Volunteer roles in Gravesend

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.

About this Role

• Position type: Volunteer (unpaid), pro bono, part-time

• Location: Remote / International

• Time commitment: 10–15 hours per week; minimum commitment: 3 months

• Experience level: 2–5 years

Professional Volunteering

Professional volunteering at Solution Community is a skills‑based service performed with the same reliability, accountability, and quality expected in a paid professional role. Volunteers are core contributors whose work directly supports our mission of global compassion, collaboration, and action.

Expectations include:

• Consistent weekly availability

• Timely communication and responsiveness

• Ownership of assigned tasks and follow‑through

• Participation in team meetings and workflows

• Alignment with organizational values and processes

About Solution Community

Solution Community is an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit and global incubator for change—connecting individuals, nonprofits, philanthropists, businesses, and volunteers to tackle society’s biggest challenges with greater impact. With volunteers from 70+ countries and team members with experience across leading global companies, we bring together diverse perspectives to build practical, collaborative solutions.

Role Overview

As a Brand Outreach & PR Specialist (Volunteer, unpaid), you will help amplify Solution Community’s voice worldwide. You’ll build relationships with media, partners, influencers, and community leaders while shaping compelling narratives that elevate our mission, strengthen our reputation, and attract supporters committed to creating meaningful social impact.

What You Will Do

• Build brand awareness: Plan and execute outreach initiatives that increase visibility among nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, philanthropists, and the public.

• Lead public relations efforts: Draft and distribute media pitches, press-ready story angles, and impact-driven content that highlights programs, milestones, and outcomes.

• Shape our narrative: Develop clear, consistent messaging aligned with our mission, vision, and values across external communications.

• Coordinate media opportunities: Identify and pursue interviews, podcasts, speaking engagements, articles, and collaborations that position Solution Community as a thought leader in social impact and global collaboration.

• Strengthen our online reputation: Monitor and improve digital presence by encouraging and managing positive reviews, testimonials, and public feedback; engage stakeholders to increase positive brand sentiment.

• Monitor brand presence: Track media coverage, outreach performance, and public sentiment; share insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Who We’re Looking For

• Passionate storytellers who can translate complex initiatives into clear, inspiring narratives.

• Relationship builders who enjoy networking and creating authentic connections across cultures and industries.

• Strategic communicators with strong writing and verbal skills and the ability to tailor messaging by audience.

• Creative problem-solvers who can generate awareness and positive attention in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment.

• Mission-driven collaborators who thrive in multicultural, remote teams built on compassion, integrity, and shared purpose.

Required Skills & Experience

• 2–5 years of experience in public relations, communications, media relations, brand outreach, marketing, or a related field (volunteer work and personal projects welcome).

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills (pitches, outreach emails, talking points, short narratives).

• Comfort building outreach lists and managing relationship pipelines with media, partners, and influencers.

• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and collaborate effectively in a remote, international environment.

• Required skills: brand outreach, public relations.

What Success Looks Like

• A clear, consistent external narrative that reflects Solution Community’s mission and impact.

• Increased visibility through earned media, partnerships, and speaking or interview opportunities.

• Stronger online reputation supported by authentic testimonials, positive sentiment, and responsive stakeholder engagement.

• Regular reporting on outreach activity and results, with actionable recommendations to improve performance.

What We Offer

• Global collaboration with leaders and strategists from top global companies.

• Meaningful impact on global causes and communities.

• A vibrant, multicultural team spanning 70+ countries.

• A supportive environment rooted in compassion, integrity, innovation, and collaboration.

• Flexible work life with full autonomy.

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth.

· Do you have liver disease or had a liver transplant?

· Have you attended either our virtual or face to face support groups?

·  Do you have some free time to support a someone at the beginning of their journey?

· Are you a good listener and empathetic to others affected by liver disease.

· Are you passionate about making a difference to liver health?

If so, we would love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Working alongside your allocated outreach development officer in the facilitation of British Liver Trust patient support groups

2. Setting up and facilitating both online and face to face support groups as agreed with your allocated outreach development officer.

3. Act as a point of contact for patients attending your allocated support groups.

4. Engaging with patients and families affected by liver disease through peer mentoring to inspire hope, build confidence and help people self- manage their condition.

5. Acting as a peer mentor supporting new individuals who are joining our support services.

The Board of Directors is opening up the opportunity for new Trustees to join MYH. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills, knowledge, or experience to support MYH during an exciting period of growth, we would love to hear from you. 

