74 Trusts and foundations volunteer roles

Join the Team and Help Us Build the Future of The Swadhinata Trust 

The Swadhinata Trust is embarking on a journey of significant growth and transformation. Having recently refreshed our purpose, mission, and brand, we are now ready for our next big leap: transitioning from a grassroots volunteer organisation to a scalable charity with paid staff and expanded reach.

To reach our full potential, we need 'roll-up-your-sleeves' leaders who are eager to help us transform. This isn’t just about giving advice from the sidelines; it’s about being the engine of our transformation. Whether you are an expert in your field or looking to develop new skills, joining us as a collaborative partner offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact on our journey.

How Can You Help 

We are looking for both professionals and enthusiasts eager to use their skills to help us transform. Whether you can offer 2 hours a week or 10, your expertise will be a vital part of reaching our big goals. You don’t need to be a veteran in your field; we value a 'roll-up-your-sleeves' attitude and a commitment to our mission just as much as a CV.

Fundraising and Partnerships Volunteer

The Goal: Help us build the relationships that fuel our work. You’ll be part of the team that finds the resources we need to grow.

We’d love help with:

• Researching Opportunities: Finding new grants, trusts, or local businesses who might want to partner with us.

• Drafting Bids: Helping us write compelling stories and applications for funding.

• Relationship Building: Supporting our communications with current donors to keep them updated on our success.

What you bring:

• A gift for storytelling and clear, persuasive writing.

• A friendly, professional manner and a love for networking.

• Persistence and a "hunter" mindset for finding new opportunities.

Fundraising Project Coordinator (Volunteer) 

The Owen Smith Charitable Trust 

Location: Ealing, London / Hybrid 

Salary: Unpaid role 

Expenses: Agreed travel expenses may be reimbursed for attendance at the Ealing location, by prior agreement. 

Contract: Voluntary 

Time commitment: Up to 5 hours per week 

This voluntary role would suit someone who enjoys research, organisation and coordination, and wants to help a small charity build a more consistent approach to fundraising. You will help identify suitable funders, track opportunities and support applications that strengthen the Trust's opportunities to secure funding for environmental, community and wellbeing projects. 

Working arrangements 

• We currently meet in Ealing weekly, you are welcome to join also on a weekly or fortnightly or monthly basis, depending on project needs, to collaborate, review progress, coordinate activities and contribute to a supportive team environment. 

• Remote working is also available, with regular communication with the Project Director and wider volunteer team. 

• Specific meeting arrangements can be discussed with the successful volunteer. 

Help us turn environmental and community projects into reality 

The Owen Smith Charitable Trust is looking for an organised, proactive Fundraising Project Coordinator to identify funding opportunities, develop our funding pipeline and coordinate grant applications for our environmental, community and well-being work. 

You will collaborate closely with the Project Director and wider volunteer team to build a more structured and sustainable approach to fundraising for our Wild Magic project and wider charitable activities. 

We welcome applicants with strong transferable skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.We welcome applicants with strong transferable skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. 

Key responsibilities 

• Research and identify suitable grant, trust, foundation, corporate and community funding opportunities. 

• Assess funding criteria and maintain a simple pipeline of opportunities, deadlines, applications and outcomes. 

• Coordinate information, evidence and supporting documents required for funding applications. 

• Support the development of project proposals, outcomes, budgets and business cases. 

• Support the preparation and submission of grant applications, provide regular updates and review on application progress, outcomes and follow-up actions. 

• Work with the Project Director to align funding opportunities with project priorities, to help shape the Trust’s fundraising approach. 

• Identify potential fundraising, partnership and community opportunities that could support the Trust’s work. 

• Suggest improvements to the Trust’s approach to funding research, applications and coordination. 

Essential skills and experience

• Project Management: Ability to coordinate multiple activities, manage deadlines, track progress and ensure agreed actions are followed through, and deliver high-quality results. 

• Research Skills: Ability to research information, assess funding opportunities and identify those that are relevant to the Trust’s projects and priorities. 

• Time Management: Ability to prioritise tasks, manage competing deadlines and work effectively within an agreed time commitment. 

• Initiative & Reliability: Proactive and dependable, with the confidence to work independently, identify opportunities and keep others informed of progress. 

• Organisation & Attention to Detail: Strong organisational, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to keep information, actions, deadlines and supporting documents accurately and up to date. 

