Research evaluation manager volunteer roles

HEAD OF MEL (MONITORING, EVALUATION & LEARNING) – VOLUNTEER

Build the learning engine behind a new movement in men’s wellbeing. Turn real‑world change into evidence, insight, and growth.

Most men don’t want to sit in a circle and “talk about their feelings.” They want challenge. They want action. They want brotherhood. They want to grow — without feeling like they’re in therapy.

MINDSET is the brand‑new men’s wellbeing charity built around exactly that. We’re creating a tribe where men step up, show up, and level up — through real‑world connection, shared experiences, and practical, stigma‑free support that actually works.

And now we’re looking for a Head of MEL who can build the systems that help us understand what’s working, what’s changing, and how we grow — all while keeping the energy, humanity, and authenticity of the movement intact.

This role is for the leader who…

• Loves turning lived experience into learning and improvement.

• Can design simple, meaningful ways to track change — not clinical tick‑boxes.

• Understands how to evaluate programmes without draining their spirit.

• Thrives on insight, reflection, and continuous evolution.

• Can translate data into stories that influence strategy and inspire action.

• Is curious, analytical, and unafraid to challenge assumptions.

• Believes men deserve better — and wants to help us learn how to serve them better.

If you’re the kind of person who sees learning as power, not paperwork, you’ll feel right at home here.

What You’ll Be Building

MEL is how we grow. It’s how we stay accountable. It’s how we make sure we’re genuinely changing lives.

As Head of MEL, you’ll design and lead the learning systems that help us:

• Understand the real impact of our programmes.

• Spot patterns, challenges, and opportunities early.

• Strengthen what works and evolve what doesn’t.

• Build a culture of reflection, curiosity, and improvement.

• Share insights that shape strategy, partnerships, and public understanding.

You’ll lead on:

• Monitoring frameworks that feel human, not bureaucratic.

• Evaluation tools that volunteers can actually use.

• Learning cycles that keep the charity sharp, adaptive, and effective.

• Feedback systems that amplify men’s voices.

• Insight reports that influence decision‑making at every level.

• Evidence‑informed development of programmes, training, and culture.

This isn’t just measurement — it’s learning, evolution, and truth‑telling.

Why This Matters

Men are struggling in silence. Traditional services aren’t reaching them. And too many organisations talk about impact without understanding it.

We’re building something different — and your work will help us learn, adapt, and grow with integrity.

When men move, talk, laugh, challenge themselves, and support each other, transformation happens naturally. Your MEL systems will help us understand that transformation, strengthen it, and scale it.

What You’ll Gain

• A defining leadership role in a charity at its very beginning.

• The chance to build MEL systems from scratch — your way.

• A brotherhood of passionate volunteers who believe in the mission.

• Real influence, real responsibility, and real legacy.

• The satisfaction of knowing your work is changing — and saving — lives.

If you’re ready to build the learning engine behind a movement…

• If you want to shape strategy, not just collect data…
• If you want to help men thrive, not just cope…
• If you want to be part of a charity that finally speaks the language men respond to…

We want to hear from you.

Apply now and help us build the future of men’s wellbeing.

MINDSET Charity

Looking for a role where you can drive forward cancer prevention and earlier diagnosis within an innovative, impact focused research charity?  

The Eve Appeal is recruiting up to 3 new Trustees to the Board with additional opportunities to join other Committees of the Board such as our Finance and Audit Committee or Research Committee. 

The Eve Appeal is the leading gynaecological cancer charity. There are five gynae cancers, which are womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer. Our aim is to prevent gynae cancers from developing in the first place, but if they do develop, we want to make sure they’re detected early so more people survive their diagnosis.

To make our goals a reality, we fund research in four key areas: uncovering the causes of gynae cancers, predicting a person’s risk of developing them, identifying how people can reduce their risk, and improving their detection and diagnosis.

We educate; we increase awareness and we provide free confidential and expert information through our Ask Eve nurse service.

We are now looking to strengthen our Board and are seeking candidates who share our commitment to driving forward medical research, raising awareness and promoting education around how these diseases can be diagnosed at the earliest stage or prevented.

