Organisational lead volunteer roles

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity, offering a range of support to asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants seeking refuge in and around Oxford. We provide everything from advice, visits, legal support, education, assistance finding employment and even helping secure free bus passes.

We currently have a strong and capable Board with a wide-ranging skill set and we are seeking a Chairperson who can provide strong leadership and a collaborative approach.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxfordshire community to help strengthen our governance and our approach. We are seeking a new Chair with a range of skills and experience. In particular, we are looking for people who can demonstrate :

· Experience of leadership

· Commitment to the aims and values of Asylum Welcome

· Tact and diplomacy

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Good facilitation skills

· Impartiality, fairness and discretion

· Empathy with the challenges of running a highly diverse. largely volunteer-based organisation in a subject area which is both topical and challenging.

As Chair you will play a key role in enabling us to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers, primarily in the Oxfordshire area, empowering them to rebuild their lives here in safety.  This role offers a valuable opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to make a meaningful difference to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes and livelihoods.

We welcome expressions of interest from people of all ages and backgrounds, and a job share arrangement would be considered. The role is currently shared by two Trustees as Co-Chairs who are retiring as Trustees after many years of service.

The Chair position is not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Teams and in-person) 6 - 8 times a year, currently early evening on a Thursday. Dates are agreed a year in advance.

This is an exciting time to join the Trustee Board at Asylum Welcome and a fantastic opportunity to influence the growth and future of a dynamic charity.

For more information see the full role description.

A great opportunity to play a role at an exciting stage of LRC’s growth!In 2025, the charity set-up a CRM system - after initial configuration, we now need a volunteer to help operationalise and is used optimally to achieve LRC’s goals.

In 2025, the charity set-up a CRM system using CiviPlus, a CRM system specific to the not-for-profit sector. We already have a technical volunteer who has helped with initial system configuration and can provide ongoing technical support.

The Lyme Resource Centre (LRC) is a charity with a mission to minimise risk of Lyme disease whilst enjoying the outdoors, by educating the public and healthcare professionals about ticks and Lyme disease. 

The charity has grown significantly over the past couple of years, and is now looking for volunteers to help with its next phase of evolution. 

We are looking for a Volunteer Copywriter / Script Editor to support our Podcast Production Team.

You will help turn podcast discussions into clear, engaging scripts and written content that supports storytelling and episode structure.

Key Responsibilities

• Write and edit podcast scripts
• Prepare episode summaries and show notes
• Support development of host questions and episode structure
• Ensure clarity, tone, and consistency in written content
• Edit transcripts for readability when needed
• Support written content for podcast promotion

Who We're Looking For

Essential

• Strong writing and editing skills
• Excellent written English
• Ability to structure and summarise conversations
• Attention to detail
• Comfortable working with sensitive topics

Bonus Skills

• Experience in copywriting, journalism, or media writing
• Experience writing podcast scripts or show notes
• Interest in storytelling, media, or social impact work

Formal qualifications are not required — writing samples or portfolio work are welcome.

Why Join Us

• Gain experience in podcast writing and editorial work
• Build your portfolio in media and storytelling
• Work with a mission-driven creative team
• Contribute to a meaningful social impact project
• Priority consideration for future paid roles

We are looking to grow our Board of Trustees to help to increase our reach, enhance our profile, spread our message and continue to develop sustainably.

We are seeking Trustees who will bring creative vision champion the role art plays in public cohesion and transforming people’s lives.We would like to recruit up to three new Trustees during 2026, ideally with experience of Finance, Fundraising or Artistic Programming.Arts at the Old Fire Station (AOFS) is known and respected for its values-led approach and passion for social change, and all Trustees are expected to share that commitment.  

About us

My Life Films is an award-winning charity that uses film and TV to enrich and support the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. My Life TV is our specialist on-demand streaming service, specifically designed to meet the cognitive needs of people living with dementia, for use within care settings and at home.

My Life TV is carefully curated to enable people living with dementia to feel stimulated and connected to the world, improving their mental health and supporting their essential care. 

