Community research officer volunteer roles

Lay Directors of the Governing Board (x2)
£200 - £250 per day, plus expenses
Part-time, hybrid working with occasional travel to London

 
The British Acupuncture Council​​​​​​​ is seeking to recruit two Lay Directors to join our Governing Board to replace the directors who stood down in 2025.

The ideal candidates will have previous experience as a non-executive director or trustee of a charity, company or community interest company, an understanding of regulatory compliance requirements and the experience of working with a strategic risk management structure.

The successful applicants will also have a keen interest in acupuncture and a passion for promoting it as a valid healthcare choice.

Person specification and skills:

· Clear, strategic thinker.

· Ability to think creatively.

· Strong diplomacy and listening skills.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality under the GDPR and data protection legislation.

· Ability to demonstrate integrity, objectivity, accountability, and openness.

· Good, independent judgement and willingness to speak their mind and be prepared to make unpopular recommendations to the Governing Board.

Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a Director:

· Ability to work effectively in a team and accept collective responsibility for decisions taken.

· Commitment to the BAcC and its objectives.

· Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the BAcC, with a focus on your area of expertise.

Additionally, we are seeking individuals with specific skills and expertise in one or both of the following areas:

Business development and fundraising 

· Experience in business development and income diversification especially within the health and well being sector.

· Experience of identifying and critically assessing strategic opportunities and threats and developing effective organisational strategies.

· Oversight to drive income generation strategy and apply objective scrutiny to complex funding initiatives within a highly regulated healthcare sector.

Healthcare management

· In-depth experience and understanding of the wider UK health and wellbeing sector.

· Senior level management experience in a complex organisation (ideally NHS).

· Extensive network and connections with stakeholders within the healthcare sector, including policy-makers.

· Experience in membership services and public relations.

Commitment

Four Governing Board meetings per year.
One additional away day and attendance at annual conference.
Ad-hoc interim meetings by agreement.
Committee participation by agreement.

For further information on the role, please see the attached candidate pack. 

In order to apply, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement outlining how you meet the person specification by 2 February 2026 via the application link.

Online interviews will take place on 17 February 2026. 

The BAcC reserves the right to close applications early depending on volume of applications.

The Institute of Conservation (Icon) is seeking an enterprising and passionate supporter of cultural heritage to chair our Board of Trustees through an ambitious period of growth and change.

This fulfilling role will appeal to a people focused individual, who will welcome the opportunity to actively engage with Icon's membership and the wider heritage sector. We are looking for the skills and ambition to support us as we establish a new strategy to champion conservation and deliver sustainable financial growth to support our charitable objectives.

About the Role 

The Chair’s responsibilities include those of all Icon Trustees, with the additional operational responsibilities:

• Providing leadership to the Board in its strategic and policy role
• Chairing the Board and other meetings to facilitate positive discussion and development
• Ensuring the Board fulfils its legal and charitable responsibilities for the governance of Icon
• Establishing a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive
• Appraising the performance of the Chief Executive and the Trustees
• Advocating for Icon and conservation via public speaking appointments at Icon events and within the wider heritage sector
• Supporting Icon’s petition for Royal Charter through stakeholder engagement activity

For the full list of responsibilities and information on Icon including its mission and values, please refer to the Chair of the Board of Trustees Recruitment Pack

About You

You will be:

• Committed to Icon’s values and the conservation of cultural heritage
• Committed to the professional ethos that defines Icon and its members
• Able to direct the business of the Board efficiently and effectively
• Skilled in developing and nurturing productive working relationships
• Willing to challenge us and introduce new ways of thinking

You will have experience in:

• Charity or corporate governance
• High level advocacy across a range of media, including public speaking, interviewing and written commentary
•  Successful fundraising and/or entrepreneurial activities
• Delivering organisational growth and future resilience
• Problem solving, building understanding, and fostering collaboration

All trustees must agree to comply with the Trustees’ Code of Conduct. You can find more information about being a Trustee on Icon’s website.

How to Apply

If you would like to be considered for a position on our Board of Trustees, please submit a brief covering letter (no more than one side of A4) explaining why you are interested in the role and highlighting your relevant skills and experience. Please also provide your CV, covering no more than two sides of A4. 

Detailed application instructions can be found on Icon's website.

Applications close on Wednesday 11 February 2026 at 5PM.

Trustee Opportunity at Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is seeking new trustees to help shape the future of our high-performing advice charity.

With offices in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford, plus outreach centres across the region, we support a population of 225,000 people. Last year, we helped 14,000 clients with 60,000 issues and secured over £7 million of additional income for them. We are here for everyone to help people move on with their lives.

