Policy researcher volunteer roles in Cardiff

Description

Youth Advantage UK (YAUK) is seeking a Volunteer Senior Researcher. The successful candidates will be allocated to lead one of our teams that either conducts, supports or progresses our short term or long term research projects. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

• To lead a small team of volunteers in conducting research or developing research

• To provide oversight of a number of tasks at once while providing support on specific issues as they arise

• To provide guidance to the team

• To work with management and the team to coordinate research projects and planning

• To provide advice and guidance to more junior team members

• To conduct or oversee research projects 

• To ensure of ethical standards at all times and monitor task progress to ensure of compliance

•    Requirements:

•    Experience of leading a small team in a charity or research or policy setting
•    Knowledge of issues affecting children and young people in the UK.
•    Knowledge of a range of research methods
•    Experience of writing or contributing to research or briefings and other policy documents.
•    Excellent writing and speaking skills.
•    IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
•    Ability to work well independently and in a team.
•    Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
•    Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits
•    Gain valuable experience in influencing research projects
•    Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
•    Flexible volunteering hours.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects
that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

This is an opportunity for someone who holds a PhD or Research Master’s degree to join our team as a Research Manager, and use their experience in guiding and managing our research function(s). Initially there will be a focus on managing the preliminary research function, which carries out research on specific topics to best inform, guide and direct our work in protecting the rights and interests of young people.

Responsibilities

· To manage welfare of researchers

· Look after day to day management and support of teams, stand in for absences (including undertaking research tasks, where necessary).

· Monitor and report on performance

· To advise on and provide feedback on matters of research

· To line manage senior researchers

· To advise on, guide and manage research workflow, ensuring of ethical research and policy compliance

· To ensure of a focus on organizational goals

· To lead planning as required

· To have oversight on research being carried out and the outcomes of such, ensuring it is to a high standard

You will need

· A PhD or Master’s degree

· To have experience operationally in a research role

· To understand how to motivate a team and manage others

Benefits

This is a UK based 100% fully remote and flexible role with a time commitment of 5 hours per week.

Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why volunteer with us?

We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Role: Director of National Impact

Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Director of National Impact to develop and lead its National Impact Directorate in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to grow its impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the Directorate’s two Departments (Research and Project) produce high-quality research and related projects and events able to influence decision-making and policy on a national scale in line with the organisation’s strategic priorities. Working closely with the COO and the Policy and Ethics teams, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively guide and strengthen the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, national change. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities:

● In line with the organisation’s strategic priorities, to lead the National Impact Directorate in designing, developing and implementing impactful research and project objectives.

● To line manage the Head of the National Impact Research Department and the Head of the National Impact Project Department, supporting them to effectively manage their own teams and to develop and implement the frameworks necessary for producing top quality research output (including academic articles) and subsequent events, campaigns and project relating to research findings and organisational strategy respectively.

● To work with HR in creating a strong National Impact Directorate composed of individuals with the appropriate skills and expertise. To ensure these volunteers are appropriately supported and trained during their period of service.

● To work alongside the Policy team to source potential commissions and influencing opportunities, shaping research and project focus and output accordingly.

● To develop short- and long-term strategies in relation to both aspects of the Directorate’s activity, ensuring that these align with the wider strategies of the organisation.

● To liaise with the Policy and Ethics teams on an ongoing basis, ensuring that their advice is incorporated into Directorate decisions and output.

● To take responsibility for relationships with key external stakeholders, at all times representing the organisation positively and professionally.

● To work on an on-going basis with the other members of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team in determining its strategic priorities and incorporating these into the Directorate.

● To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategies and the National Impact Directorate’s activities.

● To work closely with the organisation’s Communications team in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.

● To create blogs and articles on related issues and to find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

● To support the Chief Executive Officer in presenting national impact strategies to Youth Advantage’s Trustees.

Requirements:

● Experience in research and planning, as well as leading key campaigns or programmes.

● High-level understanding of carrying out quality research, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities.

● Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to effectively disseminating research results.

● Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members.

● Excellent writing and speaking skills.

● IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

● Ability to work well independently and in a team.

● Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

● Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits

● Gain valuable experience in leading a research and project team.

● Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.

● Flexible working hours.