Our high-quality content includes interactive shows like quizzes, singalongs, drawing and chair yoga; calming content, including animal and nature programmes and slow TV; a wide range of reminiscence programmes, from the 1960s onwards, and much more. 

Since launching in 2021 we work with highly respected content partners, as well as producing our own programming, in partnership with trusted organisations in the dementia care field, and more widely. The Alzheimer’s Society, BFI, Royal Parks, Museum of Brands, BBC Archive and National Trust are just some of the partners we are proud to work with.

We have ambitious plans to scale up its use, so we can reach and support as many people living with dementia as possible.

About the role

Stepping in at the helm of a well-established Board, and working closely with the highly experienced Executive Director, our new Chair will lead My Life Films through its next phase of growth and impact.

The new Chair will review and reinvigorate the charity’s governance, ideally including a board audit, as well as challenging and interrogating the group’s strategic plan.

This role will suit potential candidates who are ready to step-up to chair a not for profit organisation. This means they are likely to bring current or previous board experience as a non-executive or trustee. Candidates may have experience in the care sector, health sector, charity or foundation, possibly an organisation involved in supporting people living with dementia. This experience could enable candidates to draw on networks in the care, health, charity, voluntary sectors, social enterprise or foundation. It will be important that the new Chair can demonstrate a personal passion and commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia.

The Chair will also help guide the Executive in optimising the existing model, developing new opportunities by helping expand networks and making introductions when necessary. They will act as a critical friend to Executive Director, coaching and challenging as required and providing leadership and strategic direction to the Board.

They will hold the organisation to the highest ethical standards, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and that My Life Films is run in the best interests of its stakeholders.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the charity and is collectively responsible for its success. All trustees must take decisions in the interests of the charity.

My Life Films has a trading subsidiary – MLF Productions Limited – and it is expected that the Chair of My Life Films will also Chair the trading company.

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Selection Criteria

When applying, we ask candidates to highlight any areas of expertise they can bring in the areas identified below.

• Skills and Experience –

Governance / leadership

• Any experience of operating at Board level in the voluntary, public or private sector preferably with a knowledge of the Social Care sector.

• Understanding of good charity governance, including trustees’ legal duties, financial oversight and risk management.

• Experience of chairing effective meetings and facilitating inclusive, robust discussion and decision-making Experience of fundraising, advocacy, campaigning, or working with regulators, commissioners or major funders.

Strategy and finance

• Ability to think strategically, interrogate complex information and focus the Board on priorities, impact and long-term sustainability.

• Strong financial literacy and ability to scrutinize budgets, management accounts and risk registers (not necessarily as a finance professional).

People leadership

• Track record of leading senior individuals or teams; able to coach, support and hold to account a CEO

How to Apply

If you are interested in the role, Maana Ruia a trustee with My Life Films and a member of Enter The Boardroom Community would be happy to fix up a time to talk to you. 

Please submit your application to Julian Freeston  The application should comprise a Cover Letter detailing your suitability and desire for the role (no more than two pages) and an up-to-date CV (no more than four pages).

The application deadline is 5pm, 29th May 2026

It’s an exciting time to join Victim Support, as we prepare to begin delivery of the Witness Service from April 2026. We look forward to welcoming current Witness Service staff and volunteers to Victim Support — and we’re also now beginning recruitment for several new roles and to fill vacant positions.  

About the Witness Service  

The Witness Service provides free, independent support to any witness giving evidence in criminal courts in England and Wales — both for the prosecution and the defence.  

Our trained staff and volunteers help people understand what to expect before, during and after a trial, and offer practical and emotional support every step of the way, so witnesses can give their best evidence.   

The Witness Service also supports bereaved family members, and friends and family who are accompanying witnesses in court.   

Why join the Witness Service now  

This is an exceptional opportunity to help us ensure a smooth transition and shape a high-quality, high-impact and trauma-informed service — so every witness feels informed, supported and more confident in court.  

