Social work volunteer roles

Ready to fuel a revolution in men’s growth?

At MINDSET, we’re building a brand-new start-up for men’s mental wellbeing and personal growth across England and Wales. We’ve got the vision and the drive, but to make a lasting impact, we need a Fundraising Lead who knows how to turn a bold mission into a sustainable reality.

We’re looking for a strategic, high-energy volunteer to hunt down opportunities, build powerful partnerships, and lead the charge in securing the resources we need to grow.

The Mission:

• The Grant Hunter: Research and write high-impact applications to secure the funding that builds our foundations.
• The Digital Architect: Launch creative online campaigns—from crowdfunding to viral social giving—that get the public behind us.
• The Power Broker: Build strategic partnerships with businesses, major donors, and companies who want to be part of a real solution for men.
• The Team Captain: Lead and inspire a squad of volunteer fundraisers, giving them the direction they need to smash our targets.

The Vibe:
We’re moving away from the "guilt-trip" style of fundraising. We want someone who sells the vision and the strength of our work. This is a blank canvas for you to build a funding strategy that is as modern and direct as we are.

Sound like you?
If you’re a natural communicator with a sharp eye for opportunities and a passion for men’s self-improvement, let’s get the resources we need to change lives.

Fund the MINDSET Movement

Your expertise and experience could be vital to delivering our ground-breaking climate action and sustainability E-Save app. We're looking for UK-based people for a range of communications, marketing and multi-media roles.

What will you be doing?

You will join a team helping to launch and promote the E‑Save climate‑action app and improving its content and user experience. 

By supporting creative campaigns, you will also help the team raise the profile of Eco Centre, and support local outreach initiatives, volunteer recruitment and communications, and stakeholder engagement. 

Your work will help people discover and use the app to take practical climate action at home.

What are we looking for?

We are building a team with a range of skills and experience who can provide hands on help on regular basis and be responsive to changing needs.

We’re looking for volunteers with skills in writing, design, graphics video, social media, campaigning, web content, or marketing. Whether you’re experienced or building your portfolio, we welcome creative, proactive team players who can bring ideas, collaborate well, and help us communicate climate action in engaging and accessible ways.

What difference will you make?

Your support will help the E‑Save app be effective and inspire real climate action in everyday life. By helping shape and promote the app and organisation, you’ll make sustainable living more accessible. 

You will be at the forefront of bringing climate action into people’s homes across the UK, making sustainable living appealing – and driving real environmental impact.

CONTEXT

The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC) is a registered charity based in

Wolverhampton which supports, empowers and advocates for women and children.

We aim to actively encourage women to be self-reliant, through empowering them to

identify their own needs, make their own choices and create their own solutions. We

offer a baby bank, a charity shop & various community support services to help

women facing crises or challenging situations.

Wolverhampton Baby Bank is a flagship project run by The Women & Families

Resource Centre, a registered charity supporting families with children aged 0-3.

Through donated essentials and community engagement, we provide much-needed

items such as:

• Essential supplies for babies and toddlers, including nappies, wipes, clothing, toys,

and bedding.

• Support services for new parents, including drop-in groups and befriending for

pregnant women and new mothers.

• Referrals and resources to connect families with additional community services.

Scope and Span

The On-Site Sales Team Member supports the day-to-day operations of the Baby Bank’s physical shop by assisting walk-in customers, maintaining store presentation, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.

This role plays a key part in generating fundraising revenue while upholding the organization’s values and customer service standards.

Volunteer Guidelines

Thank you for volunteering with The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC). Our work supports and empowers women and families facing challenging circumstances, and your role is essential in helping us provide consistent, reliable, and respectful services. To ensure fairness, sustainability, and high-quality support for the community, all volunteers are expected to follow the structured framework and guidelines below.

• Minimum of 12hrs per week and 4hrs per day

• Attend agreed shifts consistently and provide notice if unable to attend.

