12 Data analysis and insight manager volunteer roles

Join our Board of Trustees to advocate for the rights of Black and minoritised migrant women interacting with the immigration and criminal justice systems.

 Who we are

The women supported by Hibiscus have been subjected to violence against women and girls (VAWG) including trafficking, modern slavery, sexual violence, rape, violence against women in war, conflict and post-conflict and institutional violence among other forms of violence. Hibiscus continues to develop specialist services from an intersectional feminist and trauma-informed perspective addressing everyday experiences of violence to which women are subjected and institutional harms.

Why join our Board

This is an important opportunity to contribute financial expertise, governance insight and commitment to an intersectional feminist organisation working for rights, justice and safety for women and girls. As a treasurer your financial expertise will help us create lasting impact for women facing some of the most complex barriers in society.

You will work closely with the Chair, CEO, the Operations and Services Director, fellow trustees to monitor the charity’s financial standing, oversee budgeting and strategic financial planning. You will support strong reporting and audit processes and chair the Finance Sub-Committee. You will help ensure that Hibiscus’ financial resources are well managed, transparent and aligned with our mission, values and long-term sustainability.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for a Treasurer who can bring both technical financial expertise and a thoughtful, values-led approach to governance. You will be a qualified accountant with a strong understanding of charity finance, financial controls, budgeting, reserves, audit processes and the regulatory environment in which charities operate, including Charity Commission requirements and Charity SORP.

What you will bring to the role:

You will be confident interpreting financial information, asking constructive questions and helping fellow trustees understand the financial implications of strategic decisions. The successful candidate will be able to translate complex financial information into clear, accessible advice that supports strong collective decision-making by the Board.

• A clear understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship.
• Experience of financial planning, management accounts, cash-flow forecasting, risk management and annual audit processes.
• The ability to work collaboratively with the Chair, CEO, Director of Operations and other trustees while maintaining appropriate independence and oversight.
•  Strong analytical judgement and the confidence to advise the Board on financial sustainability, reserves, income, expenditure and strategic risk.
• A commitment to Hibiscus’ intersectional feminist, anti-racist and social justice values, and to centring the rights and experiences of Black and minoritised migrant women.
•  A team-oriented approach, with the capacity to support good governance, constructive challenge and long-term organisational sustainability.

Key details about the role

The Role: Previous experience as a charity treasurer, or wider experience in the voluntary sector, charity fundraising or strategic funder engagement would be an advantage. Most importantly, you will share Hibiscus’ commitment to good governance, accountability and financial stewardship in support of our mission.

   Term: The initial term is three years, renewable for up to a maximum of nine years. This role is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

How to apply

To apply, please send your completed application form and CV to clearly stating “Application for Treasurer” in the subject heading of your email. In your application, please highlight your experience of financial management, particularly within the charity or voluntary sector, and explain how your skills and values align with Hibiscus’ mission and ethos. Please review the skills criteria within the personal specification of the application pack.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 30 September 2026.

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

What will you be doing?

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

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

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

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

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Role Description:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

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

What are we looking for?

Person Specification: What You'll Bring:

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

What difference will you make?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you want to make a real impact on household carbon footprints and promote sustainable living? Join our innovative crowd-sourced app development team and help us make an impact on climate change and the environment.

What will you be doing?

We’re looking for UK‑based volunteers with expertise in assessing and verifying quantified environmental impacts. You’ll work with a small remote team to audit and verify carbon, waste or water savings linked to lifestyle choices, using open‑source data. 

Your research will help develop robust models and frameworks, ensuring the E‑Save app provides accurate, trusted impact data for users.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking volunteers with experience in assessing or verifying carbon, waste, water or other environmental impacts. 

You’ll audit data sources, verify existing figures, and research gaps. You’ll help develop consistent frameworks, models and tools, and refine methodologies with the team. 

You’ll need a methodical approach, attention to detail, working knowledge of life‑cycle analysis, and the ability to work independently within a remote team.

What difference will you make?

Your insight and expertise in quantifying household carbon and other environmental benefits that are at the heart of the E-Save app.

