Support service manager volunteer roles
Mavar is currently seeking a seasoned networker to join the Mavar Trustee Board as a Trustee with special responsibilities for strengthening our fundraising practice and broadening the charity’s donor base. Working with our Board and CEO, you’ll bring experience, insight and strategic guidance to help develop our fundraising capacity in support of the strategic development of the charity.
Mavar’s Mission
Founded on the belief that everyone has the right to choose their own path in life, Mavar’s central mission is to empower individuals who choose to explore opportunities beyond the strictly orthodox community to fulfil personal goals. Mavar supports our members’ efforts to achieve independence, live authentically and cope with the obstacles they may encounter as they explore options to live, work or study in the secular world – whether or not they choose to leave the Charedi community.
Mavar’s Service Users
Some men and women who have grown up in the closed world of the Charedi community hold personal and religious values that are not in line with the rest of the community. Attempts to follow their own path often bring them into direct confrontation with family, friends and neighbours who regard expressions of individualism or self-determination as heresy. These individuals fear that the community will ostracise them, leaving them feeling trapped, isolated and helpless.
Some may simply wish to explore options for obtaining a general education or improving their access to employment opportunities whilst wishing to remain within the ultra-orthodox community; others may look to divest themselves of the strictures of ultra-orthodoxy and to lead a more mainstream lifestyle. They all typically lack the everyday life skills to cope with the challenges of the secular world, which appears to them as a confusing, frightening and alien planet. Any effort to integrate with the outside, secular world is hampered by limited English language skills, cultural disorientation, lack of basic education or qualifications and negligible skills for employment.
Trustee Role Details
The day-to-day operations of Mavar are conducted by staff and volunteers under the leadership of our CEO and with the overall oversight of the Trustee Board.
Main Duties of the Fundraising Trustee:
- Contribute to the overall governance of the charity as a member of the Board of Trustees.
- Provide advice and support on fundraising strategy, ensuring income generation is planned and executed in alignment with Mavar’s budget framework and objectives.
- Act as a fundraising champion on Mavar’s board, working with the CEO and supporting other trustees to explore fundraising possibilities.
- If you have personal networks with fundraising potential, utilise them to support the work of the charity.
- Support the development of diverse fundraising streams (e.g. individual giving, trusts and foundations, community fundraising, corporate support) and advise and support with appeals and major fundraising events/campaigns.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work and helping to raise its profile.
- Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice, as well as Mavar’s policies and procedures.
You are expected to give at least one day per month to your role. Board meetings take place four times a year in London, with a mixture of online and in-person meetings and are complemented by occasional online or in-person feedback meetings with the CEO and the Treasurer.
Person Specification
Essential
- Commitment to the charity’s mission and values
- Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trusteeship
- Knowledge and experience of fundraising (e.g. trusts, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, or digital campaigns)
- Strategic thinker, able to balance long-term planning with practical advice
- Strong communication and networking skills
Desirable
- Experience of charity fundraising
- Existing networks that could support the charity’s fundraising efforts
- Understanding of charity finance and/or marketing
- Familiarity with Jewish cultural context
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer-led East London Waterworks Park won a 2024 NLA award and raised £2m towards buying the 14-acre Thames Water Depot (Lea Bridge Road) to turn into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming, forest schools, and community spaces.
We are looking for service designers to participate in our community-led working group who are leading improvements in our collaborative social infrastructure. Meetings are every 4 weeks on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet with remote tasks.
What are we looking for?
1. Service Implementation: Expert in design methodologies, ecosystem mapping, visual concepts, and prototyping. Translates insights into tangible service improvements.
2. User Research: Experienced in behavioral research, ecosystem context, and facilitating co-creation workshops to drive innovation.
3. Community Engagement: Skilled in inclusive co-design, building community ownership, and communicating complex ideas simply.
4. Collaboration: Multidisciplinary team player with a systems-thinking approach.
5. Desirable: Tech-proficient, impact measurement, and inclusive design.
By leading research and service design projects that explore how diverse professionals collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that reflects the needs and desires of the local people. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire and engage, driving support for the park's mission and long-term sustainability.
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces



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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Founded in 1997, the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants provides a place for refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum to rebuild their life with support and community. From classes to casework to financial assistance, the Centre has a wide offering available for our community of over 200 people. Our approach is compassionate and human and the support we offer is long term - on average people stay with us around four years.
The current Board brings a wide range of charity and public body experience including strategy and fundraising and we are looking for skills to both enhance and complement these strengths.
The Centre has a dedicated and talented staff team led by our CEO, Andy Ruiz Palma, who joined in 2000 as an English teacher. In addition to this staff resource we have around 40 volunteers who provide direct support through activities. We also have in place accountancy support to the executive and a dedicated fundraising team.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate a strong empathy with our client group and who understand how to work with organisations rooted in a local community. You will bring excellent people and communication skills and demonstrate good team-working.
