Communication volunteer roles

Location: Birmingham | Commitment: 3-8 hours per week (working week) | Work style: Hybrid

Since 2024, we’ve been honoured to support over 800 individuals on their journey toward a better future. Looking ahead, our 2026 strategic vision is bold. We want to be recognised as a collaborative support service that truly transforms lives. To help make that happen, we’re looking for a passionate and skilled Partnership Manager who can lead the way in building and nurturing strong, impactful relationships with organisations across the homelessness support sector and beyond.

The right person will be central to creating joined-up, holistic partnerships with charities, local authorities, healthcare providers, housing agencies, and community groups who share our commitment to helping vulnerable people rebuild their lives. This role is about making the most of our combined resources, improving how we work together, and ultimately creating better outcomes for those we serve. 

If this sounds like you, someone driven to make a real difference and build meaningful connections, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain effective partnerships with key organisations such as DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), Feedo Needo, St Basils, SIFA Fireside, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Birmingham City Council, local housing providers, community groups, healthcare services, and faith-based organisations.

• Develop relationships with hotels, B&Bs, and temporary accommodation providers to help bridge the gap in emergency housing provision during weekends, evenings, and bank holidays, when many statutory and support services are unavailable.

• Secure in-kind donations by working with local businesses, retailers, and community partners in collaboration with our Fundraising Officer to obtain essential supplies (e.g. hygiene products, clothing, food), as well as gifts and prizes for raffles, events, and seasonal campaigns (such as Christmas gift drives or care packages).

• Act as the lead representative for Diver’s Community CIC in all partnership-related engagements

• Facilitate multi-agency collaboration and strong referral pathways between organisations supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.

• Identify and pursue new partnership and funding opportunities

• Embedding partnership work into the heart of our outreach, support, and service delivery.

• Promote a person-centred, trauma-informed, and inclusive approach in all partnership

• Raise the profile of Diver’s Community CIC by cultivating a strong local presence and actively promoting our mission and impact.

What difference will you make:

• An opportunity to make a real impact on a grassroots organisation.

• You will play a vital role in helping Diver’s Community CIC grow sustainably and extend its impact across Birmingham

• Help unlock opportunities that directly support people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

• Strengthen collaboration, improve access to services, and create pathways that make it easier for individuals to move towards stability

• Ultimately your input will help turn good intentions into meaningful, lasting change.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience working in partnership or collaborative settings.

• Knowledge or connections with local organisations, businesses, and housing providers in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

• Experience with community fundraising, in-kind donations, or corporate social responsibility initiatives.

• A strong desire to raise awareness of homelessness issues and promote the mission of Diver’s Community CIC in the local area.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of partners including local authorities, charities, businesses, and community groups.

• Understanding of homelessness-related issues, or a genuine interest in learning about the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in the community.

• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your time effectively while balancing the voluntary role with other commitments.

Job Title: Talent Advisor Assistant
Location: Remote
Department: People & Culture
Reports To: Manager: Talent Advisory

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a visionary organisation committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Rooted in a People First philosophy, we strive to create workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Join our People & Culture team to drive meaningful change through equitable HR practices and a culture of belonging.

Role Overview

As a Talent Advisor, you will be a frontline advocate for fair and inclusive employee relations (ER) practices at QuilomboUK. You’ll manage ER cases, guide managers through complex performance and disciplinary matters, and contribute to building a positive workplace culture through proactive strategies. Your work will ensure HR policies and processes align with our mission, legal standards, and social justice values. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional passionate about resolving conflicts equitably and fostering an environment where everyone thrives.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations (ER) Case Management

• Handle end-to-end ER cases, including grievances, disciplinaries, absence management, and performance issues, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance.

• Advise managers on ER processes, providing coaching on conflict resolution, documentation, and equitable decision-making.

• Document case outcomes meticulously and identify trends to recommend preventative measures.

Investigations & Compliance

• Support complex workplace investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing stakeholders, and drafting reports in collaboration with the Manager: Talent Advisory.

• Ensure all ER outcomes comply with UK employment law, organisational policies, and QuilomboUK’s D&I principles.

• Mitigate organisational risk by maintaining accurate records and escalating high-risk issues promptly.

Workplace Culture & Engagement

• Design proactive ER initiatives (e.g., manager training on bias-free feedback, mediation programs) to promote a positive, inclusive culture.

• Partner with the People & Culture team to embed restorative practices and psychological safety in conflict resolution.

• Contribute to engagement surveys and action plans to address systemic employee well-being issues.