Witness Service Volunteers provide support to victims and witnesses of crime prior to and during the court process helping them to feel safe and informed.

Why volunteer with us?

• Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and witnesses.

• Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.

• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 2,000 volunteers and staff. 

• Beyond your role – attend one of our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

What do we ask of you? 

In order to join us as a Witness Service Volunteer, you must: 

• Be 18 years of age or over. 

• Be able to volunteer for at least 1 day per week, for at least 12 months. 

• Undertake training - this includes virtual training days as well as completing online learning modules. 

• Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.

• Be able to provide two satisfactory references. 

• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses 

All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch. 

Diversity Matters 

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need. 

• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role. 

• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process. 

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose. 

As part of our new three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future. For further information visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan - Sense

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re creating change
• We’re always learning
• We’re better together

We’re looking for dedicated Volunteer college governors to help shape and champion the future of Sense Colleges.

About the role: 

As a College Governor, you’ll play a vital non-executive role in ensuring our colleges continue to deliver excellent, inclusive education. You’ll help set the strategic direction, monitor performance, and provide independent oversight and support to senior leaders.

Key responsibilities: 

• Help guide the college’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Monitor progress against key priorities and quality improvement plans.
• Hold leaders to account for performance and outcomes that meet the needs of learners.
• Ensure the college complies with statutory and safeguarding duties.
• Oversee financial health and value for money.
• Review students’ progress through visits, reports, and case studies.
• Join one of our sub-committees — either Quality and Curriculum or Safeguarding and Health & Safety — depending on your skills and interests.

This is a meaningful opportunity to influence the education and support of young disabled people, while developing your own governance experience and leadership skills.

About you

This role would be a great fit if you:

• Are passionate about Sense’s mission to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Understand (or are keen to learn about) good governance and the Nolan Principles of public life.
• Have an interest in education, further education policy, or organisational leadership.
• Are committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Can dedicate around one day per month to attending meetings, undertaking training, and reviewing key documents.
• Have experience as a trustee, governor, or within education, health, or social care (desirable, but not essential).

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and safeguarding training, plus ongoing development.
• Expenses reimbursed in line with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
• A meaningful opportunity to use your skills for good – shaping positive futures for young people.
• Experience that enhances your governance, leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
• The satisfaction of giving back and being part of a values-driven community.
• Wellbeing support through Sense’s Mental Health First Aiders.

Important information

• Applicants must be 18 or over and have a UK address.
• An Enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement for this role due to the educational setting and the likelihood of regular contact with learners.
• Guidance and support will be provided throughout the DBS process.
• All volunteers must follow Sense’s policies, including those on Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, and Data Protection (GDPR).
• This role is voluntary and does not form part of an employment contract.

Ready to make an impact?

Join Sense as a College Governor and help shape a world where everyone is included.

Production Assistant

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance. We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace.To learn more about our impactful work at Quilombo UK, we encourage you to explore our website and YouTube channel. 

 Join us in leading positive change!

Role Overview

As a Production Assistant, you will support the Video Production Manager and team in all stages of video production, focusing primarily on the pre and production phase. Your role will be crucial in ensuring that our video projects are well-planned and executed smoothly. You will be involved in tasks ranging from script writing to stage setting, ensuring that all necessary preparations are in place for successful video production.
 

Main Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Video Production Manager to develop and refine scripts for various video projects, conducting research to gather relevant information and insights to inform script content and invite guests when necessary.

• Assist in planning and setting up stages for video shoots, including arranging props, lighting, and other necessary equipment, and coordinate with the production team to ensure all stage elements are in place.

• Work with the Video Production Manager to create detailed production schedules and timelines, and coordinate with cast, crew, and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed of shoot dates and times.

• Assist in identifying and securing suitable locations for video shoots, conducting site visits to assess the suitability of locations and addressing any logistical considerations.

• Organize and manage all production materials and resources, including scripts, shot lists, and production notes, ensuring all necessary permits and permissions are obtained for filming locations.

