Education and community officer volunteer roles in Blackburn, england

Trustee vacancy - Youth Development / Education Specialist

The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) is appointing a specialist trustee to strengthen our Board’s insight into what helps teenagers flourish through exceptional arts and music opportunities.

We welcome applications from people with experience in secondary education, youth-focused arts organisations, youth services, or programmes within the music education sector (or closely related fields). Knowledge of secondary education policy and networks is particularly desirable.

About NYO

NYO is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development. We exist to empower teenage musicians, developing their confidence, skills and leadership through world-class orchestral experiences, and over the next decade we aim to build a significantly larger, more inclusive national community of young musicians.

The Role

This role is an exciting opportunity to influence how NYO listens to and works with young people. You will:

• Bring insight into the realities teenagers face today, including barriers to participation and progression, and what helps young people thrive in arts and education settings.
• Help develop NYO’s approach to youth voice, including meaningful input into decisions, agency, ambassadorship and leadership opportunities.
• Contribute to Board-level safeguarding oversight, particularly in large-scale youth projects and residential environments.
• Support strategic thinking about inclusion, participation and progression, recognising the importance of next-step opportunities when a teenager finds something they love.

We are committed to broadening the diversity of perspectives on our Board. We particularly encourage applications from women, individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and those based outside London. All appointments will be made on merit.

Deadline for applications: Monday 23 February 2026.

Mavar is currently seeking a seasoned networker to join the Mavar Trustee Board as a Trustee with special responsibilities for strengthening our fundraising practice and broadening the charity’s donor base. Working with our Board and CEO, you’ll bring experience, insight and strategic guidance to help develop our fundraising capacity in support of the strategic development of the charity.

Mavar’s Mission

Founded on the belief that everyone has the right to choose their own path in life, Mavar’s central mission is to empower individuals who choose to explore opportunities beyond the strictly orthodox community to fulfil personal goals. Mavar supports our members’ efforts to achieve independence, live authentically and cope with the obstacles they may encounter as they explore options to live, work or study in the secular world – whether or not they choose to leave the Charedi community.

Mavar’s Service Users

Some men and women who have grown up in the closed world of the Charedi community hold personal and religious values that are not in line with the rest of the community. Attempts to follow their own path often bring them into direct confrontation with family, friends and neighbours who regard expressions of individualism or self-determination as heresy. These individuals fear that the community will ostracise them, leaving them feeling trapped, isolated and helpless.

Some may simply wish to explore options for obtaining a general education or improving their access to employment opportunities whilst wishing to remain within the ultra-orthodox community; others may look to divest themselves of the strictures of ultra-orthodoxy and to lead a more mainstream lifestyle. They all typically lack the everyday life skills to cope with the challenges of the secular world, which appears to them as a confusing, frightening and alien planet. Any effort to integrate with the outside, secular world is hampered by limited English language skills, cultural disorientation, lack of basic education or qualifications and negligible skills for employment.

Trustee Role Details

The day-to-day operations of Mavar are conducted by staff and volunteers under the leadership of our CEO and with the overall oversight of the Trustee Board.

Main Duties of the Fundraising Trustee:

• Contribute to the overall governance of the charity as a member of the Board of Trustees.
• Provide advice and support on fundraising strategy, ensuring income generation is planned and executed in alignment with Mavar’s budget framework and objectives.
• Act as a fundraising champion on Mavar’s board, working with the CEO and supporting other trustees to explore fundraising possibilities.
• If you have personal networks with fundraising potential, utilise them to support the work of the charity.
• Support the development of diverse fundraising streams (e.g. individual giving, trusts and foundations, community fundraising, corporate support) and advise and support with appeals and major fundraising events/campaigns.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work and helping to raise its profile.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice, as well as Mavar’s policies and procedures.

You are expected to give at least one day per month to your role. Board meetings take place four times a year in London, with a mixture of online and in-person meetings and are complemented by occasional online or in-person feedback meetings with the CEO and the Treasurer.

Person Specification

Essential

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trusteeship
• Knowledge and experience of fundraising (e.g. trusts, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, or digital campaigns)
• Strategic thinker, able to balance long-term planning with practical advice
• Strong communication and networking skills

Desirable

• Experience of charity fundraising
• Existing networks that could support the charity’s fundraising efforts
• Understanding of charity finance and/or marketing
• Familiarity with Jewish cultural context

The role of the Governing Body includes collective oversight of the College’s activities and setting and reviewing
our strategy and mission. The governor role is comparable with the non-executive directors of a public company
but instead of being accountable to shareholders, governors are accountable for public funds. As the College is an exempt charity, all governors are charity trustees.

