Corporate communications officer volunteer roles
The Organisation
Rethink Mental Illness is a leading mental health charity in England, dedicated to supporting people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives, regardless of how challenging circumstances may feel. The charity works to create lasting change across health and social care systems, public attitudes, and the everyday experiences of people living with mental illness across the country.
People with lived experience of mental illness are central to everything Rethink Mental Illness does. Their insight shapes trusted advice, information, and more than 200 services, including housing and employment support, carer services, and legal advice. These voices also drive campaigns to challenge discrimination and influence legislative change, while their diverse experiences help ensure services are inclusive and accessible. Rethink Mental Illness believes that people severely affected by mental illness can have a good quality of life and is committed to making this a reality.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of Trustees of Rethink Mental Illness as Chair of the Audit and Assurance Committee. This role operates alongside, and does not replace, the broader responsibilities and duties of charity trusteeship.
Responsibilities of the Audit & Assurance Committee Chair
Leadership and Direction
The Chair will:
-
Chair all meetings of the Audit and Assurance Committee and provide effective leadership and direction.
-
Maintain a clear understanding of the committee’s duties and responsibilities.
-
Commit the necessary time and bring strong business, financial, communication and leadership skills.
-
Demonstrate excellent working knowledge of corporate governance, accounting practices, internal control functions and risk management frameworks.
-
Champion open and constructive discussion, while maintaining appropriate discipline and ensuring meetings are effective and complete their agendas.
-
Be prepared to ask challenging and, where necessary, difficult questions with tenacity.
-
Ensure committee members understand their responsibilities and feel able to raise matters of concern.
-
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Chair of Trustees, Vice-Chairs, Treasurer, Chief Executive and executive team, External Audit Partner and Internal Audit Lead.
-
Plan the work of the committee in conjunction with the executive team, agreeing a rolling forward plan and agendas in advance of meetings.
-
Review the effectiveness of each meeting, seeking feedback from members and attendees.
Governance
The Chair will:
-
Ensure the committee maintains its independence and avoids assuming responsibilities beyond its remit.
-
Act as the Charity’s Whistleblowing Champion, ensuring regular review of the effectiveness and operation of the Whistleblowing Policy.
-
Lead oversight of external and internal audit arrangements, including appointment and performance review.
-
Ensure the committee holds at least annual private sessions with the CFO, External Audit Partner, Internal Audit Lead and the Treasurer (ex-officio member).
-
Promote and participate in regular formal self-assessment of the committee against appropriate professional standards.
-
Ensure that the committee’s work and key issues are clearly communicated to the Board.
Development of the Committee
The Chair will:
-
Work with the Honorary Officers Committee to ensure an appropriate balance of skills and experience within committee membership.
-
Meet at least annually with each committee member to review engagement, gather feedback, address performance issues and identify development needs.
-
Foster the right culture within the committee, encouraging constructive challenge and positive questioning.
-
Ensure appropriate induction and training support is provided for both new and existing committee members.
The Person
Rethink Mental Illness is seeking individuals who can confidently balance strong commercial awareness and financial sustainability with a deep commitment to the charity’s purpose and values, bringing a thoughtful perspective that looks beyond profit alone.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
-
A good understanding of the mental health sector and the wider challenges facing charities supporting people with severe mental illness.
-
Strong financial literacy, with qualified accountant status desirable, and experience overseeing financial reporting, risk management, internal controls and audit.
-
A strong understanding of charity governance, with experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector desirable.
-
An analytical and constructive approach, with the confidence to provide appropriate challenge while supporting collaborative, values-led decision-making.
Rethink Mental Illness warmly welcomes applications from people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages and from disabled people, and actively encourages applications from groups that are underrepresented.
How to Apply
Applicants are invited to submit:
-
An up-to-date CV, including details of two referees (who will not be contacted without prior permission).
-
A supporting statement outlining how they meet the criteria in the person specification and their motivation for applying.
Thank you!
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!
Location: Birmingham | Commitment: 3-8 hours per week (working week) | Work style: Hybrid
Since 2024, we’ve been honoured to support over 800 individuals on their journey toward a better future. Looking ahead, our 2026 strategic vision is bold. We want to be recognised as a collaborative support service that truly transforms lives. To help make that happen, we’re looking for a passionate and skilled Partnership Manager who can lead the way in building and nurturing strong, impactful relationships with organisations across the homelessness support sector and beyond.
