Youth engagement officer youth engagement officer volunteer roles

Our Second Home (OSH) is the UK’s youth movement of people with refugee backgrounds. We have welcomed over 600 young people from 50 countries to our activities in London, Essex and Bristol.

Mission

For young people with refugee experience to build community, become leaders and flourish into adulthood in the place they call home. Through transformative activities, our members take control of their lives and create meaningful change for themselves and their wider community.

About This Role

OSH is at a pivotal point in its development.

Over the past few years, OSH has grown from a small, founder-led organisation into a national movement with increasing reach, complexity, and ambition. Our income has risen from £250,000 to £500,000, our staff and volunteer base is expanding, and our programmes are reaching more young people than ever before.

OSH now needs confident, experienced, and future-focused governance that can support scaling while protecting the culture, values, and relational way of working that make the organisation distinctive.

Your role will involve 4 main areas:

1. Board Leadership and Governance
2. Strategy and Organisational Leadership
3. CEO Support, Appraisal, and Accountability
4. External Representation and Engagement

More information is in the recruitment pack attached.

About You

Essential

• Significant experience in organisational and strategic leadership, ideally including guiding a charity or mission-driven organisation from small to medium scale
• A proactive and forward-thinking mindset, demonstrating the ability to anticipate potential issues and risks while identifying opportunities.
• Strong understanding of good governance, with the confidence to lead a board and hold senior executives to account
• Experience of or exposure to fundraising, financial sustainability, and organisational development
• The ability to balance support and challenge, particularly in a Chair - CEO relationship
• Commitment to OSH’s mission and values, including a genuine willingness to engage with and be guided by those with lived experience of the asylum system
• Highly organised and dynamic, with the ability to prioritise the effective use of Board time, facilitate the timely and focused distribution of information, and ensure appropriate follow-up to Board decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the emotional intelligence to lead inclusively, collaboratively, and sensitively

Desirable

• Lived experience of asylum or forced migration
• Previous experience as a Chair or Vice-Chair of a charity or similar organisation
• Experience working with youth-led or lived-experience-led organisations
• Familiarity with safeguarding in youth or community settings

Volunteer Opportunity: Fundraising Working Group 

Meeting Time: Tuesday, 6–8pm, Every Other Month (bi-monthly) 
Location: Mary’s Youth Club N1 2TU / In-person or online

Help Build the Future of Mary’s Youth Club! 

At Mary’s Youth Club, we believe in joyful, creative spaces where young people aged 10–19  can grow, thrive, and feel like they truly belong. We're proud of our vibrant, inclusive community – and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to help keep it strong and sustainable. 

We’re inviting community-minded individuals to join our Fundraising Working Group. This is a hands-on, action-focused volunteer team (not a trustee role!) that supports the financial stability of Mary’s by helping to shape and deliver fundraising initiatives throughout the year. 

You’ll be working alongside our Business Operations Manager, with support from the CEO, trustees, and the wider fundraising volunteer group, to bring energy and fresh ideas to everything from annual events and community campaigns to grant applications and local partnerships. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Supporting the planning and delivery of fundraising events and campaigns 

• Contributing to grant research and application processes 

• Generating creative fundraising ideas with the team 

• Helping build community partnerships and local business links 

• Attending bi-monthly evening meetings and following up on agreed action 

We’re Looking For People Who Are: 

• Friendly, reliable, and community-focused 

• Team players with a can-do attitude 

• Creative thinkers and proactive doers 

• Good at organising or helping behind the scenes 

• Interested in fundraising, events, partnerships, or grant writing 

• Happy to offer a few hours every other month (plus some flexible time in between) 

You Might Have: 

• Experience in fundraising or community engagement (great – but not essential!) 

• Transferable skills like events coordination, budget management, marketing, or communications 

• A background in the voluntary, charity, or business sectors 

• A passion for supporting young people and local communities 

What You’ll Get: 

• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people 

• Opportunities to grow your experience in fundraising and charity operations 

• A warm, welcoming team environment 

• Joy, connection, and the satisfaction of giving back 

• Volunteer references available on request 

Ready to Join Us? 

We’d love to hear from you! 
 

How to Apply 

Interested? We'd love to hear from you! 
Simply send through your CV and we'll be in touch to discuss next steps

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO OFFER SPONSORSHIP- THEREFORE YOU DO NEED TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK

✨ Together, we can keep Mary’s thriving – and make a lasting impact for young people in our communi 

An invitation to join us at Young Devon as our next…

Trustee (Job Ref 25-85)

Are you passionate about supporting young people in Devon?