Being a governor is a hugely rewarding leadership role. Governors can make a real difference and give something
back to the local community.

The College is currently looking for two new governors to join the Board. We are seeking experienced individuals, who
are looking for an opportunity to use and develop their professional skills in a board-level environment.
You don’t need to have prior board experience to apply.

The Board is currently looking for two new governors will have experience of one, or more, of the following areas: FE, education, apprenticeships. 

The Board also values the diversity of our students and staff, who come from a variety of ethnic, cultural and
religious backgrounds. The Board is determined to reflect this diversity amongst our Governing Body and
encourages people from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Please get in touch if you don’t feel you have the time to join the Board but would be interested in being co-opted to one of our committees. Co-option can provide an excellent introduction to voluntary governance roles. We are currently looking for co-opted members to join our Search and Governance Commitee, Resources Committee and Audit and Risk Committee. 

Founded in 1997, the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants provides a place for refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum to rebuild their life with support and community. From classes to casework to financial assistance, the Centre has a wide offering available for our community of over 200 people. Our approach is compassionate and human and the support we offer is long term - on average people stay with us around four years.

The current Board brings a wide range of charity and public body experience including strategy and fundraising and we are looking for skills to both enhance and complement these strengths.

The Centre has a dedicated and talented staff team led by our CEO, Andy Ruiz Palma, who joined in 2000 as an English teacher. In addition to this staff resource we have around 40 volunteers who provide direct support through activities. We also have in place accountancy support to the executive and a dedicated fundraising team.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate a strong empathy with our client group and who understand how to work with organisations rooted in a local community. You will bring excellent people and communication skills and demonstrate good team-working.

We are open to applications from people looking for their first Trustee role or who may not have considered being a Trustee before and will provide mentoring to help trustees find their feet.

We are looking to recruit a deputy treasurer with:

A good understanding of financial management and reporting

A recognised accounting, finance or similar qualification

Ability to analyse and communicate financial information to the wider Board

Willingness to provide financial advice and support to the management team as needed

Knowledge and experience of fundraising finance practice in voluntary and community organisations (desirable)

This Role Protects Our People and Our Purpose

At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., our work intersects with survivors of CSA, vulnerable young people, and marginalised communities. Content, engagement, and community interaction can surface trauma, risk, or harmful behaviours. The Community Moderation & Safeguarding Officer ensures that all digital and community spaces operate safely, ethically, and responsibly, protecting members, volunteers, and the CIC itself.This is not a passive role. It is a high-responsibility, systems-driven position where vigilance and structured response are critical.

Purpose of the Role

This role is responsible for:

• Protecting members from harm
• Preventing retraumatisation
• Upholding community standards
• Supporting moderators and volunteers
• Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed in real time

The role-holder ensures that the community does not drift into chaos, harm, or uncontained disclosure.

About the role:

To manage safeguarding and moderation protocols across all digital platforms and community touchpoints, acting as the first point of escalation for risk, abuse, or harmful content.

To uphold UK safeguarding compliance, maintain accurate records, support moderation teams, and advise leadership on risk trends, mitigation, and community safety — protecting trust and ethical engagement.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential experience

• Practical experience in safeguarding, child protection, or vulnerable-adult contexts, or closely related roles involving risk assessment and duty of care.
• Background in social care, youth work, education, community services, mental health, or survivor-support environments with sensitive disclosures.
• Experience moderating online communities or managing safety in digital spaces, particularly those involving vulnerable or at-risk groups.
• Proven ability to identify risk, assess severity, and respond appropriately, including recognising when immediate escalation is required.
• Experience handling incidents and maintaining clear, factual documentation and records in line with safeguarding expectations.
• Experience contributing to or applying safeguarding policies, protocols, or guidance in real-world settings.

