Volunteer roles in Clapton, gloucestershire

About QuilomboUK QuilomboUK is an organisation that works for fairness and social justice. We believe in a "People First" way of working. Our goal is to make sure every person is heard and respected in the workplace. Join our remote team to help people find jobs and feel like they belong.

Role Overview As the Manager: Placements, you will lead the entire Placements Department. Your job is to make sure your team finds paid jobs for our participants at other companies. You will manage the Team Leaders and ensure the department hits its high performance targets. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills and deep experience in the recruitment industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Department Leadership: Take full responsibility for the Placements Team and ensure all staff follow mandatory protocols.
   

• Strategy: Mana

• Performance Targets: Ensure the department reaches the 95% weekly completion target and follows the "ABC" method.
   

• External Relations: Build high-level partnerships with external companies to create more job opportunities for our participants.
   

• Commission Management: Oversee and approve the commission payments for each successful placement made by your team.

• Problem Solving: Identify gaps in the recruitment process and use AI or new strategies to fix them.
   

• Quality Control: Ensure every participant is correctly matched and that their First Day Training (FDT) is confirmed by the employer.
   

Key Skills & Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in recruitment or placement services, with a history of managing teams.
   

• Education: A degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field is preferred.
   

• Leadership: Strong ability to lead and motivate a large remote team.
   

• Communication: Excellent skills in professional UK English to influence senior stakeholders.
   

• Decision Making: Ability to make quick decisions to move candidates forward within 48 hours.
   

• Technology: Highly skilled in using MS Office and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
   

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week unpaid Professional Development Programme. It requires a commitment of at least 12 hours per week, typically across two 6-hour workdays (Monday to Friday).

QUILOMBO UK wants an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly. We follow the Equality Act 2010 and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Impact: Lead the team that directly helps people move into paid employment.
   

• Growth: Develop your senior leadership skills in a values-driven environment.
   

• Culture: Join a collaborative team where authenticity and courage are celebrated.
   

Flexibility: Work from home with autonomy to lead your department.

Job Title: IT Assistant
Location: Remote (UK-based)
Employment Type: 12 hours per week (6 Hours per Day)

About QuilomboUK

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

To learn more about our impactful work at Quilombo UK, we encourage you to explore our website and YouTube channel. 

Join us in leading positive change!

About the position

The IT support role is vital to the organisation, as they will have the responsibility for the maintenance of the technical appliances used in the organisation. The IT support will not be required to come in on a weekly basis, but upon request as for when it is needed. The main tasks for the IT support will be reassuring all technical appliances are updates, responding to potential breakdowns and assuring electrical safety. Technical skills are required, in addition to flexibility, as they would need to quickly respond to potential breakdowns etc.

The role provides you with flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary, specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure all computers and other electrical equipment is updated.

• Ensure the safety of electrical equipment.

• Respond to breakdowns of electrical equipment.

• Assist in the functions of IT-packages.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• IT skills

• Health and Safety of electrical equipment

• Knowledge about different IT-packages

• Has ability to deliver tasks in a timely manner

• Handles difficult situations well

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

• Proficiency in Microsoft and Excel

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 English tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"The phrase "time flies when you are having fun" comes to mind. It's been a really joy teaching my student." - Volunteer Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS3 English

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 English concepts and specifications.
2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided
2. Safeguarding Level One Training
3. Skill Development opportunities
4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

Location 

Remote/Online

Time 

1 Hour per Week 

 Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.ed

About The Abundant Woman

The Abundant Woman is a community-driven organisation dedicated to empowering women through self-development, mentorship, wellness, and advocacy. As we expand our initiatives, we are looking for a talented Website Designer to create and maintain a visually appealing, user-friendly, and high-performing website that reflects our mission and engages our audience.

Role Overview

We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Website Manager to enhance, and manage our website. The ideal candidate will have experience in designing modern, responsive, and accessible websites that effectively communicate brand identity and improve user experience.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Develop: Create a visually appealing and fully functional website aligned with our brand identity.

User Experience (UX): Ensure intuitive navigation, mobile responsiveness, and a seamless user experience.

Content Management: Integrate and manage blog posts, event updates, and resources.

SEO Optimisation: Implement best practices to enhance website visibility and search rankings.

E-Commerce & Donations: Set up functionality for event ticket sales, fundraising, and online donations.

