Support manager volunteer roles

Martlets, Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House have collection tins hosted by a wide variety of businesses across Worthing, Sussex, Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas. Our tins continue to play an important role in raising money and awareness for the hospices so that we can continue to provide specialist care.

These tins need to be collected, replaced, and returned to our fundraising offices or shops on a regular basis. With collections expected to be completed on a 6-8 week cycle.

We are looking for friendly, reliable people to help us with this important fundraising and community liaison role.

You will be the face of the Fundraising team in your locality, representing the hospices when collecting. This is a chance to involve yourself with the community by building a relationship with our collection tin hosts and keeping them up to date with any news from us.

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a flexible volunteering role to fit around other commitments. We can discuss potential rounds based on where you live and an appropriate distance to travel.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers who drop off donations and other members of the team.
• Preparing stock to be put out on the shop floor, ready for sale.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

Why we want you

As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
• Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
• Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

The skills you need

• Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference

Location

Additional location information

• Home and local area.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Positive attitude towards blind and partially sighted people. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • A willingness and ability to complete the Microsoft feedback form.

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference

• Additional location information

  • Home and local area.

Are you a dog lover with room in your home to look after a dog during evenings and weekends? This could be the perfect role for you!

As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll provide a loving temporary home to a dog in training, typically for a period of 12 to 20 weeks, as they begin their journey to become a guide dog. You’ll get to see the progress your furry companion is making in their training and be a vital part of their journey, without the commitment of looking after a dog full time.

What you’ll be doing:

In this rewarding role, your support for a guide dog in training will include:

• Doing the school run for your dog in training! This will typically involve dropping them off and picking them up at an agreed time Monday to Friday at one of our regional centres or community teams, however, some sites may vary. There are some locations where we will be able to collect and return the training dog from your home. 
• Caring for your dog in your home such as feeding, grooming, free running and playing, following the advice of our expert staff.
• Helping your dog keep up with their training by reinforcing the techniques at home from our first-class training programme.
• Making sure your dog is not left alone for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. If you’re planning on going on holiday, let us know at your initial phone call so we can plan alternative cover for your future life changer.

Can I foster a dog?

If you’re hoping to foster a guide dog in training, here’s what we ideally look for:

• Being close to one of our regional centres or community teams so that your dog can get to their training. 
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in your home if you rent your home.
• A safe and secure area outside for the dog to go to the toilet.

However, we try to be flexible – for example, you’ll still be able to foster a dog if you live in London, even if you don’t have access to outside space. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction in knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of seeing your dog learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• An insight into our bespoke world-class training programme so that your dog’s training stays consistent at home, which can also help you train your own dogs or advance in a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

You’ll attend a training workshop to understand the basics of our bespoke training techniques so you can confidently support your dog’s training at home. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance from your volunteer manager. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your initial phone call along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, dog food costs and other materials needed for your dog’s training.

Minimum age for volunteer is 18.

We also have a respite fosterer role available in some areas, where a dog would stay with you full time before moving on to the next stage of its journey.

Please check out our website to see what roles are available where you live.

Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you! 

As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.

There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.

What you'll be doing:

• Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
• Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her. 
• Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
• Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
• Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
• Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
• Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.

You'll ideally have:

• A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
• Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
• Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home. 
• A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.

What you'll get:

• The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
• The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:

• Food manners
• Greeting new visitors
• Being home alone
• Settling in new environments

You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques. 

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.

Minimum age of applicant: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities. 

Make a difference – become a school governor

You do not have to be a parent or member of staff to be a school governor – applications are appreciated from all with an interest in the local community. School governors come from all walks of life and specialist knowledge is not always needed. What IS essential is a desire to get involved in children’s education and make a difference to their lives.

We welcome applications from those with educational, health & safety and safeguarding experience but school governors are all volunteers and training and support is provided. The University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust partners new governors with a ‘buddy’ – a trusted and more experienced colleague on the governing body – who initially acts as their mentor. Briefing information and assistance is also available through newsletters, websites and helplines provided by the Department for Education.

