Information management volunteer roles

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.

Chair

Harrogate Homeless Project

Board meetings take place at Springboard day centre, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1PP.

Harrogate Homeless Project is the leading charity in the Harrogate district supporting individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or recovering from homelessness. Our mission is to use our expertise to address the root causes of a person’s homelessness and support them to long-term independent living. We aim to influence local, regional and national policy to help deliver better outcomes for our clients.

We have bold ambitions to make a step change in the support given to our clients.  We benefit from strong and positive public awareness of our work.  That work is supported by a staff team of around 18 people, nearly 50 volunteers and strong links with partners including North Yorkshire Council, other charities and local businesses.

The next period promises to be exciting for Harrogate Homeless Project as we develop our direct services to clients, extend the support offered in our premises by partners, put our influencing of public policy on a firmer footing and to significantly invest in, and expand, our fundraising.

The role.

Our current Chair is leaving in a planned way to take up a non-executive role in another organisation.  We are seeking an exceptional successor to lead our Board and work with our executive team to progress our ambitious plans.

We are looking for someone with proven leadership qualities; you will also be well-connected with any of our key partner groups in North Yorkshire – charities, businesses and the public sector.  The highest levels of personal credibility are essential for this role and sound judgment in dealings with staff, clients and partners is essential. Our longer-term impact and sustainability rely on rigorous governance and statutory compliance.  You will ensure that our oversight, scrutiny and legal compliance arrangements are as strong as possible.

This is a great time to join us, as we work collaboratively with a diverse range of partners to bring hope and empowerment to our clients.  If you want to be part of this, we look forward to hearing from you.

The appointment is on a voluntary basis with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Information

Download the candidate brief from the vacancies section of our website to find out more about the role.

How to apply

To make an application, please visit the recruitment page of our website, read the candidate pack and submit:

• Your CV
• A covering letter (no more than two sides) that sets out how you match the criteria and describes the specific experience you can bring to the appointment to support Harrogate Homeless Project’s aims.

Recruitment timeline

Closing date: Friday 31 July 2026

Shortlisting: August 2026

Interviews: 14 September 2026 (provisional)

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow REMAP policies and procedures and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access these)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist, as well as a DBS check and reference check.

Where will I volunteer?

This role is largely home based, but will generally also involve visiting clients out in the community. Your local branches hold in-person meetings once a month or so.

Time commitment

This varies quite a lot depending on which cases come in, how complex they are and whether they fit your skills and experience, but it’s essentially a flexible role and there are no set hours.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

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.

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community by helping their local Oxfam shop to stay open for as long possible. We need people to open and close the shop, and ensure volunteers know what tasks to undertake so the shop can run smoothly.

No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Opening or closing the shop.
• Ensuring that the shop is ready to trade or cashing up at the end of trade
• Allocating tasks to members of the volunteer team.
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others
• Confident communicator

