Policy volunteer roles

About IRMO

IRMO works to enable the development, agency, and participation of Latin Americans and other Spanish and Portuguese speakers, by responding to both immediate needs and structural inequalities. We do this by offering high-quality information and advice services, opportunities for development and training, and a platform to seek social and systemic change. Our work is organised across three main operational areas - Advice and Casework; Education, Training and Employment; Children and Young People - and a cross-cutting area - Advocacy, Research, Policy Mapping and Campaigning. 

About our Education, Training and Employment Programme

Our comprehensive Education, Training and Employment (ETE) programme runs various activities to improve our beneficiaries' social and cultural integration in the UK. These activities include 12-week English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses for adults and online conversation classes. 

We also deliver one-to-one employment support, mentoring, vocational training, and workshops on a range of topics to support the Latin American community in navigating the UK system. Additionally, our volunteer scheme provides volunteers with valuable work experience to enter London’s competitive job market. As well as being integral to the smooth running of our organisation, the scheme helps volunteers to develop their skills by working in a multicultural, collaborative and inspiring environment.

About the role

We are looking for a motivated ESOL Teaching Assistant to support the smooth delivery of our ESOL classes at Pre-Entry and Entry 1 levels for Latin American migrants and refugees. You will assist the ESOL Teacher with classroom delivery following our pre-prepared syllabus and teaching materials, along with a variety of audio-visual aids to improve learners’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English.

As an ESOL Teaching Assistant, you will encourage learners to communicate using the structures and vocabulary they have learnt, with a strong emphasis on dialogue and role-playing, alongside more formal exercises and language games.

We are seeking a volunteer holding either a formal teaching qualification (e.g. CELTA, CertESOL or similar) or prior experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages. 

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Support with the planning, preparation and delivery of high-quality ESOL lessons in a community setting

• Mark and provide appropriate feedback on oral and written work

• Guide the class according to the syllabus and learning outcomes as instructed

• Ensure learners participation during class and monitor attendance

• Create a safe and inclusive learning environment, identify gaps and adapt activities to learners’ needs

• Provide one-to-one learner support in class as required, to ensure needs relating to learning difficulties and disabilities are met

• Prepare and set exercises, materials and examination papers as necessary

• Undertake administrative tasks, such as keeping student registers and attendance records

• Provide logistical support with arranging the room, setting out refreshments and class tidy upContribute towards outcome and impact measurement for learners at the end of each term

We are looking for

• A recognised ESOL qualification, such as those listed on the TESOL website, is essential (e.g. TEFL or CELTA) or equivalent experience

• Verbal and written communication skills in English and either Spanish and/or Portuguese

• A flexible and enthusiastic person who is confident working in a multicultural and multilingual environment

• An empathetic approach to working with beneficiaries whose needs may vary or change over time

• Ability to work resourcefully and in collaboration with others

• Good IT skills, including in using Microsoft and Google suite packages, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and databases

• Good interpersonal and communication skills with attention to detail

• A caring, sensitive and non-judgemental manner

• Knowledge of how to deal with sensitive and confidential information

• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to CRM systems

• Committed to IRMO's mission, vision and values

Additional requirements

• Two references from current/previous employers

• Enhanced DBS Check (completed through IRMO)

• Safeguarding Level 1 certificate (completed through IRMO)

• One month trial period

Benefits of volunteering at IRMO

• You will get the opportunity to help others and to give back

• You will learn new skills and gain experience working in a multicultural, cooperative and inspiring environment

• You will contribute to the Latin American Community and increase your knowledge of the situation of Latin American migrants in the UK

• You will gain valuable experience and strengthen previous skills to help prepare yourself for the UK’s competitive job market

• You will enhance your CV and get references (after a 3-month period) for further support with employability

• You will have the opportunity to participate in training sessions with high-quality learning outcomes (in-house and external) in areas related to the role

• You will receive regular supervision and support

At IRMO, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We actively encourage applications from individuals with protected characteristics, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and age. 

