Youth work volunteer roles

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

Join Richmond Foundation as a Non-Trustee Grants Committee Member and help shape a fairer, healthier future for our community.

Richmond Foundation is a long-established local charity with a proud history of supporting residents through grant-making, property management, and community initiatives. We are seeking new Non-Trustee (volunteer) members to join our Grants Committee and contribute to our vision: Everyone in Richmond has opportunities to build healthy and fulfilling lives.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to add Non-Trustee members to our Grants Committee to increase the breadth of knowledge and to provide different fresh perspectives into our grant making. We welcome applications from individuals who share our values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, agility, and ambition.

We are aiming to have six members of the Grants Committee with at least one being a non-trustee member, who will participate alongside our Trustees.

Our goal is to recruit people from a wide range of backgrounds, with different expertise, experience and knowledge. We want to make our committees more diverse and representative of the groups and people we support. You can read more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here.

We are keen to receive applications from people who:

• Are aged between 16 and 35
• Are from lower-income socio-economic backgrounds
• Have lived experience relevant to our work
• Are disabled or have a long-term health condition
• Are from communities experiencing racial inequity

We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to support applicants at any stage.

The role of a Non-Trustee Grants Committee Member

This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Richmond Foundation team to participate in important decisions around awarding funding and to influence policy and strategic direction.

Terms of appointment

Appointments will be for a two-year term, with the possibility of renewing for an additional two-year term.

You will need to:

• Uphold Richmond Foundation’s vision, mission, objectives, and values
• Attend at least four Grants Committee meetings per year at our central Richmond location (1.5 hours from 5:00pm to 6:30pm)
• Prepare for meetings by reading all relevant documentation and reviewing minutes
• Attend relevant training and at least one event/visit hosted by a grant-funded organisation each year
• Attend our annual AGM meeting in November

Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic direction and expert guidance on our developing grants portfolio
• Maintain oversight of grant giving activities to ensure: it is in line with our strategic objectives and within agreed budget; grant giving practices are in line with agreed policy, legislation and good practice
• Receive and feedback on impact and other reporting
• Provide support and challenge to the Grants Director and team
• Occasionally attending internal briefings and training and other relevant external events on behalf of Richmond Foundation
• Contribute relevant specialist experience

General experience:

• Contribute to the discussions and decision-making that take place during meetings from a general point of view, as someone who has knowledge and experience relevant to the work of the committee
• A keen interest and understanding of the charitable sector
• An understanding of, and commitment to, safeguarding and diversity, equity and inclusion in the charitable sector and how this relates to grant-making
• Ability to take an independent view which varies from that of other committee members
• Relevant knowledge, perspective, insight, and understanding gathered through lived experience

To support you, we will:

• Provide background information to be discussed in an introductory session and supported by the Trustee and Committee Member Handbook
• Give initial training about Richmond Foundation and our grantmaking, with further training and support to enable you to fully take part in committee meetings
• Ongoing annual training and access to document library
• Link you with a Richmond Foundation Trustee who will act as a buddy. Before each committee meeting, they will offer support with preparing for the meeting and discuss any key issues with you
• Cover reasonable childcare, carer and travel costs if these are required to enable you to attend committee meetings

How to Apply

If you are interested in making a difference in Richmond and can contribute your time and expertise to help us deliver our charitable objectives, we would love to hear from you.

Full details, person specification and requirements, and application instructions are available in the Non-Trustee Grants Committee Member Recruitment pack.

Richmond Foundation are hosting a Webinar and Q+A for interested applicants on 18 March 2026. This will be an opportunity to learn more from our CEO, Chair and Trustees and ask questions. Details will be posted on our website.

The application deadline is 10:00am on Monday 13 April 2026

Interviews: Scheduled in May/June 2026

Term Commences: 23 September 2026 (with a short induction period beforehand)

The role of events and activities volunteer: Our staff team is very small and in order for us to put on different events and activities safely, we need the help of volunteers who can act as event hosts at our premises in Rochdale, local venues and sometimes outdoors or in other parts of the UK. This is not a regular, weekly role but you can expect us to need your support primarily during school holiday periods and on evenings or Saturdays or other busier times.

You will always know in advance when we are planning an event that we need extra help with.

Who we are: We are a small charity that operates a museum at 31 Toad Lane, Rochdale as well as an archive in Central Manchester. The museum is the site of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society store – which is seen as the birthplace of the modern co-operative movement.

