Policy and research manager volunteer roles

Harry’s HAT is a UK-based charity focusing on paediatric hydrocephalus.

Our mission is to make life better for children and their families who are affected by hydrocephalus. We work towards this through:

1. Awareness: delivering workshops and training to help people understand paediatric hydrocephalus.

2. Research: supporting research and funding training for professionals in health, social care and related fields.

3. Signposting and support: helping families find organisations that can offer advice, guidance and peer support.

4. Campaigning for early diagnosis of the condition.

We are now recruiting a Governance Trustee to strengthen our Board and help ensure our governance framework remains robust as the charity grows.

The Governance Trustee will play a key role in supporting good oversight, strong policy development and effective decision-making across the organisation.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Supporting the Board in maintaining strong and effective governance.

• Helping review and develop the charity’s policy framework, including safeguarding, governance, finance and operational policies.

• Ensuring policies are reviewed regularly, compliant with current legislation and embedded in day-to-day practice.

• Working closely with fellow Trustees and the CEO to ensure decisions reflect our mission, vision and values.

• Contributing to the work of the Fundraising and Risk Group, ensuring governance considerations inform the group’s discussions.

Attending and actively participating in:

• Six Board meetings per year (usually held on the third Sunday of every other month from 18:00–19:30 via Teams).

• Quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings (1.5 hours, evening).

• Two 1-2-1 meetings per year with the Chair of Trustees.

• The charity’s AGM and any additional meetings or events as needed • Providing occasional input on matters raised by the CEO, Trustees, staff and volunteers.

• Acting as an ambassador for Harry’s HAT and representing the charity with professionalism and warmth.

#trustee #governance 

Description
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Working Relationships: C-Level Executives, National Research, Policy, Ethics, Research Reporting, and Local Operations
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: Part-time | Flexible hours | Long term commitment

About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership across our national and local operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective delivery of projects and research, maintaining ethical and operational standards, and driving continuous improvement across all organisational systems and processes.

This is a senior voluntary position ideal for an experienced operations or strategy leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make an impact in the not-for-profit or research sector.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of Policy, Ethics and Research Reporting, National Operations, and Local Operations (including projects and research).

• Oversee operational delivery to ensure smooth, ethical, and effective implementation of all projects.

• Lead the optimisation of systems, structures, and processes to maximise organisational efficiency.

• Ensure resource allocation is effective and aligned with strategic goals.

• Support and collaborate with C-Level colleagues to drive organisational progress.

• Attend high-level meetings and provide regular operational updates and recommendations.

• Act as a key decision-maker in operational strategy, compliance, and performance management.

• Support and coach department heads and senior managers to strengthen internal leadership capacity.

• Step in to provide hands-on support to other C-Level officers and direct reports when needed.

What We're Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, experienced, and adaptable leader who can bring structure, strategy, and calm to a dynamic environment. You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
• Significant experience in operations management, project delivery, or organisational leadership.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple teams or departments in complex environments.
• Strong ethical grounding and commitment to compliance and transparency.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to balance strategy and execution.
• Experience mentoring or managing senior leaders or functional heads.
• Comfort working remotely with cross-functional, volunteer-led teams.
• A collaborative, supportive leadership style and openness to learning and adaptation.
• An understanding of the not-for-profit, research, or policy sectors (advantageous but not essential).

What You’ll Gain
• The opportunity to lead national operations for a values-led organisation making a tangible impact.
• Executive-level experience within a collaborative, mission-driven C-Suite.
• The chance to refine strategic and operational leadership skills in a complex, real-world setting.
• Recognition through:
o LinkedIn testimonial and reference
o A public thank you post
o Permission to list the organisation as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
o A written reference upon completion of your commitment

Important Information
This is a voluntary position. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. This opportunity is ideal for seasoned operations leaders or executives seeking to contribute their expertise to a meaningful, values-driven mission and support the growth of an impactful organisation.

Apply Now
If you’re ready to help shape the strategic and operational backbone of a growing organisation and support our mission through effective leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us and help promote the highest standards in the practice of urology for the benefit of patients, by fostering education, research and clinical excellence.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026

Location: Virtual / London

Who we are

The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) is the professional membership organisation for urologists and urological teams in the UK. We are a registered charity representing over 2,500 members, including consultants, trainees and allied health professionals, all committed to improving the care and outcomes of people with urological conditions.