Security & Maintenance: Ensure site security, regular updates, and performance optimisation.

Requirements

Proven experience in web design and development (portfolio required).

Proficiency in Squarespace, Wix, or other CMS platforms.

Strong knowledge of HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript.

Experience with SEO, UX/UI design, and mobile responsiveness.

Ability to integrate e-commerce, payment gateways, and donation platforms.

Excellent attention to detail and creativity.
 

A note: Passion for women's empowerment and community-driven projects is a plus!

This is a voluntary position for women only under the provisions of the Equality Act (2010), Schedule 9, Part 1. Such positive recruitment action is justified whenever it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

Location: Remote 
Type: Freelance with potential to grow

We are looking for a creative and strategic Social Media Manager to join our team and support the growth of an exciting lifestyle and wellness brand. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in building and managing the digital presence of a brand that blends health, wellness, community, and lifestyle.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement a results-driven social media strategy across platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest)

• Create engaging, on-brand content (graphics, captions, reels, stories) to drive awareness, engagement, and conversions

• Manage content calendars, ensuring consistent posting and alignment with campaigns

• Monitor analytics and deliver insights to continuously improve performance

• Engage with the community — responding to comments, messages, and building relationships with followers and influencers

• Stay up to date with trends in wellness, lifestyle, and digital media to keep the brand relevant and ahead of the curve

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in social media management (agency or brand side)

• Strong understanding of wellness, lifestyle, and community-driven content

• Proficiency with tools such as Canva, Meta Business Suite, Later/Buffer, or similar

• Excellent copywriting skills and a good eye for design and brand storytelling

• Ability to analyse metrics and translate them into actionable strategies

• Creative thinker, highly organised, and able to work independently

Nice to Have

• Experience with influencer outreach and partnerships

• Paid ads management (Meta, TikTok, Google)

• Interest in health, wellness, or lifestyle sectors

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a dynamic team at an exciting time of growth, with the chance to make a real impact in shaping the voice and presence of a wellness brand that is gaining traction in both the UK and US markets. This is not just about managing social media — it’s about being part of a mission-driven movement that inspires healthier, more abundant living.

Note : This is a voluntary position for women only under the provisions of the Equality Act (2010), Schedule 9, Part 1. Such positive recruitment action is justified whenever it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Unfortunately, thousands of cats each year are abandoned or have strayed and rely on charities like Cats Protection for help. Becoming a trap, neuter and return (TNR) volunteer is one way you can make a real difference to cats in your local area. Our TNR volunteers help reduce the number of feral cats by raising awareness of our TNR programmes, setting humane traps to safely capture cats, taking them to local vets to be neutered, and hopefully returning them back to their territory. Local TNR programmes are crucial, as feral and abandoned cats present a huge challenge for communities across the UK.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Trapping cats using humane methods
• Taking cats to local vets to be neutered 
• Returning cats to their territory or finding a suitable alternative

The role might also include:

• Regular feeding of feral colonies
• Promoting neutering by building relationships with farmers, land owners and local businesses
• Liaising with vets to promote and arrange neutering 

Time expectation 

This is a flexible role and the hours will vary depending on the number of cats identified for specific TNR campaigns. Our current TNR volunteers spend about 2 to 3 hours per week in this role which can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Are you looking for a meaningful and flexible volunteering opportunity that also helps you develop valuable communication and interpersonal skills? Join the Talking Bubble Project and help tackle loneliness through the power of a simple phone call.

Since the pandemic, many befriending services have reduced or closed—but Talking Bubble remains one of the few projects continuing to provide regular, phone-based companionship to people who need it most. Demand for this support remains high, and we are currently looking for compassionate, English-speaking volunteers across the UK.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎︎ Talking Bubble is a phone-based befriending service connecting volunteers with older adults and vulnerable individuals experiencing loneliness and social isolation. Through regular weekly calls, volunteers provide conversation, consistency, and human connection to those who may otherwise feel isolated.

Even a short conversation can have a lasting impact.

Why Volunteer With Us?

✔ Make a genuine difference in someone’s life
✔ Volunteer flexibly from the comfort of your own home
✔ Receive full training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Gain experience in active listening, communication, empathy, and relationship-building
✔ Opportunity for reflective learning and experience relevant to helping professions

This role may particularly appeal to students or graduates interested in psychology, counselling, mental health, social care, or related fields who are seeking meaningful experience alongside their studies or professional development.