The charity is independent of co-op businesses; but we do work in partnership with other co-ops. Our aims are to preserve and to use the heritage assets of the UK co-op movement for the public benefit.

What you will be doing: You will be an extra pair of hands to help set up displays and equipment for events, run sessions safely assisting staff or helping people find their way around a space (wayfinding), alerting members of staff to any concerns, and helping to provide support in the event an emergency or issue which staff are dealing with.

It might also mean acting as a welcome host as the first point of contact to assist staff and general stewarding or manning the desk or the phone temporarily – to ensure that the site is secure.

We would need you to be visible as a volunteer (by wearing a badge/lanyard/high vis vest) depending on the type of event – we would provide an induction for anyone signing up as a volunteer and you would be covered by our liability insurance while volunteering.

We may ask for references and contact details which we keep on file for future events (we would expect you to sign a volunteer agreement). This information is protected and never shared with third parties.

Types of events we might need help with: Creative activity sessions aimed at families in school holidays – on or outside our premises, and other events happening in the evenings or on weekends designed to attract target audiences.

You won’t be: Asked to do anything that would usually be the responsibility of paid staff: like handling enquiries, keyholding, dealing with shop sales or administration.

You won't be expected to perform First Aid or handle complaints – this will always be dealt with by a member of staff.

Expenses: We can offer a small amount of support towards travel expenses for those volunteering at an event through our volunteer claim forms. This is usually £5 per day but any long-distance travel or accommodation required for volunteers will be fully funded.

Summary

Signpost offers one-to-one counselling, coaching, outreach, creative therapies, group therapy, and parent support for children and young people aged 5-25.

Detailed description

We are seeking qualified and compassionate children’s counsellors with specialisms in play therapy, art therapy, or drama therapy to volunteer their time and skills to support children navigating emotional, behavioural, or developmental challenges. As a Volunteer Therapist, you will provide a safe, creative, and therapeutic environment where children can express themselves and begin to heal.

·Provide 1:1 or small group therapeutic sessions using your specialised modality (play, art, or drama).

·Build trusting relationships with children to support emotional expression and psychological wellbeing.

·Collaborate with staff and carers to ensure continuity and appropriateness of support.

·Maintain clear and confidential records of sessions and observations.

·Participate in supervision (where applicable) and team meetings.

·Support safeguarding and child protection practices in line with organisational policies.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

·A recognised qualification in Play Therapy, Art Therapy, or Drama Therapy (BACP registration required)

·Experience working therapeutically with children and young people.

·A trauma-informed, child-centred approach to counselling and therapy.

·Excellent communication, empathy, and listening skills.

· A commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and safeguarding.

·Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS prior to starting).

 Training / Support

·A full induction to Signpost will be provided

·Requirement to complete mandatory online training

·A menu of optional training will also be made available

·Ongoing support and regular 1:1/supervision sessions

·Reimbursement of travel expenses (if applicable).

·Opportunities to attend team meetings and One YMCA events, socials and conferences

Additional Information

·x 2 references required

·Valid insurance cover

Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. As Treasurer at Behind Closed Doors, you will work alongside our Trustee Board, CEO and Admin & Finance Manager to oversee the financial strategy of our organisation, ensuring sound financial governance and legal compliance. This is a pivotal role for our charity, helping to shape our future and support our vision: to build lives free from domestic abuse.

We’re looking for an experienced finance professional keen to undertake this rewarding voluntary role that ensures the financial health and accountability of Behind Closed Doors. You will be joining an established trustee board made up of dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive individuals. Please note that we are also currently recruiting to general trustee roles, find out more on our website.

Taking on a Trustee role is an excellent way to broaden your leadership experience and strengthen skills that you can then put to use in your core role, to the benefit of your career progression opportunities and the organisation that you work for.

As a Trustee, you will develop skills in:

• Strategic planning
• Governance
• Budgeting and financial analysis
• Risk management
• Chairing meetings

As you learn about a new organisation and potentially a new sector, you will also gain confidence in:

• Acting as a 'Critical Friend'; asking questions and providing support
• Experiencing the difference between a strategic role, and a hands-on operational role
• Absorbing and processing new information, and learning where you contribute value
• Finding your feet with a brand new team of people

Please download the recruitment pack for full details, including how to apply and who to contact for an informal discussion about the role and organisation.

