Research evaluation manager volunteer roles in Nottingham

Vision Action is a unique organisation that works in low- and middle-income countries, supporting national governments to deliver and strengthen their eye health strategies. We work in partnership with local governments, civil society organisations, international and national NGOs, and the private sector. Our ambition is to increase equitable access to eye care services and glasses and accelerate achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5.

The role of the board is to oversee the overall direction and activities of the charity, including its policies and procedures, to ensure that they are consistently in accordance with the charitable purposes defined in the objects clause in its constitution. The board sets and monitors the strategic direction of the charity, although the implementation of strategy is achieved through the executive team. The board must always act in the best interests of Vision Action, taking decisions as a group and not as individuals.

Terms of service

For Vision Action the trustees are members who have been elected to serve on the board. Vision Action’s constitution allows for up to 12 trustees, who can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms of three years.  Vision Action is a company limited by guarantee and the trustees are its legal directors. The trustee role is voluntary, although relevant expenses incurred in the course of fulfilling trustee responsibilities are reimbursable in line with organisational policy.

Trustees are appointed by the Vision Action board of trustees annually at the board meeting following the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The time commitment involved in being a trustee includes attendance at four board meetings per year, one of which is an all-day strategy session. Board meetings are typically held for half a day on a weekday afternoon, with at least half the meetings taking place online.  Board papers are circulated in advance for review and preparation.

In addition, trustees are expected to attend the AGM, which is usually held on a weekend, as well as occasional members’ forums or other Vision Action events, which are often arranged alongside board meetings in the evening. Trustees may also be asked to participate in ad hoc meetings or online discussions relating to specific topics. Sub-committee meetings are also held in advance of board meetings, and trustees are also expected to participate in one or more of these groups depending on their expertise and responsibilities. Trustees will also be expected to commit time to undertake a full induction process.

Main tasks

Charity trustees have ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity and ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. Each trustee will be expected to join one of the two sub-committees (Programmes and Research; Fundraising and Finance).  The committees meet (in person or remotely) at least four times per year, usually timed with or in advance of the board meetings. 

General responsibilities

• Ensure th[JT1] at Vision Action complies with its governing document (i.e. its constitution[JT2]  and byelaws), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that Vision Action pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Ensure Vision Action applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be.
• Contribute actively to the board’s role in the formulation and review of strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguard the good name and values of Vision Action and maintain good relations with its members.
• Ensure that all policies are implemented, monitored and reports are acted upon, (including the policies on harassment and misconduct, safeguarding, recruitment of ex-offenders, and anti- bribery).
• Strive for Vision Action to reflect the full diversity of society in all its activities.
• Ensure the financial stability of Vision Action.
• Protect and manage the property of Vision Action and ensure the proper investment of its funds.
• Appoint and support key leadership and monitor their performance.

In addition to the above statutory responsibilities, each trustee should attend board meetings and use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board reach sound decisions.  This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, evaluation or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise; and then always upholding the decisions taken by Board. Trustees are also expected to support Vision Action’s fundraising initiatives.

Treasurer specific responsibilities

Hold specific responsibilities relevant to the role:

• Chair the fundraising and finance sub-committee, overseeing and advising on the financial risks, challenges, health and resilience of the charity, reporting back to the full board.
• Monitor and advise on the financial viability of the charity, including the financial risks. This should include regular monitoring of cost recovery.
• Advise the board on the financial implications of its plans and policies.
• Monitor the preparation of budgets, accounts and financial statements and their presentation to the board.

Ensure policies and practices are in keeping with aims:

• Oversee the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost‐recovery and investment policies.
• Annually review the financial control framework to identify any changes, gaps and potential areas of exposure.
• Oversee the development and review of other policies and procedures as delegated to the fundraising and finance sub-committee by the board.

Ensure best practice:

• Support the Co-CEO (finance & operations) in preparing and presenting the budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements to the board, ensuring it receives a fully informed picture of the charity’s financial performance, position and effectiveness.
• Liaise with the Co-Chief Executive Officers and, as appropriate, with the investment advisors and auditors on matters relating to the organisation’s financial activities.
• Provide board‐level liaison with the external auditors on specific issues such as the auditors’ management letter, auditor remuneration and related board representations.
• Lead on recommending the appointment of new auditors to members of the organisation.
• Work with the Finance and Operations Manager to ensure that proper accounts and records are maintained, and that financial resources are spent and invested in line with good governance and legal and regulatory requirements.
• With the Finance & Operations Manager and the Joint Chief Executive Officers, closely monitor the reserves and investment plan, providing assurance to the board on the organisation’s future financial stability.
• Review all management accounts before they are placed before the board.

