External relations associate volunteer roles in Manchester

Unreal offers support and information to people with lived experience of Depersonalisation and Derealisation (DPDR) - including people experiencing symptoms themselves and their carers, friends and families. We aim to raise awareness of DPDR, provide up-to date clinically-validated information, signpost people to relevant resources, push for policy change, assist in research studies and enable people living with DPDR to speak with others through our flagship Peer Support Programme to help support each other.

We are supported by a dedicated network of volunteers and ambassadors whose expertise and lived experience are central to what we do.

Despite being a small and relatively young charity, officially founded in 2019, we have established ourselves as the leading voice on DPDR in the UK and are proud of what we have achieved.

Unreal enters this next chapter from a position of real strength. We have established ourselves as the leading charity for DPDR in the UK, with a peer support programme that continues to grow in demand, strong relationships with clinicians, policymakers and researchers, and a clear strategic direction.

We have recently set our key priorities for 2026 to 2030, and we are looking for new board members who are excited to help us deliver on that ambition.

This is a significant moment for the charity. We are recruiting for trustees at a time when we have strong foundations, a clear sense of purpose, and real momentum. The people who join us now will help shape the next chapter of Unreal.

At such a pivotal time for the charity, and to help achieve our ambitions, we are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Trustees.

We are currently recruiting:

• A HR/Governance Trustee

• A Finance Trustee

• A Fundraising Trustee

We welcome applications from people with or without previous trustee experience. What matters most is your commitment to our mission and the skills and perspectives you bring.

We have attached our recruitment pack with details of the individual roles. 

Time commitment

• Board meetings: monthly (9 per year), held online

• Full trustee days, held in person: twice a year

• Online Trustee meetings, twice a year

• Additional time required for specific projects or sub-committees

Support for new trustees

We are committed to making trusteeship at Unreal as accessible and rewarding as possible. All new board members will receive a full induction and training

Expenses

All reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out your role as a trustee will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy.

What we are looking for

We are not looking for a particular type of person. We are looking for the right people. Within our trustees and board, we aim to bring together a range of skills, backgrounds and perspectives. 

Full role specifications for each position are included below. These set out the specific skills, experience and qualities we are looking for, alongside the responsibilities of the role.

In addition to the specified roles below, we will also be recruiting more widely, and welcome applications from anyone who fulfils the below general criteria. 

We particularly welcome applications from:

• People with lived experience of DPDR, including carers, friends and family members.

• Clinicians and researchers working in the field.

Skills and experience that are valuable to us include:

• Finance

• Fundraising

• HR

• Governance

• Expertise in the mental health or charity sector. 

We ask all trustees to commit to a term of three to four years. The Chair may be appointed for a term of up to five years.

Before you apply

Trustees of Unreal must meet the following eligibility criteria. Please check these before applying.

You must:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Not be automatically disqualified under the Charities Act 2011. This includes any person: with undischarged bankruptcy those who has been declared bankrupt; that has entered into an IVA; been disqualified as a company director; or that has certain unspent criminal convictions relating to dishonesty, fraud or contempt of court

• Have no safeguarding restrictions that would prevent you from working with vulnerable people

• Be willing to declare any conflicts of interest and to complete a DBS check

If you are unsure whether any of the above applies to you, the Charity Commission website has further guidance.

All trustees are expected to uphold Unreal's Code of Conduct for Board Members. A copy will be shared with shortlisted candidates and must be signed on appointment.

General Trustee Responsibilities

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.

• Integrity, sound judgement and professionalism.

• Ability to contribute to effective governance and strategic decision-making.

• Willingness to act in the charity’s best interests at all times.

• Ability to work collaboratively and constructively as part of a board.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Understanding of confidentiality, accountability and conflicts of interest.

• Awareness of safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion responsibilities.

• Financial awareness and responsible oversight of resources.

• Sufficient time and commitment to fulfil trustee duties and attend meetings.

• Willingness to undertake training and ongoing development.

• Relevant professional, leadership, governance or lived experience would be advantageous.

How to apply

To apply, please send the following:

• A CV or brief summary of your relevant experience

• A short personal statement of up to 250 words setting out what you would bring to Unreal and why the role appeals to you

We ask that any applications submitted are in the candidate’s own words. 

Deadline

The closing date for applications is 27 August 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place in September 2026.

The Recruitment Process

We want to make this process as straightforward and human as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal conversation with one or more of our trustees, giving you a chance to find out more about us and for us to learn more about you. Successful candidates will then be invited to a formal panel interview with set questions. 

Interviews will be held virtually, though if you would prefer to meet in person we will do our best to accommodate this.

We are committed to making this process as accessible as possible. If you require any adjustments to support your application or participation in the interview process, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, including in how we recruit. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of DPDR, and from those who are underrepresented in charity leadership.

Are you an experienced Board-level leader passionate about education, social mobility, STEM, and creating opportunities for young people?

The Engineering Development Trust (EDT) is seeking an exceptional Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership to its Board. This opportunity would suit an experienced Chair, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Board Member, CEO, Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leader with expertise in governance, strategy, financial stewardship and organisational leadership who is passionate about education, STEM and social impact.

 We’re looking for someone with senior leadership experience, strong understanding of charity governance and finance, and the ability to support and challenge at Board level.

About EDT

EDT is a UK-wide education charity delivering over 50,000 learning experiences each year through the Industrial Cadets Awards. We bring together employers, educators and young people aged 9–21, helping them explore STEM pathways and access rewarding future careers. EDT plays a critical role in tackling skills gaps, improving social mobility and increasing diversity across STEM industries.

About the Role

This is a high-impact trustee leadership opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of a national charity. As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, financial oversight and organisational effectiveness.

You will work closely with the Chief Executive, acting as a trusted sounding board while maintaining accountability for delivering EDT’s mission and strategy. You will also act as an ambassador, representing EDT to partners, funders and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees
• Ensure effective charity governance and compliance
• Oversee financial health and sustainability
• Support and challenge the Chief Executive
• Lead Board development and performance
• Act as an external ambassador for EDT

About You

We are seeking a collaborative, strategic and values-driven leader with experience operating at Board, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Chair, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leadership level.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership, executive, trustee or non-executive experience
• Strong understanding of charity governance, corporate governance, risk management, financial oversight and organisational strategy
• Experience working with Boards, Trustees, Committees or governing bodies
• The ability to provide both support and constructive challenge to senior executives and leadership teams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, partnership-building and ambassadorial skills
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, social mobility and creating opportunities for young people
• Strong judgement, integrity and a passion for delivering social impact

Experience gained within the charity, not-for-profit, third sector, education, STEM, skills development, employability, workforce development, youth development, public sector or social enterprise sectors would be particularly valuable, although candidates from the commercial sector with relevant governance experience are equally encouraged to apply.

Commitment

• Approx. 4 Board meetings per year plus committee involvement
• Regular engagement with the Chief Executive
• Attendance at key events and stakeholder meetings

This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Why join EDT?

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the UK, while helping to address critical skills shortages in STEM. You will join a committed Board and executive team and play a central role in shaping EDT’s future at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the sector.

We welcome applications from experienced trustees, board members, non-executive directors, charity leaders, public sector leaders, education leaders and senior executives who share our commitment to improving outcomes for young people and strengthening the future STEM workforce. We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board.

We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.

We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling.