Community support team lead volunteer roles

Popham Kidney Support’s counselling service provides individual counselling to clients who are kidney patients and parents /carers who are affected by kidney disease

Working in a confidential setting counsellors provide nondirective support to clients in exploring feelings, anxieties and life events that impact on their emotional wellbeing.

Through this process clients can feel more empowered to manage their mental health and make positive life changes.

Varndean Governors are seeking committed individuals to join their effective cohesive team of people to hold the school to account, to shape the vision of the school and to set the strategic direction.

At Varndean School we firmly believe that our Governing Body should reflect the rich diversity of our community, that we proudly serve. We are committed to creating an exclusive school and to provide diverse role models for our young people.

To uphold this commitment we have collected a range of diversity data from the current Board membership to inform our recruitment process. We may also collect data from anyone applying to be a Governor to ensure that we have an array of perspectives and skills around the governing table.

Varndean School is a truly exciting school to be involved in as a governor. Our aim is that all our students should leave us equipped to achieve their full potential – in whatever field they choose. Underpinning this vision is our rich and varied curriculum, our stimulating range of out of school activities and our unique schools within a school structure. This structure creates a caring community in which students can thrive and is frequently mentioned by parents as one of the key reasons they choose Varndean.

Our governors have a wide range of experience, but all share a commitment to helping the school’s dedicated staff deliver this vision.

Although governors are volunteers, excellent support and development opportunities are provided through an induction process and full programme of training both face-to-face and online to suit individual needs. There are also opportunities to volunteer alongside experienced governors and to take on a responsibility for an area of the school improvement plan.  We don’t expect you to be an expert in education and welcome governors from all walks of life to bring different perspectives and views. You just need to be committed to supporting our vision for the school community and the educational outcomes of our students.

Our school is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our care and you will be expected to share this commitment. All Governors will be subject to an enhanced DBS check on appointment.

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

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You 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

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan 
• Sign-posting queries from members of the public
• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided

Time expectation

Our support volunteers usually spend 2-5 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Volunteer Grant Officer

Southwark Tenants’ Federation – Grassroots Housing Advice Charity

Location: Southwark / Remote (hybrid available)
Time commitment: Flexible (approx. 4–8 hours per week)
Contract: Volunteer

About Us

We are a small grassroots charity based in Southwark and the only surviving tenants’ federation in London. For decades, we have supported tenants and residents to defend their housing rights, challenge poor conditions, and have a collective voice in decisions that affect their homes and communities.

Our social housing advice service supports people facing homelessness, disrepair, evictions, and housing management issues, with a strong focus on empowerment and tenant-led action.

The Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Grant Officer to help us secure funding to sustain and grow our vital work. This role is crucial to keeping an independent, tenant-led voice alive in London.

You will work closely with a small, committed team and help ensure our advice service remains accessible to local residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Research grant funding opportunities suitable for a grassroots, tenant-led organisation
• Draft and submit grant applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders
• Maintain a simple funding pipeline and track deadlines
• Work with staff and volunteers to gather service data, outcomes, and case studies
• Assist with basic funder monitoring and reporting

About You

Essential:

• Strong written communication skills
• Good organisational skills and reliability
• Commitment to social justice and housing rights

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience of grant writing or fundraising
• Knowledge of social housing, tenant organisations, or advice services

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing.

What We Offer

• Flexible volunteering hours
• Support, supervision, and guidance
• The opportunity to contribute to a unique and historic tenant-led organisation
• Experience in grant writing within the voluntary and housing sectors
• References provided where appropriate

Our Mission

Brain tumours do not discriminate, and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly.

Each volunteer is vital to making The Twilight Walk, a walking event that raises funds and awareness for brain tumours, such a special and successful day. No matter the role you play, you’ll make a big difference to us and all our walkers.

How can you help?

