Trustees volunteer roles

Friends of the Earth [England, Wales and Northern Ireland] is part of the world’s most extensive grassroots network devoted to the cause of environmental and social justice. We are an environmental justice organisation that recognises that the climate and ecological breakdown deepens and amplifies existing economic and other inequalities that affect many marginalised communities. That means ensuring responses deliver a fair share of resources for all human societies, while safeguarding the planet and its eco-systems. Our 2021-25 strategy (currently being updated) worked towards our goal for 2030: that the next generation will enjoy an environment that’s getting better, including a safer climate, flourishing nature, and healthy air, water and food.

To help us deliver our mission, we need a top-quality Company Director and Treasurer to join us and work with the Board to lead us through a both a strategic and corporate governance review.

Being a member of the Friends of the Earth Limited Board is highly rewarding. As an independent member of the Board, you will be part of the governance team of the UK’s most successful and vigorous environmental justice organisation and you will be asked to advise on, develop, and scrutinise impactful strategies and initiatives.

The role is split between being an independent member of the Board of Directors and acting as the Treasurer for Friends of the Earth. As a member of the Board of Directors, you will be responsible for ensuring that Friends of the Earth is achieving its objectives and purpose, and is complying with its governing document and other legal requirements. The role of Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the organisation’s financial health and viability and ensure that clear financial information is presented to the Board. The Treasurer also chairs the Finance Committee, through which they will support with accounting and audit compliance, and ensure adequate financial controls and procedures are in place.

To apply, please see information pack for all details

Purpose of the Role

To join the board as a Volunteer Finanical Director, bringing governance knowledge and strategic thinking to strengthen board effectiveness, uphold the CIC's obligations, and ensure all decisions are made in the best interests of the community we serve.

Role and Responsibilities

1. Guide the Board

• Attend two to three board meetings per month, virtual or hybrid, and come prepared to contribute
• Help ensure decisions are made properly, recorded, and followed through
• Review and respond to decisions outside of meetings within 48 to 72 hours
• Support the review of policies and raise questions when something needs attention
• Support the development of projects and programmes by contributing ideas, strategic thinking, critical insight, and creative, innovative approaches, while bringing energy, boldness, and enthusiasm.

2. Keep Us on Track

• Contribute to strategic decision-making, policy approval, and organisational oversight
• Monitor organisational performance and support the Managing Director in delivery accountability
• Flag risks early and help ensure resources are used well and in line with our mission
• Keep the needs of the communities we serve at the centre of every decision

3. Be a Critical Friend

• Challenge and support the Managing Director with honesty and care
• Ask the questions that need to be asked, even when it is uncomfortable
• Help us grow in a way that is sustainable and grounded in our values

4. Champion What Matters

• Be an ambassador for Zion Wellness in how you show up and speak about us
• Participate in bi-directional mentorship exchanges with young people on the programme
• Ensure safeguarding, inclusion, and community interest are never an afterthought

What We Are Looking For

You will bring:

• A strong professional background in finance, budgeting, and strategic financial planning
• Confident, values-led leadership with the ability to represent the CIC's mission at board level
• A background in leadership, social impact, or community outreach
• Experience in creative direction, entrepreneurship, or project leadership
• Understanding of organisational strategy, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development
• A genuine commitment to systemic change and the communities we serve

It would be great if you also have:

• Governance experience such as trustee, governor, or board-level involvement, though this is not essential
• Experience in a charity, CIC, or grassroots organisation
• Training and induction will be provided for the right candidate

Please Note:  

This role is open to graduate and university students (aged 18+) who are looking to gain real leadership and governance experience. If you are early in your career and passionate about community impact, we want to hear from you. Ongoing support will be provided.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is seeking an experienced and dedicated academic with a strong interest in paediatric palliative care, or related field to join our Research Governance Committee as a Volunteer Academic Member. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of research at a research active children’s hospice, to ensure that our research activities meet the highest standards of integrity, ethics and governance. 

You will work with the Committee Chair, the Research Fellow, and other committee members to support research that makes a meaningful difference to children with life-limiting conditions and their families as well as bereaved families, including those where a child died unexpectedly. 

Appointment to the Committee will be subject to confirmation by the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Trustee Board.

