Senior research communications officer volunteer roles

Honorary Treasurer (Trustee)

Foundation for Science and Technology

The Foundation for Science and Technology is at the heart of the UK’s science and technology policy landscape. For nearly 50 years, we have provided an independent platform bringing together Parliamentarians, civil servants, industry leaders, researchers and charities to explore the most pressing issues shaping the future of science, innovation and public policy.

From artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, to net zero, research culture and skills, the Foundation convenes informed, cross-sector debate and supports the development of future leaders across the UK science and technology ecosystem.

As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2027, we are seeking an Honorary Treasurer to join our Trustee Board and play a key role in supporting the Foundation’s continued impact and sustainability.

The role

As Honorary Treasurer, you will be a full member of the Trustee Board, sharing collective responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of the Foundation.

This is a non-executive role, focused on governance, oversight and constructive challenge. As a trustee, you will contribute to the stewardship of the Foundation, helping to ensure its financial sustainability, integrity and long-term success.

In addition to your general responsibilities as a trustee, you will:

• Provide oversight and assurance on the Foundation’s financial position, ensuring appropriate controls and compliance with charity law and good practice
• Support the Board in scrutinising financial reporting, including budgets, forecasts and annual accounts
• Offer insight and constructive challenge on financial planning, risk and long-term sustainability
• Contribute to Board-level thinking on income generation, including sponsorship and grants
• Act as a source of financial insight and support to fellow trustees and the Chief Executive

About you

You will bring:

• Senior financial expertise, whether from accountancy, finance leadership or equivalent experience
• Experience of financial oversight and governance
• An understanding of, or interest in, the charity sector
• The ability to work effectively as part of a Board, providing both support and appropriate challenge
• An interest in science, technology, research or innovation policy

Just as importantly, you will bring sound judgement, curiosity and a collaborative approach, with the ability to see both detail and the wider strategic picture.

Time commitment

Approximately three hours per month, plus attendance at three Board meetings per year, typically in London.

Why join us

This is an opportunity to contribute to an organisation that sits at the interface of science, technology and public policy in the UK, helping to ensure that important decisions are informed by evidence, insight and cross-sector collaboration.

Role Purpose

The Manager leads the Ethics Team as a volunteer, ensuring that all research conducted across the organisation meets high ethical standards. They translate strategic goals into practical plans, support volunteers in their development, and maintain a positive, inclusive team culture. The Manager provides oversight, guidance and operational leadership to ensure ethical, responsible and consistent research practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and support the Ethics Team to deliver high‑quality ethical oversight.

• Translate strategic objectives into clear operational plans and manageable tasks.

• Allocate volunteer capacity effectively and ensure smooth day‑to‑day functioning.

• Provide expert guidance on ethical standards, research integrity and data management.

• Support project teams in designing ethically robust research methodologies.

• Make operational decisions that maintain compliance and effective team performance.

• Monitor and evaluate volunteer performance, supporting development and confidence‑building.

• Promote a positive, inclusive and supportive volunteer environment.

• Resolve conflict, encourage collaboration and strengthen team cohesion.

• Supervise Senior Officers/Senior Researchers/Senior Advisors and provide ongoing support.

Competency Requirements (Manager)

To succeed in this volunteer leadership role, the Manager should demonstrate:

• Strong ethical awareness and the ability to guide others in applying ethical principles.

• Clear, confident and sensitive communication skills.

• Collaborative leadership that encourages shared responsibility for ethical practice.

• Professionalism, integrity and fairness in all interactions.

• Confident problem‑solving and risk‑aware decision‑making.

• The ability to translate strategy into practical, achievable plans.

• Supportive people‑management skills, including coaching, feedback and conflict resolution.

• Effective resource and capacity management.

• A commitment to volunteer wellbeing and positive team culture.

Role Requirements (Manager)

Because this is a senior volunteer leadership role, the following experience is required:

• At least 4 years of experience conducting research and managing ethical considerations, including applying ethical frameworks and handling data responsibly.

