Quality volunteer roles

Do you enjoy a warm cuppa and a good browse through charity shops? We’re looking for a friendly, reliable volunteer to spend time with an adult with a learning disability—sharing simple outings like visiting a local café and exploring nearby charity shops together.

This is a lovely opportunity to build a meaningful connection, boost someone’s confidence, and help them feel more included in their community.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

Sitting and having a chat Checking in on their well- being Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc. Enjoying a walk

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be: Friendly and approachable Accepting of others who might be different to yourself Reliable and patient Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability. Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed Meet new people Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

About Proteus

Proteus is an award-winning theatre company that believes the audience is as vital as the artist. The company holds that truly dynamic and relevant theatre emerges when audience and artist inspire each other’s imagination. Quality, integrity, and innovation lie at the heart of Proteus’ work and form the criteria by which its success is measured. Founded in 1981 and based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Proteus has a long-standing history of creating and presenting high-quality work that serves both local and national audiences.

The Role

Proteus is actively seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The company is committed to transforming society through radical acts of kindness and believes in the universal value of the performing arts. Trustees will support Proteus’ mission to make culture thrive within the local community while helping to deliver theatre that tours across the UK.

Trustees contribute to creating innovative theatre and support leading artists working in the performing arts today. They help bring diverse forms of art—including theatre, circus, music, spoken word, visual art, cabaret, and film—to Basingstoke communities at accessible prices.

Beyond producing touring theatre, Proteus operates as a non-profit organisation that runs an arts centre, artists’ studios, a gallery, a café, and a wide-ranging programme of support for artists. Trustees engage with a dynamic organisation whose activities span local and international stages.

Serving as a Trustee offers a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, providing opportunities to meet artists from across the industry, collaborate with Proteus staff and fellow board members, and help shape the future of one of the South’s most exciting arts organisations.

Who Proteus is Looking For

Proteus seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about the arts as a force for social change. Prospective trustees should share the company’s conviction in the transformative power of the arts and its commitment to inclusivity. Proteus actively encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences.

Even those who feel they may not meet every criterion are encouraged to get in touch, as the organisation values the whole person and provides support for new trustees to develop their skills on the job.

Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis. The primary purpose of the board is to ensure that Proteus achieves its objectives. Trustees are expected to:

• Attend four board meetings per year (usually via Zoom) for a minimum term of three years and participate in an annual one-day board retreat in Basingstoke.

• Attend Proteus performances and events when possible.

• Support fundraising activities where possible.

• Provide advice and guidance to staff as required.

• Commit to the mission and values of Proteus.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee.

• Ensure Proteus is well-governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives.

• Act as ambassadors for Proteus, opening doors and helping expand networks and contacts.

• Contribute actively to Proteus’ strategic direction and development, offering ideas, connections, and support in growing its network of partners, supporters, and donors.

Deaf Role Models share their lived experience of deafness with deaf children and their families, showing what is possible. This volunteering will take place at different types of events and activities, either in-person or online. More than 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents who might know very little about deafness. Being able to meet deaf adults can give them a deeper understanding of the different choices and possibilities for their child.

About you

• Aged 18 years and over

• Lived experience of deafness – it doesn’t matter what level of deafness you have, or how you communicate

• Willing to share your personal experiences of deafness with a range of audiences including families of deaf children and young people in different community venues

• Prepared to answer questions that families and/or children may have about your experiences

What you will do

• You may talk about topics such as your family life, initial diagnosis, communication, education, interests and hobbies, career and challenges

• Some assignments may include additional tasks; for example, leading an ice breaker

• Create and adapt your talk to meet the needs of the audience or family

• Be a positive role model and present us in a positive way

• Be responsible for the quality of your volunteering and for yourself as part of a team

• Help families to think about the different choices and possibilities for their child, recognising that there isn’t going to be one ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ approach for all deaf children

When & Where

• Event locations and times will vary. You can choose events that suit your availability.
• Currently looking for volunteers in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Edinburgh, Central Scotland, and Manchester.

What will you gain from the role? 

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them:  

• Increased confidence and new skills   

• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families  

• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference 

Support and Training:

You will be provided with:

• Training to support you in your role, including Equality Diversity and Inclusion, safeguarding, informed choice, presentation skills and deaf awareness

• Feedback on your contribution and the resulting outcomes

• A named point of contact

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs

• Clear information about what to do and who to contact if you’re worried about something

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to complete a Basic DBS check, complete a self-disclosure form, provide references, and complete our essential training.