• Digital Skills: Comfortable using everyday digital tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace or similar platforms. 

Desirable skills and experience

We are interested in your transferable skills, what you can contribute and your willingness to develop. 

Experience in one or more of the following would be an advantage: 

• Grant writing: Experience researching funding opportunities and supporting the preparation of clear, compelling grant applications that help secure funding for environmental, community and wellbeing projects. 

• Fundraising experience: Experience planning, managing or supporting fundraising activity, such as trust and foundation fundraising, corporate fundraising, community fundraising or digital campaigns to attract donors and increase awareness. 

• Project Management: Previous experience coordinating projects, workstreams or activities, including managing actions, stakeholders, deadlines and deliverables. 

• Business Case Development: Experience preparing project proposals, budgets, business cases, outcomes or supporting documentation for funding or project approval. 

• Funding Pipeline Management: Experience tracking funding opportunities, application deadlines, submissions, outcomes and reporting requirements. 

• Monitoring & Reporting: Experience supporting funding monitoring, evaluation or reporting, including gathering evidence of project outcomes and impact. 

• Relationship Building: Experience developing and maintaining relationships with funders, corporate partners, community organisations or other stakeholders with the ability to communicate clearly. 

• Partnership Development: Experience identifying opportunities for collaboration with businesses, community groups, schools or other organisations. 

Initial trial and review

The role will begin with an initial one-month trial period to establish whether the role and ways of working are a good fit for both the volunteer and the Trust. 

Initial priorities will be agreed with the Project Director and may include becoming familiar with our projects and funding priorities, researching opportunities and developing the funding pipeline. 

Following the first-month review, the role may continue by mutual agreement, with the volunteers’ contribution and progress reviewed over the first three months. 

The review will consider the quality of funding research and application support, as well as organisation, reliability, communication, initiative and collaboration. It will not be based solely on whether funding has been secured, as funding decisions are outside the volunteer’s control.as well as organisation, reliability, communication, initiative and collaboration. It will not be based solely on whether funding has been secured, as funding decisions are outside the volunteer’s control. 

What you will gain 

This is an opportunity to gain practical experience in charity fundraising, grant development, and project coordination, while contributing to environmental and community projects to help shape the Trust’s fundraising approach. 

How to apply

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds and experiences, and we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments or flexible arrangements where possible. 

Please send a short CV and a brief explanation of why you are interested in the role and what skills or experience you could bring. 

If you do not meet every requirement but believe you could make a valuable contribution, we would still encourage you to get in touch. 

Help Shape the Future of Children’s Healthcare in Sussex. Join the Board of Trustees at Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

As a Trustee, you'll work alongside fellow Board members and our Executive Team to:

• Help shape the charity's long-term strategy and future direction.
• Ensure Rockinghorse is well governed, financially sustainable and delivering the greatest possible impact.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team as we deliver our ambitious plans.
• Champion the charity and help build relationships that strengthen our work across Sussex.

This is an opportunity to contribute to decisions that will help thousands of children and families every year.

We're particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in:

• Finance
• Healthcare or allied professions
• Charity governance
• Fundraising
• Business leadership
• Marketing and communications
• Research, data or evaluation
• IT
• Digital
• Business development

We're particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of children's healthcare and from people whose backgrounds and experiences are currently underrepresented on charity boards.

About Rockinghorse

Rockinghorse was set up in 1967 by Dr Trevor Mann as an appeal to provide the first neonatal incubator outside London.

The appeal not only marked the beginning of our charity, but also the very early days of what later became the Trevor Mann Baby Unit. Dr Mann was intrinsic to paediatric care in Sussex as we know it today.

Roll forward to today, and we are proud to be the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton along with the Trevor Mann Baby Unit.

We also support many other NHS hospital settings throughout Sussex, including Bluefin Ward at Worthing, Chalkhill and the Special Care Baby Unit at Haywards Heath, and Howard Ward at St Richard’s in Chichester.

Working in partnership with these services, we fund projects which focus on improving children’s physical and emotional well-being, while providing additional support services for parents and carers.

The projects we support fall into six key categories: toys, equipment, spaces, research, activities, and people.

Our Vision

Rockinghorse’s vision is a world where children are healthy and happy.  

Our Mission

We fund and deliver transformative projects and services that enhance the care and support given by our incredible colleagues in the NHS.

