Direct volunteer roles

York Archaeological Trust for Research and Excavation Limited, an educational and research charity, is currently looking for a new trustee specialising in finance to join its board during an exciting period of development.

Having celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2022, we are committed to building on the vision that began with the Coppergate excavation in York and the opening of the internationally renowned JORVIK Viking Centre, and to harnessing archaeology for educational and public benefit. Engaging with more than 1.2 million people annually, and with centres of archaeology and conservation in York and Nottingham we work throughout the UK and internationally providing leading-edge field investigation, analysis and connecting communities with their past.

We are keen to hear from those who can offer expertise and experience in strategic financial management. With succession planning in mind for the role of Chair of our Finance and Audit Committee, we are seeking a candidate with considerable professional financial expertise, ideally underpinned with a formal first-tier accounting qualification, proven commercial acumen and strong leadership skills to scrutinise, challenge and oversee the entirety of the Trust’s finances. Whilst a formal accountancy qualification is desirable, we will also consider candidates who have had substantial experience of corporate or charity governance, financial analysis and scrutiny at a strategic level.

Business experience of the charity sector from either an employed or voluntary capacity would also be an advantage.

Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, renewable to a maximum of nine years. The role includes a commitment to attend four board meetings per year and the Annual General Meeting. Trustees are also expected to contribute some additional time to sub-committees and/or Steering Groups in line with their interests and expertise. Trustees are not remunerated, but we can cover reasonable travel and accommodation expenses.

The closing date for applications is Friday 28th August 2026, and we expect interviews for short-listed candidates to be held in the second half of September 2026.

To apply, please send a letter to us explaining the reasons for your interest and outlining what you could contribute to this role, together with your CV.

Vision Action is a unique organisation that works in low- and middle-income countries, supporting national governments to deliver and strengthen their eye health strategies. We work in partnership with local governments, civil society organisations, international and national NGOs, and the private sector. Our ambition is to increase equitable access to eye care services and glasses and accelerate achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5.

The role of the board is to oversee the overall direction and activities of the charity, including its policies and procedures, to ensure that they are consistently in accordance with the charitable purposes defined in the objects clause in its constitution. The board sets and monitors the strategic direction of the charity, although the implementation of strategy is achieved through the executive team. The board must always act in the best interests of Vision Action, taking decisions as a group and not as individuals.

Terms of service

For Vision Action the trustees are members who have been elected to serve on the board. Vision Action’s constitution allows for up to 12 trustees, who can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms of three years.  Vision Action is a company limited by guarantee and the trustees are its legal directors. The trustee role is voluntary, although relevant expenses incurred in the course of fulfilling trustee responsibilities are reimbursable in line with organisational policy.

Trustees are appointed by the Vision Action board of trustees annually at the board meeting following the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The time commitment involved in being a trustee includes attendance at four board meetings per year, one of which is an all-day strategy session. Board meetings are typically held for half a day on a weekday afternoon, with at least half the meetings taking place online.  Board papers are circulated in advance for review and preparation.

In addition, trustees are expected to attend the AGM, which is usually held on a weekend, as well as occasional members’ forums or other Vision Action events, which are often arranged alongside board meetings in the evening. Trustees may also be asked to participate in ad hoc meetings or online discussions relating to specific topics. Sub-committee meetings are also held in advance of board meetings, and trustees are also expected to participate in one or more of these groups depending on their expertise and responsibilities. Trustees will also be expected to commit time to undertake a full induction process.

Main tasks

Charity trustees have ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity and ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. Each trustee will be expected to join one of the two sub-committees (Programmes and Research; Fundraising and Finance).  The committees meet (in person or remotely) at least four times per year, usually timed with or in advance of the board meetings. 

General responsibilities

• Ensure th[JT1] at Vision Action complies with its governing document (i.e. its constitution[JT2]  and byelaws), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that Vision Action pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Ensure Vision Action applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be.
• Contribute actively to the board’s role in the formulation and review of strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguard the good name and values of Vision Action and maintain good relations with its members.
• Ensure that all policies are implemented, monitored and reports are acted upon, (including the policies on harassment and misconduct, safeguarding, recruitment of ex-offenders, and anti- bribery).
• Strive for Vision Action to reflect the full diversity of society in all its activities.
• Ensure the financial stability of Vision Action.
• Protect and manage the property of Vision Action and ensure the proper investment of its funds.
• Appoint and support key leadership and monitor their performance.