Support Dudley residents with long-term health conditions or disabilities by providing information regarding welfare benefit applications and delivering structured self-management group programmes.

Role Responsibilities:

• Facilitate small group Welfare Benefit Guider sessions (up to 6 residents) to those who need assistance to complete their own welfare benefits application forms (e.g. Personal Independence Payments (PIP) application forms).

• Deliver 6-week Long Term Health & Wellbeing Programmes (2.5 hours per week) to groups of up to 12 residents per group with long term health conditions or disabilities to help improve their quality of life.

• Create supportive, inclusive group environments and record participant information accurately.

About You:

• Lived or caring experience of long-term physical or mental health conditions is preferred but not essential 

• Ability to empathise with clients is essential. 

• Confident speaking in group settings (in person and online) with good communication and basic IT skills.

• Able to handle sensitive information with tact.

Commitment:

• Deliver sessions at community venues across Dudley (and potentially Wolverhampton), including some evenings/weekends. 

• Deliver 3 x 6 weeks Long-term Health & Wellbeing Programmes per year

• Deliver 2 x 3-hour Welfare Benefits Guider Sessions per month

• An enhanced DBS check is required (arranged and paid for by the organisation).

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED, FULL TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED

Plus, we'll reimburse your travel expenses (fuel or bus fares, car parking), so volunteering won't cost you anything but your time.

Why Volunteer with Us? 

✨ Valuable Experience: Gain practical skills and a sense of fulfilment with a trusted charity that has over 80 years of experience.

✨ Training and Support: Enjoy comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed.

✨ Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and become part of our wonderful team.

✨ Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy of making a real difference in someone's life.

✨ Flexible Hours: We offer flexible volunteering hours to suit your lifestyle.

✨ Health and Wellbeing: We prioritise the wellness of our volunteers, contributing to professional   success.

✨ Professional Development: We're committed to continuous development and growth opportunities.

✨ Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace individuals from all walks of life and encourage authenticity.

�� What Our Volunteers Say:

"Now that I am retired, volunteering at Citizens Advice gives me a purpose in life. I feel I can serve my community and make a difference to local people who are in difficulty. I learn a lot, use my skills and discover new skills as well as having new and varied experiences every day."

-Volunteer Generalist Advisor

"I now feel braver when looking at new job opportunities. I can utilise my skills and experience from volunteering in the hubs."

-Cost of Living Support Hub Volunteer

Ready to make a difference?

�� For further information about the individual roles, please visit our website:

Please download and complete the application form

If you require any of the information in an alternative accessible format, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.

Who are we: 
We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families. We take a positive and proactive disability and illness. We don't conform to society's and the media's view that disability is awful, and you have no quality of life. Although we fully acknowledge it gives rise to come of the most heartbreaking and challenging times you will ever face. We ask everyone who joins Buttons & Bubbles to embrace this perspective. If you don't agree with it, then sadly we're not the right organisation for you. 

About the role: 
 
We are looking for people to join our communications team. Helping with a variety of tasks from social media scheduling to posting job adverts to helping create policies.  

Our values: 

We embrace disability and neurodiversity; it makes us a stronger and more brilliant team. No robots at Buttons & Bubbles, thank you! 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a few individuals who may have the following skills and experience. Don't worry if you haven’t as full training will be provided.

Skillset; 

• Communication skills  

• Editing cntent  

• Scheduling content  

• Knowledge of admin programs including spreadsheets and outlook 

• Organised  

• Adaptable  

• Willing to learn and develop  

• An individual with a creative mindset 

• Thrill of building an online community. 

• Have a basic DBS check

• Positive attitude towards disability or illness 

Benefits of joining Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C:  

• Gaining valuable experience. 

• Improving your confidence 

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest. 

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Making a difference to the community 

• Makes a positive impact on people 

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills. 

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers. 

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future 

• Employment opportunities

We are looking for up to three talented people to bring wider expertise to our board and complement the skills of our elected pharmacists and the Chair, Joe Irvin OBE. Our Trustees will help steer our strategic direction and ensure the good governance and financial wellbeing of the College.

