Culture volunteer roles

Volunteer Safeguarding Lead
Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) & Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd (GLE Ltd)

Role Type: Volunteer
Location: Remote / Hybrid (as required)
Time Commitment: Approximately 8–12 hours per month

Role Overview

The Volunteer Safeguarding Lead will be responsible for ensuring that Guardian Light Foundation and Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd maintain the highest standards of safeguarding for children and vulnerable individuals. This role is critical in creating a safe, compliant, and supportive environment across all services and activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and regularly review safeguarding policies and procedures

• Act as the main point of contact for all safeguarding concerns or incidents

• Provide guidance and support to staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters

• Ensure all team members understand and follow safeguarding protocols

• Manage and document safeguarding reports, ensuring appropriate action is taken

• Liaise with external agencies (e.g. social services, local authorities) where required

• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and best practice

Requirements

• Experience in safeguarding, social care, counselling, or a related field

• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practices

• Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and confidentiality

• Good communication and organisational skills

• Commitment to the mission and values of GLF and GLE Ltd

Additional Information

• An Enhanced DBS check will be required for this role

• Training and support will be provided where necessary

• This is a voluntary role, but it offers valuable leadership experience and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact

How to Apply

Please submit a short expression of interest outlining your experience and why you are interested in this role.

Chair of the Board of Trustees 

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a respected and impactful organisation, guiding our strategic direction and supporting our mission to empower and strengthen communities across Lincolnshire. We are looking for an inspiring and values-driven individual to lead a committed Board of Trustees and work closely with the Chief Executive to ensure YMCA Lincolnshire remains ambitious in its vision, financially sustainable, and firmly rooted in its purpose and values.

Hours per week: Quarterly Board meetings that are held on weekdays, starting at 4pm and typically finishing at 6pm. Occasional Saturdays for strategic planning when required 9am - 2pm.

As Chair, you will foster a culture of effective and collaborative governance by encouraging constructive challenge, inclusive discussion, thoughtful decision-making, and collective accountability. You will help create the conditions for the Board to operate at its very best, while ensuring the organisation remains focused on the people and communities it exists to serve.

YMCA Lincolnshire’s work is varied from tackling homelessness, delivering early year education and working alongside young people and communities across the county. In all of these fields we aspire to creating safe spaces, supporting wellbeing, building resilience, and helping people realise their potential. We are looking for someone who understands that lived experience strengthens governance, sharpens strategy, and helps organisations stay connected to the change they are seeking to create.

We are looking for someone who brings:

· Strategic thinking and sound judgement

· The ability to guide and influence with credibility and integrity

· A collaborative and inclusive approach

· Experience of governance, senior decision making or organisational oversight

· An understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing charities and communities today

· The confidence to support, challenge, and inspire others constructively

· A commitment to equity, inclusion and amplifying diverse voices

· Passion for the mission and values of YMCA Lincolnshire

The Chair will be expected to attend Board meetings, Committee meeting where appropriate and key organisational events while maintaining regular contact with the Chief Executive and Trustees.

As Chair you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of the organisation and contribute to meaningful, lasting change across Lincolnshire.

If you are interested in applying, please click on our attached Recruitment Pack for full details about the role and how to submit your application.

Applications close 5pm on Friday 26th June with interviews taking place on Monday 6th July 2026.

Befriender/Independent Visitor Needed across Cumberland. 

 An Independent Visitor is a positive adult role model who provides support and friendship to a young person in care. You will enjoy fun activities together which will give the young person unforgettable memories and experiences. Your consistent friendship will help the young person raise their aspirations, learn new skills, build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.

We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. You do not need any formal qualifications to become a volunteer, but it is helpful if you have some knowledge and practical experience of involvement with children and young people.

Children and young people who are looked after need an adult who has time to spend with them, take them on activities and be someone they can talk to and trust. You can fit your visits in around your own time and work commitments. We only ask that you can commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years. 

We urgently require volunteers as an Independent Visitor for children and young people in care. As a volunteer you will:

• Have fun, take young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest.
• Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.

You do not need any special qualifications

We are looking for reliable and dependable people from all walks of life

We will provide training and on going support.

