216 Programme management volunteer roles

Are you ready to lead the UK’s pioneer in intergenerational arts into its most ambitious chapter yet?

"I will never look at a teenager the same again!" — Older participant

"I will see the older generation with a new perspective." — Student 

At Magic Me, we bring generations together through extraordinary creative projects that dismantle ageism, build lasting community connections, and reduce loneliness across London. 92% of our participants report increased confidence to try new things, and 93% feel more connected to their community.

As we prepare to launch our bold 2027–2032 Strategy, we are looking for an inspiring, networked cultural leader to step into the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees (or join as part of a Co-Chair model) and help us tackle ageism and connect the generations.

Why this role stands out:

• You will take post in April 2027, right at the launch of our 2027–2032 strategy co-created with over 60 community stakeholders. 
• You’ll help us create London’s first Intergenerational Borough in Tower Hamlets, forge exciting arts & cultural venue partnerships, and launch a 40th-anniversary physical and digital archive. 
• You will lead a stable, healthy charity holding £150,000 in unrestricted reserves (50% above policy), anchored by Arts Council England NPO status and strong Trust & Foundation funding. 
• You’ll act as a strategic sounding board and mentor to our dynamic Co-CEOs (Executive Director and Creative Director) who took the helm in late 2025. 
• You'll steward our active, engaged board and be supported by four high functioning sub-committees (Creative Strategy, People, Fundraising & Marketing, Finance, Audit & Risk) so the Chair can stay focused on high-level strategy and advocacy.

Open to alternative leadership models!

Collaboration is at the heart of our values. We actively welcome applications for a Co-Chair structure or pairing with a Vice-Chair. Whether you are a senior arts leader seeking your first board leadership role or an experienced charity Chair looking to partner with a passionate creative practitioner, we’d love to explore how this could work for you.

Who we’re looking for:

• Arts & cultural leadership: Experience leading major programmes, projects, or organisations in the creative or cultural sector. 
• Advocacy & door-opening: A natural networker who can connect Magic Me with high-profile cultural partners and funders. 
• Passion for participatory arts: A genuine belief in the power of creative practice to change lives, challenge preconceptions, and strengthen communities. 
• Inclusive & warm approach: Strategic clarity paired with empathy, excellent facilitation skills, and a strong commitment to EDI and anti-ageist principles.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates from racially minoritised backgrounds (including the Bangladeshi community in Tower Hamlets), LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled candidates. Connections to Tower Hamlets are welcome, though not essential.

How to apply:

We are using CharityJob’s anonymised recruitment platform to ensure a fair, unbiased process. Click the apply now button to get started!

Informal conversations: For a confidential discussion about the role or exploring a Co-Chair arrangement, please contact our recruitment partner Achates (see job pack for details). Please do not contact Magic Me directly about this role. 

Closing date: Sunday 1st November at 11:59 PM 

We look forward to reading your application!

Opportunity: Chair of the Finance and Risk Sub-committee, Board of Trustees

Open School East is at a pivotal moment in its development and is seeking a Chair of the Finance and Risk Sub-committee to help shape its next chapter.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 30th September 2026

We are interested in hearing from candidates with expertise in:

• Finance: A person with experience in finance management or accounting, with the capacity to provide a strategic overview of finances, ensuring viability, compliance with relevant legislative frameworks, effective use of resources and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

We are especially keen to hear from people with knowledge of, or an interest in, education and the arts. By committing your time and expertise to our two meetings a quarter (full Trustee meeting and Chairing the Finance and Risk Sub-committee meetings), you can become part of a leading arts education charity, making a real difference to emerging creatives of all ages and from all backgrounds.

We also warmly welcome people who bring lived experience of the barriers OSE seeks to dismantle including people of colour, disabled people, those from working class backgrounds, or people with experience of marginalisation in the arts or education sectors.

We’re looking for a reliable and organised volunteer to become a key part of Coempowered as we grow, helping us coordinate our people, programmes and day-to-day work.

Coempowered is a small education charity creating spaces for philosophical inquiry, critical thinking and meaningful dialogue. We work mainly with children, young people and young adults, including Persian-speaking communities from Afghanistan and Iran, with Kurdish-language provision also developing.

As our programmes and volunteer team grow, we need someone who can help connect the different parts of the organisation and make sure plans turn into action. You will work closely with the Executive Lead and gradually take greater ownership of day-to-day coordination.

