Education volunteer roles

​Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

Action Tutoring is a national education charity that offers free maths and English tutoring to pupils facing disadvantage. 

By volunteering as a tutor at a local school or online, you'll be supporting children to build their confidence and help ensure they leave school with the grades needed to build a bright future.

What will I be doing?

• Tutoring 1-3 pupils in Year 5 or 6, or Year 7, 10 or 11.

• Commit to one hour a week, for up to 20 weeks. You choose the day and time to sign up to.

• Use our tutor workbooks to guide your pupils through activities that will boost their confidence and grades.

What you'll gain:

• Receive induction training, tutor workbooks and ongoing support.

• Develop skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

• Meet like-minded people in our volunteer community.

• Travel expense reimbursement (up to £5 per session).

• Free DBS check.

This volunteer role is perfect for you if you:

• Are passionate about making a difference and helping young people succeed, particularly those facing disadvantage.

• Seek valuable experience working with children and are eager to hone essential skills such as communication, mentorship, and leadership – all highly valued in any career path.

• Have a busy schedule but are keen to contribute to your community, as this flexible role requires just one hour a week, either in-person or conveniently online.

We look for volunteers with:

• Solid subject knowledge in the area they wish to tutor, which may be demonstrated by a degree or grade B at A-level qualification (or equivalent) or relevant experience.

• The ability to explain concepts clearly and patiently.

• A commitment to supporting pupils’ academic progress.

We recognise that valuable experience can be gained through diverse routes, so if your qualifications differ from those mentioned - we still encourage you to apply! Please highlight any relevant experience or skills in your application.

We welcome applications from volunteers across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. (Please note: this is a volunteer, unpaid position.)

Our volunteers say:

" The Action Tutoring team has been fabulous in their support: timely updates, always available, closely following progress, and ready to intervene where needed, very professional indeed!"

"Volunteering is very rewarding. I would say the skills that one develops from teaching the pupils are transferable to any walk of life and make you a better person. I would highly recommend it."

Action Tutoring is a national education charity that offers free maths and English tutoring to pupils facing disadvantage. 

By volunteering as a tutor at a local school or online, you'll be supporting children to build their confidence and help ensure they leave school with the grades needed to build a bright future.

What will I be doing?

• Tutoring 1-3 pupils in Year 5 or 6, or Year 7, 10 or 11.

• Commit to one hour a week, for up to 20 weeks. You choose the day and time to sign up to.

• Use our tutor workbooks to guide your pupils through activities that will boost their confidence and grades.

What you'll gain:

• Receive induction training, tutor workbooks and ongoing support.

• Develop skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

• Meet like-minded people in our volunteer community.

• Travel expense reimbursement (up to £5 per session).

• Free DBS check.

This volunteer role is perfect for you if you:

• Are passionate about making a difference and helping young people succeed, particularly those facing disadvantage.

• Seek valuable experience working with children and are eager to hone essential skills such as communication, mentorship, and leadership – all highly valued in any career path.

• Have a busy schedule but are keen to contribute to your community, as this flexible role requires just one hour a week, either in-person or conveniently online.

We look for volunteers with:

• Solid subject knowledge in the area they wish to tutor, which may be demonstrated by a degree or grade B at A-level qualification (or equivalent) or relevant experience.

• The ability to explain concepts clearly and patiently.

• A commitment to supporting pupils’ academic progress.

We recognise that valuable experience can be gained through diverse routes, so if your qualifications differ from those mentioned - we still encourage you to apply! Please highlight any relevant experience or skills in your application.

We welcome applications from volunteers across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. (Please note: this is a volunteer, unpaid position.)

Our volunteers say:

" The Action Tutoring team has been fabulous in their support: timely updates, always available, closely following progress, and ready to intervene where needed, very professional indeed!"

"Volunteering is very rewarding. I would say the skills that one develops from teaching the pupils are transferable to any walk of life and make you a better person. I would highly recommend it."

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

You can be based anywhere in the UK to become a Doorstep Library online volunteer.