BAUS delivers education and professional development through national conferences, specialist training and clinical audit, playing a key role in setting professional standards and sharing best practice across the UK and internationally.

With our headquarters at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, we are an established and respected voice within the medical community — and our motto, united strength is stronger, reflects the power of collaboration across our membership and partners.

 About the roles

The board of trustees provides collective leadership, oversight and strategic guidance to ensure BAUS fulfils its charitable objectives and continues to thrive for the benefit of patients and professionals alike.

Trustees work closely with our senior team and council to oversee strategy, risk and resources, ensuring that our work reflects the evolving needs of the urological community and wider healthcare landscape.

We now seek to appoint two new lay trustees as we look to further develop and grow our impact. These key roles represent an exciting opportunity to contribute to the continued development of an organisation at the heart of advancing urological care and professional excellence.

Who we are looking for

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who bring skills and perspectives that complement those of our existing Board and membership. In particular, we would welcome:

• Public affairs and policy experience, ideally with an understanding of health or professional regulation, to help strengthen BAUS’s engagement with government and external stakeholders.
• Strategic communications or advocacy expertise, with the ability to help shape our voice and influence policy and patient engagement.
• Income generation expertise, ideally from the pharmaceutical industry.
• Patient Engagement, ideally with experience of patient and public engagement, advocating for those with lived experience
• Governance/legal experience, ideally with medical association experience

You do not need prior board experience to apply. We welcome expressions of interest from those new to trusteeship who share our values, are committed to public benefit and are keen to learn and contribute.

BAUS is deeply committed to inclusion and widening participation across our membership, leadership and governance. We particularly encourage applications from women, people from underrepresented backgrounds and those with lived experience of the issues we address.

Time commitment

The equivalent of approximately 1 – 2 days per month. The board meets five to six times a year, usually in London or virtually. Trustees are expected to attend our annual scientific meeting (3 days each June). Each trustee will sit on a clinical sub-committee. They are encouraged to engage in BAUS events and working groups that align with their interests and expertise.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026.

About the Degrees Initiative

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

The charity was founded in 2021, now has around 20 staff members and is growing. We seek a volunteer trustee with significant financial experience including an accounting qualification to join an existing five-person board to help guide a growing initiative that is changing the field of SRM.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to apply their financial expertise in a high-profile governance role, shaping strategy and supporting a mission that empowers Global South researchers to lead in one of the world’s most important climate debates. 

Role 

The volunteer trustee will complement and further strengthen an existing five-person volunteer trustee board including the Chair & Treasurer. The role will entail strategic leadership, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Alongside the Treasurer they will predominantly be advising the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the rest of the senior management team (the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff) to ensure the robust financial health of the charity. This will include: 

• Maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs by overseeing the annual financial planning and budgets proposed by the senior management team 

• Monitoring and evaluating financial progress against budgets and forecasts from staff reporting at quarterly board meetings, acting a voice of financial expertise during board discussions 

• Approving the audited annual accounts and financial statements presented by the senior management team alongside the rest of the board 

• Strategic input by reviewing risk assessments alongside financial implications and advising on the organisation of financial resources and reserves to support the long-term goals of the charity 

• Confirming transparency and accountability in financial operations, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place in addition to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements 

• Advising on how the charity can most effectively conduct its international work, especially providing grants to organisations in the Global South 

• Confirming that the charity has an appropriate investment policy, and that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity

• Sitting on any board sub-committees as required 

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a local group Finance Volunteer, you’ll make sure your group gets the most for their money. In this role you’ll be able to develop your financial and communication skills whilst working closely with other members of the group Coordinating Team.

Most importantly, you’ll be part of a team that provides vital support and services to people within your local MS community.

What will you be doing?

People in Harmony (PIH) is a membership organisation dedicated to supporting mixed-race individuals, and interracial families, and couples. Established in 1972, PIH aims to promote positive experiences by challenging racism, prejudice, and ignorance. We provide information, support, and advocacy to our members and the wider community through education, celebration, and research.

