Community development volunteer roles

Role summary

As a Volunteer Community Connector, you will play an important role in the Compassionate Communities programme by helping to normalise conversations around death and dying, grief and loss. We believe that breaking down these taboos and getting people talking is key in helping communities support each other.

Your role will involve:

• Supporting and facilitating ‘compassionate conversations’ about death and dying, grief and loss in the community - promoting social connectedness. This may include signposting to relevant community support or care provision.

• Offering an informal, empathetic listening ear around topics such as life limiting illness, caregiving, dying and bereavement.

• Offering your support for informal sessions or larger events that may be held in community groups, charities, cafes or other organisations.

Main duties of this role:

• Attend and support public-facing events focused on compassionate conversations and awareness-raising (how to have difficult conversations).

• Offer a welcoming, supportive presence and engage people in meaningful conversations in a non-judgmental manner.

• Sensitively listen to people’s experiences, stories or questions related to serious illness, loss and caregiving - answering questions where able; or signposting or referring to your line manager where unable to respond.

• Help to promote Compassionate Communities principles and the work of St Helena in a positive, accessible way.

• Connect with St Helena staff and partners before and after events to give feedback and receive support.

• Assist with basic event logistics such as setting up spaces, offering refreshments, distributing materials, and collecting informal feedback.

• Work flexibly across community venues.

• Establish contacts within the community and build relationships

• Understand and adhere to confidentiality and data protection regulations at all times. 

Training and Supervision:

• Online mandatory training relevant to the role

• Compassionate Conversations training – online/in person

• Dedicated line manager for training and support with regular meetings 

Experience and Qualifications required:

• Experience in a role involving interaction with the public, especially in a supportive or listening capacity

• Understanding of the importance of compassion and empathy when discussing sensitive topics

• Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries

• Comfortable speaking with people from a wide range of backgrounds 

Use your skills and develop news ones as you support Samaritans as they grow their Stream for Samaritans community of content creators.

As a Community Support Volunteer - Stream for Samaritans, you’ll be helping to research and engage with new creators utilising a range of skills from social media to community management to help Samaritans towards their vision that fewer people should die by suicide.

What is the role?

The Community Support Volunteer - Stream for Samaritans will work closely with the Events Fundraising Manager Gaming and Streaming to help increase the reach of the team in the online creator space so Samaritans can raise more funds to help those with suicidal thoughts get help when they need it the most.

You will be a vital part of the team, using your skills and network to find new creators to engage with, carrying out research and safeguarding checks and becoming a key point of contact for those wanting to learn more about this exciting area of fundraising. You’ll also help to set the tone for our Discord community by posting regularly, moderating and being part of conversations to inspire our supporters to get more involved with fundraising for Samaritans.

This role will give you the opportunity to:

• Use your passion and enthusiasm for all things content creation to help Samaritans towards their vision that fewer people should die by suicide
• Use your engagement and communication skills to support Samaritans in the expansion and development of our content creator fundraising events
• Learn new skills and meet new people both virtually and in person
• Gain experience of community management and work in the charity sector as part of a busy events team at a large UK charity
• Learn more about content creator led fundraising, event planning and project management
• Attend a variety of industry events throughout the year
• You’ll be helping to support Samaritans and their work to help those who are struggling to cope for any reason

Please see the role description below for more details about this role.

Qualities and experience

• Enthusiasm and passion for streaming and content creation
• Good understanding and knowledge of Discord, Twitch, YouTube and other platforms
• Personable, approachable and able to develop relationships with a wide range of individuals

Key responsibilities

• Outreach and engage with creators to build relationships and promote fundraising events
• Support with event planning and researching trends and opportunities in the sector
• Create social media posts for our Discord Server

Time commitment

The role is incredibly flexible and any support you can provide would be appreciated - equivalent of one day per fortnight would be ideal. This time can be spread across multiple days however suits you best.

Applications

To apply, please complete and return the application form as soon as possible. We are hoping to get someone on board before TwitchCon which takes place on 29th May.

Video interviews will be arranged with successful candidates on individual basis. 

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

At Children With Voices, community is everything. We've been walking alongside Hackney families for over 25 years — and we're looking for someone who shares that deep commitment to people.

