Inclusion volunteer roles

About us

The CFDN is a registered charity and voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families of all faiths and none across Essex & East London. Our mission is simple but important: to serve people with disabilities and their families by creating a supportive community and promoting opportunity through our network and events.​

Our charity is run by volunteers and led by our trustees and CEO, who are dedicated to keeping our community strong and vibrant. From swimming events at Leyton Lagoon to family disco's, bi-weekly pub group for adults, Saturday club for adults, theatre trips, family BBQs, seaside coach trips, adventure days at Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning and much more, we offer a diverse range of events to suit everyone's interests.
 

Introduction

We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our team of Volunteer Community Fundraisers and Event Coordinators. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities and their families and contribute to the betterment of your community. This is a rewarding and fulfilling role that allows you to share your skills, experiences, creativity, have fun and give back.

Please note this is not a paid role but the volunteer will be able to claim reasonable expenses in line with policy. We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 4 hours a month.

Location: Across East London and Essex, including Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Havering

Our Charity

The CFDN charity has been in existence since 1962 servicing people with disabilities and their families of all faiths and none across Essex and East London. We rely on our dedicated volunteers to help us support our community and enable people with disabilities with the social, emotional, spiritual and material support they may need.

Many of our volunteers have been with us for 20+ years, and we are looking to extend our dynamic and diverse workforce of volunteers and staff.

Responsibilities

- Help plan, organise and run fundraising initiatives and events

- Market and promote our events and activities across your area

- Assist with project management, including planning, organising, and executing community fundraising projects and events at a local level

- Participate in fundraising efforts face-to-face, online or remotely to support community programs

- Keep up to date with compliance, statutory and mandatory training provided by the charity. Opportunities to learn and develop.

- Promote a fun, welcoming and inclusive environment for our members.

- Work with other fundraisers and give feedback to the CEO and Trustees on fundraising activities and achievements

- Perform administrative tasks such as record keeping, event details, incident reporting and data entry

- Help execute the charity strategic plan and achieve our financial targets to continue our services for many years to come.

Experience

- You must have a genuine desire to help others.

- An understanding of the needs of people with disabilities or SEN or experience in supporting a family member/friend with SEND is desirable.

- Knowledge of event organising or the ability to learn

- Experience in fundraising events and activities or the desire to learn

- Good communication skills

- Ability to use a computer and access our central volunteer hub online

- Organisational skills for administrative abilities

This role is working with vulnerable adults and children; therefore, a satisfactory recruitment process and Disclosure and Barring Service check, including the adult and child barring lists, are required for the role.

As a Community Fundraising Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while gaining valuable experience in project management, leadership, and community engagement with the ability to progress skillsets and job opportunities.

Join our team today and be part of a positive community.

We are Looking for 1 – 2 Exceptional Volunteers! Use your expertise to help shape the future of care for children and families who need us most. Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is recruiting Non-Executive Members for our Income Generation Committee – inspiring leaders who can bring sharp insight, sector know-how and big-picture thinking to drive our fundraising, marketing and communications strategies forward. If you are experienced in the charity sector, passionate about fundraising and ready to make a strategic impact that genuinely changes lives, we would love to hear from you.

Duties and Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic insight, constructive challenge and guidance across income and marketing priorities.
• Share sector knowledge to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the income portfolio.
• Support the development of ambitious, innovative and sustainable fundraising approaches.
• Champion best practice in fundraising and marketing.
• Work collaboratively with Trustees, senior leaders and fellow committee members.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experienced in the non-profit sector, with substantial insight into the realities, challenges and opportunities of income generation today.
• Specialised in at least one (ideally more) of the following areas: Digital fundraising: digital acquisition, online giving, digital optimisation. Supporter journeys and engagement: insight-led supporter experience design. High-value fundraising and major campaigns: strategic planning, mobilisation, creative development, impact storytelling
• Forward-thinking: able to consider the bigger picture and ask the right questions to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborative and values-led, contributing constructively while upholding the organisation’s mission and values.
• Committed to volunteering, motivated to use their expertise to make a meaningful difference.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lambeth Links in their search for two new Trustees.