Duties and key responsibilities

· Participate in quarterly meetings: Attend and contribute to online committee meetings held four times per year (papers and slide deck will be prepared by the Chair). 

· Review research proposals: Provide expert review of project proposals, contributing to the assurance of ethical and governance standards. 

· Support research oversight: Help ensure that all research complies with regulatory and ethical requirements and reflects best practices. 

· Contribute academic expertise: Share your knowledge and experience to strengthen the quality and impact of the charity’s research portfolio. 

· Promote collaboration: Encourage partnerships between Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and wider academic, clinical, and research communities. 

· Champion good governance: Actively promote equity, transparency, and excellence in research oversight. 

Essential skills and experience

· Proven experience in academic research, research governance, and research ethics. 

· Strong academic background in higher education, and health or social care research. 

· In-depth understanding of research compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HRA, UKRIO, Caldicott Guidelines, or equivalent). 

· Ability to evaluate research proposals and provide constructive feedback. 

· Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

· Confidence using virtual meeting platforms and digital collaboration tools. 

Desirable attributes

• Academic research background with a track record of publications in the area of paediatric palliative care or related field.

• Previous experience serving on or chairing a research committee or governance board.

• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.

Commitment

• Quarterly committee meetings (Approximately 1 hour per meeting).

• Reviewing project proposals (Approximately 1 hour per month).

• Email communication and ad hoc queries (Approximately 1 hour per month).

• 2–3 years in the role would be appreciated for both parties to gain the most out of this experience.

• This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses related to attendance and participation will be reimbursed. 

ABOUT CHILDREN WITH VOICES

Children With Voices is a grassroots children's charity with over 25 years of experience supporting children and families across London. Based at Fawcett Estate Community Hall in Clapton, Hackney, we run a Community Food Hub, alternative education, SEN support, and community programmes including Jumping Beans. We have supported over 100,000 families and are recognised nationally for our work.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Behind every programme we run and every family we support, there is careful administration keeping everything in order. We are looking for a Volunteer Admin Coordinator to be that backbone — someone who takes ownership of the detail, keeps our systems running, and makes sure the rest of the team can focus on delivery.

This is an ideal role for someone who is highly organised, discreet, and takes real pride in getting things right.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Day-to-Day Administration

• Manage correspondence, scheduling, and general administrative tasks across the organisation

• Maintain accurate records, databases, and filing systems in line with GDPR and data protection requirements

• Support the preparation of reports, meeting notes, and key organisational documents

Operational Support

• Support the Operations Manager with administrative aspects of HR, finance, and governance

• Help coordinate onboarding for volunteers and new team members

• Track outputs, attendance, and impact data for monitoring and evaluation

Communications & Coordination

• Act as the first point of contact for internal queries — directing people quickly and clearly

• Maintain shared systems and tools so information is easy to find and act on

• Support communication between teams, leadership, and external partners

Governance & Compliance Support

• Help prepare materials for Trustee and leadership meetings

• Support safeguarding admin — DBS checks, consent forms, and record keeping

• Flag gaps in processes and help develop simple, workable solutions

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail

• Reliable, discreet, and trustworthy — able to handle sensitive information with care

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Confident using digital tools and office systems (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)

• Able to manage their own time and follow tasks through to completion

• A team player who also takes initiative when needed

• Committed to the values and mission of Children With Voices

This is a voluntary role with real responsibility. We need someone reliable and thorough who takes pride in the detail. You will be supporting a team that serves some of Hackney's most vulnerable children and families — and that matters enormously to us

Who are LRMN?

We offer refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants a specialist and holistic service. We advocate for people’s rights, campaign for wider change, meet their basic needs and help them improve their wellbeing.

Why do we need you?

The Women Together Project supports refugee and asylum-seeking women who have experienced trauma, including Gender-Based Violence (rape, torture, FGM, forced marriage, domestic violence etc.). We are a member of the BACP and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework. Our approach is broadly integrative, drawing on woman-centred/ feminist, holistic, cross-cultural and mind-body perspectives.

The project consists of 1-1 counselling and advocacy and a weekly women’s nurture/ health group. 

We are currently seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and committed female volunteer counsellor to support our work.

What activities will you be involved in?

As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will:

• Offer 1-1 counselling to women from diverse cultures and backgrounds who have experienced trauma, including gender-based violence (this may involve working with an interpreter). This can be done at LRMN’s office or remotely as per clients’ need.