We invest in state-of-the-art treatments, life-saving equipment, critical mental health support, additional people, ground-breaking research, and inspiring spaces that go above and beyond for children.

We work in partnership with the UHSussex NHS Trust and other charities to ensure every young patient and their family receive the best possible care when they are unwell.

Our Values

We strive to always operate in line with the following guiding values.

We care

We care about children, young people, their families, and all those that look after for them. We always act with kindness and compassion. We care about the NHS and all those who work there. We care about the world and want to make it a better place.

We’re passionate

We are passionate about making life better for children, young people, and their families. If there’s something we can do to make life better for patients and their families, we’ll go above and beyond to do it. We are passionate about our community and all those in it.

We’re honest

We are open and honest about our work, what we fund and how we raise funds. We work hard to ensure money goes to projects that genuinely make a difference. We involve our supporters in our projects and share our learning and experience wherever possible.

We’re supportive

We help wherever and however we can. We support children and their families; we support Health Care Professionals (HCP) and paediatric

services, and we support each other as team members. We work with and support other charities and organisations who are doing great things for children in Sussex.

We’re collaborative

We prioritise working with people and organisations wherever possible. We work with experts and others for the best possible outcome for sick

children and their families. We love a partnership that prioritises impact and avoids duplication.

How to apply

If you’d like to help shape the future of children’s healthcare across Sussex, we’d love to hear from you. Please email a covering letter outlining your skills and experience in relation to the Trustee Job Description to Dr Oli Rahman, our Chair of Trustees, by 30 September 2026.

Interviews will be held in person in Brighton in October (dates/times flexible to shortlisted candidates).
If you have any questions about the role, process or the charity please email our CEO, Donna Holland.

For email addresses and further information, please refer to the attached Application Pack.

Chair of Trustees - Gorse Hill Studios Community & Cultural Centre (GHSCC)

Help Shape the Future of an Ambitious Youth Arts Charity

Gorse Hill Studios (GHSCC) is seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Trustees.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Board of a respected and ambitious youth arts charity that has transformed the lives of thousands of young people across Greater Manchester. Working closely with our Chief Executive and fellow trustees, you will help shape our strategic direction, strengthen our governance, and champion our mission to ensure every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

About Us

At Gorse Hill Studios, we believe all young people deserve social, emotional, educational and cultural investment in their future.

For over a decade, we have supported young people aged 8 to 25 through a unique combination of arts, youth work and creative learning. Our work focuses on inclusion, disability, youth voice, alternative education and creative engagement, helping young people build confidence, resilience and meaningful pathways into adulthood.

Through our programmes, we empower young people to discover their potential, strengthen their communities and achieve aspirations they may never have thought possible.

The Opportunity

As Chair of Trustees, you will provide leadership to our Board and help ensure GHSCC remains focused on achieving its charitable objectives while operating to the highest standards of governance.

You will act as a trusted partner to our Chief Executive, providing support, challenge and strategic oversight while maintaining the appropriate distinction between governance and operational management.

This role provides a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people while contributing your leadership skills to a values-driven organisation at an exciting stage of its development.

Key Responsibilities

As Chair, you will:

• Lead and facilitate an effective, inclusive and high-performing Board of Trustees.
• Ensure the Board fulfils its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive to develop and monitor organisational strategy.
• Foster constructive relationships between trustees, staff and stakeholders.
• Support the recruitment, development and succession planning of trustees.
• Ensure risks are appropriately identified and managed.
• Champion GHSCC's mission, values and reputation across the sector and wider community.
• Encourage robust discussion, constructive challenge and effective decision-making.
• Lead Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.

Who We Are Looking For

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals who can demonstrate:

• Senior leadership or board-level experience.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
• The ability to inspire, influence and build consensus.
• A commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• An understanding of good governance and organisational accountability.
• Experience of leading meetings and facilitating effective group decision-making.

Previous Chair experience is desirable but not essential. We are equally interested in hearing from candidates with strong leadership experience who are ready to take on their first Chair role.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Charity leadership and governance
• Fundraising and income generation
• Marketing and communications
• Education and alternative provision
• Finance or risk management
• Legal or HR expertise
• Public sector or community engagement

Time Commitment

The Board currently meets four times per year in person at Gorse Hill, Trafford.

In addition, the Chair is expected to:

• Meet regularly with the Chief Executive.
• Attend occasional committee meetings and key events.
• Support trustee recruitment and board development activities.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity when appropriate.

