Community volunteer roles

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Colne are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school 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

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. 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 school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• 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

We are recruiting Youth Helpers to assist at our various Cadet and Badger groups in the East Midlands.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role
If you are successful, you will need to undertake induction & training for the role on these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - to be discussed with the candidate.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 05/10/2026.

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) -  19/05/2026

Closing date for these opportunities is: 24/02/2026

Through volunteering as an Operational Support Team Member, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in providing essential resources to our medical and education teams. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Training for role - Applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed, then inducted on a buddy system

Closing date for these opportunities is: 25/02/2026

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 28/02/2026

We'll invite you for a friendly chat to get to know you better and see how your skills and passion align with working with young people.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 28/02/2026

We'll invite you for a friendly chat to get to know you better and see how your skills and passion align with working with young people.

We're looking for Trustees with a range of skills (HR, fundraising and bid writing, governance, strategic planning, impact and evaluation reporting and more) to support the Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group to move forwards and positively impact the lives of our members.

What will you be doing?

We're looking for up to 10 Trustees, including a Chair, to continue the amazing work already achieved. 

As a Trustee you’ll have an essential role in contributing towards our journey of change and continuous improvement. We are looking for individuals with an open mind, a willingness to challenge each other and the Manager constructively, a willingness to understand the needs of our members and a desire to positively impact their lives. 

In an attempt to increase the diversity of both the Board and the membership, we particularly welcome applications from those aged 30 or under and people of colour; the perspectives of individuals with lived experiences of chronic illnesses is important to us too. 

The charity is currently unincorporated but this is a decision that the new Board will consider.

One of the challenges is that the Board and staff team are small, with several Trustees either having chronic illnesses themselves or caring for those that do. With the loss of our last manager, the Trustees have become fairly operational; this new chapter of our journey will re-establish these boundaries, enabling Trustees to be strategic and empowering staff to be operational. 

We are also looking for a permanent Manager and will shortly be recruiting an Benefits Adviser, a fantastic service that has a real impact on the lives of our members. 

Additional challenges are that we rely on external funding to ensure that we continue to deliver high quality services for our growing membership.

In the coming years we aim to work more closely with local communities and medical practitioners to raise awareness of these conditions, that are often dismissed, reaching many that might not see themselves as having a chronic illness in the first instance.  We will also develop our relationship with our members to ensure that the services we provide continue to meet their needs.

Following Covid and the introduction of long Covid as a chronic illness, societal perceptions are changing and more research is being undertaken in this area.  

We hope to have convinced you that it is an exciting time to be part of the Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group!

What are we looking for?

Any skills and experiences you can provide will be hugely beneficial...

Our Board is currently small and as such we are looking for up to 10 Trustees with skills in a range of areas:

HR and governance: we are currently incorporated but this is a decision we hope the Board will consider. Expertise in these areas will ensure we remain legally compliant

Strategic planning: in addition to having an understanding of our current intentions, the ability to scan the horizon and identify new possibilities will continue to ensure the charity grows

Coupled with individuals with fundraising / bid writing experience, we can continue to deliver our current programme but identify gaps within our provision that benefit our members whilst matching these with potential funders.

Impact and evaluation reporting: as a charity we are brilliant at what we do however we are not so effective at communicating this. Assistance in this area will enshrine our work locally and nationally.

We need to represent our members effectively, undertaking research with our members will ensure that we continue to meet their needs with current and new opportunities. It is important to hear the voices of those un(der)represented. A focus on equity, diversity and inclusion can help us increase our diversity, both as a Board and our membership, ensuring that our support reaches those individuals that require it and that we identify ways of engaging them that are meaningful to those communities.

It is equally important to ensure that the views of those with lived experiences continue to shape the actions of the organisation, be that through ring-fence roles on the Board or a sub-committee that reports directly to it.

Please get in touch if your skills aren't listed but you are committed to making a difference, we'd love to hear from you!

What difference will you make?

Why become a Trustee at the Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group?

Becoming a Trustee of the Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group is more than a governance role — it’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of people living with chronic, often misunderstood conditions.

The impact you’ll nave

• Championing voices: Trustees ensure that the needs and experiences of people with ME and Fibromyalgia are heard, respected and represented in local health and community discussions.
• Strengthening support: By guiding the charity’s strategy, you help sustain vital services — peer support, advocacy and wellbeing activities — that reduce isolation and improve quality of life.

• Driving change: Trustees influence how the organisation grows, ensuring it remains resilient, inclusive and responsive to the evolving needs of its members.

Why it matters

• Chronic illnesses affect thousands of people across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, and beyond, often leaving individuals feeling invisible or unsupported.
• The Group provides a lifeline — connection, understanding, and practical help— that empowers people to live fuller lives despite their conditions.
• Trustees safeguard this mission, ensuring the charity continues to thrive and expand its reach.

What you’ll gain

• Personal fulfilment: Knowing your skills and decisions directly improve lives in your community.
• Professional growth: Experience in charity governance, leadership, and strategic planning.
• Community connection: Join a passionate team committed to compassion, advocacy and positive change.

By becoming a Trustee, you’re not just joining a board — you’re joining a movement to bring hope, dignity, and support to people living with ME and Fibromyalgia, CFS and long Covid.

