Environment volunteer roles

Volunteer Prospect Researcher
This role supports our fundraising efforts by identifying and researching potential donors, funders, and partners. Responsibilities include online research, data analysis, and preparing prospect profiles to support strategic fundraising.

What we’re looking for:

• Strong attention to detail and good organisational skills

• Comfort working with data, research, or CRM/databases (training can be provided where needed)

• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality

• An interest in fundraising and supporting our mission

What we offer:

• Flexible, remote volunteering opportunities

• The chance to develop or apply valuable fundraising and data skills

• A supportive team environment and meaningful contribution to our work

Whether you’re a jobseeker interested in a career in construction or woodwork, a student or recent college graduate seeking experience, or just someone with spare time on your hands, wanting to do something positive and meet new people, volunteering with the Touch Wood project at EMERGE 3Rs may be just the ticket!

Touch Wood is a wood recycling and upcycling initiative, which collects surplus and waste wood and timber and gives it a new lease of life, preventing it from being burned, chipped, or dumped in landfill.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Preparing wood for resale

* Assisting with the construction of wooden products, from small household items to pieces of furniture

Our Touch Wood volunteers are able to gain skills in practical woodworking, as we offer hands-on experience of working with reclaimed timber; from making basic lumber products ready for resale, through to assisting with the creation of bespoke items, such as kitchen equipment and home and garden furniture.

Full training in woodworking and health and safety is provided, along with Personal Protection Equipment.

The UK generates around 5 million tonnes of wood waste every year, but less than 1% is reused. Touch Wood rescues waste timber that would otherwise be landfilled or turned into woodchip; creating jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged local people at the same time. We collect from construction sites, industrial estates and other commercial sources, reclaiming everything from pallets to indoor cycle tracks – you name it, we take it! Anything we can’t reuse is locally recycled, so nothing goes to waste. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with disposing of waste wood, offers cost savings for DIY enthusiasts, and provides training and job potential to volunteers in the workshop. Some of the timber we work with comes from high profile sources, including the entire track of the Manchester Velodrome cycling centre and wood removed in the recent refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Town Hall!

Our skilled team of staff and volunteers often use reclaimed timber to create beautiful and practical products, such as home and garden furniture. We regularly create bespoke pieces to order; some of it for famous clients like Olympic cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny, for whom we made a table from the Manchester Velodrome track.

Please be advised that our volunteers require a fair level of physical fitness and manual dexterity as the role is entirely practical.

Our Touch Wood workshop and wood store is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4pm.
We occupy a unit at Maynard House, inside New Smithfield Market, in Openshaw, North Manchester, which is accessed from the main entrance on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road). The site is served well by buses, and we have free parking onsite, as well as secure storage racks for pushbikes.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Do you want to co-ordinate vegan volunteering?

As an Organiser, you would be the caretaker of your local area. This is the more time-intensive role but so rewarding! Tasks would be emailed to you directly every month by our Volunteering Coordinator, who would be your main point of contact here at The Vegan Society. It would then be your job to send out the task to Advocates in your local area and get feedback from them. You'll also be able to ask your Advocates for help with any stalls and lobbying. Every Organiser receives an outreach pack, including a table runner, leaflets and banners. We make sure you are fully supported with an Organisers' WhatsApp group for socialising and ideas. We also have a monthly gathering on video.

What does the Organiser role involve? 

Every month, you will be sent a collection of tasks to choose from. We create these from our programme of campaigns. You would be the point of contact for Advocates in your area, sharing these tasks and coordinating activities, such as stalls and lobbying councillors. We will provide you with a campaign toolkit and be in regular contact with you to ensure you have everything you need. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group and WhatsApp chat.

We would expect you to provide any updates from your group and give feedback on each task. It's vital that we measure the impact that we are having, in terms of positive conversations and leaflets handed out. You can also give us ideas you have for future outreach tasks or campaigning. Many Organisers find a huge sense of satisfaction, improvement in self-esteem and enjoy the social side of volunteering in this role.