• Carry out agreed tasks responsibly, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

• Treat service users, staff, and fellow volunteers with respect and compassion.

• Communicate openly about availability, concerns, or if feeling overwhelmed to prevent burnout and overcommitment.

• Follow agreed scheduling processes to ensure continuity and consistency in service delivery.

• Work collaboratively as part of the team and report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

Your commitment and reliability help us create a stable and supportive environment for the families we serve.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Welcome and assist customers visiting the physical shop

• Guide customers through available items and provide product information

• Ensure items on display are organized, clean, and properly labeled

• Monitor stock levels on the shop floor and coordinate restocking

• Process sales transactions (if assigned to cashier role)

• Handle customer inquiries professionally and courteously

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the retail space

• Follow pricing guidelines and promotional instructions

• Report any stock discrepancies or customer concerns to the Team Lead

• Support in-store fundraising campaigns or special sales events
   

Qualifications

• Minimum high school education

• Previous retail or customer service experience preferred

• Comfortable interacting with customers face-to-face

• Available for scheduled on-site volunteer hours

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Friendly and customer-focused attitude

• Basic sales and upselling ability

• Attention to detail

• Organization and time management

• Team collaboration

• Reliability and accountability

Are you a safeguarding professional looking to make a tangible difference in the lives of young Londoners? By joining our board, you will help shape safeguarding strategy, strengthen our organisational culture and ensure that CYP continues to provide a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for all its members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safeguarding Oversight: Provide strategic oversight of safeguarding and child protection across the organisation and report to the Board.
• Policy & Compliance: Ensure safeguarding and child protection policies are up to date, effectively implemented, and meet all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Advice & Support: Act as a point of guidance for the Board and staff on safeguarding matters, including responding appropriately to concerns.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR 

We need someone who is organised, communicative, and shares our values.

• Safeguarding Experience: Background in safeguarding, child protection, education, youth work, social care, or a related field.
• Local: Someone who understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing young people in London today.
• Good Judgement: Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and confidence.
• Commitment: A strong commitment to keeping young people safe and helping a small, high-impact organisation grow responsibly.

WHY JOIN US?

• Make an Impact: Directly influence the success of a project that changes lives in your community.
• Governance Experience: Build your CV with high-level Board experience.
• Networking: Connect with a diverse group of passionate professionals and community leaders.

Role Summary:

The Marketing Lead will lead Australia's marketing strategy, driving brand growth and
customer engagement. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of marketing,
including brand development, digital marketing, campaign management, market research,
and customer experience. As a key member of the team, the Marketing Lead will work
closely with cross-functional teams to position Roots as a leader in the Islamic Education
industry while ensuring all marketing efforts align with our mission and objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Marketing Leadership:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to achieve organisational goals, including brand awareness, lead generation, and customer retention.
  • Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities and risks.
• Brand Management & Positioning:
  • Strengthen the organisation’s brand identity and ensure consistent messaging across all channels.
  • Lead efforts to position the brand as an industry leader, driving differentiation and competitive advantage
• Campaign Planning & Execution:
  • Oversee the creation and execution of marketing campaigns across digital, print, and traditional channels
  • Measure campaign effectiveness, optimising performance and ROI.
• Team Development:
  • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing marketing team.
  • Foster a collaborative, creative, and results-driven environment.
• Content Development:
  • Develop a media strategy that includes high-quality photography and videography to enhance brand storytelling.
  • Oversee the production of visual content for social media, advertisements, websites, and events.
  • Ensure all media content aligns with brand identity and marketing goals.

