Charity development manager volunteer roles

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

As a RPR support volunteer, you might:

• As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 
• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support 
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 
• Raise concerns 
• Keep detailed notes and records 
• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

As a hospital volunteer, you might: 

• hold drop-in sessions
• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• share information
• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

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

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You 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:

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan 
• Sign-posting queries from members of the public
• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided

Time expectation

Our support volunteers usually spend 2-5 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.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Lambeth

Hospital Visitor Volunteer 

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake. 

As a hospital volunteer, you might:

• hold drop-in sessions
• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• share information
• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

​All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Job Description

We are seeking four new Trustees to join our Board. This application process is rolling, meaning there is no deadline - so please enquire and apply sooner rather than later! We anticipate the process will conclude in mid-2026.

Who are we?

We are a disability-led arts organisation which works to improve access to culture for disabled people by providing opportunities for disabled creatives, training cultural institutions to be more open to disabled people, and through running participatory arts and development programmes.

Our programmes have run for fifty years, supporting disabled creatives and those facing disabling barriers to creative careers or audience participation. Our current programme finds us opening new avenues for disabled creatives through commissioning, exhibitions, and learning-based support such as residencies, advice, and guidance.

We continue to break new ground in digital spheres and advocating for disabled people struggling to access the arts and creative industries through our consultancy services.

We work across three main areas:

1. A creative programme, working directly with disabled creatives
2. Heritage projects, documenting the social history of disabled people
3. Access consultancy, including training and auditing

We receive funding from Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund to support our creative programme and heritage projects.

We are recruiting disabled and non-disabled voluntary Board members. As a member of our Board, you will gain an insight to how the arts and cultural industries in the UK work. From lived experience to professional experience, we are looking for people from all backgrounds who are passionate about the arts and its potential to change disabled people's lives to join our Board.

Please read or listen to all guidance on our site before applying!

Job Requirements

The Board and Shape's Executive Team meet four times a year - once every three months. Each meeting takes up about half a day.

In addition, Trustees are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the yearly Away Day, both of which happen once per year.

The main responsibilities of any Charity Trustee are outlined by the Charity Commission. You can browse their '5-minute guides' for Trustees on their website.

The Nolan Principles of Public Life set the standards for how our trustees are expected to conduct themselves. These are:

• Selflessness
• Integrity
• Objectivity
• Accountability
• Openness
• Honesty
• Leadership

You can read more about these principles on the UK Government's website.

Job Responsibilities

Our team of Trustees are responsible for ensuring that:

• Shape complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, and that it pursues only the objectives which are defined in it
• Shape complies with charity law, employment law and other relevant legislation or regulations
• Shape is financially viable
• the Board is defining goals and setting targets for the organisation, and that performance is evaluated against these targets
• Shape's ethos and reputation are safeguarded
• Administration is effective and efficient and we are accountable to our stakeholders and funders

The Board are also responsible for:

• Contributing to the Board's role in giving firm strategic direction
• Appointing the Chief Executive and monitoring their performance
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels, as required
• Attending either the Finance, HR and Risk, or Programme and Development Sub Committees

Do you want a career in the Charity Sector? Why not take part in our Virtual Career Taster Week!

The British Red Cross is offering a Career Taster week which will give you an insight into the world of work with world’s biggest humanitarian organisation and the charity sector. The week will include workshops, training and a virtual networking event at the end of the week!

Work experience placements give an opportunity to gain experience within different departments and an insight into the work of the British Red Cross.

The placement will run from the 23rd February to 27th February 2026, from 10.00 - 13.00 each day. The sessions will be online via teams.

The scheme is predominantly open to young people aged 15- 25 year olds and there are 30 places available.

The week will cover the following:

Induction to the British Red Cross: You will learn about the history of the movement, our work and fundamental principles as well as gaining First Aid skills.

Career Development Workshop: In this workshop you will learn about career opportunities, be able to develop your CV and application writing skills as well as learn interview skills.

Digital Media: You will learn about how to keep yourself safe online and what different annotations me in the social media world.

International Humanitarian Law: You will learn about humanitarian law and what it means in today’s society.

Networking Event: You will meet staff members from different teams and learn about their career journeys!