What you’ll do

  You will help:

• coordinate volunteers across education, communications, fundraising, programme administration and other areas
• keep track of agreed actions, priorities and deadlines, and follow up where needed
• organise volunteer onboarding, meetings, check-ins and activity reporting
• support the coordination of educational programmes and organisational projects
• maintain simple trackers, calendars and shared records
• help information move effectively between different people and areas of work
• identify delays, gaps and practical problems early
• prepare short progress updates and keep outstanding actions visible
• improve simple coordination processes as the organisation develops.

You will start with clear, manageable responsibilities and learn how Coempowered works. As your knowledge and confidence develop, there will be scope to take greater ownership and help shape our coordination systems.

Who we’re looking for

Reliability is the most important quality. We need someone who follows through on commitments, communicates clearly and is comfortable politely chasing people when necessary.

You should be:

• organised and able to manage several priorities
• a clear and respectful communicator
• comfortable working independently and taking initiative
• able to recognise when something needs to be raised or discussed
• confident using shared documents, spreadsheets, calendars and online tools
• collaborative and comfortable working with people from different backgrounds
• committed to confidentiality, safeguarding and responsible handling of information.

Experience in project coordination, operations, administration, volunteer management, charities, education or community organisations would be useful, but we are equally interested in strong transferable skills.

Why the role matters

Much of our coordination currently depends on a small number of people who are also responsible for developing and delivering our educational work. Your contribution will help change that.

By keeping volunteers connected and activities on track, you will free our educational team to spend more time on teaching, programme development and supporting participants. You will also help us build more reliable ways of working as Coempowered develops.

Ultimately, better coordination means we can provide more consistent, sustained and high-quality educational opportunities to the communities we work with.

Practical details

The role is fully remote and can be carried out from anywhere with reliable internet access. We anticipate around 5–7 hours per week, arranged flexibly around your availability. Regular communication and attendance at agreed online meetings will be important.

We are looking for someone interested in contributing consistently over time and developing with the organisation, rather than completing a short one-off project.

This role is working therapeutically alongside a child/young person on one of our bereavement support programmes in a group setting.  Ideally you will have experience in working with children.

You will be working therapeutically with your allocated child.  You will have a group leader who will guide you through the structure of each day. There is also a program manager who will oversee and facilitate the whole weekend program.

You will also be expected to attend a debrief at the end of the weekend and also complete detailed documentation on the child/ young person you have been working with.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided during a weekend.  We will pay 45 pence per mile to cover your travel expenses. We will provide training (Safeguarding Children, Volunteer Induction Day and other specialist training days).

You will also have the opportunity to observe a weekend programme in action before you work with a child / young person. We will pay for your DBS check and provide you with a t-shirt with our logo on.

Global Health Access Trust is seeking Country Programme Leads / Country Managers to provide senior local coordination, build trusted relationships and help shape safe, lawful and effective activity in countries where GHAT works or may develop future programmes.

This is a leadership opportunity for experienced people with strong local knowledge who can connect international charitable ambition with the realities of delivery on the ground.

Global Health Access Trust (GHAT) develops, funds and coordinates defined projects that advance health, relieve illness and preserve life for the public benefit. Our work brings together professional and clinical expertise, local knowledge, responsible technology, infrastructure, trusted relationships and accountable funding.

What you could contribute

• Build and maintain key local relationships with partners, institutions and relevant authorities
• Coordinate local assessment, planning and delivery with the GHAT Trust Office
• Help identify healthcare-access, infrastructure, workforce and system needs
• Support the development of appropriate local partnerships and delivery arrangements
• Ensure activity is safe, lawful, culturally appropriate and properly recorded
• Identify local risks, practical constraints and opportunities at an early stage
• Help maintain clear communication between local contributors and the Trust

Who this could suit

We would particularly welcome senior programme, health, NGO, public service or international-development professionals with deep knowledge of their country or region.

You should be someone who is trusted locally, understands how institutions and communities operate in practice, and is comfortable working within written governance, safeguarding and reporting standards.

Strong judgement, cultural awareness, reliability and the ability to build credible relationships are essential.

This is a country-based opportunity. GHAT welcomes applications from people in any country where the Trust may work.

Safeguarding, identity and other role-specific checks will apply before an appointment is confirmed.