As a Route Marshal you will work as a team alongside section leaders (staff), to ensure participants are safe and looked after throughout the walk. You’ll get to cheer on, support and motivate our walkers throughout The Twilight Walk 5km and 10km route, and help create an exciting, energetic and enjoyable walking experience. You will not be alone for this role, all volunteers will be with at least 1 other volunteer at different aid stations along the route.

Responsibilities:

• To ensure all walkers keep to the pavements and walkways and don’t overspill on to the roads.
• To direct walkers to go in single file where appropriate and to ensure that all pedestrians have an equal opportunity to use pavements and walkways.
• To ensure that all walkers remain on the designated walk route, unless otherwise instructed to by yourself, your section leader or a member of the emergency services.
• To ensure that no walker walks alone. There will be designated front, back and middle walkers to make sure we do not lose anyone.
• To ensure that all walkers are respectful of the local community and try to keep noise to a reasonable level, especially through the residential areas of the route.
• If you are near to an item that could cause injury – i.e. a bollard, advise all walkers as they pass.
• Walkers will let you know if they need a first aider, if they have lost a child or if they would like to drop out of the walk. You will be given full details on how to deal with situations like this in your briefing on the day of the event.
• To ensure that children are properly supervised by their parent or guardian when crossing any roads. It is not your responsibility to cross the walkers or stop traffic – you are only there as assistance if needed

What impact will you have?

The Twilight Walk London is our biggest fundraising event of the year, where 1,300 supporters come together to raise vital funds for The Brain Tumour Charity. However and wherever you get involved, you’ll be part of our dedicated community, uniting around the same goal – beating brain tumours for good.

We’re looking for

As part of our volunteer team you will be enthusiastic, friendly and approachable at all times, ensuring our walkers safety comes first.

• Clear communication skills
• Responsible and reliable
• Able to walk up to 10km (potentially more) and stand up for long periods of time
• This role involves being outside for the duration of the walk so warm clothing and comfortable shoes are essential.

The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities.

What can you gain from volunteering?

• You’ll have the opportunity to develop your communication and people skills through giving clear directions and instructions to participants.
• You’ll develop an understanding of how the Events team organises our flagship event.
• You’ll help the Events team raise more than £3.9 million a year, helping fund life-changing support and pioneering research.

Time commitment

The Twilight Walk London is taking place on Saturday 21st March 2026 at Lindley Hall. Route marshals will need to arrive at 10:30am and will be able to leave from 18:00pm (these times are estimates and subject to change).

We appreciate not everyone can commit to volunteering for the whole day. If you can commit to a few hours and would like to volunteer, please select the shift that suits you. If you need to leave early, let us know so we can ensure there is someone available to check you in and out. We ask that you arrive at the shift start time to receive your on-the-day briefing. Any time you can volunteer is greatly appreciated.

Practical considerations

You will receive training for the role, as well as ongoing direction from one of the team, who will be your key contact. Volunteers must be over 18. We encourage volunteers to claim for any reasonable expenses that are incurred in the course of their volunteering with The Charity.

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through

the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate

to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

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

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our cat adoption team leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our cat adoption team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

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

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Acting as the main point of contact within the team for cat adoption enquiries via email/telephone and social media
• Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
• Liaising closely with other volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
• Following up on any post-adoption queries
• Play an active part in the volunteer committee, being part of the team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the cat welfare team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

Time expectation

The cat adoption team leader role is vital within our busy volunteer teams. Our current volunteers spend around 10 to 12 hours per week in this flexible role, which can be shared by more than one volunteer if required.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Are you a natural organiser who loves bringing people together for a good cause? As a Fundraising Group Leader at Canine Partners, you’ll lead a team of local volunteers to plan and deliver fun, impactful fundraising events in your community. From coffee mornings to dog shows, you’ll help shape the group’s activities, run monthly meetings, and keep everything running smoothly.

This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who is confident, friendly, and ready to make a difference. You’ll be the key link between your group and the Canine Partners fundraising team and will be supported every step of the way with training, resources, and expert guidance.

About the opportunity

This role involves taking on the responsibility for leading a group of fellow volunteers to arrange fundraising events in your local community. You would host regular group meetings to discuss upcoming activities and ensure plans are in place for events throughout the year.