Preferred Experience:

• Marketing & Branding
  • Some experience in digital marketing, social media, or event promotion.
  • Basic knowledge of social media management, and content creation.
• Involvement with MSAs or ISOCs
  • Experience with Muslim Student Associations (MSAs) as a member, volunteer, or organizer.
  • Comfortable engaging with Muslim communities and student networks.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Marketing Skills: Proven expertise in brand strategy, digital marketing, and campaign management.
• Innovative: Demonstrated ability to drive growth through innovative and data-driven marketing strategies
• Community-Oriented: A deep understanding of the Muslim community in Australia, especially in relation to university students and local mosques.
• Relationship Building: Proven experience in building and maintaining meaningful relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Project Management: Strong organisational skills with the ability to support program delivery efficiently.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences, from students to community leaders.
• Commitment to Ihsaan: This role requires someone who strives to deliver their responsibilities with ihsaan.
• Dedication to Service: A heart for khidma (service), and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young Muslims through education.

What We Offer:

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers from across the globe.
• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
• Receive in-house Tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

Please Note: This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers can claim expenses for food,
travel, and equipment in line with the Expenses Policy.

Are you driven by purpose over profit, and inspired to transform the lives of survivors, young people, and communities at scale? Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a visionary Founding Volunteer Fundraising Director to join our founding team and help us build a community-owned, values-led ecosystem that confronts the realities of child sexual abuse (CSA), amplifies survivor truth, and generates transformative social impact. This is more than a role—it’s a chance to co-create systems, culture, and infrastructure for an organisation committed to accountability, empowerment, and collective liberation.

About the Role:

As our Founding Fundraising Director, you will be the strategic and operational engine behind all fundraising initiatives. Your work will directly fuel the organisation’s ability to reach and serve survivors, mentor young people into economic empowerment, and build sustainable, community-owned systems. You will lead campaigns, develop partnerships, and create innovative fundraising strategies that align with our anti-capitalist, community-first values. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution, requiring someone who can think systemically while engaging authentically with our communities.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Competencies

• Proven experience planning, managing, and delivering successful fundraising initiatives.
• Skilled in preparing clear, persuasive proposals, applications, and reports.
• Competence in tracking, reporting, and analysing donations and fundraising performance.
• Knowledge of UK charity law, GDPR, and safeguarding principles relevant to fundraising.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders effectively.
• Strong organisational, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with volunteers, staff, and leadership teams.

Desirable Competencies

• Familiarity with CRM or donor management systems.
• Experience designing and executing events and campaign strategies.
• Knowledge of corporate partnership development and grant funding strategy.
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior staff or volunteers in fundraising.
• Ability to integrate fundraising strategy with wider organisational goals.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in fundraising, charity management, or related fields desirable but optional.
• Equivalent professional experience in fundraising, development, or resource mobilisation is acceptable.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the C.I.C’s mission, values, and long-term goals.
• Identify, research, and evaluate potential funding opportunities, including:
  • Grant-making bodies
  • Corporate partnerships
  • Individual donors and community fundraising
• Prepare high-quality, persuasive funding proposals, applications, and reports that demonstrate impact and need.
• Maintain accurate records of all fundraising activities, donations, pledges, and communications to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Monitor fundraising performance against targets, providing regular reports and recommendations to the leadership team.
• Coordinate fundraising events, online campaigns, and community initiatives, including:
  • Logistics
  • Scheduling
  • Volunteer and staff coordination
  • Post-event reporting and follow-up
• Develop and maintain systems to track donor engagement, income, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring data is accurate and secure.
• Liaise with external partners, stakeholders, and supporters to strengthen networks, foster collaboration, and identify new funding opportunities.
• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with UK charity law, safeguarding requirements, and GDPR.
• Support leadership in strategic planning and decision-making around resource mobilisation.
• Contribute to building a culture of ethical fundraising, transparency, and donor stewardship.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to volunteers or junior staff involved in fundraising initiatives.

What This Role Offers You:

• The rare opportunity to shape the founding infrastructure of a pioneering C.I.C. and leave a lasting social legacy.
• Hands-on leadership experience in designing and running community-driven systems.
• Personal and professional transformation through exposure to survivor-led, values-centred work.
• A chance to meaningfully contribute to systemic change, empowering vulnerable communities and fostering accountability and truth.