• A minimum of 2 years of progressive supervision experience in a research or ethics‑related context (e.g., supervising researchers, overseeing ethical review processes, or leading project teams).

• A strong understanding of research governance, ethical risk and responsible data management.

• Experience supporting others’ development, ideally in a volunteer or mixed‑experience environment.

Role Purpose

Senior Policy Advisors provide leadership, analytical expertise, and strategic oversight within Youth Advantage UK’s policy function. Whether placed in Policy Planning or Impact Development, you will help shape the direction of our national and local policy projects, ensure high‑quality decision‑making, and support volunteers to produce work capable of achieving real impact for young people.

This role is ideal for someone with professional policy exposure, strong research capability, and sound judgment in reviewing decisions and guiding project direction.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Supervision

• Delegate tasks to Officers/Researchers/Advisors based on project needs and volunteer strengths.

• Provide direct supervision, support, and quality assurance for team outputs.

• Help resolve issues, remove barriers, and maintain a supportive team environment.

• Contribute to volunteer development through coaching, feedback, and skills support.

• Build strong working relationships across the department and collaborate closely with the manager.

2. Policy Planning or Impact Development (depending on placement)

If in Policy Planning

• Review and assess project ideas identified through horizon scanning or other approved channels.

• Apply the organisation’s project assessment checklist to determine whether proposals should progress to initial research or local project development.

• Work with other departments to plan early‑stage projects and ensure effective collaboration.

• Ensure that proposed work is strategically aligned, feasible, and likely to generate meaningful outcomes.

If in Impact Development

• Review findings from initial research or early‑stage projects to determine next steps.

• Provide guidance to relevant teams on strengthening impact, refining recommendations, or redirecting work where necessary.

• Support the preparation of materials for meetings with decision‑makers or external stakeholders.

• Ensure that all progressing work remains capable of achieving real, measurable impact.

3. Strategic Input & Decision Support

• Support the manager in planning, prioritisation, and decision‑making.

• Identify risks, opportunities, and resource considerations within ongoing projects.

• Contribute to the development of internal processes, frameworks, and best‑practice guidance.

• Uphold high standards of clarity, evidence, and organisational alignment.

Role Requirements

Essential

1. At least 2 years of progressive professional exposure to government policy, public administration, or related policy environments.

2. Academic or research background with the ability to understand organisational resourcing, capacity constraints, and feasibility considerations.

3. Experience reviewing decisions and exercising sound judgment, particularly in assessing project viability, strategic alignment, and potential impact.

4. Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills.

5. Excellent written communication and ability to synthesise complex information.

6. Ability to supervise and support volunteers with empathy and clarity.

The British Society for Heart Failure (BSH) is seeking an experienced senior leadership professional to join our Board as the Appointed Trustee for Operations and the CEO link – a vital role to join the eminent Heart Failure clinical experts that make up our Board, in our mission to reduce heart failure mortality and improve patient care across the UK.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee of the British Society for Heart Failure (BSH), the leading UK charity dedicated to improving care for people living with heart failure. Our work supports education, research, collaboration, and national awareness - all aimed at improving outcomes for the nearly 1 million people in the UK living with this serious condition and the further 400,000 estimated to be undiagnosed.

We’re at an exciting stage of growth, with a new team, a new strategy launching this summer, and bold plans for the future.

As Appointed Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership oversight to a respected national charity with an annual income of £1.5 million. You will play a key role in supporting our flagship strategic commitment, 25in25, which aims to reduce deaths from heart failure by 25% in the year following diagnosis over the next 25 years. 

We are seeking an experienced senior operations professional with a recognised qualification or extensive experience and a strong track record in senior leadership roles in successful organisations. You’ll have excellent communication skills and be confident supporting strategic decisions at board level. Charity experience is desirable but not essential. 

BSH is a registered charity and professional membership organisation governed by a Board of Trustees, mostly elected from our 1,300 members - heart failure clinicians including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. The Trustee is a co-opted position, appointed for their senior leadership expertise.

