Director of education and employers volunteer roles

The Sutton Trust is at a pivotal moment in its development. For nearly three decades, we have been the UK’s leading voice on social mobility, working tirelessly to break the link between socio-economic background and life chances. Today, that mission is as urgent as it has ever been. Despite pockets of progress, social mobility in the UK remains low by international standards, with deep inequalities in education, access to professions, and regional opportunity continuing to limit life chances and economic potential.

We are seeking a Trustee with policy expertise who shares our commitment to fairness, evidence, and long-term change. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are keen to hear from those who can help us navigate an evolving political landscape and leverage our research to challenge systemic barriers, ensuring our voice remains the most influential in the national drive to transform social mobility.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Trustee

Policy Responsibilities

• Providing oversight for the charity’s research and advocacy, ensuring the Trust’s work is mission-aligned, evidence-based, and intellectually rigorous
• Supporting the Board in discharging their collective duties around planning, risk and compliance, particularly in areas such as horizon scanning for upcoming legislative changes, political shifts and shifts in social trends affecting the Trust as well as specific regulations around political neutrality
• Leveraging their professional networks and expertise, enhancing the charity’s credibility and influence, ensuring our research translates into meaningful systemic change

General Responsibilities

• Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s vision, mission and values and providing advice on the Trust’s wider purpose, goals and activities
• Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s aims and long-term strategy in furtherance of its charitable purpose
• Ensuring key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively as well as keeping abreast of changes in the Trust’s operating environment
• Monitoring the Trust’s performance against its strategic aims, operational plans and budgets
• Safeguarding and promoting the Trust’s reputation, and acting in the best interest of the Trust at all times
• Ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the Trust
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring proper arrangements are in place for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and renumeration of the CEO and they are held to account
• Contributing to regular reviews of the Trust’s own governance
• Ensuring the Trust complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use their specific skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to the Board’s decision-making, and dedicate sufficient time to carry out their responsibilities effectively. This may involve sitting on Board Committees, scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Trustees aim to support a specific member of the SLT based on their skills and experience or may participate in appropriate subgroups, e.g., Alumni Leadership Board, Education Advisory Group, (Development) Board meetings, etc.

Person Specification

Mission and Values

• Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage
• High level of personal and professional ethics, integrity, and accountability
• Willingness to safeguard and promote the Trust’s reputation within the wider sector

Strategy and Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to think strategically in order to provide appropriate oversight and scrutiny for the Trust’s overall activity and direction
• Ability to confidently and fairly make evidence-based decisions and constructively challenge the decisions of others if required
• Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team to provide advice, make decisions, and/or solve problems
• A commitment to personal development and a willingness to participate in regular reviews of the Board’s own performance and governance

Governance, Risk and Finance

• Understanding of the legal duties of a Trustee (or willingness to learn), including compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House regulations and commitment to the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee
• Awareness of (or willingness to learn about) financial health indicators and organisational risk management

Specialist Expertise and Experience

• A background in public affairs, civil service, think tanks, education sector organisations or senior policy or research roles in (education) charities
• Strong understanding of how UK government (at local, regional or national level) and/ or the UK education sector works
• Strong influencing and communications skills with the ability to lead discussions, provide expert advice, and influence stakeholders in a professional manner
• Good understanding of how to translate policy jargon into clear, strategic advice for the wider Trustee Board

Interviews

Applications should reach us by 10am, Monday 30th March. First round interviews will take place on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th April, and second round interviews will take place w/c 27th April or w/c 4th May. All interviews will be held at our London offices in Millbank Tower.

Job Title: Programme Manager                                                                

Reports To: Programme Director

Location: Hybrid

Employment Type: Full - Time
 

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is an exciting cultural competition and community festival celebrating Brazilian traditions through Capoeira, music, dance, and acrobatics. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, this event offers free taster classes, performances, and a vibrant Brazilian arts & products fair—engaging local communities and encouraging cross-cultural learning.

We are looking for a Programme Manager to oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of the event. This hybrid volunteering role requires a commitment of 12 hours per week for 6 months. It is best suited for someone based near Kingston, as travel expenses will be reimbursed. This is a great opportunity to lead a high-profile community initiative that has previously been praised by local councillors, Kingston University, and the Brazilian Consulate in London.