We are open to applications from people looking for their first Trustee role or who may not have considered being a Trustee before and will provide mentoring to help trustees find their feet.
We are looking to recruit a deputy treasurer with:
A good understanding of financial management and reporting
A recognised accounting, finance or similar qualification
Ability to analyse and communicate financial information to the wider Board
Willingness to provide financial advice and support to the management team as needed
Knowledge and experience of fundraising finance practice in voluntary and community organisations (desirable)
Our mission is to offer people the emotional support, practical tools and sense of community they need to be happy and have a decent quality of life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster
As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team! You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service. You can obtain a reference for future employers.
How does this role make a difference?
You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public. Typically, the Charity Shop raises in the region of £50,000 per year.
What will you be doing?
Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:
· Customer service on the till
· Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team
· Greeting and helping customers
· Replenishing the stock on the shop floor
· Sorting donations
· Helping present top items in window display and around the shop
· Promoting the work of the Centre to the public
Want to increase your skills in retail?
If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you. There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers. Let us know if this interests you. We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support. Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.
What are we looking for?
No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:
· Over 16+
· Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3
· The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere
· Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers
· A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect
· Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room. Manual handling training will be given.
What is the time commitment?
The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday. A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but we are flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.
How will you be supported?
· You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.
· You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator
· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.
· For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.
The Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Positive Futures is seeking a Trustee with professional experience in children’s social care to join our Board. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced practitioner or leader to bring expertise in safeguarding, residential care, and Ofsted-regulated services to the strategic oversight of our organisation. The successful candidate will provide critical insight into care planning, permanence, and supporting excellence in residential settings, ensuring that Positive Homes continues to deliver safe, high-quality services as it grows and responds to national legislative changes.
We seek a professional with experience in:
- Children’s social work
- Safeguarding
- Ofsted-regulated services
- Care planning and permanence
- Supporting residential care excellence
This trustee will provide critical insight and oversight as Positive Homes grows and adapts to national legislative changes.
If you are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people, and want to contribute your expertise to shaping the governance and strategic direction of a growing, values-led organisation, we would be delighted to hear from you.
How To Apply
To apply, please submit:
- Your CV
- A short covering letter (max 2 pages) outlining:
– Why you want to join Positive Futures
– Which role you are applying for
– How your experience aligns with our mission and needs
Closing date: 1st March 2026
Empowering young people to achieve their potential
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We're looking for a finance assistant volunteer who can support the financial administration of the charity using our finance software, Xero. We The volunteer will support the Chair to undertake regular financial tasks such as budgeting, reporting, and audits while ensuring financial transparency.
Key Tasks and Objectives
- Support the financial management of the Charity using Xero
- Data Entry: Recording financial transactions such as donations, invoices and expenses into our finance software, Xero.
- Weekly Reconciling income into Xero from GoCardless, Stripe, PayPal and other third-party agencies that facilitate donations being made to the charity.
- Maintain financial and accounting records, ensuring accuracy and consistency
- Assist with preparing payroll and/or pension information for submission to an external payroll provider (when required)
- Assist with the preparation of the accounts, quarterly and annual accounts for accountant annually as well as supporting funder financial reports
- Track the financial situation of projects
- Ensure that all necessary financial information is recorded accurately
- Assist with financial forecasting and budgeting
- Document Management: Organising and filing receipts, invoices, and other financial documents (digitally).
- Assist the Chair, volunteers or members of staff in understanding and using the accounting software
- Any other tasks that may be required from time to time or during the final accounts period, as appropriate.
- Assist with general administration relating to finances
Key Skills or Qualifications
Essential:
- Knowledge and experience of using Xero accounting software, including tracking project spending, managing volunteers’ expenses and department spending, uploading invoices, reconciliation, etc.
- Understanding of tracking financial data and information
- Experience of working in a bookkeeping role
- Accurate and up-to-date knowledge and experience of charity finance, SORP and other relevant frameworks
- The ability to quickly understand the needs of and challenges faced by our small charity organisation
- Strong numeracy and financial management skills
- Strong organisational skills
- Comfortable working remotely
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
- Ability to quickly understand the needs of our team, organisation and users of our services (we are not expecting you to have an awareness of the condition we support)
- Good initiative and ability to work with little direct supervision, but will ask for help when needed
- Ability to work flexibly on your own and as part of a team with enthusiasm and commitment
Desirable:
- Knowledge of charity accounting including restricted and unrestricted funding
- Understanding of financial management within a charity
- Verbal communication skills
- Competent with communication tools
Key Benefits
You will come part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team. We are focused on reaching people who may not have heard about the Charity or about the condition.