With a proud history of more than a century, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society is now transforming itself into the Royal College of Pharmacy, a registered charity providing public benefit, to sit alongside the other medical royal colleges. This change is due in Spring 2026.

As we already have expertise in pharmacy, this is not a requirement however one of the new trustees must have specialist expertise in charity finance.  This is a voluntary role, and you would be expected to attend formal board meetings (in person and online) four times a year – and annually for a full-day strategic review and planning session. Trustees serve for a term of up to three years with an option for appointment for a further two terms.

Principal Duties as a Board Member:

• Contribute actively to the Board, in giving firm strategic direction to the charity, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• Ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

• Ensure that the charity pursues its mission, as defined by the objects in its governing document and uses its resources exclusively for the delivery of that mission

• Ensure effective and efficient administration of the charity

 Person Specification:

• Demonstrable strategic leadership – with ability to focus on long-term direction and outcomes rather than operational detail

• Experience leading or advising organisations through growth, change, or uncertainty

• Experience within or exposure to sectors with particular sensitivities or complexities, e.g. healthcare, membership, safeguarding or equality-focused work.

• It would be desirable to bring expertise in any of the following areas: change management, marketing and communication, commercial success of a trading subsidiary, safeguarding, education, professional accreditation

• Knowledge of the wider healthcare environment and in particular patient voice would also be an advantage.

About The RPS:

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is the professional leadership body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists in Great Britain. We support pharmacists in their education and development, promote pharmacy in the media and government, and lead the way in medicines information across Great Britain and around the world. Our mission is to put pharmacy at the forefront of healthcare. Our vision is to become the world leader in the safe and effective use of medicines.

To apply, please send a CV or Profile and a supporting statement via the link on our website. We are committed to making the application process inclusive.

1. Briefly describe how your skills, experience and personal qualities make you a good candidate for this role. Refer to the role description and person specification for inspiration. (800-word limit)

2. Your specific areas of expertise that will be beneficial to our board of trustees

Each candidate will be shortlisted based on merit, and interview and appointment selection will be strictly based on the agreed selection criteria. The Equality Act 2010 permits reasonable adjustments that may give preferential treatment to an individual with a disability.

The reading for fun charity 

World Book Day Trustees

Location: London (hybrid)

Remuneration: voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed

Term: 3 years (may be appointed for a second term, maximum 6 years)

Closing date for applications: 6th March 2026

About World Book Day

World Book Day (WBD) is a small national charity with significant reach and profile, consistently punching above our weight.  WBD champions reading for fun because it seriously improves lives.  In fact, it is the biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful future.  With the spotlight in this National Year of Reading on reversing the decline in children's reading, now is an exciting time to join us. 

This is a rare opportunity to help more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop a lifelong habit of reading for fun and access the improved life chances this brings them.

New World Book Day Trustees

WBD is governed by its board of trustees, 3 of which are appointed by the Publishers' Association and 3 by the Booksellers' Association, each in their capacity as a founding member.  The remaining trustees are appointed by the board.  New trustees are recruited to infill the gaps identified from regular skills audits.  We are now seeking three new trustees, one of whom will be the new Chair of the trustee board, to fill an existing and two upcoming vacancies.

The three new trustees sought are expected to fulfil the following specifications:

· Chair of the Trustee Board: This post is advertised separately

· Publishers' Association Appointed Trustee: This trustee will be an individual from within the publishing industry.  We are particularly looking for someone with senior level strategic HR experience, in particular remuneration and reward, performance management and employee health, safety and wellbeing.

· Education/literacy trustee: This person will have senior level strategic education and/or literacy experience, ideally derived from lived experience as an educator, academic or policy expert.

All trustees are expected to bring a commitment to our mission to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own.  Trustees will use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions, supporting effective governance in a national literacy charity and playing a vital role in its future success.

World Book Day welcomes candidates drawn from a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics.  We would like our trustees to be reflective of our society and WBD's beneficiaries.  We actively encourage applications from those currently under-represented on our board: non-binary, all ethnic groups other than white British and LGBTQ+.

For a full role description and details of how to apply, please see the recruitment pack below.  The deadline for applications is 6th March 2026

To guide Hackney CVS through a new chapter, we are looking to strengthen our Board with individuals who bring professional and lived experience.

Who we're looking for

We are looking for our next Treasurer, and trustees to join our Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee, with experience in strategic financial management, liaising with external investment managers and an understanding of investment policies and practice. Expertise in charity finance including understanding of Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) is also preferable.