Job title: Trustee 

Reports to: Chair of Muslim Youth Helpline 

Hours: Flexible, Approx 6-8 hours per month (some evening and weekends required) 

Contract: Voluntary 

Overview of The Charity 

The Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH) is a national award winning charity providing faith and culturally sensitive support services to young people in the UK. Its core service is a free and confidential helpline open seven days a week via telephone, email, internet chat and WhatsApp. MYH is a dynamic organisation that puts service to its clients at the heart of everything that it does. 

Vision: A future where young people are empowered to overcome challenges and live a God-centred life of meaning and purpose.

Mission: To provide a range of culturally informed services to improve the mental wellbeing of young people.

Role Description 

The Board of Directors is opening up the opportunity for new Trustees to join MYH. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills, knowledge, or experience to support MYH during an exciting period of growth, we would love to hear from you. 

As part of our ongoing Board development, we welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives who share our values and commitment to our mission. While all applications are encouraged, we would particularly value experience in governance, strategic oversight, and organisational development at this stage of the charity’s journey.

As part of MYH’s ongoing Board development and succession planning, we are particularly seeking to appoint Trustees in two priority areas:

1. Future Chair of Trustees

We are seeking an experienced strategic leader who may be interested in progressing into the role of Chair of Trustees within the next 9–12 months, following a planned leadership transition. Previous Chair, Board, Non-Executive, or senior leadership experience would be highly valuable.

2. Governance and Organisational Oversight 

We are also looking to strengthen Board capability in charity governance, legal and regulatory compliance, safeguarding, risk management, HR oversight, and 

organisational policy development.

As MYH continues through a period of growth and organisational development, these 

appointments will play an important role in supporting the charity’s long-term sustainability, accountability, and impact.

Key Responsibilities 

As a Trustee of MYH, you will work collectively with the Board to provide effective governance, strategic direction, and oversight to support the charity’s mission and long-term sustainability. Key responsibilities include: 

• Contributing to the strategic direction and overall governance of the charity 

• Ensuring the charity operates in line with its charitable objectives, governing documents, and legal responsibilities 

• Supporting effective decision-making by providing independent judgement, constructive challenge, and professional insight 

• Promoting accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership across the organisation 

• Overseeing the charity’s financial sustainability, including monitoring resources, budgets, and fundraising opportunities 

• Supporting the identification and management of organisational risks, including safeguarding responsibilities where appropriate 

• Acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries at all times 

  • Championing the charity’s mission, values, and impact with stakeholders and the wider community

• Working collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the leadership team to support organisational growth and development 

  • Attending Board meetings, contributing to discussions, and participating in relevant sub-groups or activities where required 

  • Supporting good governance practices, compliance, and continuous improvement across the organisation 

Person Specification 

General Requirements 

• A strong commitment to the mission, values, and objectives of Muslim Youth Helpline 

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support the growth and development of a small, fast-paced, and dynamic charity 

• Strategic vision and the ability to contribute to the long-term direction of the organisation 

• Good independent judgement and the ability to make balanced, informed decisions 

• An ability to think creatively and contribute innovative ideas and solutions 

• A willingness to engage in open, honest, and constructive discussions, including difficult conversations where necessary 

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities associated with trusteeship 

• An ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a diverse Board and wider team 

• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and respectful governance practices 

• A commitment to Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership 

Desirable Skills and Experience 

While we welcome applications from individuals with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, we would particularly value: 

• Previous Board, Trustee, Non-Executive Director, or governance experience 

• Experience in governance, charity leadership, or strategic organisational oversight 

• Knowledge of safeguarding, risk management, HR, legal compliance, or organisational policy development 

• Strategic planning and organisational development experience 

• Financial oversight, fundraising, or financial sustainability experience 

• Experience supporting organisations through periods of growth and change 

• An understanding of the needs and challenges affecting young people and Muslim communities 

MYH has four core values; non-judgemental, accountability, rooted in faith and compassion. You will be expected to demonstrate all four values throughout the recruitment process and within your role at MYH.

Commitment 

Trustees are expected to commit 4-8 hours of work during each month to complete any 

necessary Trustee tasks agreed by the Board to support a rapidly growing Muslim Youth 

Helpline. 

The specified hours above are an indication only. The successful candidate may be expected to work additional hours and on occasional weekends. 