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports: Fundraising Managers

Team Structure: Fundraising Team 

Location: Remote, UK-based

Time Commitment: 12 months minimum | Part-time | Flexible hours

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head of Fundraising to lead and develop our fundraising strategy at a crucial time in Youth Advantage UK's growth. Reporting to the CEO, you’ll oversee a multi-disciplinary fundraising team and play a key role in shaping our strategy to secure the resources needed to support our mission.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraising leader who is ready to take on a leadership position, mentor a growing team, and make a tangible impact on the lives of those we serve. You will be instrumental in driving fundraising across diverse channels, from major donor cultivation to digital fundraising and events.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role, with no financial compensation or future paid opportunities attached. We encourage you to apply if you have relevant/transferrable skills for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and Execute Fundraising Strategy – Develop and drive a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes grant fundraising and aligns with the organisation’s mission and financial goals.
• Manage Fundraising Teams – Provide leadership to Fundraising Managers and the Partnerships Lead, ensuring successful delivery across all fundraising channels.
• Build Relationships with Major Donors – Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key donors, stakeholders, and potential partners to secure long-term support.
• Oversee Fundraising Events – Lead and support the planning, execution, and evaluation of fundraising events that engage donors and raise critical funds.
• Digital Fundraising – Oversee online giving campaigns and strategies to increase digital fundraising engagement and revenue.
• Reporting and Budgeting – Monitor fundraising progress, ensuring targets are met, and provide regular reports to the CEO and Board.
• Team Development – Mentor and coach the fundraising team, ensuring they are motivated, developed, and equipped to excel in their roles.
• Strategic Partnerships – Build and nurture community partnerships that expand our reach and increase funding.
• Brand Advocacy – Act as a passionate ambassador for the charity, enhancing its visibility in the charity sector and promoting its mission.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a dynamic leader with the skills and experience to make a positive impact. You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• Proven experience in fundraising, with a strong track record across digital campaigns, corporate partnerships and grant fundraising.
• Leadership experience in managing and developing fundraising teams or volunteers.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to think big and execute effectively in a resource-constrained environment.
• Hands-on experience in managing the day-to-day operations of fundraising campaigns while being able to step back and think at a strategic level.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders.
• A passion for the cause – a genuine belief in the mission of Youth Advantage UK and a commitment to making a difference.
• Familiarity with digital fundraising tools and social media platforms for promoting campaigns (desirable but not essential).
• Previous experience in volunteer-led organisations is a bonus.
• Remote working experience or comfort with managing teams virtually.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to lead a national HR function with real-world complexity and purpose.

• The opportunity to mentor and develop emerging HR talent.

• Practical experience shaping HR strategy within the third sector.

• Recognition through:

o LinkedIn testimonial and reference

o A public thank you post

o Permission to list Youth Advantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn

o A written reference upon completion of your commitment

Important Information

This role is completely voluntary. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. It is ideal for experienced HR professionals looking to give back, stay active in leadership, or contribute to a values-led organisation in a meaningful way.

Apply Now

If you're passionate about fundraising and want to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. Help us unlock new opportunities for Youth Advantage UK and join our dedicated team of changemakers today.

Allotment Volunteer

Location: Belburn Allotments Darlington

Timing: 3 hours per week, every Thursdays

Training: Volunteers have access to Waythrough’s training platform, LearningKind, and will be asked to complete 1 day Induction Workshop prior to start

The role:

Allotment Volunteers will support with the running of a weekly allotment group. This is an active volunteer role that will include a range of gardening related tasks as well as being a friendly, welcoming face to people who join the group.

Tasks may include:

• Help with setting up and packing away before and after each session
• Providing support and guidance on all things allotment and gardening related; including what to plant when and how to look after the growing plants
• Suggesting how to cook the produce and sharing potential recipes

Personal qualities:

• An interest in gardening and the outdoors
• Knowledge of how to plant, grow and cook seasonal produce
• Professional, Honest and Committed
• Basic IT skills – some eLearning-based training will need to be completed

About Waythrough

Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

About Us:

We aim to offer ways for local people with a housing need to secure/maintain accommodation and to live independent. We offer a drop-in service daily for anyone who has a housing need.

Our services include the following:

• Support for all – anyone over the age of 25 who needs support to secure or maintain their accommodation.
• Darlington Intensive mental health team – 18 plus who have a mental health diagnosis and have an intensive housing need.
• Positive Support Pathway – Young persons service where we offer floating support as well as having 9 dispersed units in the Darlington area where YP will be allocated a support worker for the time they reside in their supported accommodation.

We aim to offer ways for local people with mental health challenges to become more independent and confident through gardening. As a charity, our project offers housing solutions for those with mental health having trouble with their housing situation. In addition to our regular support, we provide a gardening allotment group in partnership with First Stop.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

How to apply 

If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to view the full job description and submit your application. 

Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our cat adoption team leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our cat adoption team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Acting as the main point of contact within the team for cat adoption enquiries via email/telephone and social media
• Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
• Liaising closely with other volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
• Following up on any post-adoption queries
• Play an active part in the volunteer committee, being part of the team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the cat welfare team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

Time expectation

The cat adoption team leader role is vital within our busy volunteer teams. Our current volunteers spend around 10 to 12 hours per week in this flexible role, which can be shared by more than one volunteer if required.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Join the Team and Help Us Build the Future of The Swadhinata Trust 

The Swadhinata Trust is embarking on a journey of significant growth and transformation. Having recently refreshed our purpose, mission, and brand, we are now ready for our next big leap: transitioning from a grassroots volunteer organisation to a scalable charity with paid staff and expanded reach.

