Research communication officer volunteer roles in Edinburgh

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.

Position Overview

This is a dynamic and rewarding internship opportunity to play a hands-on role in shaping the voice and visual identity of SEED Madagascar. As part of a passionate and collaborative communications team, you will contribute directly to how our work is shared with global audiences—helping to tell powerful stories of community-led development and conservation in southeast Madagascar.

This role offers a unique blend of creativity and purpose. You will support social media management, develop engaging visual content, and curate impactful imagery that brings our programmes to life. It is ideally suited to a proactive and imaginative individual who is eager to build practical skills in communications while contributing to meaningful, real-world impact. Throughout the internship, you will gain valuable experience in digital storytelling, branding, and content strategy within an international development context.

Location: Remote – based anywhere in the world

Time zone: East Africa Time

Timeframe: 6 months extendable – flexible, guideline 1-2 days a week

Overview: Voluntary, unsalaried, flexible times to suit volunteer

About the organisation

SEED Madagascar is a British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high quality community health, livelihoods, education infrastructure and conservation programmes to support sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication across all of our programmatic areas.

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the CEO on matters of urgency and importance to the organization.
• Manage the agenda for meetings the CEO holds ensuring all actions are allocated for actioning
• Sign post management across the organisation as required
• Handle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
• Organizing and coordinating meetings, appointments, and events to ensure efficient time management for the CEO
• Handling Communications: Acting as the first point of contact for the CEO, managing correspondence.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and other documents needed for meetings and decision-making.
• Assisting with various administrative tasks such as record-keeping and office management.
• Coordinating specific tasks as assigned by the CEO
• Acting as a bridge between the CEO and other senior management, ensuring smooth communication

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience in fast-paced environments.
• Good IT skills.
• Ability to use remote systems.
• Ability to engage with others well.
• Good people skills.

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 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 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!

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.

Responsibilities

• As the Senior HR Officer in our Volunteer Relations team, you will be reporting directly to the HR Manager, as well as oversee the day-to-day management of volunteer relations across our organisation, ensuring the  smooth execution of policies and adherence to the Volunteer Handbook. Your role involves being the primary point of contact for volunteers, addressing queries, and resolving issues promptly while upholding the organisation’s standards and values.

• You will also play a key role in fostering a professional and supportive environment for all volunteers, maintaining productive relationships, and ensuring operational excellence in volunteer management.

Duties

1. Exit Management

• Facilitate seamless volunteer offboarding processes, including conducting structured exit interviews to identify areas of improvement.
• Maintain accurate records of exits to inform retention and engagement strategies.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies during volunteer departures.

2. Volunteer Inactivity Management

• Monitor volunteer activity levels and implement inactivity management procedures in collaboration with line managers.
• Maintain updated records to track and report volunteer activity trends.

3. Grievance and Conflict Resolution

• Implement and manage an efficient grievance procedure to handle volunteer concerns professionally and promptly.
• Ensure impartiality and transparency in addressing grievances, collaborating with relevant stakeholders for resolution.
• Collaborate with the L&D team to provide periodic training for volunteers and managers on grievance handling and conflict resolution.

4. Policy Execution and Compliance

• Act as the primary custodian of the Volunteer Handbook, ensuring volunteers are well-informed about organisational policies and procedures.
• Monitor compliance with organisational guidelines and address any violations in consultation with the HR Manager.
• Partner with the Policy team to update the Volunteer Handbook periodically to reflect regulatory changes and organisational needs.

5. Volunteer Relations

• Serve as the first point of contact for volunteers, addressing their queries and concerns to foster a positive environment.
• Actively promote inclusivity and diversity in all volunteer-related activities.

6. Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure all volunteer-related activities comply with organisational and legal standards.
• Prepare regular reports on the approved Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including challenges and support needed.

Requirements

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)

• Ability to work well in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Passionate for personal development

• Good experience and foundation in employee/volunteer relations

• 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.

What You’ll Gain

Recognition through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment

We look forward to hearing from you!

About Us

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is a survivor-led community interest company dedicated to exposing the impact of childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, addiction, mental health struggles, and family dysfunction within Black communities and beyond.

