Education support volunteer roles

A growing NGO in Malawi, working across education, livelihoods, health and environmental sustainability, is seeking a volunteer accountant to strengthen its finance systems.

The organisation has grown significantly and now manages multiple donor funded projects, with annual income of over £1 million. QuickBooks has been introduced, but is not yet fully embedded, and many processes remain manual.

The volunteer will work with the Finance and Administration Manager, wider finance team and senior leadership to review current systems, identify priorities and support practical improvements.

Key areas of support may include QuickBooks, budgeting, forecasting, cashflow, donor reporting, management accounts, internal controls, expenditure verification, audit readiness and mentoring.

This would suit a collaborative and adaptable finance professional who can balance a broad systems review with practical, hands on support.

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Accounting for International Development (AfID) matches experienced accountants with charities, NGOs and social enterprises around the world. Our volunteers provide practical finance support, helping partners strengthen systems, reporting, controls and confidence.

Do you want to support a local school in enhancing its outcomes for its students? Do you want to develop your board level experience? Have you got a passion for making a difference in your communities?

As a school governor, you’ll operate at board-level and develop strategic leadership skills and assist in making decisions on a wide range of topics; all while collaboratively improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for schools in Spalding to strengthen their governing boards and enhance outcomes of pupils within your communities. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a governor and how to apply.

Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
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 as well as have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.

You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a governor as long as you’re over 18 and happy to have a DBS check, you can apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities. As a governor, you’ll be supported by the Chair, head teacher and the rest of the governing team.

This vacancy is for a primary school looking to find a governor to sit on their board with experience of SEND and Safeguarding. The school is a small friendly village school set in an old building and embraces the natural environment to ensure the children have a strong relationship with their communities. 

If you’re interested in becoming a school governor, fill out the short application form on our website.

Role Summary

If you have a senior financial background and a passion for global justice and disability inclusion, we’d love to hear from you. The role will serve on both our Board and our Finance and Audit Committee. Experience working with UK charities, either in finance, governance or audit, is desirable, but not essential. The role would suit an experienced Trustee, or someone considering their first Trustee role. This role will oversee the charity’s financial performance and position, financial governance, and investment management. 

Please note that we will review applications as they are received, so early applications
are encouraged.

About Us

For over 115 years, CBM has been transforming lives around the world. We work with local partners, making sure people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest communities have access to healthcare, education and a future where they can thrive. As an organisation based on Christian values, we welcome staff of all faiths and none in our work to build an inclusive world in which all people with disabilities enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential.

Please download the Recruitment Pack for full details and how to apply.

JOB TITLE:
Volunteer Content & Ethical Messaging Strategist – COPYWRITER

ROLE:
Volunteer Content & Ethical Messaging Strategist/COPYWRITER

HOURS PER WEEK:
15-20hrs per week

LOCATION:
Fully Remote

REPORTING TO:
Social Media Director

About us:

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C is a pioneering Podcast/Youtube Channel and healing membership organisation. We provide a platform for survivors and whistleblowers to share their lived experiences, highlight systemic frustrations and offer solutions rooted in culturally trauma-informed care.

Our membership offers young people and survivors a path to heal, learn digital skills and interactively participate in our Alchemic 369 Book Club, where members engage in weekly interactive discussions, debates and critical analysis of African, Caribbean and world history, Ifa, classics and political thought. Members will sharpen their reading, reasoning and imagination skills, with opportunities to discuss works directly with authors, highly subsidised plant-based transformative retreats and join a community designed to empower and educate.

We are a mission-driven, collective-focused C.I.C building a movement that combines healing, re-education and empowerment.

Our content focuses on:

● Survivors of CSA, RSA, CT, CA stories
● Whistleblowers and retired experts
● Generational trauma and healing
● Youth empowerment and education
● Community transformation through honest storytelling

Our mission is to challenge generational cycles, expose hidden truths, fight for justice and create a platform rooted in authenticity, deep healing, and transformation.

Job Purpose:

To design safe, non-triggering outreach content that invites ready survivors to engage period!