As a trustee, you’d join a well-known, respected charity, influence strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to meaningful change. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with other professional, dedicated trustees, gain valuable experience, build on your leadership and strategy skills, and increase your employability. Prior Board experience is not required.

We welcome expertise in digital media, finance, fundraising, HR, IT, law, marketing, PR, risk management, senior management, local government, or strategy.

What do you need to become a trustee?

Trustees don’t need specific qualifications, but we expect all trustees to have six core skills:

● Insight into the organisation: considering CASL’s objects and its public benefit strategically

● Challenging constructively: clarifying facts; stimulating thought

● Analysing issues: being objective; evaluating risks; using evidence; planning ahead

● Weighing up opinions: using evidence; balancing long- and shortterm; prioritising value

● Interpersonal skills: communicating clearly; listening actively; supporting a healthy culture

● Confidence and self-awareness: collaborating with others; treating everyone with respect.

The Board also values specialist skills as assets among its members:

● experience or qualifications in:

 ‣ business or charity leadership

 ‣ equity, diversity and inclusion

 ‣ facilitation

 ‣ finance and accountancy

 ‣ human resources

 ‣ IT, AI or digital media

‣ law or governance

‣ local government

‣ marketing, PR or communications

‣ risk management, or

‣ strategy development

● past experience as a client or service user of this (or a similar) organisation

● a track record of charitable fundraising, or

● being an effective chair. 

Finally, competent trustees should have these six personal qualities to some extent, and demonstrate them in their behaviours:

● Committed - motivated, dedicated, persevering; plays an active role.

● Responsible - accountable, independent, reliable; accepts collective responsibility.

● Trustworthy - ethical, principled; is a critical friend and focuses on continuous improvement.

● Collaborative - team-oriented, approachable; builds relationships and seeks consensus.

● Confident - independent; contributes constructively and expresses opinions courageously.

● Thoughtful - curious, adaptable, open-minded; appropriately challenges the status quo

The Organisation

Applied Microbiology International (AMI) unites the global microbiology community, breaking down borders and bridging disciplines. It empowers researchers and professionals, fostering collaboration that drives real-world scientific impact. Through strategic funding, inclusive events, and championing diverse voices, AMI addresses the sustainable development goals most aligned with its mission.

AMI promotes knowledge and innovation through its industry-leading magazine, The Microbiologist, and three internationally acclaimed journals in partnership with Oxford University Press. The organisation supports early careers, celebrates excellence with prestigious awards, and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration worldwide.

By amplifying the voices of applied microbiologists, AMI shapes evidence-based policy, inspires the next generation, and acts as a catalyst for scientific discovery, turning knowledge into solutions that benefit society.

The Role

AMI is seeking a Lay Trustee to join its modern, forward-thinking Board.

The Board meets at least three times per year via Teams, with scheduling accommodating trustees globally. One annual face-to-face meeting is held in the UK.

Trustees play a vital role in guiding and strengthening AMI. They provide support and advice on the organisation’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities, while overseeing high-level strategies, policies, and financial plans. Trustees help identify and manage key risks, review financial statements, and support the Chief Executive in delivering AMI’s mission. They contribute their expertise and networks to promote AMI’s reputation, actively engage in committees or advisory groups, and champion membership growth. Acting independently, legally, and in good faith, Trustees prioritise AMI’s interests and stay informed about its operating environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Approving strategies, policies, budgets, and monitoring progress

• Ensuring effective risk management and financial oversight

• Supporting and challenging leadership while contributing expertise

• Promoting AMI’s aims, reputation, and membership growth

In addition, the Lay Trustee will:

• Advise on the development of a new commercial strategy aligned with AMI’s mission to drive revenue growth and diversify income streams

• Provide guidance on sales, market dynamics, customer segments, business development, product/service commercialisation, new product development, and commercial partnerships

• Serve on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (5 meetings per year, held remotely)

The Person

AMI is seeking individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset, fresh perspectives, and energy to contribute to a dynamic organisation with global reach. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping AMI’s future, including contributing to a major strategic review planned for 2026.

Candidates do not need to be UK-based but must share and actively support AMI’s values and be motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference through good governance and strategic leadership.

Essential experience and qualities:

• Background in business or commercial development, ideally within the STEM sector

• Proven track record of senior commercial leadership in STEM

• Strong integrity and personal credibilityMicrobiology expertise is not required.