In addition to the above statutory responsibilities, each trustee should attend board meetings and use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board reach sound decisions.  This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, evaluation or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise; and then always upholding the decisions taken by Board. Trustees are also expected to support Vision Action’s fundraising initiatives.

Treasurer specific responsibilities

Hold specific responsibilities relevant to the role:

• Chair the fundraising and finance sub-committee, overseeing and advising on the financial risks, challenges, health and resilience of the charity, reporting back to the full board.
• Monitor and advise on the financial viability of the charity, including the financial risks. This should include regular monitoring of cost recovery.
• Advise the board on the financial implications of its plans and policies.
• Monitor the preparation of budgets, accounts and financial statements and their presentation to the board.

Ensure policies and practices are in keeping with aims:

• Oversee the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost‐recovery and investment policies.
• Annually review the financial control framework to identify any changes, gaps and potential areas of exposure.
• Oversee the development and review of other policies and procedures as delegated to the fundraising and finance sub-committee by the board.

Ensure best practice:

• Support the Co-CEO (finance & operations) in preparing and presenting the budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements to the board, ensuring it receives a fully informed picture of the charity’s financial performance, position and effectiveness.
• Liaise with the Co-Chief Executive Officers and, as appropriate, with the investment advisors and auditors on matters relating to the organisation’s financial activities.
• Provide board‐level liaison with the external auditors on specific issues such as the auditors’ management letter, auditor remuneration and related board representations.
• Lead on recommending the appointment of new auditors to members of the organisation.
• Work with the Finance and Operations Manager to ensure that proper accounts and records are maintained, and that financial resources are spent and invested in line with good governance and legal and regulatory requirements.
• With the Finance & Operations Manager and the Joint Chief Executive Officers, closely monitor the reserves and investment plan, providing assurance to the board on the organisation’s future financial stability.
• Review all management accounts before they are placed before the board.

Personal specification

All our trustees are expected to have:

• A commitment to Vision Action’s vision and mission.
• A commitment to our values: being evidence-based, being inclusive, having integrity, sustainable programmes and being collaborative.
• Willingness to devote the time and effort needed to fulfil the role.
• Integrity.
• Strategic vision.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of Vision Action.

The treasurer will have:

• Experience as a director of finance (or equivalent) and/or in a treasurer role, with extensive experience of overseeing financial and management accounting, financial reporting, monitoring and controls, and external audit.
• An understanding of charity accounting and reporting standards (Charities SORP 2026), or a willingness to develop this through personal learning and development.
• A recognised accountancy qualification (CAAB) and
• Experience in international development would be an advantage.

The position is supported by the CEO who is an accountant and a part time bookkeeper.

The Next Step

We welcome questions and a discussion on our current financial circumstances with our treasurer and chair. Our treasurer retires in 2026, and we would like to involve any new appointment in our committees and board meeting in the last part of this year.

VOLUNTEER ROLE: CHIEF OPERATING Officer (COO)

Help Us Build, Run & Launch REMIX — Shoreditch’s New Youth Creativity & Social Mobility Charity

We’re REMIX — a Shoreditch‑based social mobility charity empowering young people to remix their lives with confidence, creativity and real opportunities. We’re launching this September, and we’re looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) who can support our CEO in building the charity from the ground up.

This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced, creative leadership role. You’ll help us turn ideas into action, momentum into movement, and plans into reality. If you love youth culture, creativity and making things happen quickly — this is your moment.

What This COO Role Is All About

As our volunteer COO, you’ll work closely with the CEO to help run REMIX day‑to‑day while we prepare for launch. You’ll help us stay organised, energised and moving forward at speed.

You’ll be part of shaping REMIX’s operational heartbeat — the systems, structure and rhythm that keep us running smoothly while we build something bold and youth‑centred.

You’ll meet weekly at first as we get set up, build momentum and push hard towards our September launch.

What You’ll Be Doing at REMIX

You’ll help us build and run our operations, including:

• Supporting the CEO with day‑to‑day leadership and decision‑making

• Helping coordinate teams, volunteers and early programmes

• Setting up simple, effective operational systems

• Keeping us organised, focused and moving fast

• Helping shape our early culture, energy and ways of working

• Ensuring our launch plans stay on track and on time

• Problem‑solving, planning and keeping momentum high

Your work will help REMIX feel structured, confident and ready to empower young people from day one.