Young Devon is here to change the odds in favour of the thousands of young people who ask for help each year with their homelessness, mental health and education.  We believe developing good quality relationships can be transformational in young people’s lives.

We are seeking committed and passionate people to support the leadership of a complex organisation.  An understanding of governance in a Charity or non-executive setting isn’t essential but will help.

You will be able to demonstrate good judgement combined with excellent strategic and communication skills.  As a creative thinker and being able to recognise a range of perspectives you will be able to support fellow Trustees to ensure the Charity is well governed and focused on meeting the needs of young people.

You can download the Candidate Information Pack from our website.

This is a voluntary position but one which we hope will be very rewarding.  We aim to appoint to an initial 3-year term with the possibility to extend to a second thereafter.  Reasonable and proper expenses will be reimbursed.  An enhanced DBS check is required for this position.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Tuesday 31st March 2026

Young Devon is a youth work charity (1057949) passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and embracing diversity. We are committed to Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable groups and all applicants who will or could have unsupervised access to these groups will complete the required checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service

About Make A Smile

Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers help the charity run smoothly across the UK, acting “in the best interests of Make a Smile” and supporting chapters to thrive.

About The Role

Regional Officers oversee a group of Make A Smile chapters within a specific UK region. You will support chapter committees, monitor activity, encourage collaboration, and provide hands‑on help when needed. This role is essential in ensuring chapters stay active, compliant, and connected to the wider charity.

Key Responsibilities

You will play a leadership and support‑focused role across 5–8 chapters in your region. Responsibilities include:

- Overseeing chapters within your assigned region (South West, South East, Midlands, North West, or North East)
- Providing guidance, advice, and signposting to Presidents and committee members.
- Monitoring chapter activity by checking committee chats, emails, volunteer communities, and social media.
- Flagging concerns to the Chair if a chapter becomes inactive or is not adhering to policy.
- Attending chapter meetings where possible and building strong relationships with committees.
- Being the first point of contact when committees have questions about central activities.
- Collaborating with Trustees and other Officers when specialist support is needed.
- Providing hands‑on support to struggling chapters, such as posting on social media, chairing meetings, emailing volunteers, or chasing sign‑ups.
- Encouraging collaboration between chapters—joint socials, fundraisers, training sessions, or large events.
- Using the Presidents’ regional chat to coordinate cross‑chapter activities and build a sense of wider community.
- Celebrating chapter successes and sharing good practice across the region.
- Reporting insights, concerns, and achievements at monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

This role suits someone organised, supportive, and confident in guiding others. You’ll thrive if you bring:

- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
- Confidence in supporting and advising multiple committees.
- A proactive, solution‑focused mindset (“Approach problems with the attitude of solution identification.”).
- The ability to monitor activity and spot early signs of disengagement.
- Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Show dedication… Enjoy it!”).
- A calm, friendly presence that encourages volunteers to reach out for help.

Experience in leadership or volunteer management is helpful but not essential.

Time Commitment

Regional Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including monitoring chapter activity, supporting committees, and attending monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Training and Support

You will receive:

- Full Trustee Training (online).
- A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).
- Guidance from the Chair, Supporting Chapter Managers, and fellow Trustees.
- Access to the Chapter Levelling document and annual plans to help assess chapter needs.
- Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity‑funded training.

What You’ll Gain

- Experience supporting multiple teams across a national charity.
- Skills in leadership, volunteer management, and organisational oversight.
- The chance to shape the success and sustainability of Make A Smile chapters.
- A meaningful role that directly strengthens the charity’s impact across the UK.
- The satisfaction of helping volunteers feel supported, confident, and connected.

Safeguarding and Eligibility

Regional Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send your CV and a short message outlining your experience, interest in supporting chapters, and why you’d like to join Make A Smile as a Regional Officer.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping volunteers and chapters thrive.

About Make A Smile

Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers help keep the charity “current, fresh and forward‑thinking” so we can continue to provide the best possible experience for volunteers and the children we visit.

About The Role

The Innovations Officer leads the development of a new project from concept to rollout, ensuring Make A Smile continues to evolve and deliver high‑quality, engaging experiences. You will design, test, refine, and launch an innovations project that strengthens the charity’s impact across all chapters.

Key Responsibilities

You will take ownership of an innovations project and guide it through every stage of development. Responsibilities include:

● Creating a full project outline, including aims, failure criteria, projected costs, timeline, and required skills.