Additionally, we are looking for individuals with expertise in change management, people and culture, ideally with experience in purpose-driven organisations.

We're keen to hear from both experienced trustees, and those without previous trustee experience interested in the opportunity to learn and develop.

We strongly encourage applications from local residents, and individuals with lived experience of the specific challenges and opportunities in Hackney and the City of London, and those representing the diverse communities we serve.

Key accountabilities

All trustees are accountable to the Co-Chairs of the Board.

Their role is to:

• Ensure that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

• Ensure that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objects

• Ensure that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets • Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation

• Protect and manage the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

• Follow proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive

In addition, trustees may take on specific responsibilities through our sub-committees or task and finish groups. Trustees may also lead for the board on significant projects or pieces of work to provide oversight and challenge.

#trustee #governance #boardoftrustees

Havering Young People’s Mentoring Service provides support, advice and guidance to young people aged 10-18, encouraging them to make positive choices and achieve their goals.

Mentors are matched with a young person and meet with them on a weekly basis, for a period of up to 6 months. During this time, a strong relationship is built through a variety of activities and trips, including a monthly group meeting with other volunteers and young people engaged in the Service.

In order to become a mentor, potential volunteers will be required to attend a two day training programme before being accepted onto the programme. Volunteers will need to be over 18 years old and be willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check plus provide references.

This role includes:

• Attending an initial matching meeting with a young person
• Committing to 6 months of mentoring with a young person
• Meeting a young person once a week for around 2 hours
• Providing brief recording following meetings to the Volunteer Team
• Working with a young person to review their goals and plan for mentoring
• Accompanying a young person to monthly group meetings
• Acting in the best interests of a young person

Skills and experience required::

• Confident and able to communicate well with young people from a range of different backgrounds
• Can engage with staff and partners to promote the aims and quality of the Early Help Service, and comply with relevant policies and procedures
• Commitment to act in the best interests of young people and comply with jointly-agreed plans
• Experience of working with children or young people, in any capacity
• Willing to undertake training where necessary
• Enthusiasm and commitment towards child development and keeping children safe

Please note that you must be based in the UK to undertake this role.

We are looking for someone who shares our vision of shaping a recognised, valued and inclusive sport and physical activity sector that everyone can be a part of, and who is committed to the highest levels of governance, risk management and assurance.

The Audit and Probity Committee reports directly to CIMSPA’s Board of Trustees and is a crucial part of our governance structure, overseeing our risk landscape.  By ensuring that risk is adequately managed and that the organisation is governed with integrity, the committee guides CIMSPA’s strategic decision-making processes.  Alongside this, the committee provides oversight, challenge and scrutiny across a range of areas, including our internal controls and our financial performance and management. 

Specialisms

Based on the committee’ annual skills review, we have identified the following specialisms as a priority for recruitment:

• Government and policy-making

• Legal and regulatory

Therefore we are seeking to appoint a committee member with significant experience in at least one of these areas.

Core Skills

We also expect all committee members to have significant experience in one or more of the following:

• Finance

• Audit and risk

• Governance and compliance

• Our system interventions (as detailed in our strategy)

• Business and commercial

• Digital

Please note - an in-depth knowledge of the sport and physical activity sector is not essential.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensuring that the committee fulfils its purpose as stated in its Terms of Reference.
• Ensuring that the committee complies with CIMSPA’s Charter and Statutes, charity law, company law and all other relevant legislation/regulations as they relate to the committee.
• Managing CIMSPA’s resources responsibly and honestly, with a duty of prudence.
• Working in partnership with CIMSPA’s CEO or senior leadership team to ensure the strategic aims of the organisation are achieved as they relate to the committee, maintaining a management and oversight role.
• Ensuring that the committee is accountable.

Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd March 2026 at 9am

Provisional date for virtual interviews: Monday 16th March 2026

Uncurbed Collective is recruiting a new Co-Chair of Trustees to lead alongside existing Co-Chair and founder trustee Janet Charlesworth.

This is a moment of evolution for the organisation. As we continue to grow our disability-led work and strengthen our governance, we are seeking a Co-Chair who believes in shared leadership, collective responsibility, and values-driven decision-making.