Role Purpose

This is a senior volunteer leadership role designed to provide strategic and operational resilience across the department.

The Deputy Head works across both the Ethics Team and the Research Reporting Team, ensuring that ethical standards, research integrity and high‑quality reporting are upheld across all departmental activity.

Core Duties

• Support the Head of Department in delivering strategic and operational leadership.

• Provide continuity, stability and leadership resilience across the department.

• Lead delegated strategic initiatives or operational areas as assigned by the Head of Department.

• Share responsibility for departmental planning, performance monitoring and reporting.

• Support Senior Managers and Managers, offering guidance, oversight and problem‑solving support.

• Contribute to departmental policy development, risk management and quality assurance.

• Act as a key point of contact for cross‑departmental collaboration and organisational alignment.

• Step into leadership when required to ensure smooth, uninterrupted departmental operations.

Competency Requirements (Deputy Head)

To succeed in this senior volunteer leadership role, the Deputy Head should demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership capability, with the ability to translate organisational goals into departmental plans.

• Advanced ethical awareness, including deep understanding of research ethics, integrity and responsible data management.

• Clear, confident communication, suitable for volunteers, senior leaders and Trustees.

• Collaborative leadership, fostering a positive, inclusive and supportive departmental culture.

• Professionalism and integrity, modelling fairness, consistency and ethical behaviour.

• Sound judgement and decision‑making, especially in complex or sensitive ethical scenarios.

• Operational oversight skills, including planning, resource management and performance monitoring.

• Risk awareness, with the ability to identify, assess and mitigate ethical, operational and reputational risks.

• Ability to support and develop others, including Senior Managers, Managers and wider volunteers.

• Commitment to GDPR compliance, responsible data handling and good governance practices.

• Adaptability, particularly during the interim leadership period and subsequent transition.

Role Requirements (Deputy Head)

Given the seniority and responsibility of this volunteer role, the following experience is required:

• A PhD is required, along with postdoctoral research experience, or significant academic or practical research experience at an equivalent level, demonstrating advanced expertise in research design, ethics, governance or reporting.

• Substantial experience in research ethics, research governance or research leadership, ideally across multiple projects or teams.

• Experience in strategic planning, departmental oversight or senior‑level decision‑making, whether in a volunteer, academic or professional context.

• A strong track record of ethical decision‑making, particularly in roles where judgement, integrity and risk assessment were central.

• Experience with research reporting, research communication or academic publication processes is highly beneficial.

• A strong interest in ethical governance, research integrity and maintaining high standards across research projects.

• Familiarity with GDPR and responsible data management practices, or willingness to develop this knowledge quickly.

• Experience working with volunteers or mixed‑experience teams is advantageous.

Would you like to lead an innovative health think tank - enabling it to achieve more of its potential and encouraging a more preventative approach to mental and physical ill-health in the UK?

As Chair you’ll:

• Help Health Action Research Group develop more of its potential as an independent health think tank, on a sustainable basis

• Ensure effective governance, including chairing Trustees’ meetings and leading the recruitment and induction of new Trustees

• Represent Health Action Research Group, where appropriate, at external meetings and events

We'd like to hear from you, if you have:

• Experience of being a Trustee

• Experience of helping organisations grow and develop

• At least five years relevant UK experience of health research, health policy and/or health interventions - with a focus on preventing (as opposed to treating) ill-health

• Enthusiasm for our guiding principle that prevention is better than cure and that health in the UK should be more than a postcode lottery.

• The ability to build relationships and advocate for and champion our work.

WANTED: Trustees to support over 3.5 million people living with genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions.

Genetic Alliance UK is looking for three new trustees as well as a new chair due to existing board members having served the maximum time allowed.

About us

We are an alliance of over 220 charities and support groups with an ambitious strategy focused on working together to improve the lives of the 1 in 17 people in the UK affected by rare, genetic or undiagnosed conditions. We campaign for timely diagnosis, better coordinated care, and improvements in screening, testing, services and treatment.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking candidates with a personal or professional passion for driving these improvements, who can bring relevant skills and experience to help shape our work.  As part of the organisation’s work to foster diversity, equity and inclusion, we aim to have a broad and varied membership of the Board. We encourage applications from the devolved nations of the UK. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of rare, genetic or undiagnosed conditions either directly, via family and friends, or through a connection with one of our member organisations.