● Recruiting and managing an Innovations Subcommittee with the skills needed to deliver the project.

● Delegating tasks, providing support, and ensuring subcommittee members fulfil their roles.

● Setting up all required admin, including risk assessments, reflection templates, and task‑tracking systems.

● Leading the creation of a prototype or pilot version of the project.

● Running tests with well‑established chapters and gathering feedback from volunteers, committees, and event leads.

● Overseeing multiple rounds of refinement until the project is ready for rollout.

● Supporting the staged rollout of the project across chapters.

● Providing regular updates to Trustees, including progress, budget status, and test outcomes.

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

This role suits someone creative, organised, and excited by bringing new ideas to life. You’ll thrive if you bring:

● Strong project‑management skills.

● Creativity and a passion for innovation.

● Confidence in leading and motivating a team.

● A solution‑focused mindset.

● The ability to plan, test, evaluate, and refine ideas.

● Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Act in the best interests of Make a Smile… Enjoy it!”).

You do not need prior innovation or project‑design experience - just enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

Time Commitment

Innovations Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including subcommittee meetings, project development, and monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Training and Support

You will receive:

● Full Trustee Training (online).

● A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).

● Guidance from the Chair and fellow Trustees.

● Access to templates, handbooks, and previous innovations materials.

● Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity-funded training.

What You’ll Gain

● Experience leading a full project lifecycle from concept to rollout.

● Skills in innovation, design, testing, and evaluation.

● Leadership and team‑management experience.

● The chance to shape the future of Make A Smile’s activities and volunteer experience.

● The satisfaction of seeing your project used across chapters to bring joy to children.

Safeguarding and Eligibility

Innovations Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send across your CV and a short message outlining your experience, interests, and why you’d like to lead an innovations project.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping children smile.

Are you passionate about using your skills and expertise to help support and develop a UK-wide relationships and sex education charity?

Sexpression:UK provides high quality, comprehensive relationships and sex education workshops to young people between the ages of 11-18 in schools and youth groups. We operate across the UK through our unique network of affiliated branches and volunteers based at universities and students’ unions in 15 towns and cities.

You will have strong empathy with our mission to educate and empower young people to make individual, informed decisions about their bodies and their health. You will be committed to using your expertise to contribute to the future development of the charity and ensuring high quality governance of the organisation.

We are looking for a motivated individual with demonstrable experience in leadership or governance to join our board as Chair of Trustees.This is an exciting time to join our charity with the opportunity to contribute to a unique youth-led charity playing a leading role in some of today’s biggest issues.

Join our team to help make sure children, young people and vulnerable adults are always protected and can participate fully in the life of the church.

The Team Safeguarding Officer plays a vital role in building a strong safeguarding culture across our 16 churches. They are the key link between the central Safeguarding Team, local clergy and churches concerning safeguarding matters. They will have an overview of all church activities involving children, young people and vulnerable adults, working closely with Parish Safeguarding Officers to implement safeguarding policy. 

The key aspects of the role are:

• Safeguarding point of contact: Respond well to safeguarding concerns or disclosures and, with the Team Rector or Team Vicars as appropriate, refer them to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and relevant statutory agencies.

• DBS and training oversight: Ensure staff and volunteers have up-to-date DBS checks and safeguarding training recorded and monitored within the Safeguarding Hub.

• Promote good practice: Uphold Church of England safeguarding policies and guidance 

• Trustee engagement: Keep the Team Council and PCC (Parochial Church Council) members informed about safeguarding developments and risks.

• Compliance and safer recruitment: Use online tools such as Safeguarding Hubs and Dashboards to support compliance.

The role of the Team Safeguarding Officer does not need to be fulfilled by one individual and instead could be shared, with one person taking an outward facing lead (e.g. named point of contact) and another focussing on administrative functions (e.g. managing DBS and training)

About You

We are looking for one or more people who can fulfil some or all of these aspects:

• Approachable and trustworthy, able to listen and respond sensitively to concerns.

• Organised and detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records.

• Committed to safeguarding and willing to champion best practice across the parish.

• Willing to learn online tools such as Safeguarding Hubs and Dashboards.

The role requires an Enhanced Adult & Child DBS with Barring and is subject to the Church of England’s Safer Recruitment process and leadership level safeguarding training. You will be supported by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, an out of hours service and your local clergy.

The Community Officer is responsible for creating an engaging and welcoming environment for volunteers. This encourages and motivates volunteers to get involved and stay involved. This includes encouraging engagement in shared social spaces (Discord and Whatsapp), organising a range of regular socials and supporting with the Ball at conference. 