Who We’re Looking For

We want a COO who is:

• Positive, energetic and full of Shoreditch creative vibes

• Organised, fast‑moving and great at making things happen

• Comfortable working in a start‑up‑style environment

• Passionate about youth culture, creativity and social mobility

• Able to support a CEO with clarity, calmness and confidence

• Excited by building something new, modern and culturally relevant

If you’re someone who thrives in fast‑paced environments and loves turning ideas into action — you’ll fit right in.

What You’ll Be Part Of

As our COO, you’ll help us:

• Launch a charity designed to help young people rewrite their futures

• Build early systems that feel modern, simple and youth‑friendly

• Shape a culture rooted in creativity, confidence and opportunity

• Create momentum and energy in the run‑up to launch

• Set the tone for how REMIX operates as we grow

You’ll be part of something with big plans and huge potential — and your leadership will help us get there.

What You’ll Get From Volunteering With REMIX

• A senior leadership role with real influence

• Experience building a charity from the ground up

• Weekly collaboration with a creative, energetic team

• A chance to shape REMIX’s operational identity

• The excitement of launching something bold, modern and youth‑centred

• The knowledge that your work directly supports young people rising

Ready to Help Us Remix the Future

If you’re excited by creativity, youth culture and building something that moves fast — we’d love to hear from you. Share a bit about yourself, your experience and why this role speaks to you. Let’s build something powerful together.

Blood Cancer UK is looking for new Trustees, due to the upcoming retirement of current Board members. At Blood Cancer UK we fund world-class research, provide trusted information and support to people affected by blood cancer, and campaign to improve outcomes for everyone living with or beyond blood cancer. Our vision is clear: we are here to beat blood cancer. 

Who we are looking for 

We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to beating blood cancer and who can bring strategic thinking, sound judgement, curiosity and a collaborative approach. You do not need previous trustee experience to apply. 

We would particularly welcome applicants with experience in areas such as, finance, working in the NHS, clinical practice, research, fundraising, or marketing. We are also keen to hear from people with personal experience of blood cancer and from people whose voices and experiences are under-represented in charity governance. 

How to apply 

Please apply by submitting your CV and a supporting statement (no more than 2 A4 pages) outlining why you are interested in becoming a Trustee and what you would bring to the role. 

VOLUNTEER: Chair of the Board of Trustees

SUNSHINE Charity — Bringing positivity, human connection, community and belonging across London

SUNSHINE Charity is a vibrant, 100% volunteer‑powered start-up movement dedicated to bringing SUNSHINE into people’s lives . We aim to help smash loneliness and social isolation by creating welcoming opportunities to connect, participate, learn, volunteer, make friends and feel like that people belong.

• We are joyful.
• We are human.
• We are community-powered.
• And now, we are ready for a seasoned, confident, inspiring Chair to help guide our next chapter.

Why We Need You

SUNSHINE is growing into our next chapter — fast. Our programmes, events and volunteer opportunities are about to get starting up across London.

But our Founder, who has been carrying the charity forward with enormous heart and energy, now needs to step back from leading the board, to focus on the operational aspects of the charity. He will remain as Vice Chair, offering support, continuity and passion — but we need a new Chair who can confidently take the reins.

Our current trustees are passionate, committed and enthusiastic, but apart from the Founder, they are new to trusteeship. We need someone who can:

• Lead with clarity

• Mentor with patience

• Govern with confidence

• Inspire with warmth

• And help shape a board that reflects SUNSHINE’s culture of positivity, connection, community and belonging

If you’re an experienced trustee or former Chair who loves developing people, strengthening governance and building a thriving board culture — this role is made for you.

What You’ll Do

As Chair of SUNSHINE Charity, you will:

• Provide strong, steady leadership to a developing board.

• Support the Founder (now Vice Chair).

• Ensure excellent governance and strategic oversight.

• Drive momentum, accountability and positive culture.

• Champion SUNSHINE’s mission and values internally and externally.

• Help shape a charity that is 100% volunteer-powered and community-focused.

You’ll be joining a charity where kindness is a superpower, community is everything, and every volunteer helps bring SUNSHINE into people’s lives.

