Youth development officer volunteer roles

Newham & Tower Hamlets, London Volunteer • Part‑Time • Board of Trustees

When applying, please specify which voluntary role you are applying for!!!

Help build a charity that changes lives, shifts systems, and opens doors for generations.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we believe an “accident of birth” should never determine a person’s destination. We are a new London‑based social mobility charity committed to breaking cycles of deprivation through holistic employability, wellbeing, and mentoring programmes that empower adults to thrive.

We are prioritising delivery in Newham and Tower Hamlets — two boroughs that rank among the top 10 most deprived areas nationally for employment and skills. The need here is real. The talent is abundant. The opportunity for impact is extraordinary.

Our vision is to build a flagship model in East London that can grow, evolve, and expand beyond these two boroughs — creating a blueprint for social mobility that transforms communities across the UK.

Through enriching programmes, professional experiences, and empowering support, we champion ambition, connect individuals to meaningful opportunities, and help every person develop, grow, and excel. We believe success should be defined by talent, aspiration, and dedication — never background or circumstance.

We are now recruiting our founding Board of Trustees — compassionate, strategic, values‑driven leaders who want to build something meaningful from the ground up.

You will work closely with the Founder & Executive Director to shape our culture, guide our strategy, and lay the foundations for long‑term impact.

We are recruiting for the following Trustee roles:

1. Chair of the Board

A confident, inspiring leader who can guide the Board, support the Executive Director, and champion strong governance as we grow.

2. Deputy Chair

A collaborative, steady partner who can deputise for the Chair and help drive board cohesion, clarity, and momentum.

3. Treasurer

A financially skilled leader who can oversee our financial strategy, sustainability, and accountability as a start‑up charity.

4. Secretary

A detail‑driven organiser who ensures excellent governance, compliance, and smooth board operations.

5. Trustees (General)

People with skills, experience, or lived experience relevant to a social mobility start‑up — including:

• Community development
• Lived experience of social mobility barriers
• HR, people, and culture
• Fundraising and partnerships
• Operations and governance
• Marketing, communications, and branding
• Programme design and delivery
• Local knowledge of Newham or Tower Hamlets

If you bring passion, integrity, and a commitment to equity, we would love to hear from you.

Why join us?

1. Shape a new charity from day one

Your leadership will directly influence our culture, strategy, and long‑term direction.

2. Champion social mobility where it matters most

Help adults unlock confidence, skills, and opportunities that change the trajectory of their lives.

3. Lead with authenticity and heart

We welcome trustees with lived experience, community roots, and non‑traditional backgrounds.

4. Build a flagship model for national impact

Your work in Newham and Tower Hamlets will lay the foundations for future expansion across the UK.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from people who are:

• Passionate about social mobility, equity, and community empowerment.

• Excited by the challenge of building a start‑up charity.

• Collaborative, reflective, and committed to good governance.

• Able to offer strategic insight, constructive challenge, and supportive leadership.

• Ready to bring their whole self, lived experience, and voice to the table.

We particularly encourage applications from people from working‑class or low‑income backgrounds, people of colour, and those with lived experience of the barriers we aim to dismantle.

Time commitment

• Flexible volunary role with approx around 4–6 hours per month, including quarterly board meetings, occasional working groups, and strategic development sessions.

• Flexible, remote‑friendly, with some in‑person sessions in Newham or Tower Hamlets.

Join us and help build a charity that unlocks potential, transforms futures, and uplifts communities.

Help Us Unlock Potential and Break Down Barriers

If you’re ready to guide a charity with purpose at its core, we’d love to hear from you.

Location: Shepherd’s Bush, West London

Time Commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month (including quarterly board meetings and annual Away Day)

Type: Voluntary

Start Date: Early 2026

Join a unique West London charity creating lasting change in people’s lives

The Upper Room is seeking a Chair of Trustees (Designate) to join our Board in 2025/26 and, after a year of active trusteeship and shadowing, to step into the role of Chair when our current Chair reaches the end of their tenure in 2027.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate, values-led individual to help shape the next phase of our work, from strategic resilience to community innovation.

About Us

From small beginnings more than 35 years ago The Upper Room has grown into a thriving charity with an annual budget of around £650K.

Food provision has always been at the heart of what we do. UR4Meals serves approximately 40,000 meals a year, operating five days a week.

UR4Driving works with ex-offenders and young people identified as at risk of offending. We help them pass their driving theory test, and then provide free driving lessons. Last year 37 students gained a full driving licence with us. This has a significant impact on their employability and self-esteem, and dramatically reduces re-offending.

UR4Jobs helps people become work-ready, and supports their wellbeing.

We are still based in our original home at St Saviour’s Church near Shepherd’s Bush in west London.

About the Role

As Chair, you’ll lead a committed and skilled Board of Trustees, working closely with our CEO and senior team to guide strategy, ensure good governance and champion our impact.

You’ll also play a key role externally, acting as an ambassador to funders, partners and supporters.

We’re looking for someone who can

• Provide strategic leadership through a period of growth and innovation
• Foster a culture of inclusion and respect, both on the Board and across the organisation - Support and challenge the CEO, acting as a critical friend and sounding board
• Ensure excellent governance, compliance and risk management
• Represent the charity publicly, building relationships and influence

About You

We welcome candidates with prior Board experience as a Trustee, Chair or Non-Executive Director, and a strong commitment to social justice.

We especially encourage applications from those with lived experience of disadvantage, as well as those from under-represented backgrounds, including individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

We’re interested in candidates with

• A clear understanding of charity governance and the role of a Chair
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• A collaborative, values-driven approach
• The time, energy and commitment to make a lasting difference

Additional experience in fundraising, partnerships, organisational development or public sector engagement would be welcome, though not essential.

Time Commitment

• As a Trustee in 2025/ 26 (approx. 1–2 days per month)
• Transition to Chair in 2027, subject to mutual agreement and Board approval
• Quarterly evening Board meetings (in person in London)
• Annual summer Away Day with staff and trustees
• Optional involvement in sub-committees or events depending on interest and availability
• Representing the charity at local events

Why Now

By inviting a prospective Chair to join our Board as a Trustee in 2025/26, we can ensure a smooth, informed transition, with the support and handover of our current Chair, and plenty of time for deep onboarding and relationship-building.

The new Chair will help consolidate our growth, and lead our Board through the next chapter, ensuring our mission continues to serve those who need us most in the years ahead.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter explaining your interest and suitability to the Upper Room.

If you would like to have an informal conversation before applying, feel free to reach out via email to arrange a call.

Because we are planning for the long term we are not placing a deadline on this process. However, we aim to appoint in the first quarter of 2026.

Interviews will be held in two stages, including an in-person meeting with key Board and staff members.

About Proteus

Proteus is an award-winning theatre company that believes the audience is as vital as the artist. The company holds that truly dynamic and relevant theatre emerges when audience and artist inspire each other’s imagination. Quality, integrity, and innovation lie at the heart of Proteus’ work and form the criteria by which its success is measured. Founded in 1981 and based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Proteus has a long-standing history of creating and presenting high-quality work that serves both local and national audiences.

The Role

Proteus is actively seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The company is committed to transforming society through radical acts of kindness and believes in the universal value of the performing arts. Trustees will support Proteus’ mission to make culture thrive within the local community while helping to deliver theatre that tours across the UK.

Trustees contribute to creating innovative theatre and support leading artists working in the performing arts today. They help bring diverse forms of art—including theatre, circus, music, spoken word, visual art, cabaret, and film—to Basingstoke communities at accessible prices.

Beyond producing touring theatre, Proteus operates as a non-profit organisation that runs an arts centre, artists’ studios, a gallery, a café, and a wide-ranging programme of support for artists. Trustees engage with a dynamic organisation whose activities span local and international stages.

Serving as a Trustee offers a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, providing opportunities to meet artists from across the industry, collaborate with Proteus staff and fellow board members, and help shape the future of one of the South’s most exciting arts organisations.

Who Proteus is Looking For

Proteus seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about the arts as a force for social change. Prospective trustees should share the company’s conviction in the transformative power of the arts and its commitment to inclusivity. Proteus actively encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences.

Even those who feel they may not meet every criterion are encouraged to get in touch, as the organisation values the whole person and provides support for new trustees to develop their skills on the job.

Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis. The primary purpose of the board is to ensure that Proteus achieves its objectives. Trustees are expected to:

• Attend four board meetings per year (usually via Zoom) for a minimum term of three years and participate in an annual one-day board retreat in Basingstoke.

• Attend Proteus performances and events when possible.

• Support fundraising activities where possible.

• Provide advice and guidance to staff as required.

• Commit to the mission and values of Proteus.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee.

• Ensure Proteus is well-governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives.

• Act as ambassadors for Proteus, opening doors and helping expand networks and contacts.

• Contribute actively to Proteus’ strategic direction and development, offering ideas, connections, and support in growing its network of partners, supporters, and donors.

The role of the Governing Body includes collective oversight of the College’s activities and setting and reviewing
our strategy and mission. The governor role is comparable with the non-executive directors of a public company
but instead of being accountable to shareholders, governors are accountable for public funds. As the College is an exempt charity, all governors are charity trustees.

Being a governor is a hugely rewarding leadership role. Governors can make a real difference and give something
back to the local community.

The College is currently looking for two new governors to join the Board. We are seeking experienced individuals, who
are looking for an opportunity to use and develop their professional skills in a board-level environment.
You don’t need to have prior board experience to apply.

The Board is currently looking for two new governors will have experience of one, or more, of the following areas: FE, education, apprenticeships. 