Position Overview:
The Programme Manager oversees the strategic delivery of a multi-project programme focused on enhancing employability and skills development for target populations. This role ensures alignment with organisational and community goals, driving initiatives that reduce skills gaps, improve workforce readiness, and foster partnerships with employers and training providers. Reporting to the Programme Director, the Programme Manager manages a team of project specialists and coordinators, ensuring seamless execution of programme activities and measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Programme Leadership:

   • Lead the end-to-end employability and skills development programme delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

   • Mentor and manage project specialists and coordinators, assigning tasks tied to programme milestones such as training workshops, employer partnerships, and participant assessments.

2. Stakeholder Collaboration:

   • Build and maintain relationships with employers, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organisations to align programme outcomes with labour market needs.

   • Act as the primary point of contact for external partners, ensuring their requirements (e.g., hiring criteria, certification standards) are integrated into programme design.

3. Programme Design & Delivery:

   • Oversee the development of training curricula, mentorship initiatives, and job placement strategies tailored to diverse participant groups (e.g., youth, career changers).

   • Monitor participant progress and employment outcomes, using data to refine programme effectiveness.

4. Risk & Compliance Management:

   • Identify barriers to participant success (e.g., accessibility, resource gaps) and escalate systemic challenges to the Programme Manager with actionable solutions.

1. Reporting & Communication:

   • Track and report on key metrics such as participant engagement, skill acquisition rates, and post-programme employment status.

   • Prepare updates for senior leadership and stakeholders to demonstrate programme impact.

2. Process Improvement:

   • Implement feedback loops with participants and partners to continuously enhance programme quality.

   • Promote best practices in adult education, vocational training, and equity-focused initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Human Resources, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • 3–5 years managing employability, workforce development, or adult education programmes.

  • Proven experience leading teams and collaborating with cross-sector stakeholders.

• Skills:

  • Strong understanding of labour market trends and barriers to employment.

  • Ability to design inclusive, participant-centric programmes.

  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, CRM systems) and project management software.

  • Exceptional communication skills for engaging diverse audiences.

• Certifications: Certifications in programme management (e.g., PgMP), career coaching, or adult education are advantageous.

We are currently looking to recruit an external trustee to join our Board of Trustees and also act as chair to the Finance and Audit Sub-Committee. We will also require the trustee to support our whistleblowing policy, acting as the nominated trustee contact for whistleblowing concerns.  You’ll champion openness and ensure the organisation has safe, fair, and effective processes for raising and handling concerns.

Your SU is overseen by our Board of Trustees, and our trading subsidiary (CUSU Services Ltd) is overseen by our Commercial Services Board . They are both made up of a collection of our elected Officers, students, university staff and external professionals that ensure the Charity and the Trading Subsidiary remain sustainable in terms of finance, legality and reputational status.

You will be expected to attend Board meetings 4 times per year – these will be a mix of in person and Teams meetings. You will also be expected to support at least one sub-committee of the Trustee Board (3-4 times per year) as well as complete training and induction. You will need some time to allow for prereading of reports and other documentation before meetings. 

Trustee meetings are typically held on a Friday afternoon 1pm-4pm. Most of the meetings are online, although you would be offered travel expenses for any face-to-face meetings (and hybrid meetings are usually offered if you do need to join remotely.) There is also a strategy day once a year as well as the occasional social activity!

For this trustee role, we are looking for an experienced professional ideally with third-sector governance experience. In addition to being a member of the Board of Trustees the trustee will be required to chair the Finance and Audit subcommittee and should possess a strong finance background with analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex financial information.

We are especially keen to encourage applications from people currently under-represented within the organisation, including but not limited to those from the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and those from a Global Majority background. We hope that by enhancing our diversity we can extend our organisational creativity and problem solving through the different perspectives and life experiences which diversity brings.

Please note that this is an unpaid voluntary role.

For further information there is a full recruitment pack and role profile available to download or visit our website for more information.

Chair of the Board of Trustees and Trustee Opportunities (Voluntary)

Ben is the charity supporting the health and wellbeing of people who work or have worked in the UK automotive industry. As the sector continues to transform, Ben is entering an ambitious new phase to significantly expand its reach, strengthen its role as the industry’s trusted wellbeing partner and deliver its goal to treble impact and double fundraising by 2030. With strong financial foundations and clear ambition for growth, we are now seeking a new Chair and several Trustees to help shape this next chapter.

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, support and challenge the CEO, and ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and clarity of purpose. They will lead the Board in setting strategy, driving impact, stewarding significant reserves and acting as an ambassador across the sector.