The role is voluntary and unpaid. There is no salary, fee, employment benefit or entitlement to expenses.

How to apply

Applications are handled through the Global Health Access Trust website. When you click to apply, you will be taken to GHAT’s Country Leadership & International Delivery section. There you can review this opportunity in context, explore the other current opportunities within this area and select the opportunity that best matches your experience before submitting the GHAT application form.

Help a growing energy education charity and bring financial rigour to how we manage and grow our impact.

About us

Curieus Games CIC is a UK Community Interest Company, in the process of converting into a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). Our mission is to raise energy literacy through play. We make energy and climate education fun and accessible. Our vision is to inspire and attract young people to work in the energy sector.

Our flagship programme, Megawatt, consists of an energy-based educational card game supported by a series of workshops. The object of the programme is to engage students on energy and sustainability through gamification and ethical debates. We deliver the programme to primary and secondary schools across the UK, with 30 schools receiving the Megawatt programme in the 25/26 academic year. Schools receive a full day of workshops, the full suite of Megawatt resources, and training to support teachers to integrate Megawatt into curriculum teaching.

We offer our programme to schools for free. We work with energy developers and other organisations to fund our work in schools, delivering community engagement and social value on their behalf. We’ve built partnerships with several high profile energy developers in offshore wind, solar, batteries and nuclear, as well as winning grants from the National Lottery and the Royal Academy of Engineering. We already have funding secured to deliver to 50 schools in the upcoming academic year.

Megawatt has also been translated into French and Polish and is currently being rolled out to schools in France and Poland through partnerships with local institutes.

You can see more about the work we do here - www.megawatt.game

The next chapter

Curieus Games is converting from a Community Interest Company into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). As a charity, we will have access to more sources of funding, giving us an opportunity to grow our impact by reaching more schools and developing more resources to teach about the energy transition.

To lead that next chapter, we're building a founding board of trustees to govern the charity into the next phase of our journey and build on the success we’ve had so far.

The role

As Treasurer, you'll be the person who makes sure the charity grows on solid financial footing — guiding our reporting, risk management and financial strategy as we scale from 30 schools to hundreds. You'll bring:

• Experience in a senior financial role in a charity, not-for-profit or business
• A strong understanding of charity financing, reporting and risk management
• Experience with grants, tenders or philanthropic fundraising is welcome, though not essential

Working arrangements

Six board meetings a year, mostly online with occasional in-person sessions — around 3-5 hours a month in total including meetings. It's a three-year term. The role is voluntary and unpaid, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

More details are in the attached Trustee Information Pack.

Join The Kids Network to Support Children in Your Redbrige Community! 

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or spend your time in a meaningful way? The Kids Network gives you the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while developing your own skills and building connections. Support a Little Londoner in Redbridge by helping them grow in confidence. Just a bit of your time each week can bring creativity, share laughter, and make a positive impact!

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Long Term Impact: With 93% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring even once the year is over. TKN’s mentoring programme supports a long term increase in wellbeing, emotional literacy and sustained agency that children continue to draw on well beyond the programme; equipping them for a positive and happy future. 

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

 Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

Help us stay connected with learners, understand barriers to attendance and provide friendly practical support to Ukrainian learners participating in our Nottinghamshire ESOL project.

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) is an award-winning British charity. ACAA provides advice, support, education, training, volunteering opportunities and social and cultural activities, with a strong focus on integration and community support. Its services include English language classes, employment support, women’s support, youth and family services, advice and cultural and social activities.

What you’ll do

Call or message learners who have missed sessions, in English and Ukrainian

Find out why learners have missed classes and encourage them to return

Help understand why learners may stop attending or leave classes

Support learners who have difficulties with their current timetable, class, level or location

Help learners identify other suitable classes within the project when appropriate

Answer straightforward questions about classes and pass more complex queries to the project team

Sometimes attend classes and provide practical support to learners

Help learners complete and sign required documents, including Photo Consent Forms and Class Rules forms

Keep accurate records of learner contact and attendance-related information

Share recurring attendance or engagement issues with the project team

Who this role is good for

Fluency in both English and Ukrainian is required. This role is ideal for someone confident on the phone, friendly and patient, well organised and comfortable keeping accurate records. Experience or an interest in community support, administration or project work is useful.