Job Type: Volunteer

Schedule:

• Weekdays in school holidays
• Weekend availability needed

Age: 18 years and over?

As part of the recruitment process you will need to complete an application form, interview, enhanced DBS check, references and digital risk assessment.

We offer a full support package including induction training, online mandatory training and one to one support by your IV Coordinator throughout your volunteer journey.

Company Description

We would love you to join us in being part of the Durrell team.

As a leading conservation organisation, we have an important job in saving species from extinction and creating a wilder, healthier, more colourful world.

It takes a great team to save wildlife and we need a wide range of skills to make it happen. Everyone at Durrell plays their part – whether they deliver conservation initiatives, engage with our supporters, promote our brand, or look after our people.

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is an international conservation charity, headquartered at Jersey Zoo in the Channel Islands, working to save species from extinction through "intensive care" breeding of threatened species across the globe, rewilding of ecosystems, and the training of the next generation of conservation heroes. Durrell leads some of the world’s longest running and most successful species and habitat recovery programmes.

Established by author and conservationist Gerald Durrell in 1959, Durrell’s aim is for more diverse and resilient natural landscapes in which species can thrive and people can enjoy a deeper connection with nature.

Durrell delivers its conservation mission through our three integrated core areas of operation:

•Field Programmes: conservation action where it is needed most.

•Conservation Knowledge: training future conservation practitioners, enabling people to more closely connect with nature, delivering the science guiding Durrell’s mission and measuring our impacts.

•Jersey Zoo: a centre of excellence in animal husbandry, research, training, and education.

With a track record of more than 50 years, Durrell leads some of the world’s longest running and most successful species and habitat recovery programmes. The quality of our work is equally as important as how we deliver it. Our values underpin how we approach our work and the work environment we create.

Position

Durrell is looking to recruit three Trustees with skills in:

(i)Human Resources

(ii)Legal

(iii)Public Affairs Communications

The positions will report to the Board Chair.

Volunteering as a trustee is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills, experience and insight to make a meaningful difference, shaping strategies that protect biodiversity and becoming part of an impactful conservation institution.

Trustees attend Board meetings held quarterly in Jersey. We value the depth of connection that comes from meeting in person, while recognising the importance of flexibility through virtual attendance.

As a trustee, you will:

·Safeguard the charity’s mission and values, helping ensure it is well governed, compliant and able to thrive for the long term.

·Help shape the future, contributing your insight and judgement to strategic decisions that guide the charity’s direction and impact.

·Provide thoughtful oversight, supporting the responsible and effective use of resources.

·Be a powerful advocate, championing the charity’s work, purpose and values and helping extend its reach within the community.

This is an opportunity to step back from day‑to‑day delivery and contribute at a strategic level, offering challenge, encouragement and guidance, while being part of a committed board united by a shared belief in Durrell’s work.

If you would like to support our mission and vital conservation work, then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for candidates with the following skill set:

Trustee 1: Human Resources, International & Strategic experience

·Significant senior level experience in HR and people leadership.

·Experienced in influencing strategic organisational direction and future needs.

·Experience working across international and cross-cultural environments.

·Strong understanding of organisational culture, leadership and people risk.

·Ability to operate credibly and constructively at a board level.

Key responsibilities

In addition to general trustee duties, this role will:

·Provide strategic insight on people, culture and organisational development.

·Bring an international and cross-cultural perspective to board discussions and decision making.

·Contribute to discussions on leadership, succession and workforce planning and aid in ensuring that agreed actions are acted upon.

·Act as a valued sounding board to senior leaders on people related risks and opportunities.

Trustee 2: Legal, Corporate / Commercial governance

·Legal experience in a corporate, commercial, charity, regulatory or governance environment.

·Strong understanding of risk, compliance and governance principles.

·Ability to advise the board on governance matters and support sound decision making.

·Comfortable acting as a trusted adviser rather than providing operational legal services.

Key responsibilities

In addition to general trustee duties, this role will:

·Support the board by offering guidance on governance, risk and compliance.

·Help ensure decision-making aligns with legal and regulatory responsibilities.

·Provide high level input on contracts, policy and governance frameworks.

·Support strong board practice.

Trustee 3: Public Affairs Communications

·Professional experience in communications, marketing, media or stakeholder engagement in a charitable, corporate or commercial environment.

