Website 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!
Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you!
As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.
There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.
What you'll be doing:
- Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
- Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her.
- Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
- Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
- Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
- Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
- Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.
You'll ideally have:
- A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
- Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
- Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
- The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home.
- A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.
What you'll get:
- The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
- The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
- The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
- The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
- The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
- A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.
s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:
- Food manners
- Greeting new visitors
- Being home alone
- Settling in new environments
You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.
Minimum age of applicant: 18.
To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities.
As Wembley Stadium Foundation enters a period of renewed clarity and ambition, it seeks exceptional trustees to bring structure and steer strategic discipline to an organisation with enormous potential.
Location: Hybrid / Wembley Stadium
Applications close: 9 a.m. Friday 27th February 2026
About Wembley Stadium Foundation
Wembley Stadium Foundation is entering an exciting new chapter. As the independent charity of Wembley Stadium, we use the power of one of the world’s most iconic venues to inspire, connect and transform communities.
Funded directly through stadium event income, we invest in sport, movement and performing arts, helping young people overcome barriers and unlocking opportunities that last a lifetime.
Whether supporting grassroots football, funding performing arts programmes, or providing equipment and access for young people with disabilities, our grants create opportunities that last.
We are committed to collaboration, working closely with local partners, national organisations and grantees to amplify impact sustainably. With a refreshed strategy to 2028, a growing profile and a new CEO appointed in 2024, we are entering a period of renewed clarity and ambition.
Our aim is to ensure the magic of Wembley reaches far beyond the stadium walls, touching communities across Brent and throughout the UK.
About the roles
Following a period of cultural reset and strengthened governance, we are now seeking exceptional trustees to help shape the Foundation’s future. This is a rare opportunity to bring strategic leadership, governance experience and sector insight to an organisation with national reach, financial stability and the growing ambition to maximise its impact ahead of Euro 2028.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking four new trustees who combine governance maturity with a strong connection to our mission. You do not need to have served as a trustee before, but you must bring senior leadership experience, sound judgment and the ability to support an evolving board as it moves into a more confident, professional and high-performing phase.
We particularly welcome individuals with experience in:
- Governance and strategic leadership
- Sport governance and football
- Arts, culture and performing arts
- HR, marketing, communications
- Senior operational, commercial, or organisational leadership
We are also looking for trustees who can bring board-level behaviours: constructive challenge, collaborative mindset, calm leadership through change and the ability to focus discussions on strategy, risk and impact.
You will be mission-focused and comfortable operating in a charity undergoing governance strengthening, cultural renewal and increased visibility. You’ll understand that while Wembley is an iconic and exciting brand, trusteeship is not about perks; it is about responsibility, scrutiny and ensuring funds reach the right communities for the greatest impact.
Our board is diverse and welcoming, but it requires greater depth of senior experience. We encourage applications from individuals who can model strong governance, champion inclusive practice and help build a board that is effective, future-focused and ready to shape the next era of Wembley Stadium Foundation’s impact.
Peridot Partners and Wembley Stadium Foundation are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 27th February 2026.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility
Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!
We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!
Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer
People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them. This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve. Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.
As a RPR support volunteer, you might:
- As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:
- Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support
- Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes
- Raise concerns
- Keep detailed notes and records
- Make a real difference to someone’s life
Hospital Visitor Volunteer
Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate. The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.
As a hospital volunteer, you might:
- hold drop-in sessions
- attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
- share information
- assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre
All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00. You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.
ED&I Statement
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.
To find out more click “Apply Now”.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Applications close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026
Location: Home-based but with regular travel, including to periodic board meetings in London or other locations within the UK
This is an opportunity to chair a charity transforming lives by helping more people experience the positive impact of learning. You can help shape the future of this remarkable charity and lead the Board of Shannon Trust to broaden, deepen and mature what we deliver.
Who we are
Picture this: a person in prison who struggles with literacy and numeracy reads their first sentence, they write their first letter home to their children or completes their first numeracy task. They begin to imagine a future beyond the prison walls.
This is what happens when someone learns with Shannon Trust, and it happens thousands of times each year across prisons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Currently, 65% of people in prison can’t read, or struggle to. Even more struggle with numeracy.
