Social work volunteer roles

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support early years sessions for families with children aged 0–5, including those with SEND and emerging needs, by promoting engagement and child development through group activities.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome and engage families in a warm, friendly manner

· Support the delivery of structured and free-play indoor and outdoor activities

· Encourage participation and interaction between parents/carers and children

· Promote children’s development through praise and positive reinforcement

· Work collaboratively with staff to support inclusive practice

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Enjoy working with children and families.

· Interest in child development

· Warm, approachable, and good at communicating with people of all ages.

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team.

· Respectful, inclusive, and sensitive to the needs of diverse families.

· Able to follow guidance and instructions from session leads

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

At One Degree, our mentors, ambassadors, and teachers are more than just volunteers—they’re lifelines for students often overlooked in their schools and communities. By offering direction, encouragement, and a sense of possibility, our volunteers transform lives while experiencing the profound reward of making a real, tangible impact.

Most of our mentors are young professionals, bringing passion, patience, and empathy to help GCSE/Year 11 students (ages 15–16) navigate their challenges. These volunteers serve as role models, guiding students who might otherwise feel left behind toward brighter futures.

To foster meaningful connections and provide continuity, we ask volunteers to commit to at least three in-person or online sessions per year. This ensures students build trust and form bonds with the people dedicated to helping them succeed.

Join us and be the difference that changes a life.

What time commitments are required?

Preparation

1. Mentor registration (2 minutes)
2. Online mentor training course (30 minutes)
3. Online safeguarding course (30 minutes)
4. Online DBS/CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check (15 minutes)
5. Online personalised 1-on-1 mentor training (2 x 30 minutes)

Total time needed to become a mentor – approximately 2.5 hours

Mentoring

1. Choose availability that fits your schedule – whether it’s 5 hours a week or just 30 minutes a month.
2. Mentor online from anywhere in the world.
3. Adjust your availability as your circumstances change.
4. Focus on mentoring subjects you’re confident in.
5. Access support from our experienced teachers and tutors.

Total time needed to be a mentor – flexible

What it takes

Anyone who meets the following criteria is welcome to apply:

• Able to volunteer a minimum of three sessions per programme
• Patient, empathetic and considerate
• Willing to participate in group activities and sports

Important Note! You do NOT need exceptional skills in Maths or English, or previous mentoring or teaching experience to be a One Degree mentor.

What’s in it for you

Our innovative online version of our in-person programme combines group and 1-on-1 support via our custom-built online network.

We now offer 7-day-a-week mentoring for our GCSE students and programme alumni:

1. This is flexible – with no set days and times, you can make yourself available based on YOUR schedule and you can update availability with our new integrated calendar system (training required here)
2. This is innovative – during our 1-on-1 training we will run through this new addition to our custom-built online mentoring platform where you can a) connect your personal and work calendars b) select provisional availability and c) be booked by One Degree students based on their availability, your availability or by mentor speciality. This also now extends to supporting One Degree alumni.

We’re REMIX, a Shoreditch‑based social mobility charity empowering young people to remix their lives with confidence, creativity, and real opportunities. We’re gearing up for our big launch this September — and to make it happen, we need an HR & Volunteering Assistant who’s passionate about people, culture, and community.

This is a volunteer role with real influence. You won’t just help us run smoothly — you’ll help shape the environment that young people and volunteers step into.

This VOLUNTEER Role

We’re looking for a volunteer HR & Volunteering Assistant who can help us put the right people, processes, and vibes in place ahead of our launch. You’ll be the heartbeat of our growing team — supporting recruitment, onboarding, volunteer experience, and the foundations of a positive, youth‑centred culture.

What You’ll Be Doing At REMIX

You’ll help us build and support our people systems, including:

• Recruiting and onboarding new volunteers.

• Creating simple, youth‑friendly HR processes and policies.

• Supporting team wellbeing and culture.

• Helping us shape a safe, inclusive, empowering environment.

• Making sure our volunteers feel valued, supported, and ready to shine.

• Advising on best practice as we grow.

What You'll Bring To REMIX

• A passion for people and a belief in the power of community.

• Experience in HR, volunteering management, or people‑focused roles.

• A calm, organised approach with a youth‑positive mindset.

• Confidence working with a small, ambitious team.

• A desire to use your skills to open doors for young people.