Policy Development & Implementation

• Collaborate with the Manager: Talent Advisory to design, update, and implement HR policies that reflect QuilomboUK’s values, culture, and legal obligations.

• Communicate policies clearly to employees and managers, ensuring accessibility and understanding across all levels.

• Monitor policy effectiveness and propose adjustments to align with evolving organisational and social justice goals.

D&I Integration

• Apply a D&I lens to all ER processes, ensuring marginalised voices are heard and outcomes address systemic inequities.

• Advocate for inclusive practices in performance management, such as culturally sensitive feedback frameworks.

• Support initiatives that advance QuilomboUK’s external social justice partnerships and internal equity goals.

Qualifications

• Experience: 2+ years in HR or employee relations, with hands-on experience managing disciplinary, grievance, and performance cases. Exposure to mission-driven or D&I-focused organisations is preferred.

• Skills:

  • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practices.

  • Ability to navigate sensitive conversations with empathy, discretion, and cultural competence.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for policy drafting and stakeholder guidance.

  • Proficiency in HRIS systems and case management tools.

• Knowledge: Understanding D&I frameworks, restorative justice principles, and trauma-informed HR practices.

• Alignment: Commitment to QuilomboUK’s mission and passion for social justice.

Personal Attributes

• Fair-minded and principled, with a strong ethical compass.

• Collaborative team player who builds trust with employees and leaders alike.

• Proactive problem-solver who balances empathy with organisational needs.

• Resilient under pressure, with the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Purpose-Driven Work: Tackle ER challenges through a social justice lens, directly impacting equity in the workplace.

• Growth: Develop expertise in equitable HR practices with mentorship from inclusive leaders.

• Culture: Join a team that values authenticity, courage, and collective growth.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

Youth club takes place at Furzedown Youth Centre. Welham Rd, London SW16 6TJ

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon - 2pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

Based right in the heart of the city, Shopmobility is a vital and much loved service for all of our customers.  A place where they know they will be listened to, treated with dignity and provided with the best assistance we can offer them, to live their lives independently.

Equal Lives is a user led Disabled People's Organisation and we're really proud of Shopmobility!  It's the part of our organisation which is people facing, the part where our staff and volunteers get to represent us and interact with our customers on a daily basis.  So, it's vital that we have the right people on hand and that's where you come in!

If you've got a passion to help the Disabled community by empowering them to live the life they deserve, then you're our kind of person.  We're looking for those compassionate individuals who want to help others, who are happy to give a few minutes to listen to someone's story, to ask how their day was and to support them in working out the best solutions to suit their needs.

Shopmobility is a scheme that supports people to hire mobility aids during their visit to the city. We're based in Chantry Place (previously Chapelfield Shopping Centre) and we are looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of the day-to-day running of the shop.This is a great opportunity to volunteer, build your skills and meet new people! 

Role overview: 

 As is typical of working with the community, no one day is the same.  As such, the role may include, but is not limited to: 

• Opening the site ready for business and helping to prepare the shop 
• Closing the shop at the end of the day 
• Greeting customers and acting as a friendly, supportive and welcoming face 
• Supporting customers to work out what they need, and to hire the equipmen
• Keeping the site looking presentable and welcoming
• Handling cash and taking card payments
• Supporting people to sign up as Shopmobility members and to join Equal Lives as members
• Responding to queries on social media, email and telephone
• Taking future bookings for the equipment 
• Cleaning and maintenance of vehicles when they’re returned 
• Marketing and promoting the shop 
• Some other occasional ad hoc tasks as required

We’ll give you: 

• Comprehensive training, including Customer Service, GDPR, Safeguarding and Data Protection 
• The opportunity to choose your days and hours (within our opening times of Tuesday to Friday)
• An accessible city centre location 
• A variety of activities to challenge you and develop your skills 
• The opportunity to take on additional responsibilities as you gain experience 
• Specific tasks focusing on the skills you want to gain 
• A friendly and supportive team of staff and volunteers 
• A mapped out plan of personal development to help you evidence your professional progression

You will be doing really important work with this role, supporting those with mobility issues access the City to lead more independent lives. This opportunity gives you a fantastic chance to learn and develop great transferable skills. 

If you are looking for a volunteer role which gives you the chance to make a real difference to people's lives, this role could be for you. 

Volunteering Arrangements 

 The site will follow the COVID19 safety guidelines and volunteers will be reimbursed reasonable expenses incurred whilst supporting us.

All volunteers are required to undertake our core training programme. This covers basic safeguarding and other key features, such as data protection.

New volunteers will have an opportunity to ‘shadow’ experienced volunteers and members of staff 

Potentially, depending on the candidate, there may be additional opportunities to participate in a variety of accredited training courses. Please ask a manager for further details. 

