3 Communications and external relations officer volunteer roles in London, Greater London
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Position Description
This is an exciting time to join the Heart of the City trustee board. You will join a small but ambitious Charity with strong foundations and networks across the public and private sector. This is an opportunity to shape the next chapter for the Heart of the City, with a strong focus on developing a robust, sustainable three-year Strategy. The Strategy will be supported by work to further diversify funding streams, that provide greater financial resilience without compromising our mission to support SMEs to become responsible businesses and play a full role in responding to the Climate Emergency.
The incoming Chair will support the team to develop a three-year Strategy to support the growth of the Charity.
The plan will explore:
- The Mission of the Charity and how it should grow
- Diversifying and securing new sources of funding
- Broadening our programmatic offer to SMEs
- Defining the strategic relationship between Heart of the City and the City of London Corporation
Unlike most small charities, Heart of the City has an extensive network and governance structures with prestigious organisations. The Chair will help manage key relationships with the Bank of England and Corporation of London, as well as key Council Members. The Chair will be instrumental in managing an effective and focussed set of Trustees to help shape, scrutinise and deliver the Charity’s mission.
By the end of the three-year period as Chair, you will have supported the development and implementation of a Strategy, which meets the vision of the Charity, helped develop a sustainable and resilient funding model, ensured that the Charity is making an impact and reporting on its achievements and maintains effective relationships with key strategic partners.
Typically, the Chair will:
- Hold regular fortnightly meetings with the Managing Director.
- Attend quarterly Trustee Board meetings (usually lasting around two hours and held during the working day).
- Participate in a strategy half-day with Trustees and staff.
- Attend Council meetings (up to two per year).
- Support introductions to potential members, partners and stakeholders.
- Attend and occasionally speak at Heart of the City events on an ad hoc basis.
The Chair will contribute to ad-hoc requests including:
- Sharing their views on responsible business in interviews for our newsletter, social media or webinars
- Championing our work at other external events and meetings, on social media and on their own biographical profiles
About you
We do not expect one person to fulfil all specifications but would welcome applications from individuals who are able to demonstrate most of the following:
Experience & Knowledge
- Senior Executive experience in the Corporate, Charity or Public sector.
- Strong understanding of SMEs, their motivations and challenges.
- Strong commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
- Proven track record of setting strategic direction and leading senior teams.
- Well-connected senior network across businesses.
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent chairing, facilitation and sound judgement in complex situations.
- Strong strategic thinking with the ability to align resources to long-term mission and impact.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage audiences from SME leaders to senior stakeholders.
- Strong ambassadorial and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent listening, questioning and consensus-building abilities.
Commitment
Commitment to Heart of the City’s mission, values and responsible business agenda. Willingness to devote the time and energy required to fulfil the role effectively.
Closing application date
Midnight on 27 September 2026
Interviews
Trustees aim to meet with the candidates in the week commencing 12 October 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Are you an experienced Board-level leader passionate about education, social mobility, STEM, and creating opportunities for young people?
The Engineering Development Trust (EDT) is seeking an exceptional Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership to its Board. This opportunity would suit an experienced Chair, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Board Member, CEO, Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leader with expertise in governance, strategy, financial stewardship and organisational leadership who is passionate about education, STEM and social impact.
We’re looking for someone with senior leadership experience, strong understanding of charity governance and finance, and the ability to support and challenge at Board level.
About EDT
EDT is a UK-wide education charity delivering over 50,000 learning experiences each year through the Industrial Cadets Awards. We bring together employers, educators and young people aged 9–21, helping them explore STEM pathways and access rewarding future careers. EDT plays a critical role in tackling skills gaps, improving social mobility and increasing diversity across STEM industries.
About the Role
This is a high-impact trustee leadership opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of a national charity. As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, financial oversight and organisational effectiveness.
You will work closely with the Chief Executive, acting as a trusted sounding board while maintaining accountability for delivering EDT’s mission and strategy. You will also act as an ambassador, representing EDT to partners, funders and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees
- Ensure effective charity governance and compliance
- Oversee financial health and sustainability
- Support and challenge the Chief Executive
- Lead Board development and performance
- Act as an external ambassador for EDT
About You
We are seeking a collaborative, strategic and values-driven leader with experience operating at Board, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Chair, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leadership level.
You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership, executive, trustee or non-executive experience
- Strong understanding of charity governance, corporate governance, risk management, financial oversight and organisational strategy
- Experience working with Boards, Trustees, Committees or governing bodies
- The ability to provide both support and constructive challenge to senior executives and leadership teams
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, partnership-building and ambassadorial skills
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, social mobility and creating opportunities for young people
- Strong judgement, integrity and a passion for delivering social impact
Experience gained within the charity, not-for-profit, third sector, education, STEM, skills development, employability, workforce development, youth development, public sector or social enterprise sectors would be particularly valuable, although candidates from the commercial sector with relevant governance experience are equally encouraged to apply.
Commitment
- Approx. 4 Board meetings per year plus committee involvement
- Regular engagement with the Chief Executive
- Attendance at key events and stakeholder meetings
This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Why join EDT?
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the UK, while helping to address critical skills shortages in STEM. You will join a committed Board and executive team and play a central role in shaping EDT’s future at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the sector.
We welcome applications from experienced trustees, board members, non-executive directors, charity leaders, public sector leaders, education leaders and senior executives who share our commitment to improving outcomes for young people and strengthening the future STEM workforce. We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Our mission is to connect young people with STEM and inspire STEM futures.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role: Director of Local Operations
Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Director of Local Operations to develop and lead its Local Operations Departments (England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland) in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to have an impact at a local level through commissioned research projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring these Departments produce high-quality research projects which meet the goals agreed with the commissioning organisations and grow Youth Advantage’s reputation and reach in line with its strategic policies. Working closely with the COO and the Policy and Ethics Departments, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively guide and strengthen the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, positive local change. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.
This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.
Responsibilities:
● In line with the organisation’s strategic priorities, to lead the Local Operations Department in designing, developing and implementing impactful research and project objectives.
● To line manage the Head of Local Operations (England and Wales) and the Head of Local Operations (Scotland and Northern Ireland), supporting them to effectively manage their own teams and to develop and implement the frameworks necessary for producing top quality research projects based around both desktop research and fieldwork.
● To work with HR in creating a strong Local Operations Department composed of individuals with the appropriate skills and expertise. To ensure these volunteers are appropriately supported and trained during their period of service.
● To work alongside the Policy Department to source potential commission and project opportunities, shaping the focus and output of the Local Operations Department accordingly.
● To develop short- and long-term strategies in relation to the Department’s activity, ensuring that these align with the wider strategies of the organisation.
● To liaise with the Policy and Ethics Department of the organisation on an ongoing basis, ensuring that their advice is incorporated into Departmental decisions and output.
● To take responsibility for relationships with key external stakeholders, at all times representing the organisation positively and professionally.
● To work on an on-going basis with the other members of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team in determining its strategic priorities and incorporating these into the Department.
● To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategies and the Local Operations Department’s activities.
● To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Department in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.
● To create blogs and articles on related issues and to find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.
● To support the Chief Executive Officer in presenting local operations strategies to Youth Advantage’s Trustees.
Requirements:
● Experience in research and planning, leading key campaigns or programmes.
● High-level understanding of carrying out quality desktop research and related fieldwork, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities.
● Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to effectively disseminating research results.
● Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members.
● Excellent writing and speaking skills.
● IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
● Ability to work well independently and in a team.
● Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
● Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
Benefits
● Gain valuable experience in leading a research and project team.
● Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
● Flexible working hours.