You would have a key role in ensuring good financial administration, which is crucial to the continued work of Burning Nights CRPS Support. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference to a small charity. You will be involved in ensuring we manage our financial inputs and outgoings in order to maintain the services and support we provide, allowing us to be a sustainable charity and fulfil our aims.
Volunteering Time: 7-15 hours per week
To drive change for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) & ensure people whose lives have been touched by this condition are not alone.



Sherborne Museum is looking for a friendly, organised volunteer to join us as Front of House Team Co-Ordinator. This key role supports our valued team of volunteer stewards and helps ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for our visitors. The main responsibility is to manage the monthly stewarding rota — keeping it up to date and arranging cover when needed. You’ll also support the curator with the recruitment, induction and training of new volunteers, and act as a point of contact for existing stewards, helping to flag any issues or concerns.
The role would suit someone who is empathetic, computer literate, and confident working with people. If you’re passionate about local heritage and looking for a flexible way to make a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Trustee of Sandhurst Day Centre Association, with a focus on strategic oversight of facilities & building management
Do you want to support and improve the running of our services for older people, with an oversight of our building?
You could be a trustee for Sandhurst Day Centre Association, our charity that provides activities and social time for local older people, in our bespoke Centre.
Developed in the 1970s and first Registered in 1983, the charity is an unincorporated Association, with work in progress to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
In 2024, the Centre turned over ~£300k, an increase from previous years, with a small surplus made. The Centre Manager, employees and volunteers are responsible for day-to-day running, while trustees offer strategic oversight of operations, planning for the future.
The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee
Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience in services for older people, and we’d expect all trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries.
We are looking for a new trustee to add additional professional input to the running of the building and its facilities. The role will aid the Centre Manager by offering analyses of Health & Safety, building management and the physical environment. You will bring relevant knowledge, skills and experience in these and associated areas.
You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee including access to external training.
If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.
We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups.
The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees, volunteers and employees is expected.
We ask for about five hours per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc. You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.
How to apply
A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification is attached to this advert, with more further information and application to Brian Wilson, SDCA trustee, via Apply Now, below.
Your CV (or similar) and Cover Letter will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Mind in Haringey is an independent charity organisation providing vital mental health services to our community in Haringey for over 35 years.
We have a broad and exciting range of services and projects running in a dynamic, evolving environment. We are constantly striving to develop and improve our services through listening to our community, peers, and staff team to evaluate and deliver the best possible projects for our community.
We particularly encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health, from racialised communities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and residents of Haringey who are passionate about changing things for the better in the borough.
Haringey is a melting pot of culture, history, and resilience. Though there is much that needs to be improved, we are proud to work as part of a community that has displayed great strength in hardship both in the past and in more recent years. Interested in joining us in this work? We look forward to receiving your application for the role.
We are currently looking for new trustees to join our board of trustees to support with continuing the positive work being undertaken to ensure Mind in Haringey’s sustainability as an organisation.
Our trustees are the individuals who collectively make decisions on behalf of Mind in Haringey and oversee the general management of the charity. They ensure that Mind in Haringey has a clear purpose and direction, is financially solvent, well run and delivers its goals for the people we serve. Trustees are expected to undertake duties in a manner that reflects Mind in Haringey’s values and ethos.
Our charity has an ambitious agenda and is committed to reducing the racial and health inequalities that exist in Haringey. We support all people across the borough with mental health issues, providing a range of services to meet the diverse needs of our community.
We work to prevent mental health problems, promote mental well-being and ensure those with mental health problems are respected and included



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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.
What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.
What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies
In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Month
Key requirements
- This role requires 1 reference.
Location
Region
- Scotland
Who this opportunity will suit
- This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people
Are you a legal expert who could use your strengths, skills or experience to make a positive difference to Age UK Hertfordshire – a successful charity with the simple, yet vital, mission: “To support older people by delivering services that help make later life fulfilling and enjoyable experience”?
Age UK Hertfordshire (AUKH) is a large charity that every year reaches thousands of older people and their carers, and has a high level of recognition across the County’s statutory authorities, voluntary sector and the public. Our services – some developed and delivered in productive partnerships – include “active ageing” day clubs, help in the home, dementia support, befriending and in-touch telephone support, nutrition and dietetics service, hospital and community “navigation”, information and advice.
To build and grow from our current strong position, we need to expand our Trustee Board - to complement the skills of our present Trustees and broaden our Board’s diversity.
We welcome applications from all age groups and backgrounds, and we are particularly looking for legal skills.
In addition, the following areas of expertise are also welcome:
- fundraising and income generation;
- financial management;
- communications and social media;
- building local stakeholder relationships;
Board and/or senior experience would be a valuable bonus.
Time commitment is one day per month during working hours.
