06 August 2026 at 14:50
Tags: Autism, Child Protection, Early Years, Education, Safeguarding, Governance / Management
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Does something look incorrect in this job listing?
Thank you!
Newmarket, Suffolk (On-site)
Unpaid role, expenses not paid
Voluntary
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job description
Do you have a passion for improving outcomes for all children? Could you use your professional skills to help shape the future of education? Are you wanting to make an impact within your community?
As a school governor, you’ll operate at board-level and develop strategic leadership skills and assist in making decisions on a wide range of topics; all while collaboratively improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for schools in Newmarket to strengthen their governing boards and enhance outcomes of pupils within your communities. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a governor and how to apply.
Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role as well as have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.
You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a governor as long as you’re over 18 and happy to have a DBS check, you can apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities. As a governor, you’ll be supported by the Chair, head teacher and the rest of the governing team.
This vacancy is for a primary school looking to find a governor to sit on their board with experience of Finance and HR. The school is a friendly and caring school with a commitment to providing a quality education for every child that passes through their doors.
If you’re interested in becoming a school governor, fill out the short application form on our website.
Organisation
Posted on: 08 May 2026
Closing date: 06 August 2026 at 14:51
Tags: Finance, Human Resources, Governance / Management
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Thank you!
Job description
Independent Chair and Non-Executive Director Recruitment
Somerset Skills & Learning CIC (SS&L)
Voluntary roles | Somerset / Hybrid
Changing lives through learning
Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) is a thriving Community Interest Company delivering education and skills to around 4,000 learners each year. Working with over 145 employers, we improve confidence, wellbeing, employability and life chances across Somerset and beyond.
We are now seeking two Independent Non-Executive Directors to join our Board at an exciting and pivotal time.
Following seven successful years on the Board, our Chair will step down in November 2026. As part of this recruitment, we will identify our next Non-Executive Chair, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of a values-driven organisation making a tangible difference.
The Opportunities
Non-Executive Director – Finance & Sustainability
You will bring senior financial leadership experience to help guide SS&L’s long-term sustainability.
You will contribute to:
- Financial strategy, oversight and resilience
- Risk management, audit and governance
- Supporting sustainable, values-led growth
Non-Executive Director – Further Education Quality & Impact
You will bring expertise from the further education or skills sector to help ensure high-quality outcomes.
You will contribute to:
- Quality assurance and continuous improvement
- Learner outcomes and progression
- Strategic curriculum development aligned to community need
About the Roles
As a Board member, you will:
- Provide strategic oversight, challenge and support
- Help shape organisational direction and impact
- Work collaboratively with fellow Directors and the Executive team
From these appointments, we are particularly interested in individuals with the capability and interest to step into the Chair role.
Commitment
- Approximately 4–5 hours per month
- Four Board meetings per year (hybrid)
- Participation in sub-committees
- Voluntary roles (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
About You
We are looking for individuals who:
- Bring senior leadership or Board-level experience
- Can offer constructive challenge and strategic insight
- Share our commitment to inclusion, learning and community impact
We particularly welcome applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
How to Apply
Full details about this opportunity in the attached brief. For a confidential discussion, please contact Anna Jay, Managing Director, Public Leaders Appointments
Closing date for applications: Midday, 21st May 2026. Interviews 10th or 11th June 2026.
If you are inspired by the opportunity to help shape an organisation that is transforming lives through learning, we would love to hear from you.
Organisation
Refreshed on: 06 May 2026
Closing date: 21 May 2026 at 12:00
Job ref: SS&L
Tags: Finance, Compliance / Quality, Education, Risk Management, Strategy, Governance / Management
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