We particularly invite Latin Americans, those who identify as members of underrepresented and marginalised communities, and individuals with lived experience of the immigration and asylum system, to reflect the community we serve. 

We are dedicated to ensuring accessibility in our recruitment process and volunteer opportunities. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know, and we will make necessary accommodations.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

About this Role: Volunteer Lead Security Engineer

Location: Remote

Commitment: Part-time (volunteer, pro bono role)

Contribution Requirements: minimum 10-15 hours a week; minimum 3 to 6 months.

About Solution Community:

Solution Community is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, pioneering an innovative social platform dedicated to enabling actionable change. With volunteers from over 70 countries, we are a testament to the power of global collaboration. Our team members bring experiences from some of the world’s most successful companies, including Apple, Toyota, Google, Netflix, Walmart, Meta, and many others, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge and passion.

Our Mission:

To foster a global community of compassion, uniting individuals and organizations to solve the world’s social problems. We are the bridge that connects non-profits, businesses, philanthropists, and volunteers, empowering them to create meaningful change for current and future generations.

Our Vision:

Imagine a world where every person can thrive - a world united by collaboration, compassion, and action. At Solution Community, we are making that vision a reality and driving change that will shape the future.

Professional Volunteering:

Professional volunteering is skills‑based service performed with the same reliability, accountability, and quality expected in a paid professional role. Volunteers are core contributors whose work directly supports our mission of global compassion, collaboration, and action.

Expectations include:

• Consistent weekly availability

• Timely communication and responsiveness

• Ownership of assigned tasks and follow‑through

• Participation in team meetings and workflows

• Alignment with organizational values and processes

Examples:

• Attending your weekly team sync and sharing updates

• Responding to Slack messages within a reasonable timeframe

• Completing assigned tasks by agreed deadlines

Role Summary:

As our Lead Security Engineer, you will be the guardian of our digital ecosystem, designing and implementing secure systems that protect our platform, data, and global community. You will lead our security strategy, ensuring resilience, trust, and integrity across all technological initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Design and Defend: Architect and implement robust security frameworks, policies, and protocols that safeguard our infrastructure, applications, and user data.

• Identify and Mitigate Risks: Proactively assess vulnerabilities, conduct security audits, and lead threat modeling to prevent and respond to potential risks.

• Secure Development Practices: Embed security into the software development lifecycle, guiding teams on best practices such as secure coding, encryption, and authentication.

• Lead Incident Response: Establish and manage incident detection and response processes to ensure rapid resolution and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with engineering, product, and operations teams to ensure security is integrated into every layer of our platform.

• Educate and Empower: Mentor team members and raise security awareness across the organization, fostering a culture of shared responsibility.

Qualifications:

• Experienced Security Leaders: 7+ years of experience leading cybersecurity or information security, with a strong background in securing cloud-based systems and applications.

• Technical Experts: Possess deep knowledge of security principles, including network security, identity and access management, encryption, and vulnerability management.

• Strategic Thinkers: Able to balance security with usability and scalability, making thoughtful decisions in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment.

• Collaborative Communicators: Able to clearly explain complex security concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders across a global team.

• Mission-Driven Contributors: Deeply committed to our mission and able to consistently contribute 10–15 hours per week for the duration of the engagement. Your dedication, reliability, and sense of purpose drive meaningful progress and impact.

Team & Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Head of Engineering

• Collaborate with: Engineering, DevOps, Product, Data, and Leadership teams

• May lead or mentor: Volunteer engineers and security contributors

What We Offer:

• Global collaboration with leaders and strategists from top global companies

• Meaningful impact on global causes and communities

• A vibrant, multicultural team spanning 70+ countries

• A supportive environment rooted in compassion, integrity, innovation, and collaboration

• Flexible work life with full autonomy

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

• A formal recommendation upon successful completion of your volunteer term.

We are looking for volunteer befrienders to spend some time with our clients  in and around Central London or  to speak to them over the phone.  Our current needs are in Tulse Hill, Stockwell, Annerley, and Stepney Green.Locations change as new referrals come in, so if you are interested in befriending and want to make positive difference to  an older persons emotional well being, please contact us, we may have a client in your area!  

Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who feels alone, or is socially isolated.  Your gift of time and companionship will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once said,“this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”  

Meetings are regular, usually weekly or fortnightly, for at least six months although most of our volunteers stay involved for  longer, only because they enjoy what they do!  Phone calls can me made from any quiet space at your home or workplace. 

You might visit a client in their home, or meet them in the community, chatting in coffee shops or talking while you walk - this really depends on what our client wants to do.  Our clients are  older Scots (60 plus) who simply want to do some of the activities that most of us take for granted.

We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters. 

This could be an ideal opportunity gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyonewho enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.

Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must live in or around the London area for meetings, or in the UK for phone calls. 

Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!

Skills & characteristics required for befriending are:

• Good communication and listening skills, English speaking
• Friendly, warm and non-judgemental 
• Honest, reliable and committed
• Empathy 
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries (covered in training) 

An enhanced DBS check will be processed  for successful applicants and two references are required. 

Would you like to help East Ayrshire Women’s Aid improve the lives of women, children and young people who experience domestic abuse in East Ayrshire? Do you have a willingness to learn, share your skills and work as part of a team? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you might be interested in becoming a Director of East Ayrshire Women’s Aid.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a team delivering vital support to vulnerable women, children and young people in East Ayrshire. You do not need to know everything there is to know about domestic abuse, but they do need to know that you are reliable and committed to our principles and values.

The position is voluntary, but East Ayrshire Women’s Aid will provide you with training and support and pay your expenses. The Board meets at least six times a year, usually on Saturday mornings.

Applications are welcomed from women from all sections of the community.

This post is subject to PVG Disclosure. Women only need apply. The post is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010).

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. 

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. 

Help us make sure no one faces suicidal thoughts alone.

Samaritans is looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Fundraising Events Admin Volunteer to support our busy Community and Events Team. Your support will help us raise the vital funds needed to ensure people can access emotional support whenever they need it most.

What is the role?

As a Fundraising Events Admin Volunteer, you will play a key role in helping our team focus on delivering successful fundraising events and supporting our incredible fundraisers. From managing enquiries to sending out fundraising materials, you’ll help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in events, fundraising, marketing, and supporter stewardship while making a meaningful difference.

This role will give you the opportunity to:

• Experience volunteering within a busy events team within a large UK charity.
• Develop strong communication skills working within a diverse network.
• Gain an insight into event marketing
• Support our Third-Party Events (TPE) fundraisers, taking part in events like London Marathon, Great North Run and Paris Marathon as well as fundraisers who take part in primarily virtual events, such as Dawn Walk and our Dog Walking Challenge.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Community and Events team to help us deliver our successful fundraising events and stewardship.
• Support our do your own thing (DYOT) and events fundraisers.
• Support with moderation and creating content to make our Stream for Samaritans, Discord server a warm and welcoming place.

Qualities and experience

• Enthusiasm and passion for community and events fundraising
• Excellent organisation skills and attention to detail
• Personable, approachable and able to develop relationships with a wide range of individuals

Please see the role description below for more details about this role.

Time commitment

Ideally we would like the successful candidate to support us one day a week, but we can be flexible with this depending on the work required within the team and the needs of the candidate

Applications

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted with video interviews offered to the right candidates as soon as possible. 

Basis Yorkshire is seeking a committed and values-driven individual to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is an opportunity to support a long-standing, specialist organisation working alongside sex workers and people experiencing sexual exploitation across Yorkshire.

Basis has over three decades of experience delivering trauma-informed, non-judgemental support, advocacy, outreach and education. We work with people across all sectors of the sex industry, as well as young people and adults at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation. Our approach is rooted in dignity, agency, social justice and harm reduction, with the voices and experiences of the people we support at the centre of everything we do.

As Treasurer Trustee, you will play a key role in supporting the Board’s oversight of the charity’s financial health, sustainability and governance. While professional financial qualifications are not required, we are looking for someone who is confident in scrutinising financial information, asking constructive questions, and contributing to strategic decision-making.

