Policy research volunteer volunteer roles

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and engaging tutors to provide educational support to primary aged pupils in Maths and English and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with long-term illnesses.

"My student's confidence has come miles forward and my favourite part of the week is working with her on her maths and English!" - Primary Volunteer Tutor

What will you be doing? 

• Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person. 

• Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS1 and KS2 Maths and English. 

• Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

• Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of Primary Maths and English Curriculum. 

• Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

• Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.

• Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.

• Experience working with SEN learners is an advantage

• Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

• You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

What difference will you make? 

• Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.

• Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.

• Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. 

What will you gain?

• Enhanced DBS will be provided

• Safeguarding Level One Training

• Skill Development opportunities

• Direct experience working with children and young people

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Support our mission to bring vital funding to adult carers in Solihull.
Your work helps keep services running and opens new opportunities for people who care for others.

As an Adult Carers Fundraiser Admin & Support Volunteer, you will play a key part in helping Carers Trust Solihull secure funding that enables us to continue and expand our vital services for adult carers across the borough.

Working alongside the manager, you will help identify and apply for funding opportunities, assist with administrative and community-based fundraising activities, and represent the charity in local events. Your support will directly contribute to improving the quality of life for carers by enabling new services, resources, and opportunities.

This role is ideal for someone with good communication and organisational skills who enjoys building connections and making a tangible difference in the community.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Research and help identify funding opportunities relevant to our work with carers.
• Support the manager with administrative tasks linked to grant applications and fundraising.
• Represent Carers Trust Solihull as a friendly and professional ambassador at fundraising events.
• Keep accurate records of fundraising activity, donations, and outcomes.
• Attend and help organise fundraising events that support our mission.
• Present pre-prepared presentations or films to funders and partners to raise awareness of our work.
• Assist or lead in writing small grant applications (and larger ones where confident).
• Collect and log donated items for our service (e.g., gift vouchers, tickets, Easter eggs, and Christmas selection boxes).
• Monitor when key funding streams renew or reopen, ensuring timely applications.
• Work collaboratively with the manager to assess the viability of opportunities within our available resources.
• Carry out any other agreed tasks related to fundraising and community engagement.

Preferred Skills and Qualities

• Good understanding of marketing and community engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident when approaching potential funders or representing the charity in public.
• Organised, reliable, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience writing small, medium, or large funding applications (desirable).
• Willingness to travel across the borough to attend events (expenses reimbursed).
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Able to understand and work within resource and role boundaries.
• Passionate about achieving a high-quality service for adult carers in Solihull.

What You Will Gain

• Purpose and fulfilment: Contribute directly to sustaining and growing services that support unpaid carers.
• Professional experience: Gain valuable insight into charity fundraising, marketing, and community partnerships.
• Skill development: Strengthen your communication, writing, and organisational skills.
• Confidence building: Engage with funders, local businesses, and the public in meaningful ways.
• Training and support: Receive full induction and ongoing guidance from experienced staff.
• Recognition: Be part of a supportive team, attend volunteer celebrations, and receive references or certificates for your contribution.

Additional Notes / Special Requirements

• Flexible working hours and days, with some evening or weekend events required.
• An enhanced DBS check and references will be required before commencing the role.
• Travel expenses reimbursed in line with Carers Trust Solihull’s volunteer policy.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 English tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"The phrase "time flies when you are having fun" comes to mind. It's been a really joy teaching my student." - Volunteer Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS3 English

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 English concepts and specifications.
2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided
2. Safeguarding Level One Training
3. Skill Development opportunities
4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

Location 

Remote/Online

Time 

1 Hour per Week 

 Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.ed

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 Science tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"The phrase "time flies when you are having fun" comes to mind. It's been a really joy teaching my student." - Volunteer Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week 

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS3 Science 

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 Science concepts and specifications.
2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided
2. Safeguarding Level One Training
3. Skill Development opportunities
4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

Location 

Remote/Online

Time 

1 Hour per Week 

 Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Introduction:

Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee and Vice Chair of Harry’s HAT. Please read this trustee application information pack carefully before completing your application.