We are keen to recruit people with skills and knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

● Business development and income generation

● Human resources and people management

● Fundraising and philanthropy

● Media, communications and public relations

● Reproductive choice techniques and ethics

● Research in genetics or rare conditions.

What will you be doing?

Trustees play a key role in leading and supporting the charity. We ask them to:

● Attend four Board meetings each year (at least two meetings are held online, with one or two in-person Board meetings each year usually in central London)

● Attend one in-person Board Strategy Away Day each year (usually following one of the in-person Board meetings)

● Attend the one-hour Annual General Meeting in autumn each year

● Consider joining one of our sub-committees, with up to four online meetings each year.

The roles are voluntary (unpaid). We reimburse reasonable expenses necessary for attending meetings and taking part in Genetic Alliance UK activities. 

Most of our trustees are sponsored by our member organisations. If you have a connection with one of the charities in our alliance or the conditions they support, please mention this on your application.

We will provide full induction for successful candidates.

All postholders will be appointed for a first term of up to three years, with a possible further three years and up to a maximum nine years in exceptional circumstances.

Board Trustees

Voluntary, unpaid role (expenses paid)
Quarterly online meetings + one in-person strategy meeting annually

Help shape the future of local government

For more than 40 years, LGIU has been a trusted partner to local government. We empower councils with the capabilities, practical insight and connections they need to lead change and build thriving communities.

Today, local government is operating in an environment of accelerating change and unprecedented complexity. Councils are navigating deepening financial pressures, rising demand across frontline services, structural reform, political volatility and widening inequalities, often simultaneously. These are not isolated challenges and they cannot be solved through piecemeal or one-size-fits-all approaches.

At LGIU, we believe national success is built on strong local foundations. We also believe the future of local government will be shaped not by institutions working alone, but through collaboration, innovation and shared leadership across the sector.

That is why we are seeking up to five external Trustees to join our Board and help guide the next phase of LGIU.

About LGIU

LGIU is a non-partisan membership organisation and registered charity working with more than 260 councils across the UK and internationally. We are an independent voice for local government and a leading hub for ideas, research, practical intelligence and sector collaboration.

We help councils:

• Make sense of emerging trends and policy change

• Learn from peers facing similar challenges

• Build organisational capability and resilience

• Co-create solutions to complex problems

• Shape national debates and reform agendas

Our work spans research, policy, events, international learning, leadership support and cross-sector partnerships. Increasingly, our focus is on helping local government move from complexity to clarity to action.

The opportunity

LGIU is owned and governed by its members.  The current Board is composed of leaders and other senior elected members from our membership. As part of a set of wider governance changes, we are now seeking to augment our board with up to five external trustees.

As an external Trustee, you will join a collaborative and ambitious Board responsible for the strategic direction, governance and long-term sustainability of the charity and its subsidiaries. You will work alongside fellow trustees, the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer to help ensure LGIU continues to evolve, grow and deliver meaningful impact for councils and communities.

We are particularly interested in individuals who can bring strategic insight, external perspective and senior leadership experience in one or more of the following priority areas:

Public sector system leadership: Current or former senior leaders from local government, the NHS or wider public services, with experience of leading complex organisations through change, reform and uncertainty.

Business model development and commercialisation: Experience of organisational growth, partnerships, income diversification, membership models, commercial strategy or sustainable business development.

Technology and innovation: Expertise in digital transformation, AI, innovation, product development, technology-enabled change or future-focused organisational leadership.

These areas reflect the Board’s agreed strategic priorities as LGIU continues to evolve its model, expand its reach and strengthen its role as a partner for change across the sector.

We would also welcome candidates with expertise in communications and marketing, workforce development, research, membership organisations or international collaboration.

What we are looking for

We are seeking people who:

• Care deeply about the future of local government and local democracy

• Bring strategic thinking, sound judgement and curiosity

• Are comfortable navigating complexity and change

• Can contribute constructively to governance and strategic discussions

• Understand collaboration, partnership and systems leadership

• Are committed to inclusive leadership and diverse perspectives

Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential.

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities that local government serves, and we strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

Time commitment

This is a voluntary, unpaid role.