We are committed to broadening the range of backgrounds and perspectives represented on our Board. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Disabled, Working Class and younger candidates, as well as individuals based outside London.

We also strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience—including patients, survivors, carers and family members. Bringing in Trustees who are expert by experience adds valuable insight and perspectives into the emotional, practical and systemic challenges faced by those affected, enriching the Board’s understanding and improving decision‑making. 

We have a highly skilled Board of Trustees and are looking to broaden and strengthen skills in the following areas: 

• Fundraising and philanthropic giving. We have seen incredible success with our fundraising programme in recent years and are now particularly focused on building our major gifts programme 

• Digital, AI tech solutions and strategy. We are ambitious to adopt solutions across all areas of our activity that embrace digital technology 

• HR / People. Experience across culture, staff and volunteer wellbeing, effective recruitment skills and organisational culture experience 

• Research / medical / NHS strategy and delivery experience. Experience in the UK / and or international health sector (private, public, academic).

Becoming a Trustee 

You will help lead the Board’s responsibilities across all areas of governance including strategy development and staff mentoring, evaluation and impact, ensuring donor and beneficiary aspirations, commitments and needs are met and the charity is fulfilling all of its charitable objects and agreed strategic objectives.

You will work within the legal and regulatory framework set out by the Charity Commission and will be supported by the CEO and senior staff team at Eve to enable you to do this effectively. You will have exceptional communication, interpersonal and analytical skills with the confidence and ability to ensure decisions are actioned in a timely manner. 

This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. In return you’ll gain valuable experience and satisfaction, and the opportunity to develop your skills and utilise your expertise and knowledge. 

People from all backgrounds are welcomed, as The Eve Appeal aspires to build a committed and diverse board that reflects our beneficiaries and communities. 

To apply please submit a CV and covering letter.

Monitoring, evaluation and learning coordinators wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals. 

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for a volunteer to track the impact of our educational initiatives, gather data, and support continuous improvement in our learning programs. This role ensures that our learning activities are effective and contribute meaningfully to ELWP’s overarching goals.

This role would include:

• Developing measures of success of existing environmental education initiatives
• Collecting and analyzing feedback from programme participants
• Recommending improvements based on data insights

Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:

• Waltham Forest College 
• Henry Maynard Primary School, Walthamstow
• Buxton School, Leytonstone
• Kingsmead Primary School, Hackney
• Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
• UCL 
• Royal College of Art
• University of Westminster 
• Project Zero
• Voyage Youth 
• Loyola University Chicago 
• Vanderbilt University Nashville

The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.

Individuals with experience in research, programme evaluation, data analysis, or education assessment are encouraged to apply. Attention to detail and an interest in measuring impact will be key strengths in this role. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. 

You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By volunteering in this role, you will help shape the future of East London Waterworks Park as a community-led environmental learning space. This  will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you!

Educational partnerships and community developers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for a volunteer to lead partnership development and community outreach efforts for East London Waterworks Park. This role focuses on building and nurturing relationships with learning bodies to increase the opportunity for partnership opportunities. 

The role would include:

• Researching and identifying new opportunities for environmental learning initiatives
• Building and nurturing relationships with schools, education bodies, and nonprofit organizations
• Supporting outreach efforts to promote ELWP’s existing learning programmes

Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:

• Waltham Forest College 
• Henry Maynard Primary School, Walthamstow
• Buxton School, Leytonstone
• Kingsmead Primary School, Hackney
• Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
• UCL 
• Royal College of Art
• University of Westminster 
• Project Zero
• Voyage Youth 
• Loyola University Chicago 
• Vanderbilt University Nashville 

We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.

The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

We welcome individuals with experience in outreach, partnership building, education, or nonprofit engagement. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are key. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role.

Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. 

You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By volunteering in this role, you will help shape the future of East London Waterworks Park as a community-led environmental learning space. This will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you! 

Volunteer Opportunities | Africans Must Rise Network

Africans Must Rise Network is an emerging non-profit organisation focused on African development, leadership, advocacy, and community empowerment. As we launch operations, we are recruiting skilled professionals to serve as volunteers within our operational team.