Volunteers are required to adhere to the organisation’s policies and practice guidelines. 

Reasonable expenses, including travel whilst undertaking this role will be reimbursed. This includes mileage (currently £0.45 p/mile) and parking costs. 

Person specification 

• Honesty
• An ability to be empathic, whilst maintaining professional boundaries 
• Reliability, and only committing to a level of volunteering which is realistic 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• The ability to be non-judgemental 
• Good verbal and written communication skills 
• Excellent listening skills 
• Commitment to attend training courses and team meetings 
• Ability to follow organisational policies and procedures including safeguarding, data protection and health and safety
• Dedicated to the empowerment of Disabled people 

DIGITAL & IT LEAD (VOLUNTEER)

Build the Digital Systems That Power SUNSHINE — and Help Us Reach People Facing Loneliness Across London

About SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE is a small but ambitious grassroots charity on a mission to reduce loneliness and help people feel truly seen, valued and connected. Every week, our volunteers bring warmth, joy and human connection to people who feel isolated, overlooked or alone.

To support this work, we need strong, safe, reliable digital systems — and that’s where you come in. As our Digital & IT Lead, you’ll help build, configure and maintain the tools that keep SUNSHINE running smoothly: our cloud‑based case management system, CRM, Google Workspace, devices, and the digital infrastructure that supports our volunteers and protects the people we serve.

Your work will never be “just tech”. It will be the foundation that allows SUNSHINE to grow, expand and reach more people who need us.

What You’ll Be Doing

1. Building SUNSHINE’s Digital Infrastructure

• Set up, configure and maintain our cloud‑based case management system.

• Build and manage our CRM to support volunteers, participants and partnerships.

• Ensure our digital tools are safe, secure and easy for volunteers to use.

2. Managing Google Workspace & Core Systems

• Configure Google Workspace accounts, permissions and shared drives.

• Keep our systems organised, accessible and aligned with best practice.

• Support volunteers with simple, friendly digital onboarding.

3. Device Configuration & Security

• Configure laptops, tablets and other devices for SUNSHINE‑only use.

• Ensure devices are safe, compliant and ready for volunteers.

• Maintain strong data protection and digital safeguarding standards.

4. Troubleshooting & Volunteer Support

• Provide light‑touch support to volunteers when they need help.

• Create simple guides, checklists or instructions to make tech feel easy.

• Help build volunteers’ confidence with digital tools.

5. Helping SUNSHINE Grow Across London

• Recommend tools and systems that support our expansion.

• Ensure our digital infrastructure can scale as we grow.

• Build the foundations for a future‑proof, volunteer‑powered charity.

This Role Is for You If…

• You enjoy building digital systems that make life easier for others.

• You care deeply about loneliness, wellbeing and community.

• You’re organised, reliable and confident with IT and cloud‑based tools.

• You want to help a new charity grow from the ground up.

• You’re based in or connected to London.

• You want to develop your skills in digital leadership, IT management or charity tech.

Practical Details

• Location: Hybrid/Flexible — remote with occasional London meetups.

• Time: Approx. 3-5 Hours per Month (This is a fully flexible volunteer role with no set hours)

Why This Role Matters

Every system you build helps a volunteer support someone facing loneliness. Every device you configure helps a team member deliver connection and care. Every digital safeguard you put in place protects people who may be vulnerable. Every improvement you make strengthens SUNSHINE’s ability to grow, expand and reach more people across London.

Your work will help create a London where more people feel seen, supported and valued. Your leadership will help SUNSHINE become a movement. Your impact will be felt in every programme, every volunteer, every person we support.

This is not just IT. It’s infrastructure for hope.

How to Apply

Send a CV and a short note about why this role speaks to you. We review applications on a rolling basis — join us and help build the digital foundations of SUNSHINE.

Join Street Paws as a Trustee — Shape the Future of a Charity Making Real Change

Street Paws is the charity standing up for people and pets facing homelessness, we believe in a future where homelessness never separates people and their pets, because for them a pet is a lifeline not a luxury.

Street Paws stands up for people facing homelessness because, for them a pet is a lifeline, not a luxury. We challenge the misconception that having a pet should ever be a barrier to a secure home. That is why, in partnership with Local Authorities, hostels and support services, we provide accessible veterinary care, training and advocacy – breaking down the barriers and opening doors to make pet friendly support the norm, not the exception.