You will also be responsible for welcoming new Advocates in your area. We will let you know when somebody new applies, and you will help them to get involved with any activities. As the main contact for Advocates, this role does require some awareness of safeguarding and data protection procedures and policy. There will be full training on your role in this, as well as a handbook and ongoing guidance and support. 

What training and support is available? 

There will be a full induction to the role, with a gradual introduction of new tasks and responsibilities. To start with, we will provide an initial training session to cover the basics of community organising, communication skills and event planning. This will be done remotely from wherever you are. Along with this, we will provide a full pack of resources that covers a range of work that we do. 

From there, there will be regular conversations and reviews, where we can discuss other training requirements. Staff are always available to Organisers for any questions, via phone or email. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

• Great organisational skills
• Experience of coordinating people
• Experience of working to specific dates and deadlines
• Good time keeping
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to motivate people around the topic of veganism
• Ability to stick to branding
• Ability to read emails in a timely manner and translate tasks into actions quickly
• Ability to report back on activities
• Excellent knowledge of vegan issues

How much time do I need to invest?

You should be able to commit around two days a month to carry out actions, and this is usually spread out across the month. We also expect timely responses to emails. When a new Advocate applies to work with you, we would like them to be contacted within seven days via email.

AI Technologies for Africa has developed Peniang, a comprehensive waste management ecosystem that connects citizens, collectors, and recyclers to foster a profitable circular economy.

Rapid urbanization is creating a global waste crisis, with municipal solid waste expected to reach 3.4 billion tons by 2050. Uncontrolled disposal sites are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and millions of tons of plastic leak into our oceans every year. Without smarter systems to manage collection and disposal, the negative impact on human health and the environment will become irreversible.

Our platform, Peniang, transforms waste management into an intelligent, data-driven process. Users can report full bins for immediate collection or schedule pickups, while our AI predicts the volume and type of waste to optimize the entire collection chain. We incentivize responsible behavior through an ecological reward system and an integrated marketplace for eco-friendly products. By combining predictive analytics with community education, we are turning waste from a liability into a resource for a cleaner future.

About the Role

We are seeking a Fundraising & Grants Specialist to help secure funding for the launch of our pilot program. This role will support identifying grants, climate funds, and accelerator opportunities aligned with circular economy and environmental innovation.

Responsibilities

• Identify relevant grants, impact investors, and funding programs
• Support preparation of grant proposals and applications
• Improve fundraising strategy and funding roadmap
• Help develop investment materials (pitch decks, funding narratives)
• Support partnerships with foundations and climate initiatives

Ideal Candidate

• Experience with grant writing or fundraising
• Interest in climate tech, circular economy, or sustainability
• Strong research and writing skills
• Familiarity with startup ecosystems or social enterprises

Impact

Your work will directly help launch our pilot program and support technology that aims to reduce plastic pollution and build sustainable urban systems in Africa.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals. You will have a pivotal role in giving back to the Cumbrian Community and make many friends along the way in our St John Team

Interviews will take place from the end of January through to April. We will try to contact you to organise an interview within 1-3 weeks of your application.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter

Closing date for these opportunities is: 25/03/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Upcycle Africa delivers an integrated, circular solution that transforms plastic pollution into affordable housing, dignified jobs, and sustainable local economies.

Africa faces interconnected crises of plastic pollution, unsafe housing, and high youth unemployment. In Uganda, hundreds of tonnes of plastic are generated daily, with most ending up in drainage channels or burned, leading to toxic emissions and frequent flooding. Simultaneously, millions of low-income households live in homes vulnerable to extreme weather, while the youngest population in the world struggles to find formal, dignified employment.

Upcycle Africa tackles these challenges through a community-led circular model. We establish collection hubs where youth and women are trained to process waste into raw materials. These materials are then used to manufacture eco-bricks and modular components for durable, flood-resistant, and thermally efficient homes. To date, we have diverted over 3 million plastic bottles from the environment, constructed 300 eco-homes sheltering 1,800 people, and integrated 2,500 waste collectors into safe, green value chains.