OPEN VOLUNTEER POSITIONS:

1. Executive Director / Program Lead
2. Operations Manager
3. Programs & Research Officers
4. Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
5. Communications Lead
6. Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager
7. Content Writer / Editor
8. Graphic & Multimedia Designer
9. Fundraising & Grants Officer
10. Partnerships & Donor Relations Lead
11. Finance Officer / Treasurer
12. Administrative & HR Officer
13. Legal & Compliance Officer

 IDEAL CANDIDATES:

• Professionals or emerging leaders with relevant experience
• Strong interest in African development and social impact
• Ability to work collaboratively in a remote team
• Commitment to excellence, accountability, and impact

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Opportunity to join a founding operational team
• Hands-on NGO leadership and project experience
• Professional growth, references, and network expansion
• Meaningful contribution to Africa-focused initiatives

About ReachOut

ReachOut is a national youth development charity and a strategic partner for schools. Through collective mentoring and engaging activities, we build socio-emotional skills that transform outcomes for young people constrained by circumstance.

Role of a Trustee

Our Board of trustees have shared responsibility for the overall governance, financial health and strategic direction of the charity, developing its organisational aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

In addition to the statutory duties, each Trustee uses their specific skills, knowledge and experience to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions and support the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team in delivering the charity’s mission.

As a Trustee of ReachOut, you will have the opportunity to help govern an ambitious organisation, knowing that your time will contribute to helping young people, who may not have the same advantages as others, develop the social and emotional skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

Who are we looking for?

We are interested in individuals with any of the below expertise:

• Senior Leaders or Head Teachers from Schools or Multi Academy Trusts
• Research, Monitoring & Evaluation
• Senior Leadership within a Corporate Environment
• Lived Experience aligned to the challenges faced by the young people we are here for

Person Specification

• Enthusiasm for ReachOut’s vision and mission.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship in the UK charity sector.
• Able to demonstrate strategic vision and think creatively.
• Willing to speak their mind and exercise independent judgement, whilst operating with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work with others in a way that supports positive board dynamics.
• Ability to represent the organisation credibly externally.
•  Availability and commitment to perform the role and dedicate the time required to fulfil the role.

Important Information

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
• ReachOut board meetings are held in-person in London, online if necessary.
• The overall time commitment for a Trustee is expected to be around 30 hours per annum. There are four full board meetings a year that last approx. 2 hours, outside regular office hours. Meetings are held on weekday evenings.

How to Apply

• Please visit our website for more information and how to apply
• Deadline: 9am 16th March 2026

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

ReachOut is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation. We actively welcome applications from people of all ethnicities, ages, religious beliefs, gender identities, sexual orientations, and any other protected characteristics, to provide a diverse range of experiences, ideas, and insights into our work.We understand the importance of having trustees and committee members that reflect the backgrounds and experiences of the communities we serve. More than half of the young people we work with are from Black Caribbean, Black African, Bangladeshi, and Turkish backgrounds, so if you are from these ethnic groups, we would particularly appreciate receiving your applications.

Volunteer Grant Officer

Southwark Tenants’ Federation – Grassroots Housing Advice Charity

Location: Southwark / Remote (hybrid available)
Time commitment: Flexible (approx. 4–8 hours per week)
Contract: Volunteer

About Us

We are a small grassroots charity based in Southwark and the only surviving tenants’ federation in London. For decades, we have supported tenants and residents to defend their housing rights, challenge poor conditions, and have a collective voice in decisions that affect their homes and communities.

Our social housing advice service supports people facing homelessness, disrepair, evictions, and housing management issues, with a strong focus on empowerment and tenant-led action.

The Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Grant Officer to help us secure funding to sustain and grow our vital work. This role is crucial to keeping an independent, tenant-led voice alive in London.