We estimate an average commitment of approximately 1 to 2 days per month.

This is a voluntary unpaid role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Our Commitment to Diversity

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who bring lived experience, perspectives and voices that are currently underrepresented in charity governance. We celebrate the richness of our differences, including social class, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, faith and age.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV alongside an expression of interest (maximum two sides of A4) outlining:

• Why you are interested in becoming Chair of Trustees at Gorse Hill Studios.
• The skills, experience and perspectives you would bring to the role.
• How your values align with our mission and work with young people.

Deadline midnight 25th September 2026.

Interviews 9th October 2026 afternoon and early evening TBC

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader 

Roles available at colleges across Shipley

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact in your community? 

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills; all while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials. 

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you 

Further education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving – from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts. 

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed. 

This is an opportunity to: 

• Apply your corporate skills in a leadership role 

• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV 

• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility 

• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation 

What will you be doing? 

As part of a governing board, you’ll: 

• Set strategic direction, helping to define the college’s mission and goals 

• Hold leadership to account, monitoring finances, performance, and outcomes 

• Ensure governance excellence, making decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders 

• Act as a charity trustee, ensuring financial sustainability and legal compliance 

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners. 

Who are we looking for? 

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to: 

• Finance, Audit & Risk 

• HR, People & Culture 

• Strategy, Transformation & Operations 

• Technology, AI & Digital 

• Legal, Governance & Compliance 

• Marketing, PR & Communications 

• Education, apprenticeships, or vocational courses 

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed. 

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed. 

Time commitment 

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including: 

• Attending board and committee meetings (in person or remote) 

• Reading papers and preparing questions 

• Participating in training and occasional college visits 

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role – and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development. 

Where you’ll be needed 

Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you? 

This role offers the opportunity to: 

• Enhance your board-level and governance experience 

• Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role 

• Expand your professional network 

• Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact 

About Boards for Education 

Boards for Education is a charity that sources and supports volunteers for governing boards. We aim to improve educational outcomes for children, young people, and adult learners by strengthening governance across the education sector. 

With more than 25 years’ experience and a national network of partners, we connect schools, academy trusts, colleges, and education charities across England and Wales with skilled, independent volunteers. 

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role? 

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight into the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor. 

Trustee with social care experience

Style Acre is a dynamic and creative charity supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism across Oxfordshire.

We are looking for a committed and motivated individual with social care experience and who is aligned to our vision to create communities where people with learning disabilities and autism are valued as equals and to our values of caring, respect, honesty, ambition, and collaboration.

The role of a Trustee is unpaid and voluntary. We expect all Trustees to actively contribute to the work of the Board, using their skills and experience to give strategic direction, evaluate performance, and ensuring the charity is run efficiently and effectively. This post requires the applicant to have a good understanding of the social care sector and the challenges it faces, preferably with hands-on experience in the sector.

Trustees are expected to:-

• attend up to 4 Board meetings per year and an annual awayday. Meetings are usually held on a Thursday 1-5pm. In addition, there is  a finance & audit committee which also meets quarterly.
• contribute advice and support on an ad hoc basis.
• attend events and promote the work of the charity.
• visit services regularly but as a minimum on a quarterly basis. 

All travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be re-imbursed if required.  Applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

Trustees of Style Acre play an important role in setting the strategy, culture, and vison of the charity, supporting the management team to deliver high quality support,  and ensuring the people we support are living their best lives at the heart of their local community. For more information on our work, please visit our website at Style Acre.

Chair of Trustees - The Family Place Foundation

We are recruiting a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our charity’s development.

Location: Remote, with occasional in‑person trustee meetings (typically once or twice a year) held in the Clyro/Herefordshire area.

Time commitment: Approximately 1–2 days per month. This includes six trustee meetings a year, occasional ad‑hoc discussions and light‑touch support between meetings (for example reviewing policies or responding to emails).

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About us

Established in 2020, we are a small, well-established charity with a strong grounding and a clear purpose. We raise funds to provide support to adopted, fostered and kinship care children and their families to improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and reduce the impact of early trauma. In collaboration with leading UK practitioners, we support the delivery of a range of services providing essential therapeutic care and family support that isn’t covered by statutory funding. Services offered include Family Activity Days, Specialist Clinical Workshops, Advisory Consultations and Family Respite Camps. We also work to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children who cannot live with their birth families. We are a warm, committed team with a strong reputation for high‑quality support, clear governance, and genuine care for the families we serve.

