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Salford, Greater Manchester (On-site)
Unpaid role, expenses not paid
Voluntary
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Job description
Uncurbed Collective is recruiting a new Co-Chair of Trustees to lead alongside existing Co-Chair and founder trustee Janet Charlesworth.
This is a moment of evolution for the organisation. As we continue to grow our disability-led work and strengthen our governance, we are seeking a Co-Chair who believes in shared leadership, collective responsibility, and values-driven decision-making.
This role is not about individual authority. It is about working in partnership, listening well, and supporting the organisation to think strategically while staying grounded in its values.
Alongside your fellow Co-Chair, you will:
- Guide and support an engaged, values-led Board of Trustees
- Help shape Uncurbed’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability
- Champion disability-led governance and shared power in practice
- Work closely with the CEO to ensure strong, transparent leadership and accountability
We are open to a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You might bring:
- Experience of board leadership, chairing, or senior strategic roles
- Lived experience of disability and/or a strong commitment to equity, access, and inclusion
- Confidence working collaboratively, rather than hierarchically
- Curiosity, generosity, and a willingness to learn alongside others
You do not need to have held a Co-Chair role before. We are particularly keen to hear from people who may not see themselves reflected in traditional governance pathways.
Support and culture
Uncurbed operates a shared leadership model. You will not be expected to do this alone, nor to arrive with all the answers. Trustees work relationally, with care, challenge, and mutual support.
We actively encourage informal conversations before applying.
To apply or ask questions, contact us directly. Access support is available throughout the process.
What are we looking for?
This is a non-executive leadership role. You won’t be involved in day-to-day operations — instead, your focus will be on supporting strong governance, holding space for inclusive strategy, and ensuring the board functions well.
We are looking for someone who can bring clarity, structure, and values-led leadership — and who is confident sharing power within a co-chairing model alongside a trustee with lived experience of disability.
You don’t need to be an expert in disability or the arts — but you do need to be open to learning, able to hold a strategic view, and committed to changing who gets to lead.
You should bring:
- Experience as a Chair or senior trustee in a charity, cultural, or values-led organisation
- Knowledge of good governance and the responsibilities of a non-executive board
- Skills in strategic planning, organisational development, or scaling with integrity
- Confidence in chairing meetings and supporting a group to make clear, inclusive decisions
- A belief in equity, accessibility, and co-leadership as core parts of good governance
- Strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative mindset
We are particularly interested in applicants with experience of:
- The arts, access, or cultural policy
- Strategy, finance, legal structures, or fundraising
- Public health, education, or community development
- Systemic change or inclusive leadership development
You will work closely with the CEO/Artistic Director and Co-Chair to lead the board well — helping us grow sustainably, stay aligned with our mission, and centre lived experience in decision-making. You’ll also play a key role in recruiting and supporting new trustees as the board evolves.
We know leadership is a learning process. If you bring curiosity, commitment, and clarity — we’ll support you to grow with us.
What difference will you make?
You’ll co-lead a board committed to access and culture change — supporting disabled artists to lead, and ensuring the organisation continues to grow with integrity, purpose, and shared power.
Application Instructions
After applying, you will be invited to an informal conversation with our CEO and Co-Chair to chat about the role.
Organisation
Refreshed on: 20 February 2026
Closing date: 20 March 2026 at 12:38
Tags: Communications, Fundraising, Policy, Marketing, Legal / Law, Business Development, Accounting, Compliance / Quality, Strategy, Governance / Management
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Remote
Unpaid role, expenses not paid
Voluntary
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!
Job description
About Make A Smile
Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers help keep the charity running smoothly across the UK, acting “in the best interests of Make a Smile” and ensuring volunteers are well‑trained, supported, and empowered.
About the Role
The Sign Language Officer leads Make A Smile’s British Sign Language (BSL) and Makaton training programme, ensuring volunteers gain the communication skills needed to create magical, inclusive interactions at events. You will oversee teachers, develop engaging lesson plans, and ensure volunteers progress through training effectively.
Key Responsibilities
You will play a central role in developing and delivering high‑quality sign language training. Responsibilities include:
● Overseeing BSL and Makaton teachers and supporting them in running weekly sessions.
● Recruiting suitable teachers or supporting new teachers to develop their skills to the required level.
● Ensuring the charity can offer training at multiple levels (Beginners, Improvers, Novice, Intermediate) for both BSL and Makaton.
● Reviewing and approving lesson plans, ensuring content focuses on vocabulary and phrases useful for Make A Smile events.
● Managing volunteer applications for training, selecting participants based on commitment and likelihood of attending events.
● Supporting weekly sessions by ensuring attendance is taken, volunteers are engaged, and teachers have the resources they need.
● Stepping in to run a session or arranging cover if a teacher is unavailable.
● Monitoring volunteer engagement and removing volunteers from the programme if attendance or participation is consistently poor.
● Ensuring asynchronous training materials on the dashboard remain relevant and accessible.
● Reporting on training progress, volunteer engagement, and teacher needs at monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.
Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For
This role suits someone organised, supportive, and passionate about inclusive communication. You’ll thrive if you bring:
● Strong organisational and coordination skills.
● Confidence in supporting and guiding teachers.
● Creativity in helping shape engaging, event‑focused lesson plans.
● A proactive, solution‑focused mindset.
● Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Show dedication… Enjoy it!”).
● An interest in BSL or Makaton (you do not need to be fluent - teachers deliver the content).
Time Commitment
Sign Language Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including supporting teachers, reviewing lesson plans, managing training groups, and attending monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.
Training and Support
You will receive:
● Full Trustee Training (online).
● A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).
● Guidance from the Chair and fellow Trustees.
● Access to existing lesson plans, training materials, and templates.
● Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity‑funded training.
What You’ll Gain
● Experience managing a training programme within a national charity.
● Skills in coordination, leadership, and inclusive communication.
● The chance to shape how volunteers interact with children who use BSL or Makaton.
● A meaningful role that directly enhances the accessibility and impact of Make A Smile events.
● The joy of helping volunteers develop skills that create magical, inclusive moments for children.
Safeguarding and Eligibility
Sign Language Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.
How to Apply
To express your interest, please send a CV along with a short message outlining your experience, interest in sign language, and why you’d like to support Make A Smile’s training programme.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping children smile.
Organisation
Make a Smile
View profile
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Registered Charity
101 - 500
* To bring children's dreams to life * To provide a professional service * To bring fun to both children and volunteers
Posted on: 02 February 2026
Closing date: 03 May 2026 at 18:30
Job ref: DD - Sign Language
Tags: Communications, Volunteering Management, Teaching, Deaf, Education, Entry level / Graduate, Health / Medical, Learning Disability, Mentoring / Coaching, Youth / Children, Events / Activities
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