Equality and Diversity 

Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH) are committed to our Equality and Diversity Policy. Under Section D of our Equality and Diversity Policy (Policy Statements) MYH are committed to ensuring that all candidates are given equal access to our employment opportunities regardless of their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, marital status and any other defining characteristics. 

About Mind

We're Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

About the Role

Our volunteers are at the heart of Mind Retail, and without the help and support we receive from our volunteer teams we wouldn't be successful at what we do. As a Financial Analysis Volunteer, you will be working behind the scenes with the data that drives our retail network, providing an effective and proactive reporting support for retail Shop Teams, internal colleagues, and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Whether you are a student eager to gain practical experience with real-world datasets, or an experienced finance professional wanting to give back to the community, your insights will directly empower our teams and make a tangible difference to Mind Retail.

How You Can Support Us

Working closely with our finance, commercial, and data teams, you will help to translate financial data into meaningful insights for stakeholders. Day-to-day, you will be:

• Supporting the creation and improvement of financial reports and financial models.
• Assisting in looking at the numbers to understand the differences between what we expected to happen and what actually happened (referred to as variance analysis). You will also help check that our data is consistent across the teams.
• Helping us continuously identify opportunities to streamline reporting processes, reduce manual effort, and enhance data visualisation capabilities.
• Working with the team to organise our data better and automate repetitive tasks. If you want to learn, or already know about, advanced Excel features (like Power Query or macros) and Power BI (creating interactive dashboards), this is a great place to practice and apply those skills.
• Using a range of office software including email, spreadsheets and database information to produce timely and accurate reports.
• Assisting with ad hoc tasks relating to the reporting and analysis.

What You'll Gain

• Practical experience in financial analysis, data visualisation, and reporting tools.
• Exposure to real-world datasets and the chance to contribute to process improvements, including automation and more efficient reporting methods.
• Opportunity to improve your interpersonal skills and commercial knowledge.
• Understanding of policies and procedures, along with enhancing your administrative and IT skills.
• Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses.

About You

• Ideally, you will be actively studying towards an accounting qualification CIMA or ACCA, or working towards a relevant finance degree. Equally, you might be an experienced professional wanting to volunteer your financial knowledge.
• Comfortable working with numbers, have a high degree of accuracy, and a great eye for detail
• Confident using MS Office applications, particularly Word, Excel & Outlook and familiar with Power BI.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, excellent telephone manner, and able to build good working relationships. You should also be comfortable using your influencing and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organisation skills, able to prioritise tasks, with the ability to work as a team and on your own initiative.
• Willingness to learn, a flexible and adaptable approach, and a commitment to our values & behaviours. Ability to work within Mind Retail's policies and procedures.

Desirable (But Not Essential)

• Retail sector experience.
• Experience with using Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated - regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

"Before I never used to open a book because I thought I couldn’t read but now I can. I used to think it was boring reading before but now I don't." - from a learner working with an ALT Reading Coach

The Adult Literacy Trust (ALT) wants to help adult learners break the cycle of poor literacy by offering them personalised reading support.

We offer one-to-one literacy support as a complement to formal teaching in education settings. We are dedicated to ensuring that adults who wish to improve their literacy skills - and to increase their life chances - receive the help they need to become confident readers.

Would you like to support an adult learner to become a confident reader? We are looking for volunteers to become trained Reading Coaches and work with adult learners on a one-to-one (or sometimes one-to-two) basis.

What it looks like in practice:

• Meeting a learner weekly, on-site at their college campus, typically before or after their formal classes for about an hour a week
• Building a constructive relationship with a learner
• Helping to check the learner’s understanding, build their confidence in reading, and provide support where needed
• Helping the learner practice skills they’re learning in the classroom and encourage confidence and resilience so that they persist with their studies

Where and when:

We have opportunities across London and we'll work around your schedule.

ALT is partnered with a range of colleges across London as we assign you to a location that works for you. All our locations are listed on our website. We are particularly looking for volunteers who can support learners on site at Westminster Adult Education Services based atLisson Grove NW8 8LW, New City College Tower Hamlets E14 0BX and Morley College Stockwell SW4 6RA. 