To learn more about our work, please search online for “The Family Place Foundation”.

We are now seeking a Chair of Trustees to help guide the charity through its next stage of development, including shaping our emerging Family Foundations project, a significant new early‑years initiative for the charity, alongside our ongoing portfolio of funded projects delivered through our specialist partner. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated Board and a small operational support team who care deeply about the families we serve and the long‑term sustainability of the organisation.

The charity is currently led by a Board of four trustees, supported by two part‑time operational staff and a small group of volunteers.

As Chair, you will provide leadership to the Board, ensure effective governance, and help the charity continue enabling the delivery of high‑quality, trauma‑informed support. You will work closely with the trustees and operational colleagues to help shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the charity remains compliant, resilient, and focused on its mission. You will also play a key role in strengthening the charity’s governance and fundraising, which in turn enables the therapeutic delivery carried out by our specialist partner. 

A supportive handover will be provided to ensure a smooth and confident transition into the role.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Warmth, clarity and good judgement, with a balanced, proportionate approach to governance.

• A genuine commitment to improving the lives of adopted, fostered and kinship care children and an understanding of the challenges faced by families affected by early trauma.

• Confidence in chairing discussions, helping the Board reach clear, well‑considered decisions.

• An understanding of good governance, including risk, safeguarding and compliance (or a willingness to learn).

• The ability to work collaboratively with trustees and our small operational support team, offering encouragement and constructive challenge while supporting the charity’s governance and fundraising role, which enables the specialist delivery work carried out by our partner.

• Strategic thinking, with the ability to help shape the charity’s direction and ensure long‑term sustainability.

• Reliability, integrity and a calm, steady approach, keeping the charity’s purpose at the centre of decision‑making.

• Meets the eligibility requirements to serve as a charity trustee, as set out by the Charity Commission.

Helpful but not essential:

• Experience of chairing a board or committee

• Experience in charity governance, education, social care, therapeutic work, or community leadership would be helpful, but we are open to a wide range of backgrounds.

• Lived or professional experience related to adoption, fostering, trauma or family support.

What We Offer

• A warm, committed Board, small operational support team and group of volunteers who work collaboratively and value clear communication.

• A meaningful opportunity to shape the future of a small but growing charity with a strong reputation for high‑quality, trauma‑informed support.

• Flexible time commitments that fit around work and family life.

• A chance to make a tangible difference to adopted, fostered and kinship-care children and young people, and the families who care for them.

How to apply

Please apply through the CharityJob platform with your CV and a short supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and your relevant experience. 

If you would like an informal conversation before applying please contact the charity directly using the details provided on our website. We would be happy to arrange a conversation with the current Chair or another member of the Board if you would like to learn more about the role.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Join the Team and Help Us Build the Future of The Swadhinata Trust 

The Swadhinata Trust is embarking on a journey of significant growth and transformation. Having recently refreshed our purpose, mission, and brand, we are now ready for our next big leap: transitioning from a grassroots volunteer organisation to a scalable charity with paid staff and expanded reach.

To reach our full potential, we need 'roll-up-your-sleeves' leaders who are eager to help us transform. This isn’t just about giving advice from the sidelines; it’s about being the engine of our transformation. Whether you are an expert in your field or looking to develop new skills, joining us as a collaborative partner offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact on our journey.

How Can You Help 

We are looking for both professionals and enthusiasts eager to use their skills to help us transform. Whether you can offer 2 hours a week or 10, your expertise will be a vital part of reaching our big goals. You don’t need to be a veteran in your field; we value a 'roll-up-your-sleeves' attitude and a commitment to our mission just as much as a CV.

Marketing and Communications Volunteer

The Goal: Help us share our story with the world. You’ll be a creative voice for the Trust, helping our message reach and inspire action.

We’d love help with:

• Digital Content: Creating engaging posts for social media, newsletters, or our website.

• Designing Materials: Helping us make flyers, posters, or digital graphics that look great.

• Campaigning: Assisting with the launch of new campaigns to celebrate our impact.

What you bring:

• A creative eye and a knack for writing content that people want to read.

• Familiarity with social media or design tools (like Canva or Mailchimp).

• A passion for sharing the history and stories of the British Bengali community.

