216 Education development volunteer roles

Join a committed group of people who give their time, expertise and insight to help govern the SS Great Britain Trust and safeguard the future of one of the world’s most significant historic ships.

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership, oversight and guidance, helping to ensure the Trust remains financially resilient, culturally relevant and ambitious in its mission. Working alongside fellow Trustees and the executive team, you will contribute your skills, knowledge and experience to support effective decision-making, long-term sustainability and opportunities for future generations to learn from and enjoy this important heritage asset. Together, our Trustees play a vital role in ensuring the SS Great Britain Trust has a vibrant and sustainable future.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and are committed to building a Board that reflects the communities we serve.

About the Roles

The Board is seeking to appoint two Trustees to support us in the following areas:

· Education, Skills and Community

Our strategy puts young people and Bristol’s communities at the centre of what we do. We are looking for someone with significant experience in education, learning, skills development or community engagement, who can help us broaden participation and deepen our public impact.

The successful candidate will help ensure the Trust continues to expand participation, deepen engagement and strengthen its relevance for all audiences.

· Cultural Leadership Trustee

We are seeking someone with significant senior leadership experience in a museum, heritage, cultural or visitor attraction organisation. This may have been gained as a CEO, Managing Director, Executive Director or in a comparable strategic leadership role. You will bring strategic insight, sound judgement and constructive challenge to Board discussions.

You will be able to demonstrate a track record of balancing public benefit, commercial growth, authentic storytelling and high-quality programming. Your expertise and perspective will help the Trust realise its ambitions and maximise its impact.

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of a nationally significant heritage organisation, contributing the knowledge and insights gained through leading a complex cultural institution.

The Lamport Hall Preservation Trust is seeking new Trustees to help shape the
future of one of Northamptonshire's most significant heritage and education trusts.
The Trust not only supports the preservation of the historic Lamport Hall Estate, its
collections and landscape, but also has a long-standing commitment to education,
learning and public engagement.  Through a wide range of educational initiatives,
the Trust works with schools, colleges, universities and cultural organisations to
create opportunities for learning, research and creative practice in a unique
environment.

The Role
As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction and governance of the Trust,
ensuring that its charitable objectives are delivered effectively and sustainably.
Trustees are responsible for:
 Supporting the conservation and development of Lamport Hall and its estate;
 Promoting the Trust's educational and charitable activities;
 Ensuring good governance and compliance with charity regulations;
 Overseeing the Trust's financial sustainability and long-term planning;
 Acting as ambassadors for the Trust and its mission.

Who We Are Looking For
We welcome applications from individuals who share our passion for heritage,
education and community engagement. Experience in areas such as education,
culture, fundraising, finance, law, property, business, marketing or environmental
management would be particularly valuable.  In particular, we are keen to hear
from candidates with expertise in financial management, investment,
endowment management, or charitable finance.  As the Trust seeks to secure its
long-term sustainability and enhance its charitable impact, individuals with
experience of financial strategy, investment oversight, accounting, banking, wealth
management, or governance of charitable assets would make a valuable contribution
to the Board.  Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential.

We are looking for people who can:
 Think strategically and contribute independent judgement;
 Work collaboratively as part of a board;
 Support the Trust's charitable and educational ambitions;
 Commit time to meetings and occasional events throughout the year.

Why Become a Trustee?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the preservation of an
important historic estate while helping to inspire and educate future generations
through a diverse programme of cultural and educational activities.

Could you help shape the future of one of Suffolk’s most important heritage and conservation sites?

The Landguard and Felixstowe Conservation Trust seeks an experienced and inspirational Chair to lead its Board and support the long-term development of the nationally significant Landguard Peninsula, home to the Grade I listed Landguard Fort, Nature Reserve, Museum and Bird Observatory.

Welcoming around 500,000 visitors annually, the Trust works with volunteers, staff and partner organisations to conserve and enhance this unique heritage and wildlife asset.

You will bring strategic leadership, governance experience, excellent communication skills and a commitment to charitable values.

This is an unpaid role (reasonable expenses reimbursed).

For further information and an informal discussion, contact Paul Grant.

 A pack has been produced to be sent to all potential candidates that express an interest in the role. A copy can be provided on request.

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

Roles available at colleges across Shipley

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

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

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you 

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

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

This is an opportunity to: 

• Apply your corporate skills in a leadership role 

• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV 

• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility 

• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation 

What will you be doing? 

As part of a governing board, you’ll: 

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

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

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

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

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

Who are we looking for? 