The timings are flexible - ALT match you to a learner based on your respective availability. Typically, most ALT sessions take place sometime between 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Personal Specification:

No prior teaching experience or qualification is needed. We provide full training so that volunteers are confident to start their sessions. However, volunteers must:

• Be at least 18
• Be able to speak and write English well enough to communicate clearly.
• Have a minimum education of a secondary school level or equivalent (i.e. hold a GCSE or equivalent, in any subject).
• Be willing to undergo a DBS check (provided by ALT)
• Have the right to volunteer in the UK 

About us:

The Adult Literacy Trust provides adults with one-to-one support to improve their reading skills and confidence, as a complement to formal education provision, ensuring that individuals who wish to improve their literacy skills receive the help they need to become successful readers, and to increase their life chances.

Delivered through a network of specially trained volunteer Reading Coaches, our charity works closely with learning providers - such as Further Education Colleges and Institutes for Adult Learning - to assist people from some of the most disadvantaged communities who could benefit from enhanced support, strengthening learners’ outcomes from their participation in adult community education.

Fundraising Volunteer

Every year, RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch CIO rescues, cares for and rehomes hundreds of unwanted, stray and abandoned animals.
We also support local pet owners who are struggling to afford essential veterinary treatment, helping animals get the care they need and stay with the people who love them.

We are a local RSPCA branch and we raise our own funds. The money we bring in through donations, grants, gifts in wills and local support makes a real difference to what we can do for animals in our area.

We are looking for a Fundraising Volunteer to help us find new ways to raise money and build support for our work.

This could be a lovely role for someone who has some fundraising experience and would like to use their skills for a cause they care about. You do not need to be an animal welfare expert. What matters most is that you care about animals, enjoy bringing ideas together, and can help us explain clearly why our work needs support.

You don't need to be an expert in everything listed below, but some experience in one or more of these areas would be helpful.

What you will be doing

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you may help with:

• Researching suitable grant-making trusts, foundations and local funding opportunities

• Helping to prepare information for grant applications and funding bids

• Supporting donation appeals for specific projects, such as veterinary care, animal accommodation, equipment or rehoming work

​We are looking for someone who has

• Previous fundraising experience

• An interest in animal welfare and the work of the Branch

• Good written communication skills

Time commitment

This is a flexible role and much of it can be done from home.
You are welcome to spend time in our office if you would like to work alongside the team.

Support and guidance

We want our volunteers to feel confident, supported and valued. You will receive guidance from the Branch, along with relevant information, policies and processes to help you carry out the role well.

The wellbeing of our people is important to us. We are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and everyone we come into contact with through our work.

What you will gain

By volunteering with us, you will:

• Make a direct difference to the welfare of local animals

• Help secure the funds needed to rescue, treat, rehabilitate and rehome animals

• Support pet owners who are struggling to afford essential veterinary care

• Use your fundraising skills for a cause with local impact

• Gain or build on charity fundraising experience

• Strengthen your CV

• Join a friendly, committed local team

• Help shape the future sustainability of an independent RSPCA branch

Interested?

If you care about animals and would like to use your fundraising skills to help secure vital support for their care, we would love to hear from you.

Who is Quaker Social Action?

QSA works with people on low incomes to seek solutions to the issues affecting their lives.

The services that QSA deliver are varied but all are about building respectful and dignified relationships with people who need support in some way. We address issues around food insecurity especially for asylum seekers, the dearth of support on the streets for people who are homeless, and the financial struggles many people experience when arranging a funeral. As well as these direct services we convene an advocacy group of hundreds of grassroots charities tackling child poverty in London. 

Some of our services operate in person, in London, some are national and delivered online or through a telephone helpline. Across all services, we seek to share our learning with others, through advocacy, campaigning or training; or by having a voice with policymakers and in the media on issues where we have credibility.

QSA was founded in 1867 by Quakers troubled by the social injustices of the time and keen to tackle them. This sense of taking practical action to address societal challenges has stayed with us over our 150-year history, and our organisational values are aligned with Quaker values of equality, truth and peace.

QSA is the largest independent Quaker charity and Quakers across the UK support our work –approximately 20% of our £1million+ income comes from Quaker sources. We are proud of our Quaker heritage and our place within the Quaker community, while also clear that our services, jobs and trustee roles are open to all.

“The advice and support was beyond beneficial. As a family we were just above the threshold for getting any financial support and at a very difficult time already, money worries was the last thing we needed.”

- Down to Earth funeral costs helpline caller.

What are we looking for?

The Charity Commission defines trustees as "the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run".