Time commitment and flexibility

We understand that volunteers have their own work, study, family and other commitments. We aim to keep these roles flexible. We are ideally looking for around 4–8 hours of volunteering per week, depending on the role and your availability. However, we genuinely value any contribution: even a few hours a week can make a meaningful difference to our project and our learners.

Skills and experience

Desirable

• Experience with attendance tracking or database/data entry

• Experience communicating with learners or service users

• Experience supporting Ukrainian-speaking communities

• Experience in community support, administration or project work

Required

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow project guidance

• Good organisation and accurate record keeping

• Friendly, patient and respectful communication style

• Confidence speaking to learners by phone and message

• Fluency in English and Ukrainian

Skills and experience

What we offer

• Written reference on completion, reflecting your role and contribution

• Hands-on, sector-relevant experience for your CV or placement portfolio

• Full induction, safeguarding briefing and role-specific support

• The opportunity to support Ukrainian guests and learners participating in our ESOL project in Nottinghamshire

• Flexible volunteering designed to work around study, work and other commitments

Action for Refugees in Lewisham is looking for a trustee to act as secretary, supporting the board's governance role helping AFRIL deliver for refugees and vulnerable migrants in south-east London. Time commitment is flexible, and not onerous, and formal company secretary functions are supported by a member of staff.

AFRIL was founded in 2006 to support asylum seekers, vulnerable migrants and refugees in south-east London to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. Our support is holistic: both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes that tackle the underlying problems that lead to crisis, supporting people to integrate, contribute and thrive. We work in the community across south-east London, including in local asylum hotels.

We are a small charity, with mostly part-time staff, but we make a significant difference. Our client group is predominantly people in, or with experience of, the asylum system. We also support newly granted refugees, and migrants with no recourse to public funds who have complex and unmet protection needs.

AFRIL's board of trustees is collectively responsible for supporting and challenging the charity to oversee its good governance and proper financial control in line with its charitable aims and strategic plan, charity law, and all other relevant legislation. The time required of trustees is not onerous, and is flexible - although it is, of course, possible to take on more responsibility and expand your time commitment.

As a board member, you will be expected to be available for board meetings approximately every two months, which are generally an hour and a half long and take place in a weekday evening. These mostly take place online, with occasional hybrid meetings or meetings in-person.

As secretary to the board, you will be responsible for the timetabling of meetings, the agenda, and for taking and sharing a minute of board meetings – just main points and actions – to support the board in carrying out our remit. You may also assist with other areas of support to the governance for the charity, such as ensuring that we maintain regular review of the organisation’s policies, and providing some assistance from time to time to the member of staff leading on liaison with the Charity Commission and Companies House.

You will also need to be able to commit some ad hoc time to consider papers ahead of meetings, and occasionally to take part in email discussion on issues as they arise. You would also be expected to attend the charity’s AGM, which tends to take place on a Saturday afternoon in January/February.

We value diversity in our trustee team, as we do in the staff team. We particularly welcome applications from anyone who can bring lived experience of the immigration and asylum system, and are always keen to see applications from people with experience with fundraising, or with HR. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.

To apply, please submit a short (no more than one side of A4) letter explaining why you would like to join AFRIL’s board, and what skills and experience you would bring to the role, along with your CV.

Roll Models CIC is a community for women and marginalised genders, built around the belief that getting outside, riding bikes and doing adventurous things together can change how we see ourselves and what we think we’re capable of.

We create welcoming pathways into cycling and outdoor adventure through mentorship, skills-sharing, and community events. Our aim is to reduce barriers to participation and help more women, trans and non-binary people build confidence, skills, independence and lasting connections through cycling and time outdoors.

In just two years, Roll Models has grown from a pilot mentorship programme of 25 participants in 2025, to a mentorship cohort twice the size with a wider community of over 100 people attending events and workshops in 2026, with demand exceeding our current capacity. We are now at an exciting point in our development: the model is working, the community is growing, and we want to build the organisational foundations to support that growth sustainably.

We are looking to convene a voluntary Steering Group to help shape the strategic direction of our fledgling organisation, with a view to formalising a Board in Spring 2027 (there will also be opportunity to continue in a supporting role, without joining the Board).

Steering Group roles

Strategy and Governance - Filled

Roll Models has grown significantly in a short space of time, led by one paid member of staff with volunteer support. With demand for the programme limited by our current capacity, we are looking for someone to work alongside the Director as a mentor and sounding board, to focus on shaping the long-term strategic direction of the organisation.