We are particularly interested in individuals who share our commitment to challenging stigma and inequality, and who can bring thoughtful, independent judgment to Board discussions. Previous experience in the voluntary or community sector, safeguarding, or connections to strategic networks in Leeds would be welcomed.

Trustees are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings, contribute to working groups where possible, and engage with role-specific matters between meetings. An enhanced DBS check will be required and arranged by Basis.

We warmly encourage applications from people with diverse lived and professional experiences, particularly those currently underrepresented at the Board level.

About Wekume
Wekume — meaning “Protect Yourself” in Luganda — is a dynamic, startup transforming access to sexual and reproductive health for university students and young people in Uganda. Through our mobile platform and on-the-ground community engagement events, we support them in accessing trusted information, testing, referrals, support services, and rewards for taking charge of their health.
Our work happens both online and in physical spaces through:

• Campus activations and university outreach.
• Hostel events and student engagement programs.
• Community health awareness events.

Role Overview
We are seeking a strategic and well-connected Partnerships Strategist to build and manage a diverse partnership ecosystem. You will secure funding, policy backing, event visibility, university adoption, and technical collaboration all in service of scaling Wekume’s reach and impact.
You will sell Wekume’s mission, credibility, and outcomes to anyone who can accelerate our work.

Key Responsibilities. 
Rewards Program Partnerships

• Identify and onboard businesses, brands, restaurants, cafés, transport providers, telecom companies, gyms, entertainment spaces, and student-focused service providers into the Wekume rewards ecosystem.
• Develop partnerships that provide discounts, vouchers, sponsored products, experiences, or loyalty rewards for students engaging with Wekume services and events.
• Pitch the value of the Wekume student network and demonstrate how partners can increase visibility and engagement among university students and young people.
• Track partnership KPIs, including the number of partners onboarded, rewards redeemed, student engagement levels, and repeat partner collaborations.

Campus & Community Engagement

• Work closely with campus ambassadors and outreach teams to integrate rewards into hostel activations, campus events, testing drives, referrals, and community engagement programs.

• Support campaigns that encourage students to earn points through positive health actions, event participation, referrals, and app engagement.

•  Help partners activate their brands during Wekume events and student-focused campaigns.

• University Partnerships

• Pitch and onboard universities that is engage Vice-Chancellors, Deans of Students, University Health Services, and Counselling Centers.

• Integrate Wekume into orientation week, student handbooks, health modules, and peer education programs.

• Train student leaders, peer educators, and campus ambassadors to promote the app as a confidential first-line resource.

• Track university level KPIs: schools partnered, student reach, app activations, questions asked.

Donor & Funder Partnerships

• Identify and cultivate relationships with bilateral or multilateral donors 
• Build relationships with trusts, foundations, and high net worth individuals focused on adolescent health, gender equality, and education.
• Lead or support grant proposal development, reporting, and donor stewardship.
• Explore results-based financing or impact-linked partnerships.

Government & Public Sector Partnerships 

• Engage Ministries of Health, Education, Youth Affairs, and Higher Education to align Wekume with national SRHR strategies.
• Secure government endorsements, data privacy clearances, and potential integration into public university health programs.
• Advocate for Wekume as a recognized digital health tool for young people.

Event & Activation Funders 

• Partner with event funders, corporate CSR arms, and youth-focused brands to sponsor campus activations, health fairs, and awareness campaigns.
• Secure cash or in-kind sponsorship for Wekume-led events.
• Build a calendar around high-visibility moments for example World Contraception Day, Menstrual Hygiene Day, Youth Day.

NGO & Technical Partners 

• Collaborate with SRHR-focused NGOs, youth-led organizations, gender justice groups, and mental health initiatives.
• Build referral networks so students using Wekume can access in-person care where needed.
• Jointly apply for funding or advocacy campaigns**.**

**Qualifications**

• 3–5 years in partnerships, business development, fundraising, or external relations across at least two of:

• Donor or funder engagement

• Government liaison

• University/institutional partnerships

• Corporate/NGO collaboration

• Proven track record of securing funding, institutional commitments, or strategic partnerships.