• Act as a point of contact between the pre/production team and other departments, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration, and provide regular updates to the Video Production Manager on the progress of pr/production tasks.

Essential

• Provide production assistance as needed (e.g. props, crafty, runner duties)

• Good interpersonal skills with ability to get on with people at all levels.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Creativity and attention to detail in script writing and stage setting.

• Experience in camera set-ups for live events /ob-doc /scripted content

• Appropriate DIT practices for media management 

• Working knowledge of audio production and basic audio set-ups for live events and recorded audio. 

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments

• Proficiency with Google Workspace/Microsoft Office

• Working knowledge of file codecs and wrappers

• Digital Asset Management (Utilising enterprise versions of Google Drive etc)

• Coordinating the activities of writers, directors, managers, actors, and other personnel throughout the production process

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortune 

• 1 + years of production in broadcast and film

• Understanding of broadcast acquisition standards for file deliveries

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

About Us

Health in the Margins C.I.C. is a newly established UK Community Interest Company. We centre the voices, values and healing traditions of frontline communities- those most affected by health inequalities.

We do this through:

• community-led research & education
• co-designed health programmes and evaluation
• policy and advocacy work

Founded in September 2025, we are in our first year. We are currently building partnerships and securing funding, with plans to increase programme delivery in 2026.

Our Mission: Striving towards epistemic justice, our mission is to centre the voices, values and healing traditions of frontline communities towards the goal of advancing health equity.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a new non-executive director to join our board and help guide the organisation as we grow.

As a small, founder-led organisation, we need someone who can offer strategic thinking, support strong and ethical governance, and help us build a sustainable foundation while staying true to our values and accountable to community.

This is an opportunity to shape an organisation from an early stage and contribute to work focused on health justice. We are looking for someone who is not only skilled, but also personally committed to this work and willing to engage thoughtfully with the communities we come from and work with.

Who we are looking for

We are interested in someone who is passionate about tackling health inequity and motivated to contribute to grassroots, community-led work. We are recruiting 1 or 2 new directors. As we are newly established, experience in one or more of the following would be helpful:

• Strategic thinking aligned with our mission
• Governance (for example as a trustee or director of a charity or CIC) to help us with activities such as updating our bye-laws
• Fundraising (especially with trusts and foundations)
• Developing sustainable income or partnerships
• Finance, risk or organisational sustainability
• Supporting early-stage or growing organisations

We are committed to ensuring our board reflects the communities most affected by health inequalities. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of these issues, including (but not limited to) those from Global Majority communities, disabled people, people with long-term health conditions, migrants, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

We value knowledge gained through community work, lived experience, and informal leadership.

We recognise that this experience often brings valuable insight into systems, access, and equity that is not always captured through formal professional routes.

We are also keen to hear from people who may not have extensive formal board experience, but who have:

• Held responsibility in community, voluntary or informal leadership roles
• Worked closely with marginalised communities
• Contributed to decision-making in grassroots or movement spaces

What matters most to us is not a specific career path, but the ability to engage seriously with governance, bring thoughtful perspective, and contribute to an organisation that is still being shaped.

What You Will Do

You will be part of a small grassroots team that is committed to closing the health gaps in our communities. In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic guidance and oversight
• Help ensure strong governance and accountability
• Support our fundraising approach and sustainability
• Contribute to risk management and sustainability planning
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation
• Attend quarterly board meetings (online)

Time commitment: Approximately 4–6 hours per month.

This is a voluntary (unpaid) role.

What You Will Gain

• The chance to shape a new organisation from the ground up
• The chance to contribute to transformative work in global health equity
• The opportunity to support meaningful, community-led work on health

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who:

• Understands governance responsibilities
• Can offer constructive challenge and independent thinking
• Shares our commitment to equity and community leadership
• Works collaboratively and respectfully
• Can commit reliably to board activities

We are particularly keen to strengthen the independence of our board and welcome applicants who are not connected personally or professionally to the current directors.