Who we are:

Harry’s HAT is a UK based charity focusing on paediatric hydrocephalus. Our mission is to make life better for children and their families affected by the condition. The Board of Trustees works to achieve this through:

• Raising awareness of paediatric hydrocephalus through workshops and training.
• Supporting research and funding training for front-line medical health and social care professionals.
• Signposting families to trusted organisations and providing access to peer support.
• Campaigning for earlier diagnosis.

The opportunity:

Harry’s HAT is entering an important phase of development and the Board of Trustees is seeking a motivated individual to join as Vice Chair of Trustees. This voluntary trustee role supports the Chair of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer in ensuring strong governance, clear policy development and effective leadership across the charity.

Key responsibilities:

The Vice Chair trustee supports the Chair of Trustees in providing leadership to the Board and maintaining effective governance. Working closely with the Chair, CEO and fellow trustees, the Vice Chair supports strategic direction and ensures trustee decisions reflect the charity’s mission vision and values.

The Vice Chair trustee contributes to the Fundraising and Risk Group ensuring governance and policy considerations inform discussions and decisions. A key responsibility is leading trustee oversight of policy development including safeguarding, governance, finance and operational policies, ensuring they are compliant regularly reviewed and embedded in day-to-day practice.

The Vice Chair also supports trustee recruitment and development and acts as a trustee ambassador for Harry’s HAT representing the charity externally with professionalism and warmth.

Meetings and time commitment:P

Trustees are expected to attend:

• Six trustee board meetings per year held online.
• Quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings.
• Two one-to-one meetings per year with the Chair of Trustees.
• The AGM and occasional additional trustee meetings.
• Mandatory online training and timely communication.

Skills and experience:

The ideal trustee will have experience of charity governance and trustee leadership. Essential experience includes chairing or supporting a board or committee, understanding trustee legal duties, experience of policy development, strategic awareness and confident communication. Trustees must exercise discretion and confidentiality. DBS clearance is required.

Desirable experience includes previous trustee or Vice Chair roles familiarity with small charity governance and understanding of safeguarding and risk management.

Personal attributes:

Trustees should demonstrate integrity, fairness and impartiality. The Vice Chair trustee must be committed, collaborative and able to build positive working relationships with trustees staff and volunteers.

Term and remuneration:

Trustee appointments are voluntary with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The initial trustee term is one to three years with a three month probation period.

#Chair #Chairoftrustees #trustee 

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 Maths tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"Thanks to the tutoring and exam prep I was able to achieve over 85% on all my exams, which resulted in me getting distinction credits on my course." - A-Level maths student

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 Maths concepts and specifications.
2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided
2. Safeguarding Level One Training
3. Skill Development opportunities
4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

Location 

Remote/Online

Time 

1 Hour per Week 

 Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Trustee Opportunity at Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is seeking new trustees to help shape the future of our high-performing advice charity.

With offices in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford, plus outreach centres across the region, we support a population of 225,000 people. Last year, we helped 14,000 clients with 60,000 issues and secured over £7 million of additional income for them. We are here for everyone to help people move on with their lives.

As a trustee, you’d join a well-known, respected charity, influence strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to meaningful change. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with other professional, dedicated trustees, gain valuable experience, build on your leadership and strategy skills, and increase your employability. Prior Board experience is not required.

We welcome expertise in digital media, finance, fundraising, HR, IT, law, marketing, PR, risk management, senior management, local government, or strategy.

What do you need to become a trustee?

Trustees don’t need specific qualifications, but we expect all trustees to have six core skills:

● Insight into the organisation: considering CASL’s objects and its public benefit strategically

● Challenging constructively: clarifying facts; stimulating thought

● Analysing issues: being objective; evaluating risks; using evidence; planning ahead

● Weighing up opinions: using evidence; balancing long- and shortterm; prioritising value

● Interpersonal skills: communicating clearly; listening actively; supporting a healthy culture

● Confidence and self-awareness: collaborating with others; treating everyone with respect.