Essential skills

• Strong understanding of safeguarding principles, boundaries, confidentiality, and safe handling of disclosures.
• Ability to apply a trauma-informed approach, communicating calmly and respectfully while prioritising safety and dignity.
• Clear written communication skills for incident logs, escalation summaries, and internal reporting.
• Sound judgement and emotional resilience when working with distressing or sensitive material.
• Ability to support and guide volunteers, providing clear advice and reassurance on moderation decisions.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy, confidentiality, and safeguarding compliance.
• Confidence following structured protocols, checklists, and escalation routes without deviation.

Desirable (not required)

• Experience with CSA, exploitation, domestic abuse, or safeguarding-led community organisations.
• Experience delivering safeguarding or moderation training to volunteers or staff.
• Familiarity with UK safeguarding expectations and referral processes.
• Confidence using shared digital tools such as Teams, spreadsheets, forms, and incident trackers.

Formal qualifications

• Formal qualifications are not required; equivalent professional experience is essential.
• Full training will be provided on CIC-specific safeguarding and moderation protocols.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Develop, implement, and maintain clear moderation and safeguarding frameworks that are trauma-informed, practical, and consistently applied across all CIC platforms.
• Monitor all community spaces to identify harmful or abusive behaviour, boundary violations, and high-risk disclosures involving children, survivors, or vulnerable adults.
• Take timely moderation action in line with protocols, including content removal, access restrictions, warnings, or escalation to safeguarding leads.
• Escalate safeguarding incidents promptly and accurately in accordance with CIC procedures, prioritising cases involving immediate or serious risk.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of incidents, actions taken, outcomes, and follow-ups to ensure accountability and audit readiness.
• Support a safe and respectful community culture by reinforcing behaviour standards, tone-of-voice guidance, and survivor-centred practices.
• Train and support volunteers in trauma-informed moderation, safeguarding awareness, confidentiality, and correct escalation pathways.
• Review incident trends and recurring risks, recommending improvements to moderation systems, guidance, and preventative controls.
• Liaise closely with Social Media Engagement Officers, Campaign Managers, and Membership & Community Directors to ensure joined-up safeguarding practice.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by supporting updates to policies, protocols, response scripts, and internal safeguarding documentation.

This role is not suitable if you:

• Avoid conflict or risk
• Seek casual, low-commitment volunteer work
• Are unable to follow structured protocols
• Prefer creative or posting roles over operational responsibility
• Expect immediate paid employment

Important to Be Clear

• This is a volunteer role during the build phase
• It carries real responsibility and accountability
• Paid roles will emerge as funding and sustainability allow

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led and ethics conversation
• A practical safeguarding scenario discussion

If you believe that safety and ethical oversight are as important as strategy and content, this role is for you.

A Final Word

Safeguarding is about people, not procedures.

If you know that:
Protection requires vigilance and structure
Documentation is a safeguarding responsibility
Ethical oversight keeps trust intact

Do you have experience in digital and social media? Can you help us improve our communications and raise the profile of the work we do?

We are seeking an expert, creative Volunteer Digital and Social Media Lead. You will help us promote our programmes supporting people in prison and young people at risk of entering the justice system, as well as our Community Bike Shop, which funds and strengthens this work.

What you’ll do:

• Design and schedule engaging posts, stories, and reels across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more to grow our audience.

• Develop strategies for viral campaigns and collaborations to boost awareness and donations and share your expertise with our team.

• Analyse metrics (engagement, reach, growth) and refine tactics based on what resonates.

• Create eye-catching visuals using tools like Canva.

• Update our website as required and make suggestions for improvements.

• Work with our expert Trustee to consider how we can use online retail platforms to sell our refurbished bikes.

What we’ll provide:

· Creative freedom within agreed priorities and tone of voice.

· Access to the right tools plus shared photos, stories and impact stats.

· A named contact, light-touch sign-off, and occasional check-ins to remove blockers.

Time commitment: we’ll agree a realistic scope with the right volunteer based on their availability.

Reasonable agreed expenses will be paid.

Thank you

Mark Flannagan
Chief Executive

About us

UpCycle, works with individuals in prisons and young people at risk in marginalised communities.  We use bicycle maintenance workshops to help build life skills, enhance employability, prevent offending and reoffending, and foster social reintegration.  We also offer lead rides, bike fit-it sessions and other ways to engage with vulnerable people.

In prisons

· We delivered 956 un-refurbished bikes and received back 768 refurbished bikes across eight prisons and one Young Offenders Institution, training over 238 individuals.