You will work closely with a small, committed team and help ensure our advice service remains accessible to local residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Research grant funding opportunities suitable for a grassroots, tenant-led organisation
• Draft and submit grant applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders
• Maintain a simple funding pipeline and track deadlines
• Work with staff and volunteers to gather service data, outcomes, and case studies
• Assist with basic funder monitoring and reporting

About You

Essential:

• Strong written communication skills
• Good organisational skills and reliability
• Commitment to social justice and housing rights

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience of grant writing or fundraising
• Knowledge of social housing, tenant organisations, or advice services

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing.

What We Offer

• Flexible volunteering hours
• Support, supervision, and guidance
• The opportunity to contribute to a unique and historic tenant-led organisation
• Experience in grant writing within the voluntary and housing sectors
• References provided where appropriate

We're looking for Trustees with a range of skills (HR, fundraising and bid writing, governance, strategic planning, impact and evaluation reporting and more) to support the Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group to move forwards and positively impact the lives of our members.

What will you be doing?

We're looking for up to 10 Trustees, including a Chair, to continue the amazing work already achieved. 

As a Trustee you’ll have an essential role in contributing towards our journey of change and continuous improvement. We are looking for individuals with an open mind, a willingness to challenge each other and the Manager constructively, a willingness to understand the needs of our members and a desire to positively impact their lives. 

In an attempt to increase the diversity of both the Board and the membership, we particularly welcome applications from those aged 30 or under and people of colour; the perspectives of individuals with lived experiences of chronic illnesses is important to us too. 

The charity is currently unincorporated but this is a decision that the new Board will consider.

One of the challenges is that the Board and staff team are small, with several Trustees either having chronic illnesses themselves or caring for those that do. With the loss of our last manager, the Trustees have become fairly operational; this new chapter of our journey will re-establish these boundaries, enabling Trustees to be strategic and empowering staff to be operational. 

We are also looking for a permanent Manager and will shortly be recruiting an Benefits Adviser, a fantastic service that has a real impact on the lives of our members. 

Additional challenges are that we rely on external funding to ensure that we continue to deliver high quality services for our growing membership.

In the coming years we aim to work more closely with local communities and medical practitioners to raise awareness of these conditions, that are often dismissed, reaching many that might not see themselves as having a chronic illness in the first instance.  We will also develop our relationship with our members to ensure that the services we provide continue to meet their needs.

Following Covid and the introduction of long Covid as a chronic illness, societal perceptions are changing and more research is being undertaken in this area.  

We hope to have convinced you that it is an exciting time to be part of the Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group!

What are we looking for?

Any skills and experiences you can provide will be hugely beneficial...

Our Board is currently small and as such we are looking for up to 10 Trustees with skills in a range of areas:

HR and governance: we are currently incorporated but this is a decision we hope the Board will consider. Expertise in these areas will ensure we remain legally compliant

Strategic planning: in addition to having an understanding of our current intentions, the ability to scan the horizon and identify new possibilities will continue to ensure the charity grows

Coupled with individuals with fundraising / bid writing experience, we can continue to deliver our current programme but identify gaps within our provision that benefit our members whilst matching these with potential funders.

Impact and evaluation reporting: as a charity we are brilliant at what we do however we are not so effective at communicating this. Assistance in this area will enshrine our work locally and nationally.

We need to represent our members effectively, undertaking research with our members will ensure that we continue to meet their needs with current and new opportunities. It is important to hear the voices of those un(der)represented. A focus on equity, diversity and inclusion can help us increase our diversity, both as a Board and our membership, ensuring that our support reaches those individuals that require it and that we identify ways of engaging them that are meaningful to those communities.

It is equally important to ensure that the views of those with lived experiences continue to shape the actions of the organisation, be that through ring-fence roles on the Board or a sub-committee that reports directly to it.

Please get in touch if your skills aren't listed but you are committed to making a difference, we'd love to hear from you!

What difference will you make?

Why become a Trustee at the Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group?

Becoming a Trustee of the Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group is more than a governance role — it’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of people living with chronic, often misunderstood conditions.

The impact you’ll nave

• Championing voices: Trustees ensure that the needs and experiences of people with ME and Fibromyalgia are heard, respected and represented in local health and community discussions.
• Strengthening support: By guiding the charity’s strategy, you help sustain vital services — peer support, advocacy and wellbeing activities — that reduce isolation and improve quality of life.