We request that there should be a minimum requirement of one meeting per month, as well as additional planning and activity when required. However, the amount of time you commit depends on the nature of the activities held by the group.

What’s involved

• Leading a group of volunteers to organise fundraising events and activities to raise money for Canine Partners
• Ensuring the group is following the guidelines outlined in the Fundraising Group Handbook
• Being the main point of contact between the Fundraising Group and your Canine Partners Staff Contact
• Being the public face of Canine Partners within your local area
•  Passing leads to your Canine Partners Staff Contact

Role Requirements

• Age 18 or over
• Ability to motivate and organise a group of people to achieve a shared goal
• Access to your own transport with flexibility to visit different locations
• Polite, confident and personable manner
• Excellent customer service skills
•  Excellent record keeping skills
• Some elements of this role could require standing for the duration of the session and/or being in a busy environment. Please advise us if you have any concerns about this, and we will do our best to support you.

Support and Training

• Reimbursement of expenses
• Dedicated point of contact in the fundraising team
• Guidance on cash handling
• Income monitoring sheet provided
• Public liability insurance
• Volunteer clothing and ID badge
• Training and support in fundraising event management

Isle of Wight Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.

We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group.

Isle of Wight Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living on the Isle of Wight to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Isle of Wight Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Social Media Lead to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Isle of Wight Humanists.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.

Whatever your background, or prior experiences, if you’re passionate about creating an inclusive, effective humanist community on the Isle of Wight, we’d love to hear from you.

Are you driven by purpose over profit, and inspired to transform the lives of survivors, young people, and communities at scale? Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a visionary Founding Volunteer Fundraising Director to join our founding team and help us build a community-owned, values-led ecosystem that confronts the realities of child sexual abuse (CSA), amplifies survivor truth, and generates transformative social impact. This is more than a role—it’s a chance to co-create systems, culture, and infrastructure for an organisation committed to accountability, empowerment, and collective liberation.

About the Role:

As our Founding Fundraising Director, you will be the strategic and operational engine behind all fundraising initiatives. Your work will directly fuel the organisation’s ability to reach and serve survivors, mentor young people into economic empowerment, and build sustainable, community-owned systems. You will lead campaigns, develop partnerships, and create innovative fundraising strategies that align with our anti-capitalist, community-first values. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution, requiring someone who can think systemically while engaging authentically with our communities.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Competencies

• Proven experience planning, managing, and delivering successful fundraising initiatives.
• Skilled in preparing clear, persuasive proposals, applications, and reports.
• Competence in tracking, reporting, and analysing donations and fundraising performance.
• Knowledge of UK charity law, GDPR, and safeguarding principles relevant to fundraising.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders effectively.
• Strong organisational, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with volunteers, staff, and leadership teams.

Desirable Competencies

• Familiarity with CRM or donor management systems.
• Experience designing and executing events and campaign strategies.
• Knowledge of corporate partnership development and grant funding strategy.
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior staff or volunteers in fundraising.
• Ability to integrate fundraising strategy with wider organisational goals.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in fundraising, charity management, or related fields desirable but optional.
• Equivalent professional experience in fundraising, development, or resource mobilisation is acceptable.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the C.I.C’s mission, values, and long-term goals.
• Identify, research, and evaluate potential funding opportunities, including:
  • Grant-making bodies
  • Corporate partnerships
  • Individual donors and community fundraising
• Prepare high-quality, persuasive funding proposals, applications, and reports that demonstrate impact and need.
• Maintain accurate records of all fundraising activities, donations, pledges, and communications to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Monitor fundraising performance against targets, providing regular reports and recommendations to the leadership team.
• Coordinate fundraising events, online campaigns, and community initiatives, including:
  • Logistics
  • Scheduling
  • Volunteer and staff coordination
  • Post-event reporting and follow-up
• Develop and maintain systems to track donor engagement, income, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring data is accurate and secure.
• Liaise with external partners, stakeholders, and supporters to strengthen networks, foster collaboration, and identify new funding opportunities.
• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with UK charity law, safeguarding requirements, and GDPR.
• Support leadership in strategic planning and decision-making around resource mobilisation.
• Contribute to building a culture of ethical fundraising, transparency, and donor stewardship.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to volunteers or junior staff involved in fundraising initiatives.