Through podcasts, survivor stories, education, events, research, coaching, advocacy, and community support, we help individuals heal, break destructive cycles, and build stronger families and communities.

As we continue to grow nationally and internationally, we are seeking a Volunteer Central Operations Director to create structure, accountability, and operational excellence across all volunteer departments.

Job Purpose

The Volunteer Central Operations Director serves as the operational backbone of the organisation, ensuring departments, projects, and volunteer teams work efficiently, meet deadlines, and deliver measurable outcomes.

The role oversees project delivery, performance monitoring, reporting systems, KPI tracking, volunteer accountability, and cross-department coordination, helping turn organisational vision into effective execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate organisational operations across all volunteer departments.
• Manage the Central Operations Team, including Analysts, Coordinators, and Assistants.
• Oversee project delivery, ensuring milestones, deadlines, and objectives are achieved.
• Monitor organisational performance, identify risks and bottlenecks, and implement solutions.
• Establish accountability systems, workflows, reporting processes, and operational procedures.
• Develop and maintain KPI dashboards, departmental scorecards, and performance reports.
• Track volunteer engagement, project progress, fundraising outcomes, and organisational impact.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between departments.
• Lead operational meetings and support monthly performance reviews.
• Produce reports, risk assessments, and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Support implementation of organisational priorities and strategic initiatives.
• Mentor department leaders and promote volunteer engagement, wellbeing, and retention.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience

• Experience leading teams, projects, programmes, or organisational operations.
• Strong project management, organisational, and planning skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Experience developing systems, processes, KPIs, dashboards, and reporting frameworks.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience building stakeholder relationships and facilitating collaboration.
• Ability to motivate, support, and manage volunteers and team leaders.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working independently within a remote environment.
• Proficiency with tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Trello, Asana, ClickUp, Airtable, Notion, Slack, and Teams.
• Experience in charities, CICs, volunteer-led organisations, operations management, programme management, or community development is desirable.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-led, or social impact organisations is beneficial.
• Passion for social impact and commitment to our mission.

Volunteer Benefits

• Opportunity to help build a national survivor-led movement.
• Executive leadership experience.
• Leadership training and mentoring.
• Professional references upon successful service.
• Opportunity to influence organisational strategy.
• Meaningful social impact and legacy-building work.
• Potential future paid leadership opportunities as the organisation grows.

Additional Notes

This role may not be suitable if you:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work.
• Dislike reporting, accountability, or performance tracking.
• Are seeking immediate paid employment.
• Are uncomfortable using data and analysis to support decision-making.

To Apply

Please send:

• Your CV, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile (if available).
• A short introduction about yourself.
• Why this mission resonates with you.
• Relevant experience, skills, ideas, or vision you would bring to the role.

Proxy by IWI Overview

Proxy by IWI is dedicated to fostering thoughtful and engaged feminist responses to mainstream media, popular culture, legal issues, and advocacy.

Published daily, Proxy is committed to delivering ambitious and distinctive journalism. The publication covers topics that are of greatest significance to women’s human rights, focusing on people, ideas, laws and institutions from a feminist viewpoint and extending beyond. Proxy features original investigative reporting, insightful analysis, compelling arguments, and personal reflections, all designed to offer a multifaceted feminist take on current affairs.

Principal Responsibilities

· Maintain a thorough understanding of global trends and developments concerning women's human rights.

· Submit two articles per month for publication, each typically between 600 and 800 words in length.

· Ensure accuracy by obtaining supplementary material and further information from archives, reference libraries, and                  interviews with informed individuals.

· Conduct interviews in a variety of circumstances as required.

· Establish and maintain contacts to facilitate news gathering, including relationships with the police, emergency services,            local councils, community groups, health trusts, press officers from various organisations, and members of the public as            needed.

· Work collaboratively with the IWI and Proxy team to produce clear and precise content in accordance with house style              guidelines.

· Undertake research and write feature articles, occasionally contributing to subsidiary publications and supplements.

Requirements

· A minimum of four years’ experience in research and/or reporting.