• Driving change: Trustees influence how the organisation grows, ensuring it remains resilient, inclusive and responsive to the evolving needs of its members.

Why it matters

• Chronic illnesses affect thousands of people across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, and beyond, often leaving individuals feeling invisible or unsupported.
• The Group provides a lifeline — connection, understanding, and practical help— that empowers people to live fuller lives despite their conditions.
• Trustees safeguard this mission, ensuring the charity continues to thrive and expand its reach.

What you’ll gain

• Personal fulfilment: Knowing your skills and decisions directly improve lives in your community.
• Professional growth: Experience in charity governance, leadership, and strategic planning.
• Community connection: Join a passionate team committed to compassion, advocacy and positive change.

By becoming a Trustee, you’re not just joining a board — you’re joining a movement to bring hope, dignity, and support to people living with ME and Fibromyalgia, CFS and long Covid.

Before you apply

Please don't hold back because of imposter syndrome — that voice that says “I’m not good enough” or “others are more qualified.”

• Imposter syndrome is common
• Your lived experience, skills and perspective are valuable. Roles like this aren’t about being perfect — they’re about bringing diversity of thought, passion and commitment.
• Growth comes from stepping forward. You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need the willingness to learn and contribute.

If you’re hesitating remember the very fact that you care enough to doubt yourself shows humility and integrity — qualities that make you exactly the kind of person organisations need.

Don’t let self-doubt silence your potential. Apply anyway. You may be surprised at how much you have to offer and how much impact you can make.

This is an open application; there are no scheduled interview dates. We will contact applicants and arrange a suitable time to meet. 

We reserve the right to remove this post once suitable candidates have been found. 

Start date: as soon as possible, training will be provided.

We're looking for 2-3 detail-oriented and strategic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specialist Volunteers to help optimise our online presence and ensure our campaigns and content reach the communities that need them most and increase the charity’s search engine results rankings. The SEO Specialist Volunteers will play a key role in enhancing the visibility and searchability of Burning Nights CRPS Support’s website and digital content.

The SEO Specialist Volunteers will be volunteering within the Communications & Marketing Team to implement SEO best practices, conduct keyword research, improve site structure, and analyse web performance – all to ensure our content reaches a broader audience and amplifies the voice of our charity’s supporters online.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Competitor and Keyword Research: Conduct keyword research to inform website content and campaign strategies.
• On-page optimisation: Optimise existing content for improved search engine ranking (meta tags, meta descriptions, headers, alt text, etc.)
• Monitor and analyse SEO performance using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush.
• Technical SEO Implementation: Identify technical SEO issues and collaborate with content teams to resolve them.
• Backlink and Off-Page SEO: Assist in developing backlink strategies and improving domain authority.
• Support the content team in creating SEO-optimised articles and pages.
• Provide monthly reports on SEO performance and suggest improvements.
• Stay up to date with SEO trends, Google algorithm updates, and emerging best practices.

Key Skills or Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of SEO principles and search engine algorithms.
• Proven experience in conducting SEO audits, strategy development, and implementation.
• Experience using SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush or similar platforms.
• Previous experience in digital marketing, content strategy, or technical SEO.
• Ability to perform keyword research and competitor analysis.
• Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and content management systems (ideally Django framework).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
• Evidence of organisational skills, with good attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently, turning recommendations into action without needing constant oversight.
• A passion for using your skills to support patients and families impacted by a debilitating pain condition and help save lives.
• Passion for creating inclusive and accessible digital spaces.
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Enthusiastic about supporting a small charity.
• Willing to learn, adapt, and collaborate with a supportive team.

Desirable Experience

• Experience of Google Ads for nonprofits.
• Experience of using Django framework websites.
• Familiarity with accessibility best practices and inclusive web design.
• Experience working with or volunteering for nonprofit / charitable organisations.
• Demonstrable IT skills, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft.
• Good research and information management skills.
• An understanding of the charity sector and/or fundraising.