These are not just statistics; they represent people who have been locked out of opportunity, who struggle with daily tasks, such as helping their children with homework or filling out a job application. At Shannon Trust, we believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, and that literacy and numeracy skills help build the foundations upon which people can rebuild their lives.
Where we are now
Shannon Trust has experienced remarkable growth over recent years. We have gone from a team of twelve people to one hundred staff today, supported by a volunteer base that brings us close to 250 people working to change lives through learning. The core of what we do is one-to-one peer mentoring in prisons. In 2025 alone, more than 11,000 learners used our reading and numeracy programmes, with 2,000 new volunteer peer-mentors trained to support them. We work in around one hundred prisons across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, delivering our Turning Pages reading programme and Count Me In numeracy programme. We are increasing our reach into the community, too. This growth is the result of sustained focus, strong relationships with funders who believe in our work, and the proven impact of our peer-led learning model.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a Chair who is strongly motivated by our cause, with a genuine empathy for the people we serve and a commitment to the person-centred language and inclusive thinking which are woven into everything we do. You will bring an engaged and engaging leadership style, have resilience and a personal gravitas.
You will be someone who is comfortable with complexity as we shape our organisation for the next chapter of our development. You will understand the importance of process, culture, and effective operations as the means of delivering a successful strategy and sustaining an organisation.
You will be someone who can help us be better advocates whether that is supporting our Chief Executive to build relationships with policymakers, helping us think through how we position ourselves in the education and criminal justice landscape, or using your own networks to create opportunities for Shannon Trust to influence and inform. We need a Chair who sees advocacy as part of the role.
Most importantly, our new Chair must be a strong partner for our CEO, a mentor, challenger and support.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Derby College Group seek a new Governor with audit expertise to help push forward its mission to enrich lives and create bright futures for all.
Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 16th February 2026
Location: Derby
Time commitment: 5 board meetings per year
About Derby College Group
Derby College Group (DCG) is the 18th largest college in the country, supporting 54% of learners in Derby City and its surrounding area. The vision of Derby College Group (DCG) is to create world-class, accessible education opportunities that enrich lives and make bright futures a reality for all. DCG is committed to providing educational excellence, championing social mobility and driving economic prosperity.
DCG delivers high-quality academic, vocational and technical education that empowers people to achieve their ambitions while providing employers across the Midlands and beyond with the talented workforce of tomorrow.
Through a dynamic and responsive curriculum, it predicts and serves the needs of its business and civic communities. Students of all ages and backgrounds are prepared for positive destinations in the next stage of their lives, whether that be further study, the world of work, entrepreneurship or independent living. They leave DCG ready to contribute to society as responsible citizens.
The Group’s portfolio of educational programmes and skills solutions is underpinned by thriving partnerships with employers, shaped by comprehensive market intelligence and informed by liaison with key stakeholders such as the East Midlands Combined Authority.
A truly diverse organisation, the Group comprises four Colleges – the Roundhouse, the Joseph Wright Centre, Broomfield Hall, and the Community College, Ilkeston. Every year it caters for thousands of learners spanning post-16 students pursuing academic and technical pathways, apprentices at all levels, higher education students, and adults seeking career progression, upskilling and reskilling.
About the roles
Being a Governor in the FE sector is like no other voluntary role. At Derby College Group, you will be a member of the Board of Corporation led by our Chair, Andrew Cochrane, contributing to the overall responsibilities of the Board, which include:
The preservation and development of the educational character and mission of the Group and oversight of its activities:
- Setting and communicating the Group’s strategy and goals.
- Exercising effective control to ensure that funds and assets are protected, the organisation remains solvent and legal obligations are met.
- Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance and quality of the college and for the performance of staff.
The DCG Corporation structure consists of five Board meetings per year with all Governors attending and a number of specific committees, including Curriculum Performance, Audit, Finance & Resources and Strategy & Curriculum Planning, feeding into the main Board.
Who we are looking for
As a member of the Corporation and Audit Committee, you will attend all Board meetings as well as the Audit Committee meetings.
We seek someone ideally with a regulatory background, an active interest in further education, and someone with strategic awareness experience and understanding, as well as critical reasoning skills and the ability to engage in board-level discussions and decision-making.
Most importantly, you will be passionate about the power of education at all stages in life and will have an understanding of the area, both the City of Derby and the wider East Midlands.