Help a growing education charity build the funding it needs to develop its programmes and reach more children and young people.

Coempowered is a small education charity creating spaces for philosophical inquiry, critical thinking and meaningful dialogue. We work mainly with children, young people and young adults, including Persian-speaking communities from Afghanistan and Iran, with Kurdish-language provision also developing.

We are at an important stage of our development and are looking for volunteers to help us strengthen our fundraising. This is a varied role that can be shaped around your experience, interests and strengths.

You might contribute to:

• researching trusts, foundations, grant programmes and other potential funding opportunities
• identifying opportunities that fit our programmes, beneficiaries and stage of development
• maintaining a funding pipeline and application calendar
• researching funders and understanding their priorities and requirements
• preparing and writing grant applications and expressions of interest
• adapting applications to different funders and criteria
• developing our case for support and other core fundraising materials
• gathering programme, impact, budget and organisational information needed for applications
• helping develop programme and project funding proposals
• keeping accurate records of applications, deadlines, outcomes and follow-ups
• supporting donor and partnership research
• contributing to fundraising planning and reviewing what is working
• helping us develop a practical longer-term fundraising strategy.

Different levels of experience are welcome

You do not need to be experienced in every aspect of fundraising.

If you have substantial fundraising experience, there is scope to take greater responsibility for developing our fundraising strategy, identifying priorities, improving our approach and supporting other fundraising volunteers.

If you are earlier in your fundraising career, or have strong transferable skills in research, writing, communications, project development or similar work, we can agree a more focused area of responsibility and support you to develop your experience.

We would rather build a good team around complementary strengths than expect one volunteer to do everything.

Who we’re looking for

Depending on the area you work on, useful skills and experience could include:

• fundraising or grant fundraising
• bid or proposal writing
• research and information gathering
• strong written communication
• project or programme development
• strategic planning
• donor or partnership research
• maintaining organised records and pipelines
• charity, education or community-sector experience.

Most importantly, we are looking for people who are reliable, thoughtful and able to produce careful, high-quality work. You should be able to work independently, communicate clearly and follow through on agreed responsibilities.

For roles involving substantial responsibility for fundraising strategy or major applications, relevant fundraising experience will be important.

Why your contribution matters

Fundraising is central to Coempowered’s next stage of development.

We have developed our educational work largely through volunteer effort. Building a stronger and more sustainable funding base will allow us to improve our programmes, support and train facilitators, strengthen our organisational capacity and reach more participants without compromising the quality of our educational work.

Your contribution could help us identify opportunities we would otherwise miss, submit stronger applications and build the systems and evidence needed to develop longer-term relationships with funders and supporters.

For an experienced fundraiser, there is also an opportunity to have a significant influence on how a developing charity approaches fundraising from the beginning.

Practical details

The role is fully remote and can be carried out from anywhere with reliable internet access.

Working hours are flexible and can be agreed according to your availability and area of responsibility. We ask volunteers to maintain regular communication, attend agreed online meetings where relevant and give reasonable notice if their availability changes.

We are particularly interested in volunteers who can contribute consistently over time, although we may also consider applicants with specialist fundraising expertise who can support a defined project or piece of work.

Become a School Governor – Make a Difference in Your Community

Are you passionate about education and helping children achieve their full potential?

The Orchard Learning Alliance is seeking committed volunteers to join our Local Governing Boards in the Wokingham and Reading areas. As a governor, you'll work with school leaders to provide support and challenge, monitor the impact of teaching and learning standards, safeguarding, SEND, stakeholder engagement, health & safety, and finance, and ensure every child receives the best possible education.

No previous governance experience is required. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and professions who can bring enthusiasm, sound judgement, and a commitment to improving outcomes for young people. Full induction, training, and ongoing support will be provided.

This is a rewarding voluntary role that offers the opportunity to develop your own skills while making a lasting impact on your local community.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a local governor with Orchard Learning Alliance, we'd love to hear from you.

#SchoolGovernor #Education #Volunteering #Governance #MakeADifference #CommunityLeadership

Join the Team and Help Us Build the Future of The Swadhinata Trust 

The Swadhinata Trust is embarking on a journey of significant growth and transformation. Having recently refreshed our purpose, mission, and brand, we are now ready for our next big leap: transitioning from a grassroots volunteer organisation to a scalable charity with paid staff and expanded reach.