Our team is small and mostly remote, with occasional co-workling usually in London. The Board consists of 9 volunteers and is supported by over 50 active committee members working across education, research, and regulatory affairs.

Our Values

• Collaborative - we seek out experts, resources and influence to achieve more.
• Evidence-based - our work, our policy & our campaigning is grounded in quality research & robust evidence.
• Inclusive - we value and empower a diverse, UK-wide multidisciplinary community

Trustee Duties

All Trustees are expected to:

• Uphold BSH’s mission, values, and governance.
• Act in the charity’s best interests, ensuring compliance and minimising risk.
• Participate in Board meetings and contribute to at least one committee.
• Use personal expertise to add value and support innovation.
• Seek professional advice when necessary.

Additional Appointed Trustee - Operations and CEO Link Responsibilities

• Monitor the Charity's organisational health, ensuring systems, processes and organisational capabilities support delivery of the agreed strategy. Ensure robust reporting is in place. 

• Advise the Board on the organisational implications of strategic and operational plans.

• Monitor compliance with relevant governance, regulatory and employment requirements.

• As a Link Trustee, oversee, with the Chair, the performance management of the Chief Executive Officer.

• Chair the CEO Performance and Remuneration Panel.

• Provide guidance on the Charity’s people policies and practices.

• Offer expert insight on fundraising, policy, lobbying and commercial activity.

This is a voluntary, unremunerated position. The Board meets 4-5 times per year (2 in-person, in London). Average time commitment is 1-2 days per month. Trustees serve a three-year term, renewable once. Travel expenses are reimbursed, and full induction provided.

To apply, please provide:

• Your CV (max 3 pages, including 2 referees)

• A supporting statement (max 2 pages), outlining your motivation for applying and confirming that you meet the requirements in Part 1 of the Person Specification and detailing how you meet the criteria in Part 2 of the Person Specification

Timetable:

• Closing date:  Sunday 26th April 2026 (11.59pm) 

• Final interviews:  May 20th 2026 (digitally)

• Commencement of term:  May/June 2026 

• First formal Board meeting:  June 10th 2026 

Ben is the charity supporting the health and wellbeing of people who work or have worked in the UK automotive industry. As the sector continues to transform, Ben is entering an ambitious new phase to significantly expand its reach, strengthen its role as the industry’s trusted wellbeing partner and deliver its goal to treble impact and double fundraising by 2030. With strong financial foundations and clear ambition for growth, we are now seeking new Trustees to help shape this next chapter.

Board of Trustees  (Voluntary)

As a Trustee, you’ll play a key role in guiding Ben’s strategy, championing good governance and supporting our senior team. You’ll help us stay connected to the needs of today’s workforce and ensure our impact keeps growing.

We’re particularly keen to bring fresh perspectives onto our Board, and we actively encourage younger people and early‑career leaders to apply - including those who may not have been a trustee before. If you’re motivated by improving wellbeing and want to build your leadership experience, we’d love to hear from you.

We are looking for Trustees who can bring insight in one or more of the following areas:

• Automotive industry (retail, manufacturing or aftermarket)
• Fundraising, philanthropy, income generation or business development
• Welfare, health and wellbeing
• Impact measurement, evaluation or outcomes frameworks
• Brand, marketing, communications, social media or customer experience
• Finance, audit and risk
• Technology, digital or data
• Research and development
• Governance

We’d especially love to hear from you if you:

• Are values‑driven and excited about helping others
• Bring a collaborative, open‑minded approach
• Want to develop board‑level experience
• Can offer a different generational or lived‑experience viewpoint

We welcome values driven leaders who bring strong judgement, collaboration and diverse perspectives, and who are motivated by improving wellbeing across the automotive industry.

The Board meets 4 times a year, with approximately 50% of those taking place in-person. 

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

Cardinal Hume Centre is looking for two new trustees to help break the cycle of homelessness for children, young people and families.