About the role:

These persons creates all messaging used for outreach campaigns, including:

● Social media posts
● Survivor invitation language
● Podcast guest call-outs
● Anonymous submission forms
● Awareness campaigns

They ensure all messaging is:

● Trauma-informed
● Consent-led
● Safe for public consumption

Ideal Candidate

● Strong ethical communicator
● Experience in sensitive campaigns (domestic violence, mental health, safeguarding)
● Skilled in storytelling
● Understands psychological impact of language

Experience

● Content strategy or copywriting for NGOs or advocacy groups
● Experience in trauma-informed communication
● Background in journalism ethics or public health messaging preferred
● Familiarity with CSA awareness organisations

What You Will Gain

● Real-world hosting and interviewing experience
● Opportunity to build a public profile and media presence
● Portfolio-building opportunities across podcasting and storytelling
● Networking and relationship-building opportunities
● Experience working within a growing media and advocacy platform
● Creative freedom and personal growth opportunities
● Leadership and media mentorship
● Opportunity to develop your own audience and storytelling identity
● Potential future paid opportunities and long-term media career pathways
● Direct pathway into a future paid role
● The chance to help build a nationally recognised media and survivor-support platform
● COS opportunities for top performing staff members

This role is designed as a long-term pathway opportunity to a paid position and lifestyle transformation.

We don’t operate on individualism—we build through collectivism, meaning:

As the platform grows, your role, influence, and opportunities grow with it.

Additional Notes

This role is not suitable if you:

● Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work
● Avoid handling sensitive data or detailed reporting
● Are seeking immediate paid employment
● Are uncomfortable applying analysis to strategic decisions

To Apply

Please send:

● Your CV, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile (if available)
● A short introduction about yourself
● Why this mission resonates with you
● Any relevant experience, skills, ideas, or vision you would bring to the role

We welcome individuals who are passionate about helping create platforms that inspire healing, justice, truth, education, empowerment, and lasting community impact. That see themselves transforming their lifestyles to maintain the above for the generations to come.

OOEF is a small, fast-growing charity and we need people to help us run it well. You can do this on-site with us — in which case you will the magic in action — or remotely, or a mixture of both. Volunteer scheduling, communications, grant applications, impact reporting, events, partnerships... or whatever else you spot needs doing and are motivated to get involved with. No music background needed. We are looking for someone organised, reliable and genuinely interested in what we do.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at two Bath primary schools in Twerton and Whiteway — nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

As an Operations & Admin Volunteer you might focus on one area or help across several, depending on your skills and availability: volunteer scheduling, communications, grant applications, impact reporting, events and partnerships. This role can be shaped entirely around you. If you want to be on-site — watching sessions, being part of the team, seeing the impact first-hand — we would love that. Volunteers who come in consistently tell us it is the most motivating thing about the work. But if remote or flexible working suits you better, that works too.

What you'll bring

• Organisational ability and initiative — keeping multiple things moving without always being asked

• Clear written and verbal communication

• Comfort with email and shared documents

• Any of the following are a real bonus: bookkeeping, design, research, fundraising, project management, web skills

Time commitment

The time commitment is flexible and entirely negotiable — from a couple of hours per month to something more regular. Some volunteers come via employer volunteering schemes on a rota (companies and organisations are very welcome); others commit as individuals on an ad hoc basis; others come as students fitting volunteering around their studies. We will shape the arrangement entirely around your availability.

What you'll get from it

• Real insight into how a values-driven music charity operates at a pivotal moment in its growth

• Close working with the founding team on work that genuinely matters

• If you come on-site: the chance to see the direct impact of what you do

• We welcome pro bono contributions from companies supporting employee volunteering

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF (if working on-site)

We are seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of our charity. Trustees provide strategic oversight, support the Executive Team, and ensure the organisation remains focused on delivering meaningful impact for the children, young people, and families we serve. This is an opportunity to contribute your skills, experience, and perspective to a well-established charity making a real difference in the local community.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with little or no previous trustee experience. We are particularly interested in candidates with skills in areas such as finance, fundraising, legal, marketing and communications, facilities and estates, or the voluntary sector, although a strong commitment to our values and mission is most important. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document and operates within all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Periodically review the charity’s mission and purpose to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to the needs of its beneficiaries.
• Safeguard the charity’s ethos, reputation, and values.
• Work in partnership with the Executive Team to develop, agree, and review strategic goals and objectives.
• Assess whether proposed strategies are appropriate and proportionate in relation to identified risks, available resources, and anticipated benefits.
• Provide constructive support and challenge to the Executive Team, contributing specialist expertise and participating in collective Board discussion and planning.
• Monitor progress against agreed strategic objectives and review the impact of the charity’s activities on its beneficiaries.
• Agree the framework and assumptions for the annual budget, approve the budget, and monitor financial performance throughout the year.
• Review and approve the charity’s annual accounts, including the assessment of going concern.
• Ensure effective systems are in place for risk identification, internal controls, and the provision of timely management information.
• When required, appoint and support the Chief Executive Officer and Trustees, agree performance objectives, review performance, and, in the case of the CEO, approve remuneration. Act as an ambassador for the charity and the Board, representing the organisation professionally and consistently at events, meetings, and through external communication. 