Key Benefits

• Volunteer as part of a forward-thinking, supportive team.
• Unique opportunity to directly contribute to strategic SEO recommendations, and the implementation of those changes to increase the charity’s visibility.
• At Burning Nights CRPS Support you’ll use your SEO skills for a mission with a real, measurable impact. This is more than just a volunteer role, it’s an opportunity to change and save lives.
• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families impacted by a severe pain condition.
• Building your network and forming connections with like-minded people and organisations.
• Enhance your CV and gain skills that are transferable to a variety of career paths.
• Receive training and ongoing support from our team.
• Experience the personal satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from helping others.

Training and Support

• Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
• This a remote volunteering opportunity with regular online team check-ins and collaborative sessions with a supportive, creative, and inclusive team environment.
• Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
• Regular updates on charity activities.
• Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
• After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
• Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.

The Politics Project is looking to expand its board and bring in new perspectives, skills and experience to support the next phase of our work.

We are at an exciting point in our development. We have funding secured for the next 2–3 years, a growing staff team, and a strong national profile. This period of growth coincides with a pivotal moment for democratic education in the UK. As Votes at 16 is introduced, The Politics Project is playing a leading role in supporting schools, youth organisations, civil society and policymakers to ensure young people are equipped to participate meaningfully in democracy. We are seeking new Non-Executive Directors to help guide our strategic direction, strengthen our governance, and support our long-term impact.

About The Politics Project

Established in 2015, The Politics Project is a Community Interest Company (CN: 09413132) that supports young people across the UK to use their voice by providing them with outstanding democratic education.

We are a non-partisan organisation working with young people, teachers, youth practitioners and elected representatives to help young people learn about, experience and engage in democracy and politics in meaningful ways.

We currently employ 11 full-time members of staff and work in partnership with schools, youth organisations, civil society organisations, and democratic institutions across the UK.

Our work aims to: 

• Support young people to meaningfully engage in politics by building their confidence, knowledge and skills.
• Train and support teachers, youth practitioners and professionals working with young people to deliver high-quality democratic education.
• Support politicians and decision makers to engage constructively with young people to co-create policy. 

Youth voice is embedded in this work through our Youth Steering Group, which brings together young people from across the UK to shape and inform The Politics Project’s programmes and priorities. 

Non-Executive Directors sit on The Politics Project Board and share collective responsibility for the governance, strategy and long-term sustainability of the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring The Politics Project meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities and delivers its aims.
• Working with the Director to develop and realise the organisation’s vision, values and strategic direction.
• Supporting financial planning and oversight.
• Contributing to organisational policies and good governance.
• Providing strategic challenge, insight and support to the senior leadership team.
• Attending 3–4 Board meetings per year (with additional meetings if required). Meetings are primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings.
• Acting as an ambassador for The Politics Project and advocating for its work.

Non-Executive Directors are registered as directors with Companies House and are appointed for a three-year term, renewable up to two times.

The role is unpaid, but reasonable expenses agreed in advance will be reimbursed. Time commitment is approximately one day per month.

In line with our safeguarding responsibilities, all Non-Executive Directors are required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

Who are we looking for? 

We are particularly interested in applicants with experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Democratic education or civic engagement (including academic expertise).
• Education (secondary, further or informal education).
• Network development and leadership.
• Youth sector practice or leadership.
• Business, charity or non-profit development.
• Communications, media or public engagement.
• Digital, data or technology strategy.
• Finance, financial strategy, budgets and governance.
• Fundraising and grant-making.
• Legal and governance expertise.
• Evaluation, research and impact measurement.

We are especially keen to hear from applicants from underrepresented groups and from those whose perspectives are currently less represented in the democracy and education sectors.

You do not need to have previous board experience to apply.

How to apply

To apply please submit a CV and a covering letter via Charity Jobs. The covering letter should be no longer than one side of A4  / a maximum of 500 words. Please apply through Charity Jobs.

In the letter can you explain why you are interested in becoming a Non-Executive Director of The Politics Project and describe how your experience and skills would contribute to our work.

We will conduct interviews as we receive suitable applications.