In the Community

· Over 1034 bikes were donated to our Community Bike Shop, of those we refurbished and distributed more than 612 to underserved communities locally and overseas.

· Workshops in Bradford engaged 361 participants in diverse cycling-related activities across the area.

· "Bike to the Future" and other initiatives reached 220 young people with more complex needs.

The role

Are you passionate about the work of Methodist schools and a strong advocate for them?

We are seeking an inspiring Chair for the Methodist Schools Committee, someone who can offer strategic direction, nurture relationships, and support the Methodist schools at a pivotal time. 

About you

We are looking for someone who:

· Is a member of the Methodist Church in Britain.

· Has a strong understanding of, and the ability to articulate and communicate, a Methodist vision and ethos for education.

· Has a strong grasp of the range of Methodist schools and their role within the life of The Methodist Church.

· Has proven ability to offer effective strategic direction and oversight, balancing support and constructive challenge

· Is relational and collaborative, with an ability to bring different stakeholders together to work in a common cause;

This post carries an occupational requirement for the post holder to be a Christian (in accordance with the Equality Act 2010).

Duration

An initial three‑year term, with the possibility of extension for another term, up to six years in total.

Time Commitment

Normally four MSC meetings per year, with occasional attendance at Methodist Academies and Schools Trust (MAST) and Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST) committee meetings and the Connexional Council.

The Chair typically liaises with the Director of Methodist State Schools, members of the Senior Management Group of the Connexional Team, Trustees, and key partners.

If you have questions about the role or require reasonable adjustments to be made at any stage of the recruitment process, please email HR Team.

Closing date: 16 February 2026

Shortlisting date (updated): 26 February 2026

Interview date (updated): 13 March 2026 (in person interview)

About The Marketing Academy Foundation 

At The Marketing Academy Foundation (TMAF), we create opportunities for young people (aged 18–30) from low-income backgrounds to enter the marketing industry. 

As a social mobility charity, we offer access to salaried entry-level roles and run free employability skills bootcamps, giving young talent the access, skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed.

We operate with a small core team, dedicated Trustees, powerful volunteer network from across the marketing industry who step up and make things happen. 

Our culture is determined, irrepressible, kind, open and human. We are proud to work with people who care deeply about social mobility and are willing to use their experience, judgement and influence to drive real change.

About the Trustee role 

Trustees play a critical role in driving the impact and long-term success of the Foundation. They are accountable for ensuring the charity is well governed, financially sound and strategically focused on delivering real results. As guardians of our purpose, they ensure every decision accelerates social mobility for those starting their careers in our industry. 

Trustees also act as ambassadors - using their networks, influence, and expertise to open doors, advocate publicly, and strengthen our impact. 

Trustees will serve an initial three-year term, with the opportunity to serve up to two additional terms after that. The Board meets approximately four times per year, mostly virtually, with an average time commitment being around half a day per month.

The role is voluntary and unremunerated, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. 

We are looking to appoint up to three Trustees, including one with strong financial expertise to support effective decision making and sustainable growth. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategy & Vision:  

• Shape the long-term direction and strategy of the charity with the Chair and CEO. 

Governance & Oversight:  

• Ensure compliance with charity law and alignment with TMAF’s constitution and charitable objectives. 

Finance & Risk:  

• Review budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure resources are used responsibly and sustainably. 

Performance:  

• Support and challenge the CEO to deliver on agreed goals and ensure measurable impact.

• Proactively support revenue and fundraising endeavors. 

• Proactively support corporate partnership acquisition.

Advocacy & Ambassadorship:  

• Represent and champion TMAF’s mission across your professional network and the wider marketing community. 

Inclusion & Culture:  

• Uphold our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion whilst also modelling our values: Determined, Irrepressible, Kind, Open and Humorous.

Support & Mentoring:  

Offer constructive advice, mentoring and practical input to help the charity grow. 

About You 

• You’ll have a burning passion for TMAF’s mission, inclusion and social mobility, with the belief that access to opportunity should be based on potential, not background. 

• Extensive experience at a senior level within marketing, communications, media or advertising, and it would be beneficial (although by no means essential) to have had exposure to or involvement within learning & development, or training sectors. 

• An understanding of governance and the legal duties of trusteeship would add huge value as would financial and/or legal expertise.We’d be thrilled if you have experience of fundraising and working within a charity. 