• Meet and maintain our standards regarding confidentiality and equal opportunities, and manage and be accountable for your own work.

• Keep accurate and up-to-date records of all counselling interventions on file and/or electronically.

• Carry out monitoring and evaluation tasks as advised by the Women’s Project Manager.

• Attend team meetings and contribute to information-sharing and discussion around best practice.

• Incorporate project approaches into practice – eg holistic/ feminist/ cross-cultural theories.

• Undertake training in areas relevant to VAWG, refugee and asylum policy and own professional development.

• Work flexibly and from a human rights perspective, remaining open to the challenges faced by this client group.

• Communicate effectively with other members of the therapeutic team and LRMN advice teams, making effective and sensitive referrals where necessary.

• Undertake own clinical supervision either in house or externally.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

By volunteering with LRMN, you will:

• Be part of a small, passionate team working towards improving the lives of some of the most disadvantaged women in UK society

• Monthly group clinical supervision

• Receive direct support and guidance from the Project Manager, as well as additional support from LRMN’s other staff

• Have the chance to attend a monthly team meeting to share information and support (this is not formal supervision)

• Offered places on training organised by LRMN or by external organisations

• Be provided out of pocket expenses to the value of £6 for lunch per day (4+ hours) & up to £15 travel expenses (this applies to qualified volunteers in the office for 4+hours)

Is there induction and training?

Yes, we provide a comprehensive induction to all new volunteers. This covers roles and responsibilities, safeguarding and record keeping.

You will be provided with the training (not clinical) needed to perform the role and will have the opportunity to join training with the whole LRMN team. 

Who are LRMN looking for?

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has membership of a professional body (BACP or similar)

• Is passionate about supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers

• Is passionate about the issue of trauma and gender-based violence and its impact on women

• Is friendly and approachable and can manage professional boundaries

• Respects and adheres to the BACP ethical framework in their work

LRMN is committed to equality and diversity. We pride ourselves on having a diverse team with a range of experiences. We encourage people with lived experience of the asylum and/or immigration system to apply. If you need additional support to apply or volunteer, please contact us.

What commitment do you need to make?

We ask volunteers to commit to one morning or afternoon a week (3 clients per week). 

A great opportunity to play a role at an exciting stage of LRC’s growth!In 2025, the charity set-up a CRM system - after initial configuration, we now need a volunteer to help operationalise and is used optimally to achieve LRC’s goals.

In 2025, the charity set-up a CRM system using CiviPlus, a CRM system specific to the not-for-profit sector. We already have a technical volunteer who has helped with initial system configuration and can provide ongoing technical support.

The Lyme Resource Centre (LRC) is a charity with a mission to minimise risk of Lyme disease whilst enjoying the outdoors, by educating the public and healthcare professionals about ticks and Lyme disease. 

The charity has grown significantly over the past couple of years, and is now looking for volunteers to help with its next phase of evolution. 

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose. 

As part of our new three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future. For further information visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan - Sense

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re creating change
• We’re always learning
• We’re better together

We’re looking for dedicated Volunteer college governors to help shape and champion the future of Sense Colleges.

About the role: 

As a College Governor, you’ll play a vital non-executive role in ensuring our colleges continue to deliver excellent, inclusive education. You’ll help set the strategic direction, monitor performance, and provide independent oversight and support to senior leaders.

Key responsibilities: 

• Help guide the college’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Monitor progress against key priorities and quality improvement plans.
• Hold leaders to account for performance and outcomes that meet the needs of learners.
• Ensure the college complies with statutory and safeguarding duties.
• Oversee financial health and value for money.
• Review students’ progress through visits, reports, and case studies.
• Join one of our sub-committees — either Quality and Curriculum or Safeguarding and Health & Safety — depending on your skills and interests.

This is a meaningful opportunity to influence the education and support of young disabled people, while developing your own governance experience and leadership skills.

About you

This role would be a great fit if you:

• Are passionate about Sense’s mission to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Understand (or are keen to learn about) good governance and the Nolan Principles of public life.
• Have an interest in education, further education policy, or organisational leadership.
• Are committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Can dedicate around one day per month to attending meetings, undertaking training, and reviewing key documents.
• Have experience as a trustee, governor, or within education, health, or social care (desirable, but not essential).