As a board, we strive to be as diverse and representative as the communities we serve and would welcome those from underrepresented or marginalised groups. We also recognise hugely the value that lived experience brings to our board, so would welcome further representation in this area, but only when it is safe for you to engage with us in this way.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to improving inclusive recruitment practices. If you would prefer to apply for this position or express your interest in an alternative format (such as audio or video upload) or require any adaptions at this initial stage, please get in touch.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A standard DBS disclosure will be required before taking up this position

The role: Our scholars are eager to meet graduates and professionals who can support them in achieving their ambitions. Mentors are mainly responsible for providing support and career advice to pupils. Mentors must also be committed to supporting us at our events, which take place in the evenings and on Saturdays throughout the term. These events include our scholar enrichment days, our parent and pupil information sessions and our volunteer social events which are held in London. 

Availability: Mentors must be available for approximately 2-3 hours a month to meet with their mentee and discuss via phone, email or in person. There is a minimum commitment of one year (three terms).

In addition to this, you will need to support a minimum of 2 events throughout the year. Enrichment and skill-building events for our scholars usually take place in the evenings and at weekends, with events ranging from 2-8 hours in length.

Location: Mentoring sessions and events can take place online or in person.

Responsibilities: 

• Working collaboratively with parents to give students guidance and advice on how to achieve their aspirations

• Informing pupils of opportunities to them so that they can achieve their aspirations

• Meeting with pupils for one to one mentoring sessions

• Supporting pupils with university, sixth form or job applications

• Monitoring and reporting on each pupils progress

• Giving feedback to parents and programme coordinators

• Working collaboratively with other tutors and mentors

• Supporting at events including:

  • Collaborate effectively with other volunteers within the events team

  • Assist with setting up and clearing up at events

  • Support workshop facilitators with managing groups of young people or parents

  • Assist with the coordination of lunch or refreshments for attendees

  • Assist the event coordinator with ensuring the health and safety of attendees and overall risk management at events

  • Give feedback to the event coordinators and programme managers at the end of each event.

Person specification:

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Enjoy working with children and young people

• Be educated to a minimum of degree level or equivalent

• Possess strong communication skills both written and verbal

• Be punctual and organised

• Be able to remain calm under pressure

• Have excellent time management skills

Our new Trustees may come from many walks of life and we do not require prior board-level experience. At this time, we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who can help to build the charity’s infrastructure with: finance or accountancy, law, human resources and people management, income generation, commercial fundraising, marketing and communications, as well as those with experience in the education sector or working with young people.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate some of the following qualities:

• Sound judgement and strategic thinking ability balanced by an openness to listening to others and to new ideas
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the organisation
• Understanding or experience of the arts and/or education and a belief in the transformative power of poetry and performance
• An enthusiasm for arts charity work and the confidence and willingness to advocate our mission.
  
  All Trustees will be offered an induction. The role offers the opportunity to learn about governance and what it takes to run an arts organisation and achieve its objectives. Alongside experienced individuals, we also want to recruit a young trustee who would be willing to take up a governance role for the first time, someone who is willing to be mentored, so that we can offer tailored support and training as required.
  
  All Trustees will have the opportunity to attend Young Identity writing workshops, training, and events to experience Young Identity’s unique delivery of poetry and performance.
  
  Our current board is a diverse mix of trustees with backgrounds in: economics, law, psychology, education, counselling, young people’s arts production, community engagement and creative business development. The current board brings a wealth of knowledge, both specialist and general, as well as invaluable perspectives and lived experience ranging from the local, national and international. However, we also need to actively manage changes to the board as the terms of current trustees come to an end. We strive to do this in a systematic and organised way to ensure both continuity, stability as well as the development and progression of Young Identity.

The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.

DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:

• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm

The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.

Recent grant support has enabled a number of significant multi-year projects, including:

• British Dyslexia Association - supporting the creation of Local Outreach Hubs to increase access to dyslexia advice, assessment and early intervention within communities.

• Candlelighters - funding a Family Wellbeing Practitioner to improve emotional and practical support for families affected by childhood cancer.

• IPSEA - funding a SEND Policy Manager to strengthen national policy influencing for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

• The Myton Hospices - supporting the development of the Volunteer Service, enhancing capacity and patient experience across hospice services.

Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached). 