• A strong communicator, highly collaborative team player with integrity, independence of thought, and sound judgement

About the Application Procedure  

If you want to use your experience to help unlock opportunity and back bright, ambitious talent, we would like to hear from you. 

Please apply by sending your CV and a short supporting statement outlining how your experience will benefit The Marketing Academy Foundation and your motivation for applying.

Selection Dates:

• Applications close Feb 15th.

• Screening Feb 16th to Feb 27th.

• 1st Interviews March 2nd to March 20th.

• Final Interviews & Decisions W/C 23rd March.

About Charity Right

Charity Right is an international food charity - Registered Charity No. 1163944 in England & Wales

The Objects of the Charity are

1. To relieve poverty worldwide by
   • Providing food supplies, items, grants and services to individuals in need and other groups or organisations that are working to prevent and relieve hunger and poverty
   • Providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare projects and all the necessary support designed to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and be self-sufficient
   • Undertaking and supporting research into factors that contribute to poverty and the most appropriate ways to mitigate these
   • The provision of grants to enable young people to participate in healthy recreational activities that they could not otherwise afford
2. The relief of financial need and suffering among victims of natural or other kinds of disaster in the form of money (or other means deemed suitable) for persons, bodies, organisations and/or countries affected.

Our work centres on breaking the cycle of poverty through sustainable school meals programmes. We currently provide daily school meals in displaced communities affected by extreme food insecurity. Our programme has helped save thousands of young peoples’ lives by freeing them to get an education, develop new skills into adulthood and lift themselves out of poverty.

With millions still going hungry worldwide, our vital work is needed now more than ever. We are at an exciting stage of growth and seek a trustee who can help us deepen our impact, strengthen our strategic direction, and ensure our programmes continue to transform lives for decades to come.

Our Commitment to Diverse Leadership

We strongly encourage applications from women and younger Muslim professionals who can bring fresh perspectives, sectoral expertise, and a long-term strategic vision to our board. We recognise that diverse leadership strengthens our governance, deepens our understanding of the communities we serve, and ensures our programmes remain relevant and impactful.

Age, gender and background diversity is not just important to us in principle, but it is essential to fulfilling our mission effectively. We actively seek to build a board that reflects the breadth of our supporter base and the communities we serve.

About the Role

We are seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our board of trustees. Our mission is to provide school meals to children in developing countries, with the goal of reducing hunger and improving educational outcomes.

As a trustee, you will work collaboratively with fellow trustees to provide strategic guidance and oversight to the charity. You will help ensure our activities align with our mission and values. The trustee will work closely with other members of the board and staff to develop and implement plans and policies that support the charity's objectives and maximise the positive impact of its work.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the board of trustees, providing governance and oversight to the organisation
• Uphold Charity Commission and legal responsibilities as a trustee and company director
• Collaborate with fellow trustees and staff to develop and implement strategies, plans and policies that support the charity's objectives and values
• Champion the charity to external stakeholders and partners
• Attend and actively participate in board meetings and events
• Ensure robust compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, using your network to advance our mission

Person Specification

• Genuine passion for international development and our mission to end child hunger
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: [AK1] finance, programmes, marketing, fundraising, technology, and operations
• Strong analytical, strategic and critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to contribute constructively to board discussions
• Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team
• Willingness to dedicate time and energy to the charity’s success
• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements for charitable organisations, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and commitment to collective decision-making
• Demonstrates highest standards of personal integrity, honesty and ethical behaviour, avoiding conflicts of interest and prioritizing the charity's mission
• Engages respectfully and collaboratively with board members, staff and stakeholders, fostering an inclusive environment and modelling the charity's values
• Understanding of the cultural and economic contexts of the countries where the charity operates is a plus.

Organisation Structure

The board of trustees provides strategic oversight and governance to the Executive team, who manage day to day operations. Trustees work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, offering guidance while respecting operational independence

Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings which are scheduled to accommodate trustee’s availability. Most meetings are done via video conferencing, and on occasion we meet in person at a suitable location. Individual commitments are agreed between each trustee and the Chair of the board.