This Role Protects Our People and Our Purpose

At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., our work intersects with survivors of CSA, vulnerable young people, and marginalised communities. Content, engagement, and community interaction can surface trauma, risk, or harmful behaviours. The Community Moderation & Safeguarding Officer ensures that all digital and community spaces operate safely, ethically, and responsibly, protecting members, volunteers, and the CIC itself.This is not a passive role. It is a high-responsibility, systems-driven position where vigilance and structured response are critical.

Purpose of the Role

This role is responsible for:

• Protecting members from harm
• Preventing retraumatisation
• Upholding community standards
• Supporting moderators and volunteers
• Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed in real time

The role-holder ensures that the community does not drift into chaos, harm, or uncontained disclosure.

About the role:

To manage safeguarding and moderation protocols across all digital platforms and community touchpoints, acting as the first point of escalation for risk, abuse, or harmful content.

To uphold UK safeguarding compliance, maintain accurate records, support moderation teams, and advise leadership on risk trends, mitigation, and community safety — protecting trust and ethical engagement.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential experience

• Practical experience in safeguarding, child protection, or vulnerable-adult contexts, or closely related roles involving risk assessment and duty of care.
• Background in social care, youth work, education, community services, mental health, or survivor-support environments with sensitive disclosures.
• Experience moderating online communities or managing safety in digital spaces, particularly those involving vulnerable or at-risk groups.
• Proven ability to identify risk, assess severity, and respond appropriately, including recognising when immediate escalation is required.
• Experience handling incidents and maintaining clear, factual documentation and records in line with safeguarding expectations.
• Experience contributing to or applying safeguarding policies, protocols, or guidance in real-world settings.

Essential skills

• Strong understanding of safeguarding principles, boundaries, confidentiality, and safe handling of disclosures.
• Ability to apply a trauma-informed approach, communicating calmly and respectfully while prioritising safety and dignity.
• Clear written communication skills for incident logs, escalation summaries, and internal reporting.
• Sound judgement and emotional resilience when working with distressing or sensitive material.
• Ability to support and guide volunteers, providing clear advice and reassurance on moderation decisions.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy, confidentiality, and safeguarding compliance.
• Confidence following structured protocols, checklists, and escalation routes without deviation.

Desirable (not required)

• Experience with CSA, exploitation, domestic abuse, or safeguarding-led community organisations.
• Experience delivering safeguarding or moderation training to volunteers or staff.
• Familiarity with UK safeguarding expectations and referral processes.
• Confidence using shared digital tools such as Teams, spreadsheets, forms, and incident trackers.

Formal qualifications

• Formal qualifications are not required; equivalent professional experience is essential.
• Full training will be provided on CIC-specific safeguarding and moderation protocols.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Develop, implement, and maintain clear moderation and safeguarding frameworks that are trauma-informed, practical, and consistently applied across all CIC platforms.
• Monitor all community spaces to identify harmful or abusive behaviour, boundary violations, and high-risk disclosures involving children, survivors, or vulnerable adults.
• Take timely moderation action in line with protocols, including content removal, access restrictions, warnings, or escalation to safeguarding leads.
• Escalate safeguarding incidents promptly and accurately in accordance with CIC procedures, prioritising cases involving immediate or serious risk.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of incidents, actions taken, outcomes, and follow-ups to ensure accountability and audit readiness.
• Support a safe and respectful community culture by reinforcing behaviour standards, tone-of-voice guidance, and survivor-centred practices.
• Train and support volunteers in trauma-informed moderation, safeguarding awareness, confidentiality, and correct escalation pathways.
• Review incident trends and recurring risks, recommending improvements to moderation systems, guidance, and preventative controls.
• Liaise closely with Social Media Engagement Officers, Campaign Managers, and Membership & Community Directors to ensure joined-up safeguarding practice.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by supporting updates to policies, protocols, response scripts, and internal safeguarding documentation.