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

• Finance, Audit & Risk 

• HR, People & Culture 

• Strategy, Transformation & Operations 

• Technology, AI & Digital 

• Legal, Governance & Compliance 

• Marketing, PR & Communications 

• Education, apprenticeships, or vocational courses 

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

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

Time commitment 

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

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

• Reading papers and preparing questions 

• Participating in training and occasional college visits 

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

Where you’ll be needed 

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

What’s in it for you? 

This role offers the opportunity to: 

• Enhance your board-level and governance experience 

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

• Expand your professional network 

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

About Boards for Education 

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

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

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

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

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor. 

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

Role available at City of Sunderland College.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom? 

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

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you 

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

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

This is an opportunity to: 

• Apply your corporate skills in a leadership role 

• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV 

• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility 

• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation 

What will you be doing? 

As part of a governing board, you’ll: 

• Set strategic direction: help define the college’s mission and goals 

• Hold leadership to account: monitor finances, performance, and outcomes 

• Ensure governance excellence: make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders 

• Act as a charity trustee: ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance 

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

Who are we looking for? 

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

• Finance, Audit & Risk 

• HR, People & Culture 

• Strategy, Transformation & Operations 

• Technology, AI & Digital 

• Legal, Governance & Compliance 

• Marketing, PR & Communications 

• Education, apprenticeships, or vocational courses 

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

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

Time commitment 

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

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

• Reading papers and preparing questions 

• Participating in training and occasional college visits 

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

Where you’ll be needed 

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

What’s in it for you? 

This role offers the opportunity to: 

• Enhance your board-level and governance experience 

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

• Expand your professional network 

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

About Boards for Education 

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

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

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

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

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor. 

LISAL (Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning) seeks a Quality of Education Trustee with a passion for alternative education and leadership experience.

You join our committed Board of Trustees to help ensure that we continue to provide the highest quality of child-centred education at our small independent primary school in Lancaster (formerly Lancaster Steiner School). Here, children discover the joy of learning and experience the richness of childhood in unhurried, thorough, and creative environment, laying foundations for a lifelong love of learning.

We strive to develop free thinking, confident, socially responsible individuals who are able to embrace their community, sustain their livelihoods and to positively shape the world. To realise this vision, we draw upon the innovative approach and world-wide experience of Steiner Waldorf education. Our school is registered with the Steiner Waldorf Schools Federation and received a Good rating in our most recent Ofsted inspection (2023).

As Quality of Education Trustee, you will provide strategic oversight to ensure that the school follows the highest academic standards. This will involve visits to the school to meet our teaching and leadership team, and observe our teaching methods, alongside participation in occasional online Trustee meetings.

More specifically, you will:

• Evaluate curriculum quality, teaching methods, and learning outcomes, and signpost any scope for improvement.  
• Discuss performance and progress with our senior leadership team (SLT) and ensure that the leadership and management is effective.
• Assure inclusion by affirming that the educational vision supports all students, including those with special educational needs.
• Undertake school visits in which you will engage with staff and pupils to verify internal data.

Who we are looking for

Ideally you will have experience of educational leadership, quality assurance, school improvement, and/or curriculum development, preferably in an alternative setting, including a Steiner-Waldorf school. You will share our objective to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment in which children can flourish. Previous trustee or governance experience is welcome but is not essential.

This is a voluntary, strategic and non-executive role. You will work constructively with the Board of Trustees via regular (termly) online committee meetings, together with at least one school visit per academic year. We will cover any reasonable expenses incurred.

If you are passionate about excellent alternative education and the Waldorf curriculum and want to use your experience to help ensure every pupil receives the quality of education they deserve, we would be delighted to hear from you.

What the school offers its staff

We offer our Trustees the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the strategic educational direction and continued development of our school, which is the only Steiner-Waldorf school in the region.

As a Trustee, you will:

• Make a direct contribution to improving educational outcomes for our children
• Join a committed and supportive Board with a strong focus on strategic leadership, challenge and continuous improvement.
• Work alongside experienced education leaders and fellow trustees with a diverse range of professional expertise.
• Receive a comprehensive induction and ongoing training and development to support you in your governance role.
• Have opportunities to visit the school, meet leaders and staff, and see first-hand the impact of the provision.
• Develop your own experience of strategic leadership, governance, alternative/Waldorf education, SEND, and the education sector.
• Contribute your professional expertise to an organisation committed to providing a fully nurturing and enriching educational experience for its pupils.

The trustee role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed in accordance with LISAL policy.