About Lambeth Links

Lambeth Links is the LGBTQIA+ community forum for Lambeth. We bring together people who live, work and socialise in the borough to share information, support each other and speak with a stronger voice.

Lambeth has a long history of LGBTQIA+ activism and culture. From early campaigning groups and community organisations to major events, the borough has often been at the centre of change. Lambeth Links builds on that history and works with partners across the borough to improve life for LGBTQIA+ people in times of both need and celebration.

We are now in a new phase of growth following three year funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. This funding helps us strengthen our core work and widen our reach across the borough.

We are seeking to appoint 2 Trustees with expertise in one of the following areas:

• Fundraising and Income Generation 
• People and Volunteering

About the Fundraising and Income Generation Trustee role

You will lead on fundraising and income generation at Board level. You will help Lambeth Links secure and grow the resources it needs to deliver its plans in a sustainable way.

Experience and knowledge:

• Experience in fundraising, business development, partnerships or income generation.
• Understanding of at least one area of fundraising such as grants, corporate partnerships, events or individual giving.
• Experience of developing or reviewing funding proposals or business cases.

​​​​​​​About the ​​​​​​​People and Volunteering Trustee role

You will lead on people and volunteering at Board level. You will support safe, fair and inclusive approaches to staff and volunteer involvement as Lambeth Links grows.​​​​​

Experience and knowledge:

• Experience in HR, people management, organisational development or volunteer management.
• Understanding of fair and inclusive people practices in small or medium organisations.
• Experience of supporting managers or volunteers through change, growth or challenge.

The food system is unsustainable and unjust, and it’s damaging the health of a generation. We are a youth activist movement set up to challenge a food system that’s been set up to fool us all. We're looking for a new Chair who shares our passion for empowering youth leadership and transforming our food system

Are you passionate about supporting people impacted by substance misuse and involved in the criminal justice system? Join our specialist service dedicated to helping individuals on probation make positive changes in their lives.

As a Dependency & Recovery Support Volunteer, you’ll work closely with our Dependency and Recovery Coordinators and partner agencies based at Kitts Green probation office to deliver tailored support to adult males on probation. Your role will include:

• Assisting with drug and alcohol interventions
• Encouraging motivation and goal-setting
• Supporting individuals to reduce substance misuse and offending behaviour

What we’re looking for:

• Empathy and understanding of the issues faced by those in recovery and the criminal justice system
• A commitment to supporting positive change
• Reliability and a non-judgmental attitude

What we offer:

• Comprehensive training (some via eLearning – laptop access required)
• Valuable experience in a supportive environment
• Ongoing guidance and support
• A chance to make a meaningful impact in your community

If you're ready to be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you!

Important Information:

• This volunteer role is based at Kitts Green Probation office on Tuesdays afternoon or all day Wednesday 
• This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and HMPPS Enhanced Level 1 vetting
• Please ensure you complete the Personal Statement section of the application – it’s essential for shortlisting

 For full details, please read the attached role description.

​Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

Community and Fundraising Volunteers play a vital role in raising funds and awareness to support mums experiencing perinatal mental health challenges. This is a friendly, hands-on role where you’ll help plan, prepare, and deliver fundraising and community engagement activities. From supporting events and running stalls to chatting with supporters and sharing information about MumsAid’s services, you’ll be an important part of a welcoming and supportive team. 

No previous experience is required — just enthusiasm, reliability, and a genuine desire to support mums and their families. 

What will you be doing? 

• Supporting the planning and delivery of fundraising and community events, such as charity stalls, coffee mornings, sponsored activities, and awareness days. 

• Helping to create a lively, positive, and welcoming atmosphere at MumsAid events. 

• Engaging with members of the public, supporters, and participants, celebrating their involvement and encouraging donations. 