What You'll Get From VOLUNTEERING With REMIX

• A chance to shape the culture of a brand‑new charity.

• Experience building HR and volunteer systems from the ground up.

• A meaningful leadership role with real impact.

• A creative, energetic team who value your ideas.

• The knowledge that your work directly supports young people rewriting their futures.

Ready to Help Us Remix the Future

If you’re excited by people, purpose, and building something that matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Share a bit about yourself and why this role speaks to you — let’s build a team that empowers young people to rise.

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.

What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.

In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.
We would particularly like to recruit support volunteers within the Downpatrick area (last Wednesday of every month)

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• We are particularly looking for Volunteers to Support the West Belfast walk every Friday in Falls Park 10.30 am-12pm We are particularly looking for volunteers to provide support and sighted guiding for the 18-35 meet ups that happen once a month usually in Belfast but may travel from Belfast to other areas for example Hillsborough. It’s one Saturday per month

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people. • An empathetic and professional manner. • The ability to take the supportive and helpful role.

Could you use your financial expertise to help shape the future of a community-focused charity, at a pivotal moment of change?

Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is an established infrastructure charity supporting, connecting and championing voluntary and community organisations across North Somerset and beyond. With a strong local reputation and a clear ambition for the future, VANS plays a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing organisations together, amplifying collective voice, and enabling others to deliver impact.

We’re looking for a new Finance Trustee to help ensure the charity remains financially resilient, sustainable and well-positioned for long-term growth.

Location: Based in North Somerset, working across the South West and beyond
Remuneration: Voluntary, with expenses covered
Time commitment: Approximately 1–2 days per month. Currently, 4 Board meetings and 2 Development Days per annum, 4 Finance Committee meetings, plus occasional ad-hoc meetings, preparation and support around budgeting, annual accounts and financial planning.

About the opportunity

You'll join a committed Board and work alongside the Chief Executive, Finance Committee and external finance support to help oversee the charity's financial health and sustainability.

As Lead Finance Trustee, you'll also chair the Finance Committee, helping to ensure robust financial oversight, effective governance and informed decision-making.

You'll play a key role in:

• Providing strategic financial oversight and assurance to the Board
• Supporting long-term financial sustainability and organisational resilience
• Chairing the Finance Committee and strengthening financial governance
• Ensuring financial information is accessible for non-financial trustees
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting, reserve management, risk oversight

About you

We're open to different backgrounds and pathways into this role. You may already be a Finance Trustee, Treasurer or Finance Committee Chair, or you may be a senior finance professional looking to take on your first board-level governance role. What matters most is your ability to provide relevant strategic financial leadership and support effective decision-making.

We're particularly interested in people who can:

• Bring a recognised accountancy qualification and strong financial management experience
• Interpret financial information and translate it clearly for non-financial audiences
• Support strategic thinking around growth, sustainability and income diversification
• Balance scrutiny and challenge in a collaborative and supportive way
• Operate confidently at both a strategic and governance level

Previous charity trustee experience would be welcome, but is not essential. Experience of charity finance, accounting regulations and SORP is also highly valuable.

How to apply

A CV or short profile is a great first step. We'd also welcome an informal conversation if you'd prefer to ask some questions first. Amelia Lee at Charity People is leading this search.

Deadline: Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis. If you feel this approach disadvantages you in any way, please get in touch with Amelia, who will ensure you are given full and fair consideration and do not miss out.

Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background, including age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

We are looking for a new member of the Canterbury Cathedral Audit and Risk Committee, which provides independent oversight of the Cathedral’s systems of internal control, risk management, and financial reporting. As a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, you will support the Chapter, the Cathedral's governing body, in discharging its responsibilities as a registered charity and steward of public trust, overseeing external and internal audit functions, and the mitigation of financial, reputational, operational and safeguarding risks.

This is meaningful work in a truly unique setting, and we are seeking a committee member who can combine professional expertise with a collaborative spirit and a commitment to the Cathedral’s evolving mission. We value diverse perspectives and a forward-looking approach, ensuring our governance continues to be as enduring and inspiring as the building itself.

Heartwood House is a unique organisation, working to support and empower young people to engage with education and achieve their potential, free from mainstream system constraints. We are a small, values-driven community, and our trustees play a vital role in guiding our mission and ensuring the long-term sustainability of what we do.