We are looking for:

• Non-executive experience including as committee or board chair
• Strong governance and financial acumen
• Experience of organisational change or growth
• A collaborative, values driven leader who brings sound judgement, strategic insight and excellent relationship building skills.

The Board meets 4 times a year, with approximately 50% of those taking place in-person. The Chair will serve up to 4 years.

Board of Trustees  (Voluntary)

Ben is the charity supporting the health and wellbeing of people who work or have worked in the UK automotive industry. As the sector continues to transform, Ben is entering an ambitious new phase to significantly expand its reach, strengthen its role as the industry’s trusted wellbeing partner and deliver its goal to treble impact and double fundraising by 2030. With strong financial foundations and clear ambition for growth, we are now seeking a new Chair and several Trustees to help shape this next chapter.

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, support and challenge the CEO, and ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and clarity of purpose. They will lead the Board in setting strategy, driving impact, stewarding significant reserves and acting as an ambassador across the sector.

Trustees will help guide Ben’s strategy, ensure effective oversight, champion good governance and support the senior team. We welcome professionals at senior level who can bring fresh perspectives, strong judgement and a commitment to our mission.

We are looking for Trustees who can bring senior-level insight and expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Automotive industry (retail, manufacturing or aftermarket)
• Fundraising, philanthropy, income generation or business development
• Welfare, health and wellbeing
• Impact measurement, evaluation or outcomes frameworks
• Brand, marketing, communications, social media or customer experience
• Finance, audit and risk
• Technology, digital or data
• Research and development
• Governance

We welcome values driven leaders who bring strong judgement, collaboration and diverse perspectives, and who are motivated by improving wellbeing across the automotive industry.

The Board meets 4 times a year, with approximately 50% of those taking place in-person. Trustees will serve up to 9 years.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting The Girls’ Network in the search to appoint their next Chair and two Trustees.

About The Girls’ Network

At The Girls’ Network, we believe that no girl should have her future limited by her gender, ethnicity, background or parental income.

Young people from lower-income families are significantly less likely to go on to higher education than their wealthier peers, which can have a lifelong impact on opportunity and earning potential. Recent years have also seen inequalities deepen and young people’s wellbeing adversely affected, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic. These structural and social barriers disproportionately affect girls and young women from communities of least advantage.

We exist to challenge this inequality. Our mission is to inspire and empower girls and young women from underrepresented backgrounds to realise their ambitions, discover their self-worth, and develop the confidence and capacity to shape their own futures.

We work in communities of least advantage across England to deliver programmes that provide long-term, meaningful support.

About the Opportunities

The Girls’ Network is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead and support The Girls’ Network through their exciting next phase of growth, supporting an exceptional, values-driven team and ensuring they remain ambitious, accountable and true to their founding mission.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with:

• Experience of strategic leadership and governance within a complex organisation.
• Experience or understanding of the education / schools landscape.
• Good understanding of voluntary sector governance, funding and finance management.
• Thorough understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Demonstrable financial and commercial acumen, including experience in financial planning, oversight, risk management, and the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability.
• A track record of driving innovation and organisational change, with the ability to apply insight to support the charity’s achievement of its strategic objectives.
• Experience of working across sectoral boundaries, leveraging partnerships and opportunities.

The Girls’ Networks is also seeking two talented and committed Trustees to join their Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising
• IT and digital

We are also seeking Trustees from the North East, Merseyside, West Midlands who can bring their lived experience to add value to the Board. We also encourage applications from young Trustees and will support first-time Trustees to bring their valuable perspectives to the Board.

We are looking for two committed and values-driven individuals to join our Board of Trustees for our subsidiary, RBL- Republic of Ireland.

As a Trustee, you will play an important role in shaping the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring strong governance, and supporting its mission to commemorate members of the Armed Forces and provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families across Ireland.

Working collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the Chair, you will help safeguard RBL’s reputation, assets, and long-term sustainability while ensuring that all activities remain aligned with the charity’s purpose and values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees to shape and oversee the organisation’s strategic direction and performance.
• Ensure RBL meets its obligations under Irish charity and company law and adheres to the RBL RoI Constitution.
• Ensure the integrity of financial information and that robust systems of financial control and risk management are in place.
• Participate fully in board discussions and decisions, providing constructive challenge while supporting collective responsibility once decisions are made.
• Attend and actively contribute to Board meetings (minimum two per year) and relevant governance discussions.
• Support the organisation’s engagement and representational activities when required, championing ethical standards, diversity and fairness.