As our Volunteer Community Engagement Officer, you'll be a connector. You'll help us reach more families, build relationships with local organisations, and make sure that the people who need us most know we're here.

This is a face-to-face, relationship-centred role for someone who genuinely loves people and community.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Build and maintain relationships with families, local groups, schools, and community spaces

• Represent Children With Voices at community events, outreach sessions, and local meetings

• Identify and connect with families who may benefit from our programmes

• Support the signposting of families to the right services and support

• Assist with the coordination and promotion of community events

• Provide regular updates to the CEO on community needs and feedback

• Help grow our volunteer and supporter network through outreach and word of mouth

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

ESSENTIAL

• A warm, approachable manner and genuine love for community

• Strong verbal communication and active listening skills

• Ability to connect with people from all backgrounds with sensitivity and respect

• Self-motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team

• Understanding of safeguarding principles

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

• Experience in community development, outreach, or social work

• Knowledge of Hackney or East London communities

• Ability to communicate in a second language (particularly relevant to Hackney's diverse community)

• Experience working with families, children, or vulnerable adults

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• Deep experience in grassroots community engagement

• A professional reference from our CEO

• The opportunity to build meaningful relationships that change lives

• Exposure to a wide range of community services and organisations in Hackney

• A chance to grow your skills in outreach, inclusion, and social action

As a Community Outreach Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in helping people in Havering know where to turn when they need urgent mental health support. You’ll be out and about in the community spreading the word about the Havering Crisis Café — chatting to local people, connecting with community centres, faith groups and local organisations, and sharing information through leaflets and posters. This is a great role for someone confident, friendly and passionate about making support more visible and accessible in the community.

What you will be doing

• Promoting the Havering Crisis Café within the local community
• Visiting community centres, libraries, GP surgeries, faith settings and other local spaces
• Handing out leaflets and displaying posters
• Helping build positive relationships with local organisations and community groups
• Feeding back any insights, questions or community needs to the team

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable and confident talking to new people
• An interest in mental health, wellbeing and community support
• Good communication skills and a respectful, non judgemental approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

This is an exciting time to lead Age UK Stockport’s Board. To be the Chair of Age UK Stockport is to be an active volunteer in our community. But it’s not the easiest volunteering role! It can be challenging, but it will be rewarding.

Our Board has recently been refreshed after the recruitment of three new trustees who, alongside our established trustees, complete the Board membership.

Our current Chair will be standing down later this year having served the maximum term for the role. We are looking for a dedicated, creative person, with a range of appropriate professional and life experiences to become our next Chair. They will have the interest and commitment to lead and drive forward the development of Age UK Stockport in line with our core values – to be Connected, Confident and Creative.

The successful candidate would join the Board as trustee and Chair Designate and then be elected Chair at the AGM in the autumn of 2026.

The Chair leads the Board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively. You will support the Board to work together well and will manage and support the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity. 

Main responsibilities of the Chair

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring effective governance and accountability
• Work in partnership with trustees, the Chief Executive and staff / volunteer team to achieve Age UK Stockport’s mission, vision and objectives
• Plan and chair the Board meetings and the AGM working with others to achieve this
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Age UK Stockport
• Ensure Board meetings are properly run and recorded
• Represent Age UK Stockport externally, helping, with others, to build partnerships with funders, local / regional authorities, and community organisations
• With others, ensure the charity remains financially sustainable and operationally strong, delivering excellence for people in later life
• Recognise and make best use of trustees’ skills and experience
• Line manage the Chief Executive on behalf of the trustees

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF)
Hybrid (UK-wide) | ~4 Board meetings per year + flexible participation options

Do you have personal experience of pulmonary fibrosis and want to use your voice to shape change?

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by pulmonary fibrosis. We are looking for a Trustee with lived experience to join our Board and help ensure the voices of patients, families and carers are at the heart of everything we do.

We recognise that living with pulmonary fibrosis can be challenging. We are committed to supporting Trustees in a way that works for them, including options to join meetings remotely where needed.

Why join APF?

Pulmonary fibrosis brings complex and often challenging experiences for individuals and those around them. At APF, we work to improve support, drive research, and influence policy and care so that people affected by pulmonary fibrosis are better supported at every stage of their journey.

As a Trustee, you will help ensure that lived experience shapes our decisions, priorities and culture, influencing how we design services, set direction and deliver meaningful change.