Personal specification

All our trustees are expected to have:

• A commitment to Vision Action’s vision and mission.
• A commitment to our values: being evidence-based, being inclusive, having integrity, sustainable programmes and being collaborative.
• Willingness to devote the time and effort needed to fulfil the role.
• Integrity.
• Strategic vision.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of Vision Action.

The treasurer will have:

• Experience as a director of finance (or equivalent) and/or in a treasurer role, with extensive experience of overseeing financial and management accounting, financial reporting, monitoring and controls, and external audit.
• An understanding of charity accounting and reporting standards (Charities SORP 2026), or a willingness to develop this through personal learning and development.
• A recognised accountancy qualification (CAAB) and
• Experience in international development would be an advantage.

The position is supported by the CEO who is an accountant and a part time bookkeeper.

The Next Step

We welcome questions and a discussion on our current financial circumstances with our treasurer and chair. Our treasurer retires in 2026, and we would like to involve any new appointment in our committees and board meeting in the last part of this year.

We are looking for three interns to join our team in August

1. Global Citizenship Education Intern (any global location)
2. Schools Fundraising Intern (UK)
3. Online Course Intern (any global location)

About EduSpots

EduSpots was created to show that communities themselves can design, lead and sustain transformative learning. By unlocking the knowledge and creativity already present in communities, the model turns education into a shared civic responsibility rooted in local ownership and collective action.

In 2015, the first Spot was created by the Addae family in Abofour, Ashanti Region of Ghana, in response to a locked privately owned library in a neighbouring community, built on principles of community ownership, local leadership and purposeful collaboration.

Since that point, over 700 local leaders named Catalysts, including students, teachers and community members, have come together to create 50 community-owned learning hubs known as ‘Spots’ – a concept drawn from the Ghanaian idea of a drinking space. Each Spot is unique, shaped by the identity and aspirations of its community, but all are part of a connected online network advancing inclusive, future-ready education through WhatsApp for Learning and the EduSpots App.

Through the Spots, thousands of learners, or Sparks, take part in playful, community-rooted clubs ’ –across early years education, digital skills, STEM, climate action and gender equity themes ’ – that spark curiosity, collaboration and civic action. Many Sparks grow into Catalysts themselves, with one in four new Spots now founded by those who first joined as Catalysts.  From this cycle of change, a movement is emerging across rural Ghana and beyond.

EduSpots has grown through a participatory model in which every Catalyst has a voice in shaping the network’s future. Their ideas and experiences feed into programme design and wider decision-making, with over half of our staff team drawn directly from Catalyst pathways.

As one Catalyst commented in the 2025 independent evaluation: “We’re not just implementing a pre-set model. Our ideas and experiences are actively shaping how EduSpots evolves. It’s truly a collaborative effort.” Find our latest guide book here.

In 2026, the EduSpots team is looking to double its impact by moving from 50 to 100 Spots, reaching an additional 10,000 learners, also widening our reach through its EdTech Innovations as part of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, and the launch EduSpots Unlocked to share aspects of our approach with the wider NGO community.

We are excited by our future. 

About this role

Location: Remote Working (Any Location)

Mode: Voluntary

Hours of work: 8 hours/week, Flexible

Start date: August

1. Role Overview: Global Citizenship Education Intern (any global location)

As an EduCitizens Intern, you will:

• Research Citizenship Education articles, ideas and resources to share on our WhatsApp hub.
• Interview members of the group, writing articles about their work, and wider citizenship education.
• Organising Zoom sessions, ensuring strong attendance from the group.
• Coming up with creative suggestions for building a committed community of citizenship educators.