If you are motivated to make a meaningful difference and help guide a much-loved local charity through its next chapter, we would love to hear from you.     

To apply for this position, please forward a copy of your CV together with a supporting statement (no more than 2 sides of A4) explaining why you would like to take on the role and the specific skills that you would bring. 

About us: 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C is a pioneering Podcast/YouTube Channel and healing membership organisation. We provide a platform for survivors and whistleblowers to share their lived experiences, highlight systemic frustrations and offer solutions rooted in culturally trauma-informed care.

Our membership offers young people and survivors a path to heal, learn digital skills and interactively participate in our Alchemic 369 Book Club, where members engage in weekly interactive discussions, debates and critical analysis of African, Caribbean and world history, Ifa, classics and political thought. Members will sharpen their reading, reasoning and imagination skills, with opportunities to discuss works directly with authors, highly subsidised plant-based transformative retreats and join a community designed to empower and educate.

We are a mission-driven, collective-focused C.I.C building a movement that combines healing, re-education and empowerment.

Our content focuses on:

• Survivors of CSA, RSA, CT, CA stories

• Whistleblowers and retired experts

• Generational trauma and healing

• Youth empowerment and education

• Community transformation through honest storytelling

Our mission is to challenge generational cycles, expose hidden truths, fight for justice and create a platform rooted in authenticity, deep healing, and transformation.

Job Purpose:

To manage the first point of structured contact for survivors who choose to come forward.

About the role:

This role handles all inbound expressions of interest. They conduct gentle, structured pre-screening conversations to understand:

• Readiness to share

• Emotional safety considerations

• Preferred anonymity level

• Boundaries and consent

They do NOT conduct interviews. They prepare individuals for referral into production or therapeutic support pathways.

Ideal Candidate

• Calm, grounded, empathetic communicator

• Experience in counselling, support work, or helpline environments

• Strong emotional containment skills

• Ability to hold sensitive conversations without leading or influencing narratives

Experience

• Helpline work, counselling support, or victim support services

• Mental health support or social work background

• Training in active listening and trauma response

• Safeguarding awareness

What You Will Gain

• Real-world hosting and interviewing experience

• Opportunity to build a public profile and media presence

• Portfolio-building opportunities across podcasting and storytelling

• Networking and relationship-building opportunities

• Experience working within a growing media and advocacy platform

• Creative freedom and personal growth opportunities

• Leadership and media mentorship

• Opportunity to develop your own audience and storytelling identity

• Potential future paid opportunities and long-term media career pathways

• Direct pathway into a future paid role

• The chance to help build a nationally recognised media and survivor-support platform

• COS opportunities for top performing staff members 

This role is designed as a long-term pathway opportunity to a paid position and lifestyle transformation.

We don’t operate on individualism—we build through collectivism, meaning:
  As the platform grows, your role, influence, and opportunities grow with 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."

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."

Lend a Hand, Make a Difference — Become a Society Support Volunteer!

Volunteer Role | Lyonic Scots Society

Do you enjoy helping out, getting involved, and being part of a friendly community?

Want to support a growing cultural society in whatever way you can — no Scottish heritage required?

Then we’d love to welcome you as a Society Support Volunteer.

The Lyonic Scots Society is looking for enthusiastic, reliable volunteers to help with a variety of tasks as we support the Clan Chief in promoting the Lyonic Scots. Whether you have lots of time or just a little, your contribution will make a real impact.

What You’ll Be Doing

Depending on your interests and availability, you might help with:

• Assisting at events and gatherings

• Supporting online activities and community engagement

• Helping with admin, communication, or creative tasks

• Welcoming new members and offering general support

• Pitching in wherever an extra pair of hands is needed

What We’re Looking For

• Friendly, positive people who enjoy helping others

• Anyone willing to give a little time to support the Society

• Volunteers who are flexible and happy to get involved in different tasks

• No need to be Scottish — just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to help

What You’ll Get

• A warm, welcoming volunteer community

• The chance to be part of a growing cultural society

• Opportunities to learn new skills and try new things

• A supportive committee who’ll value your contribution

• The satisfaction of knowing you’re helping the Lyonic Scots Society thrive

If you’re ready to get involved, support our activities, and be part of something meaningful, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Reach out and join us — every helping hand makes a difference.