• Time commitment: One evening a week (Regular Volunteer), one evening every other week (Semi-Regular Volunteer) or once every 3 weeks (Stand-In Volunteer) during school term times
• Hours per week: 2
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Why volunteer with Doorstep Library?

• It's incredibly fun! You get to explore your inner child and share your passion for books and reading.
• We invest in our team of volunteers to ensure they are valued, supported and are developing.
• You will be a part of the Doorstep Library community of families, volunteers and staff members.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of others. Providing you with a real sense of purpose and achievement.
• You give back to the community you live in or the community you visit every week.
• You build your confidence and improve your self-esteem and mental well-being.
• You will develop skills and enhance your C.V. 

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.  

Our Side by Side care leavers programme aims to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness for care leavers and to bridge the gap between leaving care and finding their own way in the world by embarking on their journey ‘side by side’ with them when they need it. 

Every child taken into care and every young person who leaves it should expect the very best care alongside the support and love they need to thrive. 

Sadly, far too many young care leavers are thrust into the adult world before they are ready, facing a life without the support of family and friends that so many of us take for granted.

Young people tell us they are missing the skills and trusted people they need to help them navigate this new chapter in their lives. While some lack a positive adult role model, others are struggling to access education, employment, health services and maintain financial security.

Most just need someone to talk to; someone they can trust.

The impact of care experience does not end at 18, 21 or even 25.  It is a continuous lifetime experience that can have lasting effects. Young people are at risk of falling into debt, becoming mentally or physically ill, vulnerable to exploitation and discriminated against as they leave care.

What they need is a bit of extra support to help.

How can you help?

Come and join us in volunteering to support a care leaver.

You do not need any specific skills or experience, just enthusiasm and a willingness to support a care leaver with their practical and emotional needs.

We just ask that you commit to the programme for a minimum of 12 months.

You will receive all the support and training you need to make the most of your role, including:

• Support from your line manager

• Access to a range of training opportunities

• Reimbursement of all reasonable expenses

• An interview and selection process including an enhanced DBS check, references and a digital risk assessment are required for this role.

Portland Charity is currently recruiting for at least 3 trustee positions following the retirement of two trustees and a review of the skills mix of our current Board.

Portland Charity has been operating for 75 years from a beautiful woodland campus in the heart of historic Sherwood Forest. Our Further Education College is one of the UK’s leading specialist colleges for disabled people, rated Outstanding by Ofsted and holding Advanced Accreditation status from the National Autistic Society. We also operate highly regarded residential and day adult social care services, a multi-award winning community adult education programme and an active theatre and activities outreach programme. Every year we make a positive difference to lives of hundreds of disabled people and those with mental health difficulties.

Our trustee board play a pivotal role in keeping us at the top of our game and we are now seeking to appoint new trustees with specific expertise in one of the following areas:

• Legal services
• Adult social care
• People development and management
• Mental health support

Our Board meets 4 times per year and most trustees also support one of our sub-committees or working groups (Audit, Remuneration, Quality & Standards, Finance and Estates Planning).

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience (personal or family and friends) of disability and/or mental health issues. A personal induction, Governor Handbook, access to free training courses and buddying are all provided.

We welcome people with no previous, or limited, experience of a non-executive role. Out of pocket expenses can be paid.

We welcome expressions of interest at any time but we would particularly like to hear from you by Friday 17th April 2026 if you are interested in one of the current opportunities.

The Brigantia Learning Trust Governance Model is different to the way a governing body in a non-academy or traditional school undertakes governance.

Essentially, there are four elements to the governance of the Brigantia Learning Trust academies – local councils that are delivered via the Academy Advisory Councils (AAC), Trust governance, delivered via the Full Board of Trustees (Non-Executive Directors), the Trust Leadership Team (Executive Directors) and the Trust Members. 

The Board of Trustees has 4 sub-committees, concerned with Finance, Risk & Audit, HR, Education & Standards and Remuneration along with the four Academy Advisory Councils: Brigantia Hill Fort, Hinde House (2-16), Yewlands and Longley Park Sixth Form. As the trust continues to grow, and the Academy Advisory Councils become more experienced and confident, greater delegated powers will be identified and approved by the Board of Trustees.