Please note - While candidates based in the Republic of Ireland are preferred, we will also consider applicants located elsewhere who can demonstrate strong connections within the Republic of Ireland.

Successful candidates will be expected to attend two Board meetings per year. Trustees for this role may also participate in commemorative and key RBL RoI events throughout the year. Overall, the anticipated time commitment is approximately 8-10 hours each month, including preparation and engagement outside of formal meetings. 

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Interview Dates: Virtual by Teams on 13/16/17 April (times available on request).

Join the Savio House Retreat Team 2026-27, and work with young people at our Youth Retreat Centre at Bollington, Cheshire.

Why Savio House? Well, wouldn't you love to …

• • Live in a Christian community that works for young people
  • Wake up each day in a fantastic location in the Pennine hills
  • Develop skills in working with young people
  • Develop team working skills alongside qualified leaders
  • Develop valuable planning and leadership skills
  • Learn to create totally new resources
  • Get free training in first aid, food hygiene, fire prevention training, health and safety etc.
  • Explore accreditation paths towards a future career working with young people
  • Search out the answers to some of your deeper life questions
  • Join a world-wide Salesian network of youth workers
  • Receive a weekly allowance
  • Have all food, accommodation and laundry provided
  • Enjoy national conferences/events and meet up with other volunteers
  • Have regular mentoring and support through the whole year- September- July

Job description - Main duties and responsibilities:

• Live in Roman Catholic religious community

• Share faith with hundreds of young people on retreat

• Assist to lead and organise Salesian retreats

• Work as a team to enhance the retreat experience for those who attend

Skills, qualifications and experience needed for the job:

Mandatory:

• Must be 18 or over

• Be able to communicate in English

• Must be willing to provide police check and 2 character references

Desirable:

• Experience of working with young people

• Experience of working within a Salesian or parish setting, or be willing to participate with one of our provinces outside of the UK

An invitation to join us at Young Devon as our next…

Trustee (Job Ref 25-85)

Are you passionate about supporting young people in Devon?

Young Devon is here to change the odds in favour of the thousands of young people who ask for help each year with their homelessness, mental health and education.  We believe developing good quality relationships can be transformational in young people’s lives.

We are seeking committed and passionate people to support the leadership of a complex organisation.  An understanding of governance in a Charity or non-executive setting isn’t essential but will help.

You will be able to demonstrate good judgement combined with excellent strategic and communication skills.  As a creative thinker and being able to recognise a range of perspectives you will be able to support fellow Trustees to ensure the Charity is well governed and focused on meeting the needs of young people.

You can download the Candidate Information Pack from our website.

This is a voluntary position but one which we hope will be very rewarding.  We aim to appoint to an initial 3-year term with the possibility to extend to a second thereafter.  Reasonable and proper expenses will be reimbursed.  An enhanced DBS check is required for this position.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Tuesday 31st March 2026

Young Devon is a youth work charity (1057949) passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and embracing diversity. We are committed to Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable groups and all applicants who will or could have unsupervised access to these groups will complete the required checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service

As the Thackray Museum of Medicine looks to build on a period of bold strategic growth since our 2021 redevelopment, we are seeking an experienced, ambitious and community-minded Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. The Thackray is the UK’s largest independent medical museum: a dynamic, civic museum in East Leeds with a nationally significant collection of over 50,000 objects and a clear mission to inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare - past, present and future. Since reopening we have grown audiences, deepened community partnerships and developed an ambitious plan to be the UK’s leading medical museum by 2030.

Role: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Term: Minimum three years from 12th May 2026, renewable (maximum six years)
Commitment: Approx. 1–1.5 days per month (voluntary; reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed)
Your location: Ideally Leeds (nationwide considered); Board meetings four times a year (three may be hybrid; in-person presence preferred).

The Role:
The Chair will lead and steward an engaged, forward-thinking Board to support the CEO and senior team as the Museum consolidates recent gains and secures long-term resilience. You will ensure excellent governance, provide constructive challenge and support to the CEO, strengthen relationships with funders and partners, champion the Museum’s commitment to equity and community co-curation, and be an ambassador for the organisation locally and nationally.

Key responsibilities:

· Set strategic direction: Lead the Board in shaping, approving and monitoring delivery of the CEO’s strategy to meet the Museum’s mission and 2030 ambitions.