How to Apply

Please send:

• A short statement (maximum 1 page or up to 5 minutes audio/video) outlining:
  • Your governance experience
  • Why you’re interested in Health in the Margins
  • What you would bring to the role
• A CV or a short summary of your relevant experience (this can include unpaid or community-based work)

Deadline: Monday 18 May 2026 (end of day)

We will invite shortlisted candidates to an informal online conversation.

If you would like to discuss the role before applying or need a different format to apply, please contact us.

We will review applications on a rolling basis and may close early if we find a suitable candidate.

Purpose of the role:

We are seeking a WordPress / PHP Developer to help build and maintain the core web systems that power our public platform and membership services. This is not a commercial web development role. This is about creating digital infrastructure that belongs to the community and serves long-term social impact.

About the role:

As WordPress / PHP Developer, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the CIC’s main website and connected digital services using open-source technologies. You will help ensure our platforms are stable, secure, accessible, and capable of supporting growth in membership, education, and fundraising. Your work will directly affect how people access information, join the community, and engage with the organisation.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Formal qualifications is desirable but STRONG experience and passion beats and tops this always.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

· Develop, maintain, and improve WordPress-based websites and systems that support organisational operations, services, and growth.

· Build, customise, and extend WordPress themes and plugins using PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related technologies.

· Ensure code is clean, secure, maintainable, and aligned with WordPress and open-source best practices.

· Integrate open-source tools and third-party platforms, including membership systems, learning platforms, data tools, and APIs.

· Support the development and maintenance of secure member portals and restricted service areas with role-based access and permissions.

· Ensure websites are responsive across devices and browsers and optimised for performance, speed, and reliability.

· Apply accessibility standards to ensure inclusive access and usability for all users.

· Implement security best practices, including updates, patching, backups, access controls, and vulnerability prevention.

· Monitor platforms and assist with regular maintenance, upgrades, and issue prevention.

· Work closely with designers, content teams, and systems leads to translate functional needs into technical solutions.

· Advise on technical feasibility and recommend improvements where systems or tools create limitations.

· Assist with troubleshooting, debugging, and resolving technical issues across WordPress environments.

· Document code, integrations, system architecture, and technical processes clearly for technical and non-technical users.

· Ensure all systems comply with data protection, GDPR principles, safeguarding requirements, and ethical data handling standards.

· Collaborate with safeguarding and digital leads to minimise risk when handling sensitive or survivor-related data.

Essential Skills and Experience

· Strong practical experience with WordPress and PHP development.

· Experience building or customising WordPress themes and plugins.

· Solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

· Experience integrating third-party tools, plugins, or APIs.

· Knowledge of WordPress security, performance optimisation, and update management.

· Ability to document technical work clearly and work collaboratively across teams.

· Understanding of GDPR principles and secure data handling.

· Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

· Equivalent professional or voluntary experience accepted.

Desirable Skills and Experience

· Experience working in non-profit, CIC, or community-led organisations.

· Familiarity with open-source or low-cost digital platforms.

· Experience building membership portals or learning platform integrations.

· Basic understanding of hosting environments or server configuration.

· Experience supporting volunteer-led or safeguarding-focused digital environments.

What This Role Offers You:

Founding role in a community-owned digital infrastructure project.

Leadership-level experience in open-source platform development.

Opportunity to build systems that directly support social change.

Experience working across digital, education and membership teams.

Direct contribution to a public-facing platform for justice and empowerment.

Priority consideration for future paid roles as the C.I.C. becomes financially sustainable.

What This Role Is Not For:

People who want to work only with proprietary or closed systems.

Anyone uncomfortable working with serious or sensitive subject matter.

Those seeking guaranteed or immediate income.

Individuals unwilling to document their work or follow shared standards.

People who prefer not to collaborate with non-technical teams.

If you believe technology should belong to the people who use it and that open-source systems can support truth, protection and collective power, this role gives you the chance to build the digital foundations of a movement.

Join the Digital Infrastructure Team and help create platforms that serve community, not corporations.

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose. 