About the Role

We are looking for a creative and strategic Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager to help elevate Upcycle Africa’s global presence and strengthen our visibility among investors, partners, and impact communities.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and manage a consistent social media strategy
• Create engaging content (LinkedIn, Instagram, X, etc.)
• Share impact stories, project updates, and milestones
• Support campaign visibility (including Change 100)
• Improve engagement and audience growth

Ideal Background

• Experience managing social media for brands or startups
• Strong storytelling and content creation skills
• Understanding of sustainability or social impact space

Expected Impact

Stronger visibility will help attract investors, corporate partners, skilled volunteers, and global recognition.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

The Organisation

The 5% Club is a national dynamic movement of employers committed to “Earn and Learn” as part of building and developing the workforce they need for a socially mobile, prosperous and cohesive nation. We exist to help our Members and all employers increase further the number, quality and range of Earn and Learn opportunities across the UK. By joining The 5% Club, our Members aspire to achieve 5% of their workforce in Earn and Learn positions (including apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formalised training schemes) within five years of joining.

The 5% Club now represents over 1250 organisations with 2m employees, of which almost 121,000 are in on-the-job training – an average, of more than 6?ross the movement. Our mission is rooted in employers taking a proactive role in addressing the UK’s critical skills challenges. It’s about developing people with the right skills to forge meaningful career paths and its members represent some of the gold standards of training and skills development.

We want roles such as apprenticeships, sponsored student placements, graduate programmes and upskilling to be accessible to all. By “all,” we mean the spectrum of Britain’s social diversity – racial, cultural, gender, age, background and more. The end goal is to drive up shared prosperity in the country by enlisting all manner of organisation sizes (from SMEs, for whom “5%” means one person – to FTSE100 household names employing tens of thousands) as Members, who then sign the Charter committing to building a workforce with at least 5% of their employees in Earn and Learn roles.

The 5% Club has strong connections to the Government, industry bodies and education partners and this plays a huge part in advocacy and change.

To find out more about what we do, visit our website.

The Role

The Chair of the Board provides strategic leadership to the charity, ensuring it is well governed, financially sustainable, and delivering meaningful impact for its beneficiaries. The role requires an experienced and collaborative leader who can support the Chief Executive, guide the Board, and uphold the highest standards of charity governance.

Key responsibilities

Governance Leadership

• Lead the Board in ensuring the charity fulfils its mission, complies with its governing document, and meets all legal and regulatory requirements (including Charity Commission expectations).
• Ensure the Board operates effectively, with the right balance of skills, diversity, and experience. Lead regular Board effectiveness reviews and support ongoing trustee development.
• Uphold the principles of good governance, encouraging constructive challenge, accountability, and high ethical standards.

Strategic Oversight

• Work with trustees and the Chief Executive to set the charity’s long-term vision, strategy, and priorities.
• Ensure appropriate systems are in place to monitor performance, impact, and risk. Oversee the quality of impact reporting, ensuring the charity communicates its outcomes effectively.
• Champion organisational learning, innovation, and responsiveness to change in the external environment.

Supporting and Challenging the Chief Executive

• Provide support, guidance, and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive.
• Maintain a strong, transparent, and trusting working relationship with the Chief Executive.
• Undertake formal annual appraisal of the Chief Executive and ensure the Board supports their performance and development.
• Act as the Chief Executive’s point of escalation for urgent or exceptional decisions requiring Chair involvement.

Board Leadership & Culture

• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring inclusive and balanced discussions and clear decisions.
• Ensure committees function effectively and are properly delegated while maintaining appropriate oversight.
• Build a collaborative board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and maintaining a focus on beneficiaries. Lead succession planning across the Board – and supporting Committees – and ensure recruitment reflects diversity and skill needs.
• Lead trustee recruitment, induction, and succession planning (except for the recruitment of a new Chair).