·Proven track record in delivering an understanding of reputation, compelling storytelling and audience engagement which support ambitious fundraising targets at a strategic level.

·Proven track record in developing and delivering a successful communications strategy that supports engagement and fundraising objectives.

·Enthusiasm for championing the charity’s mission and impact.

·Skill in crafting effective and impactful narratives.

Key responsibilities

In addition to general trustee duties, this role will:

·Advise on communications and engagement strategy at a board level.

·Support the enhancement/further development of the charity’s reputation, messaging and public profile.

·Offer insight into reaching and engaging key audiences and stakeholders.

·Act as an ambassador for the charity’s mission and impact in line with our organisational values.

Trustees do not have operational responsibilities but are there to provide collective oversight. All trustees share collective responsibility for the governance, strategy and success of the charity. We are looking for individuals who can provide support and challenge in a positive and constructive way to enable the Executive leadership team to deliver DWCT’s strategic goals.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·Passion and genuine interest in our cause, commitment to our mission and our values.

·Having the best interest of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust at the heart of any decisions which are made.

·Ability to think strategically and contribute to high-level discussions.

·Willingness to be an active participant in Board meetings and related activities.

·Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Be a strong team player.

·Previous experience as a Trustee or Board Member of a not-for-profit organisation is advantageous but not essential.

Other information

Our Values

PURPOSEFUL - We are clear on why we do what we do, are connected as an organisation, we understand and demonstrate enabling / delivery, we are passionate about what we do and work tirelessly to achieve it.

ACCOUNTABLE - We are accountable for our actions; we act with integrity and always have the best interests of the Trust at heart. We take it upon ourselves to update our knowledge and deliver excellence, and our ethics are of the utmost importance.

SUPPORTIVE - We develop and encourage our staff, we work as a team, work well with other departments and trust and respect each other. We promote a learning culture, treat people fairly, encourage diversity in the workplace, and value the opinions and views of others.

Trustees are expected to be able to attend four Board meetings a year. Meetings are held in Jersey with remote attendance available. Board members are also expected to be able to commit the approximate equivalent of a further four days per year to Trust business remotely/via e-mail.

Richard Daggett, Chair of Governance Committee will be overseeing the recruitment process for these positions.

About this Role: Volunteer Product Owner

• Location: Remote

• Commitment: Part-time, volunteer (pro bono role)

• Hours: Minimum 10-15 hours per week

• Duration: Minimum 6 months

About Solution Community

Solution Community is a global incubator for change, empowering individuals, nonprofits, philanthropists, and volunteers to tackle society's most pressing challenges with greater impact. With a diverse team hailing from over 70 countries and enriched by experiences from companies like Google, Apple, and Toyota, we are reshaping the future through collaboration, compassion, and action.

Summary of Role

As a Senior Product Owner, you will lead the strategy, development, and execution of transformative projects within our platform. Your role is to connect vision to execution, ensuring our solutions drive meaningful impact and align with Solution Community’s mission to unite and empower global change-makers.

Responsibilities

• Define and prioritize the product roadmap to ensure alignment with the Solution Community’s strategic goals.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, designers, and stakeholders, to deliver high-quality product features.

• Conduct market and user research to identify needs and opportunities for platform enhancements.

• Manage product backlog, ensuring clear and actionable user stories and acceptance criteria.

• Facilitate agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, retrospectives, and daily stand-ups.

• Monitor product performance and implement improvements based on analytics and feedback.

• Act as the voice of the customer, championing their needs throughout the product lifecycle.

Qualification:

• At least 5 years of proven experience as a Product Owner or in a similar role, ideally in a non-profit or tech-driven environment.

• Strong knowledge of agile methodologies and product management tools (e.g., Jira, Trello).

• Exceptional communication and leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multicultural, global team.

• Analytical mindset with a passion for solving complex problems.

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.

• Experience with social impact projects or platforms is a plus.

What We Offer

• Global Collaboration: Work alongside industry legends from top global companies.

• Meaningful Impact: Contribute directly to global causes and make measurable differences.

• Cultural Richness: Engage with a vibrant team from across the world.

• Empowering Environment: Thrive in a culture of compassion, innovation, and collaboration.