Who we’re looking for

We are particularly keen to hear from people who bring lived experience of pulmonary fibrosis, for example as a:

• Person living with pulmonary fibrosis
• Carer, family member or close supporter
• Someone closely affected by the condition

You do not need previous Board experience. We are looking for people who can:

• Share insight and perspective to inform strategic discussions
• Reflect the needs, challenges and priorities of the PF community
• Ask questions, contribute ideas and challenge constructively
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with others

We would also welcome, but do not require, experience in areas such as:

• HR, people management or organisational culture
• Fundraising, supporter engagement or community development

The role

As a Trustee, you will:

• Help shape APF’s strategy and long-term direction
• Ensure strong governance, accountability and financial oversight
• Bring lived experience insight into Board discussions and decisions
• Help ensure services, research, information and campaigns reflect real needs
• Highlight barriers, inequalities and opportunities for improvement
• Contribute to subcommittees or projects where your perspective adds value

Time commitment

• ~4 Board meetings per year, with flexibility to attend remotely where needed
• Preparation time for meetings
• Occasional participation in subcommittees or advisory work, depending on your interests

We will work with you to ensure participation is manageable and accessible.

This is a voluntary, unpaid role. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed, including travel and caring costs where needed.

Our commitment to inclusion

We want our Board to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including those who may not have held a trustee role before.

JOB PURPOSE: We are seeking a passionate, creative, and community-driven Book Club Manager / Community Lead (Volunteer) to help build and grow a thought-provoking book club focused on awakening, education, critical thinking, and personal growth. This role involves developing the vision and structure of the book club, curating impactful reading materials, and creating a welcoming space where members can engage in meaningful discussions and self-reflection. The successful candidate will lead both online and offline sessions, organize engaging events, and foster a strong sense of community among members aged 16–35. The ideal volunteer is someone who enjoys bringing people together through ideas, conversations, and learning experiences, while encouraging intellectual curiosity and personal development.

About the role: The purpose of the Book Club Manager / Community Lead (Volunteer) role is to establish, manage, and grow an engaging and intellectually stimulating book club community that promotes education, awareness, personal development, and critical thinking. The role holder will be responsible for creating and implementing the club’s structure, coordinating discussions and events, curating impactful reading materials, and developing systems that enhance member participation and overall community experience. This position aims to create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where members can explore new perspectives, challenge mainstream narratives, and build meaningful connections through shared learning and discussion.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Experience running or managing book clubs, discussion groups, or community programs is a plus, but passionate and motivated individuals are encouraged to apply.
Strong organizational and event management skills.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills for leading discussions.
Knowledge of tools and platforms for virtual book clubs (Zoom, Discord, social media, event management platforms, etc.).
Ability to research, source, and recommend books that challenge mainstream narratives and promote critical thinking.
Passion for personal growth, education and community development.
Ability to engage members aged 16–35 and fosters a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

Develop and establish the structure of the book club, including mission, themes, and long-term goals.
Schedule and organize regular book club sessions, both online and offline.
Manage and moderate discussions to ensure engaging, respectful, and thought-provoking conversations.
Source, curate, and recommend books aligned with the club’s mission of awakening, education, and self-reflection.
Create and host events such as webinars, author talks, workshops, or live discussions.
Promote the book club through social media, community networks, and other channels to grow membership.
Develop systems and processes to streamline operations, track member engagement, and improve overall club experience.
Mentor and guide members on critical thinking, awareness, and personal growth.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, 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. 

As a Community First Aider, you will support at local events, provide first aid when needed, and help ensure the safety and wellbeing of others. You’ll be part of a friendly, supportive team, gaining valuable skills and confidence along the way. What you’ll do: * Provide first aid cover at community events * Support public safety and respond to incidents * Work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care * Represent St John in a professional and welcoming way What we offer: * Full training – no previous experience needed * Ongoing development and recognised first aid qualifications * A supportive and inclusive team environment * Opportunities to get involved in a wide range of activities

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.