The expected commitment includes:

• Four quarterly online Board meetings each year

• One annual face-to-face strategy meeting or away day

• Reading and preparation time in advance of meetings

• Occasional participation in sub-committees or advisory discussions

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to help shape the future direction of one of the sector’s most respected and influential organisations at a critical moment for local government.

You will join a Board committed to helping councils become more resilient, agile, connected and future-ready - and to ensuring local government has the ideas, evidence, partnerships and leadership it needs to meet the challenges ahead.

As a Trustee, you will help strengthen an organisation that works every day to empower local government to think big, act boldly and shape the future with confidence.

How to apply

To express interest, please submit:

• A CV 

• A short supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and the experience you would bring to the Board

Closing date: 26th June 2026

The e-Assessment Association (eAA) is the leading professional membership body promoting better assessment through technology. We bring together awarding organisations, education providers, technology suppliers, researchers and policymakers to advance high-quality, innovative assessment practice in the UK and internationally.

We are now seeking a new Chair of the Board to lead the next phase of the Association’s development.

This is a high-impact governance role for an experienced senior leader who is passionate about assessment, education and technology, and who enjoys working collaboratively to make a difference across a complex and evolving sector.

Why this role matters

The Chair plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction, influence and effectiveness of the eAA.

Working with a committed Board of Directors and a small, professional operational team, the Chair provides strategic leadership, ensures strong governance, and acts as an ambassador for the Association and its members.

The Chair of the eAA Limited also serves as Chair of the Board of e-Assessment Services Limited, the Association’s trading subsidiary, supporting the sustainability and growth of the organisation.

This is an opportunity to:

• lead a respected, member-led organisation at the forefront of digital assessment;
• influence policy, practice and debate across assessment and education technology;
• support the continued professionalisation and growth of the Association; and
• work with a knowledgeable, engaged Board and an experienced executive team.

The role is supported by an annual honorarium of £6,000 in recognition of the time commitment and responsibility involved.

What you’ll be doing

As Chair, you will:

Provide strategic leadership

• Lead the Board in setting the strategic direction of the Association and monitoring progress against agreed objectives.
• Support the long-term sustainability, relevance and impact of the eAA.

Ensure strong governance

Ensure the Association operates within its governance framework and complies with all statutory and fiduciary duties.
Foster a positive, inclusive and professional Board culture that encourages open discussion, diverse perspectives and collective decision-making.
Work closely with the Vice-Chair and other Directors to maintain continuity and effective governance processes.
Support and challenge the Executive

• Provide support, guidance and constructive challenge to the CEO and operations team.
• Oversee performance against strategic and operational goals.
• Review budgets, management accounts and strategic plans in collaboration with the Treasurer and executive team.

Represent and advocate

• Act as an ambassador for the Association with members, partners, sponsors and external stakeholders.
• Represent the eAA at key events, including the e-Assessment International Conference and Awards.
• Use your networks and credibility to enhance the Association’s profile and influence.

Essential experience and attributes

• Senior leadership experience within assessment, education or educational technology.
• A strong understanding of assessment principles and the role of technology in transforming assessment practice.
• Demonstrated Board-level governance experience, ideally within a company limited by guarantee, charity or membership organisation.
• Excellent chairing and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead a diverse Board effectively.
• Strategic thinking, integrity and the confidence to provide constructive challenge.
• Strong communication and ambassadorial skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working in or alongside professional associations or member-led organisations.
• Established networks across education, assessment and technology sectors.
• Experience representing an organisation publicly at conferences or sector events.

About Youth Advantage UK

Youth Advantage UK is a growing organisation working to improve outcomes for young people across England and Wales. Our England & Wales Local Operations Department leads local policy and research projects across counties, regions, cities and towns — identifying local challenges and developing evidence‑based recommendations that support young people to thrive.

As a young organisation, we are still building our systems and ways of working. This is a great opportunity to help shape a department at an early stage and contribute to meaningful, place‑based change.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role, with no financial compensation or future paid opportunities attached. We encourage you to apply if you have relevant/transferable skills for this role. YAUK is currently an unregistered charity, working towards gaining the registered status.