You will also be a team player and a critical thinker, using these skills to work closely with other Governors to continue to drive forward the success of the College for students and the City of Derby.
Peridot Partners and Derby College Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for these roles close at 9 a.m. Monday 16th February 2026.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
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.
Join Chailey Heritage Foundation as a Trustee and help shape the future for children and young people living with complex disabilities.
Applications close: Monday 2nd March 2026
Location: North Chailey, Lewes, Sussex, BN8 4EF
Time commitment: c.1 day per month
About Chailey Heritage Foundation
For over a century, Chailey Heritage Foundation has been a beacon of support for children and young people living with complex disabilities.
We’re a vibrant community in Sussex bringing together an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ school, welcoming residential homes and a specialist centre with therapies including gym and art therapy, alongside a farm and café. Our expert teams work with time, patience and curiosity to nurture every child and young person’s potential.
Every day we see extraordinary outcomes — a child using assistive technology to communicate for the first time, a young adult building confidence towards greater independence, or a family finding the specialist support they need to navigate a world that can feel inaccessible. Strong governance underpins these outcomes, ensuring we stay resilient, ambitious and focused on what matters most.
About the roles
A board for the future
With the launch of our new five-year strategy and planned retirements over the coming period, we’re expanding our board. We’re looking to appoint two new Trustees, with backgrounds in finance and people/organisation design, who will help guide Chailey Heritage Foundation through this next chapter.
The role of a trustee
Trustees play a vital role in shaping our strategic direction, maintaining high standards of care and education and ensuring our long-term sustainability. This is an important time for the sector, as education, health and social care continue to evolve.
We are seeking Trustees who bring insight, leadership and constructive challenge, alongside a strong commitment to our mission.
Who we are looking for
- Trustee to join our People & Culture Committee
We’re seeking a Trustee to join our People & Culture Committee and help shape the heart of our organisation. This role is suited to someone with broad organisational leadership experience and a strong understanding of people-related challenges and the strategic approaches required to address them, rather than a purely functional background.
You will bring current expertise in organisational development and design, with a strong track record in people leadership, culture and values-led change. You’ll support the board and executive team to build and sustain a thriving workplace where colleagues are supported to do their best work. You’ll also help us attract, develop and retain the talent we need to deliver outstanding support to the children and young people.
You will work closely with the Chief Executive and our Executive Director of People & Culture, providing oversight, challenge and guidance on our people strategy, leadership and organisational culture.
- Trustee with Financial expertise (to join our Finance, Audit & Risk Committee)
Alongside this, we’re looking to appoint a Trustee with strong financial expertise: a qualified accountant with senior leadership experience, able to provide thoughtful oversight, constructive challenge and practical support to the board.
You’ll join our Finance, Audit & Risk Sub-Committee, chaired by our Treasurer and work closely with our Resources Director (who reports to the Chief Executive) and fellow Trustees to strengthen financial resilience and governance.
Join us
We understand that joining a board is a significant commitment which is why we offer a comprehensive induction programme and ongoing support.
You will be joining a highly engaged group of professionals working together to ensure Chailey Heritage Foundation continues to make a life-changing impact.
If you believe in what we do and want to use your skills to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.
Whether you are an experienced Trustee or considering your first board role, we encourage applications from individuals who share our commitment to enabling children and young people with complex disabilities to thrive.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close on Monday 2nd March 2026
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Start your board journey with Citizens Advice LeicesterShire
We are looking for a Board Associate to join our team. This is a unique, developmental role designed to give you firsthand experience of how a charity board operates while you build the skills and confidence to become a Trustee in the future.
Who We are:
Citizens Advice LeicesterShire is an independent and local non-profit organisation. Our purpose is “Sharing knowledge to transform lives”. By listening to the needs of our communities and clients, we act to provide accessible, high-quality information, advice and education to anyone who needs it. We empower individuals with the tools and support they need to build resilience and thrive. By working in partnership with national and local organisations, we’re able to advocate for a fairer society, amplifying the voices of those often unheard. We demonstrate and uphold our values: we care, we help, we excel and we challenge to achieve positive outcomes for the people we help. Last year we supported over 31,000 people across Leicester and Leicestershire, securing them £14 million in additional income.
What is a Board Associate?
Think of this as a “governance apprenticeship”. You won’t carry the legal liability of a Trustee just yet, but you will be right at the heart of the action.