Where appropriate, we are also happy to provide feedback, complete placement documentation, or support reports/forms required by universities or training providers.

What You’ll Need

✅ No previous experience required—just empathy, reliability, and a willingness to listen
✅ Volunteers must complete Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check (both provided free of charge)
✅ Must be a UK resident

How to Get Involved

Apply now via the CharityJob website or contact us directly for more information.

Together, we can keep connection alive—one call at a time.

Become a Fundraisng Team Leader Volunter!

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Chair of Trustees - The Family Place Foundation

We are recruiting a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our charity’s development.

Location: Remote, with occasional in‑person trustee meetings (typically once or twice a year) held in the Clyro/Herefordshire area.

Time commitment: Approximately 1–2 days per month. This includes six trustee meetings a year, occasional ad‑hoc discussions and light‑touch support between meetings (for example reviewing policies or responding to emails).

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About us

Established in 2020, we are a small, well-established charity with a strong grounding and a clear purpose. We raise funds to provide support to adopted, fostered and kinship care children and their families to improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and reduce the impact of early trauma. In collaboration with leading UK practitioners, we support the delivery of a range of services providing essential therapeutic care and family support that isn’t covered by statutory funding. Services offered include Family Activity Days, Specialist Clinical Workshops, Advisory Consultations and Family Respite Camps. We also work to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children who cannot live with their birth families. We are a warm, committed team with a strong reputation for high‑quality support, clear governance, and genuine care for the families we serve.

To learn more about our work, please search online for “The Family Place Foundation”.

We are now seeking a Chair of Trustees to help guide the charity through its next stage of development, including shaping our emerging Family Foundations project, a significant new early‑years initiative for the charity, alongside our ongoing portfolio of funded projects delivered through our specialist partner. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated Board and a small operational support team who care deeply about the families we serve and the long‑term sustainability of the organisation.

The charity is currently led by a Board of four trustees, supported by two part‑time operational staff and a small group of volunteers.

As Chair, you will provide leadership to the Board, ensure effective governance, and help the charity continue enabling the delivery of high‑quality, trauma‑informed support. You will work closely with the trustees and operational colleagues to help shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the charity remains compliant, resilient, and focused on its mission. You will also play a key role in strengthening the charity’s governance and fundraising, which in turn enables the therapeutic delivery carried out by our specialist partner. 

A supportive handover will be provided to ensure a smooth and confident transition into the role.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Warmth, clarity and good judgement, with a balanced, proportionate approach to governance.

• A genuine commitment to improving the lives of adopted, fostered and kinship care children and an understanding of the challenges faced by families affected by early trauma.

• Confidence in chairing discussions, helping the Board reach clear, well‑considered decisions.

• An understanding of good governance, including risk, safeguarding and compliance (or a willingness to learn).

• The ability to work collaboratively with trustees and our small operational support team, offering encouragement and constructive challenge while supporting the charity’s governance and fundraising role, which enables the specialist delivery work carried out by our partner.

• Strategic thinking, with the ability to help shape the charity’s direction and ensure long‑term sustainability.

• Reliability, integrity and a calm, steady approach, keeping the charity’s purpose at the centre of decision‑making.

• Meets the eligibility requirements to serve as a charity trustee, as set out by the Charity Commission.

Helpful but not essential:

• Experience of chairing a board or committee

• Experience in charity governance, education, social care, therapeutic work, or community leadership would be helpful, but we are open to a wide range of backgrounds.

• Lived or professional experience related to adoption, fostering, trauma or family support.

What We Offer

• A warm, committed Board, small operational support team and group of volunteers who work collaboratively and value clear communication.

• A meaningful opportunity to shape the future of a small but growing charity with a strong reputation for high‑quality, trauma‑informed support.

• Flexible time commitments that fit around work and family life.

• A chance to make a tangible difference to adopted, fostered and kinship-care children and young people, and the families who care for them.

How to apply

Please apply through the CharityJob platform with your CV and a short supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and your relevant experience. 

If you would like an informal conversation before applying please contact the charity directly using the details provided on our website. We would be happy to arrange a conversation with the current Chair or another member of the Board if you would like to learn more about the role.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Volunteer Animal Fosterer

RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch

Could you give an animal a safe place to stay while they wait for their forever home?