Local Councils - The Academy Advisory Council

Each AAC consists of a group of people who could be parents, community nominees, academy staff. They will meet with the academy (Executive) Principal, Associate Principal and other senior leaders where appropriate. In attendance at these meetings will be Link Trustees and members of the Trust Executive Team may be in attendance. This is to ensure that the voice of the local stake holders is heard first-hand by the Board of Trustees.

The Brigantia Learning Trust Board has established six key roles for Academy Advisory Councils: 

• To advise/act as a critical friend to the (Executive) Principal of the academy

• To advise the Trustees about local issues they need to consider that affect the academy

• To support the Safeguarding Trustee with localised academy information

• Represent the interest of the academy community in the running of the academy

• Represent the academy in its community

• Provide support to the (Executive) Principal in undertaking appropriate day to day procedures that are essential to the life of the academy

The six roles translate specifically into the following tasks that the AAC undertakes:  

• To act as a key link between the academy, parents and local community

• To support the work of the academy in the community

• To help on the ground with the implementation of certain academy policies

• To offer challenging but positive and proactive support to the (Executive) Principal

• To regularly discuss the academy’s performance in relation to the KPIs (Key

• Performance Indicators)

The difference between Brigantia Learning Trust Governance and a traditional Governing Body

By comparison to a traditional school Governing Body:

• The AAC’s role is not to “manage” the Academy as such.  This is done through the Trust Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees.  Therefore, the AAC is not required to take decisions on staff or financial matters affecting the Academy.  As an Academy Advisor you should have an understanding of strategic issues that impact on the Academy, and be updated on them regularly by the Principal, but you are not required to have direct responsibility for them.
• As the Trust Leadership Team and Board of Trustees takes responsibility for educational standards, legal compliance and financial viability, the AAC then has the time to investigate the impact of policy on the ground, to see how they are working, and explore how the Brigantia Learning Trust ethos is being understood and expressed in the way the Academy operates. As an Academy Advisor, your view as a parent or as part of the community is vital in this discussion.

3. HOW THE AAC OPERATES 

Expectations

Brigantia Learning Trust understands that the role of an Academy Advisor is voluntary, however, in order for the Academy Advisory Council to function efficiently and effectively, there are certain expectations of Academy Advisors in order to achieve this.

i) Meetings

Meetings of the AAC take place 3 times over the academic year. The meeting is prepared by the Principal and the Chair of the AAC, and the process is supported by the clerk to the AAC. You will receive a link to the agenda and papers in advance of the meeting from the clerk electronically.

Meetings are usually held after school or at other times as agreed locally by all Academy Advisors.

ii) Contribution at meetings and outside of meetings

Academy Advisors are expected to come to meetings prepared; having read and familiarised themselves with the agenda and accompanying papers as well as being prepared to ask relevant questions (Please see section 3.2 for further detail and examples).

iii) Business Interest and code of conduct

Academy Advisors are required to declare any business or other interests in any item being discussed at the AAC meeting. The Academy Advisers are asked to abide by the AAC Code of Conduct. The AAC clerk will provide the appropriate forms for AAC members to sign.

iv) AAC Responsibilities

Academy Advisors should make every effort to visit the Academy during the Academy day; all visits must be planned and focused on areas as agreed by the full Academy Advisory Council. Visits inform the work of the AAC and provide valuable information for support and challenge to the Academy’s Leadership Team. AAC members are asked to report on their visit using the appropriate form. This report will be presented at the AAC meetings, and a central record of all visits will be held by the Clerk to the Board of Trustees.

v) Skills Audit

All Academy Advisors are expected to complete a skills audit at the beginning of every academic year, this assists the Trust Executive and Trustees to identify gaps in skills and arrange appropriate training.

vi) Safeguarding

All Academy Advisors are required to have an up-to-date enhanced DBS check, as well as undertake annual safeguarding training as required, this will be delivered at the first AAC meeting of the academic year.