Background information:

Harry’s HAT is a UK-based charity focussing on paediatric hydrocephalus. Our mission is to make life better for children and their families who are affected by hydrocephalus. We work towards this aim through:

• Awareness: raising awareness of paediatric hydrocephalus through workshops and training.

• Research: supporting research and funding training (for front-line medical, health and social care workers) to increase understanding of the condition.

• Signposting and support: directing families affected by the condition to organisations that can offer support, advice and guidance and by providing access to our peer-to-peer programme. We do not, however, provide advocacy.

We currently have a vacancy on our Trustee Board for an individual with experience in fundraising and income generation. The Charity is ambitious about extending its reach and ensuring that more families and professionals can benefit from our work. To achieve this, we recognise the importance of growing and diversifying our income.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Actively participating in Trustee Board meetings.

• Attending quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings, held in the evening for approximately 1.5 hours.

• Working closely with the CEO to support the fundraising pipeline and to ensure all grant applications complement the mission and values of the charity.

• Working with the CEO and other Trustees to strengthen the charity’s fundraising strategy and ensure it aligns with our long-term goals.

• Supporting the development of sustainable income streams, including grants, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and community fundraising.

• Providing ad-hoc input on subjects raised by the Trustee, staff, and volunteer teams.

• Voting on grant applications from medical professionals and clinical researchers. Trustee would also be able to participate in specific projects if they wished to.

Required skills and experience:

The ideal candidate will have experience of fundraising or income generation in a charity or relevant setting. The key attributes for the role are as follows:

• Knowledge of different fundraising approaches such as grants, corporate partnerships, or community fundraising.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to display sound judgement and objectivity.
• Experience of working in partnership with healthcare or other relevant organisations or programmes.

• Clear understanding of the importance of safeguarding.

• Discretion when working with sensitive information, and strict adherence to confidentiality when required. Time commitment

• Attendance at six Trustee Board meetings per year (usually Sunday evenings, 18:00–19:30, via Teams).

• Attendance at quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings (1.5 hours, evening).

• Attendance at two 1-2-1 meetings per year with the Chair of Trustees.

• Participation in the AGM and other relevant meetings as needed.

• Timely responses to communications from Trustees, staff, and volunteers.

• Completion of mandatory online training modules. Term and remuneration

• The initial term is 1–3 years, which can be extended by agreement.

• This is a voluntary role. Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

• All new Trustees, including the Vice Chair, will serve a 3-month probation period.

#trustee #fundraising 

Are you passionate about Jesus and gospel outreach into London?

Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to serve as a Trustee or as an Independent Sub-Committee Member?

Then London City Mission would like to hear from you!

London City Mission serves the church of London in sharing the love of God and the good news of Jesus Christ with the communities least likely to hear the Gospel.

One in three people don’t have a Christian friend to invite them to church, open a Bible with them, or tell them the good news of Jesus. We want to see that change. The poor areas of London are incredibly diverse, in fact London is the most ethnically diverse in the world, growing at over 100,000 people a year. The world has come to London – we long to see the Gospel taken to the world by working alongside churches to visit homes and go out into the streets of London with the good news of the Gospel.

Our monthly team gatherings are full of testimonies of how God is working amongst the communities least likely to hear the Gospel, and our deep conviction is that much more needs to be done – and can be done – at this urgent hour for London.

We are seeking to make up to five appointments; a mixture of Trustees (likely time commitment: 10-12 days a year) and Independent Sub-Committee Members (likely time commitment: 4 days a year). Individuals who bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Safeguarding – someone with safeguarding expertise who can provide strategic oversight, ensure robust policies and reporting procedures, and champion a culture of safety across the organisation.

HR - someone with HR expertise who can support organisational people practices, strengthen workforce policies, and provide strategic insight on recruitment, performance, and staff wellbeing.

Fundraising – someone with fundraising expertise who can guide income-generation strategy, strengthen donor relationships, and support LCM to diversify and grow its funding base.

Property – someone with professional property expertise who can advise on asset optimisation, and support strategic decisions regarding sales, leases, and maintenance.

Finance – most likely a qualified Accountant with strategic financial leadership skills and a passion to see resources deployed for Kingdom-purpose.

Through these roles the successful candidate will be able to make a difference in London for the salvation of souls and to the glory of God.