External Representation

• Act as an ambassador for the charity, representing it with key stakeholders, funders, partners, regulators, and the media (as appropriate).
• Support the Chief Executive and senior team in relationship-building with donors, sponsors, and strategic partners.
• Promote the charity’s reputation and influence within relevant sectors. Represent the Charity in policy, advocacy and employer-facing forums where appropriate.

Risk, Finance & Compliance

• Ensure robust financial oversight, including budgeting, audit, reserves, and investment policies.
• Oversee risk management and ensure the Board receives timely information to make informed decisions.
• Ensure the charity maintains high standards in safeguarding, health & safety, data protection, and other statutory areas. Provide assurance over internal control systems and review the annual report and accounts prior to approval.

The Person

We are seeking an individual with substantial senior leadership experience, ideally a current or former business leader within an employer organisation, and prior experience as Chair of a commercial company, non-profit organisation, or charity. Experience in environments involving policy engagement or multistakeholder representation would be advantageous.

Essential Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience in a business, employer organisation, or large operational environment.
• Prior experience as Chair of a commercial company, charity, or non-profit.
• Experience of organisational governance, strategic planning, and risk oversight.
• Experience supporting or overseeing a Chief Executive or senior leadership team.
• Demonstrable experience building high-performing boards or teams.
• Experience engaging with Government, regulators, or policy-influencing environments.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in the charity sector, voluntary or community work, or public service.
• Experience with fundraising, commissioning, or managing external partnerships.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., Charity Commission guidance, safeguarding,data protection).
• Experience within a membership organisation or skills/employability-focused sector.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate insight into practical direction.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to chair meetings effectively and foster inclusive discussion.
• Integrity, independence of mind, and sound judgement.
• Ability to analyse complex information and make evidence-based decisions.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Confidence in ambassadorial and stakeholder-facing roles, including ability to represent the organisation publicly, including handling media or public scrutiny if required.

Personal Attributes

• Genuine alignment with the charity’s mission and values.
• Collaborative, supportive, and low-ego leadership style.
• Ability to challenge constructively and hold others to account.
• Resilient, calm under pressure, and capable of navigating ambiguity.
• High ethical standards and commitment to trusteeship responsibilities.
• Comfortable operating in high-visibility environments and representing the charity in national settings.

The Wellbeing Officer represents the voice of volunteers and helps ensure a positive, inclusive, and supportive chapter culture. You’ll provide a safe and approachable point of contact for volunteers, gather feedback, and raise concerns or suggestions with the committee where appropriate. The role involves developing a chapter wellbeing plan, promoting widening access, and creating a welcoming environment where volunteers feel heard and supported. You’ll also assist the President and Vice President with wider committee responsibilities.

Constantnople Enterprise delivers AI-enabled HDPE fish cages that boost productivity, reduce pollution, and support sustainable aquaculture across Kenya and the broader African region.

Fish farmers often rely on traditional cage systems that lack real-time monitoring and durability, leading to high mortality rates and inconsistent yields. This inefficiency contributes to food insecurity and environmental degradation, as unmanaged systems can cause water pollution and feed waste. With climate change bringing temperature fluctuations and oxygen depletion, farmers need adaptive technology to protect their livelihoods and freshwater ecosystems.

Constantnople provides a high-tech circular solution by integrating durable High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) cages with an AI-powered monitoring system. Our sensors track water quality parameters like dissolved oxygen and temperature in real time, while data analytics optimize feeding schedules to reduce waste and detect early signs of fish stress. By combining resilient physical infrastructure with digital intelligence, we empower farmers to increase productivity, improve survival rates, and promote responsible management of aquatic environments.