As part of our new three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future. For further information visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan - Sense

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re creating change
• We’re always learning
• We’re better together

We’re looking for dedicated Volunteer college governors to help shape and champion the future of Sense Colleges.

About the role: 

As a College Governor, you’ll play a vital non-executive role in ensuring our colleges continue to deliver excellent, inclusive education. You’ll help set the strategic direction, monitor performance, and provide independent oversight and support to senior leaders.

Key responsibilities: 

• Help guide the college’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Monitor progress against key priorities and quality improvement plans.
• Hold leaders to account for performance and outcomes that meet the needs of learners.
• Ensure the college complies with statutory and safeguarding duties.
• Oversee financial health and value for money.
• Review students’ progress through visits, reports, and case studies.
• Join one of our sub-committees — either Quality and Curriculum or Safeguarding and Health & Safety — depending on your skills and interests.

This is a meaningful opportunity to influence the education and support of young disabled people, while developing your own governance experience and leadership skills.

About you

This role would be a great fit if you:

• Are passionate about Sense’s mission to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Understand (or are keen to learn about) good governance and the Nolan Principles of public life.
• Have an interest in education, further education policy, or organisational leadership.
• Are committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Can dedicate around one day per month to attending meetings, undertaking training, and reviewing key documents.
• Have experience as a trustee, governor, or within education, health, or social care (desirable, but not essential).

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and safeguarding training, plus ongoing development.
• Expenses reimbursed in line with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
• A meaningful opportunity to use your skills for good – shaping positive futures for young people.
• Experience that enhances your governance, leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
• The satisfaction of giving back and being part of a values-driven community.
• Wellbeing support through Sense’s Mental Health First Aiders.

Important information

• Applicants must be 18 or over and have a UK address.
• An Enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement for this role due to the educational setting and the likelihood of regular contact with learners.
• Guidance and support will be provided throughout the DBS process.
• All volunteers must follow Sense’s policies, including those on Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, and Data Protection (GDPR).
• This role is voluntary and does not form part of an employment contract.

Ready to make an impact?

Join Sense as a College Governor and help shape a world where everyone is included.

Inscape School is a leading specialist setting supporting autistic children and young people aged 5 to 19 who have communication and social‑interaction needs. Based on the Together Trust Campus in Cheadle, our purpose‑built SEND environment removes barriers to learning, maximises independence, and celebrates every student’s achievements.

We provide holistic, personalised programmes tailored to each learner’s strengths and unique way of experiencing the world. Our multidisciplinary teams—comprising therapists, specialist teachers and behaviour support professionals—work collaboratively to help students build confidence, develop essential life skills, and work towards long‑term independence.

We are seeking to appoint a knowledgeable and committed Volunteer Governor with a strong educational background, particularly someone with expertise in SEND, curriculum quality, student outcomes and Ofsted frameworks.

As part of the governing body, you will contribute to ensuring that Inscape School provides sufficient, high‑quality teaching time to deliver a rich and effective curriculum. Governors play a vital role in holding senior leaders, including the Headteacher, to account for the school’s educational performance and for securing the best possible outcomes for learners. Achievement, curriculum and teaching are key areas evaluated by Ofsted, making this role central to the school’s ongoing improvement and success.

This appointment will serve as the governing body’s Achievement, Curriculum and Teaching Link Governor. The postholder will support the governing body in maintaining robust strategic oversight of the school’s educational performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and helping ensure that the highest standards are consistently met.

If you are passionate about improving the life chances of autistic young people and have the expertise to influence educational quality at a strategic level, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Why we want you

Collectively, individual governors contribute their professional, specialist and general management skills to Inscape School (and its sub-groups) in a non-executive role.

Governors advise, challenge and support the leadership of the school / college and hold them to account for its management, the quality of the teaching and learning and the achievement, wellbeing and safety of pupils. Governors uphold the values and ethos of the College and ensure it works within its allocated budget, approving targets, policies, and monitoring the progress the school / college is making.