We appreciate the rich diversity of our Trustees, Sub-Committee Members and Staff and seek to create a culture where everyone develops and fulfils their potential. We recognise the immense value of different perspectives brought by those with varied backgrounds, characteristics and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented sections of the community (specifically in our context, individuals of Global Majority Heritage and those at an earlier stage of career).

In order to support greater diversity of experience and career stages, we encourage those earlier in their career to consider an Independent Sub-Committee Member role as a pathway to Trusteeship.

These posts are subject to an occupational requirement that the postholders are practising Christians under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

Trustee (Digital Engagement)
Help shape the future of UK safety policy

The Hazards Forum is at a pivotal point in its 35-year history. Long respected as a convenor of expert debate on safety and risk, we are now implementing our Strategy to 2030. In addition to hosting discussions, we aim to actively influence national policy and societal outcomes that make people safer.

To deliver this ambition, we are refreshing our Trustee Board and seeking a Digital Engagement Trustee to modernise our outreach and expand our influence beyond our traditional membership.

We operate a “player-coach” model. With no full-time staff, Trustees provide both governance and hands-on leadership, working closely with a small team of contractors and high-calibre volunteers to turn strategy into action.

If you want a governance role with real strategic and societal impact, we would welcome your application.

About The Hazards Forum

Mission: To be the UK’s trusted facilitator of vital conversations on hazard and risk management, driving a safer and more prosperous society.

Strategic Focus (to 2030):

1.Influencing national policy through engagement with MPs and Civil Servants

2.Developing collaborative partnerships with government, industry and academia

3.Improving industry connectivity by breaking down sector silos

Operating Model: We are a lean, agile, unincorporated charitable association, supported by a Head of Membership & Operations (contractor) and an engaged volunteer community.

The Role: Trustee for Digital Engagement

To influence society, we must reach beyond our traditional membership. We are seeking a digital strategist to help us adopt a digital-first approach, ensuring our work reaches younger professionals and contributes to wider public debate.

You will provide strategic oversight of our digital presence, helping to grow audiences, improve engagement, and helping us to translate complex technical content into accessible, compelling narratives. 

Key Responsibilities:
• Provide strategic direction on digital engagement and audience growth
• Advise on lowering barriers to participation for younger and more diverse professionals
• Guide the development of clear, engaging digital content from technical material
• Support the use of analytics to focus effort on high-impact digital activity

The Ideal Candidate:
• Experience in digital marketing, strategic communications, or content strategy
• Strong understanding of community building, social media, and data analytics
• Strategic, outcome-focused mindset
• Charity sector or trustee experience desirable but not essential

Practicalities

 Time Commitment:

• 4 Board meetings per year (hybrid, usually London)
• 1 annual in-person strategy day
• Around 1–2 days per month supporting strategic delivery

Terms:

• Three-year term, renewable once (maximum six years)
• Voluntary, unpaid role

Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to broadening the diversity of our Board and strongly encourage applications from people of different backgrounds, ages, professions, and communities.

Bucks Students’ Union is seeking to recruit a new Trustee to join our Board and help support our continued development. As a registered charity with a turnover in excess of £2.5 million and a career staff team of 50, Bucks Students’ Union provides a range of services to our diverse membership of c16,000 students.

Our services include an Advice Centre and Representation Department, a 1,200 capacity social space, a catering operation, a vibrant student newspaper and a wide-ranging programme of sporting, developmental, recreational and volunteering activities.

As part of our Board, you will support the Chief Executive Officer, the elected officers and the wider team in the continued delivery of our high-quality services and assuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

We would welcome applicants with a keen understanding of higher education and issues affecting students and a passion for supporting the development of organisations in the third sector as well as a strong alignment with our values. In particular, we would encourage applications from individuals with legal and/or governance experience.

All trustee positions are voluntary (expenses provided) and offer a range of personal development opportunities.

Do you have experience in digital and social media? Can you help us improve our communications and raise the profile of the work we do?

We are seeking an expert, creative Volunteer Digital and Social Media Lead. You will help us promote our programmes supporting people in prison and young people at risk of entering the justice system, as well as our Community Bike Shop, which funds and strengthens this work.

What you’ll do:

• Design and schedule engaging posts, stories, and reels across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more to grow our audience.