We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries. DDMCS does not undertake any fundraising activity, as all grant making is supported through the charity’s long-established investment portfolio. As a result, there is no requirement for the Chair to have fundraising experience.

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.

Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews

Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.

External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.

Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector

Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).

Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.

If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in April (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams. 

The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.

Please use the following contact details for any questions or queries you may have about the role or the charity:

info at ddmcphail dot org

We are Looking for 1 – 2 Exceptional Volunteers! Use your expertise to help shape the future of care for children and families who need us most. Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is recruiting Non-Executive Members for our Income Generation Committee – inspiring leaders who can bring sharp insight, sector know-how and big-picture thinking to drive our fundraising, marketing and communications strategies forward. If you are experienced in the charity sector, passionate about fundraising and ready to make a strategic impact that genuinely changes lives, we would love to hear from you.

Duties and Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic insight, constructive challenge and guidance across income and marketing priorities.
• Share sector knowledge to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the income portfolio.
• Support the development of ambitious, innovative and sustainable fundraising approaches.
• Champion best practice in fundraising and marketing.
• Work collaboratively with Trustees, senior leaders and fellow committee members.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experienced in the non-profit sector, with substantial insight into the realities, challenges and opportunities of income generation today.
• Specialised in at least one (ideally more) of the following areas: Digital fundraising: digital acquisition, online giving, digital optimisation. Supporter journeys and engagement: insight-led supporter experience design. High-value fundraising and major campaigns: strategic planning, mobilisation, creative development, impact storytelling
• Forward-thinking: able to consider the bigger picture and ask the right questions to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborative and values-led, contributing constructively while upholding the organisation’s mission and values.
• Committed to volunteering, motivated to use their expertise to make a meaningful difference.

Having joined the National Portfolio of Organisations funded by Arts Council England in 2023, Festival of Thrift is in the process of transitioning from a successful annual festival celebrating sustainable living each year, to a vibrant and multi-faceted arts and sustainability organisation.

We are looking for people to support this work who are passionate about sustainability, champions of our local communities and interested in how arts and culture can benefit people’s lives. We are especially keen to encourage applications from people involved in sustainable businesses in the Tees Valley area and from young people (aged 18+), to offer their ideas to support the organisation.

In addition, we are looking for a Chair of the Board. The Chair leads the Board, ensuring that it governs the organisation effectively, in service of the organisation’s vision and mission, and works with the executive team to ensure smooth running of the Board.

Being a Board member with Festival of Thrift is a great way of using your energy, skills and experience to support your local community, the arts and the environment. You don’t need to have any specific qualifications to join a board, just a willingness to listen, support and challenge the organisation in a positive way. It can also help enhance your own skills, seeing how an organisation works from the inside and adding to your CV.

You do not need previous director experience. We value your perspective and we’ll support you to learn the rest.

We are keen to encourage applications covering a range of skills but are particularly interested in people with knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• Connection to the local community, its strengths and challenges

• Fundraising and commercial income generation

• Tees Valley business networks

• Leadership in arts & cultural organisations (National Portfolio)

• Environmental promotion, activities and campaigning

• Financial management

• Marketing and communications, including PR

We particularly welcome candidates for this role from people who are currently underrepresented within the UK arts sector including those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, people from the Global Majority, people who are disabled and neurodivergent. We are especially keen to encourage applications from people involved in sustainable businesses in the Tees Valley area and from young people (aged 18+), to bring a fresh perspective into the organisation.

Key dates

• Informal information session – 6pm – 6.45pm on Monday 16 March (over Zoom)

• Application Deadline – 9am on Monday 13 April 

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Spring Project
9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April, in north London

We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, to join us on our fantastic fun-filled Spring Social Development Project.

Volunteers and our members who have disabilities get to know each other as they take part in fun and challenging workshops including sports & games, arts & crafts, cooking and enjoying a day out in London.

What you'll do
On the project you and a fellow volunteer will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities led by professional therapists and workshop leaders.

Our core activities are sports & games, arts & crafts, drama, and music. Previous additional workshops have also included photography, football and cooking and you’ll plan your own exciting outing around London with a fellow volunteer and the Kith & Kids member you're linked with.

Not only is it a time full of fun and games for you and our members, but you are also a vital part in supporting our members to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment.

Come along and get involved!

Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more – women too)!!

Requirements

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.