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and safeguarding training, plus ongoing development.
• Expenses reimbursed in line with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
• A meaningful opportunity to use your skills for good – shaping positive futures for young people.
• Experience that enhances your governance, leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
• The satisfaction of giving back and being part of a values-driven community.
• Wellbeing support through Sense’s Mental Health First Aiders.

Important information

• Applicants must be 18 or over and have a UK address.
• An Enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement for this role due to the educational setting and the likelihood of regular contact with learners.
• Guidance and support will be provided throughout the DBS process.
• All volunteers must follow Sense’s policies, including those on Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, and Data Protection (GDPR).
• This role is voluntary and does not form part of an employment contract.

Ready to make an impact?

Join Sense as a College Governor and help shape a world where everyone is included.

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose. 

As part of our new three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future. For further information visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan - Sense

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re creating change
• We’re always learning
• We’re better together

We’re looking for dedicated Volunteer college governors to help shape and champion the future of Sense Colleges.

About the role: 

As a College Governor, you’ll play a vital non-executive role in ensuring our colleges continue to deliver excellent, inclusive education. You’ll help set the strategic direction, monitor performance, and provide independent oversight and support to senior leaders.

Key responsibilities: 

• Help guide the college’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Monitor progress against key priorities and quality improvement plans.
• Hold leaders to account for performance and outcomes that meet the needs of learners.
• Ensure the college complies with statutory and safeguarding duties.
• Oversee financial health and value for money.
• Review students’ progress through visits, reports, and case studies.
• Join one of our sub-committees — either Quality and Curriculum or Safeguarding and Health & Safety — depending on your skills and interests.

This is a meaningful opportunity to influence the education and support of young disabled people, while developing your own governance experience and leadership skills.

About you

This role would be a great fit if you:

• Are passionate about Sense’s mission to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Understand (or are keen to learn about) good governance and the Nolan Principles of public life.
• Have an interest in education, further education policy, or organisational leadership.
• Are committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Can dedicate around one day per month to attending meetings, undertaking training, and reviewing key documents.
• Have experience as a trustee, governor, or within education, health, or social care (desirable, but not essential).

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and safeguarding training, plus ongoing development.
• Expenses reimbursed in line with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
• A meaningful opportunity to use your skills for good – shaping positive futures for young people.
• Experience that enhances your governance, leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
• The satisfaction of giving back and being part of a values-driven community.
• Wellbeing support through Sense’s Mental Health First Aiders.

Important information

• Applicants must be 18 or over and have a UK address.
• An Enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement for this role due to the educational setting and the likelihood of regular contact with learners.
• Guidance and support will be provided throughout the DBS process.
• All volunteers must follow Sense’s policies, including those on Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, and Data Protection (GDPR).
• This role is voluntary and does not form part of an employment contract.

Ready to make an impact?

Join Sense as a College Governor and help shape a world where everyone is included.

About Us

Health in the Margins C.I.C. is a newly established UK Community Interest Company. We centre the voices, values and healing traditions of frontline communities- those most affected by health inequalities.

We do this through:

• community-led research & education
• co-designed health programmes and evaluation
• policy and advocacy work

Founded in September 2025, we are in our first year. We are currently building partnerships and securing funding, with plans to increase programme delivery in 2026.

Our Mission: Striving towards epistemic justice, our mission is to centre the voices, values and healing traditions of frontline communities towards the goal of advancing health equity.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a new non-executive director to join our board and help guide the organisation as we grow.

As a small, founder-led organisation, we need someone who can offer strategic thinking, support strong and ethical governance, and help us build a sustainable foundation while staying true to our values and accountable to community.

This is an opportunity to shape an organisation from an early stage and contribute to work focused on health justice. We are looking for someone who is not only skilled, but also personally committed to this work and willing to engage thoughtfully with the communities we come from and work with.

Who we are looking for

We are interested in someone who is passionate about tackling health inequity and motivated to contribute to grassroots, community-led work. We are recruiting 1 or 2 new directors. As we are newly established, experience in one or more of the following would be helpful:

• Strategic thinking aligned with our mission
• Governance (for example as a trustee or director of a charity or CIC) to help us with activities such as updating our bye-laws
• Fundraising (especially with trusts and foundations)
• Developing sustainable income or partnerships
• Finance, risk or organisational sustainability
• Supporting early-stage or growing organisations

We are committed to ensuring our board reflects the communities most affected by health inequalities. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of these issues, including (but not limited to) those from Global Majority communities, disabled people, people with long-term health conditions, migrants, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

We value knowledge gained through community work, lived experience, and informal leadership.