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking purely financial reward or hierarchical prestige.
• Those unwilling to work within a values-led, anti-capitalist framework.
• People expecting rigid structures or traditional corporate processes, our culture is emergent, collaborative and mission-driven.

If you are ready to step into a leadership role that blends strategy, action, and social impact, while building the systems and culture of a revolutionary survivor-led organisation, we want to hear from you. Apply now and help us transform truth into lasting change.

Formal qualifications are not required, but desirable.
Essential equivalent experience mandatory.

Next Steps:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about event planning, coordination, and execution

If you believe that well-organised, purposeful events can change communities, and that experiences inspire action, this role is for you.

A Final Word
Fundraising is not just income.
It is stewardship.

If you know that:

• Ethical fundraising sustains communities
• Pressure should never compromise values
• Leadership means saying no when needed

Background for Citizens Advice Salford’s Chair of Trustees:

Citizens Advice Salford is looking for a new chair for our board of trustees. The service is an independent charity, employing 35 people and benefiting from the support of about 70 highly trained volunteers. We are a full member of the National Association of Citizens Advice, our membership organisation, which supports our work.

Our chair plays a critical role in leading both the board and the organisation, as well as in representing the Salford service within the broader Citizens Advice movement. They will also provide strategic leadership and support the service’s chief executive.

The service provides advice to about 18,000 people each year, and is regulated by various bodies. Our offer is primarily through face to face contact, telephone advice, web access and we are looking at what new digital approaches such as AI can do for us.

We hold the specialist advice giving quality mark. Citizens Advice Salford has a strong reputation as a campaigner for change, for fighting against poverty, lobbying and campaigning on behalf of our clients, together with working across Greater Manchester with our colleague local citizens advice services.

Financially we have a range of contracts with public bodies such as the Council, together with a range of other grants and funding for specific projects.

The current chair is reaching the end of her six year term, but will still be a member of the board. It is a strong board consisting of ten people, with a diverse range of skills and experience.

If you would like to have a more general discussion about the role please feel free to contact the current Chair, or the Chief Officer. Contact details are available on our vacancy page via the apply button.

• What's in it for you?

• use your experience to make a positive impact for people in Salford by ensuring Citizens Advice Salford is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community
• meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers
• build on your governance, leadership and strategy knowledge and skills
• increase your employability
• be a part of infl uence and change work that looks to reduce poverty in Salford, and to make it and the country a better place for all.

How much time do you need to give?

Trustee boards usually meet in the evenings and you’ll likely need to give two or three hours, six times a year and you may need to attend other meetings if you’re involved in specifi c projects, or meet with volunteers and staff occasionally within Citizens Advice Salford. We can be fl exible about the time spent, so come and talk to us.

Valuing Inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from global majority communities.
If you are interested in becoming a chair of trustees and would like to discuss fl exibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Prospective volunteers will be expected to undertake the full training package for a Community Volunteer, enabling them to support the Community message. This role carries a minimum commitment of 24 hours per year. Volunteers are encouraged to keep their skills and knowledge current by attending regular network training sessions, which take place weekly on Wednesday evenings.

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, times and location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates: Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, times and location to be advised. 

Training for role - Date, times and location to be advised. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/05/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Do you want to help the youth of today become the lifesavers of tomorrow? We're on a mission to teach young people across the country how to save lives. It's a chance for them to learn important first aid skills in a fun, friendly, and safe environment. 

St John is one of the largest youth organisations in the country and many of our young volunteers go onto careers in health and/or social care.

Being a youth volunteer helps young people develop skills and confidence that go on to help them with further education and university applications. To do this we need dedicated and enthusiastic youth helpers. Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. 

Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. 

Badger Sett Helper, working with children aged from 5 years to 10 years old

If you’d like to know more about volunteering or would just like to chat to someone who does, get in touch. 

As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time. 

Must be able to attend meetings and attend courses when they become available

The closing date for this advert will be 03/04/2026

Interview - dates and time, locations to be advised

Are you passionate about sustainability and making a real difference in people’s lives?