What This Role Offers You:

• The rare opportunity to shape the founding infrastructure of a pioneering C.I.C. and leave a lasting social legacy.
• Hands-on leadership experience in designing and running community-driven systems.
• Personal and professional transformation through exposure to survivor-led, values-centred work.
• A chance to meaningfully contribute to systemic change, empowering vulnerable communities and fostering accountability and truth.

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking purely financial reward or hierarchical prestige.
• Those unwilling to work within a values-led, anti-capitalist framework.
• People expecting rigid structures or traditional corporate processes, our culture is emergent, collaborative and mission-driven.

If you are ready to step into a leadership role that blends strategy, action, and social impact, while building the systems and culture of a revolutionary survivor-led organisation, we want to hear from you. Apply now and help us transform truth into lasting change.

Formal qualifications are not required, but desirable.
Essential equivalent experience mandatory.

Next Steps:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about event planning, coordination, and execution

If you believe that well-organised, purposeful events can change communities, and that experiences inspire action, this role is for you.

A Final Word
Fundraising is not just income.
It is stewardship.

If you know that:

• Ethical fundraising sustains communities
• Pressure should never compromise values
• Leadership means saying no when needed

About Roots Academy.

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline.

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

Roots Academy is seeking a Finance Lead (Australia) to oversee and manage the treasury functions of our growing non-profit organization. This role is essential in ensuring our financial health, transparency, and accountability.

 Key tasks

• Oversee cash flow, budgeting, and fund allocation across departments and initiatives
• Manage banking relationships and ensure secure handling of donations and grants
• Maintain accurate records of income, expenses, and reconciliations
• Prepare simple financial reports for internal reviews
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial best practices and Australian regulatory requirements
• Support fundraising campaigns with budgeting and analytics tracking

 What we’re looking for

• Background in finance, treasury, accounting, or nonprofit management
• Strong attention to detail and integrity
• Familiarity with basic budgeting tools or platforms (Excel, Sheets, Xero)
• Passion for community service and excellence

 What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.
• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

Deaf Role Models share their lived experience of deafness with deaf children and their families, showing what is possible. This volunteering will take place at different types of events and activities, either in-person or online. More than 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents who might know very little about deafness. Being able to meet deaf adults can give them a deeper understanding of the different choices and possibilities for their child.

About you

• Aged 18 years and over

• Lived experience of deafness – it doesn’t matter what level of deafness you have, or how you communicate

• Willing to share your personal experiences of deafness with a range of audiences including families of deaf children and young people in different community venues

• Prepared to answer questions that families and/or children may have about your experiences

What you will do

• You may talk about topics such as your family life, initial diagnosis, communication, education, interests and hobbies, career and challenges

• Some assignments may include additional tasks; for example, leading an ice breaker

• Create and adapt your talk to meet the needs of the audience or family

• Be a positive role model and present us in a positive way

• Be responsible for the quality of your volunteering and for yourself as part of a team

• Help families to think about the different choices and possibilities for their child, recognising that there isn’t going to be one ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ approach for all deaf children

When & Where

• Event locations and times will vary. You can choose events that suit your availability.
• Currently looking for volunteers in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Edinburgh, Central Scotland, and Manchester.

What will you gain from the role? 

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them:  

• Increased confidence and new skills   

• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families  

• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference 

Support and Training:

You will be provided with:

• Training to support you in your role, including Equality Diversity and Inclusion, safeguarding, informed choice, presentation skills and deaf awareness

• Feedback on your contribution and the resulting outcomes

• A named point of contact

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs

• Clear information about what to do and who to contact if you’re worried about something

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to complete a Basic DBS check, complete a self-disclosure form, provide references, and complete our essential training.

