Volunteer service manager volunteer roles
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!
Do you have a passion for improving outcomes for all children? Could you use your professional skills to help shape the future of education? Are you wanting to make an impact within your community?
As a school governor, you’ll operate at board-level and develop strategic leadership skills and assist in making decisions on a wide range of topics; all while collaboratively improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for schools in Newmarket to strengthen their governing boards and enhance outcomes of pupils within your communities. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a governor and how to apply.
Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role as well as have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.
You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a governor as long as you’re over 18 and happy to have a DBS check, you can apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities. As a governor, you’ll be supported by the Chair, head teacher and the rest of the governing team.
This vacancy is for a primary school looking to find a governor to sit on their board with experience of Finance and HR. The school is a friendly and caring school with a commitment to providing a quality education for every child that passes through their doors.
If you’re interested in becoming a school governor, fill out the short application form on our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Location: Ontario, Canada (Remote, with in-person responsibilities within the region)
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Commitment: 5-7 hours per week, part-time (potential to expand with program demand)
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Reports To: Operations Lead – Roots Academy Canada
About Roots Academy
At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.
Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 2,000 students across the UK, Canada & USA.
Position Summary:
The Event Lead will lead the strategy, design, and execution of all events, ensuring they align with the organization’s goals and deliver memorable experiences. This role oversees the end-to-end event planning process, including budgeting, logistics, vendor management, and team coordination. As the driving force behind the organization’s events, the Event Lead will ensure high standards of creativity, efficiency, and impact while fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, partners, and vendors.
Key Responsibilities:
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Strategic Event Planning:
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Develop and implement a comprehensive event strategy that aligns with organizational goals and enhances brand visibility.
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Identify event opportunities, including conferences, product launches, fundraisers, and internal engagements, to achieve strategic objectives.
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Event Design & Execution:
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Lead the planning and execution of all events, ensuring seamless logistics, creative concepts, and high-quality delivery.
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Collaborate with internal teams to ensure event themes, messaging, and objectives are aligned with organizational priorities.
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Budget Management:
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Manage event budgets, ensuring cost efficiency without compromising quality.
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Track expenses, negotiate vendor contracts, and identify opportunities for cost savings.
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Vendor & Stakeholder Management:
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Build and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, venues, and partners to ensure successful event execution.
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Negotiate contracts and manage vendor performance to meet quality standards and timelines.
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Team Leadership:
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Lead, mentor, and develop the event planning team to achieve excellence in execution.
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Foster a collaborative and high-performing environment, ensuring clear communication and accountability.
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Event Marketing & Promotion:
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Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to promote events, including developing promotional materials, social media campaigns, and press outreach.
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Ensure a strong event presence across digital and physical platforms to maximize attendance and engagement.
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Evaluation & Continuous Improvement:
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Measure event success through post-event reporting, feedback collection, and KPIs.
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Use insights to refine event planning processes and improve future events.
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Skills and Qualifications:
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Innovative: Demonstrated ability to drive growth through innovative and data-driven marketing strategies
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Community-Oriented: A deep understanding of the Muslim community in Ontario, especially in relation to university students and local mosques.
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Relationship Building: Proven experience in building and maintaining meaningful relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
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Project Management: Strong organisational skills with the ability to support program delivery efficiently.
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Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences, from students to community leaders.
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Commitment to Ihsaan (excellence): This role requires someone who strives to deliver their responsibilities with ihsaan.
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Dedication to Service: A heart for khidma (service), and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young Muslims through education.
What We Offer:
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Be part of a team of 80+ dedicated volunteers from across the globe.
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Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
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Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
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Receive in-house Tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.
Please Note: This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers can claim expenses for food, travel, and equipment in line with the Expenses Policy.
We teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to Young Muslims across the UK and internationally.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
What will you be doing?
As governor, trustee and director, you will have an active role in setting strategic direction and overseeing the educational performance, management and financial health of the school and the charity.
We are particularly looking for individuals with a background in residential care or safeguarding as well as those who have experience in the areas of deaf education and finance. We will however consider applications from those with a passion for what we do who do not have any of these areas of expertise, and especially those with prior trustee experience, will be actively considered.