Join Life Cycle’s Bikes Beyond Bars project, an award-winning environmental and social initiative that combines bike recycling, skills training, and rehabilitation.

What you’ll do

• Work alongside course participants in prison workshops, helping them to refurbish a wide range of donated bikes.
• Support learners to develop practical cycle maintenance skills and work towards an industry-recognised professional qualification.
• Provide hands-on assistance alongside experienced Prison Bike Mechanic Tutors.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive learning environment that boosts confidence, employability, and community integration.

By helping refurbish bikes that would otherwise go to waste. You’ll also make a meaningful impact on the participants’ journey toward rehabilitation, helping them gain training that can open doors to future employment.

"Life Cycle helped me massively in prison, keeping me occupied and out of the cell… I contacted Life Cycle when I was released because I wanted to give back something to the people that helped me. I felt respected and treated as a valued member of society, not just an ex-con." – Jon (name changed)

About you

• Someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work
• Good mechanical skills (if you’re unsure, get in touch!)
• Sympathetic to working with people in prison
• You believe in the possibility of change for those who have been involved in the criminal justice system
• Enthusiastic about Life Cycle’s charitable mission, vision, and values. 

Please note, applicants need to be aware that due to the nature of this role you will be required to be vetted up to Enhanced Level 1 security clearance.Having a criminal record will not necessarily exclude you from volunteering in this role.Give us a ring if you would like to talk about it first. 

About Life Cycle

Life Cycle is a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey, from learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry.

The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Service

Our ESOL provision is part of the Centre’s Employment and Learning Service, which also includes digital inclusion and employment support.

We have qualified volunteer ESOL teachers providing 1:1 support to clients who want to improve their English.  We also have a couple of volunteers running small conversation classes at the Centre, within our Family Services.

We are expanding our ESOL offer to include learning opportunities offsite in a group setting to adults and young people in temporary accommodation, mainly asylum-seeking families.

What will you be doing?

• Conversational English with a small group
• Find out from your students what areas they want to cover and what skills they want to develop
• Encourage a positive atmosphere where students feel they can make mistakes
• The aim of the groups is to help our clients to become more independent and to pursue their social and professional goals. 
• Be aware of the variety of levels within the class, providing support for weaker students and challenge for stronger ones
• Give students encouragement and constructive feedback
• To liaise with the manager of Family Services and communicate any issues that arise with the class 

How does this role make a difference?

This support provided by volunteers to our clients really helps them progress with their English. Often clients do not have opportunities to learn English or interact with an English speaking person, so this opportunity is invaluable to them. Improving our clients English also enables individuals to access our other services such as welfare rights and Immigration advice services, digital inclusion, which will in turn, improve their employment prospects and assist in integration in their local community.

Who will you be helping?

Our clients are refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who are unable to afford or access English classes at colleges. We have many clients at the Centre who need support with their English.

What are we looking for?

• Experience in teaching English as a second language to adults in a group setting and to mixed abilities and a range of languages.
• A recognised ESOL/EFL teaching qualification such as CELTA.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• An awareness of some of the issues that affect refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
• A commitment to upholding the Centre’s values of valuing each person, welcoming, encouraging potential, working together, reflecting and improving.

Time Commitment:

The class will run in term times, on Wednesdays from 25th February 2026, from 10.30am – 12/12.30pm. We ask for a commitment to run this 90 – 120-minute class for at least two terms ideally.

How will you be supported?

• You will be supported by the Manager of Family Services and the wider team
• You will receive a Centre induction.
• You will have access to e-learning modules on a range of topics.
• You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out of pocket’ expenses such as travel.
• You will be invited to social and other events

"The Cardinal Hume Centre is a wonderful charity that has so much to offer. As a volunteer here you are made to feel valued and appreciated, and with everything being so well organised, your skills and time are made the most of." Centre Volunteer

Do you have a calm and friendly dog?  
 