The Board also values the diversity of our students and staff, who come from a variety of ethnic, cultural and
religious backgrounds. The Board is determined to reflect this diversity amongst our Governing Body and
encourages people from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Please get in touch if you don’t feel you have the time to join the Board but would be interested in being co-opted to one of our committees. Co-option can provide an excellent introduction to voluntary governance roles. We are currently looking for co-opted members to join our Search and Governance Commitee, Resources Committee and Audit and Risk Committee. 

Are you committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing of survivors and marginalised communities through culturally informed therapeutic practices? Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a skilled Clinical Lead, Cultural & Emotional Therapy Liaison to join our founding volunteer team. This critical role ensures that all clinical and therapeutic support offered to members is safe, effective, culturally responsive, and aligned with the CIC’s survivor-led, values-driven mission.

As Clinical Lead, you will provide professional oversight, guidance, and liaison for all cultural and emotional therapy initiatives within the organisation. You will work closely with membership, engagement, and programme teams to ensure services are trauma-informed, culturally competent, and responsive to the needs of survivors, young people, and marginalised communities. This role blends strategic leadership, operational management, and community-facing support to build safe, transformative, and accessible therapy systems.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Professional qualification and current registration in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling, or a closely related discipline (e.g. HCPC, BACP, UKCP, BABCP, or equivalent)
• Demonstrable experience providing trauma-informed therapeutic support, with strong understanding of how trauma, culture, identity, and systemic factors affect emotional wellbeing
• Proven ability to deliver or advise on culturally competent practice with diverse cultural, ethnic, faith-based, and marginalised communities
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding frameworks, risk management, and ethical practice within clinical, voluntary, and community-based settings
• Working understanding of GDPR and data protection principles, particularly relating to confidential health and safeguarding information
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or providing reflective practice to clinical practitioners, facilitators, or volunteers (including non-clinical staff delivering emotional support)
• Ability to assess risk, respond calmly to complex or sensitive situations, and provide clear, proportionate clinical guidance
• Strong organisational skills, balancing strategic oversight with operational input in a volunteer or resource-limited environment
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain clinical concepts to non-clinical audiences and work collaboratively across teams
• Experience working with survivors of abuse, trauma, exploitation, or systemic harm, and/or within grassroots, community-focused, or voluntary sector organisations
• High levels of professional integrity, emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and commitment to inclusive, ethical care

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Role assumes senior-level competence; scope may evolve with organisational growth

Qualifications

• Current professional qualification and registration with a recognised regulatory body (as listed above)

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Provide strategic and hands-on clinical oversight to ensure the effective delivery of culturally informed emotional and therapeutic services. Ensure that programmes are safe, ethical, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of members.
• Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of emotional wellbeing and therapeutic services, ensuring that interventions are culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and aligned with the organisation’s mission and values. This includes supporting programme design, session structures, referral pathways, and evaluation frameworks to promote positive member outcomes.
• Liaise closely with therapists, facilitators, programme leads, and safeguarding officers to ensure consistent alignment with clinical governance, ethical frameworks, safeguarding policies, and professional standards. Provide expert consultation on complex cultural considerations, trauma impacts, emotional safety, and effective engagement strategies, particularly for members from marginalised or under-served communities.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, training, and supervision of therapy facilitators and volunteers. Advising on role suitability, contributing to training content, offering reflective supervision, and promoting best practice in boundaries, self-care, and ethical decision-making.
• Review and approve therapy protocols, session guidelines, risk assessments, and safeguarding procedures, ensuring they are clinically sound, culturally sensitive, and proportionate to the needs and risks of the service users. Ensure that all therapeutic activity complies with relevant professional regulatory standards, safeguarding legislation, and data protection requirements, including GDPR.
• Monitor member wellbeing outcomes, qualitative feedback, and service impact data to inform continuous improvement, learning, and programme development. This includes identifying trends, risks, or unmet needs and advising on appropriate service adaptations.
• As the primary clinical point of contact, the role holder will provide professional oversight for complex cases, escalations, or member concerns that require clinical judgement, risk management, or safeguarding intervention, working collaboratively with internal teams and external professionals where required.

What This Role Offers You:

• Leadership experience in shaping culturally-informed clinical and therapeutic services.
• Opportunity to influence the wellbeing and recovery of survivors and vulnerable community members.
• Personal and professional growth through working in a values-led, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred environment.
• The satisfaction of building safe, effective, and transformative support systems that align with community needs.

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking traditional, hierarchical clinical roles without collaborative or community-facing responsibilities.
• Those unwilling to work within a survivor-centred, anti-capitalist, and culturally responsive framework.
• People expecting rigid structures or hands-off supervision—this role requires active leadership, decision-making, and engagement.

If you are ready to guide, shape, and oversee culturally-informed therapeutic support while making a tangible social impact, we want to hear from you. Apply now and become a key leader in building safe, transformative systems for survivors and communities.

A Final Word

Care is always about people, never just processes.

Trust grows through compassion, professionalism, and accountability.
Confidentiality is part of safeguarding, not an afterthought.
Respect, cultural awareness, and emotional safety are what sustain meaningful therapeutic relationships.