Your vital contribution will help ensure the app delivers real environmental impacts. 

You will be at the forefront of innovation, bringing climate action into people’s homes across the UK, making sustainable living part of everyday life.

Your role is to support the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer at the Baytree Centre in assessing the Centre’s programmes and monitoring their impact on service users. This includes assisting with data collection and analysis, organising focus groups and interviews, and supporting the creation of reports that inform service improvement and highlight outcomes.

Main responsibilities:

- Support the enhancement of M&E processes across all Baytree services.

- Conduct research into innovative methods for data collection and analysis.

- Organise and facilitate focus groups and conduct interviews with service users.

- Assist service users in completing questionnaires.

- Prepare case studies based on collected data.

- Compile and analyse findings to create clear, accurate reports.

- Adhere to the policies and procedures of the Baytree Centre.

- Complete volunteer questionnaires and evaluations as required.

- Work directly with clients across Baytree services (e.g. youth clubs, workshops, reception, and befriending activities).

Skills and qualities required:

- Strong interpersonal skills; able to work collaboratively in a diverse team.

- Good written and verbal communication skills.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Excel.

- Strong organisational skills with the ability to work independently.

- Good time management and attention to detail.

- Reliable, punctual, and committed to the role.

- Interest in working with children, young people, and community services.

- Willingness to support various tasks and contribute flexibly as needed.

Commitment:

- 2 to 4 days per week (Monday–Thursday).

- Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

- Duration: 4 to 6 months, with flexibility to extend if desired

Benefits:

- We reimburse up to £7 for travel and £5 for lunch expenses for each full day of internship.

- Hands-on experience in monitoring and evaluation within the charity sector.

- Opportunity to develop practical research, analysis, and reporting skills.

- Insight into the impact of educational and community programmes.

- Personal fulfilment from supporting meaningful community development work.

This role is open to female applicants only (Equality Act 2010: Schedule 9: Occupational Requirements). Applicants must be 18 years or older.

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.

The Financial Analyst – FP&A will support the Finance Lead in building a more automated, scalable, and data-driven finance function for Roots Canada. This role will focus on financial analysis, forecasting, process improvement, automation, and the development of systems within tools such as Xero, Slack, Excel/Google Sheets, and other finance platforms. The position is key to ensuring the organization’s financial operations are scalable, compliant, and efficient.

Key tasks

Financial Analysis: Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow analysis, and budget-to-actual reporting. Help identify financial trends, risks, and opportunities and translate financial information into useful insights for leadership.

Finance Systems & Automation: Support the implementation and optimization of Xero, including the Chart of Accounts, tracking categories, reporting structures, and financial workflows. Identify opportunities to automate repetitive finance activities.

Process Improvement: Review existing finance processes and identify opportunities to make them more efficient, scalable, and controlled. Help design and implement improved workflows across Finance and other teams.

Workflow & Data Management: Build and maintain finance-related workflows in Slack and other systems to streamline approvals, budget requests, reimbursements, reporting, and other recurring processes.

Reporting & Decision Support: Help develop financial dashboards and management reports that provide leadership with clear visibility into cash flow, spending, budgets, revenue, and overall financial performance.
 

Week in this role

Typical week may include:

• 1 hour — Financial Analysis:  Update forecasts, analyze budget-to-actual performance, review financial trends, and support monthly financial reporting.

• 0.5 hour — Finance Systems & Automation: Build or improve workflows in Xero, Slack, Google Sheets, or other finance tools to reduce manual work and improve efficiency.

• 1 hour — Process Improvement & Documentation: Review existing finance processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and document new or enhanced workflows.

• 0.5 hour — Finance Team Meeting: Meet with the Finance Lead to review priorities, provide project updates, and align on upcoming initiatives.

• 0.5 hour — Ad Hoc / Project Support: Support other finance projects, testing, data analysis, or system implementation activities as required.

Average time commitment: 3–5 hours per week. Work can generally be completed flexibly throughout the week, with additional time potentially required around month-end.

What We're Looking For

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Interest or experience in FP&A, financial analysis, process improvement, or systems implementation.

• Strong Excel/Google Sheets skills.