Commitment

• Board meeting – quarterly
• 2-hour meetings with reports to read one week in advance
• Telephone meetings – as required
• 30-minute conference calls occasionally required in between board meetings
• Staff away day – once yearly
• A day of in-person workshops, planning and Q&A with staff
• Events – as required
• Occasional participation in promotional events – usually early evening
• Project groups – as required
• Occasional working alongside staff to complete projects – as fits expertise and diaries

Application Process

If you would like to formally apply for the role, please include a letter of application along with your current CV.

In your letter, please outline:

• Your motivation for applying and connection to our mission
• Your relevant experience, expertise, or perspective that you would bring to the board
• What you hope to contribute to Charity Right and gain from the trusteeship
• Your commitment to championing diversity and inclusive leadership
• Declaration of any potential conflicts of interest

We are happy to discuss the role in more detail and answer any questions you may have about the board service.

Charity Right is an equal opportunities organisation. We are committed to building a diverse board and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in charity governance.

Are you passionate about empowering communities with life-saving first aid skills? 

Join St John Ambulance in our mission to ensure every community and young person is first aid confident. Use your leadership and creativity to raise vital funds and awareness, helping us deliver emergency response and life-saving education across Cumbria & Lancashire

About the Role Do you have the skills, motivation, and leadership to raise the public profile of this goal and grow relationships with both current and potential supporters in Cumbria & Lancashire? 

This is a chance to use your talents to raise the vital funds that enable us to deliver emergency first aid and educate communities in how to save lives. At the same time, you’ll support the wider work of the Order of St John. Key Impact and Responsibilities – Fundraising 

• Work with the Community Fundraising Manager and County President to develop and deliver a fundraising plan for Cumbria & Lancashire. 

• Coach and support our Cumbria & Lancashire volunteer leaders to implement and achieve local fundraising targets, ensuring all activity aligns with our fundraising policy.

 • More details are available in the role description attached to this advert. Key Impact and Responsibilities – Priory

 • Ensure appropriate local recognition events for our members and supporters, including an annual Organ Donor Award presentation in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant. 

• Support the local St John Fellowship to develop a vibrant ‘Friends of St John’ offer across Cumbria & Lancashire.

 • More details are available in the role description attached to this advert. 

Development and support available We are committed to providing ongoing support and development for the right candidate in this volunteer role, offering opportunities to grow and succeed as a leader. 

This role is open to job-sharing. 

If you are passionate about either the Priory or Fundraising side but not both, please still apply and indicate your preference in your application. You will be part of a county team, likely also including officer roles to support you, such as for fundraising, coordinating honours and awards, events, the St John Eye Hospital, and the St John Fellowship etc. 

The closing date for this vacancy is the 15th February 2026 

Become a Fundraisng Team Leader Volunter!

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Do you want to help change the future? And make your mark on our democracy? 

Join us. 

Elect Her is building a world where 51% (or more!) of elected officials are women. We are a non-partisan organisation working to motivate, support and equip women in all their diversity to stand for political office, in Britain, and thrive once there. 

At Elect Her, women receive the support they need on their unique political journey. Every democratic path is different and consequently we have targeted interventions, at each stage, to provide the best tools to improve women’s chances and access to elected office and, once there, help them remain in office. At the local level 50% of the women we support win - but every woman who stands makes democracy, democracy! 

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented at all levels of UK politics—only 40% nationally, 27% regionally, and 34% locally. This is not due to a lack of capable women, but because the political system is structurally biased. We’ve mapped the barriers to entry and are working on removing them and reshaping the political system so that all women can thrive once elected.

We’re recruiting for three new Directors to join our board, including a Treasurer.

If you are strategic, constructively critical, collaborative and with a passion for representation - we want to hear from you!

Closing date for applications is 27th February 2026

We can’t wait to meet you!

Northern Rascals CIC is at the beginning of an exciting new chapter: we are recruiting a Chair and Board members to support our next chapter.  As a leading dance-theatre company from Calderdale, Yorkshire, we are excited to share our work more widely than ever before and build the sustainability and resilience of the company over the next few years.  Our Board will be central to making these ambitions a reality.

We want our Board to reflect our work and communities, and welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds across England, especially those from underrepresented groups.

You may bring relevant professional experience, or your own lived experience. You might have been on a Board before, or you might be joining a Board for the first time. 

Desirable skills areas

• Experience in marketing, communications and audience development

• Experience in finance and accounting

• Experience in community outreach and partnerships

• Experience in the legal sector and / or with governance experience

• Experience leading or managing arts and cultural organisations and venues

Purpose of the role

The Chair and Board will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the CIC, ensuring it operates effectively, legally, and in line with its community benefit purpose.