Reporting to: EduCitizens Coordinator

Personal specification

• A genuine interest in global citizenship education, and community-led education
• Strong communication skills – e.g. written and verbal in English
• Strong IT skills – e.g. ability to use Microsoft Office, Google Drive, social media, etc.
• An ability to work highly independently with minimal support, with the proactivity to reach out to team members when necessary.
• A team player, willing to listen to others and respond to feedback quickly.
• A genuine passion for making a tangible impact on educational opportunity through this role.
• You may likely have a degree in an area relating to education and/or international development or communications.
• A desire to be part of a supportive and passionate education community, with a specific interest in community-led change.
• Be willing to communicate via WhatsApp and use Google Drive

2. Role Overview: Schools Fundraising Intern 

As Schools Fundraising Intern, you will:

• Research schools and universities in the UK, Ghana and globally that may be interested in leading the 'Play for the Planet' campaign.
• Send marketing emails and wider approaches, carefully tailored to the specific school and role.
• Support students across the world devising their Play for the Planet campaigns.
• Input your ideas into the development of our wider fundraising strategy, particularly relating to schools.
• Support the Big Give campaign, with a focus on environmental leadership and education.
• Gain experience of working within an ambitious team to deliver organsiation-wide income generation outcomes.

Reporting to: Educational Partnerships Manager

Personal specification

• Strong communication skills – e.g. written and verbal in English
• A self-starter, with the ability to make direct approaches with confidence and clarity
• Strong IT skills – e.g. ability to use Microsoft Office, Google Drive, social media, etc.
• An ability to work highly independently with minimal support, with the proactivity to reach out to team members when necessary.
• A genuine interest in learning about fundraising, education and international development.
• A team player, willing to listen to others and respond to feedback quickly.
• A genuine passion for making a tangible impact on educational opportunity through this role.
• A desire to be part of a supportive and passionate education community, with a specific interest in community-led change.
• Be willing to communicate via WhatsApp and use Google Drive

3. Role Overview: Online Courses (Global) 

As Online Courses Intern, you will:

• Research schools, universities, NGOs and businesses in the UK, Ghana and globally that may be interested in joining our 6 week online course in Communications, Agency and Power.
• Send marketing emails and wider approaches, carefully tailored to the specific organisation.
• Support the monitoring of discussion boards, in line with safeguarding procedures.
• Supporting administration relating to the online course, such as certification and grading.
• Input your ideas into the development of our wider fundraising and income generation strategy.
• Support the Big Give campaign, with a focus on environmental leadership and education.
• Gain experience of working within an ambitious team to deliver organsiation-wide income generation outcomes.

Reporting to: Educational Partnerships Manager

Personal specification

• Strong communication skills – e.g. written and verbal in English
• A self-starter, with the ability to make direct approaches with confidence and clarity
• Strong IT skills – e.g. ability to use Microsoft Office, Google Drive, social media, etc.
• An ability to work highly independently with minimal support, with the proactivity to reach out to team members when necessary.
• A genuine interest in learning about education, power and international development.
• A team player, willing to listen to others and respond to feedback quickly.
• A genuine passion for making a tangible impact on educational opportunity through this role.
• A desire to be part of a supportive and passionate education community, with a specific interest in community-led change.
• Be willing to communicate via WhatsApp and use Google Drive

Fundraising events helper

Fundraising hub - South west

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes 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

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

A bit more information about this role and the team

This volunteer opportunity is perfect for anyone who enjoys being part of local community events and wants to make a meaningful difference for cats across the South West. As a fundraising events helper, you will support a range of enjoyable activities such as craft fairs, coffee mornings, quiz nights, county shows and supermarket collections. Your support at these events helps raise the vital funds needed to care for cats and kittens in need.

Every event you take part in truly makes a difference. Even small amounts go a long way. Just £5 can feed a cat in our care for 25 days, helping us provide the food, warmth and comfort they rely on.

You do not need previous experience. All you need is a friendly attitude, a willingness to get involved and an interest in helping cats. Whether you prefer setting up stalls, chatting to members of the public or supporting activities throughout the day, there is a place for you on the team. Any time you can give will help us continue our work and support cats who need it most.

This role is very flexible. You can choose to volunteer at a single event for a couple of hours or join multiple events throughout the year. We will keep you updated with upcoming opportunities so you can choose what suits you best.

Wherever you are based in the South West, you will have full support from your fellow volunteers and the Fundraising Hub team. They are always available to offer guidance, resources and encouragement.

We will support you every step of the way.

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

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.