Young people volunteer roles

Trustee vacancy - Youth Development / Education Specialist

The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) is appointing a specialist trustee to strengthen our Board’s insight into what helps teenagers flourish through exceptional arts and music opportunities.

We welcome applications from people with experience in secondary education, youth-focused arts organisations, youth services, or programmes within the music education sector (or closely related fields). Knowledge of secondary education policy and networks is particularly desirable.

About NYO

NYO is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development. We exist to empower teenage musicians, developing their confidence, skills and leadership through world-class orchestral experiences, and over the next decade we aim to build a significantly larger, more inclusive national community of young musicians.

The Role

This role is an exciting opportunity to influence how NYO listens to and works with young people. You will:

• Bring insight into the realities teenagers face today, including barriers to participation and progression, and what helps young people thrive in arts and education settings.
• Help develop NYO’s approach to youth voice, including meaningful input into decisions, agency, ambassadorship and leadership opportunities.
• Contribute to Board-level safeguarding oversight, particularly in large-scale youth projects and residential environments.
• Support strategic thinking about inclusion, participation and progression, recognising the importance of next-step opportunities when a teenager finds something they love.

We are committed to broadening the diversity of perspectives on our Board. We particularly encourage applications from women, individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and those based outside London. All appointments will be made on merit.

Deadline for applications: Monday 23 February 2026.

This role is working therapeutically alongside a child/young person on one of our bereavement support days on either a Saturday or Sunday in a group setting.  Ideally you will have experience in working with children and have the ability to communicate effectively at all levels and be able to support children and young people in distress and remain calm. 

You will be working therapeutically with your allocated child after receiving training.  You will have a group leader who will guide you through the structure of each day. There is also a Clinical Lead who will oversee and facilitate the programme.

You will also be expected to attend a debrief at the end of each day and also complete detailed documentation on the child/ young person you have been working with.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.  We pay 40pence per mile to cover your travel expenses. We will provide training (Safeguarding Children, Volunteer Induction Day and other specialist training days).

You will also have the opportunity to observe a weekend programme in action before you work with a child / young person. We will pay for your DBS check and provide you with a uniform.

Are you passionate about digital storytelling and want to make a real difference for children, young people and families facing cancer? Join us as a Creative Content Volunteer and help share our digital transformation story in a way that inspires and connects.

We are looking for someone age 16+ with lived experience of Young Lives vs Cancer services (or a parent/carer) to help create authentic short, playful videos and posts (think TikTok and YouTube vibes) that showcase the positive changes we’re making through Digital Transformation and how we’re supporting young cancer patients now and in the future.

This flexible, mostly remote role is perfect if you enjoy being creative and want to build your digital skills while supporting Young Lives vs Cancer.

What you will be doing:

• Create short, fun videos and posts about our digital transformation
• Use an authentic, people-first style that feels real and engaging
• Turn technical changes into human stories from your perspective
• (Optional) Present your content at events and grow your network

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their race, class, sex, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. At Young Lives vs Cancer, we don’t just accept difference — we value it, we celebrate it, we nurture it, and we thrive off it. 

We positively welcome your application irrespective of your background. We’re on a journey, and if you join us, you’ll be part of a community that’s committed to making a difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer. 

Help shape the future of a youth mental health charity.

YES is seeking a Trustee with Human Resources expertise to join our Board and help
ensure we are well-governed, sustainable, and able to support the mental health and
wellbeing of children and young people.

As a Trustee, you will contribute to the strategic direction of the charity and, as our HR lead
Trustee, provide insight and constructive challenge on people and workforce
matters. This is a strategic, non-operational role where your professional experience
can make a real difference.

What you’ll be doing

• Acting as the Board’s lead Trustee for Human Resources
• Providing strategic HR insight to support decision-making
• Advising on HR policies, workforce planning, and best practice
• Helping ensure compliance with employment law, Charity Commission guidance, and good governance

What we’re looking for

• Professional experience in HR or people management
• Ability to think strategically and offer constructive challenge
• Commitment to equality, inclusion, and ethical leadership
• A passion for improving outcomes for children and young people
• Trustee or charity experience is welcome but not essential

What difference will you make?

Your expertise will help YES build a strong, supported workforce, manage risk
eFectively, and grow sustainably - ensuring more children and young people can
access high-quality mental health support.

At Chestnut Tree House we will be opening a brand-new Kitchen Garden to supply produce to our hospice kitchens. There are large beds which will cultivate vegetables as well as an area for fruit bushes and trees. An activities area with raised troughs for the children, young people and families to enjoy planting will be at the centre, with paths around the fruit and vegetable beds.

We are looking for someone with passion and knowledge to help us keep the area in tip top condition maintaining and developing the space.

We are looking for a finance professional to join our engaged and friendly board as Treasurer, with specific oversight of the charity’s financial management. While day-to-day financial administration is carried out by employees or external providers, the Treasurer works closely with them and the Board to ensure sound financial governance. The Treasurer provides financial leadership, helps trustees understand the organisation’s finances, and ensures that the charity meets its financial and statutory obligations.