Work directly with children / young people: Yes 

Age range of children / young people: 11-18 

Disclosure Check:  Enhanced

Term of opportunity: This opportunity involves participation in two Mosaic programmes during 2026-2027 academic year 

Location: Leeds and Bradford, see below for school partners and post-codes 

Commitment:

• This role involves attending a mandatory in-person training session at the King’s Trust Leeds office, along with up to 3 hours of online training.
• Each programme runs for eight weeks, with approximately one hour per week spent delivering sessions in schools, plus additional time for planning and preparation.
• Education Mentors are expected to support two programmes per academic year, and attend at least six out of eight Mosaic sessions during each programme. 

The King’s Trust Mosaic programme is a group mentoring scheme for learners aged 11-18. Mosaic is delivered on-site with school partners and aims to raise learner aspirations, build self-belief, and develop employability skills for young people. 

As a volunteer Education Mentor, you'll join a dynamic team to deliver the Mosaic scheme in a local school. Mosaic is structured as 8 mentoring sessions delivered over 8 weeks that will aim to build group rapport and cover essential topics like communication, goal setting and problem solving. These sessions will be delivered with a consistent group of young people, ensuring you can build meaningful connections and see their progress over time. Most Mosaic projects conclude with a ‘World of Work’ visit with a local employer, giving young participants first-hand experience of what it’s really like in a contemporary UK workplace.

We are seeking volunteers in the Leeds area who have a passion and drive to make a difference to the lives of young people.

For success in this role, you will need to be an excellent communicator and confident facilitator of group activities, with a willingness to try out new things in a collaborative environment. An educational background is not required, but a genuine interest in engaging with and developing the skills of young people is essential.

Session content and full support is provided to all volunteers via a King’s Trust Youth Development Lead, who can expertly assist with guidance and materials that will help you to make a significant impact on the lives of young people. Full training will be provided to help set you up for success.

In return for your valuable time, you'll become part of a dedicated community of volunteers. You'll experience the satisfaction of directly impacting the success of young people, many of whom face significant barriers and challenges.

Key Considerations:

• This role involves attending a mandatory in-person training session at the King’s Trust Leeds office, along with up to 3 hours of online training.
• Each Mosaic programme runs for eight weeks, with approximately one hour per week spent delivering sessions in schools, plus additional time for planning and preparation.
• Education Mentors are expected to support two programmes per academic year, and attend at least six out of eight Mosaic sessions during each programme.
• We are recruiting volunteers throughout the summer to lead the delivery of Mosaic projects in schools across Leeds and Bradford from September.
• Exact programme locations, dates and times will be confirmed, but all delivery will take place on school sites and during usual working hours. The flexibility and adaptability of our volunteers to attend these sessions is key to the project’s success.

Confirmed programme information for Leeds:

We will be delivering the Mosaic scheme in the following schools and locations this year. Exact programme dates and times will be confirmed through the summer.

• Hanson Academy, Bradford - BD2 1JP
• Outwood Academy Freeston, Wakefield - WF6 1HZ
• Dixons Unity, Leeds - LS12 3DS
• Leeds Co-op Academy, Leeds - LS9 7HD
• Allerton Grange, Leeds - LS17 6SF

Thank you for considering this exciting opportunity to join The King’s Trust during our 50th Anniversary year. We look forward to hearing from you.

Work directly with children / young people: Yes 

Age range of children / young people: 11-18

Disclosure Check: Enhanced 

Term of opportunity: This opportunity involves participation in two Mosaic programmes during 2026-2027 academic year.

Location: We will be delivering the Mosaic scheme schools across the Liverpool area. Exact programme details will be confirmed through the summer.

Commitment:

• This role involves attending a mandatory in-person training session at the King’s Trust Liverpool centre, along with up to 3 hours of online training.
• Each programme runs for eight weeks, with approximately one hour per week spent delivering sessions in schools, plus additional time for planning and preparation.
• Education Mentors are expected to support two programmes per academic year, and attend at least six out of eight Mosaic sessions during each programme. 

The King’s Trust Mosaic programme is a group mentoring scheme for learners aged 11-18. Mosaic is delivered on-site with school partners and aims to raise learner aspirations, build self-belief, and develop employability skills for young people.

As a volunteer Education Mentor, you'll join a dynamic team to deliver the Mosaic scheme in a local school. Mosaic is structured as 8 mentoring sessions delivered over 8 weeks that will aim to build group rapport and cover essential topics like communication, goal setting and problem solving. These sessions will be delivered with a consistent group of young people, ensuring you can build meaningful connections and see their progress over time. Most Mosaic projects conclude with a ‘World of Work’ visit with a local employer, giving young participants first-hand experience of what it’s really like in a contemporary UK workplace.

We are seeking volunteers in the Liverpool area who have a passion and drive to make a difference to the lives of young people.