· Proven interpersonal and collaborative abilities, able to work independently as well as part of a team.

· Flexibility, initiative, and robust problem-solving skills.

· Experience within multicultural settings and an awareness of cross-cultural differences.

· Dedication to promoting women’s human rights.

· Strong listening skills.

· Outstanding writing skills, including adaptability in writing styles and responsiveness to editorial guidance.

· Excellent analytical capabilities for precise understanding of subject matter.

· Superb organisational skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects and adhere to tight deadlines.

· Creative thinking in conveying messages innovatively.

· Rigorous attention to detail, including proficiency in proofreading one’s own work.

· Exceptional written English skills.

The National Flood Forum (NFF) supports and empowers people and communities at risk of flooding and helps those who flood to recover from the material and emotional trauma that flooding causes. With 24 years on the ground experience, we are the only national charity dedicated to supporting flood risk communities.

At the NFF, we give emotional and practical help and creating the right package of support for the long-term. Flooding can be a devastating experience with lasting economic, practical and emotional consequences and for many people the recovery process is as traumatic, or even more stressful, than the flood itself.

We pride ourselves on being there at every stage of the flood recovery process, working hand in hand with the people and communities we help. We also provide a powerful and independent voice for these communities, advocating for them with local and national government as well as the insurance industry and other corporate sectors.

We are seeking new Trustees to bring new insights, experience and skills to our Board. As a Trustee, you’ll help ensure the financial sustainability and governance of NFF.

As a Trustee you will have a commitment to supporting our values and approach to supporting communities at risk or who have flooded and you will advocate and be an ambassador for our work.

We’re especially interested in applications from you if you have:

· Experienced flooding or live with the threat of flooding.

· Fundraising, marketing or communications skills or experience

We particularly welcome applications from women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and residents of the North of England, East Anglia, or Wales, who are currently under-represented on our Board.

About The Stray Cat Charity (TSCC)

The Stray Cat Charity is a newly established UK-registered CIO working to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome stray cats in Greece, starting in Patras. Our current priority campaign is to raise £35,000 to build a dedicated stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece, which will provide safe housing, veterinary care, and a pathway to adoption for vulnerable cats. As a growing new charity, we are building our fundraising and outreach network across the UK.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a motivated volunteer to support the growth of our charity by helping identify and connect with potential supporters in their local area. This includes community groups, schools, corporates, and potential major donors who may be interested in supporting or fundraising for stray cats in Greece. The aim of this role is to help generate awareness, build relationships, and support fundraising activity for our current and future campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

The volunteer may support with:

• Researching local community groups, schools, faith groups, and businesses
• Identifying potential corporate partners and supporters in their region
• Contacting organisations to introduce The Stray Cat Charity and its mission
• Encouraging groups to support the charity through donations or fundraising
• Promoting our current campaign to raise £35,000 for a stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece
• Supporting or initiating community fundraising activities where appropriate (e.g. sponsored events, school fundraisers, awareness campaigns)
• Helping to raise awareness of stray cat welfare issues in Greece through local outreach

Fundraising Options

Volunteers may either:

• Focus on outreach and relationship-building, or
• Actively support or lead local fundraising efforts for the charity’s campaigns

Ideal Volunteer

We are looking for someone who is:

• Confident communicating with people and organisations
• Passionate about animal welfare
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Comfortable researching and reaching out to potential supporters
• Interested in community engagement or fundraising

About the Charity

The Stray Cat Charity is a new organisation, meaning volunteers will play a key role in shaping our growth, impact, and fundraising success from the ground up.

Support Provided

We will provide:

• Guidance on messaging and outreach
• Information about the charity and campaigns
• Ongoing support and communication from the founder/trustee

Impact of This Role

Your work will directly contribute to raising vital funds to build a safe shelter in Patras, Greece, improving the lives of stray cats and creating long-term sustainable welfare solutions.

Fundraising Volunteer

Every year, RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch CIO rescues, cares for and rehomes hundreds of unwanted, stray and abandoned animals.
We also support local pet owners who are struggling to afford essential veterinary treatment, helping animals get the care they need and stay with the people who love them.