This role is not suitable if you:

• Avoid conflict or risk
• Seek casual, low-commitment volunteer work
• Are unable to follow structured protocols
• Prefer creative or posting roles over operational responsibility
• Expect immediate paid employment

Important to Be Clear

• This is a volunteer role during the build phase
• It carries real responsibility and accountability
• Paid roles will emerge as funding and sustainability allow

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led and ethics conversation
• A practical safeguarding scenario discussion

If you believe that safety and ethical oversight are as important as strategy and content, this role is for you.

A Final Word

Safeguarding is about people, not procedures.

If you know that:
Protection requires vigilance and structure
Documentation is a safeguarding responsibility
Ethical oversight keeps trust intact

St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident. We are looking for a leader with a passion for sharing best practices and expertise and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across our Community of Practice – Property.

As a Community of Practice Lead, you will play a vital role in shaping how specialist volunteers contribute to St John Ambulance's mission, helping to establish and maintain standards of excellence. If you enjoy empowering others and driving positive change, this could be the perfect role for you. We need someone who is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the fostering of a value-based leadership culture. If this sounds like you, perhaps the role of Community of Practice Lead role, at St John Ambulance, could be perfect for you.

As a volunteer senior leader, attendance at various meetings is expected. Most of these will occur in the evening, some at weekends but there is potential for some day time meetings that your attendance may be required at which involves working with our salaried colleagues.

The closing date for this vacancy is 4th April 2026.

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference 

• Additional location information

  • Home and local area.

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

What skills and experience are needed?

• One reference
• West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, East of England, Greater London
  • You must be at least 18 years old to apply
  • • Positive attitude towards blind and partially sighted people. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • A willingness and ability to complete the Microsoft feedback form.

We’re looking for trustees​

I’m Tom, Chair of the Board of Trustees for We The Curious. ​

We are looking for individuals with specific skills to join our trustee board who are passionate about creating a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future through science and creative experiences. ​

Following a prolonged closure due to Covid and then a fire in our venue, We The Curious reopened to the public in July of 2024. One year later we have newfound opportunities and challenges ahead and we need people with fresh perspectives and particular skills to help us continue to grow. ​

Finance – we are looking someone who is a chartered accountant and who has financial experience and expertise that they can bring to our board, as well as our Finance & Risk Assurance Committee​

Legal – we are looking for a qualified lawyer to bring strategic legal and compliance expertise to our board and our Finance and Risk Assurance Committee. ​

Fundraising – we are looking for someone with fundraising and development experience to join our board, and either our Purpose or Finance and Risk Assurance Committee.​

Education – we are looking for someone with experience in primary or secondary education​

If you feel energised by our charity, this opportunity and have expertise in any of these areas then we’d love to hear from you!​

Tom Betts, Chair of Board of Trustees, We The Curious​

What is a trustee?​

Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do. They may be known by other titles, such as:​ Directors, board members, governors, committee members​

Whatever they are called, trustees are the people who work with our experienced leadership team to provide support, encouragement, challenge when needed and help to decide how the charity is run. Being a trustee means making decisions that will impact on people’s lives. As part of the board of trustees at We the Curious you will be making a difference to the community in Bristol and the surrounding area and helping us to connect and empower people through science. Trustees use their skills and experience to support their charities, helping them achieve their aims. Trustees also often learn new skills during their time on the board.​

-Charity Commission, find out more here​
 ​
About We The Curious​

We The Curious is an educational charity and one of the UK’s leading science centres. ​

We produce experiences that bring people together to play, get creative with science and explore different ideas around science, technology, natural history and the environment. ​

We work with partners, locally and nationally, supporting people to be inquisitive, develop new skills and improve their wellbeing.​

We are progressive, inquisitive, collaborative, playful and creative.​

Vision​

What if everyone is included, curious, inspired by science to build a better world together?​

Mission​

Our aim is to connect and empower people through sharing creative experiences which celebrate unknowns in science.​

Our work as a charity is driven by five key pledges:​

_Cultivate Curiosity​

_Include Everyone​

_Open Up Science​

_Sustainable Futures​

_Build Resilience​

You can find out more about these in our Manifesto.​

​What will you do in this role?​

As a trustee you will provide advice, knowledge and support to the leadership team at We The Curious. ​