For success in this role, you will need to be an excellent communicator and confident facilitator of group activities, with a willingness to try out new things in a collaborative environment. An educational background is not required, but a genuine interest in engaging with and developing the skills of young people is essential.

Session content and full support is provided to all volunteers via a King’s Trust Youth Development Lead, who can expertly assist with guidance and materials that will help you to make a significant impact on the lives of young people. Full training will be provided to help set you up for success.

In return for your valuable time, you'll become part of a dedicated community of volunteers. You'll experience the satisfaction of directly impacting the success of young people, many of whom face significant barriers and challenges.

Key Considerations:

• This role involves attending a mandatory in-person training session at the King’s Trust Liverpool office, along with up to 3 hours of online training.
• Each Mosaic programme runs for eight weeks, with approximately one hour per week spent delivering sessions in schools, plus additional time for planning and preparation.
• Education Mentors are expected to support two programmes per academic year, and attend at least six out of eight Mosaic sessions during each programme.
• We are recruiting volunteers throughout the summer to lead the delivery of Mosaic projects in schools across Liverpool from September.
• Exact programme locations, dates and times will be confirmed, but all delivery will take place on school sites and during usual working hours. The flexibility and adaptability of our volunteers to attend these sessions is key to the project’s success.

Thank you for considering this exciting opportunity to join The King’s Trust during our 50th Anniversary year. We look forward to hearing from you.

Opportunity: Chair of the Finance and Risk Sub-committee, Board of Trustees

Open School East is at a pivotal moment in its development and is seeking a Chair of the Finance and Risk Sub-committee to help shape its next chapter.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 30th September 2026

We are interested in hearing from candidates with expertise in:

• Finance: A person with experience in finance management or accounting, with the capacity to provide a strategic overview of finances, ensuring viability, compliance with relevant legislative frameworks, effective use of resources and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

We are especially keen to hear from people with knowledge of, or an interest in, education and the arts. By committing your time and expertise to our two meetings a quarter (full Trustee meeting and Chairing the Finance and Risk Sub-committee meetings), you can become part of a leading arts education charity, making a real difference to emerging creatives of all ages and from all backgrounds.

We also warmly welcome people who bring lived experience of the barriers OSE seeks to dismantle including people of colour, disabled people, those from working class backgrounds, or people with experience of marginalisation in the arts or education sectors.

Help shape the future of specialist education for young people with vision impairment and complex needs.

About InFocus

Everyone deserves the opportunity to live their life to the full, with choice, independence and control.

At InFocus, we support young people and adults with vision impairment and complex needs, helping them discover what is possible. Our specialist services include further education, residential care, supported living and day services.

Our specialist further education college supports young people aged 16–25, helping them develop their skills, confidence and independence as they prepare for adulthood.

We are now looking for a new Trustee with significant expertise in specialist education and high-needs provision to join our Board.

This is an opportunity to bring your experience, insight and constructive challenge to a specialist charity making a meaningful difference to the lives of young people and adults.

About the role

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with:

• Significant experience of specialist education and high-needs provision, including learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex needs.
• Experience in further education or post-16 specialist provision.
• A strong understanding of quality improvement, curriculum development and learner outcomes.

You may be a retired or recently retired Principal, Head of Specialist Provision, Director of SEND, Curriculum Leader or senior leader from a specialist FE college, post-16 provider or other specialist education setting.

Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential. We are looking for someone who can bring relevant knowledge, experience and perspective to our Board.

What will you contribute?

As a Trustee, you will help provide strategic oversight, support and constructive challenge across our services, with a particular interest in the development and quality of our College.

You will join our Education Advisory Committee, working alongside the College Principal and colleagues to provide oversight of:

• Quality improvement and teaching and learning
• Curriculum development and learner outcomes
• Preparation for adulthood
• The quality and effectiveness of specialist provision

You will also contribute to the wider work of the Board, helping to shape the strategic direction and future development of InFocus.

This is an opportunity to use your experience to make a meaningful difference to young people and help shape the future of specialist education.

Time commitment and practical information

• The Board meets seven times a year.
• Trustees are encouraged to attend meetings in person, although some meetings can be attended online where required.
• Travel expenses are paid.
• Overnight accommodation can be arranged for trustees travelling from outside Devon.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced education professional who understands the opportunities and challenges of specialist provision and can bring thoughtful, informed challenge to our Board.

You will have a genuine interest in improving outcomes for young people with complex needs and a commitment to InFocus’s values and charitable purpose.

You do not need previous trustee experience. What matters most is the knowledge, experience and perspective you can bring.

Trustees wanted – help shape the future of Musculoskeletal Education with SOMM

We’re looking for engaged, thoughtful and proactive Trustees to join the Council of the Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine (SOMM).

