Partnerships 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.

We're looking for new Board Members who are interested in making a real difference to the future of Graeae.

A pivotal member who is recruited for their specialist skills or knowledge and because they are representative of those with a stake or interest in Graeae’s work. In law, Trustees of Graeae have three particular duties – compliance, care and prudence – which are set out in the recruitment pack.

We are interested in hearing from Deaf, Disabled and neurodivergent individuals and looking to recruit 3-4 people with experience in one or more of the following:

• Financial management
• Law
• Producing (commercial and subsidised sectors)
• Business planning and management
• Equity, diversity and inclusion
• Delivering digital projects
• Fundraising
• HR

Being a Graeae Board Member can be stimulating, challenging and rewarding. It offers the chance to work with a dedicated, committed, resourceful and professional group of people (staff team, Board and advisers) in an innovative and challenging environment.

Organisation: Evangelical Mission Association (operating as Global Connections)

Location: UK-wide (hybrid)

Term: Three years (renewable up to a maximum of nine years)

Time commitment: Four Board meetings per year (typically four to five hours, with preparation), four meetings per year with Executive Leaders and one other trustee, plus ad-hoc meetings with the CEO as required. Travel expenses can be claimed.

The Evangelical Mission Association (EMA), operating as Global Connections, is a UK network of mission hearted organisations, churches, colleges, businesses and individuals. As part of the global Church, we have a shared vision to see: ‘The Whole Church taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World.’

Being faithful to God’s calling for His Church to work together as one body, we believe we are better together - working collaboratively as part of God’s global mission rather than in isolation. Membership of Global Connections reflects a commitment to collaboration, co-mission, and mutual learning. It is an investment in relationships and collective action for the sake of God’s Kingdom and the flourishing of mission.

As part of our governance and succession planning, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees, following the completion of the current Chair’s maximum term. We are looking for a Chair with the leadership, governance, and relational capacity to guide the Board effectively in this next season.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the Board effectively - chair Board meetings with clarity, fairness, and impartiality; work with the executive leadership team to shape agendas; foster a culture of trust, accountability, and constructive challenge; and ensure the Board focuses on its fiduciary, strategic, and generative responsibilities (including finance, risk, safeguarding, and trustee development).
• Support and line-manage the CEO - act as the primary point of accountability for the CEO on behalf of the Board; provide encouragement, guidance, and appropriate challenge between meetings; and lead the CEO’s annual appraisal and oversee performance review arrangements.
• Chair Council meetings - chair the twice-yearly Council meetings, including the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Represent the charity - act as an ambassador and spokesperson for Global Connections within the network and externally where appropriate.
• Contribute to governance and reporting - provide content for the Annual Trustees’ Report, with support from the Executive Leadership.

Please take a few minutes to read through the recruitment pack (attached).

As a distinctly Christian charity, it’s important that you are willing and able to lead the trustees in discerning God’s heart and will for the charity and the wider network. In addition to its dependence on God for His leading and direction, we value the richness of a board diverse in age, background, skills and experience. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented sections of the community.

Closing date: 12:00pm on 28th May 2026

Informal conversations with an existing trustee or with our CEO, Ben Stansfield, can be arranged on request.

In accordance with the equality act 2010 it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian.

We are looking for a new independent trustee who can bring fresh perspectives and objective judgment from outside our immediate membership to join our very committed board. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of charity law and regulation.

Location: Attendance at 4 board meetings (mainly online but with 1-2 in London) each year, and attendance at the Board strategy day.

You may also be required to attend the Council’s annual general meeting and any other general meetings. There may also be additional requirements upon appointment and periodically thereafter for training days in the Council’s office in central London. There will be a full induction as part of the onboarding process.

Remuneration: This is as voluntary unpaid role. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

About: The Council of Deans of Health is a membership organisation and charity representing over 100 UK universities and colleges engaged in education and research for nursing, midwifery, and the allied health professions. At any one time, our members educate around 200,000 current and future professionals and carry out research that improves the population’s health and wellbeing.

Our Board of Trustees is responsible for oversight of the administration and management of the Council, which is led by the CEO who is accountable to the Board. The role of the Board includes setting and monitoring the implementation of the Council's strategy, and ensuring its financial sustainability and its compliance with legal requirements. The Board of Trustees will play an important role in taking forward the Council’s strategy, overseeing the continued growth of the Council, ensuring its financial sustainability, and avoiding exposing the charity’s assets, beneficiaries or reputation to undue risk. The Board comprises a mix of trustees drawn from our member organisations and independent trustees from a range of different professional backgrounds and experience.  