Time Commitment

We keep things simple, structured and manageable.

• Board meetings: Every 3rd Monday, 7–9pm

• Working groups: Light involvement between meetings

• Total commitment: Around 4 hours per month

This is a role designed for someone who wants to make a meaningful difference without an overwhelming time burden.

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• An experienced trustee or Chair.

• Confident in governance, leadership and board development.

• Warm, encouraging and people-focused.

• Skilled at mentoring newer trustees.

• Passionate about tackling loneliness and building community.

• Energised by SUNSHINE’s culture of positivity, human connection, community and belonging.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to lead a charity with huge heart and huge potential.

• A close, collaborative relationship with the Founder/Vice Chair.

• The opportunity to shape a board, culture and movement.

• The joy of helping people feel connected, valued and part of a community.

• A role where your experience will genuinely change lives.

Ready to Bring Your Light to SUNSHINE?

If you’re a seasoned trustee who wants to help build a joyful, human, community-powered charity — we’d love to hear from you.

Join the SUNSHINE movement.

Help us bring connection, community and belonging to London.

COME SHINE WITH US.

SUNSHINE Charity
Positivity • Human Connection • Community • Belonging

Wintercomfort is seeking to appoint new Trustees to join our Board. If you are keen to shape the strategic direction of the charity and support strong, effective governance, we would love to hear from you. We are particularly interested to recruit people with homelessness sector knowledge and experience. However, we warmly welcome applications from individuals with a wide range of professional backgrounds and lived experiences who can bring fresh perspectives and a commitment to our mission.

About Us

Wintercomfort is an advice and support hub for homeless and vulnerably housed people in Cambridge.  Open daily throughout the year, we provide services to aid every stage of recovery – from immediate basic welfare needs to long-term support to help people overcome challenges and fulfil their potential.  We offer housing and tenancy support, debt advice, support with training and employment, access to a range of mental and physical health services, a dedicated women’s programme, and work to promote social inclusion.

We are looking for people to join an experienced and passionate Board of Trustees who work collaboratively in providing strategic oversight and governance of Wintercomfort, to ensure its financial stability and that it achieves its mission.  No prior experience of the charity sector is required.  Induction and training is provided for all new Trustees.

Wintercomfort is committed to celebrating diversity, promoting equality, fostering equal opportunities and tackling discrimination in all it does.

This is a voluntary, unpaid, position for an initial term of 3 years. Reasonable travel expenses can be paid.

We are welcoming applications until 14th September 2026.

Interested?

We have attached the Candidate Pack to this advert with more information about the role duties and to help with your application. If you would like to apply for this position, please click the apply button and attach your CV and a short letter outlining why you would like to become a trustee of Wintercomfort and what skills you would bring to the board, it will be sent automatically to us.

MapAction is a leading humanitarian charity that provides geospatial, mapping and data expertise to support disaster response and preparedness worldwide. For more than 20 years, MapAction has worked alongside governments, UN agencies, humanitarian organisations and local partners, supporting over 150 humanitarian emergencies in more than 80 countries. By providing critical insights through maps, data visualisation and analysis, MapAction helps decision-makers understand rapidly evolving situations, target assistance more effectively and ultimately save lives. 

MapAction combines the commitment and expertise of small professional staff team with circa 70 highly skilled volunteer geospatial, mapping and data specialists. Together, they help partners prepare for, respond to, and recover from humanitarian crises, while also developing innovative approaches to strengthen disaster resilience and anticipatory action. 

MapAction is now seeking to appoint a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to succeed Nick Moody, who will step down later this year following two successful terms as Chair. This is an exciting opportunity to provide leadership to a unique charity that sits at the intersection of humanitarian action, technology and innovation, and to help shape its future direction and impact. 

The Chair will play a pivotal leadership role, working closely with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees to ensure the effective delivery of MapAction’s mission, strategic objectives and long-term sustainability. The Chair will foster strong and constructive relationships across the Board, executive team, staff and volunteers, ensuring that the organisation benefits from both effective support and constructive challenge. Working in partnership with the Chief Executive, the Chair will also act as a key ambassador for MapAction, building and maintaining relationships with funders, partners and stakeholders, and helping to enhance the charity’s profile, influence and impact within the humanitarian sector. 