• Develop strategies for viral campaigns and collaborations to boost awareness and donations and share your expertise with our team.

• Analyse metrics (engagement, reach, growth) and refine tactics based on what resonates.

• Create eye-catching visuals using tools like Canva.

• Update our website as required and make suggestions for improvements.

• Work with our expert Trustee to consider how we can use online retail platforms to sell our refurbished bikes.

What we’ll provide:

· Creative freedom within agreed priorities and tone of voice.

· Access to the right tools plus shared photos, stories and impact stats.

· A named contact, light-touch sign-off, and occasional check-ins to remove blockers.

Time commitment: we’ll agree a realistic scope with the right volunteer based on their availability.

Reasonable agreed expenses will be paid.

Thank you

Mark Flannagan
Chief Executive

About us

UpCycle, works with individuals in prisons and young people at risk in marginalised communities.  We use bicycle maintenance workshops to help build life skills, enhance employability, prevent offending and reoffending, and foster social reintegration.  We also offer lead rides, bike fit-it sessions and other ways to engage with vulnerable people.

In prisons

· We delivered 956 un-refurbished bikes and received back 768 refurbished bikes across eight prisons and one Young Offenders Institution, training over 238 individuals.

In the Community

· Over 1034 bikes were donated to our Community Bike Shop, of those we refurbished and distributed more than 612 to underserved communities locally and overseas.

· Workshops in Bradford engaged 361 participants in diverse cycling-related activities across the area.

· "Bike to the Future" and other initiatives reached 220 young people with more complex needs.

Inclusive Boards is pleased to be supporting Family Action in their search to appoint three new Trustees. 

About Family Action

Family Action supports people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

Founded in 1869, the charity was providing services to children and families before the first aeroplane flew, before the first car was invented, even before it was first made compulsory for all primary age children to attend school. 

About the Trustee opportunities

Family Action is currently seeking three committed trustees to join the Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Digital Marketing
• Investment
• Health & Social Care

The ideal candidate will have experience of the sector. It would also be an advantage if you had an interest in the provision of services to vulnerable people. 

You will join an energetic and active board who take pride in their support of this over 150-year-old charity, with approximately 175 services nationally.

​​​​​For more information please download the Candidate Information Pack.

Vision Support is a regional sight loss charity supporting people to feel confident, capable and connected, while raising awareness of vision impairment across Cheshire, Halton, Flintshire, Wrexham, Conwy and Denbighshire. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years of impact.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Specialist Trustee with marketing and communications insight to strengthen our fundraising performance, expand our reach, and support our long-term sustainability.

This role combines core Trustee responsibilities with specialist oversight of fundraising strategy, regulatory compliance, and strategic communications.

About Vision Support

We deliver evidence-based services across six local authority areas, working in close partnership with clinicians, commissioners and healthcare providers. With a strong governance foundation, ambitious growth plans, and annual income of £1.6m, we are focused on extending our reach and impact.

Core Trustee Responsibilities

· Ensure the charity operates in line with its charitable objects and governing document

· Contribute to strategy, performance monitoring and financial sustainability

· Support and challenge the CEO and senior team constructively

· Uphold the charity’s values, reputation and governance standards

· Attend and contribute to quarterly Board meetings at our Chester office, and contribute to Board development

Fundraising Leadership

· Lead Board-level oversight of fundraising strategy and performance

· Review income streams, return on investment and effectiveness

· Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice

· Advise on fundraising trends, innovation and growth opportunities

· Support major donor, corporate and grant-funding strategies

Communications & Engagement

· Advise on communications strategy to grow reach and engagement

· Support donor stewardship and supporter communications

· Provide guidance on brand, messaging and digital channels

· Contribute to reputation and crisis communications planning

Networking & Advocacy

· Act as an ambassador for Vision Support

· Promote the charity through professional and personal networks

· Identify partnership, funding and collaboration opportunities

· Support relationships with key stakeholders and influencers

Person Specification

Essential

· Senior-level fundraising experience with a strong track record

· Experience across multiple income streams

· Strong knowledge of fundraising regulation and compliance

· Communications and marketing expertise

· Strategic mindset with the ability to evaluate and improve performance

Highly Desirable

· Charity sector experience (health, disability or social care)