Fundraising

There are many opportunities to grow the programme, and various funding pots we would like to apply for to activate this. We are looking for a savvy fundraiser to help us with fundraising strategy, identifying relevant opportunities, and supporting application processes.

You would support:

• Developing a fundraising strategy

• Identifying relevant funding opportunities

• Feeding into and checking over applications 

• Working with other members (ie Communications & Marketing) to shape how we tell the story for funders

Mentorship programme (2 roles)

We are looking for an experienced community leader and cyclist who is passionate about creating safe and welcoming spaces for women, trans and non-binary people in the outdoors. You will support the strategic development and running of Roll Models' core mentorship programme, working closely with the Director on the systems and structures that will allow it to grow sustainably. This is a vital role that bridges community-building, participant experience, logistics and operations.

You would support:

• Developing policies and procedures to support the running of the mentorship programme

• Planning and delivering recruitment for the 2027 cohort, including reviewing and improving the participant application and matching process

• Supporting safeguarding, inclusion and participant wellbeing processes

• Shaping the strategic direction and future development of the mentorship programme, including thinking about how the programme can support more people without losing its community-led character

Workshops and programming

Roll Models runs regular programming and skills sessions relating to cycling and outdoor adventure, including bike mechanics, navigation, kit choices, trip planning and other practical skills. We are looking for someone who can help us think strategically about how this strand of Roll Models' work develops, in particular, accessing funding to open the workshops up beyond the current cohort. This role would help Roll Models move from delivering individual workshops towards a coherent, sustainable skills programme.

You would support:

• Developing a strategic programme of skills workshops for the next 6-12 months

• Identifying skills gaps and opportunities within the community

• Supporting funding bids to resource the workshop programme

• Developing outreach and partnerships to reach people who may not already participate in cycling or outdoor recreation

• Supporting the development of inclusive and accessible workshop formats

• Helping shape DEI policies and approaches for events and workshops

• Exploring opportunities to develop workshops that could generate income while retaining accessible routes into participation

Communications & Marketing

Roll Models has grown organically and is increasingly attracting attention from the cycling and outdoor industries. We now want to be more strategic about how we communicate what we do and use our growing profile to create opportunities for the organisation and its community. We are looking for someone with experience in communications, marketing, storytelling or partnerships who can help us think bigger about Roll Models' position and reach.

You would support:

• Developing Roll Models' strategic positioning and profile by shaping a communications and storytelling strategy

• Developing content and storytelling approaches for funders and potential partners

• Developing relationships with industry and community partners

• Helping Roll Models communicate its impact beyond being "just" a cycling club

• Identifying opportunities for media, speaking, events, festivals and other platforms that can raise the profile of Roll Models and the wider issues we work on

This is an opportunity to help shape how Roll Models is understood and positioned as it grows.

Finance and sustainability

Roll Models has begun generating income through its mentorship programme and events, alongside grant funding and industry support. As we grow, we want to develop a stronger understanding of our finances and build a model that can sustain the organisation beyond short-term grant funding. We are looking for someone with experience in financial planning, budgeting, business development, social enterprise or organisational sustainability.

You would support:

• Financial planning and strategy

• Developing realistic budgets and financial forecasts

• Thinking strategically about income generation and pricing, and subsidising low-cost participation

• Helping develop appropriate financial policies and processes

• Working with the Director to understand when and how Roll Models can invest in capacity and paid roles

For more information and how to apply, visit our website.

Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.

Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. As a prison volunteer you will:

• Developing skills and confidence
• Teach prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects
• Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects

It is essential for volunteers to support FCW ethos, believe in rehabilitation, be an excellent teamworker, observe personal boundaries, be reliable and patient to ensure cell groups run smoothly, and have record-keeping skills and have at knowledge of tapestry/needlework. . 

Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based, therefore it is requred that volunteers will be able to travel to the relevant prisons. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity. 

Please take some time to read the role description to find put more details about the role and what we offer to our volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in FCW’s workforce.

These include applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, and male identifying applicants as these are currently under-represented in our volunteers groups.

Chair of the Board — United St Saviour's Charity

For almost 500 years, we've supported Southwark's communities. Now we're looking for a new Chair to help lead our next chapter — including delivering the RIBA Stirling Prize-winning legacy of Appleby Blue into a bold ten-year strategy.