• Global experience and mindset, open to cross-border collaboration

• Commitment to AMI’s mission, strategic objectives, and values

AMI is committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcomed regardless of age, ethnicity, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, social background, or disability. Reasonable adjustments will be supported wherever possible.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Are you a progressive and inclusive leader?  If you’re able to shape and influence an organisation with a strong foundation and a compelling ambition, then you could be our next Chair here at the Eikon charity.

This is a chance to employ your passion, commitment and bold leadership to support the lives of young people. You will have strong interpersonal skills and influencing capabilities, and a deep commitment to the charity’s mission and values

We need someone to engage and influence stakeholders internally as our Chair as well as able to be a strong ambassador externally.

If this sounds like you, then you might be the right person to join as our Chair.

WHO ARE THE EIKON CHARITY?

Now in our 30th year, The Eikon Charity supports children and young people across Surrey to feel safe, heard, and supported.

Growing up in today’s world can be incredibly challenging. That's why we empower children and young people to find the inner and external resources they need as they develop and navigate life.

We create spaces where they can be themselves and talk about their thoughts and feelings. They understand better than anyone what’s happening in their own lives, so we listen, without judging.

WHAT MATTERS TO US

We believe there should be more investment in empowering young people to prevent them from needing help with their mental health.  The needs of young people guide everything we do, shaping every decision and action we take.

We are committed to investing in preventative services and use our influence to persuade others to do the same.

We are also committed to diversity that supports young people and our volunteers to fulfil their personal potential.

IF YOU JOIN US…

You will lead us with confidence in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. We know that what we do has an impact on our children who, tragically, need more of everything we offer as their challenges increase. This is an opportunity to really make a difference to the next generation.

Becoming our Chair will be a fascinating and compelling way to engage with a highly successful charity poised to achieve so much more. Ensuring that the Board governs The Eikon Charity wisely will be a rich and rewarding opportunity.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The Chair will provide strategic leadership and governance oversight to ensure the charity delivers maximum impact for the children and young people it works with. We need someone to demonstrate bold thinking and the ability to inspire and guide our Board.

We are particularly seeking:

• commitment to mission: passion for the charity’s purpose and a deep understanding of its social impact
• inclusivity & collaboration: fosters a collaborative and inclusive Board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and constructive challenge
• influencing & advocacy - skilled in representing the charity and influencing key stakeholders

Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining the Eikon Charity.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Eastside People is supporting the Eikon Charity in the recruitment of this role. You can apply by submitting your CV and Cover Letter. 

The closing date for applications is Mon 23rd February. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after. Shortlisted candidates will then have an interview with the Eikon Charity shortly after this.

We acknowledge every application. You’ll always hear from us after taking the time to apply - we look forward to hearing from you!

The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) seeks to engage in bidding and tendering to deliver health and social care services effectively.  Our goal is to ensure sustainability and positively impact the lives of more people.  We want assistance in developing an ambitious strategy.

What will you be doing?

We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for a talented Bid Manager to join our passionate team at the Africa Health Organisation (AHO)!  Since 1999, we've been dedicated to delivering health and social care to millions across Africa and the Diaspora, and now we're ready to further elevate our impact.

This year, we're embarking on a mission to broaden our funding strategy by incorporating bid and tender opportunities.  Our goal is to engage with governments in Africa and the UK, the public sector, and the public, providing essential, practical, and emotional support to those facing chronic conditions.  We need a visionary like you to help us achieve our goals.

We're seeking a dynamic, experienced Bid Manager to develop and execute a winning strategy to secure the necessary financial backing.  There are numerous exciting possibilities ahead, including central government tenders, local and statutory opportunities.  We're eager to explore them all.

In this pivotal role, you'll plan and execute our bids and tender writing efforts, ensuring that our bid proposals not only shine but also come to life in meaningful ways.  If you're a bid writer who thrives on creativity and collaboration, we want to hear from you!  Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to inspire and mentor volunteers within our bid and tender team, making a positive impact together.  Join us on this exciting journey!

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Role Description:

Bid Management: Lead and manage the entire bid and tender process, ensuring submissions meet deadlines and align with client requirements across the UK & Ireland.

Proposal Development: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop tailored, high-quality, and persuasive proposals that align with our value proposition.

Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with sales, operations, legal, and clinical teams to gather critical input and ensure accurate, compliant, and compelling submissions.

Market Analysis: Stay informed on market trends, tender opportunities, and competitor activity to identify and secure strategic opportunities.

Compliance: Ensure all submissions adhere to company standards, client specifications, and relevant regulatory requirements.