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the Council, including taking forward the Council's agreed strategy.
• Ensure the Council complies with its governing document, company law, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Oversee the Council’s financial management with the overall aim of achieving financial sustainability.
• Safeguard the organisation and advise on diversification of income to support the Council’s development.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with the Chair and other Board members in providing support and effective scrutiny to the Council's senior staff team.

Some of the essential competencies we are looking for all Trustees:

• Demonstrate a commitment to understanding the Council's business, the sector context and wider policy issues across the four nations of the UK.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills and an enabling, inclusive approach.
• Ability to think strategically and offer advice, guidance, support and constructive challenge to oversee the effective delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives.
• Demonstrate a track record of collaborative working in an organisation with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ideally, have experience at senior management or board level in other organisations and experience of charity governance.

Full details of the role and responsibilities required can be found in the candidate information pack. Please apply by following the instructions in the candidate information pack. The closing date is 22 May 2026 at 4pm. 

Interested in supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse?

We are currently recruiting Trustees to help us take the charity forward into the future.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a registered charity led by a Board of Trustees.

The Trustees (all unpaid volunteers) act individually and collectively, to provide overall stewardship of the charity, in accordance with our governing document and relevant legislation. In essence we look after the staff, volunteers and the organisation, so they can support the community.

You don’t need specific qualifications or experience to be a trustee and we welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience.

Prospective candidates will need to:

• Have empathy with the work of the Helpline

• Be able to devote the necessary time and effort

• Have well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

• Have good judgement

• Be able to work as a team

• Have the ability, commitment and drive to take the organisation forward

Trustee Opportunities

For any charity succession planning is important and with that in mind we are currently looking for people to join our Board as Trustees.

1. Chair: Our Chair will be stepping down soon after 15 years and we are looking for someone to learn the ropes beside her before taking on the role. 

2. Treasurer: After 10 years, our Treasurer is looking to retire in the next year. The Treasurer’s role description is on our website.  

3. General Trustees: Please see the role description on our website

If you would like to apply please complete the application form on our website.  You are welcome also to email Chris Roach, Chair, at that address to arrange an informal chat.

Looking to Make a Difference? Join Where Next as a Board Trustee!

Are you a passionate professional who wants to make an impact beyond the workplace?

About Where Next
Where Next is a charity based in Redditch, Worcestershire and Studley, Warwickshire providing support to adults with learning disabilities.  Founded over 40 years ago by caring parents it has grown from strengthen to strengthen and now provides day care for 150 clients.  The care and support is centred around horticultural and social activities but it also covers many other activities for the clients ensuring that is a varied and engaging programme of activities, nurturing the potential of everyone who attends Where Next

The charity is led by a Chief Executive and a passionate and experienced Board consisting of an excellent Senior Management team and Trustees.  There are 20 staff in total 

The charity has just commenced a developmental journey which will be looking at redesigning the facilities and services ensuring that the charity continues to be relevant going forward. 

Our webpage provides mor information and insight to the work of the charity

What we are looking for.

The Board are looking to strengthen existing skills and knowledge that currently exists and would like to appointment Trustees with any of the following skills and experiences.

Ø  Parent/ carer of an individual with Learning and Disabilities - living or professional experience – bringing day to day experiences to ensure that the Charities strategy is appropriate from a user’s perspective

Ø  Health and safety contract management – providing expertise in all aspects of safety aspect

Ø  Fund raising and PR/marketing including social media - Bringing innovative ideas to expand our reach and connect more people with our cause.

Ø  Project management – sharing skills to aid strategy of charities developments

Ø  Business planning and/or Business Case development -providing skills for the creation of business cases

Ø  Horticultural management – Bringing leadership to support the activities of the charity

Ø  Education /Training/ skills and personal development - offering insights to help improve and develop our Board and workforce

Why Become a Trustee While Working Full-Time?

• Enhance Your Professional Skills: Gain leadership, governance, and strategic experience that complements your career development.
• Broaden Your Network: Collaborate with like-minded professionals, build relationships across sectors, and expand your influence.
• Flexible Commitment: We understand your time is valuable. Our trustee roles are designed to fit alongside your job, with regular meetings and flexible involvement options.
• Make a Real Difference: Your expertise can shape the future of a charity that empowers individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

What’s Involved?