We are seeking a new Chair at a pivotal moment in the Charity’s history. Following a strategic review, we are at the start of a five-year plan focused on building capacity, strengthening governance, and establishing a strong operational structure. Concurrently, in the next 10 years we aspire to expand training, consultancy, and policy influence, positioning PIH as a leading national organisation for mixed-race advocacy. As Chair, you will be central in delivering the organisation's strategy.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience at board level in a senior strategic leadership role, within the charity sector or a similar environment.
• Strong governance, strategic planning, and organisational skills.
• An inclusive leadership style; able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
• Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Able to listen and engage effectively; comfortable with challenge and debate and can encourage that in others while promoting a collaborative board environment.
• Passionate about the mission of PIH and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Lived experience and understanding of the challenges faced by mixed-race individuals and communities is preferable.

What difference will you make?

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction and ensuring effective governance.
• Ensure the Board operates within its charitable objectives and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Plan and facilitate cyclical committee meetings, ensuring they are well-organised, inclusive, and productive.
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Act as an ambassador for PIH, representing the charity at events and in the media.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with members, partners, and stakeholders to further the charity's mission.
• Oversee the organisation’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure key risks are identified, monitored and mitigated effectively.
• Support fundraising and grant application efforts and help secure resources necessary for the charity's sustainability.

We are seeking one or two new members to join the Committee. Members bring expertise, objectivity, and strategic insight to ensure TASO’s financial and risk frameworks remain strong, proportionate, and future-focused.

You will:

• review and comment on TASO’s financial plans, forecasts, and management accounts
• advise on financial and risk implications of strategic developments
• provide independent scrutiny and challenge to ensure effective governance
• contribute to periodic reviews of policies such as reserves and risk management
• support the Senior Leadership Team as a source of advice and critical friendship.

This is a voluntary position. We expect the time commitment to be approximately half a day per month. The Committee meets quarterly, typically online, with papers circulated in advance. Additional engagement between meetings may be required from time to time.

About TASO 

TASO (Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education) is an independent charity working to eliminate equality gaps in higher education. As an affiliate What Works Centre, and part of the UK Government’s What Works Movement, we generate evidence, share insight, and support universities and colleges to make meaningful, data-informed change so that every student – regardless of their background – can succeed.

We are looking for new members to join our Finance and Risk Committee to help ensure TASO’s financial sustainability, compliance, and effective risk management as we continue to grow and evolve.

Who we’re looking for

We are interested in hearing from individuals who can bring experience, insight, and constructive challenge to our financial and risk oversight.

You do not necessarily need to have any experience of being a trustee; TASO will give you a full induction and support to help you develop into this role.

Knowledge or experience in one or more of the following:

• Accounting or financial management
• Risk management or audit
• Financial governance in a charity or similar organisation
• The ability to analyse complex information and provide clear, strategic advice
• Commitment to TASO’s mission and values

Desirable criteria:

• A recognised financial qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Experience in the charity, education, or research and evaluation sectors
• Understanding of the regulatory context for UK charities

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – particularly LGBTQ+ people, disabled people and Black, Asian and minority ethnic people who are currently underrepresented on our boards and committees.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Bowel Cancer UK in their search to appoint three new Trustees. 

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. They support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

Bowel Cancer UK is entering a defining period for the charity. Their strategy places bold focus on early diagnosis, improved treatment and care, accelerating research, and ensuring that every voice—especially those less often heard—shapes their direction.

About the Trustee opportunities:

We are seeking three talented and committed Trustees with a particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Professional healthcare (not only medics) with experience in research and caring for bowel cancer patients
• Fundraising / income generation

The charity is also keen for the Board to reflect more fully the UK-wide nature of their role and work, noting particularly that they don’t currently have a Board Member from Wales, as well as groups disproportionately affected by bowel cancer. For example, research shows that:

• Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with bowel cancer in an emergency setting. These are often at a later stage, when bowel cancer is harder to treat.
• Black people are more likely than white people to be diagnosed in an emergency setting, when bowel cancer is harder to treat.
• People from ethnic minority groups have a lower participation rate in the bowel cancer screening programme than white people.

Bowel Cancer UK is committed to widening the diversity of the Board to reflect a broad and inclusive range of backgrounds and skills, and would welcome applicants who reflect the diverse communities that they serve.

Citizens Advice Winchester District is a dynamic, values-led, and award-winning local charity which is passionate about creating a fairer society for all.

We do this by helping people to resolve a wide range of problems they’re facing, so that everyone can achieve a good quality of life.Every year, we provide free, confidential and impartial advice on issues such as debt, housing, benefits and employment advice to people across the Winchester district, many of whom are in desperate or challenging situations and have nowhere else to turn. We may also suggest to our clients' other agencies that may be helpful to them, depending on their individual circumstances.