• Flexible Work Life: Work from anywhere with autonomy.

• Growth and Learning: Enhance your skills with support from seasoned professionals.

• Lasting Recognition: Receive glowing recommendations for your career after your tenure.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Bracknell Forest are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Kent are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Are you looking for a skilled volunteering opportunity to support your career progression? Do you have a passion for improving outcomes for all children? Could you use your professional skills to help shape the future of education?

As a school governor, you’ll operate at board-level and develop strategic leadership skills and assist in making decisions on a wide range of topics; all while collaboratively improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for schools in Eastbourne to strengthen their governing boards and enhance outcomes of pupils within your communities. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a governor and how to apply.

Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role as well as have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.

You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a governor as long as you’re over 18 and happy to have a DBS check, you can apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities. As a governor, you’ll be supported by the Chair, head teacher and the rest of the governing team.

This vacancy is for an alternative provision looking to find a governor to sit on their board who is passionate about making a difference. The school is passionate about offering young people the chance to realise their unique talents and potential. 

If you’re interested in becoming a school governor, fill out the short application form on our website.

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons.

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace

Join us in leading positive change!

About the position

The role provides you with flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary, specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Study design briefs and determine requirements.
• Schedule projects and define budget constraints.
• Conceptualize visuals based on requirements.
• Prepare rough drafts and present ideas.
• Develop illustrations, logos and other designs using software or by hand.
• Use the appropriate colours and layouts for each graphic.
• Work with copywriters and creative director to produce final design.
• Test graphics across various media.
• Amend designs after feedback.
• Ensure final graphics and layouts are visually appealing and on-brand.
• General tasks
• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• Proven graphic designing experience.
• A portfolio of illustrations or another graphics / CV
• Familiarity with design software and technologies (such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Suite)
• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of tasks.
• Focused, organised and able to prioritise and execute tasks independently.
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• A keen eye for aesthetics and details
• Excellent communication skills
• Degree in Design, Fine Arts or related field is a plus.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Derby.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

Who are we: 
We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families. We take a positive and proactive disability and illness. We don't conform to society's and the media's view that disability is awful, and you have no quality of life. Although we fully acknowledge it gives rise to come of the most heartbreaking and challenging times you will ever face. We ask everyone who joins Buttons & Bubbles to embrace this perspective. If you don't agree with it, then sadly we're not the right organisation for you. 

About the role: 
 
We are looking for people to help lead some our teams across the organisation. We are volunteer led and manage 65+ volunteers across the country, most of them remoately. There are 10 different teams ranging from creative to business development. We are looking for up to 10 people to help with the coordination of feedback, delegation of tasks and assisting with running monthly meetings. We have a very diverse team of volunteers from all different culture, religons and disabilities. 

Our values: 

We embrace disability and neurodiversity; it makes us a stronger and more brilliant team. No robots at Buttons & Bubbles, thank you! 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a few individuals who may have the following skills and experience. Don't worry if you haven’t as full training will be provided.

Skillset; 

• Communication skills  

• Coordination skills

• Delegration 

• Knowledge or previous experience of working with disabilities. 

• Knowledge of inclusive design and work practices or open to learning.

• Organised  

• Adaptable  

• Willing to learn and develop  

• Thrill of building an online community. 

• Have a basic DBS check

• Positive attitude towards disability or illness 

Benefits of joining Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C:  

• Gaining valuable experience. 

• Improving your confidence 

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest. 

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Making a difference to the community 

• Makes a positive impact on people 

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills. 

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers. 

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future 

• Employment opportunities

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Reading are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.

Why volunteer with us?

• Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.
• Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide specialist support.
• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
• Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

 Volunteering with Victim Support in Devon and Cornwall

As a Volunteer in Devon and Cornwall your role will include:

• Supporting clients on a one-to-one basis who have been affected by crime.
• Working closely alongside our Multi-Crime Independent Victim Advocate team.
• Using motivational interview and coaching techniques to help clients work towards their goals.
• Working with clients to access our wide range of resources to help them manage after crime.

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or over.
• Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per week, for at least 12 months.
• Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes five virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.
• Undertake a DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.
• Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

• All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Portsmouth are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.