Based in Westminster, we support more than 1,400 children, young people and families each year who are facing homelessness and poverty. Through personalised, wraparound services, we work alongside people to build stability, confidence and the foundations for longterm independence — tackling homelessness now to prevent it in the future. 

We are recruiting for two complementary trustee roles: 

• A trustee with lived experience. 
  We are looking for another trustee whose personal experience of challenges such as homelessness or insecure housing, migration, poverty or longterm unemployment can help ground our decisions in what truly works. Your insight will strengthen the voice of past, present and future clients at Board level and help us become a more inclusive, responsive organisation. 

• A trustee with senior estates, building or facilities expertise. 
  The Centre owns a large site in central London and is developing a longterm vision for how it can best support our mission over the next 10–15 years. We are seeking someone who can guide, support and challenge our thinking as we plan for the future of our buildings and facilities. 

We are deeply committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity, experience and strength of the community we serve.Around 85% of our clients are from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and many live with disabilities — perspectives that are not yet fully represented on our Board.We strongly encourage applications from people whose experiences or backgrounds are underrepresented in charity leadership. 

Trustees receive a full induction, training and ongoing support. We cover all reasonable expenses — including travel and caring costs — and can learn and make adjustments so every trustee can participate fully, confidently and on an equal basis. 

If you share our belief in dignity, welcome and potential- and want to help shape a compassionate, inclusive Centre - we would love to hear from you. 

The role closes on Monday 11 May 2026. For further information, please read the job pack.You can contact the CEO for an informal conversation

Chair of the Board of Trustees and Trustee Opportunities (Voluntary)

Ben is the charity supporting the health and wellbeing of people who work or have worked in the UK automotive industry. As the sector continues to transform, Ben is entering an ambitious new phase to significantly expand its reach, strengthen its role as the industry’s trusted wellbeing partner and deliver its goal to treble impact and double fundraising by 2030. With strong financial foundations and clear ambition for growth, we are now seeking a new Chair and several Trustees to help shape this next chapter.

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, support and challenge the CEO, and ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and clarity of purpose. They will lead the Board in setting strategy, driving impact, stewarding significant reserves and acting as an ambassador across the sector.

We are looking for:

• Non-executive experience including as committee or board chair
• Strong governance and financial acumen
• Experience of organisational change or growth
• A collaborative, values driven leader who brings sound judgement, strategic insight and excellent relationship building skills.

The Board meets 4 times a year, with approximately 50% of those taking place in-person. The Chair will serve up to 4 years.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be working with Sheffield Hospitals Charity in their search for a new Chair!

Sheffield Hospitals Charity provides additional funding to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust who support people at every stage on life’s journey. From welcoming babies into the world on the Jessop Wing, supporting cancer care at Weston Park, specialist care at the Royal Hallamshire, Charles Clifford and the Northern General, to improving the mental, physical and social wellbeing of people in our communities. The support provided by Sheffield Hospitals Charity helps to improve the lives of people across Sheffield from patients and their families to our NHS staff who take care of them.

The Chair plays an important role in the governance of the charity, providing leadership to the Board of Trustees to work together, reach good collective decisions, and manage any conflicts. The responsibilities of our Chair are as follows:

Oversight and governance 

• Lead the Board of Trustees to support development of and approve the charity’s strategy and corresponding plan. 

• Lead the Board to make key strategic decisions in the organisation’s best interests and in line with its charitable objects. 

• Lead the Board in ensuring there is financial strategy oversight, and the organisation’s resources are managed responsibly. 

• Ensure the organisation is operating in line with charity law, charity regulation and its own governing document. 

• Build an effective, diverse board that can work well together for the good of the organisation. 

Working with trustees 

• Support trustees with development and annual one-to-one reviews. 

• Help the Board work as a team, drawing on specific expertise, lived experience, and diversity of thought across the Board. 

• Chair board meetings and work with the CEO and EA to ensure they are well planned and minuted and that actions are circulated and followed up. 

• Ensure trustees are given the information they need to make decisions effectively. 

• Support the recruitment of trustees, identifying any skills or knowledge gaps. 