To reach our full potential, we need 'roll-up-your-sleeves' leaders who are eager to help us transform. This isn’t just about giving advice from the sidelines; it’s about being the engine of our transformation. Whether you are an expert in your field or looking to develop new skills, joining us as a collaborative partner offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact on our journey.

How Can You Help 

We are looking for both professionals and enthusiasts eager to use their skills to help us transform. Whether you can offer 2 hours a week or 10, your expertise will be a vital part of reaching our big goals. You don’t need to be a veteran in your field; we value a 'roll-up-your-sleeves' attitude and a commitment to our mission just as much as a CV.

Operations Volunteer

The Goal: You are the engine room! You’ll help ensure our day-to-day systems, from IT to HR, are smooth and supportive.

We’d love help with:

• Daily Support: Helping with office admin, logistics, or coordinating meetings.

• Improving Systems: Assisting with our CRM (database) or helping the team get the most out of our tech.

• People Support: Helping with the "welcome" process for new staff or volunteers.

What you bring:

• A proactive, "can-do" attitude and a knack for multitasking.

• Great people skills and an organised approach to busy days.

• Tech-savviness (or a quick ability to learn new software).

Join the Team and Help Us Build the Future of The Swadhinata Trust 

The Swadhinata Trust is embarking on a journey of significant growth and transformation. Having recently refreshed our purpose, mission, and brand, we are now ready for our next big leap: transitioning from a grassroots volunteer organisation to a scalable charity with paid staff and expanded reach.

To reach our full potential, we need 'roll-up-your-sleeves' leaders who are eager to help us transform. This isn’t just about giving advice from the sidelines; it’s about being the engine of our transformation. Whether you are an expert in your field or looking to develop new skills, joining us as a collaborative partner offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact on our journey.

How Can You Help 

We are looking for both professionals and enthusiasts eager to use their skills to help us transform. Whether you can offer 2 hours a week or 10, your expertise will be a vital part of reaching our big goals. You don’t need to be a veteran in your field; we value a 'roll-up-your-sleeves' attitude and a commitment to our mission just as much as a CV.

Strategy and Programme Volunteer

The Goal:Help us turn our big dreams into reality. You will be part of the team that takes our ambitions and builds them into practical, life-changing projects.

We’d love help with:

• Planning the Journey: Helping us draft clear project plans and timelines.

• Tracking our Progress: Helping us collect information to see how well our projects are doing.

• Organising Teams: Assisting with the coordination of different tasks to keep everything running on time.

What you bring:

• An organised mind and a love for "getting things done."

• Experience in project management or a strong interest in how charities run.

• The ability to see the steps needed to reach a big goal.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Oaklea Trust in their search for their next Chair of Trustees. 

About Oaklea Trust

The Oaklea Trust is a charitable organisation whose purpose is to give vulnerable people the opportunity to live and work as independently as possible within their community. Established in 2002 and based in Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland, we support disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable children and adults. Our charitable work supports people of all ages who have Learning Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Mental Health needs, and/or Dementia.

The Oaklea Group is made up of the charity, Oaklea Trust, and its commercial arm, Right2Work. Together, they support people and communities to learn, develop and thrive through person-centred care and support, learning opportunities, and pathways into employment.

This is a unique opportunity to help lead a values-driven organisation that supports people and communities across the North of England to learn, develop and thrive.

About the Chair opportunity

As Chair, you will energise and empower the Board and the Group as a whole. You will foster a culture of openness, collaboration, and constructive debate. You will inspire confidence and ensure the highest standards of governance, integrity and accountability. 

You will also help shape the Group’s future impact, supporting our mission to reduce inequality and create opportunities for people and communities to thrive. Through your strategic insight and advocacy, you will help extend our reach, strengthen partnerships and ensure more people can access the care, support and opportunities they need and deserve.

The Chair of the Oaklea Board of Trustees will:

• Ensure the Board functions effectively
• Guide Oaklea Trust’s strategic direction
• Ensure governance oversight
• Represent Oaklea Trust internally and externally
• Evaluate and support the Chief Executive
• Champion the leadership of Committees

We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees who can bring the following experience and capabilities to the role. We recognise that lived experience can offer valuable insights that greatly enhance a role like this, especially when combined with professional expertise.