The right person will be central to creating joined-up, holistic partnerships with charities, local authorities, healthcare providers, housing agencies, and community groups who share our commitment to helping vulnerable people rebuild their lives. This role is about making the most of our combined resources, improving how we work together, and ultimately creating better outcomes for those we serve.
If this sounds like you, someone driven to make a real difference and build meaningful connections, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Build and maintain effective partnerships with key organisations such as DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), Feedo Needo, St Basils, SIFA Fireside, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Birmingham City Council, local housing providers, community groups, healthcare services, and faith-based organisations.
-
Develop relationships with hotels, B&Bs, and temporary accommodation providers to help bridge the gap in emergency housing provision during weekends, evenings, and bank holidays, when many statutory and support services are unavailable.
-
Secure in-kind donations by working with local businesses, retailers, and community partners in collaboration with our Fundraising Officer to obtain essential supplies (e.g. hygiene products, clothing, food), as well as gifts and prizes for raffles, events, and seasonal campaigns (such as Christmas gift drives or care packages).
-
Act as the lead representative for Diver’s Community CIC in all partnership-related engagements
-
Facilitate multi-agency collaboration and strong referral pathways between organisations supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.
-
Identify and pursue new partnership and funding opportunities
-
Embedding partnership work into the heart of our outreach, support, and service delivery.
-
Promote a person-centred, trauma-informed, and inclusive approach in all partnership
-
Raise the profile of Diver’s Community CIC by cultivating a strong local presence and actively promoting our mission and impact.
What difference will you make:
-
An opportunity to make a real impact on a grassroots organisation.
-
You will play a vital role in helping Diver’s Community CIC grow sustainably and extend its impact across Birmingham
-
Help unlock opportunities that directly support people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
-
Strengthen collaboration, improve access to services, and create pathways that make it easier for individuals to move towards stability
-
Ultimately your input will help turn good intentions into meaningful, lasting change.
What We’re Looking For:
-
Experience working in partnership or collaborative settings.
-
Knowledge or connections with local organisations, businesses, and housing providers in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
-
Experience with community fundraising, in-kind donations, or corporate social responsibility initiatives.
-
A strong desire to raise awareness of homelessness issues and promote the mission of Diver’s Community CIC in the local area.
-
Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of partners including local authorities, charities, businesses, and community groups.
-
Understanding of homelessness-related issues, or a genuine interest in learning about the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in the community.
-
Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your time effectively while balancing the voluntary role with other commitments.
Non Charity Employer
11 - 20
Support rough sleepers and homeless individuals by providing immediate assistance and long-term support to help them rebuild their lives.
Thank you!
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!
Sift is a UK charity providing specialist support, information and advocacy for people affected by self-harm. We work alongside people who have been directly affected by self-harm at every level of our organisation. We are service-user centred, and ensure our service users are at the heart of everything we do. Following an exciting rebrand and the launch of a new website, we are entering a new phase of growth, visibility and influence.
To support this next chapter, we are expanding our Board of Directors and are seeking professional, values-led individuals who share our commitment to compassion, dignity and meaningful change.
All Board roles are voluntary, unpaid positions. Reasonable expenses such as travel will be reimbursed. Please note that we are only accepting applications through the dedicated application form which can be found on the Volunteering page of our website and will not be accepting CVs sent via email. More information can be found in our downloadable recruitment pack - see our website for details.
The Roles:
Board Secretary
Role Purpose
The Board Secretary helps ensure that Sift is governed with clarity and accountability. This role supports the Board to function well, ensuring that decisions are properly recorded and that governance processes enable the charity’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare agendas and papers for Board and sub-committee meetings with the Chair and CEO.
- Take clear, accurate minutes that reflect decisions, context and agreed actions.
- With support from the Head of Operations, maintain key governance records, including trustee details, conflicts of interest and policies.
- Support compliance with the charity’s governing document and Charity Commission requirements.
- Assist with timely statutory filings and good governance practice.
- Act as a trusted point of reference for governance-related queries.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Clear, inclusive written communication.
- Respect for confidentiality and sensitive information.
- Commitment to Sift’s mission and lived-experience-informed values.
Desirable:
- Experience in charity governance, company secretarial work or
trustee roles.
- Familiarity with Charity Commission guidance.
Time Commitment:
- 6–8 Board meetings per year, plus preparation time.
- Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol based office.
Business Development Lead
Role Purpose
The Business Development Lead supports Sift to grow sustainably, so that more people affected by self-injury can access support. This role brings a strategic lens to income generation, partnerships and opportunity development, grounded in the charity’s values and ethical approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development and oversight of Sift’s income generation strategy.