Therefore, we need new trustees who are:

1. Passionate about the aims of QSA and excited to contribute to our work

2. Empathic and understanding of the issues affecting people living in poverty, and keen to learn more

3. Wanting to make a positive contribution to our commitment to increasing inclusion, including giving voice to those with relevant lived experience

4. Willing to take on this responsibility and committed to learning more about charity governance

5. Able to commit the time needed to be a trustee and to take this responsibility seriously, for an initial term of three years.

While previous trustee experience is not necessary, we need trustees who have the confidence to actively contribute to the work of our charity from their appointment date, and who have capacity to engage with the governance task. The trustee task is more than attending meetings: we estimate it represents 1-2 days per month in total, accounting for board preparation, engaging with emails, and taking up opportunities to see the work and meet QSA staff.

Some of our trustees are Quakers but most are not, and we warmly welcome applications from people of all faiths or none. We are looking for trustees who will be in sympathy with Quaker values of peace, equality, integrity and simplicity.

​

How do I contribute as a trustee?

Trustees meet four times a year. Usually, two of these meetings are in person in London, on an afternoon; the other two are online and in the evening.

Each trustee is expected to join one committee: finance & fundraising, governance & nominations or people & wellbeing. These meet quarterly, online, and are arranged to meet the needs of their members.

There are also formal and informal opportunities to meet with fellow trustees and with the QSA staff team, including online meetings, away days and special events. We encourage trustees to take advantage of as many of these opportunities as possible.

As well as this, trustees contribute by playing an active part in the life of the charity and by being responsive, supportive and committed to the fulfilment of QSA’s charitable purposes.

Trustees as a whole are responsible for:

· Setting the strategic direction of QSA

· The financial oversight of QSA

· Ensuring we comply with relevant legislation

· Supporting the paid staff of the charity to deliver our mission.

Being a trustee for a charity as diverse and energetic as QSA offers an exciting opportunity for people who are passionate about tackling poverty.

“I feel the service from these marvellous book fans and their very committed, caring staff are an essential…I use them twice a week every week. Please may they continue.”

- Visitor to Turn a Corner library van for people experiencing homelessness.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at QSA

QSA has been working hard on equity, diversity and inclusion and see it as a golden thread which runs through our organisation. We are still learning and we invite new trustees to join us on that learning journey.

Inclusion is important to us – the arrival of new trustees brings fresh perspectives and we are excited that our culture will expand and be enhanced by new people joining the board.

We are particularly keen on recruiting trustees who are closer to our cause. By this we mean people who have current or previous experience of living on a low income. We're aware that poverty disproportionately affects people with disabilities and also people who are black and others from global majority communities. Therefore, we'd particularly like to encourage you to apply if you're from one of these groups.

We are committed to addressing any barriers to inclusion, so do speak to us if there are changes we might need to make to enable you to participate.

Discussion and challenge are at the heart of good governance, so we need people who are different from each other to make that happen. We know this requires full engagement from all our trustees and commitment from us to make it work.

What support will I get?

We know that new trustees will need to get to grips with the role, and we offer support:

• New trustees receive an induction where they meet key staff and other trustees, and learn how our trustees work together.

• We have a buddying system in place for new trustees, providing support and reassurance from a more experienced trustee, especially for the first few months.

• New trustees receive all the information needed about QSA: governing documents, organisational chart, plans and recent trustee papers.

• We support trustees' learning and development and encourage our trustees to take opportunities to broaden their knowledge and skills.

• We do not want cost to be a barrier for trustees. Expenses are covered to ensure trustees can fulfil their obligations, such as travel, accommodation, and childcare.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

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

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

The network meets on a Tuesday evening (1930-2100)

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:
- Date, time and location to be advised
We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:
-  Date, time and location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, time and location to be advised
Training for role - Date, time and location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/07/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Kent are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school 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

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

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

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. 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 governor, you can 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 school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• 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.

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 Barking in Essex 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 a Primary School and nursery (ages 3-11).  The school would ideally like to find someone who has experience in safeguarding and anti-bullying.

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.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in business development, corporate partnerships, account management, sales, CSR, philanthropy, or fundraising to use their skills to make a tangible difference in the lives of refugees.
You will play a key role in helping Plateful Café develop relationships with local and national businesses, generating support through corporate donations, sponsorship, employee volunteering, catering contracts, and long-term strategic partnerships.

