Senior research advisor volunteer roles in Belfast
How's your job search on our site?
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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 client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.