About Us

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is a survivor-led podcast, YouTube channel, and healing membership organisation. We provide a platform for survivors and whistleblowers to share lived experiences, expose systemic issues, and promote solutions rooted in culturally trauma-informed care.

Our membership supports young people and survivors through healing, education, and digital skills development. Members participate in our Alchemic 369 Book Club, engaging in discussions and critical analysis of African, Caribbean, and world history, Ifa, classics, and political thought. Members also benefit from author discussions, subsidised plant-based retreats, and a supportive community focused on empowerment and growth.

We are a mission-driven organisation combining healing, education, truth-telling, and community empowerment.

Our Content Focuses On:

• Survivor stories (CSA, RSA, CT, CA)
• Whistleblowers and retired experts
• Generational trauma and healing
• Youth empowerment and education
• Community transformation through honest storytelling

Our mission is to challenge harmful cycles, expose hidden truths, fight for justice, and create lasting social change.

Job Purpose

To design and build the digital management systems that will serve as the operational backbone of the IFA Retreat, enabling effective management of procurement, inventory, staffing, suppliers, budgets, projects, maintenance, and reporting through a centralised platform.

About the Role

As a Volunteer Business Systems Developer, you will design and implement the retreat's management infrastructure using platforms such as Airtable, Notion, ClickUp, Monday, Odoo, or similar database solutions.

Working alongside the Operations and Procurement Consultants, you will translate operational requirements into practical digital systems that support the retreat from development through to full operation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build databases and operational dashboards
• Create workflows and automation systems
• Develop reporting and approval processes
• Design supplier directories and inventory registers
• Create staffing and project management systems
• Build operational tracking and performance tools
• Support scalable, transparent, and efficient operations

This role is essential to ensuring accountability, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Enjoys building systems that solve real-world problems
• Is organised, analytical, and process-driven
• Can translate complex operations into user-friendly workflows
• Communicates effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Is interested in African cultural development projects
• Is committed to long-term involvement and continuous improvement
• Is open to learning about Yoruba culture and the retreat's mission

Skills & Experience

• Experience with Airtable, Notion, ClickUp, Monday, Odoo, or similar platforms
• Experience creating workflow automation and reporting dashboards
• Strong database design and information architecture skills
• Experience documenting business processes and procedures
• Knowledge of procurement, inventory, project management, and operational reporting systems
• Ability to integrate multiple operational functions into a single platform

Desirable:

• Experience supporting hospitality, tourism, construction, or non-profit projects
• Knowledge of African development, cultural, or heritage initiatives

What You Will Gain

• Practical systems-development experience
• Portfolio-building opportunities
• Leadership mentorship and professional development
• Networking opportunities within a growing organisation
• Experience contributing to a purpose-driven project
• Creative freedom and personal growth
• Potential future paid opportunities
• Direct pathway to future leadership and operational roles
• Opportunity to help build a nationally recognised healing and education platform
• COS opportunities for top-performing team members

This role is designed as a long-term pathway into greater responsibility, professional growth, and potential paid opportunities as the organisation expands.

We believe in collectivism rather than individualism—as the platform grows, so do your opportunities, influence, and impact.

Additional Notes

This role may not be suitable if you:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteering
• Dislike detailed reporting or systems work
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Prefer not to contribute to strategic decision-making

To Apply

Please send:

• Your CV, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile (if available)
• A short introduction about yourself
• Why this mission resonates with you
• Any relevant experience, ideas, or vision you would bring to the role

We welcome people passionate about healing, justice, education, empowerment, and creating lasting community impact.

The Global Health Reform Initiative (GHRI) is seeking licensed Medical Doctors to provide virtual healthcare consultations through our telemedicine platform.

Responsibilities

Conduct virtual patient consultations

Assess symptoms and provide medical advice

Refer complex or emergency cases when necessary

Maintain accurate patient records

Support health education initiatives

Requirements

Medical degree and valid practicing license

Strong communication and clinical skills

Commitment to patient-centered care

Ability to provide virtual consultations

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable A-Level History tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"Over time I have become much more confident in tutoring and in essence this is making the sessions much more enjoyable for me. I like preparing new slides every week and discussing new content with my student." - Volunteer A-Level Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person. 

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to A-Level History

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of A-Level History concepts and specifications.

2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.

4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.

5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.

2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.

3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided

2. Safeguarding Level One Training

3. Skill Development opportunities

4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Medway are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

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

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• 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 in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will 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 are all useful to a school. But 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 9/10 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.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

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