About Make A Smile

Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers help keep the charity running smoothly across the UK, acting “in the best interests of Make a Smile” and ensuring volunteers are well‑trained, supported, and empowered.

About the Role

The Sign Language Officer leads Make A Smile’s British Sign Language (BSL) and Makaton training programme, ensuring volunteers gain the communication skills needed to create magical, inclusive interactions at events. You will oversee teachers, develop engaging lesson plans, and ensure volunteers progress through training effectively.

Key Responsibilities

You will play a central role in developing and delivering high‑quality sign language training. Responsibilities include:

● Overseeing BSL and Makaton teachers and supporting them in running weekly sessions.

● Recruiting suitable teachers or supporting new teachers to develop their skills to the required level.

● Ensuring the charity can offer training at multiple levels (Beginners, Improvers, Novice, Intermediate) for both BSL and Makaton.

● Reviewing and approving lesson plans, ensuring content focuses on vocabulary and phrases useful for Make A Smile events.

● Managing volunteer applications for training, selecting participants based on commitment and likelihood of attending events.

● Supporting weekly sessions by ensuring attendance is taken, volunteers are engaged, and teachers have the resources they need.

● Stepping in to run a session or arranging cover if a teacher is unavailable.

● Monitoring volunteer engagement and removing volunteers from the programme if attendance or participation is consistently poor.

● Ensuring asynchronous training materials on the dashboard remain relevant and accessible.

● Reporting on training progress, volunteer engagement, and teacher needs at monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

This role suits someone organised, supportive, and passionate about inclusive communication. You’ll thrive if you bring:

● Strong organisational and coordination skills.

● Confidence in supporting and guiding teachers.

● Creativity in helping shape engaging, event‑focused lesson plans.

● A proactive, solution‑focused mindset. 

● Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Show dedication… Enjoy it!”).

● An interest in BSL or Makaton (you do not need to be fluent - teachers deliver the content).

Time Commitment

Sign Language Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including supporting teachers, reviewing lesson plans, managing training groups, and attending monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Training and Support

You will receive:

● Full Trustee Training (online).

● A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).

● Guidance from the Chair and fellow Trustees.

● Access to existing lesson plans, training materials, and templates.

● Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity‑funded training.

What You’ll Gain

● Experience managing a training programme within a national charity.

● Skills in coordination, leadership, and inclusive communication.

● The chance to shape how volunteers interact with children who use BSL or Makaton.

● A meaningful role that directly enhances the accessibility and impact of Make A Smile events.

● The joy of helping volunteers develop skills that create magical, inclusive moments for children.

Safeguarding and Eligibility

Sign Language Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send a CV along with a short message outlining your experience, interest in sign language, and why you’d like to support Make A Smile’s training programme.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping children smile.

We are searching for an enthusiastic volunteer to become the Recruitment Officer for our Newcastle branch, this role focuses on encouraging volunteers to join Make a Smile. In terms of member recruitment, they will need to help organise and run training sessions, organise and seek recruitment opportunities such as hosting stalls at Volunteering Fairs, contact through coleges/universities and social media use etc etc. Finally, they will need to encourage trainees to complete the essential training, including hosting intial introduction training sessions and help get volunteers to their first event! 

Are you a creative storyteller with a passion for trends and community impact? Join us as a Social Media & Communications Volunteer and help us grow our voice during an exciting new chapter for our charity.

As our Social Media & Communications Volunteer, you’ll help bring our mission to life across digital platforms. Working closely with our Digital Marketing Officer and the wider Fundraising & Communications team, you will support the creation of content that:

• Raises awareness of our work and impact
• Supports fundraising and community engagement
• Strengthens our online presence, especially during our period of transition
• Taps into trends, conversation moments, and creative formats

This is a varied and dynamic role — perfect for someone who thrives on creativity, enjoys experimenting with content, and wants hands on experience in the charity sector.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Assisting with planning, creating and scheduling engaging social media content across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Work with the team to develop creative, trend-aware content and campaigns that boosts engagement and attracts new followers
• Keep track of relevant awareness days/weeks and help develop content around them 
• Assist with research for content generation and storytelling ideas 
• Create and edit short-form video content for social media, campaigns, and fundraising moments 
• Adapt content into formats suitable for different platforms and different audiences, including young people 
• Repurpose existing content into new formats (e.g., infographics, Reels, stories, carousels, blog snippets) 
• Maintain brand consistency across all visual and written output 
• Capture live content at events (including supporting and cheering on our challenge event runners!)
• Any other tasks that would be deemed suitable within this role as directed.