Our greatest asset is our dedicated team of staff, volunteers and trustees, who also advocate for lasting policy change both locally and nationally. To help us in our work, we are seeking an additional 3-4 trustees to complete our board and help us lead the charity over our next phase of strategic development.

The role  

We want our board to have a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds and are looking for strategic thinkers with a commitment to good governance and a willingness to work collaboratively and challenge constructively. Previous experience of Citizens Advice, or of being a Trustee (or equivalent), would be advantageous, but the commitment and enthusiasm to help us shape the work and strategic direction of our forward-thinking charity is essential. 

We would be particularly interested to hear from people with experience in HR (especially those with current CIPD membership), Charitable Trust and Foundation fundraising, and change management.

We are committed to being an inclusive workplace and we value diversity - we welcome and encourage applications from all walks of life, whatever your background or situation.

This is an exciting opportunity to be able to influence the direction of our charity, making a real difference. You will work alongside passionate and skilled colleagues and use your experience to create positive change for thousands of people in the Winchester district every year.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Volunteer Grant Officer

Southwark Tenants’ Federation – Grassroots Housing Advice Charity

Location: Southwark / Remote (hybrid available)
Time commitment: Flexible (approx. 4–8 hours per week)
Contract: Volunteer

About Us

We are a small grassroots charity based in Southwark and the only surviving tenants’ federation in London. For decades, we have supported tenants and residents to defend their housing rights, challenge poor conditions, and have a collective voice in decisions that affect their homes and communities.

Our social housing advice service supports people facing homelessness, disrepair, evictions, and housing management issues, with a strong focus on empowerment and tenant-led action.

The Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Grant Officer to help us secure funding to sustain and grow our vital work. This role is crucial to keeping an independent, tenant-led voice alive in London.

You will work closely with a small, committed team and help ensure our advice service remains accessible to local residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Research grant funding opportunities suitable for a grassroots, tenant-led organisation
• Draft and submit grant applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders
• Maintain a simple funding pipeline and track deadlines
• Work with staff and volunteers to gather service data, outcomes, and case studies
• Assist with basic funder monitoring and reporting

About You

Essential:

• Strong written communication skills
• Good organisational skills and reliability
• Commitment to social justice and housing rights

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience of grant writing or fundraising
• Knowledge of social housing, tenant organisations, or advice services

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing.

What We Offer

• Flexible volunteering hours
• Support, supervision, and guidance
• The opportunity to contribute to a unique and historic tenant-led organisation
• Experience in grant writing within the voluntary and housing sectors
• References provided where appropriate

Looking for a role where you can drive forward cancer prevention and earlier diagnosis within an innovative, impact focused research charity?  

The Eve Appeal is recruiting up to 3 new Trustees to the Board with additional opportunities to join other Committees of the Board such as our Finance and Audit Committee or Research Committee. 

The Eve Appeal is the leading gynaecological cancer charity. There are five gynae cancers, which are womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer. Our aim is to prevent gynae cancers from developing in the first place, but if they do develop, we want to make sure they’re detected early so more people survive their diagnosis.

To make our goals a reality, we fund research in four key areas: uncovering the causes of gynae cancers, predicting a person’s risk of developing them, identifying how people can reduce their risk, and improving their detection and diagnosis.

We educate; we increase awareness and we provide free confidential and expert information through our Ask Eve nurse service.

We are now looking to strengthen our Board and are seeking candidates who share our commitment to driving forward medical research, raising awareness and promoting education around how these diseases can be diagnosed at the earliest stage or prevented.

We are committed to broadening the range of backgrounds and perspectives represented on our Board. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Disabled, Working Class and younger candidates, as well as individuals based outside London.

We also strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience—including patients, survivors, carers and family members. Bringing in Trustees who are expert by experience adds valuable insight and perspectives into the emotional, practical and systemic challenges faced by those affected, enriching the Board’s understanding and improving decision‑making. 

We have a highly skilled Board of Trustees and are looking to broaden and strengthen skills in the following areas: 

• Fundraising and philanthropic giving. We have seen incredible success with our fundraising programme in recent years and are now particularly focused on building our major gifts programme 

• Digital, AI tech solutions and strategy. We are ambitious to adopt solutions across all areas of our activity that embrace digital technology 

• HR / People. Experience across culture, staff and volunteer wellbeing, effective recruitment skills and organisational culture experience 

• Research / medical / NHS strategy and delivery experience. Experience in the UK / and or international health sector (private, public, academic).