• Excellent proposal writing, pitching, and negotiation skills.

• Deep understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and the barriers young people face.

• Ability to translate mission impact into partner-specific value propositions.

• Willingness to travel for partner meetings.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

About IRMO

IRMO works to enable the development, agency, and participation of Latin Americans and other Spanish and Portuguese speakers, by responding to both immediate needs and structural inequalities. We do this by offering high-quality information and advice services, opportunities for development and training, and a platform to seek social and systemic change. Our work is organised across three main operational areas - Advice and Casework; Education, Training and Employment; Children and Young People - and a cross-cutting area - Advocacy, Research, Policy Mapping and Campaigning. 

About our Education, Training and Employment Programme

Our comprehensive Education, Training and Employment (ETE) programme runs various activities to improve our beneficiaries' social and cultural integration in the UK. These activities include 12-week English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses for adults and online conversation classes. 

We also deliver one-to-one employment support, mentoring, vocational training, and workshops on a range of topics to support the Latin American community in navigating the UK system. Additionally, our volunteer scheme provides volunteers with valuable work experience to enter London’s competitive job market. As well as being integral to the smooth running of our organisation, the scheme helps volunteers to develop their skills by working in a multicultural, collaborative and inspiring environment.

About the role

We are looking for a motivated and organised volunteer to support the ETE Programme Assistant in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the programme. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in administration, programme coordination, and community services.

The volunteer will play a key role in helping the ETE team stay organised, efficient, and responsive to the needs of service users and staff. This role supports the ETE Programme Assistant in delivering high-quality services, contributing to the overall impact and effectiveness of the programme.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Assist with general day-to-day administrative tasks to support the organisation of ESOL classes, level assessments and events

• Communicate with service users, including responding to and monitoring general enquiries via WhatsApp and email

• Send reminder messages for classes, assessments, or events

• Support with data entry as well as managing and updating databases, including attendance registers and service user contact information

• Support outreach activities, including distributing flyers, posters and informative material both online via social media and in-person to key community hubs such as libraries, shops, cafés and churches

• Assist with updating, uploading and printing materials related to ETE activities

• Help with any other tasks requested by the ETE Programme Assistant

We are looking for

• Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken); knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage

• A flexible and enthusiastic person who is confident in working in a multicultural and multilingual environment

• Good IT skills, including in using Microsoft and Google suite packages, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and databases

• Good interpersonal and communication skills with attention to detail

• A caring, sensitive and non-judgemental manner

• Knowledge of how to deal with sensitive and confidential information

• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to CRM systems

• Good organisational and time management skills

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, without constant supervision 

• Interest in education, employment support, or community work

• Understanding of issues facing Latin American migrants in the UK 

Additional requirements

• Two references from current/previous employers

• Basic DBS Check (completed through IRMO)

• Safeguarding Level 1 certificate (completed through IRMO)

• One month trial period

Benefits of volunteering at IRMO

• You will get the opportunity to help others and to give back

• You will learn new skills and gain experience working in a multicultural, cooperative and inspiring environment

• You will contribute to the Latin American Community and increase your knowledge of the situation of Latin American migrants in the UK

• You will gain valuable experience and strengthen previous skills to help prepare yourself for the UK’s competitive job market

• You will enhance your CV and get references (after a 3-month period) for further support with employability

• You will have the opportunity to participate in training sessions with high-quality learning outcomes (in-house and external) in areas related to the role

• You will receive regular supervision and support

At IRMO, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We actively encourage applications from individuals with protected characteristics, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and age. 

We particularly invite Latin Americans, those who identify as members of underrepresented and marginalised communities, and individuals with lived experience of the immigration and asylum system, to reflect the community we serve. 

We are dedicated to ensuring accessibility in our recruitment process and volunteer opportunities. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know, and we will make necessary accommodations.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

United Nations CSO, Centre for Big Synergy, seeks a Partnerships Advisor/Lead to lead strategic partnerships for various educational and creative programs including the World's biggest sustainability film festival and awards.