• Build a diverse board that functions in an accessible and inclusive way. The

Chair-CEO relationship 

• Manage the relationship with the CEO, providing appropriate challenge and support to help them effectively lead the charity. 

• Conduct the CEO appraisals and reviews and support their leadership development. Lead on CEO recruitment. 

• Relate any concerns of the Board to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team. 

• Work with the CEO to make sure the Board has all the information required, in a timely manner, to make strategic decisions. 

Ambassadorial responsibilities 

• The Chair may be required, from time to time, to act as a champion and ambassador for the Charity. 

Person specification

Candidates will need to demonstrate that they have the necessary experience and will need to demonstrate the following skills, experience, and attributes. 

Essential 

• Passion for the National Health Service and an understanding of the role of health charities. 

• An ongoing and meaningful connection to Sheffield and good standing within the city. 

• Experience as a board member, trustee, non-executive director, or chair. 

• Strong comprehension of charity law, regulation, and the roles and responsibilities of a charity chair and trustee. 

• Skilled in strategic planning, financial management, risk management, and organisational performance. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage, influence, and negotiate with a range of senior stakeholders diverse in sector and profession. 

• Capable of building and maintaining relationships in a complex stakeholder environment with competing priorities. 

• Robust communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to communicate complex information to a range of diverse stakeholders. 

• The ability to lead effectively and inclusively during times of transformational change within and beyond an organisation. 

Desirable 

• Previous chairing experience at the non-executive level. 

• Experience in working within the health and social care and/or charity sectors – either as an employee or appointee. 

• Experience in charity fundraising, income generation, marketing and communications. 

• Understanding of health-related research and innovation and impact assessment skills. 

• Well versed in people management, wellbeing and learning and development.

How to apply

The recruitment process is being undertaken by Inclusive Boards on behalf of Sheffield Hospitals Charity. If you wish to apply, please supply the following by 11:59pm on 10/05/2026: 

• A detailed CV setting out your career history including responsibilities and achievements. 

• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification. Please note, your cover letter is an important part of your application and will be assessed. 

• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent. 

Please consider filling out our diversity monitoring form. The information provided to us is confidential, stored securely and separately from your application, and is only used to ensure we are meeting our obligations for equal opportunities under the Equality Act 2010. 

For more information, visit Inclusive Boards' website. 

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role...

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

What can I expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
• Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
• Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
• Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
• Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathy to cats and our values
• Good communication skills
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Confidence in handling money

How much time is expected of me?

Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

As a Young Trustee for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, you will bring a strong and vibrant youth voice to our Board, helping to shape meaningful and lasting change. Your insight and leadership will support us in improving the lives of the young people and families we serve.

In this role, you’ll have a real opportunity to influence strategy while developing valuable experience in leadership and governance. You will play a key part in championing inclusivity and innovation, ensuring that young people remain at the heart of everything we do.

We will be offering a bespoke package of support to help the Trustee feel confident and well-prepared in their new role. This will include training tailored to their needs, a dedicated mentor from the Board of Trustees, connection with the leaders of Alder Hey's highly regarded Youth Forum and a comprehensive induction programme designed to ensure they are fully equipped to contribute effectively from the outset and feel comfortable in the role. 

Help us make sure no one faces suicidal thoughts alone.

Samaritans is looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Fundraising Events Admin Volunteer to support our busy Community and Events Team. Your support will help us raise the vital funds needed to ensure people can access emotional support whenever they need it most.

What is the role?

As a Fundraising Events Admin Volunteer, you will play a key role in helping our team focus on delivering successful fundraising events and supporting our incredible fundraisers. From managing enquiries to sending out fundraising materials, you’ll help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in events, fundraising, marketing, and supporter stewardship while making a meaningful difference.