Would you enjoy some company on your walks?   
 
We are looking for a volunteer dog walking buddy in Bournemouth who would like to share their time (and dog!) with a pet loving gentleman we support.   

“Hi – I live in Christchurch and I am supported by Dimensions. I am looking for a friendly volunteer who has a dog that I can help walk”  

Activities will include:  

• Arranging with your buddy to go for a walk together with your dog  (a support worker will always be present) 

• Chatting and getting to know your buddy  

• Doggy cuddles!  

• Providing friendship and fun     

We’re looking for someone who is:  

• A dog owner with a calm but loveable dog!  

• Friendly, reliable and a good listener  

• Comfortable chatting with people with learning disabilities and autism   

• Willing to commit to volunteer on a regular basis (exact times and days can be discussed)  

A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role.   

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:  

Dimensions provide support for autistic people and people with learning disabilities across the UK.   

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:    

• Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)  

• Comprehensive support from professional and friendly Dimensions staff  

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed at manager’s discretion   

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector  

About Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre 

Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre is a community organisation and registered charity that exists to champion LGBTQ+ lives. We provide a safe, inclusive space for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Our work spans direct support, connection, advocacy and celebration. 

What we do 

• Counselling: We offer professional counselling, including a specialised domestic abuse service, to help people navigate challenges and build resilience. 

• Social and support groups: We run groups for young people, adults, trans and non-binary people, and for family members and allies. These groups create stable communities, reduce isolation and offer peer support. 

• Creative and social activities: Our community choir and other creative activities provide space for expression, confidence and belonging. 

• Training and advocacy: We work with schools, health providers, councils, businesses and community organisations to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion and awareness. 

Our vision and direction 

We envision a region where LGBTQ+ people are visible, safe and thriving. Over the next five years we will deepen our presence across Leicestershire and Rutland, improve access in areas with fewer services, and secure a permanent venue that reflects our ambitions. We will continue to co-create our offer with communities, keep services accessible, and champion equity and inclusion in everything we do. 

Governance and the role of the Board 

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the charity’s strategy, governance and financial health. Trustees safeguard the charity’s assets, ensure compliance with law and regulation, and work with the Chief Executive to ensure the charity is running effectively. Trustees support, challenge and advise the Senior Leadership Team in a spirit of partnership. The Chair leads the Board and ensures it functions well. 

Trustees are also directors of the charitable company. We provide trustee indemnity insurance. 

The role of Chair 

Purpose 

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance, a positive culture and a shared focus on impact. The Chair works closely with the Chief Executive to ensure the organisation delivers its strategy and remains well run. 

Strategic focus for the next 12 to 24 months 

• Oversight of our three-year National Lottery funding programme, including delivery assurance and risk management. 

• Support for regional expansion so that services reach communities across Leicestershire and Rutland in a measured and sustainable way. 

• Governance oversight of venue acquisition and the preparatory work that will enable a successful opening and long-term viability. 

Core responsibilities 

• Provide leadership to the Board and ensure trustees discharge their duties effectively and in line with the Charity Governance Code. 

• Set Board agendas with the Chief Executive, plan and chair effective meetings, and ensure clear decisions, minutes and action tracking. 

• Maintain a strong, constructive relationship with the Chief Executive, including monthly one-to-ones and an annual appraisal led by the Chair with Board input. 

• Ensure the Board receives timely, relevant information and is able to scrutinise performance, finance, risk and impact. 

• Oversee Board composition, skills and performance, including recruitment, induction, training and periodic reviews. 

• Champion an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and respected. 

• Model the Centre’s values in every setting. 

• Represent the Centre as an ambassador with key partners and stakeholders when appropriate. 

• Approve or co-approve extraordinary funding decisions with the Treasurer where required by policy and delegations. 

• Ensure statutory accounts are signed and submitted and that key reports to funders and regulators are timely and accurate. 