How much time?
The project runs for 5 days, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April.
Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come for the full five days as you'll build a close relationship with the member you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.

What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses and provide a delicious lunch each day.
We'll also provide excellent training before the project, and lots of helpful support.

By volunteering on our project, you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others
• Increase your confidence
• Meet new people and make friends
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
• Challenge yourself
   

What about training?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Communication
• Autism
• Supporting emotions
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Epilepsy
   

When do I need to come?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before taking part.

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 15th February with lots of other dates to choose from.

In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from mid-January.

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.

Just sign up and you'll receive details of what to do next

We are following a number of safety measures when meeting service-users & volunteers. Taking temperature checks on arrival, asking a number of Covid-related questions before entry, wearing face masks where necessary, suggesting for volunteers to take a lateral flow test before attending an activity. These measures are regularly reviewed.

• Do sign up on our website and you'll instantly receive an email asking you to verify you really do want us to send you info.
• Please click 'Yes', then you'll receive further info about the activity and how to book an informal online interview.
• Make sure you check your junk mail for our emails, including the verification one!

This volunteer role is to support the staff in the summer schemes to provide a stimulating and caring environment for children and young people. To encourage the children to try new experiences and have fun during their summer break. Having someone to support and encourage them can give children and young people the confidence they need to try new experiences and enjoy a wide range of activities. Providing an opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities can promote physical and emotional wellbeing, leading to increased confidence and self esteem.

When do I need to be available?

Our summer schemes take place throughout July and August, running Monday to Friday from 8:45am to 4:15pm. Volunteers can choose to commit to morning sessions, afternoon sessions, or full-day sessions. Ideally, we ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of one week.

Where will I be volunteering?

The location of the Belfast Community Scheme will be: Mencap Centre, 5 School Road, Newtownbreda, BT8 6BT

What will I be doing?

• Support and contribute to the success of Mencap summer activity programmes for children
• Assist with providing a caring, and varied play-based environment
• Help facilitate a programme of care, learning experiences and summer fun
• Assist our Summer Scheme colleagues
• Assist in the delivery of a range of activities and new experiences

What skills do I need?

• Good communication skills
• Energetic, friendly and outgoing
• Enthusiastic and committed
• Calm and creative when engaging with children
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with summer scheme staff

What will I get out of it?

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of the children we support
• Induction and training provided
• You will be able to develop new and existing skills in areas such as supporting children with a learning disability, communication strategies and inclusive play
• Out of pocket expenses paid
• Become part of a friendly and supportive team

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

The Brigantia Learning Trust Governance Model is different to the way a governing body in a non-academy or traditional school undertakes governance.

Essentially, there are four elements to the governance of the Brigantia Learning Trust academies – local councils that are delivered via the Academy Advisory Councils (AAC), Trust governance, delivered via the Full Board of Trustees (Non-Executive Directors), the Trust Leadership Team (Executive Directors) and the Trust Members. 

The Board of Trustees has 4 sub-committees, concerned with Finance, Risk & Audit, HR, Education & Standards and Remuneration along with the four Academy Advisory Councils: Brigantia Hill Fort, Hinde House (2-16), Yewlands and Longley Park Sixth Form. As the trust continues to grow, and the Academy Advisory Councils become more experienced and confident, greater delegated powers will be identified and approved by the Board of Trustees.

Local Councils - The Academy Advisory Council

Each AAC consists of a group of people who could be parents, community nominees, academy staff. They will meet with the academy (Executive) Principal, Associate Principal and other senior leaders where appropriate. In attendance at these meetings will be Link Trustees and members of the Trust Executive Team may be in attendance. This is to ensure that the voice of the local stake holders is heard first-hand by the Board of Trustees.

The Brigantia Learning Trust Board has established six key roles for Academy Advisory Councils: 

• To advise/act as a critical friend to the (Executive) Principal of the academy

• To advise the Trustees about local issues they need to consider that affect the academy

• To support the Safeguarding Trustee with localised academy information

• Represent the interest of the academy community in the running of the academy

• Represent the academy in its community

• Provide support to the (Executive) Principal in undertaking appropriate day to day procedures that are essential to the life of the academy

The six roles translate specifically into the following tasks that the AAC undertakes:  

• To act as a key link between the academy, parents and local community

• To support the work of the academy in the community

• To help on the ground with the implementation of certain academy policies

• To offer challenging but positive and proactive support to the (Executive) Principal