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.

We are looking for a Community Engagement & Accountability Officer who is responsible for assisting in the implementation of integration activities and projects and ensuring that the needs and opinions of Second Tree community members are used to guide our work.

Your role would include:

• Creating timelines and coordinating plans for community engagement events

• Summarising relevant data collection in reports and project deliverables

• Communicating with community members and building trusting relationships

• Managing the organisation of proposals and other documents created by the CEA team

• Maintaining necessary records, files, reports, databases, and resource materials for the CEA team

• Researching information and gathering data necessary for community reporting

• Working with the wider Second Tree team to ensure that all community engagement events and projects align with organisational and programme strategies

• Supporting the CEA team by ensuring good levels of engagement with the community during activities and projects.

You should be able to:

• Be flexible with changing approaches and processes dependent on adjusting needs and contexts

• Take initiative and show high motivation

• Oversee the delivery of program activities and the completion of vital administrative and logistical tasks

• Be accountable and efficient, making sure that tasks that you take up are completed in the agreed timeframe

• Be honest and transparent, being able to give and receive feedback in the most straightforward way

• Care for people: the interests of the people we work with should always be your first concern

• Prioritise and delegate tasks effectively, ensuring all deadlines are met;

• Manage individuals effectively to create a positive team environment in which shared problem-solving is encouraged

• Communicate in English, both written and orally

• Learn quickly, and manage a wide-ranging and intense workload

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in integrating meaningful community participation premised on thorough needs assessments

• Experience in maintaining and monitoring effective feedback mechanisms

• Experience in integrating community perspectives into planning, evaluation, and reporting of community engagement projects and events

• Training in facilitating focus groups and interviews;

• Knowledge of European projects and deliverables

• Familiarity with project management

• Proficiency in excel and quantitative data collection

What do we offer?

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow, investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

Learning and curriculum designers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for volunteers to develop learning content and resources, such as lesson plans and educational materials, to support our environmental learning goals. This role will focus on creating school-friendly resources for our website and collaborating with educators to enhance our offerings.

The role would include:

• Developing online learning resources for our website (on-going project)
• Designing or tailoring existing lesson plans and activities for schools 
• Supporting the creation of ELWP’s Under 18s volunteering policy
• Supporting outreach efforts to promote ELWP’s existing learning programmes

Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:

• Waltham Forest College 
• Henry Maynard Primary School, Walthamstow
• Buxton School, Leytonstone
• Kingsmead Primary School, Hackney
• Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
• UCL 
• Royal College of Art
• University of Westminster 
• Project Zero
• Voyage Youth 
• Loyola University Chicago 
• Vanderbilt University Nashville

We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.

The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

Ideal candidates have experience in curriculum design, teaching, or educational resource development. Creativity, strong writing skills, and an understanding of outdoor or environmental education will be valuable. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role.  

Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. 

You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By volunteering in this role, you will help shape the future of East London Waterworks Park as a community-led environmental learning space. This will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you!

Learning and curriculum designers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for volunteers to develop learning content and resources, such as lesson plans and educational materials, to support our environmental learning goals. This role will focus on creating school-friendly resources for our website and collaborating with educators to enhance our offerings.

The role would include:

• Developing online learning resources for our website (on-going project)
• Designing or tailoring existing lesson plans and activities for schools 
• Supporting the creation of ELWP’s Under 18s volunteering policy
• Supporting outreach efforts to promote ELWP’s existing learning programmes

Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:

• Waltham Forest College 
• Henry Maynard Primary School, Walthamstow
• Buxton School, Leytonstone
• Kingsmead Primary School, Hackney
• Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
• UCL 
• Royal College of Art
• University of Westminster 
• Project Zero
• Voyage Youth 
• Loyola University Chicago 
• Vanderbilt University Nashville

We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.

The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

Ideal candidates have experience in curriculum design, teaching, or educational resource development. Creativity, strong writing skills, and an understanding of outdoor or environmental education will be valuable. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role.  

Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. 

You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By volunteering in this role, you will help shape the future of East London Waterworks Park as a community-led environmental learning space. This will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you!