What We’re Looking For:

• Warm, welcoming and friendly person
• Creative, reliable and able to work independently  
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Interested in and experienced with video editing, content creation across social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tiktok
• Experience with tools such as Adobe, Canva, CapCut, Meta, Social Pilot, or similar

Job Description

We are looking for a Volunteer Digital Marketing Director to help lead and coordinate our digital outreach and growth strategy.

You will help develop and manage the organisation’s digital marketing activities, ensuring campaigns, content and communication channels work together to raise awareness and engage supporters.

This role involves working closely with the Founder and Digital Marketing team to guide digital campaigns, support online engagement and help build systems that allow the organisation to grow.

The role focuses on strategy, coordination and improving the impact of digital campaigns and outreach.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the organisation’s digital marketing strategy
• Support the planning and delivery of digital campaigns across platforms
• Work with content, design and campaign teams to align messaging and activities
• Help build digital pathways for volunteers, donors and supporters to engage with the organisation
• Monitor campaign performance and recommend improvements
• Oversee tools such as email marketing platforms, social media channels and CRM systems
• Ensure digital activities follow data protection and GDPR guidelines
• Provide updates and insights to leadership on digital performance

What We’re Looking For

• Experience or strong interest in digital marketing strategy or campaign management
• Ability to coordinate multiple digital channels such as social media, email and websites
• Experience working with tools such as CRM systems, email marketing platforms or digital collaboration tools
• Strong organisational and leadership skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a remote volunteer team
• Interest in social impact, community engagement or nonprofit work
• Experience in nonprofit digital marketing or campaign strategy is helpful but not required

What You’ll Gain

• Leadership experience helping guide the digital strategy of a growing organisation
• Opportunity to help build digital systems and campaigns from the ground up
• Hands-on experience working with a multidisciplinary digital team
• Priority consideration for future paid roles when funding becomes available

The Sutton Trust is at a pivotal moment in its development. For nearly three decades, we have been the UK’s leading voice on social mobility, working tirelessly to break the link between socio-economic background and life chances. Today, that mission is as urgent as it has ever been. Despite pockets of progress, social mobility in the UK remains low by international standards, with deep inequalities in education, access to professions, and regional opportunity continuing to limit life chances and economic potential.

We are seeking a Trustee with policy expertise who shares our commitment to fairness, evidence, and long-term change. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are keen to hear from those who can help us navigate an evolving political landscape and leverage our research to challenge systemic barriers, ensuring our voice remains the most influential in the national drive to transform social mobility.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Trustee

Policy Responsibilities

• Providing oversight for the charity’s research and advocacy, ensuring the Trust’s work is mission-aligned, evidence-based, and intellectually rigorous
• Supporting the Board in discharging their collective duties around planning, risk and compliance, particularly in areas such as horizon scanning for upcoming legislative changes, political shifts and shifts in social trends affecting the Trust as well as specific regulations around political neutrality
• Leveraging their professional networks and expertise, enhancing the charity’s credibility and influence, ensuring our research translates into meaningful systemic change

General Responsibilities

• Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s vision, mission and values and providing advice on the Trust’s wider purpose, goals and activities
• Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s aims and long-term strategy in furtherance of its charitable purpose
• Ensuring key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively as well as keeping abreast of changes in the Trust’s operating environment
• Monitoring the Trust’s performance against its strategic aims, operational plans and budgets
• Safeguarding and promoting the Trust’s reputation, and acting in the best interest of the Trust at all times
• Ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the Trust
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring proper arrangements are in place for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and renumeration of the CEO and they are held to account
• Contributing to regular reviews of the Trust’s own governance
• Ensuring the Trust complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use their specific skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to the Board’s decision-making, and dedicate sufficient time to carry out their responsibilities effectively. This may involve sitting on Board Committees, scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Trustees aim to support a specific member of the SLT based on their skills and experience or may participate in appropriate subgroups, e.g., Alumni Leadership Board, Education Advisory Group, (Development) Board meetings, etc.