• To regularly discuss the academy’s performance in relation to the KPIs (Key

• Performance Indicators)

The difference between Brigantia Learning Trust Governance and a traditional Governing Body

By comparison to a traditional school Governing Body:

• The AAC’s role is not to “manage” the Academy as such.  This is done through the Trust Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees.  Therefore, the AAC is not required to take decisions on staff or financial matters affecting the Academy.  As an Academy Advisor you should have an understanding of strategic issues that impact on the Academy, and be updated on them regularly by the Principal, but you are not required to have direct responsibility for them.
• As the Trust Leadership Team and Board of Trustees takes responsibility for educational standards, legal compliance and financial viability, the AAC then has the time to investigate the impact of policy on the ground, to see how they are working, and explore how the Brigantia Learning Trust ethos is being understood and expressed in the way the Academy operates. As an Academy Advisor, your view as a parent or as part of the community is vital in this discussion.

3. HOW THE AAC OPERATES 

Expectations

Brigantia Learning Trust understands that the role of an Academy Advisor is voluntary, however, in order for the Academy Advisory Council to function efficiently and effectively, there are certain expectations of Academy Advisors in order to achieve this.

i) Meetings

Meetings of the AAC take place 3 times over the academic year. The meeting is prepared by the Principal and the Chair of the AAC, and the process is supported by the clerk to the AAC. You will receive a link to the agenda and papers in advance of the meeting from the clerk electronically.

Meetings are usually held after school or at other times as agreed locally by all Academy Advisors.

ii) Contribution at meetings and outside of meetings

Academy Advisors are expected to come to meetings prepared; having read and familiarised themselves with the agenda and accompanying papers as well as being prepared to ask relevant questions (Please see section 3.2 for further detail and examples).

iii) Business Interest and code of conduct

Academy Advisors are required to declare any business or other interests in any item being discussed at the AAC meeting. The Academy Advisers are asked to abide by the AAC Code of Conduct. The AAC clerk will provide the appropriate forms for AAC members to sign.

iv) AAC Responsibilities

Academy Advisors should make every effort to visit the Academy during the Academy day; all visits must be planned and focused on areas as agreed by the full Academy Advisory Council. Visits inform the work of the AAC and provide valuable information for support and challenge to the Academy’s Leadership Team. AAC members are asked to report on their visit using the appropriate form. This report will be presented at the AAC meetings, and a central record of all visits will be held by the Clerk to the Board of Trustees.

v) Skills Audit

All Academy Advisors are expected to complete a skills audit at the beginning of every academic year, this assists the Trust Executive and Trustees to identify gaps in skills and arrange appropriate training.

vi) Safeguarding

All Academy Advisors are required to have an up-to-date enhanced DBS check, as well as undertake annual safeguarding training as required, this will be delivered at the first AAC meeting of the academic year.

Job Description

We are looking for a Volunteer Creative Visual Designer to help create engaging visual content that supports our campaigns, fundraising and awareness work.

You will design graphics and visual materials that communicate important messages clearly and responsibly. This includes creating visuals for social media, digital campaigns and community engagement initiatives.

You will work with the Digital Marketing Director and Digital Marketing teams to produce creative designs that help communicate our mission and build trust with our audience.

This role focuses on creative design, visual storytelling and supporting digital campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Design visual assets for digital campaigns, including social media graphics, ads, posters and banners
• Create visual concepts to support awareness and fundraising campaigns
• Adapt designs for different formats such as social media, email, websites and presentations
• Work with writers and campaign teams to align visuals with messaging
• Maintain simple design templates and ensure visual consistency
• Ensure all designs are respectful and appropriate for sensitive topics
• Review and improve visuals based on feedback and engagement
• Organise design files and reusable templates for the team

What We’re Looking For

• Experience or interest in graphic design or visual content creation
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly through visual design
• Familiarity with tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma or similar platforms
• Understanding of social media formats such as posts, ads, stories and carousels
• Ability to design responsibly around sensitive topics
• Comfort collaborating with a remote volunteer team
• Experience supporting campaigns, fundraising or awareness initiatives is helpful but not required

What You’ll Gain

• Experience creating visual campaigns for a social impact organisation
• Opportunity to help shape the visual identity of a growing initiative
• Hands-on experience working with digital campaign teams
• Priority consideration for future paid roles when funding becomes available
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