The Board also values specialist skills as assets among its members:

● experience or qualifications in:

 ‣ business or charity leadership

 ‣ equity, diversity and inclusion

 ‣ facilitation

 ‣ finance and accountancy

 ‣ human resources

 ‣ IT, AI or digital media

‣ law or governance

‣ local government

‣ marketing, PR or communications

‣ risk management, or

‣ strategy development

● past experience as a client or service user of this (or a similar) organisation

● a track record of charitable fundraising, or

● being an effective chair. 

Finally, competent trustees should have these six personal qualities to some extent, and demonstrate them in their behaviours:

● Committed - motivated, dedicated, persevering; plays an active role.

● Responsible - accountable, independent, reliable; accepts collective responsibility.

● Trustworthy - ethical, principled; is a critical friend and focuses on continuous improvement.

● Collaborative - team-oriented, approachable; builds relationships and seeks consensus.

● Confident - independent; contributes constructively and expresses opinions courageously.

● Thoughtful - curious, adaptable, open-minded; appropriately challenges the status quo

Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) is recruiting six volunteers to sit on our new Advisory Council, which will support the work of the organisation by helping to guide our strategy and direction, develop new thinking around our grassroot activism, research, campaigning and advocacy work, and strengthen our solidarity networks, coalitions and allyships, especially with and amongst marginalised and racialised communities. 

The Advisory Council will complement our governing board (the Steering Committee). The aim is for the Council to take a broader, more long-term and strategic view of CAAT’s activities, provide fresh perspectives, and expand our networks. The Advisory Council will not have responsibility for financial, legal, or HR oversight of CAAT.

We are particularly warmly inviting those with lived experiences of international conflict and structural violence, and those involved in anti-militarist and intersecting social activism in collectives and movements. We also warmly encourage applications from people from marginalised communities and groups, including but not limited to LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodiverse, and disabled people.

More details are available in the attached Recruitment Pack or on the CAAT website. 

Our House Experience Volunteers add the sparkle to any visit – giving everyone a warm welcome, bringing stories from Ickworth to life and helping people get the best out of their day. 

 This role will suit you if you are:

• Warm and friendly.
• Someone with a curious and inquisitive nature, with an ability to engage our visitors, ask questions and facilitate conversations.
• Able to listen thoughtfully and actively.
• Someone with exceptional customer service standards- a desire to put visitors before everything else.
• A good storyteller, with a talent for reading body language and thinking on your feet
• Sensitive to visitor and volunteer needs – working as an effective team member.
• Willing to develop your knowledge of Ickworth, its history and vast collections.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Responding to the diverse needs of visitors, including people with additional access needs.
• Sharing inspirational stories, curious facts and practical information or simply the space for visitors to wander at their own pace.
• Helping visitors to discover more, answering questions and making suggestions so they can enjoy their day, their way.
• Being an ambassador for the whole property and the National Trust. Helping visitors understand the full scope of the offer at Ickworth beyond the house.
• Learning more about Ickworth, so you can share your knowledge and stories of the family and their collections with visitors.
• Responding to the changing needs of Ickworth – supporting ongoing interpretation strategies in the House.
• Supporting with health and safety and evacuation procedures if required.
• Being part of a team that may need to adapt and change in response to local needs, National Trust priorities or changes to government guidelines 

 By getting involved you could· 

• Become part of a friendly and dedicated team.
  Spend time with us at Ickworth, learn about its history, stories and enjoy its beauty.
• Meet people from all walks of life
• Find an opportunity to use your existing skills and develop new ones.
  Improve your communication skills.
  Get a warm glow by knowing you have made a difference to someone’s day out with us.

 You’d also be joining Europe’s largest conservation charity and the wider National Trust team proudly looking after 780 miles of coastline, over 250,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including lighthouses, villages, pubs and a gold mine!). We are a unique charity welcoming millions of people each year and with a vision to open up places for the benefit of everyone, for ever.

All National Trust volunteers will be asked to

• Respect and uphold the National Trust values whilst volunteering with us.
• Complete training required of all NT volunteers and any role specific training
• Adhere to relevant policies and processes including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity. 