We are looking for new trustees with legal, cyber security or lobbying/ campaigning expertise to join our board and play a pivotal role in protecting and strengthening the charity as we grow. By joining our Board, you will have the chance to:

Lead Strategy at a High Level

Your decisions directly shape the direction, resilience, and long‑term impact of Street Paws. You’ll help guide a charity that supports some of the most vulnerable animals and owners across the UK.

Make a Big Difference with a Small Time Commitment

We know your time is valuable. That’s why the role is designed to be flexible and manageable:

· A few hours a month, on your schedule

· Just one board meeting per quarter (around 2 hours)

· Remote participation options available

This is a meaningful way to contribute your professional expertise without taking on a heavy workload.

Build Your Board-Level Experience

Whether you’re looking to take your first step into governance or broaden your leadership portfolio, this role offers:

· Real strategic influence

· Exposure to charity governance

· A chance to work alongside passionate, skilled trustees

You’ll be part of a committed team driving forward a mission that genuinely changes lives.

CONTEXT

The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC) is a registered charity based in

Wolverhampton which supports, empowers and advocates for women and children.

We aim to actively encourage women to be self-reliant, through empowering them to

identify their own needs, make their own choices and create their own solutions. We

offer a baby bank, a charity shop & various community support services to help

women facing crises or challenging situations.

Wolverhampton Baby Bank is a flagship project run by The Women & Families

Resource Centre, a registered charity supporting families with children aged 0-3.

Through donated essentials and community engagement, we provide much-needed

items such as:

• Essential supplies for babies and toddlers, including nappies, wipes, clothing, toys,

and bedding.

• Support services for new parents, including drop-in groups and befriending for

pregnant women and new mothers.

• Referrals and resources to connect families with additional community services.

Scope and Span

The E-Commerce Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the online sales function of the Baby Bank, ensuring that high-quality donated items are identified, prepared, listed, and sold effectively to generate fundraising income.

This role manages E-Commerce Volunteers and ensures that listings are accurate, professional, and aligned with brand standards. The Team Lead also monitors performance, pricing strategy, and workflow efficiency.

Volunteer Guidelines

Thank you for volunteering with The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC). Our work supports and empowers women and families facing challenging circumstances, and your role is essential in helping us provide consistent, reliable, and respectful services. To ensure fairness, sustainability, and high-quality support for the community, all volunteers are expected to follow the structured framework and guidelines below.

• Minimum of 12hrs per week and 4hrs per day

• Attend agreed shifts consistently and provide notice if unable to attend.

• Carry out agreed tasks responsibly, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

• Treat service users, staff, and fellow volunteers with respect and compassion.

• Communicate openly about availability, concerns, or if feeling overwhelmed to prevent burnout and overcommitment.

• Follow agreed scheduling processes to ensure continuity and consistency in service delivery.

• Work collaboratively as part of the team and report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

Your commitment and reliability help us create a stable and supportive environment for the families we serve.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise E-Commerce Volunteers

• Oversee the identification of sellable donated items

• Ensure all items listed online meet quality standards

• Approve product descriptions, pricing, and final listings

• Monitor online sales performance and recommend improvements

• Maintain consistency in photography, editing, and branding

• Track inventory allocated for online sale

• Ensure timely uploading and removal of sold items

• Provide regular sales and performance updates to the Baby Bank Manager

• Work with the Operations Manager on process improvements and automation
   

Qualifications

• Experience in e-commerce, online selling, or digital marketplaces preferred

• Experience supervising volunteers or small teams is an advantage

• Comfortable using online selling platforms, spreadsheets, and basic reporting tools

• Strong understanding of product presentation and pricing

• Availability for required weekly hours

Skills

• Leadership and team coordination

• Strong attention to detail

• Basic sales and pricing strategy knowledge

• Good written communication skills

• Analytical mindset (understanding what sells and why)

• Organization and workflow management

• Problem-solving ability

Location: Remote or In-person (London-based preferred, flexible)
Hours: 20 hours per month (flexible)
Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to Counsellor / 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD
Payment Schedule: Weekly or monthly, depending on preference (flexible to support cash flow)

About Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

Guardian Light Enterprises LTD is the revenue-generating arm of Guardian Light Foundation, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of children, teenagers, and single-parent families affected by homelessness, abuse, and hardship. Every service we provide contributes directly to creating safe spaces, housing, education, and empowerment programs for vulnerable communities.

As a freelance counsellor with us, you are not just offering sessions—you are helping people heal, build resilience, and find hope, while supporting a social mission that changes lives.

Role Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Freelance Counsellor to provide emotional support, guidance, and therapy sessions to our clients. This is a unique opportunity to work in a mission-driven social enterprise where your expertise directly fuels social impact.

As a counsellor, you will:

• Provide individual and group counselling sessions for children, teenagers, and single-parent families.