You will work closely with our CEO, Chair and Trustees to support the smooth running of the board. Your role will involve:
- Supporting board effectiveness: Helping to arrange meetings, prepare agendas and keep accurate records of our decisions.
- Learning by doing: Observing board discussions, participating in strategic projects and understanding how we make decisions that affect thousands of people.
- Governance support: Helping ensure we meet our legal requirements and monitoring the implementation of board actions.
What we offer you
We don’t expect you to be an expert from day one. This role is about your growth. You will receive:
- Mentoring: Direct support from experienced board members.
- Board-level exposure: A rare opportunity to see inside the strategic engine room of a major local charity.
- Skill development: Build your experience in leadership, strategy, and governance—a huge asset for your CV.
- Training: We’ll help you learn about charity law and board procedures.
What we’re looking for
You don’t need previous board experience. We are looking for someone who is organised, eager to learn, and shares our values: We Care, We Help, We Excel, We Challenge.
You might be a great fit if you have:
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- An interest in how charities or businesses are run.
- The ability to exercise good judgment and act independently.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, those with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, as we want our leadership to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
Practical details
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Role Type: Volunteer (Non-Executive).
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Time Commitment: Approximately 3.5 hours every two months for board meetings (usually evenings), plus some additional time for prep or projects. We can be flexible.
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Location: Meetings are typically face-to-face in Leicestershire.
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Expenses: All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.
Closing date for applications: 1st March 2026
Planned date(s) for interviews: 23rd March 2026
To apply, please read our trustee information pack, full role description and complete the 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!
Our House Experience Volunteers add the sparkle to any visit – giving everyone a warm welcome, bringing stories from Ickworth to life and helping people get the best out of their day.
This role will suit you if you are:
- Warm and friendly.
- Someone with a curious and inquisitive nature, with an ability to engage our visitors, ask questions and facilitate conversations.
- Able to listen thoughtfully and actively.
- Someone with exceptional customer service standards- a desire to put visitors before everything else.
- A good storyteller, with a talent for reading body language and thinking on your feet
- Sensitive to visitor and volunteer needs – working as an effective team member.
- Willing to develop your knowledge of Ickworth, its history and vast collections.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Responding to the diverse needs of visitors, including people with additional access needs.
- Sharing inspirational stories, curious facts and practical information or simply the space for visitors to wander at their own pace.
- Helping visitors to discover more, answering questions and making suggestions so they can enjoy their day, their way.
- Being an ambassador for the whole property and the National Trust. Helping visitors understand the full scope of the offer at Ickworth beyond the house.
- Learning more about Ickworth, so you can share your knowledge and stories of the family and their collections with visitors.
- Responding to the changing needs of Ickworth – supporting ongoing interpretation strategies in the House.
- Supporting with health and safety and evacuation procedures if required.
- Being part of a team that may need to adapt and change in response to local needs, National Trust priorities or changes to government guidelines
By getting involved you could·
- Become part of a friendly and dedicated team.
Spend time with us at Ickworth, learn about its history, stories and enjoy its beauty. - Meet people from all walks of life
- Find an opportunity to use your existing skills and develop new ones.
Improve your communication skills.
Get a warm glow by knowing you have made a difference to someone’s day out with us.
You’d also be joining Europe’s largest conservation charity and the wider National Trust team proudly looking after 780 miles of coastline, over 250,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including lighthouses, villages, pubs and a gold mine!). We are a unique charity welcoming millions of people each year and with a vision to open up places for the benefit of everyone, for ever.
All National Trust volunteers will be asked to
- Respect and uphold the National Trust values whilst volunteering with us.
- Complete training required of all NT volunteers and any role specific training
- Adhere to relevant policies and processes including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity.
We want all our volunteers to feel welcome and to have an equally positive experience when volunteering with us. So, volunteers will:
- Be provided with the necessary induction, training, equipment and reasonable adjustments to do this role well and safely
- Be offered expenses to cover agreed travel costs between home and place of volunteering.
- Have remote access to support, news and rotas via our volunteer website
Skills acquired: Adaptability, Communication Skills, Community Development, Customer Service, Event Support, Exhibition Arts, Fundraising, Interpersonal Skills, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Visual Arts
We’re Europe’s biggest conservation charity and we look after nature, beauty and history for everyone to enjoy.