This is a working Board, and we are looking for people who will contribute, challenge and help move the organisation forward.

What we need - We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with expertise in:

· Digital / Data Strategy – digital transformation, data-driven decision making, cyber awareness

· Marketing & Communications – brand, engagement, audience or membership growth

· Commercial / Growth (desirable) – income diversification, business development

The Role -  As a Trustee, you will:

· Contribute to strategy, governance and long-term direction

· Provide constructive challenge and independent thinking

· Support key areas of organisational development

· Act as an ambassador for SOMM

Commitment: 3–6 meetings per year + occasional project work (approx. 2–4 hours/month)

We are looking for someone who will bring:

· Sound judgement and integrity

· A willingness to contribute and engage

· The confidence to challenge constructively

Why join us?

· Shape a respected national MSK education provider

· Work with a knowledgeable and supportive Council

· Make a genuine, tangible impact

Diversity & Inclusion

SOMM is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Council. We actively welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including different ethnicities, genders, career stages, and sectors, to better reflect the communities we serve.

Use your skills to shape strategy, support leaders, and improve outcomes for children and young people. 

Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your skills and experience in your community? 

By becoming a school governor, you can help shape the future of education and support better outcomes for learners. 

What will you be doing? 

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and make decisions about a wide range of issues. 

The core responsibilities involved are: 

• Ensuring accountability 

• Acting as a critical friend to the head teacher 

• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress 

• Budgetary allocation and control 

• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation 

• Setting the school’s aims and values 

• Appointing senior members of staff, including the head teacher 

The governing body is usually split into a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting. 

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority, and the local community. 

What are we looking for? 

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. 

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management is useful to a school. Soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions. 

What difference will you make? 

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9 in 10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. 

About Boards for Education 

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

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

Before you apply 

You will need to complete an application form and have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be carried out. 

Help Educere Development Agency UK CIC establish safe, inclusive and accessible systems as we prepare to launch our first structured education, SEND, wellbeing and community programmes in the UK.

Volunteer International Fundraising & Grants Officer

Universe of Life Organization (ULO) is seeking a motivated and committed volunteer to support our international fundraising and grants development. This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of an organisation with an international vision and to help mobilise resources for programmes supporting vulnerable communities.

About ULO

Universe of Life Organization (ULO) was founded in Cameroon in 2017 with a vision to serve humanity with love, dignity and solidarity. ULO is preparing an important new chapter in its development, including the establishment of ULO UK in London and the strengthening of its international programmes and partnerships.

The role

The volunteer will support ULO in identifying suitable funding opportunities, researching potential funders and developing strong grant applications and funding proposals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Researching trusts, foundations, charities, institutions, companies and other potential funders.

• Identifying relevant grant opportunities, funding calls and partnership opportunities in the UK and internationally.

• Researching funder eligibility criteria, priorities, deadlines and application requirements.

• Maintaining a structured pipeline of potential funders, opportunities, deadlines and applications.

• Supporting the preparation, writing and adaptation of grant applications, concept notes and funding proposals.

• Supporting fundraising strategies and partnership approaches.

• Contributing to donor and funder research, follow-up and record keeping.

• Working collaboratively with ULO leadership and relevant volunteers to ensure proposals are accurate, consistent and evidence-based.

Immediate priority – ULO Cameroon Flagship Project

A key priority will be supporting resource mobilisation for ULO’s Women’s and Children’s Resilience and Empowerment Programme, a 12-month pilot programme designed to support 50 vulnerable women and 60 vulnerable children aged 5–15 in Bafoussam, West Region, Cameroon.

The programme focuses on women’s economic empowerment and livelihoods, children’s education and protection, psychosocial and emotional well-being, community resilience, partnerships and sustainability.

ULO has already developed the core project documentation and funding proposal. The volunteer will help identify appropriate funding opportunities and support ULO in presenting the programme to potential funders and institutional partners.

What we are looking for

We are ideally seeking someone with at least 3 years’ experience in fundraising, grant writing, trusts and foundations, partnerships, nonprofit development or a closely related field. Strong research, written English, organisation and communication skills are important.

Experience with UK or international funders is an advantage. French language skills are welcome but not essential.

This is a voluntary, unpaid position, initially requiring approximately 5–8 hours per week, with flexibility to be discussed according to availability and programme needs. The role is UK-based and can be undertaken remotely, with opportunities for London-based collaboration where appropriate.

What you can contribute

Your contribution can help ULO strengthen its fundraising capacity, develop sustainable funding relationships and mobilise resources needed to turn existing programme plans into practical action for vulnerable women and children.