Interviews: - date, times and location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - date, times and location to be advised
Training for role - date, times and location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/05/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Community Liaison Officer

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. We are looking for an individual who embodies the spirit of CAG and continually keeps the integrity and goals of the organisation at the forefront of every decision that they make as part of their role.  To ensure we meet our goal of improving the well-being of young people and being a part of our local community we need to increase our reach. We’re looking for a volunteer Community Ambassador to play a vital role in helping us reach new audiences, form new partnerships and maintain current arrangements, raise awareness and generate income.

You will seek out opportunities to speak to and build relationships with community groups, organisations and businesses, raising awareness of our work and encouraging action through giving, campaigning and volunteering.

In addition to public speaking opportunities, you may attend events on our behalf, such as business networking meetings, fundraising events, community fetes, galas and more.

You will work closely with the CAG Management Committee for support and help mapping out opportunities within the local community and beyond.

Description

Responsibilities:

• Communicating and building relationships with current and potential community contacts.

• Promoting CAG in the local area.

• Attending meetings and events.

• Delivering talks about CAG’s aims and activities.

• Contacting existing supporters to encourage continued support.

• Researching new opportunities to build relationships in the local area, for instance: local places of worship, the Round Table, the Lions, local businesses.

• Working in close conjunction with our Social Media Volunteer and our Fundraising Volunteer.

• Communicating frequently with CAG Management Committee to keep them up to date.

We are looking for a volunteer who ideally should have / be:

• Commitment to CAG and its ethos.

• Organised, self-motivated, proactive and good at managing your own time.

• Someone who enjoys meeting new people and networking, and is comfortable with public speaking.

• The ability to build and maintain relationships. 

• A proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. 

• The ability to influence others using excellent communication skills. 

• The ability to motivate others and work as part of a team. 

• Resilience, particularly when faced with setbacks.

• A willingness to carry out a range of administrative tasks. 

• Strategic vision and an ability to think creatively.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings.

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the day to day running of CAG as well as securing its future.  You will have a big impact because this role is essential to ensuring that CAG remains healthy and sustainable and able to navigate changing times and economic climates.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.  Additionally we can offer you:

• The chance to be part of a charity at an exciting time in its development.

• The opportunity to make a difference to young people’s lives through outdoor trips, activities and adventures.

• Expenses, so you are not out of pocket.

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer will work from home and will be required to attend meetings within the Solihull area.

Travel Limit

This role is partly remote but ideally the candidate should be available for face to face Committee and other meetings.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Flexible to suit you.

• You would need to be available to attend Committee meetings which normally take place in the evening.

• Occasional weekends and evenings to attend events.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 3 hours / week – the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

We are explicitly seeking a Trustee with lived experience that reflects the realities faced by the children, families and communities we serve. By lived experience, we mean someone who has personally navigated circumstances where opportunity was limited or unevenly distributed. This might include growing up in a low-income household, experiencing social or economic disadvantage, attending a school with few resources, or feeling that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was a world that did not feel open or accessible.

If you have built your path despite these kinds of barriers, forging a career, finding your voice, or creating opportunities that were not readily available, your insight would be invaluable. We are looking for someone who can bring a different perspective to our Board, ask questions others may not think to ask, and help us stay grounded in the experiences of the communities who need us most.

You do not need previous governance experience. What matters most is your insight, your judgement and your commitment to CSC’s mission. We will provide a full induction, training and ongoing support to make sure you feel confident in the role. As a Trustee, you will work collectively with the Board to ensure the charity is well-run, financially sound, and delivering meaningful public benefit.

We are looking for a Community Engagement & Accountability Officer who is responsible for assisting in the implementation of integration activities and projects and ensuring that the needs and opinions of Second Tree community members are used to guide our work.

Your role would include:

• Creating timelines and coordinating plans for community engagement events

• Summarising relevant data collection in reports and project deliverables

• Communicating with community members and building trusting relationships

• Managing the organisation of proposals and other documents created by the CEA team

• Maintaining necessary records, files, reports, databases, and resource materials for the CEA team

• Researching information and gathering data necessary for community reporting

• Working with the wider Second Tree team to ensure that all community engagement events and projects align with organisational and programme strategies

• Supporting the CEA team by ensuring good levels of engagement with the community during activities and projects.