• Comfortable learning and working with software such as Xero.

• Interest in automation and improving inefficient processes.

• Ability to translate business requirements into practical workflows or solutions.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.

• Accounting, finance, business, or data analytics experience is an asset.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers around the world. 

• 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.

Client Feedback Volunteer

Shelter Norfolk

Are you comfortable speaking with people? Would you like to gather meaningful data for Shelter while you do so?

Information about the role

In this role, you’ll be phoning people who have previously contacted Shelter for advice. The purpose is to gather feedback from them on their experience with Shelter and how that has impacted upon their housing and general wellbeing. This helps us identify the impacts our service is having, and whether there is anything we should do differently.

Location: Shelter Hub, Norwich

Suggested contribution: One day per week (can be flexible around your commitments).

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, within Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Main activities may include:

· Phoning clients around 8-10 weeks after they accessed our services.

· Asking clients set questions to gather information on their experiences with Shelter and the difference it has made to them.

· Recording the phone calls and the responses given onto our client database (CRM).

· Presenting findings from the feedback calls in an accessible format e.g. using Word or Excel.

· Identifying key findings and/or trends and sharing with a relevant team member.

This role fights the housing emergency by identifying the impacts our advice services are having on clients, as well as whether there’s any changes we should make.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience

The volunteer in this role will need to have basic IT skills, be comfortable speaking over the telephone and be considerate of their language and tone. We also recommend the volunteer to have some resilience to potentially challenging conversations. But the most important thing is that you care about fighting the housing emergency!

Supporting you

· You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.

· The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

· You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

· You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us to see what options are available.

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a basic level Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.

Join Our Board - Help shape the future of Merton’s vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Merton Connected is seeking two to three new trustees to join us at an exciting time of growth.

Merton's voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith sector is full of energy, ideas and people determined to make a difference. As the borough's infrastructure charity, Merton Connected sits right at the heart of it: connecting, supporting and championing the organisations that support local people every day.

Now we want you to help shape what comes next.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking people who bring curiosity, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to inclusive community development. Whether this would be your first governance role or you've supported other boards before, what matters most is your perspective and your willingness to engage.

We're particularly keen to hear from people with insight or experience in:

• Charity management
• Public health, health and social care integration, or partnership working between statutory and VCS organisations
• Marketing and communications
• Digital and AI operations
• Income generation and fundraising
• Impact and performance measurement

We also warmly welcome applicants with diverse lived experience, fresh perspectives, and a strong connection to Merton. There's no single profile we're looking for, and different viewpoints make us stronger.

What you'll be doing

As a trustee, you'll help shape our strategy, strengthen good governance, and champion the voices of local organisations and residents. You'll join a collaborative, supportive board that works closely with our leadership team to ensure Merton's voluntary, community and faith sector continues to thrive.

What you'll gain

• The chance to influence local priorities and make a meaningful difference to people's lives
• Insight into how a well-connected, values-driven infrastructure charity works from the inside
• Opportunities to share your knowledge and develop your own strategic and leadership skills
• A place on a welcoming, inclusive board committed to learning and collective impact

The practical bit

Time commitment: 4–6 meetings per year (including strategy days), with occasional subgroups or events
Support offered: A full induction is provided, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

We are actively seeking to expand our board and hope to make at least two trustee appointments over the next two months.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may appoint additional trustees where their skills and experience complement the board.

Ready to find out more?

Please apply with your CV and a few screening questions

Community Interaction & Behaviour Change Communication

· Visit villages, urban communities, and schools

· Interact with families, women, and children

· Understand local health practices, challenges, and needs

· Support ongoing community health programs

Hygiene Awareness Campaigns

· Conduct awareness sessions on:

o Personal hygiene (menstrual hygiene , handwashing, cleanliness)

o Sanitation practices

o Safe drinking water and hygiene habits

· Use creative methods like posters, demonstrations, and group activities

Basic Health Education

· Assist in delivering sessions on:

o Menstrual hygiene .