- Support exploration of new funding, partnership and collaboration opportunities including the expansion and relaunch of our national in-person and online training programme.
- Offer insight and challenge on fundraising, commercial or social enterprise ideas.
- Network with key players in the mental health and wellbeing field.
- Help assess risk, impact and alignment with Sift’s mission.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Experience in business development, commercial income generation, partnerships or strategy.
- Ability to balance ambition with care and ethical decision-making.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Commitment to SIFT’s mission and lived-experience-informed ethos.
Desirable:
- Experience working with charities or social enterprises.
- Knowledge of trusts, foundations, corporate giving or
commissioning.
Time Commitment:
- 6–8 Board meetings per year, with occasional
input outside meetings.
- Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol
based office.
Leadership & Governance Director
Role Purpose
The Leadership & Governance Director helps ensure that Sift’s leadership, culture and governance remain strong, inclusive and fit for purpose. This role supports the Board to be reflective, effective and accountable as the organisation grows.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide oversight and constructive challenge on governance, leadership and culture.
- Support trustee recruitment, induction and ongoing Board development.
- Contribute to succession planning and long-term organisational resilience.
- Ensure governance arrangements evolve appropriately with growth.
- Champion equity, inclusion and lived experience at Board level.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Experience in senior leadership, governance, HR or organisational development.
- Strong understanding of effective Board dynamics.
- Confidence in offering thoughtful challenge and strategic insight.
- Commitment to Sift’s mission and values.
Desirable:
- Experience as a trustee, Chair or committee lead.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and people governance in charities.
Time Commitment:
- 6–8 Board meetings per year, with some additional
involvement as needed.
- Up to 4 in-person meetings at our Bristol based office.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
We focus on improving support and knowledge, whilst working to sift out the causes, stigma and misinformation around self-harm.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you already have some fundraising experience that would be great too but it’s not essential.
What is a Fundraising Coordinator?
As Fundraising Coordinator, you would work with your local SSAFA branch to develop a Fundraising Plan. You would be central to delivering this local plan to raise funds through a range of local sources including grants, trusts, appeals, collections, and events.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
SSAFA branches rely on a regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent needs. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community. We’d love to hear from you if you could help by coordinating this vital aspect of your local SSAFA branch.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. You would also be out and about at events and meetings. This role would suit someone looking to give a regular time commitment to SSAFA although when and where would be flexible to suit you.
What would you be doing?
- Developing an ethical fundraising plan based on the needs of the branch and choosing a mix of sources.
- Working with the branch secretary and Regional Fundraising Manager, recruit a team of fundraising volunteers to support events, appeals and collections.
- Working with the Regional Fundraising Manager, support national fundraising campaigns.
- Working with the Branch Publicity Officer, develop opportunities to combine awareness and fundraising.
- Planning and running local appeals, collections, and events
- Identifying and submitting applications to appropriate trusts and grant funding organisations
- Working with Marketing staff at central office check that all fundraising materials meet SSAFA branding style and current key messages.
- Liaise with Regional Fundraising Manager when pursuing opportunities beyond local sources e.g., corporates.
- Evaluate fundraising activities and provide reports and information for the branch.
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - Fundraising workshops.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
- Fundraising Manager (per region)
- Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people with good communication skills including written and spoken English.
- Confident to deal with the public, potential clients, volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues – face-to-face, by phone, email or via social media.
- Experience of running events and or submitting funding applications would be welcome but not essential.
- Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Ability to make enquires about fundraising opportunities by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms
- Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
- Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings and events.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are seeking new trustees to strengthen our Board and help shape the future of our work. We are also seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees.
We are looking for dedicated, creative people, of all ages, with a range of professional and life experience to join the Age UK Stockport Board of Trustees.
Being a trustee or Chair of any charity, including ours, is to be an active volunteer in your community. Like any volunteer involved in our work, our aim is for you to enjoy what you do with us, know how you contribute towards our work and see the positive impact that you have on people’s lives.
But it’s not the easiest volunteering role! It can be challenging, but rewarding, and a big responsibility. Trustees have collective legal responsibilities – you work together for the best interests of Age UK Stockport and for the people in later life we work with across the borough. We will tell you more about these responsibilities elsewhere in the pack.
If you’re passionate about supporting everyone to make the most of their later life, and you have the skills and experience to help shape and guide our organisation to achieve our vision, we’d like to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.