About the Role

We are seeking a Deputy Head of Department to support the leadership and smooth running of the England & Wales Local Operations team. Working closely with the Head of Operations, you will provide additional leadership capacity, help coordinate multiple local research projects, and step in to lead the department when required.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong research or policy background who enjoys working in evolving environments and wants to use their skills to make a positive impact for young people.

Key Responsibilities

- Support the Head of Operations with day‑to‑day departmental coordination.

- Provide leadership cover when needed, including taking on delegated workstreams.

- Lead or oversee local policy and research projects across England and Wales.

- Ensure research is rigorous, ethical and relevant to local contexts.

- Translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.

- Help develop emerging systems, processes and ways of working.

- Build positive relationships with internal teams, volunteers, and external partners.

About You

You will have:

- Experience in research, evaluation or policy analysis.

- Strong analytical and writing skills.

- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

- Confidence working in ambiguity and helping build structure where needed.

- Experience volunteering and/or managing volunteers in a charity or community setting.

- A collaborative, supportive approach to leadership.

- Commitment to improving outcomes for young people.

Why Volunteer With Us

- Shape a new department at a formative stage.

- Use your research expertise to support real, local impact.

- Gain leadership experience in a supportive environment.

- Flexible hours that fit around your existing commitments.

- Join a mission‑driven team passionate about youth opportunity.

Apply Now

If you’re passionate about evidence‑based change and want to help shape a growing organisation, we’d love to hear from you. Join Youth Advantage UK as we build our Local Operations Department and create better opportunities for young people across England and Wales.

Kaleidoscope Trust is a UK-based international charity working for a future where LGBTI+ people everywhere can live free, safe and equal lives. For more than 13 years, we have worked in partnership with governments, activists and community organisations to provide funding, capacity building, research and advocacy support to grassroots movements across the Commonwealth and beyond. In the UK, we work across politics, diplomacy and civil society to ensure LGBTI+ rights remain a central part of the UK’s foreign policy and are championed within international institutions.

We are operating at a defining moment for global LGBTI+ rights. Across many countries, hard-won freedoms are being challenged by increasingly organised anti-rights movements, shrinking civic space and growing political hostility. Yet this period also demands ambition, resilience and solidarity. Having navigated a period of significant challenge, Kaleidoscope Trust has emerged with renewed strategic focus, strengthened partnerships and a clear commitment to supporting LGBTI+ organisations on the frontlines of change.

This next chapter includes the work of our Global LGBTI+ Rights Commission, bringing together research, advocacy and convening power to better understand and respond to the global rollback of rights. We continue to believe progress is possible when communities, governments and civil society work together – and we are looking for a Chair who shares that belief and can help lead Kaleidoscope Trust through this critical period.

We are now looking for a new Chair to lead our Board at this pivotal moment. Our Chair is responsible for ensuring that the board operates effectively and oversees a clear strategic direction for the charity, providing ambassadorial leadership as needed and constructive, supportive partnership with our CEO, Alex Farrow and our Senior Leadership Team. But critically, they will be a calm voice and fierce advocate as we navigate this rapidly shifting landscape. 

We’re looking for someone familiar navigating complex human rights systems with the ability to foster high performing governance that enables our team to build connections and to recalibrate for best impact. The successful person will have prior Chair or non-executive experience, or at a minimum sustained Director-level board exposure. They will be an enabling, facilitative leader able to foster robust debate and decision-making, they will be comfortable advocating for the rights of LGBTI+ people and supporting our charity to remain financially sustainable and adaptive to evolving risk.

It’s important to us that as a Board, we represent the people that we are working to support. We know that diverse boards are the most effective, they can think creatively and hold each other to account, therefore we are particularly looking for applications from trans people, women, People of the Global Majority, people without a degree, working class people and people of faith.

Download the candidate pack for the full role profile and assessment process, and for a conversation about the opportunity, please contact Tanya Stevens at our search partner All Leaders.

This is a voluntary, hybrid position requiring attendance at several board meetings per year at Kaleidoscope’s London offices, several online sub-committee meetings, with wider remote advisory support totalling 10-15 days per year. The Chair commits to a three year term, which is once renewable. Travel expenses for interviews and board commitments will be covered as required. Discussions regarding access needs are welcome. 

The closing date for applications is midday on Tuesday, 23 June. 