We are a local RSPCA branch and we raise our own funds. The money we bring in through donations, grants, gifts in wills and local support makes a real difference to what we can do for animals in our area.

We are looking for a Fundraising Volunteer to help us find new ways to raise money and build support for our work.

This could be a lovely role for someone who has some fundraising experience and would like to use their skills for a cause they care about. You do not need to be an animal welfare expert. What matters most is that you care about animals, enjoy bringing ideas together, and can help us explain clearly why our work needs support.

You don't need to be an expert in everything listed below, but some experience in one or more of these areas would be helpful.

What you will be doing

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you may help with:

• Researching suitable grant-making trusts, foundations and local funding opportunities

• Helping to prepare information for grant applications and funding bids

• Supporting donation appeals for specific projects, such as veterinary care, animal accommodation, equipment or rehoming work

​We are looking for someone who has

• Previous fundraising experience

• An interest in animal welfare and the work of the Branch

• Good written communication skills

Time commitment

This is a flexible role and much of it can be done from home.
You are welcome to spend time in our office if you would like to work alongside the team.

Support and guidance

We want our volunteers to feel confident, supported and valued. You will receive guidance from the Branch, along with relevant information, policies and processes to help you carry out the role well.

The wellbeing of our people is important to us. We are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and everyone we come into contact with through our work.

What you will gain

By volunteering with us, you will:

• Make a direct difference to the welfare of local animals

• Help secure the funds needed to rescue, treat, rehabilitate and rehome animals

• Support pet owners who are struggling to afford essential veterinary care

• Use your fundraising skills for a cause with local impact

• Gain or build on charity fundraising experience

• Strengthen your CV

• Join a friendly, committed local team

• Help shape the future sustainability of an independent RSPCA branch

Interested?

If you care about animals and would like to use your fundraising skills to help secure vital support for their care, we would love to hear from you.

Director of Grants and Foundations (Volunteer, Unpaid)

Remote (United States; Canada; United Kingdom)

Part-time

View all jobs

The Role: Director of Grants and Foundations (Volunteer)

• Location: Remote

• Commitment: Part-time (volunteer, pro bono role)

• Contribution Requirements: Minimum 10-15 hours a week; minimum 3 months

Professional Volunteering

Professional volunteering is skills‑based service performed with the same reliability, accountability, and quality expected in a paid professional role. Volunteers are core contributors whose work directly supports our mission of global compassion, collaboration, and action.

Expectations include:

• Consistent weekly availability

• Timely communication and responsiveness

• Ownership of assigned tasks and follow‑through

• Participation in team meetings and workflows

• Alignment with organizational values and processes

About Solution Community:

Solution Community is an international non-profit organization, pioneering an innovative social platform dedicated to enabling actionable change. With volunteers from over 70 countries, we are a testament to the power of global collaboration. Our team members bring experiences from some of the world’s most successful companies, including Apple, Toyota, Google, Netflix, Walmart, Meta, and many others, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge and passion.

Our Mission:

To foster a global community of compassion, uniting individuals and organizations to solve the world’s social problems. We are the bridge that connects non-profits, businesses, philanthropists, and volunteers, empowering them to create meaningful change for current and future generations.

Our Vision:

Imagine a world where every person has the opportunity to thrive - a world united by collaboration, compassion, and action. At Solution Community, we are bringing that vision to life, driving transformative change that reshapes the future.

What Will You Do?

As Lead Grants and Foundations, you will:

• Fundraising strategy: Design and implement a comprehensive strategy for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation, corporate, and government grant prospects.

• Grant writing and management: Oversee the entire grants lifecycle, from researching funding opportunities and writing compelling proposals to managing awards, ensuring compliance, and submitting reports.

• Team leadership: Lead and mentor a team of grants professionals, such as grants managers and coordinators, to meet or exceed annual funding goals.

• Relationship management: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with foundation program officers and other institutional funders. Serve as the primary point of contact for major funders.

• Cross-departmental collaboration: Work closely with finance, programs, and leadership to develop grant budgets, gather data for proposals, and ensure funded projects are implemented successfully.