• Talking to people about MumsAid’s work and signposting to support where appropriate. 

• Assisting with event set-up and pack-down to ensure everything runs smoothly. 

• Handling cash and card donations responsibly, in line with MumsAid procedures. 

• Helping to raise awareness of perinatal mental health and the importance of early support. 

• Being part of a team that helps make MumsAid events inspiring, inclusive, and memorable. 

• Following MumsAid’s policies and procedures, including health and safety and safeguarding, to ensure events run smoothly. 

What skills and qualities can you bring? 

• Warm, welcoming, and friendly personality. 

• Enthusiastic and positive, with a willingness to get involved and encourage others. 

• Comfortable chatting with people from a range of backgrounds. 

• Able to work as part of a team and follow guidance from staff. 

• Reliable, punctual, and committed to agreed volunteer shifts. 

• Comfortable being outdoors in all weathers when required. 

• Able to stand for several hours or bring something to sit on if needed. 

• Able to travel independently to event locations. 

• Supportive of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and respectful of confidentiality and boundaries. 

What is in it for me? 

• Join a friendly, welcoming, and supportive volunteer team. 

• Be part of a community-focused charity making a real difference for mums and families. 

• Access to guidance and any relevant training to help you feel confident in your role. 

• Gain experience in volunteering, events, and fundraising. 

• Receive clear communication and support from the MumsAid fundraising and events team, including event details and meeting points. 

• Volunteer t-shirt and any event materials provided. 

• Reimbursement of pre-agreed travel expenses (with receipts). 

Bring your energy, positivity, and enthusiasm to MumsAid’s Community and Fundraising Team and help make a meaningful difference for mums and families in your community. Your support truly matters.

As a Volunteer Fundraiser for unpaid carers, you will play a key part in helping Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing secure funding that enables us to continue and expand our vital services for unpaid carers across the borough.

Working alongside senior managers, you will help identify and apply for funding opportunities, assist with administrative and community-based fundraising activities, and represent the charity in local events. Your support will directly contribute to improving the quality of life for carers by enabling new services, resources, and opportunities.

This role is ideal for someone with good communication and organisational skills who enjoys building connections and making a tangible difference in the community.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Research and help identify funding opportunities relevant to our work with carers.

• Support senior managers with administrative tasks linked to grant applications and fundraising.

• Keep accurate records of fundraising activity, donations, and outcomes.

• Attend and help organise fundraising events that support our mission.

• Assist or lead in writing small grant applications

• Collect and log donated items for our range of services.

• Monitor when key funding streams renew or reopen, ensuring timely applications.

• Carry out any other agreed tasks related to fundraising and community engagement.

• To carry out the above tasks in accordance with the policies of Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing, including our Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Health & Safety.

Preferred Skills and Qualities

• Good understanding of marketing and community engagement.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Organised, reliable, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Experience writing small or medium, funding applications.

• Willingness to travel across the borough to attend events (expenses reimbursed).

• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

• Able to understand and work within resource and role boundaries.

• Passionate about achieving a high-quality service for unpaid carers in Hillingdon.

• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

What You Will Gain

• Purpose and fulfilment: Contribute directly to sustaining and growing services that support unpaid carers.

• Professional experience: Gain valuable insight into charity fundraising, marketing, and community partnerships.

• Skill development: Strengthen your communication, writing, and organisational

skills.

• Confidence building: Engage with funders, local businesses, and the public in meaningful ways.

• Training and support: Receive full induction and ongoing training and guidance from experienced staff.

• Recognition: Be part of a supportive team, attend volunteer celebrations, and receive references or certificates for your contribution.

Additional Notes / Special Requirements

• Flexible working hours and days.

• An enhanced DBS check and references will be required before commencing the role.

• Travel expenses reimbursed in line with Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing’s volunteer policy.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is seeking an experienced and dedicated academic with a strong interest in paediatric palliative care, or related field to join our Research Governance Committee as a Volunteer Academic Member. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of research at a research active children’s hospice, to ensure that our research activities meet the highest standards of integrity, ethics and governance. 