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!
Are you a dog lover with room in your home to look after a dog during evenings and weekends? This could be the perfect role for you!
As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll provide a loving temporary home to a dog in training, typically for a period of 12 to 20 weeks, as they begin their journey to become a guide dog. You’ll get to see the progress your furry companion is making in their training and be a vital part of their journey, without the commitment of looking after a dog full time.
What you’ll be doing:
In this rewarding role, your support for a guide dog in training will include:
- Doing the school run for your dog in training! This will typically involve dropping them off and picking them up at an agreed time Monday to Friday at one of our regional centres or community teams, however, some sites may vary. There are some locations where we will be able to collect and return the training dog from your home.
- Caring for your dog in your home such as feeding, grooming, free running and playing, following the advice of our expert staff.
- Helping your dog keep up with their training by reinforcing the techniques at home from our first-class training programme.
- Making sure your dog is not left alone for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. If you’re planning on going on holiday, let us know at your initial phone call so we can plan alternative cover for your future life changer.
Can I foster a dog?
If you’re hoping to foster a guide dog in training, here’s what we ideally look for:
- Being close to one of our regional centres or community teams so that your dog can get to their training.
- The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in your home if you rent your home.
- A safe and secure area outside for the dog to go to the toilet.
However, we try to be flexible – for example, you’ll still be able to foster a dog if you live in London, even if you don’t have access to outside space.
What you’ll get:
- The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
- The satisfaction in knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
- The rewarding feeling of seeing your dog learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
- An insight into our bespoke world-class training programme so that your dog’s training stays consistent at home, which can also help you train your own dogs or advance in a future career in dog handling.
- The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
- A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.
Training and support
You’ll attend a training workshop to understand the basics of our bespoke training techniques so you can confidently support your dog’s training at home. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance from your volunteer manager. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your initial phone call along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, dog food costs and other materials needed for your dog’s training.
Minimum age for volunteer is 18.
We also have a respite fosterer role available in some areas, where a dog would stay with you full time before moving on to the next stage of its journey.
Please check out our website to see what roles are available where you live.
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!
We are excited to be launching our first-ever volunteer led Armed Forces Community project in the North West and are now recruiting for a bank of volunteers across the region to help us reach veterans who are in need of support to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life.
If you are a veteran, or family member with experience of military life and are free to volunteer and give something back in your community, we would love to hear from you. You may have had personal experience of being medically discharged or since leaving the Armed Forces have found it difficult to transition to civvy street and want to help others to have a better experience. You may already have a reasonable understanding of what is available or lacking in your neighbourhood for veterans in your community. Our Volunteer Ambassadors will report into our experienced Volunteer Coordinator and will work remotely in their community, helping veterans by signposting them to organisations and charities that can help improve their circumstances.
Roles are on a voluntary basis and therefore unpaid. A car is essential and any business mileage or meeting costs will be reimbursed. A mobile phone will also be provided with training in Safeguarding and Confidentiality/Data Protection, Professional Boundaries and Lone Working. Applications are initially open to those living in Lancashire and particularly Chorley, Preston or Wigan. However, we also welcome interest further afield from those living in Liverpool/Merseyside or Cumbria.
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!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility
Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!
We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!
Volunteer positions currently available in Shropshire
Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Volunteer
Some individuals have been deprived of their liberty following a decision about certain aspects of their care and living arrangements, such as being moved from independent accommodation into a care home, are in their best interest and necessary to keep them safe. These people are legally entitled to have support from an RPR. An RPR may be a family member, but if this is not an option then an VoiceAbility RPR volunteer can be appointed.
As an RPR Volunteer you might:
· Visiting clients to ensure they are getting the right care, support and being treated fairly
· Keeping detailed notes and records of interactions with clients and care facility staff
· Helping to ensure the client is receiving the best care, in line with their wishes
· Alerting the Team Leader to any concerns regarding the client or their treatment
· Building professional relationships with the Care Home Staff
· Recording activity on our case management system and writing reports
· Helping to make a difference to someone’s life
Hospital Visitor Volunteer
Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate. The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.
· As a hospital volunteer, you might:
· Hold drop-in sessions
· Attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
· Share information
· Assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.
ED&I Statement
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.
To find out more click “Apply Now”.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.