To reach our full potential, we need 'roll-up-your-sleeves' leaders who are eager to help us transform. This isn’t just about giving advice from the sidelines; it’s about being the engine of our transformation. Whether you are an expert in your field or looking to develop new skills, joining us as a collaborative partner offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact on our journey.

How Can You Help 

We are looking for both professionals and enthusiasts eager to use their skills to help us transform. Whether you can offer 2 hours a week or 10, your expertise will be a vital part of reaching our big goals. You don’t need to be a veteran in your field; we value a 'roll-up-your-sleeves' attitude and a commitment to our mission just as much as a CV.

Strategy and Programme Volunteer

The Goal: Help us turn our big dreams into reality. You will be part of the team that takes our ambitions and builds them into practical, life-changing projects.

We’d love help with:

• Planning the Journey: Helping us draft clear project plans and timelines.

• Tracking our Progress: Helping us collect information to see how well our projects are doing.

• Organising Teams: Assisting with the coordination of different tasks to keep everything running on time.

What you bring:

• An organised mind and a love for "getting things done."

• Experience in project management or a strong interest in how charities run.

• The ability to see the steps needed to reach a big goal.

Spectra is a Community Interest Company (CIC), working to improve the choices, health and well-being of structurally excluded communities across London, particularly in their sexual health, emotional resilience and wellbeing, and to combat isolation and minimise risk.

Under the guidance of its Chief Executive and Board of Directors, Spectra’s outstanding staff team provides supportive, knowledgeable, and non-judgmental services, all of which are peer-led, meaning people with lived and learned experience deliver them. Spectra strives to proactively identify the needs of all its service users and support them appropriately and effectively.

We are now seeking a suitably experienced and committed individual to join our Board as a Director of the CIC. You will join a Board of six other Directors.

If you are passionate about addressing health inequalities and share our mission to support and empower people, we would love to hear from you.

You will provide strategic direction for the organisation around Communications, marketing and PR. You will support our plans to increase our reach and brand, further our communications work and strategy, including social media marketing and campaigning, and enhance our PR opportunities. You will support Spectra’s delivery of statutory and grant-funded services; help us in advancing our vision and provide constructive scrutiny and oversight of the Chief Executive and the work of Spectra’s staff.

Spectra is based in Vauxhall, South London. It is expected that you will attend five meetings (in the evening, currently online on a Monday evening) and two SMT/Board Away Days each year (currently in person). In addition, it is envisaged that you will contribute your expertise outside of Board meetings on occasion, e.g. to review service or planning reports, to input into a focus group, etc.

Have you got a passion for making an impact in your local community? Could you support us to launch community fundraising within your local community?

Help Caudwell Children to raise funds that support disabled and neurodivergent children to realise their full potential?

What will you be doing?

• Assist in planning, promoting, and delivering community fundraising events (e.g., charity walks, bake sales, raffles).

• Support local people with fundraising activities. •

• Represent the organisation at community events, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere and sharing information about Caudwell Children

• Keep accurate records of donations and fundraising activities in line with guidelines.

What skills would be useful?

• Friendly and approachable

• Organised

• Creative and enthusiastic about fundraising

• Previous fundraising or event coordination experience

What’s in it for you?

• Relevant training, mentoring and support will be provided

• Gain experience to add on to your CV

• Utilise your skills and learn new ones.

• Social opportunities

• Access to wellbeing support

• Out of pocket travel expenses can be reimbursed

• We strive to make reasonable adjustments and improve accessibility

How much time are you expected to give and when?

Volunteering is flexible. The brilliant thing about this role is you can do as much or as little as you like. Weekdays or weekends, daytime or evenings, there is lots of choice.

Where is the role located?

Looking for volunteers based across Staffordshire, support provided remotely. Minimum age for this role: 16

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.

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.