You will work with the Committee Chair, the Research Fellow, and other committee members to support research that makes a meaningful difference to children with life-limiting conditions and their families as well as bereaved families, including those where a child died unexpectedly. 

Appointment to the Committee will be subject to confirmation by the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Trustee Board.

Duties and key responsibilities

· Participate in quarterly meetings: Attend and contribute to online committee meetings held four times per year (papers and slide deck will be prepared by the Chair). 

· Review research proposals: Provide expert review of project proposals, contributing to the assurance of ethical and governance standards. 

· Support research oversight: Help ensure that all research complies with regulatory and ethical requirements and reflects best practices. 

· Contribute academic expertise: Share your knowledge and experience to strengthen the quality and impact of the charity’s research portfolio. 

· Promote collaboration: Encourage partnerships between Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and wider academic, clinical, and research communities. 

· Champion good governance: Actively promote equity, transparency, and excellence in research oversight. 

Essential skills and experience

· Proven experience in academic research, research governance, and research ethics. 

· Strong academic background in higher education, and health or social care research. 

· In-depth understanding of research compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HRA, UKRIO, Caldicott Guidelines, or equivalent). 

· Ability to evaluate research proposals and provide constructive feedback. 

· Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

· Confidence using virtual meeting platforms and digital collaboration tools. 

Desirable attributes

• Academic research background with a track record of publications in the area of paediatric palliative care or related field.

• Previous experience serving on or chairing a research committee or governance board.

• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.

Commitment

• Quarterly committee meetings (Approximately 1 hour per meeting).

• Reviewing project proposals (Approximately 1 hour per month).

• Email communication and ad hoc queries (Approximately 1 hour per month).

• 2–3 years in the role would be appreciated for both parties to gain the most out of this experience.

• This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses related to attendance and participation will be reimbursed. 

​Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

Are you passionate about supporting people impacted by substance misuse and involved in the criminal justice system? Join our specialist service dedicated to helping individuals on probation make positive changes in their lives.

As a Dependency & Recovery Support Volunteer, you’ll work closely with our Dependency and Recovery Coordinators and partner agencies based at Redditch Probation office to deliver tailored support to adult males on probation. Your role will include:

• Assisting with drug and alcohol interventions
• Encouraging motivation and goal-setting
• Supporting individuals to reduce substance misuse and offending behaviour

What we’re looking for:

• Empathy and understanding of the issues faced by those in recovery and the criminal justice system
• A commitment to supporting positive change
• Reliability and a non-judgmental attitude

What we offer:

• Comprehensive training (some via eLearning – laptop access required)
• Valuable experience in a supportive environment
• Ongoing guidance and support
• A chance to make a meaningful impact in your community

If you're ready to be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you!

Important Information:

• This volunteer role is based at Redditch Probation office on Mondays or Tuesdays  10 - 2pm
• This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and HMPPS Enhanced Level 1 vetting
• Please ensure you complete the Personal Statement section of the application – it’s essential for shortlisting

 For full details, please read the attached role description.

Lay Trustee – Digital Transformation, Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS)

Location: Hybrid, with attendance at London meetings Remuneration: Unremunerated (expenses covered)

Type: Non-Executive / Governance Role

About the Royal College of Surgeons of England

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) is a historic and globally recognised professional body, dedicated to advancing surgical practice, improving patient outcomes, and influencing healthcare standards worldwide. With 26,000 members and a mission that touches clinicians, students, policymakers, and the public, the College plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of surgery.

RCS is partway through an ambitious programme of digital modernisation. Following significant recent investment in platforms, infrastructure, data systems and digital capability, the College is entering a new and exciting phase: turning strong digital foundations into genuine organisational transformation.

This is a rare opportunity to influence digital strategy at national level within an institution committed to modernising, becoming more agile, and expanding its impact across the health landscape.