Most governor/trustees attend two or three meetings a term, generally Monday to Friday during the working day, either online or in person. Additionally, visits into school are organised on a termly basis. Each term of office is for four years and can be renewed twice.
What are we looking for?
- Experience in education, SEND provision, health/social care
- Experience / knowledge of charity and/or school governance
- Knowledge of safeguarding and regulatory frameworks
- Financial, legal, or HR expertise
- Marketing, Social Media or Fundraising
What difference will you make?
Key responsibilities and areas of impact include:
Governance and Compliance
Strategic Leadership
Educational Oversight
Financial Stewardship
Risk and Assurance
Advocacy and Ambassadorship
Closing Date for Applications: 6th March 2026.
If you are interested in joining this happy and thriving school and would like to find out more then please select the 'redirect to recruiter' link at the top of the page.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic individual to lead our Board of Trustees as Chair. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation committed to ensure the voices of long term prisoners are heard, and to enable them to realise their potential.
The Chair is responsible for leading the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation. The Chair’s role is also to work in partnership with the CEO, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and to optimise the relationship between the Board and staff. (See also the Charity Commission’s Essential Trustee Guidance)
Key responsibilities
Strategy, Governance, and Financial Management
- Lead the Board in providing strategic direction to the Hardman Trust.
- Ensure, with Trustees, that the organisation operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives in compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.
- Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the charity and ensure that the Board regularly monitors that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.
- Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.
Board Leadership
- Ensure a high performing and effective Board through review of Board structure, Trustees and Board performance.
- Enhance the overall contribution of the Board, through mentoring of other Board members and encouraging participation in training/coaching/development.
- Review and ensure Trustees have the right skillsets, training and development to support effective governance of the organisation.
- Chair Board meetings inclusively, bringing impartiality and objectivity in the decision making process.
Support to Hardman Trust CEO
- Line manage The Hardman Trust CEO including annual performance reviews and regular check-ins.
- Maintain appropriate distance between the Board and the leadership team, but where necessary, provide support and guidance on operations.
- Work with The Hardman Trust CEO to support them to achieve the aims of the charity.
General Chair responsibilities
- Where appropriate, represent the Hardman Trust at meetings and events and act as spokesperson.
- Lead the Board in fostering relationships with external partners and potential funders/donors.
Person Specification
We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know that diverse groups of people make better decisions. We are keen to hear from people who can bring perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us progress our vision.
Essential
- Commitment to the Hardman Trust’s aims and values.
- Prior experience as a charity trustee and solid understanding of good governance practices.
- Experience (voluntary or paid) within the criminal or social justice sector at leadership level.
- Experience of chairing meetings, committees or boards.
- Robust planning and organisational skills.
- Willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
- Sound independent judgment and strategic vision; ability to think creatively and challenge constructively.
- A collegiate attitude and willingness to work with others.
- Honesty, integrity and commitment to act in the best interest of the charity at all times.
Desirable
- Previous experience as a Chair in the charity sector.
- Expertise of lived experience of the justice system.
- Experience of charity fundraising and/or grant making.
- Understanding of the needs of people serving long sentences and of the systemic issues within our justice system .
- Experience of building partnerships and networks.
- Experience of public speaking and willing to represent the Hardman Trust externally.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Settled is recruiting new trustees to join its Board and support EU citizens and Ukrainian refugees to access their rights in the UK. This is a voluntary role, open to first-time trustees and those with board experience. We are particularly interested in skills relating to finance, fundraising, governance, or equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as lived experience. Meetings are mainly online, with one in-person away day per year. Closing date: 5pm, Monday 2 February 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Working Chance is a unique, pioneering, award-winning national charity that supports women with criminal convictions into employment. We support women to create independent purposeful lives through helping them to build careers, we break cycles of reoffending and we inspire employers to embrace inclusive hiring.
This is an exciting time for Working Chance as we start developing our new three-year strategy which will come into effect from 1 September. The new strategy will see us taking an ever bolder stance on speaking up for women with convictions, solidifying our position as a thought leader on how to improve the employment rate of these women, and moving into providing consultancy for employers seeking our guidance and input on their recruitment and employment practices.
We are looking for an inspiring and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our Board at this exciting point in our development. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a highly respected and impactful charity, while championing a mission that addresses inequality, social justice and economic inclusion.