Becoming a Trustee 

You will help lead the Board’s responsibilities across all areas of governance including strategy development and staff mentoring, evaluation and impact, ensuring donor and beneficiary aspirations, commitments and needs are met and the charity is fulfilling all of its charitable objects and agreed strategic objectives.

You will work within the legal and regulatory framework set out by the Charity Commission and will be supported by the CEO and senior staff team at Eve to enable you to do this effectively. You will have exceptional communication, interpersonal and analytical skills with the confidence and ability to ensure decisions are actioned in a timely manner. 

This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. In return you’ll gain valuable experience and satisfaction, and the opportunity to develop your skills and utilise your expertise and knowledge. 

People from all backgrounds are welcomed, as The Eve Appeal aspires to build a committed and diverse board that reflects our beneficiaries and communities. 

To apply please submit a CV and covering letter.

The Organisation

Applied Microbiology International (AMI) unites the global microbiology community, breaking down borders and bridging disciplines. It empowers researchers and professionals, fostering collaboration that drives real-world scientific impact. Through strategic funding, inclusive events, and championing diverse voices, AMI addresses the sustainable development goals most aligned with its mission.

AMI promotes knowledge and innovation through its industry-leading magazine, The Microbiologist, and three internationally acclaimed journals in partnership with Oxford University Press. The organisation supports early careers, celebrates excellence with prestigious awards, and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration worldwide.

By amplifying the voices of applied microbiologists, AMI shapes evidence-based policy, inspires the next generation, and acts as a catalyst for scientific discovery, turning knowledge into solutions that benefit society.

The Role

AMI is seeking a Lay Trustee to join its modern, forward-thinking Board.

The Board meets at least three times per year via Teams, with scheduling accommodating trustees globally. One annual face-to-face meeting is held in the UK.

Trustees play a vital role in guiding and strengthening AMI. They provide support and advice on the organisation’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities, while overseeing high-level strategies, policies, and financial plans. Trustees help identify and manage key risks, review financial statements, and support the Chief Executive in delivering AMI’s mission. They contribute their expertise and networks to promote AMI’s reputation, actively engage in committees or advisory groups, and champion membership growth. Acting independently, legally, and in good faith, Trustees prioritise AMI’s interests and stay informed about its operating environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Approving strategies, policies, budgets, and monitoring progress

• Ensuring effective risk management and financial oversight

• Supporting and challenging leadership while contributing expertise

• Promoting AMI’s aims, reputation, and membership growth

In addition, the Lay Trustee will:

• Advise on the development of a new commercial strategy aligned with AMI’s mission to drive revenue growth and diversify income streams

• Provide guidance on sales, market dynamics, customer segments, business development, product/service commercialisation, new product development, and commercial partnerships

• Serve on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (5 meetings per year, held remotely)

The Person

AMI is seeking individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset, fresh perspectives, and energy to contribute to a dynamic organisation with global reach. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping AMI’s future, including contributing to a major strategic review planned for 2026.

Candidates do not need to be UK-based but must share and actively support AMI’s values and be motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference through good governance and strategic leadership.

Essential experience and qualities:

• Background in business or commercial development, ideally within the STEM sector

• Proven track record of senior commercial leadership in STEM

• Strong integrity and personal credibilityMicrobiology expertise is not required.

• Global experience and mindset, open to cross-border collaboration

• Commitment to AMI’s mission, strategic objectives, and values

AMI is committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcomed regardless of age, ethnicity, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, social background, or disability. Reasonable adjustments will be supported wherever possible.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility 

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way! 

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board! 

Support Session Volunteer

You’ll be supporting people over the age of 18 with disabilities, this may include those with poor mental health, learning difficulties, autism and other disabilities.  Your role will include supporting clients to understand and undertake a task on a one-to-one basis.  The task will vary from client to client as will the needs of the individual. 

As a support session volunteer, you might: 

• help people have their say when it matters most
• Helping individuals navigate challenges and ensuring their needs are met
• help people to make complaints and use local services 

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening. 

Safeguarding Commitment Statement 

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice. 

ED&I Statement 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options. 