2makeit is a charity that helps rehabilitate prisoners and ex-prisoners by offering them creative expression through programmes in skills such as music, art and writing.

Engaging with fellow prisoners, guided by experts including musicians, artists and writers, they learn how to collaborate and create, inspiring them to lead more productive and positive lives whilst in jail, and law-abiding lives on release.

2makeit is seeking an inspiring and committed Chair to lead its Board and help transform lives through creativity.

What will you be doing?

The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Director. 

The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity. 

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that Trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Time commitment is approximately 15 - 20 hours a month, which includes:

• 4 quarterly board meetings (2–3 hours each) and their preparation (usually evenings, hybrid available).
• A weekly call with the Director (approx 1 hour).
• Ad hoc sub-group meetings and documents as required (mostly online).
• Ambassadorial commitments - 2makeit events, visits to prisons, projects.

What are we looking for?

2makeit is seeking an inspiring and committed Chair to lead its Board and help transform lives through creativity.

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience: 

• Understanding of the criminal justice sector is desirable.
• Strong communication, empathy, and ability to chair meetings in a collaborative, non-authoritarian way.
• Previous Trustee experience is desirable.
• Ability to build a close working relationship with the Director.
• Availability and flexibility (some daytime commitments, some evenings).
• Passionate about prisoner and ex-prisoner wellbeing.
• Ability to foster an environment for open discussion and debate amongst trustees.
• Willingness to hold trustees and members of the organisation to account for actions they agree to undertake.

What difference will you make?

This is an exciting time to join 2makeit to help realise our vision to be part of a criminal justice sector in which creativity plays a vital role in rehabilitation.

Three areas underpin the delivery of that vision:

• Creative projects in prison
• Resettlement work in the community
• Rehabilitative exhibiting and showcasing of work

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting 2makeit withtheir Chair recruitment.

Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance.

To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills and experience would add
value to the board. 2makeit are happy to have an informal conversation with anyone who is interested in the role. Please contact TrusteeWorks to arrange this.

Pets As Therapy is a national charity with a simple but powerful mission: to share the joy of pets with people who need it most. Each week, more than 6,000 volunteers and their pets visit schools, hospitals, hospices, care homes and community settings across the UK.

What will you be doing?

Responsibilities of the Chair:

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that PAT achieves its mission.
• Work in partnership with the CEO and Executive team to achieve its mission.
• Lead the Board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
• Optimise the relationship between the Board and PAT’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the Board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for PAT.

The Chair provides oversight and guidance while also carrying out the general responsibilities of a Trustee.

Time Commitment:

• Estimated at one to two days per month.
• The Board meets formally at least four times a year for between a half day and a day, depending on business. Two meetings are in-person and are held in central London. Two are virtual.
• All trustees are asked to serve on one or more Board sub-committees and working groups. This adds 3-4 shorter meetings a year, for which preparation can be significant or relatively light. Trustees may be asked to chair sub committees on a rotating basis.
• Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the Executive team.
• Monthly scheduled conversation with the CEO with flexibility to respond to the occasional ad hoc issue.

What are we looking for?

Personal skills / experience / values

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a Board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Essential skills / experience / values

• A strategic thinker.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and engage trustees, staff, funders, partners and volunteers.
• A clear understanding of the charity landscape and the challenges faced by a charity of PAT’s size.
• Trustee experience with a clear understanding of charity governance.
• Willingness to act as an ambassador.
• An animal lover with a firm commitment to PAT’s mission and values.