As Chair, you will work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow trustees to ensure strong governance, clear strategic focus, effective oversight and financial sustainability, while acting as an ambassador for Working Chance and its values. Download the Appointment Brief to learn all about the role, the charity and the recruitment process, and if you think you might be the person we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date: 9am on Monday 16 March
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have a passion to make a difference in the lives of children and families? Spurgeons is seeking new trustees to join our current Board in bringing prayerful wisdom and strategic guidance over the coming years.
Spurgeons is one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families for 150 years. Inspired by Christian faith and our founder Charles Spurgeon, we’re here for all families. Together, we create family hubs where we’re needed most, with counselling, early years and family support. We partner with local councils, churches and communities to care for every family, putting children and young people first in everything we do. Our services also include parenting support and resources, mental health support for children and young people, and working with families affected by domestic abuse and imprisonment.
These services are needed more than ever, and our current strategy focuses on growth, innovating in partnership with churches, developing online family hubs to expand our reach and ensuring fundraising is a strategic priority. We are ambitious and hopeful about how we can grow to make a significant impact on many more children’s lives in the future.
To support Board succession planning, we are seeking to appoint five new trustees with a range of skills and experience including:
· Fundraising and marketing
· Finance
· Children’s services e.g. senior leadership experience within social services, the care sector, local authorities, health, education, or charitable contexts
· Safeguarding
· Cultural change and transformation
Given an occupational requirement for these roles to be filled by Christians, we are seeking candidates with a personal and active Christian faith who are comfortable and aligned with the statement of faith outlined on our website.
In order to build on our Baptist heritage, we are also keen to ensure that at least one of our trustees is a member of, or has a connection with, the Baptist church.
Spurgeons values diversity, promotes inclusion, and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those with lived experience of children’s support services. We recognise the need to increase the diversity of the Board, for example in terms of age, ethnicity, disability, gender and LGBTQ+ representation.
In terms of location, at present, Board meetings take place in London and committee meetings take place virtually via Teams.
For further information, including full details of how to apply, please see our Appointment Details Pack which can be downloaded from the application resources/ supporting documents section below. Application is by submission of CV and cover letter via email to Laura Bagley at Macaulay Search (please see Appointment Details Pack for contact details).
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 2nd March 2026.
We create family hubs where we’re needed most, so, when a family member needs support, turn to us.



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!
We are looking for a befriending volunteer to visit a chatty and independent gentleman in Milton Keynes. On the days where he is not working in a nearby shop, he would like a kind and considerate person to chat to over a coffee at home or to join him for the occasional walk or meal out.
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
- Sitting and having a chat
- Checking in on their well- being
- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
- Enjoying a walk
- A craft activity at home
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
About Mencap
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
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!
RSPCA South London Branch
Our charity shop in the heart of CRYSTAL PALACE is looking for a friendly volunteer to join our team and help make our shop a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!
As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop manager and 1-2 other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare.
About Our Charity Shop
The shop plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items. We have positions available on the shop floor and in our stock room or you could volunteer to do a mixture of both.
Volunteer Charity Shop Assistant responsibilities
- Helping customers in the shop find what they need.
- Accepting donations of items and money from the public.
- Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid.
- Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
- Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging and items.
- Merchandising stock on the shop floor.
- Creating attractive shop window displays.
What we are looking for in a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant
- Friendly volunteers who are confident talking to people.
- Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.
- We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment.
- Good communication and numeracy skills.
- You will need to be aged 16 or over.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant
- A way to meet new people and make new friends in your local area.
- A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.
- An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.
- The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.
- Reimbursement for any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us.
How to Apply:
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!
Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.
We hope you are interested in volunteering for our Crystal Palace store.
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers 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 world without barriers.
What you’ll be doing:
• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups.
• Delivering Talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people
• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Month
Key requirements
- 1 reference
Location
Region
- Northern Ireland
Additional location information
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Currently looking for applicants within the Belfast Area only!
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- • Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people • Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your story, or a willingness to try with our support. • Able to communicate effectively. • Have an outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people.
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!
Talent 4 Good is proud to collaborate with Inspire North in the search for their next Chair.