• Board Meetings: Attend approximately 4 meetings per year (held in person and/or virtually).
• Strategic Guidance: Work with fellow trustees to set the long-term vision and strategy of "Where Next" and oversee its implementation.
• Support & Advice: Provide expertise in your specific area while supporting the leadership team on key decisions and projects.
• Advocacy: Use your professional network to champion our cause and help us grow.

The application process

Applications are welcomed and applicants should send CVs and a supporting statement detailing what has attracted the applicants to Where Next to the Chief Executive. 

The shortlisted applicants will be invited for initial discussion with the chairman and CEO.

Trainee Research and Development Officer

Are you interested in the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

Are you keen to work in the NGO/international development sector?

Do you need some practical experience in the field?

Look no further, as McAndrew Leadership is launching a fresh appeal for new research and development interns!

Come and join us for a 3-6 month internship to conduct exciting local and international development research, help design international development projects, receive training and practical experience in grant writing and other key skills, and much more!

Interested? Read on and apply!

McAndrew Leadership is looking to hire Programmes Research and Development interns to assist staff in the following areas of focus:

• Proposal Writing.

• Donor Mapping.

• Project Research.

• Organisational, Strategy and Partnership Development.

Location: Southgate

Length of Internship: Interns are required to commit to a minimum of 3 months for their internship. After 3 months, depending on performance, interns will be offered the opportunity to continue their internship on an allowance basis.

Hours of work: Interns are asked to commit to a minimum of 3 days per week. However this is flexible and we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements.

Salary: Unpaid - however upon the completion of the internship training period, paid internships will be made available if resources are available.

This is offered as a hybrid internship position. Days you are requested in office, travel allowances will be offered.

Job description

McAndrew Leadership is a UK-based consultancy that delivers services and training to international development charities, private sector organisations, individuals and others, to enable them to drive their development practices and unleash their potential. We train, mentor and empower current and future leaders, their teams and their organisations, to build the skills and knowledge needed to enhance their capacities and expand their prospects. 

For those new to the sector of international development, McAndrew Leadership is the ideal place to apply their knowledge gained from university into real-life scenarios, to deliver positive change.

This role is ideal for any individual who wants to gain invaluable experience working in the international development sector. Interns are an invaluable part of our team and will play an active role in producing proposals for development projects, conducting in-depth research on development issues, developing training sessions and much more, while making sure that client needs are met as part of their day-to-day tasks. Being exposed to multiple different organisations - each with their own unique characteristics - will give the applicant a wide range of different experiences during their internship.

Research will be focused on sourcing key data and information on international development issues, best practices and practical frameworks for NGOs operating internationally. The successful individual will play a vital role in gathering the knowledge required to achieve client organisations’ strategic objectives and priorities. They will also help to enhance the presence of our consultancy services online through social media, blog posts and website content development. 

The main tasks in the role will include the following:

1.     Conduct background research on key international development issues in relation to clients' projects.

2.     Research funding opportunities that align with the interests of McAndrew’s clients and focus areas.

3.     Designing projects for multiple initiatives with different organizations that have a UK and international focus.

4.     Writing tailored proposals and grant applications on behalf of clients, to provide them with vital funding.

5.     Deliver work to support the growth and development of our clients' membership bodies, most notably the Alliance of NGOs and CSOs for South-South Cooperation (ANCSSC). 

6.     Research innovative programmes to support clients' work to tackle development issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

7.      Assist in promoting McAndrew's online presence through social media, blog posts and our website. 

8.      Supporting the team in creative brainstorms and other tasks.

9.      Other task as required by the line manager.

10.   Attending in-house and external training workshops.

Essential Skills:

1.     Qualified to a degree level, preferably in International Development or a related field.

2.     Fluent in English.

3.     Strong written communication skills.

4.     Strong knowledge and understanding and/or previous experience in international development and humanitarian emergencies.

5.     Driven, motivated and meticulous attention to detail.

6.     Strong sense of initiative, proactive thinking and ability to work under pressure.

7.     High energy with a friendly personality.

8.     Display initiative and responsibility, with a keen willingness to learn and develop.

9.     Ability to create and innovate.

10.   Ability to work well on own initiative.

11.    Adept at using Microsoft Office.

Desirable skills:

1.     Previous experience of working with NGOs/international development agencies.

2.     Knowledge of Arabic or French is an asset due to ongoing cooperation with Arabic-speaking partners.

3.     Knowledge and understanding of current international development issues and events.

As our Chair of Trustees, we offer you a deeply rewarding role with the opportunity of personal fulfilment, leadership development, purpose and connection through your vital contribution to shape the strategic direction of a highly respected charity. You will ensure we achieve our mission to provide outstanding, free end-of-life care within our community.You will work alongside a skilled and passionate Board and executive team and have the chance to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of local people and their families.