This volunteer role is to support the staff in the summer schemes to provide a stimulating and caring environment for children and young people. To encourage the children to try new experiences and have fun during their summer break. Having someone to support and encourage them can give children and young people the confidence they need to try new experiences and enjoy a wide range of activities. Providing an opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities can promote physical and emotional wellbeing, leading to increased confidence and self esteem.

When do I need to be available?

Our summer schemes take place throughout July and August, running Monday to Friday from 8:45am to 4:15pm. Volunteers can choose to commit to morning sessions, afternoon sessions, or full-day sessions. Ideally, we ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of one week.

Where will I be volunteering?

The location of the Belfast Community Scheme will be: Mencap Centre, 5 School Road, Newtownbreda, BT8 6BT

What will I be doing?

• Support and contribute to the success of Mencap summer activity programmes for children
• Assist with providing a caring, and varied play-based environment
• Help facilitate a programme of care, learning experiences and summer fun
• Assist our Summer Scheme colleagues
• Assist in the delivery of a range of activities and new experiences

What skills do I need?

• Good communication skills
• Energetic, friendly and outgoing
• Enthusiastic and committed
• Calm and creative when engaging with children
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with summer scheme staff

What will I get out of it?

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of the children we support
• Induction and training provided
• You will be able to develop new and existing skills in areas such as supporting children with a learning disability, communication strategies and inclusive play
• Out of pocket expenses paid
• Become part of a friendly and supportive team

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

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 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 oine.

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 provokes thought and action.

Role Summary

To bring our vision to life, you will play a key role in engaging and nurturing our audience through email. As an Email Marketing Copywriter, you will be responsible for writing compelling email campaigns that inspire action, build relationships, and support Roots Academy's programs and initiatives.

Key Tasks

• Write high-converting email campaigns for launches, nurturing sequences, and
• announcements.
• Craft subject lines and hooks that improve open rates and engagement.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to align email messaging with campaign goals.
• Segment messaging based on audience needs and stages of the journey.
• Review performance metrics and iterate on copy to improve results.

What we're looking for:

• Passion for Islamic education and contributing to the development of young Muslims.
• Strong copywriting skills with a focus on persuasion and storytelling.
• Understanding of email marketing principles such as funnels, segmentation, and calls to action.
• Ability to write in a tone that is engaging, authentic, and aligned with Roots Academy's voice.
• Ability to meet deadlines and adapt based on feedback.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE, and Australia.
• Receive continuous rewards for those who seek Islamic knowledge through the Roots platform.
• Be part of a growing organisation focused on grassroots revival and education.
• Access to 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.

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 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 oine.

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 provokes thought and action.

Role Summary

To bring our vision to life, you will play a key role in shaping how Roots Academy communicates its message online. As a Website Copywriter, you will be responsible for writing clear, compelling, and structured website content that reects our mission, engages visitors, and drives action

Key Tasks

• Write and optimise website copy for landing pages, program pages, and core site content.
• Ensure messaging is clear, engaging, and aligned with Roots Academy's voice and values.
• Collaborate with designers, marketers, and content leads to produce cohesive web experiences.
• Apply basic SEO principles to improve the visibility and accessibility of content.
• Continuously rene copy based on feedback and performance insights.
  

What we're looking for:

• Passion for Islamic education and contributing to the development of young Muslims.
• Strong writing and editing skills with a focus on clarity and structure.
• Ability to simplify complex ideas into accessible and engaging content.
• Understanding of website user experience and conversion-focused writing.
• Ability to meet deadlines and adapt based on feedback.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE, and Australia.
• Receive continuous rewards for those who seek Islamic knowledge through the Roots platform.
• Be part of a growing organisation focused on grassroots revival and education.
• Access to 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.