Apply to join the DISC founding pilot program - Becuase your safeguarding team needs better intelligence

We support safeguarding teams to identify emerging online harms, social media threats and exploitation risks through digital threat intelligence.

DISC is looking for safeguarding professionals who already understand the challenges they face and want real analytical support to help protect children and young people. Through practical intelligence, early warning insight and a direct voice in shaping a new national digital threat intelligence professional network, founding members will help strengthen how safeguarding teams respond to fast moving online risks.

• < Direct Access > to practical tools designed by PhD Crime Science researchers for safeguarding professionals, including platform risk tracking, trend monitoring, URL checks, username analysis and safeguarding intelligence resources.

We are now inviting a small group of founding members to join the DISC pilot project. This is a voluntary, free pilot opportunity designed for designated Safeguarding Leads, Deputy DSLs, safeguarding governors, other professionals working directly in child protection or safeguarding.

We are particularly keen to hear from safeguarding professionals who are dealing with the realities of online risk in schools, youth settings, charities, academies, trusts or community organisations. You do not need to be a technical or digital expert. What matters is your safeguarding experience, your understanding of children and young people, and your willingness to help build something useful, ethical and thats genuinely crime prevention focused.

As a founding member, you will receive access to DISC pilot services and help shape what the service becomes. Your experience, feedback and professional judgement will directly influence the tools, briefings and intelligence support we develop for safeguarding teams across the UK.

Digital Intelligence & Safeguarding Centre started as a UCL, University of London based social venture supporting schools, charities and youth organisations with digital safeguarding intelligence. We help safeguarding teams make sense of online harms, social media risks, harmful trends, platform threats, online offenders and emerging digital behaviours that may affect children and young people.

This pilot is about partnership and community. DISC resources are designed to support, not replace, existing safeguarding policies, DSL decision, making or statutory responsibilities. Final safeguarding decisions remain with your organisation. Our role is to strengthen your awareness, improve your access to digital threat intelligence and help you respond earlier to emerging online risks.

This is a founding member opportunity! Participation is voluntary, free of charge and there is no obligation to continue after the pilot. Founding members will be recognised as early adopters and expert contributors to the DISC intelligence network and will have a direct say in how the service develops. If you are a safeguarding professional who wants better intelligence on online harms, stronger support for digital safeguarding decisions and the chance to help shape a new crime prevention focused service, we would be very pleased to hear from you.

During the pilot, founding members will receive:

• Weekly Threat Briefing on online risks, social media harms, and digital safeguarding trends
• Access to our crime analyst’s intelligence reports, platform alerts and threat assessments
• The opportunity to submit digital safeguarding tasking requests to the DISC Threat Desk
• Beta access to the DISC members dashboard and digital intelligence toolkit
• Successful applicants must attend the initial onboarding training session

                                                               Ready for real threat intelligence?

Do you want to take part in vegan volunteering around your local area?

You can do that – right here at The Vegan Society. 

We have an ever-growing Community Network of vegans just like you, who have a passion to volunteer and promote veganism where they live. 

Every month, our Network choose from a range of outreach tasks. These could include town centre stalls, writing to a councillor or MP, sharing our campaigns on social media or contacting local businesses. You're in control of how much or how little you do. 

As an Advocate, you will have a network of other Advocates and an Organiser in your area. Your Organiser will be your main point of contact. They will send you tasks every month and ask you to feed back on what you've completed and any positive outcomes. 

Why do we need you to volunteer?

As the vegan community grows, veganism itself becomes better understood. We're finding that more people are looking to The Vegan Society to find out what being vegan is all about.

Local communities are starting to see the vegan movement as something real and something that’s happening in their area. More people are embracing a vegan lifestyle, which we welcome. From new businesses, to families, to councillors, many people need support. This could be with a range of topics: going vegan, finding correct information around a vegan diet, providing vegan options in their business, MPs listening to vegan constituents, and learning about our work.

Local issues are often unique and more varied than national issues. Our volunteers from local areas are vital! They enable us to share our messages and campaigns in an effective way. Research tells us that people are far more likely to trust information from a peer rather than an outside expert, so community volunteering vastly increases the impact of our campaigns.

Our network of committed local vegans across the country is growing! The Vegan Society organises various outreach activities to influence change in every level of society. There are a range of activities going on all the time, from general educational stalls at events to meeting with local policy influencers.