Opening your home to a foster animal can transform their life. By temporarily caring for a cat, rabbit, guinea pig or other small animal, you will give them the security, attention and affection they need while they prepare for adoption.

Some animals simply need a comfortable temporary home. Others may need help building their confidence, recovering from treatment or becoming accustomed to family life. Whatever their circumstances, the care you provide will support their wellbeing, improve their socialisation and help us understand the type of permanent home in which they will thrive.

You will not be doing this alone. Our team will guide you through the fostering process and provide training, ongoing support, equipment, food and veterinary care. We can also reimburse other expenses agreed with us in advance.

What you will be doing

While an animal is in your care, you will:

• Provide suitable accommodation and a safe, comfortable environment in accordance with our guidance.

• Feed, provide fresh water and groom the animal as advised.

• Spend time helping them feel safe, settled and loved.

• Observe their behaviour and wellbeing, keeping in touch with our animal welfare team.

• Give any agreed medication or support their rehabilitation, where appropriate.

• Transport them to routine or emergency veterinary appointments when required.

• Help us promote the animal and share what you have learnt about their personality, so we can find the right permanent home for them.

• Provide plenty of appropriate play, enrichment and, when they are ready, cuddles!

Who we are looking for

This role may be right for you if:

• You are aged 18 or over and have good experience of caring for animals.

• Everyone in your household is comfortable with welcoming a foster animal into your home.

• You have the time, patience and commitment to care for an animal whose needs may change.

• You live within the area covered by our Branch, as shown on the accompanying map.

• You can collect supplies from our Eastcote office and transport your foster animal to veterinary appointments, including urgent appointments when necessary.

• Any animals already living in your home have been spayed or neutered. We understand that this may not always be possible for medical reasons, so please talk to us if this applies to you.

Previous fostering experience is helpful but not essential. We will provide the training and support you need.

What you will gain

As a volunteer fosterer, you will:

• Make a direct and lasting difference to animals who need a safe place to recover, grow in confidence or prepare for adoption.

• Experience the satisfaction of helping an animal take the next step towards a loving permanent home.

• Receive a comprehensive induction and fostering training.

• Develop new knowledge and practical animal-care skills.

• Become part of a friendly community of staff and volunteers.

• Gain valuable volunteering experience that you can include on your CV.

Finding the right match

Every animal is different. Some may be ready for adoption, while others might need rehabilitation, medication or additional time and patience.

We will take the time to understand your home, experience, availability and preferences. This will help us match you with a foster animal whose needs suit your circumstances. You can discuss each potential placement with us before deciding whether it is right for you.

Interested?

We would love to hear from you if you could offer an animal a safe and caring temporary home.

All our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and an initial trial period. We will ask you to provide details of two referees. Depending on the role and the animals you will foster, you may also need to complete specific training and sign a volunteer agreement before you begin.

Are you interested in making a difference to the lives of children and young people? Is there a skatepark in your area? If so, this role could be for you.

We are a UK registered youth development charity that uses teaching and learning to skateboard in a structured and supportive environment as a platform to develop the skills and abilities of children and young people.

The Role: Chapter Leader

As a Chapter Leader with the Skateboarding Foundation (SF), your role is to set up and run a Local Chapter that gives young people access to skateboarding and life skills through the SF ‘Eduskate’ programme.

Training, materials, resources, equipment and ongoing support, advice and guidance will be provided.

Key responsibilities

Your key responsibilities include:

• Setting up and running the chapter
• Recruiting coaches
• Recruiting learners
• Coordinating the delivery of the coaching programme
• Raising funds and spreading the word
• Helping us monitor and evaluate the programme
• Giving three/four hours a month of your time

You’ll have overall responsibility for the chapter’s activities, compliance, and smooth running. You’ll provide direction and support to your chapter committee, chair meetings, and ensure volunteers, coaching programmes, and fundraising are well managed.

The role involves motivating the team, planning chapter development, and stepping in where needed to keep things on track. You’ll also liaise with the national Board of Trustees, keeping them informed of key decisions and changes. 

Strong leadership, organisation, and a passion for youth development (and ideally skateboarding) and the charity’s mission are essential.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Tewkesbury is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for an alternative provision secondary school. Ideally, you would have previous experience in the education sector however please still apply if your skills lie in a different industry. Previous chairing or leadership experience is desired but not necessary if you feel you have education knowledge to offer.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer with Cats Protection!

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

 What we need from you

You’ll be:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

 You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.