Statutory duties (as the Board)

• Promote and ensure good governance

• Review and support the strategic direction of the CIC, setting ambitious targets, evaluating performance and measuring achievements

• Ensure activities continue to meet the community interest test (by demonstrating that Northern Rascal’s activities are carried on for the benefit of the community and do not result in private profit)

• Make sure the CIC’s finances and property are protected and used only for community benefit

• Oversee financial management, budgets, and risk

• Ensure compliance with Company law; CIC regulations; Companies House filing requirements

• Approve and sign off the annual CIC report

• Appoint, support, and oversee senior staff 

• Act in the best interests of the CIC at all times

• Declare and manage conflicts of interest

Further responsibilities 

• Ensure the organisation adheres to the funding criteria for the grants received from Arts Council and other funders

• Promote a progressive understanding of and commitment to diversity in all forms

• Extend the company’s networks of contacts and open doors

• Support and contribute to the development of fundraising

• Review and approve internal policies, such as Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding, Finance.

• Support the Co-Directors with insights from your own experience and knowledge

Please see the recruitment pack for full details - available on Northern Rascals website.

Message from the Chair of Trustees

The Trustees represent different backgrounds and experiences, but what pulls us together is a

commitment to SEED’s work on the ground in Madagascar. Several of us have been to Madagascar

and have either volunteered or worked with SEED, so we have seen first-hand how important our

work is, and the positive impact SEED has in the communities we serve. Madagascar is an

extraordinary country with exceptional biodiversity but has severely lacking infrastructure and a

high level of anthropogenic threats due to extreme poverty and considerable dependence on

natural resources.

We are looking forward to welcoming a new Chair of our Board of Trustees to join the amazing

team of dedicated staff and volunteers who are delivering sustainable development, conservation

and community work through a range of projects based on local needs. The current Chair has been

in post since 2022 and served as a Trustee for 2 years prior to that. A change of leadership and a

fresh perspective is timely and will ensure we approach the next phase of our growth and

development with new ideas. You will be assured of a warm and supportive welcome with the

benefit of a team containing years of experience, combined with new members who bring global

expertise in their field.

SEED is growing thanks to successful marketing, fundraising project development and delivery. We

are now looking to build on our implementation of our strategic plan, to deliver sustainable

development for the people of southeastern Madagascar. We are privileged to work with its

wonderful people, and we hope that you will want to join us.

Introduction to SEED

SEED has been working in the southeast corner of Madagascar for over 20 years. SEED stands for Sustainable, Environment, Education and Development and we focus on building meaningful, sustainable change in one the poorest regions of one the poorest countries in the world.

Our projects range from school building to maternal health, from Agroforestry to Lemur Conservation and rights.

We are active on social media where you can find us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. The majority of our staff are Malagasy, working in Fort Dauphin to design and deliver projects on the ground, alongside our international team, who bring external expertise and international best practices. In Madagascar, we have 95 staff in total (70 Malagasy and 25 international). They are supported by a small UK-based and remote working team of 10.

Governance structures

SEED’s Board of Trustees has 8 members, including the Chair, who meet quarterly. There are three sub-committees of the board focusing on: Audit and Risk; Marketing and Fundraising; and HR. These are chaired by a Trustee and consist of at least one other Trustee and up to two of the Senior Management team. We also have lead Trustees for Safeguarding and Whistleblowing.

The Board is international with Trustees based in a number of different countries, so the Board works remotely.

The operations are run by the Managing Director and the Director of Programmes and Operations who are both long standing senior managers.

The Chair of Trustees role

Chair of Trustee Board

In addition to the general role of Trustee, the Chair of SEED’s Board of Trustees holds overall accountability for the charity delivering its mission. Working closely with the Board and the staff senior team , they will provide leadership and direction to ensure SEED fulfils its charitable aims and objectives and abides by its governing documents and relevant legislation. They will work collaboratively with board members and senior management to ensure SEED delivers maximum benefit to the communities it serves.

Chair Role Description

Terms and conditions: Voluntary role

Responsible to: Board of Trustees

Base: The Board works remotely

Line manager of: Managing Director

Overview of SEED

SEED Madagascar is a successful, growing British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high-quality community health, rural livelihoods, schools and conservation programmes to support long term, sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication.