Process Improvement: Continuously refine bid processes, content libraries, templates, and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Post-Submission Activities: Manage debrief processes and gather feedback to inform future submissions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead AHO bids: Manage the whole bid process with a hands-on approach.
• Create strong responses: Tailor solutions that clearly show our value.
• Support growth: Work with Business Development and Marketing to boost propositions.
• Drive best practice: Lead bid qualification, governance, and reviews.
• User-focused: Understand needs and clearly present our solutions.
• Know the landscape: Medical, research industries, and opportunities.
• Know our strengths: Stay sharp on our services and competitors.
• Seal the deal: Coordinate smooth contract closures.
• Stay tidy: Keep the bid library updated and accessible.
• Keep comms clear: Align stakeholders throughout the process.
• Stay compliant: Follow governance and secure approvals.
• Push for quality: Lead reviews to ensure high-standard submissions.
• Maintain the opportunity pipeline: utilising CRM and creating reports for management.
• Taking the lead on other business development activities, such as award submissions, whitepapers, and sales collateral.
• Supporting every stage of the sales funnel: by working closely with marketing, sales, implementation, and operations teams.

What are we looking for?

Person Specification: What You'll Bring:

• At least two years of proven experience in bid and tender management, preferably within the healthcare (NHS & private), medical, or technology sectors.
• End-to-end bid management experience: A minimum of 4 years' experience leading the whole bid process.
• Preferred qualifications include a degree in Business, Communication, Marketing, Creative Writing, English or equivalent.
• APMP Certification is also desirable.
• Sector versatility: Experience with both public- and private-sector bids in the medical, biotech, biomed, health, and social sectors is preferred.
• Industry knowledge: Understanding of contact centres and/or customer experience is essential.
• Commercial acumen: Strong business sense, negotiation skills, and a hands-on approach.
• Resilience under pressure: Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
• Detail orientation: High attention to detail to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Growth mindset: Self-motivated, proactive, and focused on continuous improvement.
• Strong communicator: Confident and articulate, with the ability to build trusted relationships across stakeholders.
• Time management: Skilled at prioritising tasks and managing competing deadlines.

What difference will you make?

In this exciting role, you will lead the strategic process for winning new business through competitive bids, tenders, and proposals, ultimately elevating AHO's success. Your specialised knowledge will enhance our win rates and maximise revenue by bringing clarity, quality, and coordination to what can be a complex and high-stakes journey. impact

Your primary mission is to boost AHO's tender win rates and strengthen our strategic advantage.  By diligently overseeing each step of the bidding process—from initial evaluation to final submission—you will significantly improve the quality and persuasion of our proposals, directly increasing our chances of securing valuable contracts.

You'll provide key insights to help AHO target the most promising opportunities by implementing a thoughtful "bid/no-bid" process.  This approach will ensure we focus only on lucrative and winnable contracts that closely align with our strategic goals, ultimately saving time and resources and allowing us to prioritise high-potential projects.

In this role, you will orchestrate a well-coordinated process that drives operational efficiency.  As the central point of contact, you will gather input from diverse internal teams—sales, finance, legal, and technical—ensuring everyone collaborates smoothly to meet critical deadlines.

As a leader, you'll elevate the quality of our bid content.  By overseeing the creation of compelling, polished materials, you'll ensure our final submissions are professional, cohesive, and error-free. You will utilise a centralised content library containing valuable resources, such as case studies and CVs, to streamline efforts and enhance our proposals.

You will keep projects on track by developing detailed project plans and timelines, ensuring all tasks are completed on time—especially critical in the fast-paced environment of tender submissions.  Your effective management will ease colleagues' workloads, allowing the entire team to shine.

To foster long-term business growth, you'll create a wealth of knowledge around our tenders and bids. By conducting insightful post-submission debriefs and analysing feedback, you will capture invaluable lessons from both successes and setbacks.  This ongoing improvement process will enhance our bidding capabilities for future opportunities.

You also have the opportunity to enhance AHO's brand reputation by submitting well-organised, accurate, and compliant bids.  By doing so, you'll showcase our professionalism and reliability to clients, building trust and solidifying our credible standing in the market.

Strategic alignment is vital for sustaining consistent, stable business growth.  Together, we can make a remarkable impact on development.

Finance Lay Trustee

The Finance Lay Trustee will provide strategic financial and commercial leadership to RCOT, ensuring robust governance, financial sustainability and effective oversight of commercial initiatives. As the lead trustee on financial matters, you’ll guide the Board’s understanding of financial strategy, risk and performance, and act as a key link between the Board and the Audit, Investment and Risk Committee (by sitting as a member and/or Chair of the Committee). Your insight will help shape RCOT’s long-term financial health and its ability to deliver on its mission.