 We want all our volunteers to feel welcome and to have an equally positive experience when volunteering with us. So, volunteers will:

• Be provided with the necessary induction, training, equipment and reasonable adjustments to do this role well and safely
• Be offered expenses to cover agreed travel costs between home and place of volunteering.
• Have remote access to support, news and rotas via our volunteer website 

Skills acquired: Adaptability, Communication Skills, Community Development, Customer Service, Event Support, Exhibition Arts, Fundraising, Interpersonal Skills, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Visual Arts

Our challenge

Our community is at the centre of everything we do. We’re committed to working with people affected by a brain tumour, ensuring they’re at the heart of everything we do. We can create real, positive change together. From diagnosis to support to treatment, we’re pushing toward one big vision: for everyone diagnosed with a brain tumour to live longer, better lives.

Our Young Ambassadors programme, for 18 – 25 year olds, is built on diversity. We welcome people living with low and high grade tumours, carers supporting loved ones, and those who have cared for someone who has sadly passed away. Partners and siblings are also welcome. Every voice counts, and every experience helps us create meaningful change.

How can you help?

As a Young Ambassador, you’ll play a big role in representing The Charity and standing up for young people affected by brain tumours. This two-year programme is open to 18-25 year olds, and gives you the chance to influence real decisions, be a critical friend, and make sure the voices of our community are heard loud and clear.

You’ll help shape the future of brain tumour care and research — all while meeting new friends, growing your confidence, and gaining skills that look great on a CV and feel good in your heart.

Across your time as a Young Ambassador, you’ll get stuck into exciting projects both inside the Charity and across the wider brain tumour community. You might work with researchers, healthcare teams, partner organisations, and other passionate young people, sometimes in person, sometimes online, all united by one mission: keeping those affected at the centre of every decision we make.

Ready to create change, learn loads, and be part of something meaningful? This is your chance.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking passionate, collaborative young adults who want to create change and improve outcomes for everyone affected by a brain tumour.

You’ll get to choose the projects you’re most passionate about and take part in a way that feels right for you. Whether you’re someone who likes speaking up in groups, prefers sharing ideas one to one, or enjoys contributing behind the scenes.

Person Specification

We welcome applications from anyone affected by a brain tumour (carers and patients), but it’s important this feels like the right time for you. By sharing your insight, you’ll help strengthen and amplify the voice of our community. 

We’re looking for young adults who are:

• Aged 18- 25 years old and based in the UK

• Open to meeting new people, learning new skills, and being part of something meaningful.

• Care about making things better for everyone affected by brain tumours

• Open to sharing your story (only if and when you feel comfortable) and you respect that everyone’s experience is different.

• Kind, collaborative, and supportive, and you enjoy being part of a team.

As a Young Ambassador, you will:

• Use your lived experience to represent others in the brain tumour community and help shape the work we do — both inside the Charity and out in the wider world.

• Be open to making friends, learning new skills, and making a real difference alongside other young people who care as much as you do.

• Listen to and respect different perspectives, knowing that everyone’s journey is unique and people may face challenges that look different from your own.

• Make sure real experiences, especially youth voice, guide research, campaigns, policy, and services, so the things we create truly reflect what young people need.

Some of the ways you can get involved include:

• Explore and develop fundraising ideas – Get creative and help us dream up fresh, exciting ways to raise the vital funds that keep our work moving forward.

• Create social media content – Use your creativity to help us tell powerful stories, spread awareness, and reach more young people online. Whether it’s Insta posts, videos, or LinkedIn your ideas can make a real impact.

• Contribute to campaigns and events – Use your story and your voice to support reports, raise awareness, and even help us engage MPs and decision-makers.

• Feed into research projects and focus groups - Help make sure research is easy to understand, accessible, and benefits the community it aims to support

• Speak up on bigger platforms – From press interviews to conferences, media pieces, or blog posts, you’ll have opportunities to share your experiences publicly and help shine a light on brain tumours and the work of the Charity. 

• Shape services that work for young people – Be part of developing and improving the support we offer, including our Young Adult service, making sure our services are practical, inclusive, and focused on real needs. 