At Heartwood House, we deliver full-time education for students experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). Our, methodology places wellbeing at the core of students' education, focusing on mental health, personal growth, and positive social interactions alongside academic instruction.

Students have an inherent right to respectful and caring treatment, independent of behaviour or academic performance. As a trustee, you will help uphold and champion our policy of unconditional positive regard, the principle that everyone (staff or student) should always be treated with respect and dignity, no matter the situation.

Education takes place in small groups, with lessons tailored to each student's individual needs and interests. As a trustee, you will gain insight into a genuinely distinctive educational model, and your governance will directly support the staff who build meaningful relationships with every young person in our care.

All staff are invested in and actively participate in student wellbeing, integrating mental health support and personal growth throughout the day, not just in designated sessions. Trustees share responsibility for ensuring this holistic approach is protected and resourced appropriately.

We offer academic instruction from Entry Level to GCSE in subjects aligned with students' interests and future plans. Almost all students study English, Maths, Science, and Art at a minimum, with most pursuing additional subjects at the centre or online. As a trustee, you will help ensure the organisation remains financially and strategically positioned to continue delivering this flexible, student-centred curriculum.

Global South International

We strengthen institutions and create sustainable solutions across the Global South through integrated partnerships.

Departments: Programs & Development, Partnerships, Research & Policy, Legal Affairs
Reports to: Respective Department Directors
Purpose: Secure funding for GSI's work across all 7 focus areas (Culture Exchange & Diaspora Engagement, Water Access, Environment & Climate Change, Healthcare, Economic Development & Diplomacy, FDI in Agriculture, Education) by researching, writing, and managing grant proposals and reports.

Key Duties

• Research and identify grant opportunities relevant to GSI's focus areas
• Write, edit, and submit compelling grant proposals and funding applications
• Coordinate with Program, Research, Partnerships, and Legal teams to gather accurate project data, budgets, and outcomes
• Track grant deadlines, submission requirements, and reporting obligations
• Prepare donor/grantor progress reports and impact narratives
• Maintain a calendar and database of active grants and prospective funders
• Ensure grant proposals and agreements align with legal and compliance requirements
• Support budget development for grant-funded projects in collaboration with Finance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Nonprofit Management, English, Communications, International Development, etc.)
• Proven experience writing successful grant proposals, ideally in the nonprofit/international development space
• Strong research and writing skills, with ability to translate program work into compelling funding narratives
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and deadline-management skills

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with major grant databases and funder networks
• Experience writing for international development, ESG, or focus-area-specific funders (health, education, climate, etc.)
• Knowledge of grant compliance and reporting standards

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Can you help the Bristol Oxfam Online Shop raise money to support and empower some of the world’s most vulnerable communities?

We are looking for people with an eye for detail to help us research, prepare, photograph, describe and dispatch our homewares on Oxfam’s bespoke online shop. Our specialist online shop sells an eclectic range of clothing, accessories, books, music, film and homewares, sourced from our generous donors at Oxfam shops across the area.

We have had some very interesting homewares donations over the years, from antique postal scales to vintage bears and Wedgwood tea sets. If you know your homewares and can help us identify, price, list and photograph our stock your help will be invaluable! You will receive full training and support from our friendly and knowledgeable team.

What you can do at the shop:

We believe in empowering our volunteers so, depending on your interests and what you would like to get out of the role, you can get involved with any of the following aspects of running the online shop (and more!):

· Researching rare and valuable stock

· Selection, preparation and presentation of stock

· Photography and editing

· Creating accurate and engaging online listings

· Creating engaging content for the shop's social media platforms

· Packaging and dispatching items

What we can offer:

Oxfam's core values are empowerment, inclusiveness and accountability, and we stand by these in all aspects of our work. We provide a safe, friendly and supportive environment and we have a range of tasks to suit all potential volunteers. When you volunteer with us you will have the opportunity to develop your skills (and enhance your CV) and bring your own ideas into the shop. You will be warmly welcomed and you will feel a sense of ownership over the work you do. We will provide full training, giving you the benefit of our experience. We provide references for our volunteers, and we believe nobody should be out of pocket to volunteer with us, so if you live outside the Cotham area we can help with reasonable travel costs. Our shop only sells online and we are not open to the public, so if are interested in gaining ecommerce experience but would value a quieter, relaxed working environment, you will love it here!