We are seeking a passionate Chair of Trustees to help shape the future of our hospice and champion our vision that everyone has the opportunity to die at home with our community-based hospice care.

At this exciting time, the Base71 Youth Zone team is seeking to strengthen its Board of Trustees, expanding to bring in fresh perspectives, skills, and experience. We are currently looking to appoint a Vice Chair.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a project of real scale and ambition. As Base71 continues to grow and make a lasting impact, you’ll play a key role in shaping its future—helping to create meaningful, positive change for young people across Barnsley, both now and for years to come.

We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of governance, alongside the ability to provide strategic oversight and support. Just as important is your commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and ensuring that young people’s voices remain at the heart of everything the organisation does.

In this role, you will:

• Ensure the charity operates within the requirements and rules set out in its governing document, remaining true to its charitable purpose and objectives
• Support compliance with relevant legislation and any regulatory bodies overseeing the charity’s activities
• Work closely with the Chair to review Board skills and diversity, implement annual reviews and trustee self-assessments, and identify development needs
• Oversee the recruitment, registration, and induction of new trustees
• Deputise for the Chair when required, acting as a trusted sounding board and intermediary for fellow trustees where appropriate

If you’re ready to bring your expertise, insight, and passion to a forward-thinking organisation, we would love you to consider finding out more about the difference you could make in Barnsley—for today and for tomorrow.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. 

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role... 

Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18. 

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you! 

What can I expect to be doing? 

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following: 

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets. 

• Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full. 

• Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life. 

• Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team! 

What are the benefits to you and the cats? 

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them. 

We're looking for someone with: 

• Sympathy to cats and our values 

• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees. 

• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities 

• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising 

How much time is expected of me? 

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe 

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us. 

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection! 

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role...

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

What can I expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
• Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
• Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
• Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
• Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathy to cats and our values
• Good communication skills
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Confidence in handling money

How much time is expected of me?

Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in South West London, and helps them to play their full part in the community. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives. 

We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background, providing them the tools they need to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for adults include currently include: ESOL classes; sports; women’s creative writing; women’s coffee morning, and casework. 

About the CARAS Adult Team: 

In the post-pandemic environment, CARAS is responding to the role of digital literacies in our programme delivery to learners of asylum-seeking and refugee background. In contrast to the UK essential Digital skills framework, we have built in language inclusion to create a participatory learning course for Essential Digital Literacies for learners who are new to reading and writing in English. The individuals joining CARAS are highly diverse, with different countries of origin, linguistic and educational backgrounds. We have observed over the last year that many CARAS community members have limited digital skills, particularly in regard to using computers. Community members have highlighted that computers are important for many individuals to achieve their educational and employment goals, whilst increasing confidence and independence. We have co-designed a digital skills program in partnership with CARAS community members to improve computer literacy and skills, focusing on basic computer literacy.

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for Digital Skills Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.

The Digital Skills group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the digital skills sessions is as follows: 

• Tuesday evenings 4pm to 6pm 

Volunteers are required to attend one session per week. They are also welcome to come early and support ESOL classes before the Digital Skills sessions, where appropriate. 

The Tuesday Digital skills sessions focus on practical, accessible digital skills, such as, but not limited to: 

• Using computers, tablets, or smartphones confidently 

• Keyboard and navigation skills 

• Using email and online communication tools 

• Accessing learning platforms and online resources 

• Online safety and digital wellbeing 

• Using digital tools to support English learning, homework and study skills 

The aim of the Digital Skills sessions is to build independence, confidence, and digital inclusion, supporting young people to engage more fully with formal education and everyday life in the UK. Enrolments to the programme are based on rolling admissions, requiring adaptability to the changing digital skills needs of the group through participatory enquiry led by the ESOL teacher. 

The ESOL teacher will provide guidance, session plans, and tips for supporting learners with emerging English, including how to explain digital concepts in clear, accessible ways. 

Volunteers will typically work with 1–5 students, offering one-to-one or small group support and adapting tasks to different ability levels. 