The successful candidate will be an accomplished senior leader with experience of leading senior executive teams and/or non-executive boards. They will possess a strong understanding of governance, organisational risk and financial oversight, together with the credibility and gravitas to influence at the highest levels. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to support fundraising and stakeholder engagement activities, and a genuine commitment to the delivery of humanitarian benefit. Prior experience of the humanitarian, international development, technology, data or voluntary sectors is a distinct advantage.

The Chair will be appointed for an initial term of three years, with the option of renewal for a further term. The role is voluntary and unremunerated. 

MapAction is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Final interviews are anticipated to take place in mid- to late-September 2026..

Join the Board of The Glasshouse as we embark on an ambitious new chapter.

The Glasshouse is a world-class venue and charity, home to unforgettable live music experiences, Royal Northern Sinfonia, a centre for music education and a thriving community of artists and music lovers. As we celebrate 20 years and embark on a bold third decade, we’re seeking new Trustees to help shape what comes next.

Every year, more than 2 million people engage with our work through 400+ concerts and gigs, 10,000+ classes and workshops and digital experiences. We’ve contributed £1bn to the UK economy, championed talent development and made music accessible to all.

We know that work histories alone don’t express all of what someone can offer, and we encourage applications from all professional backgrounds. We hope new Trustees might help us strengthen expertise or leadership in:

• Ambitious creative programming. 
• Music, creative education and skills. 
• Customer experience, marketing, and communications.
• Technological transformation, both creative and organisational. 
• Developing commercial and philanthropic income. 
• People, culture, and safeguarding.

Music brings people together, and we want our Board to connect with the richness and diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those whose voices are underrepresented on charity boards and within the cultural sector. We believe that different perspectives make us stronger and help us create a future where music is truly for everyone.

Commitment
This is an unpaid voluntary role, as is the case for charity Trustees. Trustees are expected to attend four Board meetings each year, an annual Board away day, and approximately four committee meetings annually, depending on committee membership. Reasonable expenses incurred in undertaking the role will be reimbursed in line with The Glasshouse’s expenses policy.

nclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Canterbury Cathedral to appoint a Non-Executive Member of Chapter and Lay Canon with expertise in Safeguarding.

About Canterbury Cathedral

Founded by St Augustine in 597 AD, Canterbury Cathedral is a unique place of worship, a major pilgrimage destination, a masterpiece of art and architecture, and one of the UK’s most-visited historic sites. Often referred to as ‘England in stone’, the Cathedral has been at the centre of momentous events and upheavals. It is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and resting place of royalty and saints.

Chapter is the body corporate of Canterbury Cathedral. Its members have the general control and management of the administration of the Cathedral. Canterbury Cathedral became a full charity in February 2024 (under the Cathedrals Measure 2021) and as well as being regulated by the Church Commissioners, will also be regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

About the Role of Member of Chapter and Lay Canon

Chapter members play a vital and strategic role in maintaining the Christian vision and mission of the Cathedral, as well as its corporate governance.

All Chapter members must either be an actual communicant (within the meaning given in Rule 83(2) of the Church of England’s Church Representation Rules) or a communicant member of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. An “actual communicant member” of the Church of England is legally defined as a baptized person who is confirmed (or ready to be confirmed) and has received Holy Communion at least three times in the preceding twelve months. 

Person Specification

In this recruitment campaign we are seeking to appoint one member of Chapter and Lay Canon. We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who have a safeguarding background, with knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy and practice that encompasses both adults and children.

We are also seeking candidates who:

• Are committed to the Cathedral’s Christian vision, mission and ministry. 
• Are able to reflect the ethos set out in the Nolan Principles within our charitable context.
• Show demonstrable strategic leadership and management skills and able to provide effective strategic guidance.
• Have strong intellectual and analytical skills with a broad based and long term view of strategic and organisational goals.
• Possess the highest levels of trust and integrity. 
• Have the ability to gain the trust, respect and support of fellow members of Chapter and the wider Cathedral community.
• Are able to show empathy in dealing with others and to engage diplomatically and with authority in dialogue and debate on critical issues.
• Are able to voice concerns appropriately in a frank but professional manner and to deal with conflict constructively.
• Have knowledge of principles and processes in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of relating well to diverse stakeholder groups.

Canterbury Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Please visit Inclusive Boards' website for more information and to apply.

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.