What our team have to say about working at the shop:

“Oxfam has given me my first relevant volunteering experience – I’ve learnt about a range of different items as well as how an organisation works – and it gives me a chance each week to switch my focus away from uni work!”

“You come across lots of interesting items, but it can be a thrill when you find something rare or out of the ordinary”

“I’ve been here for four years and I love it – very friendly team, very varied – dealing with high end clothing, antiquarian books, household items and much more – it’s great to find new homes for unwanted goods”

What we ask for:

· Enthusiasm for selling stuff online!

· A willingness to learn and to work within Oxfam's core values

· A commitment of a 3 hour shift per week for at least 3 months

· A commitment to abide by all shop health and safety processes

What your help will enable us to do:

Every pound raised in these incredibly challenging times supports Oxfam’s aim of ending extreme poverty. This income is vital to empower people to help themselves out of poverty, and, crucially, it allows us to act immediately when a disaster happens - saving lives and providing essential resources to help rebuild communities.

Can you help us raise as much as we can to continue our work this year? We won't live with poverty. If you feel the same way we would love to work with you!

The Role

As a Flyer Distributor you will play a crucial role in helping to raise awareness about our services and events within the Enfield community. You will be responsible for disseminating promotional materials such as flyers, brochures, and event announcements to various locations within the Enfield area.

• Distribute promotional materials provided by Age UK Enfield to designated locations across the Enfield area. This may include community centers, libraries, local businesses, healthcare facilities, and other relevant locations.
• Engage with members of the public in a friendly and courteous manner while distributing flyers. Answer any questions they may have about Age UK Enfield's services and provide basic information about upcoming events or initiatives.
• Keep accurate records of the locations visited and the quantity of promotional materials distributed. Report back to the supervisor on to provide updates on distribution progress.
• Act as an ambassador for Age UK Enfield by promoting the organisation's mission, values, and services to the community. Help to increase brand recognition and visibility within the local area.

General Key Skills:

• Ability to work independently without constant supervision.
• Comfortable with walking and standing for long periods in various weather conditions.
• Maintaining professionalism and addressing public inquiries effectively.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, with a strong sense of responsibility.

Time Commitment

2-4 hours Between 10 am - 2 pm (there are other volunteer opportunities available)

Requirements

A DBS Enhanced check will be required. Training to be provided around safeguarding.

Other Information

Please note: It is a unpaid position however travel costs and other volunteering expenses will be covered.

• Volunteer/Commission-Based Model
• Remote/Global/UK/EU preferred for time-zone availability
• Executive Leadership role
• 10hrs a week commitment

About Project Yananai

Project Yananai is a global non-profit headquartered in the United Kingdom, with Affiliate Entities and Management Teams in India, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals and communities by fostering enduring relationships, enhancing sustainable skills, and delivering compassionate humanitarian aid. We are dedicated to nurturing resilient societies that are self-sufficient and equipped to break cycles of poverty.

Build Yananai’s UK presence and connect UK expertise, partnerships and funding to our global mission.

Project Yananai is looking for an entrepreneurial and highly connected senior leader to build and lead our UK Operations and Partnerships function.

This is a new role with the opportunity to shape how Yananai builds its UK network, develops partnerships, generates funding and connects UK expertise and resources with our international programmes.

Working closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO, you’ll turn ambitious ideas into practical, sustainable programmes and build the relationships and infrastructure needed to make them happen.

What you’ll do

• Build and develop Yananai’s UK operations and partnership network from the ground up.
• Develop our UK Volunteering Access Portal, connecting universities, education providers, professionals, trainers and skilled volunteers with our international Community Learning Hubs.
• Lead the development of UK AI InfoHubs, creating accessible opportunities for communities to develop AI awareness, literacy and skills.
• Build strategic relationships with government, universities, schools, colleges, education providers, businesses, foundations, charities, professional bodies and community organisations.
• Identify and develop funding opportunities across grants, foundations, corporate partnerships and philanthropy.
• Develop compelling proposals, business cases and partnership opportunities.
• Build relationships that bring funding, expertise, volunteers, resources and programme opportunities into Yananai.
• Establish robust governance, safeguarding, risk and compliance systems.
• Build and lead a lean, high-performing UK team as the operation grows.
• Represent Project Yananai externally and help position the organisation within UK and international networks.