Key Responsibilities
Corporate Engagement

• Identify and research prospective corporate partners aligned with Plateful Café's mission.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of potential supporters and business contacts.
• Introduce Plateful Café to local businesses, corporate foundations, and employers.
• Arrange introductory meetings and networking opportunities.
• Support the development of corporate partnership proposals and presentations.

Income Generation

• Help secure financial donations, sponsorships, and in-kind support.
• Identify opportunities for corporate grant funding and charitable giving programmes.
• Promote employee fundraising opportunities and workplace giving schemes.
• Explore sponsorship opportunities for training programmes, events, and community activities.

Catering and Enterprise Development

• Promote Plateful Café's corporate catering services to local businesses.
• Identify opportunities for meetings, events, lunches, conferences, and hospitality catering.
• Support the development of long-term catering relationships and repeat customers.
• Help position Plateful Café as a preferred socially responsible catering supplier.

Employee Volunteering and Skills Sharing

• Develop opportunities for corporate volunteering.
• Encourage businesses to provide mentoring, employability support, and workplace visits for our trainees.
• Build relationships that create pathways into employment for refugees completing our training programmes.

Strategic Support

• Provide advice on corporate engagement and relationship management.
• Help strengthen our corporate partnership strategy.
• Support impact reporting and stewardship of existing partners where required.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Has
Essential

• Experience working in a corporate environment, business development, account management, sales, marketing, CSR, partnerships, fundraising, or a related field.
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and business leaders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and supporting refugees.

Desirable

• Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Knowledge of corporate social responsibility (CSR), ESG, or social value initiatives.
• Experience securing sponsorships, partnerships, or fundraising income.
• Existing business networks in London.
• Experience developing corporate volunteering programmes.

What You Will Gain

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum.
• Experience supporting a growing and ambitious social enterprise charity.
• The chance to shape and influence our corporate partnerships strategy.
• Opportunities to meet business leaders, charity professionals, and community partners.
• A reference and recognition for your contribution.
• The satisfaction of helping create employment opportunities and brighter futures for people rebuilding their lives in the UK.

Our Values
At Plateful Café, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute, belong, and thrive. We celebrate diversity, value lived experience, and use food to bring communities together.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from individuals with experience of migration, displacement, or supporting diverse communities.

We are looking for a Volunteer Market Stall Trader, to help sell produce made by our refugee chefs to customers at local markets. This role involves setting up and taking down the market stall, engaging with potential customers, explaining our products, addressing inquiries, and actively promoting sales. You will gain valuable experience in sales and customer service.

What will you be doing?

• Market Stall Setup and Take Down: Assist in the set up and take down of the market stall, including arranging products, setting up signage, and ensuring the stall is presentable.
• Product Promotion/Sales Encouragement: Engage with potential customers, explaining our products, the refugees who made them and our story, answering questions and providing recommendations as needed.
• Sales Transactions: Handle sales transactions efficiently and accurately including Zettle for cards and also cash.

Desirables:

• Ability to perform tasks that may involve heavy lifting and physical labour, such as setting up and taking down the market stall
• Strong customer service skills with a friendly and approachable demeanour
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
• Willingness to learn about our charity and products and effectively communicate this to customers
• Basic numeracy skills required for processing sales transactions and handling money

As a Volunteer Donor Relationship Co-ordinator, you will play a crucial role in forming and maintaining relationships with our donors, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated, whilst forming & implementing a strategy to keep them donating. This role would suit someone who is confident, enthusiastic about building strong connections, and passionate about the welfare of refugees & asylum seekers.

Key responsibilities:

• Identify and approach local high net worth individuals/businesses to approach for a regular donation
• Develop a donor relationship strategy aimed at maximising engagement and satisfaction.
• Personally reach out to existing donors to thank them for their contributions (& send seasonal cards/other personalised messages to maintain positive relationships).
• Build relationships by engaging with donors via phone calls and emails to understand their motivations for donating and gather feedback used to improve our efforts.
• Encourage previous donors to continue their support.
• Keep detailed and accurate records of all our donor interactions to ensure we have up-to-date information on our supporters.
• Create and distribute surveys to gain insights into our donors’ needs and expectations.
• Further down the line, host webinars or live Q&A sessions to answer donor questions and provide updates on our work.

Requirements:

• Strong communication abilities
• Proficiency with google docs/sheets
• Excellent organisational skills
• A confident individual who is comfortable engaging with a diverse range of people
• Pro-active approach and work with minimum supervision
• Can commit a minimum of 2 hours per week