We’re seeking a senior finance professional with board-level experience or significant experience reporting to boards. You will bring deep expertise in financial strategy, as well as experience in one or more of: commercial
operations; regulatory compliance; or not-forprofit organisations. You will be confident in interpreting complex financial information and communicating it clearly to non-finance colleagues, and you will take a collaborative,
values-led approach to inclusive and purpose-led leadership.

To view the role profile please click on this Finance Lay Trustee | RCOT 

To apply, please submit a CV and suitability statement aligned with the role profile with no more than 600 words, via this Finance Lay Trustee | RCOT  by Sunday 15 February 2026.

Citizens Advice Winchester District is a dynamic, values-led, and award-winning local charity which is passionate about creating a fairer society for all.

We do this by helping people to resolve a wide range of problems they’re facing, so that everyone can achieve a good quality of life.Every year, we provide free, confidential and impartial advice on issues such as debt, housing, benefits and employment advice to people across the Winchester district, many of whom are in desperate or challenging situations and have nowhere else to turn. We may also suggest to our clients' other agencies that may be helpful to them, depending on their individual circumstances.

Our greatest asset is our dedicated team of staff, volunteers and trustees, who also advocate for lasting policy change both locally and nationally. To help us in our work, we are seeking an additional 3-4 trustees to complete our board and help us lead the charity over our next phase of strategic development.

The role  

We want our board to have a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds and are looking for strategic thinkers with a commitment to good governance and a willingness to work collaboratively and challenge constructively. Previous experience of Citizens Advice, or of being a Trustee (or equivalent), would be advantageous, but the commitment and enthusiasm to help us shape the work and strategic direction of our forward-thinking charity is essential. 

We would be particularly interested to hear from people with experience in HR (especially those with current CIPD membership), Charitable Trust and Foundation fundraising, and change management.

We are committed to being an inclusive workplace and we value diversity - we welcome and encourage applications from all walks of life, whatever your background or situation.

This is an exciting opportunity to be able to influence the direction of our charity, making a real difference. You will work alongside passionate and skilled colleagues and use your experience to create positive change for thousands of people in the Winchester district every year.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?  ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy. Join us!

What will you be doing?

In addition to the responsibilities of all board members, the Treasurer will: 

1. Support the Board to review and monitor ECU’s financial performance and sustainability
2. Ensure the Board receives timely, accessible and accurate financial information
3. Support the team to develop and maintain robust and proportionate financial policies, processes and risk management systems

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to ECU’s mission and values
• Commitment to the legal duties and responsibilities
• Financial management experience, policies, risk
• Qualifications
• Able to interpret, interrogate and communicate financial information
• Work as part of a diverse team, and devote the time 

Desirable - treasurer experience

What difference will you make?

We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue.

Before you apply

• Your interest in this role and what you could bring to it
• What would you want to learn and gain?

Interview 25 Feb in London (expenses paid)

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?

ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life. 

We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance. 

This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.

BOARD MEMBER – EAST MIDLANDS, VOLUNTARY, FULL EXPENSES REIMBURSED

· Do you want to be a part of a vibrant and ambitious charity that delivers services to homeless people and others with a range of support needs?

· Do you have expertise in Housing or Finance?

· Do you have ambition to Chair a Board Committee?

· Do you want to contribute to the strategic direction of our successful and expanding organisation?

· Do you have a strong social conscience and the commitment to make a difference?

· If you have the motivation, vision and enthusiasm to join us in this exciting and challenging role, apply today!

Who Are We?

Framework is a registered charity delivering housing support, health, and employment services to people with a diverse range of needs. We assist rough sleepers and those who need help to keep their home. We support excluded youngsters as they make their way into adulthood and those starting or returning to work. We provide access to treatment for people with mental health issues and those using alcohol or substances, and we join up services for homeless people with multiple and complex needs.

Our 70 services across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Sheffield support more than 18,000 people each year and accommodate more than 1,300 people at any one time. Responding to their needs, respecting their choices and empowering them to achieve, we aim to make life better for our service users and those around them.

What We’re Looking For:

We are particularly keen to hear from people with expertise in Housing and Finance a finance/accounting qualification is essential). At least two successful candidates will also become members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARM), with one having future aspirations to become the Chair of the ARM Committee.

By joining our Board of Trustees, you will be working alongside the Senior Leadership Team to navigate an external environment that is challenging and continually changing: budgets for support services have been drastically cut so we have to think carefully about how to create efficiency without compromising on quality.