With the steer of the Chair, the board of trustees ensures we pursue our purpose responsibly, are compliant with our governing documents, charity law and other relevant legislation. The board will review and advise on best practice and appropriate policies and procedures and uphold excellent governance. ​

Below are some of the key areas of work generally as a trustee.​

As a trustee you will:​

_Contribute individual skills and knowledge in support of the vision and strategic delivery​

_Uphold the values of We The Curious​

_Safeguard and advocate for the work and vision of We The Curious​

_Act as ambassadors locally, nationally and internationally​

_Assist with the evaluation and review of the policies, goals and targets of the organisation​

_Encourage investment and growth​

_Drive innovation and change​

_Oversee the effective and efficient administration of the organisation and long-term financial stability​

_Contribute to working groups for specific focus on projects​

All Trustees should use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board of Trustees reach informed decisions in the best interest of We The Curious. ​

This will involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussion and providing guidance as requested by the Board on new initiatives or other issues relevant to the area of our work in which the trustee has expertise. ​

​Finance - as a trustee with strategic financial experience you will:​

_Help to provide financial oversight for the charity, ensuring resources are used, invested and spent in line with legal requirements​

_Ensure the charity complies with charity law and financial governance requirements​

_Advise the board and leadership team on when to seek external financial advice for complex matters​

_Join our finance and risk assurance committee and regularly monitor the management accounts and financial reporting with a view to becoming chair of the committee​

We are looking for qualified accountants with practical up-to-date knowledge of management accounting principles, financial reporting and charity finances, analytical skills and strategic thinking. ​

Legal -  as a trustee with legal expertise you will:​

_Contribute strategic advice to the board on the legal implications of our plans and initiatives​

_Advise the board and leadership team on when to seek external legal advice for complex matters​

_Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and other relevant legislation ​

_Join our finance and risk assurance committee and work to manage any legal risks, ensuring policies and procedures align with best legal practices​

We are looking for qualified lawyers with strong knowledge of company and charity law, analytical skills and strategic thinking.​

Fundraising -  as a trustee with fundraising and development expertise you will:​

_Contribute strategic advice to the board around fundraising and development strategy​

_Advise the board and leadership team on potential funding streams ​

_Join either our finance and risk assurance committee or our purpose committee​

We are looking for people with strong background in fundraising and strategic thinking. ​

Education -  as a trustee with primary or secondary education expertise you will:​

_Contribute strategic advice to the board around education of school aged children (key stages 1 to 4)​

_Advise the board and leadership team on issues around education – which could include curriculum and traditional education, alternative education, CME or SEND provision ​

_Join either our finance and risk assurance committee or our purpose committee​

We are looking for people who are passionate and knowledgeable around the education of young people and share our commitment to equitable education for all.​

​Time commitment ​

_We hold quarterly board meetings, typically from 4pm to 7pm. Trustees are expected to attend and contribute to all meetings either in person or by joining virtually. ​

_Papers for the board meetings are sent one week prior and from time-to-time will include specific asks or requests for information and input from trustees.​

 _ You will also be asked to take part in one of our quarterly committee meetings which take place virtually two weeks prior to the board meeting, typically from 4pm to 6pm.​

_We hold one annual board away day,  typically from 10am to 5pm which takes place in person.​

_ Board Meetings are located at the We The Curious offices within the science centre in central Bristol, and our away days take place at an alternate venue in Bristol once a year. ​

_ You may also be called upon for advice or assistance by the leadership team, for example to give input on areas related to your specialism, attend additional meetings or to be present at We The Curious events. ​

Remuneration ​

This is a voluntary role. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered. Refreshments are provided at Board meetings and lunch is provided at the annual strategy away day. ​

 You will have:​

_Free entry to our venue during opening hours​

_12 tickets per calendar year to give away​

_20% off in the We The Curious shop at our venue and online​

_Free parking at Millennium Square car park for meetings​

_Secure cycle storage​

Terms of appointment​

_Trustees are appointed to an initial three-year term of service (including a 12-month probationary period).​