What You Can Look Forward To

As a Lay Trustee on the Digital Committee, you will help shape the future digital direction of a high-impact organisation at a genuine turning point.

You will:

· Guide and Influence Strategic Digital Transformation

· Provide Robust Challenge and Expert Insight

· Champion a Confident, Ethical and Forward-Thinking Approach

· Coach and Encourage Teams Driving Change

· Shape the Digital Culture of a National Institution

Why This Role Matters

· The organisation is at a pivotal moment.

· Your expertise will directly influence national impact.

· You will support an organisation genuinely trying to evolve.

· You will be part of a warm, committed and mission-driven Board.

About You

The College is seeking a strategic digital leader who can challenge constructively, inspire confidence, and bring fresh perspective.

Skills and Experience

· Strong grounding in digital transformation, either from a “hard tech” perspective (systems, data, infrastructure) or “soft digital” (web, UX, content, CRM engagement) - ideally with appreciation for both.

· Understanding of data strategy, CRM value, and digital member/user engagement.

· Awareness of cybersecurity, technology resilience and digital risk.

· Knowledge of responsible and ethical AI, with a positive and future-oriented outlook.

· Experience in membership organisations, B2C digital engagement, or resource-constrained environments is highly advantageous.

· Ability to operate confidently at Board level, providing high-quality governance oversight without becoming operational.

Personal Attributes

· Strategic, visionary and ambitious - yet pragmatic about scale and resources.

· Empathetic, relatable and skilled at building trust.

· A natural coach and mentor who builds confidence in others.

· Comfortable challenging senior stakeholders constructively.

· Values-driven, collaborative, and motivated by public-good impact.

Recruitment Timeline

To ensure equitable access to information and uphold the RCS’ commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Wednesday 22nd April 2026 and we will send you a link.

Application Deadline: 5pm Friday 8th May 2026

Interviews: w/c 25th May 2026

​Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

By joining us, you will play a pivotal role in our Professional Development Programme (PDP), which supports career changers and newcomers to the UK in bridging employment gaps and tackling discrimination in the job market. We are currently working towards SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) certification to provide formal accreditation for the time our team members spend with us. This will allow participants to count their contribution as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), a vital step for those qualifying via the SQE route. This is a unique opportunity to deliver tangible community impact while directly enhancing the employability and professional standing of legal professionals.

Head of Department (Legal)

The Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity for a career step-up, providing experience in managing legal teams and departmental operations within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring every individual we support is empowered to achieve their full potential.

Role Purpose

The Head of Department (Legal) oversees a team of dedicated legal professionals and graduates who operate in a capacity similar to paralegals. You will bridge the gap between Directors and the legal team, turning high-level objectives into actionable legal support plans while ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct and social justice advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Developing and managing the legal department’s roadmap to support Quilombo UK’s social justice initiatives.

• Team Supervision: Overseeing the work of legal graduates, many of whom are working towards their LLM (Master of Laws), ensuring their contributions are technically sound and ethically grounded.

• Departmental Leadership: Coaching the legal team to maintain 100% project visibility and ensuring all work meets the rigorous standards required for future SRA accreditation.

• Social Justice Advocacy: Managing caseloads and research projects that tackle systemic inequalities and discrimination within the community.

• Operational Control: Maintaining 100% visibility of all legal tasks via project management tools and providing weekly reports to Directors on risks, progress, and Work in Progress (WIP).

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, Graphic Design, PR, and Production teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support.

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Financial Incentives

• 15% Profit Share: A share of the commission for work carried out, divided among individuals at the HoD level for specific tasks.

• 10% Business Development: An additional commission if new work or clients are brought into the organisation independently by the HoD.

Requirements

• A strong legal background (GDL, or equivalent) with a deep commitment to social justice.

• Experience in a supervisory or management role, ideally overseeing paralegals or junior legal researchers.

• A clear understanding of the SRA regulatory framework and the requirements for Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references