• Use your professional expertise to guide clients through challenges including trauma, grief, anxiety, and abuse recovery.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguarding standards in line with UK regulations.

• Collaborate with Guardian Light Enterprises and the Foundation team to refer clients to additional support programs where appropriate.

• Participate in impact reporting to help shape future programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality counselling sessions tailored to individual client needs.

• Document sessions and maintain records securely in compliance with safeguarding and GDPR policies.

• Promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and empowerment for clients.

• Engage with Guardian Light Enterprises LTD in strategic discussions to improve program delivery.

• Attend occasional training and team meetings (via Microsoft Teams).

Ideal Candidate

• Accredited Counsellor, Psychotherapist, or Mental Health Professional with relevant UK registration.

• Experience working with children, teenagers, and vulnerable families.

• Strong empathy, emotional intelligence, and a trauma-informed approach.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

• Passionate about social impact and committed to transforming lives.

Hours & Compensation

• Recommended: 8–12 hours per month (approx. 2–3 clients per week, depending on session length).

• Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to you, 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD.

• Payment Schedule: Flexible – weekly or monthly, depending on mutual preference and cash flow management.

Benefits

Even at this early stage, joining Guardian Light Enterprises LTD offers unique benefits:

• Impact-driven work: Every session contributes to funding programs that directly support children and single-parent families in crisis.

• Flexible schedule: Set your hours around your availability.

• Professional growth: Access to training and development opportunities.

• Career progression: Exceptional counsellors may be invited to join our Advisory Board or eventually become a Board Member, shaping the direction of Guardian Light Foundation.

• Recognition: A chance to build your personal and professional brand as part of a pioneering social enterprise.

• Supportive environment: Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team dedicated to real change.

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.

Our Second Home (OSH) is the UK’s youth movement of people with refugee backgrounds. We have welcomed over 600 young people from 50 countries to our activities in London, Essex and Bristol.

Mission

For young people with refugee experience to build community, become leaders and flourish into adulthood in the place they call home. Through transformative activities, our members take control of their lives and create meaningful change for themselves and their wider community.

About This Role

OSH is at a pivotal point in its development.

Over the past few years, OSH has grown from a small, founder-led organisation into a national movement with increasing reach, complexity, and ambition. Our income has risen from £250,000 to £500,000, our staff and volunteer base is expanding, and our programmes are reaching more young people than ever before.

OSH now needs confident, experienced, and future-focused governance that can support scaling while protecting the culture, values, and relational way of working that make the organisation distinctive.

Your role will involve 4 main areas:

1. Board Leadership and Governance
2. Strategy and Organisational Leadership
3. CEO Support, Appraisal, and Accountability
4. External Representation and Engagement

More information is in the recruitment pack attached.

About You

Essential

• Significant experience in organisational and strategic leadership, ideally including guiding a charity or mission-driven organisation from small to medium scale
• A proactive and forward-thinking mindset, demonstrating the ability to anticipate potential issues and risks while identifying opportunities.
• Strong understanding of good governance, with the confidence to lead a board and hold senior executives to account
• Experience of or exposure to fundraising, financial sustainability, and organisational development
• The ability to balance support and challenge, particularly in a Chair - CEO relationship
• Commitment to OSH’s mission and values, including a genuine willingness to engage with and be guided by those with lived experience of the asylum system
• Highly organised and dynamic, with the ability to prioritise the effective use of Board time, facilitate the timely and focused distribution of information, and ensure appropriate follow-up to Board decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the emotional intelligence to lead inclusively, collaboratively, and sensitively

Desirable

• Lived experience of asylum or forced migration
• Previous experience as a Chair or Vice-Chair of a charity or similar organisation
• Experience working with youth-led or lived-experience-led organisations
• Familiarity with safeguarding in youth or community settings

The Organisation

Rethink Mental Illness is a leading mental health charity in England, dedicated to supporting people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives, regardless of how challenging circumstances may feel. The charity works to create lasting change across health and social care systems, public attitudes, and the everyday experiences of people living with mental illness across the country.

People with lived experience of mental illness are central to everything Rethink Mental Illness does. Their insight shapes trusted advice, information, and more than 200 services, including housing and employment support, carer services, and legal advice. These voices also drive campaigns to challenge discrimination and influence legislative change, while their diverse experiences help ensure services are inclusive and accessible. Rethink Mental Illness believes that people severely affected by mental illness can have a good quality of life and is committed to making this a reality.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of Trustees of Rethink Mental Illness as Chair of the Audit and Assurance Committee. This role operates alongside, and does not replace, the broader responsibilities and duties of charity trusteeship.