_Trustees can serve a maximum of six years with a reappointment after the first term of three years unless the trustee holds an office, such as Chair or Deputy Chair, in which case they would be eligible for a further three-year term. The maximum term of office is nine years. ​

Probationary period​

This post is subject to a 12-month probationary period.​

What we're looking for from you​

We have ambitious plans for We The Curious and are looking for people that embody our values and have some of these skills/knowledge to help achieve our plans.​

Values​

_Embody our values. Collaborative, Creative, Inquisitive, Playful and Progressive ​

_Be committed to our vision and key manifesto pledges of Cultivating Curiosity, Including Everyone, Open Up Science,  Strive for Sustainable Futures and Build Resilience ​

_Have a positively questioning mind to help We The Curious fulfil its  vision​

_Act with integrity and in the best interests of We The Curious at all times​

_Work effectively as a member of a team and take decisions for the good of We The Curious​

Skills/Knowledge ​

We want to ensure that our board bring a variety of skills and knowledge to We The Curious. At this time we are looking for people to join us who have skills in finance, law, fundraising and education. ​

Including everyone​

We want our people to reflect our city and build a place where everyone feels like they can belong. But we know that our organisation doesn’t yet represent the rich experiences and cultures of Bristol. We think when our board reflects our city it will lead to innovative , well informed and better decision making. We’ll be more resilient, inclusive, and better equipped to fulfil our vision and mission. ​

We especially want to hear from you if:​

_You identify as and/or have lived experiences with either:  African and African Caribbean heritage, Carers, d/Deaf, Disabled, East Asian heritage, Global majority, LGBTQIA+ and/or non-binary, Neurodivergent, South Asian heritage, under 40, Visually impaired, Woman, Working Class​

I’ve never been a trustee before, should I apply?  ​

Yes! If you feel you connect with these values or have the skills/knowledge we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you. ​

You just need to be at least 18 years old.  You don’t need formal qualifications, or previous trustee experience or a science background. We’ll give you training on good governance and opportunities for mentorship. ​

If you are an aspiring trustee or want to know more about trustees, you may find the charity commission guidance useful.  ​

Supporting you​

Training​

If you join the board, you will have an induction and onboarding experience to support you with your role and get you connected with the rest of the organisation.​

If you are a first-time trustee or want a refresher, we will provide you with training on good governance and other topics related to your role. We will also provide you with mentorship from other members of the board. 
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Support during the process​

We The Curious is a Disability Confident Employer and we welcome applications from candidates who self-assess themselves as having a disability. We will guarantee an interview to applicants who advise that they have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy. To help you, under the Equality Act 2010 a person is defined as having a disability if a) they have a physical or mental impairment, and b) the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.​

We want to work with you to ensure the recruitment process is accessible for you.​

If you are disabled,  neurodivergent, or if you have a long-term health condition, we’ll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to our processes for you.​

You’ll have the opportunity to let us know about any adjustments you may need throughout the application and selection process. We’ll continue this conversation if you join us as a staff member, and we’ll work with you to make sure you have the adjustments you need to succeed in your role.​

Examples of adjustments could include:​

_providing alternative formats at every stage​

_options to apply ​

_extra time for tasks​

_providing some extra information about what to expect​

_office orientation before an in-person interview.

Application process​

Deadline for applications:11.59pm Sunday 22 February 2026

Interview dates and location:11 March - 20 March 2026 at We The Curious

Start date: Induction process will take place during April. First committee meetings likely take place in May.

Application process:​

If you would like to apply, please upload a copy of your CV and complete the application questions. The questions are designed to assess your experience and suitability for the role. ​ You have the option to answer these questions in a written format or by submitting your responses by video or audio. Please see the application form for more details. ​
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We appreciate interviews can be stressful, so we try to make them more of a conversation and a chance for you to tell us about how your qualifications, skills and experience make you the right person for the role.​​
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If you have any particular needs or requirements, please do let us know so we are able to make the required adjustments.​​