What will you be doing?

This is an opportunity to build a very high profile network for furthering your career and also to gain professional esteem and presence.

Big Syn Institute (BSI) is a part of the Centre for Big Synergy and has been organising the Big Syn International Film Festival (BSIFF) since 2019.

The partnerships lead will work closely with senior leadership to identify and engage in commercial and strategic relationships with key partners, both online and offline, for the activities of BSI, London for various creative projects it runs including the World's Biggest sustainability film fest & awards.

Since 2019, the Big Syn Institute has hosted the festival has reached over 50M people and in over 120 countries. Through relevant shorts, features, animations, documentaries, CSR videos and Public Service Videos, Charity films, the festival advocates the United Nations 17 Global Goals and also celebrates the work of UK's marginalised filmmakers. 

OSCAR, BAFTA and EMMY award-winners, as well as other luminaries from film and media, sustainability, and policy have been part of the festival and have supported it since inception. Winners from the festival have eventually won OSCARS and EMMY awards

We are looking for a motivated networker with a can-do attitude who enjoys networking and establishing relationships. The partnerships manager, working closely with our team must be able to:

• Identify, cultivate, and secure high‑value funders, corporate patrons, and philanthropic partners.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of investors, donors, and strategic collaborators.
• Develop compelling partnership propositions, sponsorship decks, and investment narratives tailored to each stakeholder.
• Lead negotiations and close partnership agreements that advance the institute’s creative, cultural, and educational objectives.
• Work closely with executive leadership to align partnership strategy with the institute’s mission and long‑term vision.
  • Collaborate with programming, marketing, legal, and finance teams to deliver high‑impact partnerships.
  • Monitor industry trends, funding landscapes, and corporate CSR priorities to anticipate new opportunities.
• Take ownership as one of most important people associated with the BSI's activities, festivals and awards
• Think strategically to identify and establish new partnerships whilst exploring new engagements with the existing partner network
• Communicate with a very high professional standard with the leadership of partner organisations, some being the biggest corporations in their sector
• Maintain a database with existing and new partnerships and updates on progress made
• Explore ideas, both in house, and with potential and new partners, to come up with creative ideas of collaboration to further common goals

What are we looking for?

A committed and meticulous person, passionate about making the world a more sustainable, safer and peaceful place

• Proven experience: 3 or more years of communicating and working with senior leadership across organisations and identifying potential partners and stakeholders
• Strategic Relationship Builder: able to cultivate trust with senior executives, philanthropists, brand leaders, and industry stakeholders.
• Commercially Astute: understands how funding, sponsorship, and co‑financing models work across film, culture, and corporate CSR.
• Compelling Communicator: exceptional written and verbal communication, able to craft persuasive pitches, proposals, and partnership narratives.
• Diplomatic and Credible: carries themselves with the gravitas needed to represent an institute in high‑level settings.
• Creative Thinker: able to design partnership concepts that feel fresh, mutually beneficial, and aligned with the institute’s mission.
• Resilient and Proactive: comfortable navigating long sales cycles, complex stakeholders, and shifting industry landscapes.
• Highly Organised: manages pipelines, reporting, and stewardship with precision.
• Mission‑Driven: genuinely committed to the cultural, educational, or social purpose of the institute.

What difference will you make?

Billions of people globally, are unaware of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) let alone take any steps to create a more sustainable world for themselves and in the process for others in this complexly interconnected world.

This highlights the need for such initiatives to educate the British as well as global societies about the UN SDGs. Your contributions can educate and inspire millions to act on the SDGs and bring positive changes that will impact all of us in this complexly interconnected world.

Most importantly your efforts will  ensure that the film festival and the UK's marginalised filmmakers (LGBTQI+, women, disabled and ethnic minorities) get even more visibility, thus furthering the motto of the festival to celebrate inclusion and diversity whilst inspiring the civic society to act on the Global Goals. It will also help partner organisations join forces and work in synergy to amplify the impact of the initiative through communal as well as individual efforts. Thus, benefitting more lives that we would have helped acting alone.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.