Before you apply

Please don't hold back because of imposter syndrome — that voice that says “I’m not good enough” or “others are more qualified.”

• Imposter syndrome is common
• Your lived experience, skills and perspective are valuable. Roles like this aren’t about being perfect — they’re about bringing diversity of thought, passion and commitment.
• Growth comes from stepping forward. You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need the willingness to learn and contribute.

If you’re hesitating remember the very fact that you care enough to doubt yourself shows humility and integrity — qualities that make you exactly the kind of person organisations need.

Don’t let self-doubt silence your potential. Apply anyway. You may be surprised at how much you have to offer and how much impact you can make.

This is an open application; there are no scheduled interview dates. We will contact applicants and arrange a suitable time to meet. 

We reserve the right to remove this post once suitable candidates have been found. 

Start date: as soon as possible, training will be provided.

Lead with purpose as Chair of the Board of Governors at Scarborough Sixth Form College, helping to shape the future for young people and the wider community.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026

Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Time commitment: c. 1 – 2 days per month

About Scarborough Sixth Form College

Set on the beautiful Yorkshire coast, Scarborough Sixth Form College is a thriving centre of post-16 education and ambition set in the heart of the North Yorkshire coast. With around 1,000 students and a modern, spacious campus, the College combines a supportive, inclusive environment with a strong focus on academic achievement, personal growth and future-ready skills.

Our mission is clear: to inspire and educate students so they fulfil their potential, enjoy successful careers and lead fulfilling lives grounded in ambition, integrity, respect and enjoyment; a mission which drives our staff to constantly strive for excellence.

At the heart of our strategy is a commitment to offering a broad, flexible curriculum that empowers students to design a programme tailored to their goals. Students can choose from a diverse range of A Levels, T Levels, Applied General qualifications and GCSEs, which they can mix and match to build a pathway bespoke to their aspirations. This curriculum breadth supports progression into top universities, apprenticeships or employment across a wide variety of sectors.

Scarborough Sixth Form College is a community with an outstanding culture of achievement and progression, continually evolving its offer to meet local and national needs while celebrating student success and aspiration at every turn. Our efforts across our wider delivery and support were recognised by Ofsted in our more recent inspection in 2023 where we were graded as ‘Good’ overall and ‘Outstanding’ for the support we provide to learners with high needs.

About the role

With the current Chair, Rachel Dolby, stepping down after three successful years in the role, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair who can lead our board into the future and work with our leadership team, led by Phil Rumsey, to navigate the challenges and opportunities that will undoubtedly need to be faced in the years ahead.

The Chair of our Governing Body plays a pivotal leadership role at Scarborough Sixth Form College. In this role, you will provide strategic direction, help ensure robust governance and offer principled oversight to ensure the College fulfils its mission and statutory responsibilities.

Working in close partnership with both our Principal and Clerk, the Chair enables the Governing Body to operate effectively, ethically and collaboratively in the best interests of students, staff and the wider community.

Through strong leadership and constructive challenge, the Chair has a significant impact on the long-term sustainability, effectiveness and culture of the College. This is an influential role offering the opportunity to make a lasting difference to educational outcomes and opportunities for young people across the region.

Who we are looking for

You will bring the ability to think strategically, maintaining a clear focus on the College’s medium and long-term objectives and intervening constructively when focus or alignment is lost.

As an effective Chair, you will demonstrate strong judgement and a clear understanding of governance boundaries, respecting the distinct yet complementary roles of governors, the Principal and the senior leadership team.

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are essential, enabling you as Chair to lead meetings with confidence, guide discussion, encourage participation and ensure that debate remains focused on the issues that matter most.

The ideal candidate will be committed to ethical leadership, able to identify and address ethical dilemmas, manage ambiguity and challenge inappropriate pressure or behaviour. They will demonstrate resilience, confidence and integrity, maintaining their commitment in the face of challenge or opposition.

Experience of working in complex organisations and contributing to effective governance will be highly valued, alongside a commitment to continuous personal development and reflective practice.

Above all, the Chair will show a genuine empathy with, and understanding of, the ambitions and needs of young people, ensuring that student outcomes remain central to all strategic decision-making.

Whilst the postholder does not need to have experience of, or be an expert in, sixth form education, it is vital that they have a genuine passion for education, training and its impacts on local communities. Additionally, a strong relationship with Scarborough or a demonstrable understanding of the challenges faced by the local communities would be useful.

Applications are especially welcomed from individuals with backgrounds in finance, legal and audit. We will also welcome applications from those based across the breadth of the education sector, local charities and from within locally based businesses.

Peridot Partners and Scarborough Sixth Form College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 12/05/2026

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/03/2026

We'll invite you for a friendly chat to get to know you better and see how your skills and passion align with working with young people.

Through volunteering as an Operational Support Team Member, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in providing essential resources to our medical and education teams. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Training for role - Applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed, then inducted on a buddy system

Closing date for these opportunities is: 24/02/2026

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of healthy citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, and self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/04/2026.

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

We are recruiting Youth Helpers to assist at our various Cadet and Badger groups in the Surrey area.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) -  31/01/2026.

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) -  19/05/2026

Closing date for these opportunities is: 24/02/2026

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

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

What you can 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