This role will give you the opportunity to:

• Experience volunteering within a busy events team within a large UK charity.
• Develop strong communication skills working within a diverse network.
• Gain an insight into event marketing
• Support our Third-Party Events (TPE) fundraisers, taking part in events like London Marathon, Great North Run and Paris Marathon as well as fundraisers who take part in primarily virtual events, such as Dawn Walk and our Dog Walking Challenge.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Community and Events team to help us deliver our successful fundraising events and stewardship.
• Support our do your own thing (DYOT) and events fundraisers.
• Support with moderation and creating content to make our Stream for Samaritans, Discord server a warm and welcoming place.

Qualities and experience

• Enthusiasm and passion for community and events fundraising
• Excellent organisation skills and attention to detail
• Personable, approachable and able to develop relationships with a wide range of individuals

Please see the role description below for more details about this role.

Time commitment

Ideally we would like the successful candidate to support us one day a week, but we can be flexible with this depending on the work required within the team and the needs of the candidate

Applications

Applications will close on Thursday 30th April 2026.

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted with video interviews offered to the right candidates as soon as possible. We might close the applications earlier should we find suitable candidates before 30th April.

Join the Board of the Early Education and Childcare Coalition 

Are you interested in creating an early education and childcare system that delivers for all? Can you help the Early Education and Childcare Coalition move to the next phase of its development? 

We are seeking new non-executive board members to help shape our strategic direction, ensure robust governance, and contribute to the Coalition's collective expertise.
 

About us 

The Early Education and Childcare Coalition is a policy and advocacy partnership working to transform the system for families. We unite the voices of all those with a stake in the future of early education and childcare – children, parents, providers, the early years workforce and the business community. Founded by more than 30 organisations, our members are parent campaign groups, child advocacy organisations, early childhood experts, antipoverty campaigners, provider membership bodies, trade unions and business lobbying groups. 

Our vision is of a high-quality, inclusive system of early education and childcare that is accessible to all children, affordable for parents, fairly funded for providers, and offers decent pay and conditions for the workforce. Our mission is to rescue and reform the system by combining urgent policy measures to stabilise the sector with long-term transformation. 

About us

The Coalition was co-designed throughout 2022 by more than 30 organisations and launched publicly in 2023. Since then, we have gone from strength to strength, concluding a successful hosting relationship and becoming an independent organisation in the summer of 2025, with a team of eight staff influencing policymaking and connecting families, providers and decision-makers through advocacy, co-production and convening. 

Please note that the Coalition is in the process of registering as a charity; therefore, it is expected that board members will transition to become trustees within the next year.

About you

We are looking to grow our new board and strengthen our succession planning. Therefore, board membership could include taking on senior roles within the Board following a familiarisation period and supported development.

We would therefore welcome applications from those who have held board officer roles in the past, including experienced Chairs. We are also particularly interested in applications from people who have experience in one or more of the following areas: 

• Fundraising 

• Policy analysis and research 

• Campaigning/influencing 

• Legal and compliance 

• HR 

• Experience of working on issues related to children and families 

• Experience of working in other coalitions/alliances or movement building 

In order to maintain balance and equity across our membership and manage conflicts of interest, applicants should not have a current direct link to the Coalition. For example, we cannot accept applications from individuals who are currently working for a member or supporter organisation.

About the role

Board members will work closely with the Coalition’s Executive Director, staff team and Advisory Group to ensure the success of the organisation to meet its aim to transform early education and childcare in England. 

Board members are legally responsible for running the company, making sure information is sent to Companies House on time, setting the strategic direction of the organisation, monitoring progress, ensuring good governance and supporting the staff team in their work. 

Board members must follow the rules set out in the company’s Articles of Association, agree to act in the best interests of the organisation and raise any conflicts of interests throughout their term. 

Responsibilities: 

• Provide financial oversight of the organisation including overseeing budgeting, monitoring performance, signing off accounts, financial reporting and fundraising. (The Board Treasurer will lead on financial management and assessing financial risk, but financial oversight is a duty of all board members). 

• Work with other board members to continue growing the Board, identifying skill gaps, organisational needs and participating in the recruitment and onboarding of new board members. 

• Work with other board members to implement the strategic plan, contributing ideas and proposals. 