• Compliance and reporting: Ensure the organization adheres to all grant requirements, including financial and programmatic reporting, and prepares for audits.

• Financial oversight: Manage the grant budget and expenditure tracking, and provide financial reports to both funders and internal leadership

Who Are We Looking For?

We are seeking a passionate individual with:

• Experience: A proven track record in grant writing, fundraising, or foundation relations, ideally within non-profit or social impact sectors; at least 3-5 years of experience.

• Skills: Exceptional writing, storytelling, and project management abilities. Attention to detail is a must!

• Passion: A deep commitment to Solution Community’s mission of fostering global collaboration and compassion.

• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively within a diverse, multicultural team.

• Autonomy: Proactive and self-motivated, capable of managing tasks independently in a remote setting.

What We Offer

• Global collaboration with leaders and strategists from top global companies

• Meaningful impact on global causes and communities

• A vibrant, multicultural team spanning 70+ countries

• A supportive environment rooted in compassion, integrity, innovation, and collaboration

• Flexible work life with full autonomy

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

• A formal recommendation upon successful completion of your volunteer term.

Role- Head of Governance and Legal (Voluntary)

Reporting- CEO/CPO

Location- Remote, UK-based

Commitment: We estimate this role requires 4–6 hours per week, with flexibility to manage your own time. All meetings are remote and scheduled in advance.

Compensation: Voluntary role (non-paid)

About YouthAdvantage UK

YouthAdvantage UK is a volunteer-led, research-based organisation championing the rights and wellbeing of young people aged 11 to 25 across the UK. We influence national policy, deliver grassroots projects, and elevate youth voice in key debates; from education to mental health, climate action to justice reform.

We are seeking a passionate, committed Head of Governance & Legal to join our senior leadership team and help shape the strategic foundations that support our work.

About the role

As Head of Governance & Legal, you will lead a small team focused on risk, compliance, and governance excellence. You will ensure our work is rooted in sound legal and ethical frameworks and will support our growth with robust, transparent policies and guidance. You’ll also provide strategic support to our Board of Trustees and act as the senior point of contact for all legal matters.

This is an ideal opportunity for a governance, legal, or compliance professional looking to gain sector leadership experience while supporting a values-driven youth organisation.

 What you’ll gain

• Strategic leadership experience in a national charity
• A portfolio of governance and legal work with social impact
• Board-level exposure and public recognition of your contribution
• A flexible and supportive remote-first culture
• Testimonials, references, and public acknowledgment upon completion
• A chance to help shape youth policy at a systemic level

What you’ll do

• Lead and support the Governance & Legal Support Manager and team
• Design, update, and implement governance frameworks and organisational policies
• Maintain regulatory compliance across charity law, safeguarding, and data protection
• Liaise with the Board of Trustees - prepare agendas, minutes, and reports
• Oversee legal documentation and contracts
• Maintain and review the organisation’s risk register
• Build relationships with regulators and external legal advisors
• Embed a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from a broad range of professional backgrounds. You might be:

• An experienced lawyer, company secretary, or governance lead
• A compliance or legal professional seeking strategic exposure
• A postgraduate in law or non-profit management looking for leadership experience
• Returning to work and keen to rebuild your senior-level skillset
• Recently semi-retired and passionate about giving back

 Essential:

• Experience in governance, legal, or compliance leadership (minimum 12 months)
• Familiarity with UK charity law and regulatory frameworks
• Ability to lead and support others with tact and clarity
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to equity, youth empowerment, and ethical standards

To Apply

If you’re interested, just send us your CV and a few lines about why the role appeals to you — this can be a short paragraph in your email or a separate note. If you'd prefer an informal chat before applying, we’d love to hear from you. Just drop us a message and we’ll arrange a time.

Volunteer Acknowledgement

Although this is a volunteer role, we’re committed to recognising your contribution. Upon successful completion of your commitment, you can request:

• A LinkedIn testimonial or written reference
• A public thank-you post on our social media
• Permission to list your role with YouthAdvantage UK on your CV and LinkedIn

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances
• providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.