What you will be doing:

• Approving policies and the school/college quality improvement plan
• Promoting the well-being of students including independence, participation, diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities, and community cohesion
• Use your experience in Education to help shape what we do
• Read the documents for and attend all full Governing Body meetings and subgroups of which they are members
• Attend induction and relevant training events organised by the School or Together Trust
• Get to know the College and its staff by visiting the College and attending inset and other meetings to which Governors are invited by the principal
• Supporting decisions on safeguarding, equality, curriculum, resources, and student wellbeing

The skills you need:

• A strategic mindset – the ability to consider long-term goals, think beyond the day-to-day, and shape the College’s future direction
• Constructive evaluation skills – the confidence to review data and performance reports critically, offer thoughtful challenge, and contribute to continuous improvement
• Leadership and influencing skills – an ability to support and guide strategic decision-making, influence thinking, and work collaboratively with others
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills – you’ll be part of a collective, supporting respectful debate, inclusive discussions, and shared accountability
• Good planning and organisational skills – to prepare for meetings, follow up on actions, and balance responsibilities effectively alongside other commitments
• Ability to demonstrate a full understanding and appreciation of the principles of governance
• Experience in education – with insight into curriculum, teaching, learning, or assessment. Those with specialist SEND knowledge or experience of further education settings will be particularly valuable
• Most importantly, we’re looking for individuals who share our values of inclusion, equity, and ambition for young people. If you are passionate about education and have the capacity to support and shape our work, we’d love to hear from you

What's in it for you:

• Demonstrable leadership and strategic experience for CV
• Insights into special education

It’s an exciting time to join Victim Support, as we prepare to begin delivery of the Witness Service from April 2026. We look forward to welcoming current Witness Service staff and volunteers to Victim Support — and we’re also now beginning recruitment for several new roles and to fill vacant positions.  

The Witness Service provides free, independent support to any witness giving evidence in criminal courts in England and Wales — both for the prosecution and the defence.  

Our trained staff and volunteers help people understand what to expect before, during and after a trial, and offer practical and emotional support every step of the way, so witnesses can give their best evidence.   

The Witness Service also supports bereaved family members, and friends and family who are accompanying witnesses in court.   

This is an exceptional opportunity to help us ensure a smooth transition and shape a high-quality, high-impact and trauma-informed service — so every witness feels informed, supported and more confident in court.  

Witness Service Volunteers provide support to victims and witnesses of crime prior to and during the court process helping them to feel safe and informed.

Why volunteer with us? 

• Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and witnesses.

• Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.

• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 2,000 volunteers and staff. 

• Beyond your role – attend one of our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Witness Service Volunteer, you must: 

• Be 18 years of age or over. 

• Be able to volunteer for at least 1 day per week, for at least 12 months. 

• Undertake training - this includes virtual training days as well as completing online learning modules. 

• Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.

• Be able to provide two satisfactory references. 

• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Diversity Matters

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need. 

• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role. 

• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Do you have experence of fundraising reserach and/or writing grants applications? Want to put those skills to use and make  a difference for those whose lives are affected by cancer?

This role would suit those with experience or interest in research, bid writing, charity fundraising, marketing, creative writing, commissioning, public sector tenders or grant assessment who is looking for a meaningful, regular volunteering commitment. Anyone with expertise or transferable skills in the area of research and/or writing compelling proposals/marketing who is interested in volunteering is encouraged to have a chat with us as we can be flexible.

The Mulberry Centre is looking for opportunities to identify and apply for relevant grants, trust and foundations funding in a competitive market. Grant requests will be on average £500-£10,000 for specific services as well as core Centre costs. This Fundraising Volunteer (the role can be undertaken by one volunteer or split into two parts and shared) will work closely with the Fundraising and Engagement Team to help streamline the research and application process. The first part of the role is to research and check grants and trust funding lists and databases for current opportunities and deadlines for applications to determine which are relevant, where we meet the necessary criteria, and how quickly we need to apply. The second part of the role is to draft and adapt application information to inspire and appeal positively to specific funders.