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing one-to-one or small group support during Digital Skills sessions 

• Supporting young people to use digital devices and software confidently 

• Helping to set up the classroom and digital equipment 

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session 

• Sharing observations on learners’ progress, challenges, and successes 

• Making use of any community languages if any, to support learners’ understanding 

• Working collaboratively as part of a team and helping to shape the project 

• Supporting young people to recognise and celebrate their achievements 

• Showing flexibility to a wide range of ability levels and confidence with technology 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, and all other relevant policies 

Requirements: 

Essential: 

• Aged 18 years or older 

• An interest in education, digital inclusion, and supporting young people 

• Confident using computers, smartphones, or tablets 

• Currently resident in the UK or has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses and willing to undergo a DBS check 

• DBS and proof of residency are not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK 

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to starting 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed) 

• Non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds 

• Reliable and punctual, with a commitment of at least one session per week for a minimum of 4 months 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English 

• Willingness to explain digital concepts patiently and clearly 

• Ability to volunteer during Wandsworth term time 

Desirable 

• Experience supporting young people with digital skills or IT (formal or informal) 

• Knowledge of community languages such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali, or Spanish 

• Experience working with young people, refugees, or learners of English in a work or volunteer capacity 

• Interest in using digital tools to support language learning 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

To Apply: 

Successful applicants will be invited to a taster session at CARAS, following which they will have an informal interview with a staff member of the CARAS ESOL team and a community member. All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. These meetings and the induction training will be on a rolling basis, so apply ASAP!

The Ocean Regeneration Trust (ORT) is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Board and help shape the future of the Ocean Estate in Stepney. As a legacy successor for the NDC regeneration of the area, we work hand-in-hand with residents and stakeholders to ensure the social, economic, and physical regeneration of our vibrant community. 

About the Roles

We are currently recruiting for two types of Board Members:

Independent/Specialist Members: Professionals who do not live on the estate but bring specific expertise to strengthen our governance.

Community Members: Local residents living within the Ocean Regeneration Trust core area who want to represent their neighbours and guide local improvements.

What We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those with experience in:

Financial Management & Accounting.

Legal Advice & Governance.

Human Resources & Organisational Management.

Neighbourhood Renewal / Management.

Enterprise & Business Development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight: Help deliver ORT’s vision to improve the quality of life for those living and working in Stepney and the Ocean Estate in Tower Hamlets. 

Community Impact: Support 10 year objectives i.e. the implementation of NHS/Public Health initiatives such as neighbourhood health and wellbeing, capacity building for the local Voluntary and Community sector, employment and skills and strategic expertise in housing and welfare changes.

Governance: Attend Board meetings (at least 4–5 times per year) and contribute constructively to decision-making.

Time Commitment & Location

Meetings: Held at the Harford Street Multicentre, E1 or online (hybrid) 

Duration: Meetings typically last 1–2 hours and preparatory reading. 

Remuneration: These are voluntary positions; however, legitimate expenses (such as travel) will be reimbursed

We're looking for a Trustee – Treasurer
Bring your financial expertise and help us shape brighter futures.

At Options for Life, we believe everyone has the right to live a fulfilled and independent life. We are a Sandwell based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to build confidence, learn new skills, access their communities, and make informed choices about their lives.

With two purpose-built centres and over 65 staff, we provide a wide range of services, from outreach and hub-based activities to supported community access and drop-in sessions. Our work takes place in one of England’s most disadvantaged areas, where our services can make the greatest impact.

Join Our Board as Treasurer

As we plan to expand our reach and develop new services, we are seeking a Treasurer to help guide our financial strategy and governance.

We are looking for someone with a background in finance or accounting, who can:

• Oversee our financial health in collaboration with our Head of Finance and CEO
• Ensure effective financial controls, policies, and reporting are in place
• Play an active role in the Finance Committee and wider Board decision-making
• Present clear and insightful financial information to fellow Trustees

We welcome applicants from all walks of life, including those with lived experience of disability or who are new to governance roles. A strong commitment to inclusion, good judgment, and a collaborative spirit are essential.

Commitment:

• Four Board meetings per year
• AGM and annual strategy/away day
• Quarterly Finance Committee and possible ad hoc sub-committee involvement
• Training and induction provided
• Travel expenses reimbursed

Make a lasting difference.

To express interest or learn more, contact our Chief Executive, Nicola Thomson, for an informal chat to request a Trustee Information Pack.

Help us give people more choice and control over their lives—because your skills can help change theirs.

Visit https://www.optionsforlife.info/work-with-us for more information.