Responsibilities of the Audit & Assurance Committee Chair

Leadership and Direction

The Chair will:

• Chair all meetings of the Audit and Assurance Committee and provide effective leadership and direction.

• Maintain a clear understanding of the committee’s duties and responsibilities.

• Commit the necessary time and bring strong business, financial, communication and leadership skills.

• Demonstrate excellent working knowledge of corporate governance, accounting practices, internal control functions and risk management frameworks.

• Champion open and constructive discussion, while maintaining appropriate discipline and ensuring meetings are effective and complete their agendas.

• Be prepared to ask challenging and, where necessary, difficult questions with tenacity.

• Ensure committee members understand their responsibilities and feel able to raise matters of concern.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Chair of Trustees, Vice-Chairs, Treasurer, Chief Executive and executive team, External Audit Partner and Internal Audit Lead.

• Plan the work of the committee in conjunction with the executive team, agreeing a rolling forward plan and agendas in advance of meetings.

• Review the effectiveness of each meeting, seeking feedback from members and attendees.

Governance

The Chair will:

• Ensure the committee maintains its independence and avoids assuming responsibilities beyond its remit.

• Act as the Charity’s Whistleblowing Champion, ensuring regular review of the effectiveness and operation of the Whistleblowing Policy.

• Lead oversight of external and internal audit arrangements, including appointment and performance review.

• Ensure the committee holds at least annual private sessions with the CFO, External Audit Partner, Internal Audit Lead and the Treasurer (ex-officio member).

• Promote and participate in regular formal self-assessment of the committee against appropriate professional standards.

• Ensure that the committee’s work and key issues are clearly communicated to the Board.

Development of the Committee

The Chair will:

• Work with the Honorary Officers Committee to ensure an appropriate balance of skills and experience within committee membership.

• Meet at least annually with each committee member to review engagement, gather feedback, address performance issues and identify development needs.

• Foster the right culture within the committee, encouraging constructive challenge and positive questioning.

• Ensure appropriate induction and training support is provided for both new and existing committee members.

The Person

Rethink Mental Illness is seeking individuals who can confidently balance strong commercial awareness and financial sustainability with a deep commitment to the charity’s purpose and values, bringing a thoughtful perspective that looks beyond profit alone.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A good understanding of the mental health sector and the wider challenges facing charities supporting people with severe mental illness.

• Strong financial literacy, with qualified accountant status desirable, and experience overseeing financial reporting, risk management, internal controls and audit.

• A strong understanding of charity governance, with experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector desirable.

• An analytical and constructive approach, with the confidence to provide appropriate challenge while supporting collaborative, values-led decision-making.

Rethink Mental Illness warmly welcomes applications from people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages and from disabled people, and actively encourages applications from groups that are underrepresented.

How to Apply

Applicants are invited to submit:

• An up-to-date CV, including details of two referees (who will not be contacted without prior permission).

• A supporting statement outlining how they meet the criteria in the person specification and their motivation for applying.

This Is Not a Typical Content Creator Call-Out
Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is building a truth-telling media engine and community-owned digital infrastructure to confront CSA, centre survivor truth, and create real economic and leadership pathways for young people. To do that, we are intentionally recruiting hundreds to thousands of content creators globally. This is not about chasing virality. This is not influencer culture. This is not one brand voice. This is about collective creation at scale, community ownership of narrative, and building systems that give many people opportunity—not just a few. If you want to contribute your creative skills to something bigger than yourself, keep reading.
 
Purpose of the Role
Volunteer Content Creators are the production engine of our Social Media Management Team.
You will help create, remix, and repurpose content that fuels:
•        Donor growth
•        Volunteer mobilisation
•        Survivor-led storytelling
•        Community trust
•        Cultural disruption
Content is created once and then reused across:
•        CIC platforms
•        Ambassador networks
•        Community organisers
•        Campaigns, education, and outreach
This role exists at scale because our strategy is scale.
 