Role Description:

• Identify and pursue grants, impact investment, sponsorships, and donor funding opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with NGOs, government agencies, foundations, corporate partners, and impact investors.
• Prepare compelling proposals, pitch decks, and funding applications.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals and social impact metrics.
• Track and report on funding performance, donor engagement, and partnership outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal teams to quantify impact, collect data, and demonstrate program effectiveness to funders.
• Represent the organization at networking events, conferences, and fundraising forums.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Development Studies, Social Entrepreneurship, or related field.
• Proven experience in fundraising, grants management, or partnerships in the nonprofit or social enterprise sector.
• Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to craft compelling narratives about social impact and sustainability.
• Familiarity with impact metrics, monitoring, and evaluation is a plus.
• Self-motivated, strategic thinker, and team player with a passion for social impact.

Why Join Us:

• Contribute to scaling an innovative, socially-driven technology in aquaculture.
• Work directly with a passionate, multidisciplinary team committed to empowering marginalized communities.
• Opportunity to shape the growth strategy and create measurable social and environmental impact.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

NICOLA Arts is an artist-led charity and community space based in London, supporting young creatives, artists and local communities through art, culture and social projects. We are looking for volunteers to support our shop and community space, helping with daily activities, customer service, visual displays and the organisation of events, exhibitions and creative workshops. This is an ongoing volunteering opportunity with flexible shifts, ideal for students, creatives and anyone interested in gaining hands-on experience in an arts and community-led environment. Details Volunteers will support different aspects of the NICOLA Arts space, including: welcoming visitors and assisting customers helping with shop organisation and visual presentation supporting events, exhibitions, jam sessions and workshops assisting the team with day-to-day activities No previous experience is required — just enthusiasm, reliability and an interest in arts and community work

The Whiteley Homes Trust, “the Trust,” is a charity that manages Whiteley Village in Surrey. The purpose of the charity is to provide homes for older people of limited means from all over the country.  Founded over a hundred years ago in Walton on Thames, Surrey, the Village is located in 225 acres of beautiful grounds and is a very special place to live and work.

Established in 1917 the village has many Grade 2 listed buildings and provides housing for nearly 400 older people of limited means. There are 265 Almshouses and 51 extra care apartments and the Village also has a church, activity centre, pool, village hall, shop and community café. There is also a small number of market rent properties within the village.

Huntley House is CQC Registered Extra Care Accommodation in the heart of the Village. Our Support Team provide high quality support to residents 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This includes supporting people with complex needs to live as independently as possible, promoting dignity, choice, and wellbeing in line with CQC regulations and best practice standards.

This role is perfect for friendly, approachable individuals who enjoy interacting with people and creating a welcoming environment. As a Meet and Greet volunteer, you will play a vital part in ensuring residents, visitors, and team members feel comfortable and supported.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcoming Visitors: Greet residents, families, and guests with a warm and friendly attitude.
• Providing Directions: Assist visitors in navigating the village, directing them to specific locations, events, or team members.
• Administrative Tasks: Manage visitor sign-ins
• Companionship: Engage in light conversation with residents, offering a listening ear and fostering a sense of community.
•  

Person Specification

• A kind, patient, and empathetic nature.
• A good sense of humour and a positive attitude.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Gain valuable experience in a supportive and caring environment.
• Contribute to the well-being and happiness of the village community.
• Enjoy a sense of fulfilment and purpose.

Commitment

• Flexible days, ideally 10am-2pm, depending on your availability and the village’s needs..

• This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy making a difference in the lives of others while fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

N.B:  A DBS check will be mandatory for this position which the Trust will coordinate and pay for.

Foodbank Volunteer

Organisation: Olive Branch Aid
Location: Community-based foodbank and wellbeing centre
Time Commitment: Monday and/or alternate Wednesday’s, 10am - 1pm 

About Olive Branch Aid

Olive Branch Aid is a foodbank and wellbeing charity committed to supporting individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and related challenges. We provide food, practical support, and a welcoming, compassionate environment where people are treated with dignity and respect.

Role Purpose

As a Foodbank Volunteer, you will play a vital role in helping Olive Branch Aid deliver essential food and wellbeing support to our community. You will be part of a friendly, supportive team ensuring that clients receive the help they need in a safe, respectful, and non‑judgemental way.