You will have a qualification in Financial Management, Accounting, or Audit, or perhaps be a senior Finance Manager or Director in a charity. We welcome applications from people for whom this is their first Treasurer role, but we are seeking candiates who have some understanding and/or experience of the charity sector.  We are willing to provide access to training around the treasurer role, but a basic knowledge of charity accounting and financial management would be a strong advantage.

You will have the ability to communicate financial information clearly to those without financial expertise and be a strategic thinker, with the ability to balance financial scrutiny with broader trustee responsibilities.

Our board meet once a month (either virtually or in person in London) for around 90 minutes. We aim to have strategy days twice a year. You will meet with the CEO and Finance Manager once a month, and be available for ad hoc emails, advice. Trustees are usually appointed for a three-year term, which can usually be extended. 

You will also bring a commitment to the values, aims, and objectives of the charity, and a desire to help children and young people who have experienced grief.

Our Child and Family Support Team (CFST) provides counselling and therapeutic support to children, young people, and their families – including siblings, parents, grandparents, and carers. We’re looking for volunteer counsellors to join our dedicated team to help increase our reach, making sure everyone can receive the support they need in some of life’s toughest moments.

Please note, we cannot accept student counsellors on placement in this role.

We’re a not-for-profit landlord who have been having a positive impact on young people’s lives for nearly 100 years, by addressing the shortage of affordable rented housing for those working in London.

We’re the only organisation in London that specifically offers accommodation to working young people, many of whom are key workers, in entry level employment who have no other means of support and are unable to stay within their family networks.

Our current flagship residence, HYELM-Old Street, opened in 2008 and provides 125 young workers who cannot afford to rent or buy properties through the private sector, with contemporary, secure, hassle-free accommodation.

This is an exciting time for us. In response to the considerable and growing demand for high quality affordable accommodation, we are exploring several development opportunities to increase the number of young workers who we are able to house.

The Role of a HYELM Board Member is to:

• Play a key role in helping to shape the direction of our organisation. In the shorter term this will include supporting the review of our future strategy, the delivery of new housing and the implementation of our commitment to put our people at the heart of our business.
• Work collectively, with other Board members, oversee our compliance with relevant regulations; quantify & manage current, new & emerging risks that the organisation faces and regularly review our performance and delivery against our Strategic and business plans.

You will be valued for

• Your entrepreneurial spirit to drive HYELM forward whilst also keeping keen prudent control and avoiding any conflicts of interest.
• Your understanding and/or experience in the small charity/business environment.
• Your commitment to work with our very small team to further evolve our organisation to provide a better living environment to young people and key workers.

Ideally, you would be able to support us in bolstering our Board representation with knowledge and experience of finance and accounting as well as IT and Technology.

You’ll be contributing to a great cause.

• You’ll be able to develop and hone your critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills as well as develop and gain additional experience in strategic planning.
• You’ll grow your professional networks.
• You’ll be able to access complimentary training, support and attend industry events, conferences, and seminars. If this is your first trusteeship, we will design a bespoke development package to help support you in your new role.

Skills sought: Charity Finance, accounting, AI/Tech

Commitment: 6 meetings per year (4 in person, at our Old Street scheme)

Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people?

We are offering 2 young people aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer with the Portuguese Red Cross in Braga, Portugal. Next placement dates are planned for: 5th January - end of August 2026.

You will be working on a range of projects, which will give you the chance to explore the different kinds of social action that the Portuguese Red Cross undertake in Braga. 

Typical tasks may involve:

• Supporting the charity shop, Ponto Vermelho, with social media, sorting donations and organising the displays.
• Supporting in the Youth Centre for the Roma Community – organising and delivering activities, helping with homework.
• Supporting in the Foster Care for Unaccompanied Minor Refugees.
• Supporting the Social Kindergarten.
• Assisting with projects which help the homeless and the elderly.
• Assisting in the writing of project proposals and funding bids.

It's a fantastic opportunity to get involved in projects and find out what you are interested in. For more details on the role and the projects available, have a look at the role description. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement! These are fully funded placements, with return flights, accommodation and health insurance covered - volunteers receive a small monthly stipend for living expenses.

Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role, as it is Taith funded. Interviews will take place online with shortlisted candidates.

We are keen to hear from individuals especially those who do not normally get the chance to volunteer overseas, who are passionate and motivated about working in the humanitarian sector and international volunteering but who also understand that these types of placements require adaptability and resilience. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs.

Do you have experience in digital and social media? Can you help us improve our communications and raise the profile of the work we do?

We are seeking an expert, creative Volunteer Digital and Social Media Lead. You will help us promote our programmes supporting people in prison and young people at risk of entering the justice system, as well as our Community Bike Shop, which funds and strengthens this work.

What you’ll do:

• Design and schedule engaging posts, stories, and reels across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more to grow our audience.

• Develop strategies for viral campaigns and collaborations to boost awareness and donations and share your expertise with our team.

• Analyse metrics (engagement, reach, growth) and refine tactics based on what resonates.