This role is not about individual authority. It is about working in partnership, listening well, and supporting the organisation to think strategically while staying grounded in its values.

Alongside your fellow Co-Chair, you will:

• Guide and support an engaged, values-led Board of Trustees
• Help shape Uncurbed’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability
• Champion disability-led governance and shared power in practice
• Work closely with the CEO to ensure strong, transparent leadership and accountability

We are open to a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You might bring:

• Experience of board leadership, chairing, or senior strategic roles
• Lived experience of disability and/or a strong commitment to equity, access, and inclusion
• Confidence working collaboratively, rather than hierarchically
• Curiosity, generosity, and a willingness to learn alongside others

You do not need to have held a Co-Chair role before. We are particularly keen to hear from people who may not see themselves reflected in traditional governance pathways.

Support and culture

Uncurbed operates a shared leadership model. You will not be expected to do this alone, nor to arrive with all the answers. Trustees work relationally, with care, challenge, and mutual support.

We actively encourage informal conversations before applying.

To apply or ask questions, contact us directly. Access support is available throughout the process.

What are we looking for?

This is a non-executive leadership role. You won’t be involved in day-to-day operations — instead, your focus will be on supporting strong governance, holding space for inclusive strategy, and ensuring the board functions well.

We are looking for someone who can bring clarity, structure, and values-led leadership — and who is confident sharing power within a co-chairing model alongside a trustee with lived experience of disability.

You don’t need to be an expert in disability or the arts — but you do need to be open to learning, able to hold a strategic view, and committed to changing who gets to lead.

You should bring:

• Experience as a Chair or senior trustee in a charity, cultural, or values-led organisation
• Knowledge of good governance and the responsibilities of a non-executive board
• Skills in strategic planning, organisational development, or scaling with integrity
• Confidence in chairing meetings and supporting a group to make clear, inclusive decisions
• A belief in equity, accessibility, and co-leadership as core parts of good governance
• Strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative mindset

We are particularly interested in applicants with experience of:

• The arts, access, or cultural policy
• Strategy, finance, legal structures, or fundraising
• Public health, education, or community development
• Systemic change or inclusive leadership development

You will work closely with the CEO/Artistic Director and Co-Chair to lead the board well — helping us grow sustainably, stay aligned with our mission, and centre lived experience in decision-making. You’ll also play a key role in recruiting and supporting new trustees as the board evolves.

We know leadership is a learning process. If you bring curiosity, commitment, and clarity — we’ll support you to grow with us.

What difference will you make?

You’ll co-lead a board committed to access and culture change — supporting disabled artists to lead, and ensuring the organisation continues to grow with integrity, purpose, and shared power.

Position Title: Family Liaison
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team - Family Support Lead
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Swanley or able to travel to Swanley
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Organisation Overview
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small and growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 50 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community.

Purpose of Role:
Would you like to make a crucial difference for the better to the life and welfare of a refugee family as they settle into life in Britain helping them to achieve independence and social integration in their new surroundings? As a Family Liaison, you will be a vital friendly link and mentor for the family to help them navigate through difficulties that they may encounter on their path to independent living in our district. It is a very important and rewarding role.
Key Responsibilities: ● Where the family is new, help them to settle in and pass on requests for help and equipment. ● See over the welfare and requirements of the family which will change incrementally over time. The level of support should gradually diminish as the family becomes more independent. ● Liaise with local government support workers (Refugee Council) as needed while the family is still receiving support from them. ● Liaise with the team around the family - general support, language and education - so that they work together; moderate a Whatsapp group for all volunteers supporting the family, whatever their role. ● Encourage and monitor the family’s path to independence ● Liaise with Education, Language and Employment specialities.
● Keep the Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) Family Support Lead up to date as needed.
Skills & Qualities Needed

You need to be:
● compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental
● good at communication
● organized with good attention to detail.
● flexible and adaptable to different family needs and cultural backgrounds.
● reasonably IT literate
It would help if you had a background in health, teaching, social services or other service related charities - BUT it is not essential, a practical attitude is needed.

Time and location
The weekly commitment might be 1-2 hours particularly initially, tapering down as the families become more independent. This is not an online job and the family is located in Swanley.

Support & Training Provided As well as general training for SWR volunteers on the essentials such as safeguarding and cultural awareness, we run workshops to find out more about how we can help children in their path through education, language learning and other matters that may be relevant. The VLT will ensure that the Family Liaison has support and backup as required and a mentor will be appointed to help a new Family Liaison in the initial stages of taking up the role.