You should be able to:

• Be flexible with changing approaches and processes dependent on adjusting needs and contexts

• Take initiative and show high motivation

• Oversee the delivery of program activities and the completion of vital administrative and logistical tasks

• Be accountable and efficient, making sure that tasks that you take up are completed in the agreed timeframe

• Be honest and transparent, being able to give and receive feedback in the most straightforward way

• Care for people: the interests of the people we work with should always be your first concern

• Prioritise and delegate tasks effectively, ensuring all deadlines are met;

• Manage individuals effectively to create a positive team environment in which shared problem-solving is encouraged

• Communicate in English, both written and orally

• Learn quickly, and manage a wide-ranging and intense workload

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in integrating meaningful community participation premised on thorough needs assessments

• Experience in maintaining and monitoring effective feedback mechanisms

• Experience in integrating community perspectives into planning, evaluation, and reporting of community engagement projects and events

• Training in facilitating focus groups and interviews;

• Knowledge of European projects and deliverables

• Familiarity with project management

• Proficiency in excel and quantitative data collection

What do we offer?

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow, investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

Inclusive Boards is pleased to be supporting Together Active in their search for two new Trustees.

About Together Active

We’re Together Active, a charity working across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to make it easier for people to be active in ways that fit their lives. 

We focus on the systems that shape who gets included, and who doesn’t. That means looking beyond individual behaviours to understand how policy, funding, culture, and place shape people’s choices, freedoms, and access to movement. We support local organisations, influencing decision-makers, and helping the system work better for the people it serves.

We focus on the people most likely to be excluded: those living on low or no income, with poor health, discrimination, or long-term structural disadvantage. Our strategy for 2024-2030 centres on Stoke-on-Trent and the parts of Staffordshire where inequality is most entrenched. 

About the Trustee roles

The role of trustee at Together Active is an integral position that ensures the charity operates on the foundation of effective governance. That means providing oversight at strategic level and supporting a robust, informed decision-making process.

Together Active is seeking to appoint two trustees that have specialist knowledge across two key areas:

• Governance expertise

OR

• Strategic safeguarding expertise

​​​​​​Essential criteria

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience of either charity sector leadership and governance; strategic communications or community development
• Ability to actively monitor the performance of the organisation
• IT literate
• Understanding of and commitment to Charity Commission’s Code of Governance
• Able to understand financial information

Leadership:

• Inspires confidence and creates stability

Communication:

• Exceptional communication skills particularly when speaking to others
• Active listener
• Confident networker
• Evidence of being able to persuade and influence in a range of settings
• Strong commitment to partnership working

Desirable criteria

Knowledge and Skills:

• Lived or professional experience of the challenges facing communities in Stoke on Trent
• Previous experience of trusteeship
• Understanding of risk and its effective management
• Knowledge and understanding of the sport and physical activity landscape

Communication:

• Understanding of principles of non-violent communication

Manor Gardens Welfare Trust has been at the heart of Islington since 1913, where we were set up to address 10% rates of infant mortality. More than a century later, we're still pioneering: our Dahlia Project is the UK's first specialist psychotherapy service for FGM survivors, our award-winning Surplus Café, and leadership of the Islington Food Partnership have made us a serious force in community food justice, our advocacy work supports some of the boroughs most vulnerable residents in 16 community languages, and our youth services work with young people at risk of gang violence and exploitation in one of London's most deprived boroughs. We own three Grade II listed buildings in Upper Holloway, directly support over 2,500 people a year, and reach 10,000 more through outreach and partnerships. 

What we do

From multilingual advocacy and community wellbeing to youth work, therapeutic services, and food security, we work across the intersections of disadvantage, with particular expertise in supporting refugee and minoritised communities, survivors of FGM and sexual violence, young people at risk of exploitation, and people facing mental health challenges. We are a small organisation with an outsized impact, and we take seriously our responsibility to influence policy as well as deliver services.

What we're looking for

We're seeking trustees with expertise in one or more of the below areas:

Fundraising and income development — You will have significant experience leading or overseeing fundraising strategy, with a strong track record across trusts and foundations, statutory commissioning, or other income streams relevant to a charity of our size and complexity. You understand what sustainable income looks like for a community health organisation navigating a difficult funding environment.

Services and community leadership — You will have deep experience leading or developing services for under-represented, minoritised, or marginalised communities, ideally in the voluntary and community sector. You understand what excellent, culturally competent, trauma-informed practice looks like — and how to govern it well.