· Own governance & risk: Ensure high standards of governance, legal and regulatory compliance, and effective oversight of the risk register.

· Build board capability: Drive trustee recruitment, induction, appraisal and succession planning to secure the skills, diversity and lived experience needed.

· Partner with the CEO: Line-manage and support the CEO - offering constructive challenge, guidance on operations and people matters, and ensuring strong executive accountability.

· Champion income & profile: Use networks to open doors to major funders, partners and donors, and actively raise the Museum’s profile.

· Ensure financial stewardship: Oversee budgets, reserves and trading activity with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, and scrutinise financial reporting.

· Lead effective meetings: Chair Board meetings, encourage robust discussion, ensure timely decisions and follow-through on agreed actions.

· Represent and advocate: Act as an ambassador to civic partners, funders, media and diverse local communities.

· Steward the estate: Support oversight of capital, maintenance and estate priorities for the Museum’s Victorian building.

Who you are:

· Seasoned governance leader: Experienced chair or senior trustee with sound knowledge of trustee duties, charity & company law and governance best practice.

· Strategic thinker: Track record of leading strategy in museums, heritage, culture, health or education - or in complex, stakeholder-facing organisations.

· Fundraising connector: Proven at building relationships with major funders, trusts, corporates or donors and supporting successful income-raising and profile activity.

· Financially literate: Comfortable with budget scrutiny, risk oversight and the commercial realities of earned income models or trading subsidiaries.

· Capital & estate experience: Practical experience of overseeing capital projects, estate stewardship or major building maintenance.

· ED&I and community champion: Committed to equity, inclusion and co-creation, with evidence of widening participation and diversifying leadership.

· Confident ambassador: Excellent interpersonal and public-facing skills; able to represent the Museum credibly to varied audiences.

· Supportive leader: Able to challenge and develop senior executives while fostering a collegiate, high-performing board culture.

· Local affinity desirable: A strong connection to Leeds or experience working in diverse urban communities is an advantage.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief . To apply, please send an up-to-date CV, a Supporting Statement (no more than two A4 pages) outlining your interest and relevant experience, in confidence to Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button.

For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence. There is also the opportunity for suitable interested candidates to speak to The Thackray’s CEO in advance of submitting an application.

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026.

First stage interviews: w/c 13 April 2026 (tbc).

Second stage interviews: w/c 20 April 2026 (tbc).

The Thackray is actively committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We are a Disability Confident employer (registration number DCS036392) and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting London’s Air Ambulance Charity in their search for new trustees!

About London’s Air Ambulance

TRAUMA DOESN’T STOP. NEITHER DO WE.

London’s Air Ambulance provides London with a unique team of expert doctors, paramedics and pilots who are dedicated to bringing world-class medical care to the scene when a life is on the line. 

When someone suffers a life-threatening injury, only our team can provide them with the help they need, performing innovative procedures like open chest surgery and blood transfusions at the roadside, saving lives where others can’t. 

We can get there in time to make a difference thanks to our fleet of helicopters and rapid response cars. But we’re a charity, with 95 per cent of our funding reliant on donations. 

Only with the support of London can we continue to provide hope for the patient, today, tomorrow, always.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

To take up the critical role of trustee, individuals will be engaged and motivated in the vision, mission and values of London’s Air Ambulance Charity. Commitment, engagement and reliability are key to fulfilling your responsibility as a trustee.

We’re particularly interested to hear from candidates with skills in at least one of the following three areas:

• Trauma network.
• UK fundraising, marketing and communications.
• Charity leadership.

Experience, attributes and skills:

• Ability to build and sustain positive relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.
• An ability to contribute to strategic discussions in a collegiate yet robust manner
• A curious mindset with the ability to challenge constructively.
• A strong social and data impact focus.
• Understanding and awareness of risk management in a governance context.
• Financial acumen and/or business understanding.
• Ability to operate at both strategic and detailed levels, to navigate complexity and to make strategic financial and business decisions.
• A wholehearted commitment to the values, vision and mission of London’s Air Ambulance Charity.
• A collaborative approach to problem solving and to management.
• Understanding of and investment in the role and responsibilities of a trustee.
• Sound, independent judgement, strategic vision and the ability to think creatively.
• A commitment to fairness and to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

For more information, and to apply, please visit Inclusive Boards' website.