SEED has been working in Madagascar for over 20 years and has a wide range of impactful projects ranging from school building to sexual health, from beekeeping to improving lemur habitats. More recently, SEED has been working to address the famine in the southeast with emergency food distribution.

Employing most of its staff in Madagascar, SEED also engages international staff and interns as well as running a volunteer programme. Full details of our operations can be found on our website which includes our annual report and accounts, fundraising advice and information on our staff and Trustees.

The role will carry the usual responsibilities of a Trustee as defined by the England and Wales Charity Commission and we encourage all applicants to read through this prior to making an application.

Accountability:

As a Trustee you are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity and are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders including service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House.

SEED Trustees should uphold the fiduciary duty required of all charity trustees to act in the best interests of both current and future beneficiaries of the charity, being held personally liable for any breach of that duty.

Key Responsibilities

• To ensure that the Board of Trustees understands and fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation
• To provide strategic oversight and ensure that all decisions are taken in the best interests of SEED and its charitable aims.
• To provide leadership for the Board of Trustees in their role of developing and agreeing the strategy of the organisation.
• To ensure that SEED has the effective policies and procedures needed to function properly, legally and safely including those for safeguarding, whistleblowing and anticorruption.
• To effectively chair the Board meetings, facilitating debate and bringing about consensus and clear decision making.
• To work with the Board to bring about strong and constructive working relationships and sharing of the workload across the areas of expertise.
• To oversee the membership of and effective working of the subcommittees
• To build and maintain a constructive and supportive working relationship with the MD. To be overall line manager for the MD, assessing their performance and discussing development needs with them.
• To work closely with the MD to support them in achieving the vision of the organisation ensuring they have the support needed for the effective running of SEED and bring scrutiny as needed so they are held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives.
• To plan with the MD the annual cycle of Board meetings, setting agendas and monitoring the decisions taken at meetings are enacted.
• To review the Board’s performance and composition to ensure that SEED has a diverse, high performing Board working together in support of SEEDs strategy and Charitable objectives.
• To support recruitment and onboarding of new members to the board as needed to ensure continuity of the board responsibilities.
• To work with each Trustee to support them fulfilling their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
• To ensure the Board regularly reviews major risks and associated opportunities.
• To lead the Board in fulfilling its duties to ensure the sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to verify financial accountability and that SEED is operating within the legal and financial guidelines set out in the current legislation
• To represent the interests of the board and charity externally as and when needed

Person specification

• Knowledge and understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Chair of a Charity and Board Membership – experience as a board member as a minimum
• An understanding and experience of strategic planning within the corporate or charity setting.
• A proven leader with the ability to think strategically and creatively and to challenge proposals with clear logical thinking
• A strong commitment and passion for international development and an understanding of this sector, ideally able to bring experience of working within it.
• Demonstrable alignment to the charity’s mission, vision, and values
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience of people management and able to build strong relationships with people who are working on a voluntary basis at senior level
• An understanding of, or a willingness to understand, the strategic, legislative, political and cultural contexts that affect and influence SEED’s work
• Enthusiasm and commitment to equality and diversity in all aspects of SEED’s work
• An interest in Madagascar and an understanding of the challenges of working within different cultures and environments
• Be able to work to and advocate for all of SEED’s policies and procedures, safeguarding those that SEED works with and investigating and/or reporting any concerns appropriately

SEED Madagascar actively encourages equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and aims to create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination, where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued

Time commitments and requirements

There are a minimum of four Board meetings per year with the potential for additional Board meetings and Trustee only discussions. The Chair will discuss and agree the agenda in advance with the Managing Director, Chair the meeting and ensure follow up actions take place. These meetings are on a Sunday, are virtual and typically last 3 hours.

The Chair will participate on one sub-committee which has its own quarterly cycle of meetings. The Chair will manage the MD and have regular discussions about progress and undertake the annual review process. The Chair and all Trustees are required to undertake mandatory training as part of their induction and regular updates and additional training. The Chair will work with the Board to ensure each member is taking an active part in the Board and sub committees.

The Trustee Board are encouraged to have one trustee a year take a trip to Madagascar to familiarise themselves with the environment the SEED works in and to meet and get to know the staff in country (some expenses will be covered).