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

About Charity Right

Charity Right is an international food charity - Registered Charity No. 1163944 in England & Wales

The Objects of the Charity are

1. To relieve poverty worldwide by
   • Providing food supplies, items, grants and services to individuals in need and other groups or organisations that are working to prevent and relieve hunger and poverty
   • Providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare projects and all the necessary support designed to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and be self-sufficient
   • Undertaking and supporting research into factors that contribute to poverty and the most appropriate ways to mitigate these
   • The provision of grants to enable young people to participate in healthy recreational activities that they could not otherwise afford
2. The relief of financial need and suffering among victims of natural or other kinds of disaster in the form of money (or other means deemed suitable) for persons, bodies, organisations and/or countries affected.

Our work centres on breaking the cycle of poverty through sustainable school meals programmes. We currently provide daily school meals in displaced communities affected by extreme food insecurity. Our programme has helped save thousands of young peoples’ lives by freeing them to get an education, develop new skills into adulthood and lift themselves out of poverty.

With millions still going hungry worldwide, our vital work is needed now more than ever. We are at an exciting stage of growth and seek a trustee who can help us deepen our impact, strengthen our strategic direction, and ensure our programmes continue to transform lives for decades to come.

Our Commitment to Diverse Leadership

We strongly encourage applications from women and younger Muslim professionals who can bring fresh perspectives, sectoral expertise, and a long-term strategic vision to our board. We recognise that diverse leadership strengthens our governance, deepens our understanding of the communities we serve, and ensures our programmes remain relevant and impactful.

Age, gender and background diversity is not just important to us in principle, but it is essential to fulfilling our mission effectively. We actively seek to build a board that reflects the breadth of our supporter base and the communities we serve.

About the Role

We are seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our board of trustees. Our mission is to provide school meals to children in developing countries, with the goal of reducing hunger and improving educational outcomes.

As a trustee, you will work collaboratively with fellow trustees to provide strategic guidance and oversight to the charity. You will help ensure our activities align with our mission and values. The trustee will work closely with other members of the board and staff to develop and implement plans and policies that support the charity's objectives and maximise the positive impact of its work.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the board of trustees, providing governance and oversight to the organisation
• Uphold Charity Commission and legal responsibilities as a trustee and company director
• Collaborate with fellow trustees and staff to develop and implement strategies, plans and policies that support the charity's objectives and values
• Champion the charity to external stakeholders and partners
• Attend and actively participate in board meetings and events
• Ensure robust compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, using your network to advance our mission

Person Specification

• Genuine passion for international development and our mission to end child hunger
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: [AK1] finance, programmes, marketing, fundraising, technology, and operations
• Strong analytical, strategic and critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to contribute constructively to board discussions
• Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team
• Willingness to dedicate time and energy to the charity’s success
• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements for charitable organisations, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and commitment to collective decision-making
• Demonstrates highest standards of personal integrity, honesty and ethical behaviour, avoiding conflicts of interest and prioritizing the charity's mission
• Engages respectfully and collaboratively with board members, staff and stakeholders, fostering an inclusive environment and modelling the charity's values
• Understanding of the cultural and economic contexts of the countries where the charity operates is a plus.

Organisation Structure

The board of trustees provides strategic oversight and governance to the Executive team, who manage day to day operations. Trustees work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, offering guidance while respecting operational independence

Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings which are scheduled to accommodate trustee’s availability. Most meetings are done via video conferencing, and on occasion we meet in person at a suitable location. Individual commitments are agreed between each trustee and the Chair of the board.

Commitment

• Board meeting – quarterly
• 2-hour meetings with reports to read one week in advance
• Telephone meetings – as required
• 30-minute conference calls occasionally required in between board meetings
• Staff away day – once yearly
• A day of in-person workshops, planning and Q&A with staff
• Events – as required
• Occasional participation in promotional events – usually early evening
• Project groups – as required
• Occasional working alongside staff to complete projects – as fits expertise and diaries

Application Process

If you would like to formally apply for the role, please include a letter of application along with your current CV.

In your letter, please outline:

• Your motivation for applying and connection to our mission
• Your relevant experience, expertise, or perspective that you would bring to the board
• What you hope to contribute to Charity Right and gain from the trusteeship
• Your commitment to championing diversity and inclusive leadership
• Declaration of any potential conflicts of interest

We are happy to discuss the role in more detail and answer any questions you may have about the board service.

Charity Right is an equal opportunities organisation. We are committed to building a diverse board and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in charity governance.