Advocates are a crucial voice in their own community. They ensure that our campaign messages are spread far and wide. They provide a strong vegan presence in local communities.

What does the Advocate role involve?

Being an Advocate for veganism with The Vegan Society will mean communicating with people in your local community. You'll share the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. You will form part of a local group, headed up by a local Organiser. The Organiser will feed back your collective efforts to staff. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group, for vegan socialising and ideas sharing.

You’ll stay in touch with the Organiser and bring your passion to tasks. Activities can range from staffing a stall to giving a talk at an employee event. It could also mean writing to a local newspaper or lobbying an MP.

Messaging can differ every month. Part of our mission statement is to ensure people can remain vegan, so you might focus on getting more vegan options available in local businesses. Or within our Live Vegan for Less campaign, you may share cheap vegan recipes to help people with the cost of living.

When acting as an Advocate, you will use The Vegan Society’s branding and messaging guidelines. Your local Organiser will guide you in doing this, as they hold physical resources and handbooks. You can report any issues and feedback you have to your Organiser. You can also contact staff if your Organiser isn't available or you have any problems.

What training and support is available?

You will be provided with a big welcome and full induction from your local Organiser. They will introduce you to the group and any actions that are ongoing. Any training and development will be provided via your Organiser, and you can also ask for specific training on any areas that you need some development in.

What skills would be useful in doing this role?

• The ability to stay motivated in order to achieve the best possible outcomes
• Good email etiquette, responding in a timely manner
• Committed to veganism and the mission of The Vegan Society
• Ability to stay calm if confronted with differing opinions or challenges
• A good communicator, with the ability to be persuasive
• Confident in communicating with people from a range of backgrounds
• Experience of campaigning
• Any experience in talking with members of the public through customer/public service would be helpful
• Awareness of current affairs, especially those that relate to veganism
• Regular availability and a willingness to stay committed to actions
• Good team player

How much time do I need to invest? 

For Advocates, we ask for people to engage in a minimum of four to six actions per year. An example of an action could be writing to an MP or holding a stall. But the more you can do, the better! On occasion, there may also be online meetings to plan for actions or provide training.

The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for overseeing broader financial management, including budgeting, financial forecasting, resource allocation and fundraising.

Key Responsibilities:

• Having oversight of all financial management across the organization and developing reports for the board
• To overall manage budgeting and financial forecasting
• To ensure that the department heads covering fundraising and finance are supported and well aligned with the strategic direction and priorities of Youth Advantage UK
• To ensure the organization has sufficient financial resources
• To ensure fundraising occurs and supports the organization's need
• To line manage departmental heads with relevant departments
• To contribute to wider C Level Executive work such as taking part in meetings, presenting the organization and dealing with problems as they arise

Requirements:

• To have over 5 years of experience in the financial sector
• To have at least 2 years of experience in a senior financial management role (such as Senior Manager or Department Head) 
• To be able to provide leadership and management
• To have good IT skills, accounting skills, budgeting skills, ability to use spreadsheets and remote systems and good communication skills

A Little About Us!

Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organization. We use a research-led approach to protect the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work, research, services, events. We promote and empower change.

Why we need you!

Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for volunteers to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organization. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. Without our volunteers we cannot grow and appreciate those who apply with us!

What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to apply for one of our volunteering positions. We will speak to you about what your aims are to ensure that the volunteering position you are applying for is suitable. By volunteering you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organization who is looking to help young people in the UK.

We are looking to appoint a Chief Operating Officer who can provide leadership to operational departments and maintain consistent effectiveness across the organization. 

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Key responsibilities 

• Oversee the operations of the organization ensuring of efficiency

• Translate strategy into actionable plans

• To provide leadership to departmental heads in departments such as Communications and IT (this may extend to other departmental heads as required)

• Work with the CEO to develop strategy

• Lead the creation of policy and guidance

Requirements

• Proven leadership experience

• Understanding of key business functions

• Excellent decision-making skills

• Ability to problem solve effectively

• Great at multitasking

• Competence in strategic planning

• Integrity

• Ability to use remote tools and IT systems

• Good people and communication skills

• Right to volunteer in the UK

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!