Experience/Background:

• Experience of strategic leadership and governance within an organisation of equivalent size and complexity to Oaklea Trust, ideally within a Group structure. 
• A track record of driving growth and innovation, with the ability to apply insight to support the achievement of Oaklea Trust’s strategic objectives. 
• Understanding of the challenges associated with leading and delivering regulated services and the management of the associated risks.
• Ability to constructively challenge and hold space for compassionate and constructive conversations.
• Financial and commercial acumen, including experience in financial planning, oversight, risk management, and the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability. 
• Ability to scrutinise and manage financial risk, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and safeguarding against fraud. 
• Ability to open doors, build networks and maximise opportunities with a range of stakeholders, funders and partner organisations.
• Previous trustee and/or Chair/Vice Chair experience is desirable.

Fundraising Volunteer - RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch

Could you use your fundraising skills to help animals?

Every year, our Branch rescues, cares for and rehomes hundreds of unwanted, stray and abandoned animals. We also help local pet owners who are struggling to afford essential veterinary treatment, helping animals get the care they need and, wherever possible, stay with the people who love them.

As a local RSPCA branch, we raise the money we need ourselves. Donations, grants, gifts in wills and support from our local community make it possible for us to rescue animals, provide veterinary treatment, care for them while they are with us and find them loving new homes. We're looking for a Fundraising Volunteer to help us find new sources of funding and develop ideas that will bring more support to our work.

This could be a great opportunity if you have fundraising experience and would like to use your skills for something that has a direct local impact. You don't need to be an animal welfare expert. We can tell you all about our work and the difference your fundraising could make. What matters most is that you care about animals, have good ideas and enjoy finding ways to bring people and organisations together to support a cause.

What will you be doing?

There are lots of ways you could get involved, depending on your experience and interests.

You might:

• Research charitable trusts, foundations and other grant-making organisations that could support our work.

• Identify new local and national funding opportunities.

• Help us prepare information and applications for grants and funding bids.

• Research potential corporate, community or other fundraising opportunities.

• Help develop appeals to raise money for specific projects and urgent needs.

• Help us tell the story of what we do and why our work needs support.

• Bring your own fundraising ideas and help turn them into reality.

You don't need to be an expert in all of these areas. We're happy to discuss what you're good at, what interests you and how you'd like to contribute.

Who we're looking for

This role could be a good fit if you have:

• Some previous fundraising experience, whether paid or voluntary.

• An interest in animal welfare and the work we do locally.

• Good written communication skills.

• The ability to research information and identify relevant opportunities.

• Creativity and an ability to think of new ways to generate support.

• The confidence to work independently while keeping in touch with the team.

We're particularly interested in hearing from people who enjoy finding opportunities, making connections and turning good ideas into action.

Flexible volunteering

We understand that volunteers have busy lives, so we're happy to be flexible. Much of this role can be carried out from home, and you can agree your time commitment with us based on your availability and what you would like to get involved in. You're also very welcome to spend time at our Eastcote office if you'd enjoy working alongside our team.

You'll be supported

Although you'll be using your own skills and experience, you won't be left to work things out on your own.

We'll introduce you to our Branch, our work and our priorities and provide the information, guidance and policies you need to carry out your role confidently. You'll have a named contact within the Branch and will be part of our wider team of staff and volunteers.

The wellbeing of our people is important to us. We're committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and everyone we come into contact with through our work.

What difference could you make?

Your fundraising could help us:

• Rescue an animal who has nowhere else to go.

• Pay for essential veterinary treatment.

• Provide food, medication and everyday care.

• Improve accommodation and equipment for animals in our care.

• Support an owner who is struggling to afford veterinary treatment for their pet.

• Help more animals find loving new homes.

• Develop our services and make sure our Branch is here for animals and their owners in the future.

Your skills could directly translate into better lives for animals in our community.

You'll also have the opportunity to:

• Use your fundraising experience for a cause you care about.

• Gain or build on your charity fundraising experience.

• Develop your research, bid writing and communication skills.

• Add meaningful voluntary experience to your CV.

• Meet other people who care about animal welfare.

• Become part of a friendly and committed local team.

• Help shape the future of an independent RSPCA branch.

Could you help us raise more for animals?

If you're a fundraiser who'd like to use your skills for something genuinely local and worthwhile, we'd love to hear from you.

Whether you can offer a few hours a month, have a particular area of fundraising expertise or simply have ideas you'd like to explore with us, we'd be interested in talking to you.