· Knowledge of sight loss or disability issues

· Experience of regional or multi-area fundraising

· Major donor or corporate partnership experience

· Relevant professional fundraising qualifications

Personal Qualities

· Commitment to supporting people with sight loss

· Collaborative, analytical and commercially aware

· Strong interpersonal skills with the confidence to challenge constructively

· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

What We Offer

· Opportunity to make a meaningful regional impact

· Supportive, experienced Board and strong governance culture

· Comprehensive induction, Trustee training and sector networking

· Reasonable expenses reimbursed

Time Commitment

Approximately 4 hours per month, including:

· Quarterly Board meetings

· Preparation and paper review

· Occasional advice, networking and annual Board away day

Term of Appointment

Initial 3-year term, renewable up to a maximum of 9 years in line with our governing document.

How to Apply

We welcome applications from individuals passionate about our cause and particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of sight loss and from diverse backgrounds.

Please submit:

· A CV outlining relevant experience

· A supporting statement (max. 2 pages) covering your motivation, relevant expertise, approach to the specialist Trustee role, and what you hope to contribute and gain

For an informal discussion, please contact:

Kate Hurst, Internal Operations Manager

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Vision Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Sunderland

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

• As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 
• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support 
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 
• Raise concerns 
• Keep detailed notes and records 
• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

As a hospital volunteer, you might: 

• hold drop-in sessions

• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities 

• share information

• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre 

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

The Organisation

Changeworks is Scotland’s leading environmental organisation, driving the decarbonisation of homes and supporting a just transition to net zero. With over 35 years of experience, the organisation works with individuals, communities, businesses, and partners to deliver energy advice, retrofit solutions, and innovative decarbonisation services that reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and tackle fuel poverty. In recent years, Changeworks has assisted tens of thousands of households in installing energy efficiency measures, provided thousands with expert energy support, and saved hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon, making low-carbon living a tangible reality across Scotland. 

The Role

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of Changeworks. The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees in providing strategic direction and ensuring effective governance, guiding the organisation through an important period of growth while championing its environmental and social values.

The Chair will serve as a statutory trustee and non-executive director, offering strategic leadership, guidance, and robust governance oversight across Changeworks and its subsidiary organisations, driving meaningful impact in communities, households, and businesses throughout Scotland.

The Person

The role requires a strategic and analytical thinker capable of balancing social impact with commercial success and long-term sustainability. The Chair will communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice, while fostering inclusive governance by valuing diverse perspectives.

Required Experience and Capabilities

Senior Leadership and Governance Experience
The ideal candidate will have leadership experience demonstrating strategic thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset, and an understanding of governance complexities in charitable and commercial sectors. This may include:

• Senior management, executive, or non-executive roles in mission-driven organisations.

• Experience serving on boards or committees across sectors.

• A track record of leading teams through organisational transformation and growth.

• Experience engaging diverse stakeholder groups, including social housing, local government, or minority communities.

• Proven experience in trustee or non-executive roles, with strong governance and oversight capabilities.

The Chair is expected to have:

• A proven track record of chairing boards or high-level committees, ideally in a purpose-driven or hybrid commercial-social environment.

• Experience as a charity trustee or non-executive director.

• The ability to navigate complex political and economic landscapes to advocate for decarbonisation and a just transition.

• A commitment to decarbonising homes in Scotland and addressing fuel poverty.

• Experience overseeing organisational growth or transformation aligned with Changeworks’ scaling objectives.

• Exceptional diplomatic, mediation, and relationship-building skills to manage board dynamics and the CEO partnership.

Strategic Growth & Risk Management

• Experience driving or enabling organisational growth and development.

• Understanding of risk management in complex organisations.

• Knowledge of good governance practices in regulated sectors.

• Demonstrated success in purpose-driven organisations.

Specialist Knowledge Areas

• Experience in the social housing sector.

• Experience in rural communities.

• Background in entrepreneurship, innovation, or research & development commercialisation.

• Understanding of technical aspects of retrofit.

• Experience in public affairs, government engagement, or lobbying.

• Access to networks beneficial to Changeworks is desirable.

Additional Considerations

• Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged.

• Candidates should share a commitment to environmental action and bring diverse perspectives.

• New Board members are expected to serve on at least one sub-committee, including Strategy, Audit and Risk, or Nominations.