o Preventive healthcare

o Nutrition and balanced diet

o Common diseases and basic prevention methods

· Support local team in simplifying health messages for communities

School Health Programs

· Organize interactive sessions in schools on:

o Hygiene practices for children

o Importance of cleanliness and health

· Conduct activities such as:

o Games and quizzes

o Awareness discussions

o Health-focused storytelling

Women’s Health & Menstrual Hygiene Awareness

· Support workshops on:

o Menstrual hygiene management

o Breaking myths and stigma

o Importance of hygiene and health for women

· Assist in distributing educational materials

Research & Data Collection

· Conduct basic surveys and collect community feedback

· Observe and document hygiene practices and health awareness levels

· Assist in preparing reports and case studies

Campaign Design & Creative Outreach

· Help design:

o Awareness posters

o Educational materials

o Social media campaigns

· Participate in community awareness drives and local events

Community Interaction & Behaviour Change Communication

· Engage in conversations with community members

· Promote positive behaviour change related to hygiene and health

· Learn how communication strategies influence public health outcomes

Documentation & Storytelling

· Document field experiences through:

o Photography

o Blogs

o Video storytelling

· Share impact stories and community voices

Bring your voice and experience to a Board where it can shape real change. Join a national children’s health and wellbeing charity, challenge our thinking, influence our future and help us make stronger decisions for the children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do.

Compass exists for children, young people and families who need someone in their corner. For 40 years, we have delivered health and wellbeing services that give people access to the right support, at the right time and in ways that reflect their needs and communities.

We are looking for a voluntary Non Executive Director and Trustee to join our Board and help shape what comes next. This is an opportunity to use your knowledge, experience and perspective somewhere they can influence real decisions and help Compass remain ambitious, accountable and focused on the people our services exist for.

As a member of the Board, you will provide independent oversight, constructive challenge and fresh thinking. You will work alongside fellow Trustees and our senior leaders to help shape strategy, review organisational performance and ensure decisions are thoughtful, evidence informed and consistent with our charitable purpose and values.

Your role will reach across the organisation. You will contribute to discussions about service quality, safeguarding, workforce, finance, risk, performance and long term sustainability. You will ask the questions that help us think differently, test assumptions and understand the likely impact of our decisions. You will also share responsibility for ensuring Compass is well governed, uses its resources responsibly and meets its legal and regulatory duties as a charity.

This role is about more than attending Board meetings. You will have opportunities to deepen your understanding of Compass, connect with the people who deliver our services and see how Board decisions translate into practice. You will act as an ambassador for our work and help us build trust with the communities, partners and organisations around us. You will also contribute to at least one Board advisory group, bringing closer attention to an area where your knowledge, experience or curiosity can add value.

We want our Board to benefit from a range of voices and experiences. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds and walks of life, including those underrepresented at Board level. This is not about asking anyone to speak for an entire community. It is about building a stronger, more representative Board that makes better decisions, challenges established thinking and understands the people it serves.

Previous experience as a Trustee or Non Executive Director would be valuable, but it is not essential. We are interested in what you can bring, whether that comes from your professional career, your community, your lived experience or a combination of these. You will need the confidence to contribute your views, the openness to listen to others and the integrity to put the interests of Compass and the people we support first.

You will be joining a Board where your contribution will be heard and valued. If you are curious about how your experience could help shape a national children’s health and wellbeing charity, we would encourage you to take a closer look.

This is a voluntary appointment. Expenses directly connected with carrying out the role, such as travel, will be reimbursed.

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader 

Roles available at colleges across Shipley

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact in your community? 

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills; all while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials. 

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you 

Further education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving – from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts. 

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed. 

This is an opportunity to: 

• Apply your corporate skills in a leadership role 

• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV 

• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility 

• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation 

What will you be doing? 

As part of a governing board, you’ll: 

• Set strategic direction, helping to define the college’s mission and goals 

• Hold leadership to account, monitoring finances, performance, and outcomes 

• Ensure governance excellence, making decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders 

• Act as a charity trustee, ensuring financial sustainability and legal compliance 

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners. 

Who are we looking for? 