• Monitor progress on strategy through Board and other meetings. 

• Provide support to the Executive Director on operational matters, including but not limited to HR, legal compliance, communications and membership matters and where appropriate, policy developments. 

• Attend Board meetings, or when unable to attend, communicate ideas and comments to the Coalition’s Executive Director/Board Chair in advance of the meeting. 

• Work with other board members to identify and manage potential risks and opportunities to the company’s operations, finances and reputation. 

• Proactively promote the work of the Coalition through personal and professional networks. 

In addition, Board members may be invited to:  

• Represent the Coalition at appropriate meetings and events. 

• Participate in the work of the Coalition as appropriate (e.g. working groups, projects or recruitment panels). 

Further information 

• Board members are appointed for a term of three years, and they may be reappointed for a further three-year period. 

• All directors will be members (guarantors) of the company and all members (guarantors) will be directors, with a personal liability of £1 and listed on documents filed at Companies House. 

• Board members must be at least 18 years old, a UK resident and not disqualified from acting as a company director. 

• Find out more about the general duties of a company director here. 

Time commitment 

Board members will be required to attend up to five board meetings per year for approximately two hours each (with up to 4 hours preparation time). These are usually held on Zoom, with one away day in London expected per year with the staff team. Any travel and other related and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. 

Papers will be shared ahead of time and reading and preparation is expected ahead of each meeting.

Board members may also be asked between meetings to act as signatories, give time to contribute to reports, applications and accounts, and provide advice and guidance to the Executive Director and wider staff team on specific topics and/ or issues. 

The predicted time commitment for the Board members is estimated at 2-4 hours per month depending on Board role with one away day.

Remuneration 

This is a voluntary, unpaid role with reasonable expenses for in-person meetings paid in advance or reimbursed. 

The Coalition’s vision, mission and values: 

Our vision is to build a world-class early education and childcare system that supports children, parents and our economy to thrive, rooted in the following principles:

• High quality provision for all children, especially those who benefit the most

• Sustainable provision that works for all kinds of working parents and their employers

• Good pay, terms and conditions for the professionals who deliver it

• Accessible and affordable options for all parents, in all communities

• Locally shaped options that respond to local circumstances 

Our mission is to drive reform through coordinated advocacy among all stakeholders. Our mission recognises that transforming early education and childcare requires both immediate action and long-term reform. Our experience since launch has taught us valuable lessons about managing urgent needs while building toward systemic change. 

Our shared values are: 

• Fairness: as much as we believe in an equitable and fair early education and childcare system, we hold the same to be true in how we work as a Coalition. We do this by ensuring members' interests are represented equally through our internal systems and governance, and by committing to embodying co-production principles in our work.

• Integrity: we act in the best interests of the Coalition, its members and beneficiaries avoiding alliances or projects which may bring the EECC or its members into disrepute. When faced with difficult decisions, we prioritise the interests of the most disadvantaged child. Integrity is critical to an enduring sense of goodwill and thus the future sustainability and efficacy of the Coalition.

• Respect: the diversity of our membership is a strength, but we recognise that diversity can lead to different perspectives. Respect for that difference is essential in finding consensus that can be built on to secure change. We do not knowingly undermine each other or other stakeholders publicly or privately.

• Collaboration: transforming the early education system is a complex task that no single organisation can do alone. We believe that progress lies in partnership and that the best route to reform is through broad-based, powerful alliances with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. We don’t believe in collaboration for its own sake. We think partnerships must be smart, strategic, and creative in order to be effective, but as far as possible, they must also be broad-based. 

Application and interview process

• Please apply with CV and statement of suitability/cover letter by 6pm on Friday 24th April.
• We will aim to respond to all applicants by Friday 1st May.
• Interviews will take place on 13th May and 22nd May. 

The food system is unsustainable and unjust, and it’s damaging the health of a generation. We are a youth activist movement set up to challenge a food system that’s been set up to fool us all. We're looking for a new Chair who shares our passion for empowering youth leadership and transforming our food system