In addition to all of this, we are very open to hearing your ideas about how you would like to contribute and get involved.

Practical considerations

This is a voluntary role with a term of up to two years, though we understand circumstances may change and you may need to step away earlier. 

• Induction: You’ll start with a 2-day induction on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th April  at our office in Fleet, Hampshire

• In-person meetings: Two further in person events will take place during the two-year programme. These have previously included training days and residential.  

• Online meetings: We’ll meet monthly on Microsoft Teams during a weekday evening 

• Other opportunities: You can choose activities that fit your interests, availability, and preferences. These will be shared via Volunteero, our volunteer app, which all Involvement Champions use. Opportunities may take place on both weekdays and weekends.

Please note, for in-person meetings, all travel, accommodation, and meal expenses are covered by The Charity.  Find out more in our Volunteer Expenses Policy. We suggest a time commitment of around 1–2 hours per week, but this is flexible. You’ll receive training, regular updates, and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.

Wellbeing and connection   

Many past Young Ambassadors say one of the absolute best parts of the programme is the friendships they build and the sense of connection they feel.

Because this role involves hearing and talking about a wide range of lived experiences, it’s worth taking a moment to think about whether this feels like the right time for you. The work is incredibly rewarding but it can also be emotional. 

Application process

Complete our application below! The application form will ask for information about your personal connection to brain tumours and any skills/qualities you would bring to the role.

Additionally, you will be asked to record a 2-minute video or provide a written statement (200-300 words) answering the following questions:

Motivation:

“Why do you want to be a Young Ambassador, and what does this opportunity mean to you personally?”

Representation and voice:

“In what ways do you hope to use your voice, whether online, in discussions, or in person — to help shape the future of brain tumour support and research?”

Key Dates

Applications close: Monday 9 February at 9am

Online Informal interviews*: Monday 16 February - Friday 20 March

Feedback and offers: Week commencing Monday 23 March

Induction date (in person event): Wednesday 29 April and Thursday 30 April

*Depending on the volume of applications we receive, we may shortlist applicants for these interviews. 

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

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 

ABOUT US

The Great Friendship Project is an award-winning organisation tackling loneliness through research-informed community programmes, campaigns, and partnerships.

We design and deliver social interventions that help people build real-world friendships, strengthen social confidence, and rise out of loneliness.

Over the past four years, we have delivered hundreds of community activities, partnered with major brands and public institutions, contributed to national research and policy conversations, and built a highly engaged community of tens of thousands of young adults.

As we look ahead, we are now entering a critical next phase of growth, strengthening our foundations in preparation for wider national expansion.

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OVERVIEW

We’re excited to be recruiting a brand new Senior Marketing Volunteer to play a vital role in amplifying the mission and activities of The Great Friendship Project.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, gain hands-on experience in social media and digital marketing within a non-profit setting, and make a positive impact on the lives of young people experiencing loneliness.

As the Senior Marketing Volunteer lead, you will play a critical role in shaping the organisation’s future. Your leadership will not only enhance our marketing efforts but also contribute significantly to our mission of creating a lasting positive impact on the lives of young individuals struggling with loneliness.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

- Leadership and Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of marketing volunteers, ensuring they are motivated, supported, and aligned with the organisation’s goals.

- Strategic Planning: Devise and implement a comprehensive awareness strategy that aligns with the organisation’s mission and long-term objectives. Identify key opportunities, set measurable goals, and adjust plans as necessary to drive engagement and impact.

-Analytics and Insights: Regularly review and analyse marketing metrics to assess performance, make data-driven decisions, and optimise strategies for better outcomes.

- Content Direction: Oversee the creation of impactful and mission-driven content across various platforms, ensuring that all content reflects the organisation’s voice, resonates with the target audience, and drives engagement.

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ABOUT YOU

- 3+ years of experience leading marketing teams: Proven experience in devising and implementing successful marketing strategies, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.

- Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders

- Passionate: A strong commitment to the mission of reducing loneliness among young adults, with the ability to inspire and lead a team toward shared goal.

- Organisational Skills: Highly organised and proactive mindset, with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines.

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.