Lead the future of a well-established charity making a real difference for young people in Plymouth. The Zone Plymouth is seeking a visionary Chair of Trustees to guide strategy, inspire leadership, and shape services that change lives.

The Zone Plymouth is an established and well-respected local charity dedicated to supporting and empowering young people aged 13–25. Operating in Plymouth for over 35 years, the charity delivers a range of commissioned services in partnership with other agencies, including sexual health, mental health, homelessness prevention, targeted school-based support for emotional health and substance use, and interagency support for young people in or leaving care.

With 24 staff (17.5 FTE) and 36 volunteers, The Zone has a strong foundation and is well positioned to leverage its strengths to achieve its long-term ambitions. While navigating challenges such as cultural change, income diversification, and skills development, there are exciting opportunities to strengthen leadership, expand funding streams, and raise the charity’s profile across Plymouth. The next two to three years offer substantial potential for growth, where thoughtful planning, decisive action, and collaborative leadership can secure a vibrant, resilient, and enduring future.

About the Role

The Chair of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and guidance to the Board, ensuring it functions effectively, meets its legal and regulatory obligations, and supports the charity to deliver meaningful outcomes for young people in Plymouth. This voluntary role is central to shaping the strategic direction of the charity, fostering a positive culture, and holding the senior team accountable.

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure the Board functions effectively, meetings are led inclusively, and duties are carried out in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Lead the Board in setting the charity’s strategic direction, creating a positive organisational culture, and holding staff accountable.

• Support recruitment, induction, and development of Trustees, promoting diversity and inclusion.

• Line-manage and support the CEO, providing constructive challenge and oversight.

• Liaise with the Secretary to arrange meetings, set agendas, and chair meetings to ensure they are well-run and focused.

• Approve the annual operations/business plan, budget, and risk management plan, and monitor progress against these.

• Monitor Board decisions and agreed actions to ensure implementation in a timely manner.

• Build strong, positive relationships with staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and external stakeholders.

• Act as an ambassador for The Zone, representing its values and interests in the community.

Your Ideal Candidate

Essential Qualities:

• Strong commitment to improving the lives of young people in Plymouth.

• Proven leadership skills, with experience chairing meetings, building consensus, and guiding complex discussions to clear decisions.

• Familiarity with challenges facing young people and small charities, and understanding of trustee responsibilities and charity governance.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage with young people, staff, and stakeholders.

• Strategic thinker capable of guiding the delivery of long-term sustainable services.

• Integrity, impartiality, sound judgment, and awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion objectives.

Desirable Qualities:

• Prior experience as a trustee or board member.

• Knowledge of youth services, education, health, or community development.

• Local connections in Plymouth and surrounding areas.

• Experience of fundraising, advocacy, or partnership working.

Organisation

According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, only 62% of primary school teachers have the minimum teaching qualifications.

In 2023, only 9% of young people in lower secondary education in Zambia reached the minimum level of proficiency in reading. Lifelong learning opportunities and economic growth are being stunted. 

All children deserve a quality education from a transformative and supportive teacher. The Commonwealth Education Trust (CET) invests in teachers in low- and middle-income settings by providing accessible teacher professional development including via its flagship programme, Teach2030. 

As Volunteer Learning Designer, you will help shape engaging learning experiences for teachers globally improving course interactivity, presentation, and resource quality across the Teach2030 platform and community 

Your role will include:

• Using tools and digital platforms to create engaging, immersive and high-quality videos
• Enhancing the look and feel of our Teach2030 courses, ensuring all resources follow brand guidelines and maintain a consistent, high-quality look
• Collaborating with course writers to deliver high-quality learning experiences
• Design and develop a range of digital, downloadable learning resources to support the courses   
• Create engaging, interactive course features, including forums and assessments

What We're Looking For

• Enthusiasm for digital content development in training and education.
• Record in designing high-quality, measurable learning solutions. 
• Expertise with e-learning authoring tools.
• Initiative and willingness to present and storyboard new ideas.
• Understanding of instructional design frameworks and digital learning pedagogy.
• Ability to present complex ideas clearly and creatively.
• Passion for learning and technology
• An education background is preferable but not essential.