About you

We’re looking for a senior leader who is comfortable creating something where there isn’t an established blueprint.

Your background could be in charity, education, international development, social enterprise, technology, business, government or another mission-driven environment.

What matters most is your ability to build relationships, develop opportunities and turn strategy into action.

You’ll ideally bring experience across several of the following:

• Building or scaling a programme, organisation, education initiative or new organisational function.
• Developing strategic partnerships and/or securing funding.
• Working with government, universities, schools, colleges, corporates, foundations, charities or community organisations.
• Programme development and delivery, ideally with an international, education or social-impact focus.
• Senior stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Leading teams, budgets, governance and operational delivery.
• Turning strategy into action and taking ownership in an entrepreneurial environment.

You don't need to be an AI specialist or have a traditional charity background. We’re looking for someone who can bring people, ideas, partnerships, funding and opportunities together — and turn them into meaningful programmes.

Why join Project Yananai?

This is an opportunity to build a UK operation with a genuinely global purpose. You’ll have significant autonomy, direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape innovative initiatives from the beginning.

The role is initially offered on a voluntary pathway or commission-based model, with an expected commitment of approximately 10 hours per week, with the intention of building sustainable funding that can support a future contracted position.

If you’re a builder, connector and strategic leader who wants to create something with lasting international impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Project Yananai is an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. Project Yananai is a UK registered charity number 1209060.

We’re REMIX, a Shoreditch‑based social mobility charity empowering young people to remix their lives with confidence, creativity, and real opportunities. We’re gearing up for our big launch this September — and to make it happen, we need an HR & Volunteering Officer who’s passionate about people, culture, and community.

This is a volunteer role with real influence. You won’t just help us run smoothly — you’ll help shape the environment that young people and volunteers step into.

This VOLUNTEER Role

We’re looking for a volunteer HR & Volunteering Officer who can help us put the right people, processes, and vibes in place ahead of our launch. You’ll be the heartbeat of our growing team — supporting recruitment, onboarding, volunteer experience, and the foundations of a positive, youth‑centred culture.

What You’ll Be Doing At REMIX

You’ll help us build and support our people systems, including:

• Recruiting and onboarding new volunteers.

• Creating simple, youth‑friendly HR processes and policies.

• Supporting team wellbeing and culture.

• Helping us shape a safe, inclusive, empowering environment.

• Making sure our volunteers feel valued, supported, and ready to shine.

• Advising on best practice as we grow.

What You'll Bring To REMIX

• A passion for people and a belief in the power of community.

• Experience in HR, volunteering management, or people‑focused roles.

• A calm, organised approach with a youth‑positive mindset.

• Confidence working with a small, ambitious team.

• A desire to use your skills to open doors for young people.

What You'll Get From VOLUNTEERING With REMIX

• A chance to shape the culture of a brand‑new charity.

• Experience building HR and volunteer systems from the ground up.

• A meaningful leadership role with real impact.

• A creative, energetic team who value your ideas.

• The knowledge that your work directly supports young people rewriting their futures.

Ready to Help Us Remix the Future

If you’re excited by people, purpose, and building something that matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Share a bit about yourself and why this role speaks to you — let’s build a team that empowers young people to rise.

The Organisation
Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network working towards one vision: a world where every child grows up in a safe and loving family. We support the transformation of child protection and alternative care systems, shifting away from institutional care and strengthening families and communities to keep children safe.
The unique composition of our Foundation brings together our Key Assets teams in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and represents a network of over 1,000 foster care and child care practitioners. We combine this practical expertise with international advocacy and grant making through our MJF Global division to champion global care reform and support local organisations working to prevent family separation.

Structure
Our structure enables us to share and build on our collective experience, knowledge, practitioner skills, and proven best practice models as we continue to deliver innovative and quality services. Each organisation within the Martin James Foundation has its own strategy and mission of how it works towards our shared vision of a world in which children grow up and thrive in safe and loving families.
In addition, a set of shared strategic objectives enables us to achieve a greater combined impact. These objectives span a range of interventions that seek to support children, families and communities, as well as the structures and systems designed to protect them. Our work is informed and guided by the principles of the Guidelines of Alternative Care for Children, designed to enhance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Role of the Martin James Foundation Board
The Board of Trustees has strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that ambitious strategic goals are set and worked towards effectively. The Board of Trustees works in collaboration with the Executive team to make decisions on key issues, offering support and challenge on a range of matters. The Board of Trustees acts as a point of escalation for internal and external stakeholders, for example any complaints or grievances, in line with agreed processes. The Board of Trustees also has legal oversight of the charity, including responsibility for ensuring that statutory and reporting requirements to the Charity Commission are met.