• Manage conflicts of interest and uphold high standards of conduct. 

• Hold the casting vote if a Board decision is tied. 

Relationship with the Chief Executive 

The Chief Executive is accountable to the Board. The Chair undertakes regular supportive one-to-ones with the Chief Executive and leads their annual appraisal. The Chair works with the Chief Executive to set clear priorities, manage risk and unlock barriers to delivery. 

Time commitment and meeting pattern 

• Estimated at a maximum of two to three days per month. This includes preparation, meetings and ambassadorial duties. 

• Maximum of six Board meetings per year. Meetings are held in person at The Centre. 

• Monthly Chair and Chief Executive one-to-one meetings. 

• Quarterly committee and working sessions may be convened as needed for finance, risk, governance or venue planning. The Chair provides oversight across these areas. 

• An annual strategy and reflection session with trustees and senior staff. 

• Attendance at key public events, including Pride and major Centre occasions. 

Person specification 

Essential 

• Commitment to the mission, values and future direction of Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre. 

• Inclusive leadership with the ability to chair purposeful meetings and to build consensus. 

• Experience as a vice-chair, committee chair or equivalent governance role. 

• Good understanding of charity governance, finance and risk. 

• Sound judgement, integrity and the confidence to hold senior leaders to account while providing support. 

• Strong communication skills and the ability to represent the Centre externally. 

• Lived experience of LGBTQ+ issues or strong allyship and understanding of the challenges our communities face. 

• Knowledge of equity, inclusion and social justice and how these principles are applied in governance and organisational development. 

• Direct knowledge of or links to Leicester and Leicestershire. 

• Availability for the stated time commitment and for key Centre events. 

Desirable 

• Prior experience as a charity chair. 

• Understanding of venue development or capital projects. 

• Local residency or the ability to attend meetings in person. Non-local candidates will be considered if they can meet in-person requirements and demonstrate strong regional commitment. 

Eligibility, safeguarding and conduct 

Trustees must be at least 16 and not disqualified under charity law. The role is subject to two satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. A short code of conduct applies to all trustees. Conflicts of interest must be declared at appointment and kept up to date. A whistleblowing route is in place. 

What we offer 

• A purposeful leadership role with visible impact for LGBTQ+ people across the region. 

• A collaborative Board and staff team with a positive culture. 

• A tailored induction. Briefings will be arranged with the Chief Executive, Centre Manager and staff leads. A handover meeting with the outgoing Chair will be provided. 

• Access to training and development relevant to the role. 

• Opportunities to represent the Centre at events, build networks and celebrate our community, including Pride. 

• Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed in line with policy. 

• Membership of the Association of Chairs 

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

We warmly encourage applications from trans and non-binary people, people of colour, disabled people and those from other underrepresented groups. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and to removing barriers. Interviews can be adapted to meet access needs. Meeting venues are step-free. Papers can be provided in accessible formats on request. Please tell us what you need and we will do our best to provide it. 

Privacy notice 

Your application will be used for recruitment purposes only and handled in line with our data protection policy. We will retain applicant data for a limited period and then delete it securely. If you would like your data deleted sooner, please let us know.

We are looking for horse-experienced volunteers and/or volunteers with experience working with people with disabilities to help support our RDA participants during their weekday riding as therapy sessions.

Horse-based roles would include:

1) Support catching and bringing horses in from field or stable.

2)Helping groom and tack up

3)Leading horses (if experienced with horses or have completed internal training) 

4)Side-helping - Walking alongside the participant on the ride to support them emotionally and help pass on instructions given by the Coach

Other roles would include:

1)Meets and greets with participants and parents and/or carers as they arrive for activities

2)Setting up the school before sessions and helping break down the school after sessions

3)Completing registers and helping with rotas

There are also opportunities for volunteers to undertake further training towards becoming a registered RDA Instructor. Our sessions are run entirely by volunteers. We are looking for positive, friendly and forward thinking individuals to join us!