Desirable skills / experience

• Familiarity with membership and/or volunteer-based organisations.
• Sector expertise - animal welfare, health or education.
• Experience of encouraging more inclusive processes to extend our charity’s impact across a more diverse range of communities.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of Trustees at PAT, you will provide leadership that enables the charity to grow, innovate, and reach more people with the joy of animal companionship. Your guidance will directly influence:

• Wellbeing of vulnerable people: PAT visits lift spirits in care homes, hospitals, hospices, and day centres.
• Children’s literacy and confidence: Read2Dogs helps over 2,000 schools support reluctant or anxious readers.
• Growth and sustainability: Guide a charity with 6,000+ volunteers, ensuring it thrives and meets demand.
• Expansion of PAT’s reach: Bring the joy and comfort of pets to more people, including underserved communities.

How to Apply

The Reach Volunteering TrusteeWorks Team are supporting Pets As Therapy with this recruitment and all applications and enquiries should be sent to TrusteeWorks via the Reach Volunteering Platform. Please see application instructions on the redirect link.

Our Second Home is a youth movement that empowers migrants and refugees to flourish in the place that they call home. Our overnight activity camp for young people aged 14-18 is a chance for young people to come together and have five days of fun and excitement, supported by a dynamic and dedicated team of leaders and staff.

An OSH Leader is a supportive adult, a role model, and someone young people can feel safe being themselves around. It’s about creating a warm, fun, and consistent presence during residentials — helping young people with refugee and migrant backgrounds feel welcomed, included, and at home.

Youth Leaders for this project will be responsible for facilitating the camp, and will be directly in contact with, and responsible for, the participants. During the camp they will be ‘on duty’ full-time, meaning that they will spend the whole time with the participants, including at meals.

THIS ROLE IS ONLY FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE UK. We will arrange Zoom interviews with applicants separately.

Responsibilities:

• Interacting and forming a bond with the participants
• Creating and running fun and engaging activities for the participants
• Looking after the participants’ welfare, and ensuring that they feel cared for and secure
• Managing the participants’ behaviour and setting clear boundaries

Expectations and requirements:

• All applicants must be interviewed and be willing to provide references on request.
• Youth Leaders must set a positive example of behaviour and involvement for all participants, and adhere to the volunteer guidelines.
• Youth Leaders may be required to prepare activities for participants at the camp. If asked, this must be completed in plenty of time to allow any materials or equipment to be sourced.
• Applicants should be aged 20 or above.
• Applicants must be eligible for DBS clearance (no criminal record that prevents applicants from working with children)
• Youth Leaders must raise any safeguarding concerns swiftly and follow safeguarding procedures
• Youth Leaders must follow all Our Second Home policies and procedures of (which will be explained at the Camp training days).
• Anyone attending an OSH residential must test negative for COVID-19 prior to attending the programme, regardless of whether they have received a vaccine or not.

Essential skills:

• Flexibility, adaptability and ability to improvise
• Ability to build connection quickly with peers and young people
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively
• High level of organisation
• High levels of empathy and patience
• Awareness and sensitivity that some participants might be suffering from trauma

Additional desired skills:

• Experience working with and/or caring for young people aged 14-18
• Experience working with refugees and/or asylum seekers
• Experience working with young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities
• Language skills: Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Tigrinya, Somali
• First Aid training
• Creative or artistic abilities
• Sports leadership
• Ability to prepare fun and engaging activities for young people

We particularly encourage applications from those who have lived experience of being a refugee.

Please ensure you are available to come to all the following events - specific dates can be found on the application form:

• Training
• Pre-Residential Prep Day (on site)
• Residential, in full
• Feedback & thank you afternoon

QUOTES:

• “Having the professional [welfare] support made me feel very support and more comfortable with the work” – BT
• “The atmosphere of fun, respect, care, and community is what made the young people so comfortable and connected” – BT
• “The leaders were all awesome – it was incredible to work in a team so full of hard working, intelligent, experienced people” – BT
• “Seeing the kids bursting out of their shells and that being the norm rather than just exceptions was just incredible.” – CA
• “It honestly surpassed anything I could have hoped for” – LK

Structure:

Youth Leaders will be supported by the Welfare Support Lead(s), who will be their main contact in the build to and throughout the camp. The Welfare Support Lead(s) will run team meetings at the end of each day and be on hand to advise and manage the Youth Leaders.