Person Specification

Mission and Values

• Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage
• High level of personal and professional ethics, integrity, and accountability
• Willingness to safeguard and promote the Trust’s reputation within the wider sector

Strategy and Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to think strategically in order to provide appropriate oversight and scrutiny for the Trust’s overall activity and direction
• Ability to confidently and fairly make evidence-based decisions and constructively challenge the decisions of others if required
• Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team to provide advice, make decisions, and/or solve problems
• A commitment to personal development and a willingness to participate in regular reviews of the Board’s own performance and governance

Governance, Risk and Finance

• Understanding of the legal duties of a Trustee (or willingness to learn), including compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House regulations and commitment to the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee
• Awareness of (or willingness to learn about) financial health indicators and organisational risk management

Specialist Expertise and Experience

• A background in public affairs, civil service, think tanks, education sector organisations or senior policy or research roles in (education) charities
• Strong understanding of how UK government (at local, regional or national level) and/ or the UK education sector works
• Strong influencing and communications skills with the ability to lead discussions, provide expert advice, and influence stakeholders in a professional manner
• Good understanding of how to translate policy jargon into clear, strategic advice for the wider Trustee Board

Interviews

Applications should reach us by 10am, Monday 30th March. First round interviews will take place on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th April, and second round interviews will take place w/c 27th April or w/c 4th May. All interviews will be held at our London offices in Millbank Tower.

Volunteer Chairperson Milton Keynes Junior Ice Hockey Club (MKJIHC)

Milton Keynes Junior Ice Hockey Club is a registered charity delivering training and competitive ice hockey to young people aged 5 to 19. We are affiliated with English Ice Hockey and have teams competing in both the Junior league and Women’ National Ice Hockey league.

We are seeking a Chairperson who is enthusiastic about youth sports and development to lead our committee to continue to grow and develop the club whilst remaining inclusive and accessible to all.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who have strong leadership skills and can encourage collaborative working who are independent of Milton Keynes Ice Hockey. Previous board or governance experience would be beneficial but not essential.

This is a voluntary role, expected to require 8-10 hours a month of your time, though there can be occasions where additional input is necessary. There is a requirement to attend the monthly face to face committee meeting but there will be flexibility regarding other involvement.

Role Overview

The Chairperson is responsible for leading MK Storm Junior Ice Hockey Club and ensuring it operates

effectively as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). As both Chairperson and Trustee, the role

provides strategic leadership, supports strong governance, and ensures the charity delivers its objectives of

developing young people through ice hockey.

The Chair works closely with the Board of Trustees, committee, coaching staff, volunteers, and parents to

ensure the club is well-managed, financially sustainable, and aligned with its charitable purpose.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

● Chair committee meetings and ensure effective decision making.

● Provide strategic leadership to support the long term development of the club.

● Ensure the charity operates in line with its governing document and charitable objectives.

● Support trustees and committee members in fulfilling their responsibilities.

Charity Trustee Duties

● Fulfil the legal duties of a trustee in accordance with the Charity Commission for England and

Wales.

● Ensure the charity complies with relevant laws, regulations, and safeguarding requirements.

● Act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries (young players).

● Ensure appropriate financial oversight and responsible use of charitable funds.

Strategic Development

● Lead the development and implementation of the club’s strategic vision.

● Support growth in participation, player development pathways, and community engagement.

● Identify opportunities for partnerships, funding, and sponsorship.

Club Oversight

● Provide oversight of key operational areas including:

○ Coaching programmes

○ Safeguarding and welfare

○ Finance and budgeting

○ Volunteer management

○ Events and competitions

● Work closely with the club’s designated safeguard lead to ensure a safe environment for all young

players.

Representation

● Act as the primary ambassador for the club.

● Represent the organisation with governing bodies and partners such as Ice Hockey UK and

England Ice Hockey.

● Build positive relationships with the local community and sporting organisations.

Committee & Volunteer Support

● Encourage a collaborative and inclusive committee culture.

● Support recruitment and development of volunteers and committee members.

● Ensure clear delegation and accountability across the club structure.

Key Skills & Experience

● Leadership or governance experience (charity, sport, or community organisations).

● Understanding of trustee responsibilities within a UK charity.

● Strong communication and management skills.

● Ability to lead volunteers and build collaborative teams.

● Strategic thinking and decision making ability.

Desirable Experience

● Experience in youth sport or community sports clubs.

● Knowledge of safeguarding requirements in youth sport.

● Experience working with national governing bodies or sports associations.

● Understanding of financial oversight in a charity setting.

Time Commitment

● Committee meetings (once a month).

● Attendance at key club events and occasional matches.

● Ongoing communication with trustees and club volunteers.

What You’ll Gain

● Opportunity to shape the future of youth ice hockey in the community.

● Experience leading a registered charity.

● Development of governance and leadership skills in sport.

● The chance to positively impact young athletes’ development.