Who We Are Calling In (Multiple Creator Types Needed)
We are intentionally recruiting creators with different strengths. You do not need to do everything.
We are looking for:
•        AI Content Creators – generating content variations, captions, visuals, and scripts using AI tools
•        Video Creators – TikTok, Reels, Shorts, YouTube (short-form and long-form)
•        Audio Creators – podcasters, musicians, sound designers
•        Visual Creators – photographers, graphic designers, infographic designers
•        Writers & Bloggers – articles, newsletters, educational content, scripts
•        Copywriters – captions, CTAs, campaign copy, landing page text
•        Scriptwriters – video, podcast, and show scripts
•        Platform-Native Creators – TikTok specialists, Instagram-first creators, YouTube editors
•        Educational Creators – teaching skills, knowledge of self, history, media literacy
•        Entertainment Creators – storytelling, humour, gaming, culture-led content
•        Brand & Community Ambassadors – creators willing to promote the CIC using approved sponsorship content
You may fit one lane or several.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential experience

• Experience creating digital content on a consistent basis, meeting agreed briefs and deadlines.
• Experience working with at least one content type: video, design, writing, or AI-assisted content.
• Experience adapting content for different social media formats and platforms.
• Experience contributing to purpose-led, community-focused, or sensitive storytelling.
• Experience collaborating with creative, campaign, or insight-driven teams.

Essential skills

• Ability to produce high-quality content consistently and at scale.
• Strong understanding of social media formats, trends, and audience behaviour.
• Ability to work within brand, ethics, safeguarding, and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Openness to feedback, iteration, and collective ownership of work and outcomes.
• Strong self-management, reliability, and accountability without close supervision.
• Understanding of content as a tool for impact and change, not personal ego.

Training & qualifications

• Formal qualifications are not required.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Produce high-volume, high-quality content consistently, aligned with campaign priorities and platform requirements.
• Repurpose long-form content (e.g. podcasts, interviews, stories) into short-form assets optimised for social platforms.
• Work within C.I.C brand guidelines, ethical standards, safeguarding requirements, and trauma-informed frameworks at all times.
• Submit all content for approval, structured storage, tagging, and future reuse in line with C.I.C workflows.
• Collaborate closely with the Social Media Director, Campaign Managers, Analysts, and Automators to align content with strategy, insight, and distribution.
• Contribute creative ideas, concepts, and improvements, not just output, supporting experimentation and continuous improvement.

This role is not suitable if you:

• Need immediate income
• Want a low-commitment volunteer role
• Are only looking for exposure
• Prefer to work alone without feedback
• Are uncomfortable with heavy or sensitive subject matter

Important to Be Clear:

• A volunteer role within a Community Interest Company
• Unpaid during the build phase
• Not a replacement for paid employment
• Paid opportunities will be introduced as the organisation becomes financially sustainable.

Next Steps:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about content, storytelling, and donor engagement

If you believe that words can transform communities, and that authentic storytelling drives action, this role is for you.

A Final Word
Words carry weight.
They can heal or harm.

If you know that:

• Survivor stories deserve care, not clicks
• Donors deserve honesty, not spin
• Communication is part of safeguarding

Trusteeship for Thetford Heritage Trust

Location: Thetford

Salary:  Voluntary

Thetford Heritage Trust are in the process of becoming a newly formed charity, they are seeking Trustees to join its Board as it embarks on an exciting programme of work to unlock the heritage potential of the Norfolk Town of Thetford.

The Trust has been set up to preserve and maintain Thetford’s many historic buildings and to develop a community heritage and arts centre to support and promote the town’s rich heritage and encourage local participation in the performing and creative arts

The Trust is looking to recruit five independent trustees with experience in charity governance, architectural heritage, finance, creative and performance arts and fundraising. They will join the five members of Thetford Town Council already appointed to the new board. 

This is a great opportunity to play a pivotal role in guiding the development of Thetford’s architectural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Time commitment: initially, in the setting up period, board meetings will be held bi-monthly, the time commitment will be up to 6 hours per month.

As the Trust progresses, board meetings will reduce to 4 meetings per year. Trustees are expected to attend these and to devote sufficient time to read through the board papers in advance. There may be other events that trustees are invited to attend, and other opportunities to get involved.

Meetings will be held either electronically by Microsoft Teams or in person in the Guildhall in Thetford on a Wednesday or Thursday evening from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. From time to time, additional meetings may be necessary. 

Terms of office: our trustees can serve up to 2 three-year terms for a maximum of 6 years. 

Trustee expenses: all reasonable expenses incurred by trustees to attend meetings will be reimbursed. 

Overall purpose of the role: our trustees are legally responsible for the governance of Thetford Heritage Trust. This means they must make sure that the Trust achieves its objectives, as set out in our governing document. They ensure we have a strategy, and that our assets and resources are only used for charitable purposes in line with our governing document.

Our trustees make sure that we operate in line with any relevant laws, particularly the Charities and Companies Acts. Trustees have a collective responsibility – to work together for the best interests of the Thetford Heritage Trust.

Role description:

Organisational purpose

• Making sure Thetford Heritage Trust (the Trust) pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by ensuring that suitable strategies, plans and policies are in place.