Volunteer & Fundraise with Becky’s Child Foundation
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the world? Join Becky’s Child Foundation and become part of a growing community dedicated to transforming lives in underserved communities in Uganda.
We are inviting individuals, teams, and corporate partners to volunteer and fundraise in support of our impactful programs. Whether you are experienced in fundraising or simply have the heart to help, there is a place for you.
What We Do
At Becky’s Child Foundation, we focus on:

Kidney Medical Camps – Providing life-saving screening, treatment, and awareness in hard-to-reach communities

Education Support – Equipping children with scholastic materials and opportunities for a brighter future

Fighting Hunger – Delivering food aid to vulnerable families and children

Empowering Persons with Disabilities – Promoting inclusion, dignity, and access to opportunities

Your Role as a Volunteer Fundraiser
We believe everyone has unique strengths. As a volunteer, you can choose the area that best matches your passion and expertise:

Organize fundraising events

Run online or workplace campaigns

Advocate for a specific cause (health, education, disability, or hunger relief)

Partner with your company or community to raise awareness and funds

Why Join Us?

Make a tangible impact in real communities

Use your skills for a meaningful cause

Be part of a mission that brings hope, dignity, and opportunity to those in need

Our Vision
We envision a world where no child or elder suffers from poverty, hopelessness, or lack of opportunity. Through compassion, education, and empowerment, we strive to create a future filled with dignity, love, and hope for all.
Get Involved Today
Choose your cause. Use your voice. Change lives.
Join us in bringing light where it is needed most.

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Streatham on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

We also run Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon classes open to all existing CARAS youth community members, 4:30pm to 6pm. These classes tend to be larger and have a large range of language levels. 

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10 am to 3pm

• Tuesday 2pm to 6pm 

• Wednesday 11am to 6pm

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older;

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel and food expenses can be reimbursed);

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;

• To be reliable and punctual. We ask volunteers to commit to at least one class every week for a minimum of 4 months. If you are unable to attend a class due to a planned holiday, you must inform the program lead in advance. 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum seeker or refugee status

• *Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check (DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

*DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering 
   

To Apply: 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 
 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

About Roots Academy

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 vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary

As the Fundraising Coordinator, you will be responsible for helping create and implementing strategies to fundraise from both existing and new sources (individuals, mosques, grants etc.) with the aim of securing the long-term financial stability of Roots Academy.

Key tasks

Fundraising Planning:

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising plans to achieve income goals.
• Identify potential new funding sources and opportunities for income generation.

Campaign Management:

• Plan and oversee fundraising campaigns and events, including direct appeals, online campaigns, and fundraising events at mosques.
• Coordinate with marketing and communications teams to develop compelling fundraising material.

Proposal Development:

• Research trusts, foundations and corporations for grant opportunities.
• Work with the team to develop proposals, supporting with grant writing when needed.

Budget Oversight:

• Work closely with the finance team to monitor fundraising budgets, expenditure, and financial projections.

Donor Relations:

• Support with Donor Communications in activities related to donor relationship management and stewardship.

What we’re looking for

• Experience in organising fundraising campaigns and events, including digital fundraising strategies
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles and techniques, including donor cultivation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate the organisation’s mission and impact to diverse audiences
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute effective fundraising plans
• Strong understanding of Islam and the Muslim Community
   

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 40+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.
• 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.

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.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Email Marketing Officer to support the planning and delivery of email campaigns that engage and inspire our audience. You will be responsible for creating, scheduling, and optimising emails to strengthen communication with students, parents, and supporters. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the email marketing efforts of a growing international education platform.

Key tasks

• Design, build, and schedule email campaigns using email marketing tools.

• Manage audience segmentation and ensure email lists are accurate and up to date.

• Collaborate with copywriters and designers to deliver engaging, on-brand email content.

• Conduct A/B tests to improve open rates, click-through rates, and overall performance.

• Monitor and report on email campaign performance, suggesting improvements.

• Ensure all email content complies with data protection and GDPR guidelines.

What we’re looking for

• Passion for Islamic education and the development of young Muslims.

• Some experience or training in email marketing platforms (such as Mailerlite or similar).

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Good understanding of email marketing best practices (design, copy, segmentation, scheduling).

• Ability to work collaboratively with writers, designers, and marketers.

• Proactive, self-motivated, and results-driven.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• 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.

• Professional development and practical experience in digital marketing and communication.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah (personal & spiritual development) 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.