Board Statement of Values and Decision Making
Board Members embrace the entrepreneurial ethos of the Martin James Foundation. The Board is keen to take innovative approaches to delivering the Foundation’s work and commits to working collaboratively and effectively, as a collective decision-making body, to ensure the success of the charity. In doing so, board members commit to upholding the seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

The Role of the Martin James Foundation Trustee
All Martin James Foundation Trustees contribute to the effective governance of the Foundation, through supporting the Board to make objective, long-term decisions on key issues in order to advance the charity’s mission and goals. Typically, such key issues will include: strategy, goal-setting, programme or project design, relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. government), public relations, finance, safeguarding, or any other legal matters. The Chair will hold the Board of Trustees and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. Each Trustee will support the Chair and Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives.

Person Specification
1. A strong and visible passion and commitment to Martin James Foundation, its strategic objectives, values and cause
2. Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
3. Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees. An understanding and experience of international issues and the challenges facing NGOs working internationally is desirable
4. Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
5. Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
6. Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events.
7. Desirable: Broad knowledge and understanding of children’s protection and social care and current issues affecting it.
8. Desirable: Lived experience of foster care or other family-based care.
9. Essential: Expertise in charity law and regulations gained through operating as a legal professional for Not-For-Profit / Charitable organisations.

Commitment and Conduct
The average time commitment is approximately 1 day per month, encompassing the following activities:
• Attendance at four quarterly Board meetings including review of all relevant papers and policies in advance of meetings. Meetings are held remotely with one in person annual general meeting. Papers for these meetings are circulated one week in advance. Meetings will focus on new projects, annual report and accounts, and other strategic decisions.
• Occasional exceptional Board meetings may be convened as required and are held by video call.
• Attendance at four quarterly Finance, Risk and Audit sub-committee meetings. Additional Board Committees are under consideration to which new Trustees would be invited to join in accordance with relevant skill sets.
• Meetings with executive leadership team members in relation to specific policies and projects, linking to relevant skills and specialisms brought by Trustees.
• Optional monthly meetings with the Chief Executive.

The Martin James Foundation strives to enable a diverse range of participation and contributions to the Board, and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. People with lived experience of alternative care, and from people outside of the UK are encouraged to apply. All Board positions are voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, and any training costs will be fully covered.

New Trustees will be provided with a structured induction and ongoing training and one-to-one support as appropriate.
As part of the appointment process, all Board members are required to adhere to the Martin James Foundation Code of Conduct and complete the Declaration of Eligibility and Interest form. The content of the Declaration of Interest form may require you to withdraw from specific discussions where you, a partner or close relative stands to gain or where you are so close to a matter being discussed that it will be difficult for you to be impartial.

Volunteer Coach

Transitions supports adults who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed or going through periods of change. We work alongside people to build confidence, develop skills, and support independent living through a mix of workshops, coaching and community connection.

What you’ll be doing

As a Volunteer Wellbeing Coach, you’ll:

• Meet your client (initially with a staff member) to build trust and agree goals
• Provide weekly 1-hour coaching sessions (up to 6 months)
• Support clients to set goals, create action plans and review progress
• Help people use workshop tools and self-help resources in everyday life
• Encourage confidence-building and independent decision-making
• Support access to local services, groups, clubs and community activities
• Signpost to specialist support and accompany clients to first appointments if needed
• Help reduce isolation by supporting social connection and community engagement
• Encourage participation in Transitions workshops and group sessions

What we’re looking for

You don’t need professional experience — just the right values and approach:

• Friendly, approachable and reliable
• Good listener with strong communication skills
• Empathetic and non-judgemental
• Open-minded and comfortable working with people from all backgrounds
• Interested in personal development and supporting others
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Positive, patient and encouraging

What you’ll get

• Full training and ongoing support
• Experience in coaching, mentoring and wellbeing support
• Opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life
• Meet new people and be part of a supportive team
• The chance to help reduce isolation and build stronger communities
• Expenses (if applicable) and full guidance throughout