Human resources — You will have significant HR expertise and an understanding of what good people management looks like in a complex, mission-driven organisation. Whether your background is in-house, consultancy, or the voluntary sector, you'll be able to bring a thoughtful, practical perspective to workforce questions at board level and contribute to our HR and Communications sub-group, as well as the wider board.

In either case, you'll bring strong communication skills, genuine commitment to equity and inclusion, and the strategic clarity to contribute meaningfully at board level.

What you'll join

Our board of six trustees brings expertise spanning third sector leadership, asset management, law, HR, finance, and communications. We meet five times a year, with three sub-groups (Fundraising and Services; HR and Communications; Finance and Facilities) that meet as needed. The time commitment averages around six hours per month. Trustees are appointed for three-year terms, with the potential for renewal.

Knowledge

Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trustees.

Qualities and Behaviours

Strategic vision;

Commitment to inclusion, equalities and diversity and to the vision and mission of our charity;

Commitment to MGWT’s values;

Interpersonal and communication skills;

Collaborative approach;

Honesty and integrity;

Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

We warmly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the issues we address, and from those who are under-represented in charity governance more broadly.

Lived Experience Community Ambassador

Please note, this will be based across Bedford

Purpose / Summary of the Role

Aquarius is a national charity working to reduce harm caused by drugs, alcohol, and gambling. We support individuals, families, and communities through prevention, early intervention, and recovery focused services.

The Lived Experience Community Ambassador role works alongside Youth Ambassadors and Aquarius practitioners. The role uses lived experience of substance use, recovery, or being affected by someone else’s substance use to support learning, engagement, and understanding.

You will contribute to peer informed education, community outreach, and parent engagement. Your experience supports honest conversation, reduces stigma, and helps families feel understood and informed.

Responsibilities

· Work alongside practitioners to support education and outreach activity

· Share lived experience appropriately within agreed boundaries

· Support school based sessions and parent focused learning

· Contribute to community outreach and awareness activity

· Support parents and carers with practical insight and reassurance

· Reinforce prevention, harm reduction, and recovery messages

· Follow safeguarding, confidentiality, and information sharing procedures

· Communicate concerns or disclosures to practitioners promptly

Description of Tasks

· Take part in planned lived experience talks and panel discussions

· Support PSHE lessons or awareness sessions alongside staff

· Share personal insight to support understanding of substance use and recovery

· Support parent sessions with perspective drawn from lived experience

· Attend community events to promote support and early intervention

· Work with Youth Ambassadors to model safe, respectful engagement

· Prepare for sessions with practitioners to agree focus and boundaries

· Maintain professional boundaries at all times

Time commitment

- Minimum 2 to 4 hours per month

- Sessions planned in advance

- Flexibility to support school and community activity

Training and support

· Mandatory volunteer induction

· Lived experience and boundaries training

· Safeguarding training

· Project specific briefing before sessions

· Named supervisor

· Ongoing supervision and support

Skills and qualities

· Lived experience of substance use, recovery, or being affected by another person’s use

· Ability to reflect on experience safely and constructively

· Comfortable speaking in groups or community settings

· Calm and reliable approach

· Respectful and non judgemental communication

· Ability to maintain boundaries and confidentiality

· Willingness to work alongside practitioners and follow guidance

Benefits to the volunteer

· Opportunity to use lived experience to support others

· Contribution to prevention and early intervention work

· Development of confidence and communication skills

· Experience within education and community services

· Training and development opportunities

· Support from experienced practitioners

· Reimbursement of agreed expenses

Reimbursement of expenses

Agreed out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed

· Public transport

· Mileage costs at 0.45p per mile

Local Information

Service Name – Bedford

Service Model / Project

Prevention, Early Intervention, and Community Outreach Services

Location

Schools, community venues, and outreach settings

Additional Information / Application procedure

· Application form

· Assessment meeting

· DBS and references

· Induction and training

Person Criteria

Approachable, professional, and reflective

Organised and reliable

Ability to practice patience

Able to maintain confidentiality

Able to understand and maintain boundaries

Able to communicate in a non-judgemental way

Ability to work as part of a team

Lived experience relevant to substance use or recovery

Good level of self-awareness

All activities carried out in line with Aquarius policies and procedures

You should not be an active client of Aquarius services