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to: 

• Finance, Audit & Risk 

• HR, People & Culture 

• Strategy, Transformation & Operations 

• Technology, AI & Digital 

• Legal, Governance & Compliance 

• Marketing, PR & Communications 

• Education, apprenticeships, or vocational courses 

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed. 

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed. 

Time commitment 

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including: 

• Attending board and committee meetings (in person or remote) 

• Reading papers and preparing questions 

• Participating in training and occasional college visits 

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role – and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development. 

Where you’ll be needed 

Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you? 

This role offers the opportunity to: 

• Enhance your board-level and governance experience 

• Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role 

• Expand your professional network 

• Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact 

About Boards for Education 

Boards for Education is a charity that sources and supports volunteers for governing boards. We aim to improve educational outcomes for children, young people, and adult learners by strengthening governance across the education sector. 

With more than 25 years’ experience and a national network of partners, we connect schools, academy trusts, colleges, and education charities across England and Wales with skilled, independent volunteers. 

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role? 

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight into the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor. 

Sway

We create seaweed-based compostable packaging that replaces plastic while protecting oceans and ecosystems.

Sway is a material innovation company scaling home compostable, seaweed-based solutions for plastic. We've been recognized as a TIME Best Invention of 2025, a Fast Company World-Changing Idea, and winner of the TOM FORD Plastic Innovation Prize. Our technology drops into traditional plastic infrastructure while working to replenish ocean health, promote regenerative materials, and create a more inclusive environmental movement.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
Over 12 weeks, you'll help us climb Google's rankings for high-impact keywords like "seaweed packaging," "compostable packaging," and "next-generation materials." Your work will directly shape how people discover Sway and, ultimately, how they access alternatives to conventional plastics.

Phase 1 (Weeks 1-3): Audit

• Conduct a comprehensive technical SEO audit of Sway's website (site structure, performance, indexation, user experience)
• Analyze current keyword rankings and competitive positioning
• Identify content gaps and quick-win opportunities
• Deliver a clear, prioritized audit report with recommendations

Phase 2 (Weeks 3-4): Strategy & Roadmap

• Develop a strategic execution plan prioritizing high-impact opportunities
• Recommend on-page, technical, and content improvements
• Identify keyword targets aligned with Sway's business priorities
• Present findings and roadmap to our Marketing & Communications team

Phase 3 (Weeks 4-12): Implementation & Quick Wins

• Implement priority technical SEO improvements (with our team)
• Optimize existing content for target keywords
• Create content briefs for new pages
• Configure Rankmath settings and reporting dashboards
• Track KPIs and share monthly progress updates
• Identify and execute quick wins toward longer-term visibility goals

WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Essential Skills:

• 5+ years of SEO experience with proven results (rankings, organic traffic growth)
• Expertise of technical SEO (Core Web Vitals, crawlability, structured data)
• Proficiency with Google Search Console, Google Analytics 4, and competitive analysis tools (SEMrush, Ahrefs)
• Fluency in SEO for Wordpress (site structure, plugin management, performance)
• Ability to audit, strategize, and execute independently
• Clear communication with non-technical stakeholders

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with Rankmath or Semplice (platforms Sway uses within Wordpress)
• B2B or sustainability sector SEO experience
• Portfolio or case studies showing measurable SEO wins
• Interest in material science, climate tech, or sustainability

WHY THIS MATTERS
Search visibility is how the world discovers that seaweed-based alternatives exist. Every keyword you optimize, every page you improve, and every ranking we climb puts Sway closer to the brands and distributors actively looking for solutions to plastic packaging. Your work will help scale a material innovation that directly improves ocean health, our climate, and our worldwide waste problem.

SUPPORT & WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
We'll set you up for success:

• Mentorship: Direct collaboration with our Head of Marketing & Communications; access to Sway's founding team and product/R&D insights
• Feedback: Monthly check-ins, strategic guidance, and technical support as you navigate implementation
• Reference & Portfolio: This becomes a standout case study for your portfolio — measurable SEO wins at a mission-driven startup
• Impact Clarity: Monthly reports showing rankings, traffic, and business impact
• Community: You'll join the Sway team and the broader network of ChangeMakers driving climate innovation

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months