This is a volunteer role, offering the opportunity to contribute actively to the lives of older people in our communities, and gain leadership and Board experience with a collaborative team of committed Trustees.
Please take a look at Age UK Hertfordshire's website for further information.
Closing date for applications:Friday 20 February 2026.
The selection process will be in two stages involving interviews with existing Trustees, plus a meeting with the Chair of Trustees and CEO for candidates on the final shortlist.
The provisional dates for first interviews are week commencing 2 March 2026
Submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining why you wish to become an AUKH Trustee, and what you believe you will offer to the role, aligned to the role specification above.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
City of Chelmsford Mencap is a small independent charity providing support and structured classes for adults with a learning disability across mid-Essex. We have recently converted the charity's structure and are now embarking on an exciting period of strategic growth. We are seeking energetic and passionate new trustees who can contribute to our plans and help us deliver the next phase of our operating model.
We would welcome potential trustees from any professional background. However, the following attributes are very important:
- A proven track record of integrity and respect for confidential and proprietary information
- A keen and respectful listener who is able to empathise and respectfully challenge
- Commitment to the charity and enthusiasm for its vision, mission and aims
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee.
- Strategic vision
- Sound, independent judgement
- Willingness to participate in frank and open discussion
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to coach staff where required
- The ability to read and understand management reports
- Skills to analyse proposals and their consequence
- Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board
- General competence with IT
- Willingness to be available to provide guidance to the senior management team on an ad hoc basis
- Capacity to represent the charity to external parties and at local events
Much more information is available in our recruitment pack which is available on the apply page..
Please note that appointment to our Board is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and a clean enhanced DBS certificate (which we will arrange).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Position: Treasurer / Trustee
Term: 3 years
Location: United Kingdom
Who we are:
iProbono is a global organisation with a mission to enable people to access their rights in pursuit of a just society. It is a UK-registered charity and a company limited by guarantee – with a strong presence across South Asia (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan), an administrative hub in the UK and a cooperative relationship with iProbono (India) Legal Services which is registered in India.
We are driven by the belief that justice must be inclusive. We do this by representing people in need, strengthening the impact of civil society and advocating for policies that promote equality and end discrimination.
What are we looking for?
iProbono seeking a Treasurer, a new Trustee who will strengthen our dynamic governance board and help shape the next chapter of our growth. Our Trustees work with a leadership team that values creativity, empathy, and pragmatism in delivering justice solutions to the most vulnerable people in our communities. As Treasurer, you will provide strategic financial oversight, ensure sound governance, and support the organisation’s long-term sustainability. Trustees are directors of the company.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic oversight of financial management and sustainability.
- Serve as Chair of the Finance Committee, working closely with the CEO, senior management and external auditors.
- Ensure compliance with financial, legal, and governance responsibilities in line with charity and company law.
- Support the leadership team in setting and monitoring budgets and managing financial risks.
- Contribute to the overall strategic direction of iProbono as an active Board member.
Person Specification
Essential
- Accounting qualification from a recognised UK body (e.g. ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA, or CIMA).
- Experience in financial management, auditing, or charity finance, ideally within an international or non-profit context.
- Experience serving on the Board of a civil society organisation, with close involvement in governance, finance, or legal oversight.
- Understanding of or experience working in the Global South, particularly South Asia.
Desirable
- Experience working with fundraising professionals, knowledge of donor landscapes, or the ability to open doors to new funding opportunities.
- Interest or experience in the fields of justice, legal empowerment, and capacity-building.
Commitment:
Our Treasurer should be based in the United Kingdom is expected to attend:
- Four quarterly Board meetings in London;
- Four Finance Committee meetings in London; and
- One annual strategy day.
Some Board meetings may be attended virtually. This is a voluntary position and reasonable travel expenses are covered for those travelling from outside London to attend meetings.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?
Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.
We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.
Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.
Volunteer recruitment dates
The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 3 May 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 4 May and 15 May 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.
Training:
You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.
Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:
-
27 May 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
-
3 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
-
10 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
-
1 July 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)
You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.
Why we want you
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.
What you will be doing
- Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
- Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
- Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
- Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
- Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
- Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
- Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
- Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
- Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
- Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
- Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering
The skills you need
- A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
- Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
- Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
- Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
- Able to manage own time and prioritise
- Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
- Able to use IT
What's in it for you
- Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
- Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
- You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
- All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
- We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
- We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role
Disclaimer
In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A pragmatic and dependable individual who takes a thoughtful, structured approach to their work and is motivated by supporting a charity with purpose. They are analytical, organised, and adaptable, able to balance attention to detail with awareness of the bigger picture, and communicate ideas clearly to help strengthen systems.
Please send us your CV with a Cover Letter detailing why you would want this opportunity.
We want equal access to challenging learning and adventure in the wilderness as an unbeatable preparation for adult life.