United St Saviour's Charity is a place-based community investor in Southwark, providing almshouses, grant-funding and community programmes that build resilience and connection across the borough. Over the last decade we've nearly doubled our housing provision and delivered Appleby Blue — a social housing development for older people that went on to win the RIBA Stirling Prize, the UK's most prestigious architecture award.

This role is for you if:

• You have board leadership experience, ideally including previous experience chairing a board or significant committee
• You've held senior leadership roles within a medium-to-large charity or purpose-driven organisation, ideally through periods of growth, complexity or strategic change
• You bring strength in one or more of: housing and property development, organisational governance, community development, or finance and accounting
• You have a genuine, lived or learned understanding of Southwark and its communities
• You're as comfortable challenging and questioning as you are supporting — leading with influence rather than authority

What you'll do

As Chair, you'll lead our Board of Trustees and work in close partnership with our Chief Executive, Martyn Craddock, providing support, guidance and constructive challenge to help the organisation deliver its strategic plan. You'll ensure the charity remains well governed, financially sustainable, and focused on delivering lasting impact for the people of Southwark — while acting as an ambassador for our values, purpose and reputation, including in situations that require urgent decision-making.

You'll be joining at a pivotal moment: we're scaling up our housing development pipeline, delivering a new Community Investment Strategy for 2025–2030, and increasingly being asked to share what we've learned with other boroughs and housing providers as our national influence grows.

Location and time commitment

Based in the London Borough of Southwark — Board and committee meetings take place at our offices and almshouses. This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses met) requiring approximately 2–3 days a month, including four Board meetings a year, a Strategy and Reflection Day, and membership of one to two committees.

How to apply

Send a CV and covering letter to Alison Benzimra, Director of Strategy and Operations by 14 October 2026, setting out why you're interested and how your skills, experience and background fit what we're looking for. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with a panel drawn from the Board in 23 November 2026.

We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.

We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling. 

Role summary

We run two flagship events each year, Surrey's Big Poetry Weekend and the End-of-Year Showcase Gala, creating celebrations of poetry and shared cultural moments for our community. As our Events Manager, you’ll lead and coordinate every aspect of event delivery to create welcoming, meaningful and memorable experiences that bring people together.

The Showcase Gala is on Saturday 14 November 2026 and Surrey's Big Poetry Weekend is likely to happen in May 2027.

What will the volunteer do?

Key responsibilities include:

• Conceptualise ideas and improvements for these two events to enhance the experience for attendees
• Planning effective timelines and project plans
• Taking an operational lead to ensure events run smoothly
• Ensuring events are adequately staffed with volunteers
• Assisting leadership on collaboration with venues, artists, facilitators, and partners
• Working closely with our Volunteer Co-ordinator to support volunteers
• Helping ensure events are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible

You’ll be supported by the President and Vice President, gaining first-hand insight from two experienced leaders who are genuinely committed to making your volunteer experience brilliant, rewarding and enjoyable.

You’ll join a high-performing, ambitious and deeply committed team of volunteers who deliver an overachieving, community-focused arts organisation. Working closely with senior volunteers and programme leads, you’ll have the support, trust and clear decision-making authority to make a real impact - particularly around events. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced people, build your skills and play an active role in shaping an exciting programme for the community.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for an organised, reliable volunteer confident in leading event coordination. You’ll have experience managing events, strong time management and communication skills, and be comfortable coordinating volunteers and stakeholders. You’ll stay calm in live event settings and care about creating inclusive, welcoming events that support people and community. Although we are a small organisation, there’s always plenty happening! Our volunteer roles suit people who are self-motivated, proactive and enjoy getting involved.

What difference will you make?

This role will play a vital part in maintaining and strengthening the reputation of the Surrey Poet Laureateship as a high-quality, trusted and inclusive cultural programme across Surrey.

The Events Manager will ensure our events are consistently well planned, professionally delivered and welcoming, creating positive experiences for audiences, poets, volunteers and partners. The quality and professionalism of our events will be central to how the Laureateship is perceived by communities, venues, funders and stakeholders.

By delivering an outstanding events programme, the role will help build strong partnerships, increase visibility and credibility, and strengthen the foundations for the Laureateship’s long-term sustainability and growth.