• Create eye-catching visuals using tools like Canva.

• Update our website as required and make suggestions for improvements.

• Work with our expert Trustee to consider how we can use online retail platforms to sell our refurbished bikes.

What we’ll provide:

· Creative freedom within agreed priorities and tone of voice.

· Access to the right tools plus shared photos, stories and impact stats.

· A named contact, light-touch sign-off, and occasional check-ins to remove blockers.

Time commitment: we’ll agree a realistic scope with the right volunteer based on their availability.

Reasonable agreed expenses will be paid.

Thank you

Mark Flannagan
Chief Executive

About us

UpCycle, works with individuals in prisons and young people at risk in marginalised communities.  We use bicycle maintenance workshops to help build life skills, enhance employability, prevent offending and reoffending, and foster social reintegration.  We also offer lead rides, bike fit-it sessions and other ways to engage with vulnerable people.

In prisons

· We delivered 956 un-refurbished bikes and received back 768 refurbished bikes across eight prisons and one Young Offenders Institution, training over 238 individuals.

In the Community

· Over 1034 bikes were donated to our Community Bike Shop, of those we refurbished and distributed more than 612 to underserved communities locally and overseas.

· Workshops in Bradford engaged 361 participants in diverse cycling-related activities across the area.

· "Bike to the Future" and other initiatives reached 220 young people with more complex needs.

Positive Futures is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board as Chair. This is a pivotal role for a passionate, committed leader who is eager to shape the future of an organisation dedicated to supporting young people and families across the Liverpool City Region. The Chair will work closely with the CEO and trustees to provide strong governance, strategic oversight, and a clear vision for the next phase of our growth and impact.

We seek a strategic, values-led leader to:

• Provide governance leadership
• Work collaboratively with the CEO, offering support and challenge where needed
• Oversee Board development and succession
• Represent the organisation externally
• Lead the next phase of governance strengthening

​If you are motivated by making a lasting difference in the lives of children, young people, and families, and want to contribute your skills and experience at a strategic level, we would be delighted to hear from you.

How To Apply

To apply, please submit:

• Your CV
• A short covering letter (max 2 pages) outlining:

           – Why you want to join Positive Futures

           – Which role you are applying for

           – How your experience aligns with our mission and needs

Closing date: 1st March 2026

Varndean Governors are seeking committed individuals to join their effective cohesive team of people to hold the school to account, to shape the vision of the school and to set the strategic direction.

At Varndean School we firmly believe that our Governing Body should reflect the rich diversity of our community, that we proudly serve. We are committed to creating an exclusive school and to provide diverse role models for our young people.

To uphold this commitment we have collected a range of diversity data from the current Board membership to inform our recruitment process. We may also collect data from anyone applying to be a Governor to ensure that we have an array of perspectives and skills around the governing table.

Varndean School is a truly exciting school to be involved in as a governor. Our aim is that all our students should leave us equipped to achieve their full potential – in whatever field they choose. Underpinning this vision is our rich and varied curriculum, our stimulating range of out of school activities and our unique schools within a school structure. This structure creates a caring community in which students can thrive and is frequently mentioned by parents as one of the key reasons they choose Varndean.

Our governors have a wide range of experience, but all share a commitment to helping the school’s dedicated staff deliver this vision.

Although governors are volunteers, excellent support and development opportunities are provided through an induction process and full programme of training both face-to-face and online to suit individual needs. There are also opportunities to volunteer alongside experienced governors and to take on a responsibility for an area of the school improvement plan.  We don’t expect you to be an expert in education and welcome governors from all walks of life to bring different perspectives and views. You just need to be committed to supporting our vision for the school community and the educational outcomes of our students.

Our school is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our care and you will be expected to share this commitment. All Governors will be subject to an enhanced DBS check on appointment.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 12/05/2026

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/03/2026

We'll invite you for a friendly chat to get to know you better and see how your skills and passion align with working with young people.

YES is seeking a Trustee Treasurer to join our Board and provide strategic financial
oversight, supporting the charity’s sustainability and continued impact for children and
young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for governance and strategic
direction. As Treasurer, you will act as the Board’s lead for finance, offering informed
oversight, guidance, and constructive challenge, drawing on your professional finance
or accountancy experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Board’s lead Trustee for finance.
• Support the development and oversight of financial strategy, budgets, and financial controls.
• Provide scrutiny and challenge in relation to financial reporting, processes, and risk.
• Ensure the Board is informed of relevant financial regulation, compliance, and best practice.
• Contribute a financial perspective to Board discussions and organisational decision-making.

About You

You will bring relevant financial management experience (ideally with an accountancy
qualification), strong communication skills, and a commitment to good governance.
You will be confident working collaboratively and providing constructive challenge.
Previous trustee or charity sector experience is welcome but not essential.

Inclusion

YES values the insight that lived experience brings to effective governance. We
particularly welcome applications from people with diverse lived experience,
including LGBTQ+ communities, global majority backgrounds, and lived experience of
mental health challenges.