• Ensuring the Trust complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

Leadership

• Ensuring that the Trust applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects and ensuring the financial stability of the Trust.
• Ensuring that there are appropriate policies and procedures in place for the effective and efficient administration of the Trust.
• Protecting and managing the property entrusted to the Trust and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• Representing the board’s agreed position when speaking publicly on behalf of the Trust.
• Acting as an ambassador and champion for the Trust at events and online.

Integrity

• Committing to uphold the Trust’s Trustee Code of Conduct
• Upholding any policies and procedures relevant to the trustee role including confidentiality, safeguarding, conflict of interest and data protection.

Decision-making risk and control

• Ensuring clear focus on strategy, performance, and assurance,
• Promoting a culture of sound objective decision making, without undue influence by special or personal interests.
• Ensuring appropriate risk management and plans for mitigation are in place.

Board effectiveness

• Upholding board collective responsibility.
• Making reasonable use of own skills and experience to support the work of the Board and the wider organisation.
• Contributing towards an annual review of the board’s performance. 

Openness and accountability

• Ensuring the charity’s performance and interaction with its stakeholders are guided by the values, ethics and culture put in place by the board.
• Taking seriously the responsibility for building public trust and confidence in the organisation’s work.  

Person specification

Attributes

• Strong understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
• Demonstrable commitment to the Trust’s charitable objects and to developing the Trust’s strategic vision.
• Ability to contribute to the work and ongoing development of the Trust, not only through regular attendance of board meetings, but also through sub-committees of the Board, and/or ad hoc ‘task and finish’ group activity, as appropriate.
• Ability to use previous experiences in a relevant manner, whilst at the same time being able to separate from prior allegiances and interests, so that conflicts can be managed openly and transparency guaranteed.
• Be comfortable discussing and making decisions on matters outside of your direct area of expertise.
• Appreciation of the nature of risk management at board level.

Skills

• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to converse beyond your own domain of expertise and to discuss complex and/or intractable problems and contribute to solutions, even if these are not perfectly aligned to your own views;

and be able to:

•  provide support and advice to the Trustees and officers in the affairs and strategic development of the Trust.
•  demonstrate a clear commitment to operating by the standards relating to public life and knowledge of the Charity Commission’s requirements of Trustees.

To Apply

If you are interested in joining our Board of Trustees and playing a pivotal role in the development of the Thetford Heritage Trust, we would love to hear from you.

Could you help your local SSAFA branch recruit volunteers in your area? You just some basic I.T and admin skills, patience, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Recruitment Coordinator?

Recruitment Coordinators help us find local people interested in supporting SSAFA and take them through our recruitment and selection process.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

To offer the best possible service to our clients we need to match the right volunteers to the right role. Could you spare a few hours a week to help recruit new volunteers and welcome them to SSAFA by supporting them through their induction phase? We’d love to hear from you if think you could help with this important role.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The role is about recruitment and so will involve attending local recruitment fairs a few times a year as well as meeting volunteers both face-to-face and virtually. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but the administration part of the ole can be done form home.

What would you be doing?

• Be the first point of contact for all volunteering enquiries, ensuring that all potential volunteers receive a timely response.
• Supporting volunteers through the recruitment and induction process and ensuring volunteers are communicated with throughout.
• Arranging informal interviews for new volunteers conducted in-line with SSAFA policies.
• Conducting ID checks (where relevant) so the volunteer can begin the vetting process
• Supporting volunteers to book onto role specific training and ensuring they complete their mandatory training.
• Working with the VDM to ensure branch vacancies are advertised on the branch website and national websites and support any national recruitment campaigns
• Maintaining good relationships with local Volunteer Centres and other local sources of volunteer promotion and attend local recruitment fairs.
• Evaluating volunteer recruitment activity, experimenting with creative ways to recruit volunteers from a variety of sources to create a diverse network of volunteers.
• Treating all potential volunteers inclusively with respect and sensitivity, regardless of age or background
• Supporting any volunteers facing barriers to find a suitable role.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and experience to benefit others.
• Appreciate that your role has a positive impact on the quality of service we can provide to beneficiaries as well as providing volunteering opportunities.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. This training would take approx. 3 hours.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.  
• Access to a range of e-learning courses.
• Support from the Volunteer Development Manager and Trainer (per region)
• Access to the Volunteer Experience Team based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people, with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude  
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Good written and spoken English.
• Respectful and non-judgemental with potential volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and during the role, including accessing and responding to emails and using Microsoft offices software.
• Ability to encourage and motivate all volunteers to undertake training.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely., in line with SSAFA policies.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings and events and t meet volunteers.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No