We recognise that this experience often brings valuable insight into systems, access, and equity that is not always captured through formal professional routes.

We are also keen to hear from people who may not have extensive formal board experience, but who have:

• Held responsibility in community, voluntary or informal leadership roles
• Worked closely with marginalised communities
• Contributed to decision-making in grassroots or movement spaces

What matters most to us is not a specific career path, but the ability to engage seriously with governance, bring thoughtful perspective, and contribute to an organisation that is still being shaped.

What You Will Do

You will be part of a small grassroots team that is committed to closing the health gaps in our communities. In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic guidance and oversight
• Help ensure strong governance and accountability
• Support our fundraising approach and sustainability
• Contribute to risk management and sustainability planning
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation
• Attend quarterly board meetings (online)

Time commitment: Approximately 4–6 hours per month.

This is a voluntary (unpaid) role.

What You Will Gain

• The chance to shape a new organisation from the ground up
• The chance to contribute to transformative work in global health equity
• The opportunity to support meaningful, community-led work on health

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who:

• Understands governance responsibilities
• Can offer constructive challenge and independent thinking
• Shares our commitment to equity and community leadership
• Works collaboratively and respectfully
• Can commit reliably to board activities

We are particularly keen to strengthen the independence of our board and welcome applicants who are not connected personally or professionally to the current directors.

How to Apply

Please send:

• A short statement (maximum 1 page or up to 5 minutes audio/video) outlining:
  • Your governance experience
  • Why you’re interested in Health in the Margins
  • What you would bring to the role
• A CV or a short summary of your relevant experience (this can include unpaid or community-based work)

Deadline: Monday 18 May 2026 (end of day)

We will invite shortlisted candidates to an informal online conversation.

If you would like to discuss the role before applying or need a different format to apply, please contact us.

We will review applications on a rolling basis and may close early if we find a suitable candidate.

Independent Chair and Non-Executive Director Recruitment

Somerset Skills & Learning CIC (SS&L)
Voluntary roles | Somerset / Hybrid

Changing lives through learning

Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) is a thriving Community Interest Company delivering education and skills to around 4,000 learners each year. Working with over 145 employers, we improve confidence, wellbeing, employability and life chances across Somerset and beyond.

We are now seeking two Independent Non-Executive Directors to join our Board at an exciting and pivotal time.

Following seven successful years on the Board, our Chair will step down in November 2026. As part of this recruitment, we will identify our next Non-Executive Chair, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of a values-driven organisation making a tangible difference.

The Opportunities

Non-Executive Director – Finance & Sustainability

You will bring senior financial leadership experience to help guide SS&L’s long-term sustainability.

You will contribute to:

• Financial strategy, oversight and resilience
• Risk management, audit and governance
• Supporting sustainable, values-led growth

Non-Executive Director – Further Education Quality & Impact

You will bring expertise from the further education or skills sector to help ensure high-quality outcomes.

You will contribute to:

• Quality assurance and continuous improvement
• Learner outcomes and progression
• Strategic curriculum development aligned to community need

About the Roles

As a Board member, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight, challenge and support
• Help shape organisational direction and impact
• Work collaboratively with fellow Directors and the Executive team

From these appointments, we are particularly interested in individuals with the capability and interest to step into the Chair role.

Commitment

• Approximately 4–5 hours per month
• Four Board meetings per year (hybrid)
• Participation in sub-committees
• Voluntary roles (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About You

We are looking for individuals who:

• Bring senior leadership or Board-level experience
• Can offer constructive challenge and strategic insight
• Share our commitment to inclusion, learning and community impact

We particularly welcome applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
 

How to Apply

Full details about this opportunity in the attached brief. For a confidential discussion, please contact Anna Jay, Managing Director, Public Leaders Appointments

Closing date for applications: Midday, 21st May 2026. Interviews 10th or 11th June 2026.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to help shape an organisation that is transforming lives through learning, we would love to hear from you.