Key Responsibilities

Typical tasks may include:

• Welcoming clients and providing a friendly, respectful point of contact

• Preparing and packing food parcels according to dietary needs and household size

• Stock checking, sorting, weighing, and rotating donated food items

• Replenishing shelves and maintaining an organised food storage area

• Assisting with food deliveries and collections (where appropriate)

• Supporting signposting to other wellbeing or support services

• Keeping the foodbank area clean, tidy, and safe

• Following food hygiene, health & safety, and safeguarding procedures

• Working collaboratively with staff and fellow volunteers

Skills and Experience

No formal qualifications are required. We are looking for volunteers who:

• Are friendly, reliable, and compassionate

• Have good communication and listening skills

• Are able to treat all clients with dignity and confidentiality

• Can work independently as well as part of a team

• Are physically able to handle light lifting and standing tasks (reasonable adjustments welcomed)

Full training and ongoing support will be provided.

What We Offer

• A welcoming and inclusive volunteering environment

• Training, guidance, and ongoing support

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your local community

• Experience working within a foodbank and wellbeing charity

Safeguarding & Equality

Olive Branch Aid is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all clients, volunteers, and staff. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Olive Branch Aid. Together, we can make a positive impact in our community.

What will you be doing?

People in Harmony (PIH) is a membership organisation dedicated to supporting mixed-race individuals, and interracial families, and couples. Established in 1972, PIH aims to promote positive experiences by challenging racism, prejudice, and ignorance. We provide information, support, and advocacy to our members and the wider community through education, celebration, and research.

We are seeking a new Chair at a pivotal moment in the Charity’s history. Following a strategic review, we are at the start of a five-year plan focused on building capacity, strengthening governance, and establishing a strong operational structure. Concurrently, in the next 10 years we aspire to expand training, consultancy, and policy influence, positioning PIH as a leading national organisation for mixed-race advocacy. As Chair, you will be central in delivering the organisation's strategy.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience at board level in a senior strategic leadership role, within the charity sector or a similar environment.
• Strong governance, strategic planning, and organisational skills.
• An inclusive leadership style; able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
• Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Able to listen and engage effectively; comfortable with challenge and debate and can encourage that in others while promoting a collaborative board environment.
• Passionate about the mission of PIH and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Lived experience and understanding of the challenges faced by mixed-race individuals and communities is preferable.

What difference will you make?

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction and ensuring effective governance.
• Ensure the Board operates within its charitable objectives and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Plan and facilitate cyclical committee meetings, ensuring they are well-organised, inclusive, and productive.
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Act as an ambassador for PIH, representing the charity at events and in the media.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with members, partners, and stakeholders to further the charity's mission.
• Oversee the organisation’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure key risks are identified, monitored and mitigated effectively.
• Support fundraising and grant application efforts and help secure resources necessary for the charity's sustainability.

Volunteer-led East London Waterworks Park won a 2024 NLA award and raised £2m towards buying the 14-acre Thames Water Depot (Lea Bridge Road) to turn into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming, forest schools, and community spaces.

We are looking for user experience researchers to participate in our community-led working group who are growing support of the project. There is opportunity to lead on projects exploring how architects, ecologists, community researchers, political campaigners, fundraisers and communications professions come together to create community infrastructure.  Online meetings are every 4 weeks on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet with remote tasks. 

What are we looking for?

Strong experience in qualitative/quantitative user research, research plan design/execution, data analysis, and synthesizing actionable insights. 

Proven ability to build rapport and engage diverse communities. Excellent collaborative spirit for multidisciplinary teamwork.

Genuine passion for community-led projects, environmental sustainability, and inclusive urban development.

By leading research projects that explore how diverse professionals collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that reflects the needs and desires of the local community. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire, educate, and engage, driving support for the park's mission and long-term sustainability.