This role presents a significant opportunity to lead a dedicated board within an impactful and unique organisation. As a charitable Community Benefit Society and regulated landlord, Inspire North focuses on critical areas such as homelessness, mental health, dementia, and domestic abuse.
The Chair provides leadership and direction to the Board, empowering Members to fulfil their
responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of Inspire North.
Alongside the CEO, the Chair fosters a sense of shared purpose and dedication, ensuring that Inspire North’s vision and values are upheld at every level, driving our ambition to become an anti-racist organisation
As the Chair, you are also a Board Member. Alongside driving the strategic direction and ensuring the effective governance of Inspire North, Board Members ensure the organisation makes the best use of its resources to meet its vision and purpose. They also ensure that accountability to key stakeholders is effective and robust
All applicants will need to demonstrate:
- Alignment with Inspire North’s vision, purpose and values.
- An understanding of the duties and responsibilities of being the Chair/board member.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.
- A commitment to, and understanding of, what it means to become anti-racist, as well as demonstrable commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Ability to chair strategic meetings, giving guidance or mediating where required.
- Experience as a trustee / board member including an understanding of organisational governance, risk management, financial accounts and strategic planning.
- IT literacy (Papers are shared via an Online portal)
- Integrity and credibility
- Able to see the bigger picture and seek to understand challenging and complex issues. Able to listen, provide clear, balanced advice and guidance with the ability to challenge constructively.
- Experience of working in collaboration with others, working towards common goals and shared objectives.
For a full recruitment pack including responsibilities, apply and you will be contacted directly.
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!
We are looking for people keen, happy to contribute to new ideas, with drive and confidence to be involved in evening on site meetings 6 times a year to support our non profit charity organisation. We oversee the running of a long establish afterschool and holiday club.
Supporting Families With Safe, Fun afterschool and holiday childcare in North Finchley A Place Where Kids Can Play, Explore, and Make Friends



Make a Difference: Become a Trustee for Emmaus Greenwich!
Are you passionate about tackling homelessness and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives? Emmaus Greenwich is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help steer our vital work in London.
Who We Are:
Emmaus Greenwich provides a home, support, and meaningful work through our social enterprises, giving people experiencing homelessness a reason to get up in the morning and a path to regain independence.
Your Role as a Trustee:
- Help shape our strategy and ensure goals align with our vision.
- Provide governance and oversight, ensuring compliance and robust management.
- Volunteer your time (meetings are held five times a year) and potentially get involved in projects.
Who We're Looking For:
We're keen to build a diverse board with skills in:
- Finance & Business Development
- Human Resources (HR)
- Retail & Social Enterprise
- Housing Law
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
Time Commitment:
Trustees at Emmaus Greenwich serve for up to three terms of three years each. The Board meets every two months, both in person and online, and also comes together for an annual in-person strategy session, usually held in winter.
There are three internal sub-committees, each focusing on a specific area of the organisation’s work. These committees also meet every two months, either in person or online, and every trustee is expected to join at least one.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you're an experienced trustee or taking your first step at board level, we want to hear from you!
Join us in creating lasting change for those facing homelessness in our community!
Emmaus Greenwich supports people to move on from homelessness



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We at Birmingham Cathedral would warmly welcome hearing from experienced professionals with an interest in cathedrals, and the time and specialist skills to serve on our voluntary Fabric Advisory Committee (FAC) that helps to shape the conservation and development of our cathedral building.
Serving on Birmingham Cathedral FAC offers a unique chance to form a special bond with one of England's great buildings and with the people who use and care for it day to day. These roles are voluntary but reasonable expenses will be paid. The commitment typically involves three meetings a year, plus time to read and respond to application documents and advice requests.
To express interest, please send a CV and covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) indicating your relevant area of expertise and experience.
We will assess applications to form a pool of expertise from which to draw upon as and when openings arise (with the expectation that most appointments will begin in April 2026).
Birmingham Cathedral is a Christian Church of the Anglican Communion and the seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. As the Church of England cathedral chur
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Who are Governors for Schools?
Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.
We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.
Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.
What’s involved?
There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.
Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.
Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.
Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.
Who can be a governor?
The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.
Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.
Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.
You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.
What’s the process?
You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.
You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.
Ongoing support
Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
