Volunteer roles in Yorkshire

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

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. 

Pursuing the role

Interviews and selection for the role will take place between April and June

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - A Welcome/ induction event will take place once all new volunteers have been on-boarded.
• Training for role - Volunteers will need to undertake both on-line and face to face training, details of course including dates, time & venue tbc

Closing date for these opportunities is: 11/04/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Company Description

At Cransley Hospice Trust, we believe everyone deserves comfort, dignity, and compassionate care at the end of life. By raising vital funds and awareness, we support hospice services across North Northamptonshire, helping patients and their families when they need it most.

Our retail spaces are more than just shops, they are welcoming community hubs where every purchase makes a real difference to local people.

Role Description

This is a varied and rewarding opportunity to support our Fundraising and Events Team at a range of events throughout the year. Whether you’re welcoming guests, helping behind the scenes, or supporting activities on the day, you’ll be part of a friendly team working towards a shared purpose.

Your time and energy will directly contribute to raising vital funds and awareness for hospice care in your local community.

Principles & Duties​

• Welcoming and registering customers
• Helping with the setting up and dismantling of events ‘on location’
• Manning fundraising stalls at events
• Helping with the running of an event as required
• Handling money and card payments in accordance with set procedures
• Keeping all areas clean, tidy and clear

We are hosting two open information days for anyone interested in volunteering with Cransley Hopsice Trust. These events will be held on Tuesday 12th May, 9:30am-12pm and Thursday 14th May, 3pm-6pm at our Trust Offices:

 John Notley Building, St Mary's Hospital, London Rd, Kettering, NN15 7PW

We would love to see you there!

Cransley Hospice Trust is committed to equal opportunities principles and practice. All volunteers, in their particular roles and working collaboratively, will be expected to follow the principles of Cransley Hospice Trust as set out in the volunteer briefing document. All volunteers are expected to work within our policies and uphold the values that guide everything we do.

Key details

Application closing date: Sunday 26 April 2026 (2359 UK time)
Start date: To be co-opted at the May Board meeting
Hours: Attendance at Board meetings once a quarter, finance subcommittee meetings that take place before Board meetings and other ad-hoc meetings and internal events as required
Salary: Unpaid (with reimbursement for expenses incurred in line with our policy)
Location: Board and finance subcommittee meetings are generally held virtually with some in -person meetings. For administrative purposes, the treasurer should be based in the UK.
Hours: Attendance at Board meetings once a quarter plus regular meetings with Head of Finance ahead of each Board meeting, meeting with auditors during audit process and other ad-hoc meetings and internal events as required. TJN is also considering setting up Finance Sub-Committee with the Treasurer expected to be involved with the Sub-Committee. Estimated hours commitment 60 hours per year/ 5h per month.

About the Tax Justice Network

The Tax Justice Network believes our tax and financial systems are powerful tools for creating a just society that gives equal weight to the needs of everyone. Launched in 2003 we are dedicated to high-level research, analysis, campaigning and advocacy in the area of international tax and financial regulation and work to inspire and equip people and governments everywhere to reprogramme their tax systems to work for everyone. We are clear that we must take a rights-based approach in all our work and one that challenges inequalities head-on.

Our approach combines a range of interventions that are designed to be mutually reinforcing, by acting in alignment through different channels and targeting different but overlapping audiences. We contribute t building the movement; the evidence base; the set of policy tools and options available; and the public narratives that support concrete changes. The Tax Justice Network is not a narrowly technical body. While we conduct high-level research, including publication in internationally peer-reviewed journals, our work is rooted in the political realities we face and consistently aimed at achieving political change. Our role in the global tax justice movement is based on the recognition that ultimately. Progress depends on the global movement, in which we are only one actor.

We are a virtual organisation, with staff working remotely across multiple countries and continents. With a cooperative ethos, out board is elected by the members of our company, who are formed of members of staff that have worked at the Tax Justice Network for at least one year. We are supporting by grants and donations from a range of donors including NORAD and the Open Society Foundation.

Role description

The directors of the Tax Justice Network are responsible for the oversight and governance of its work, with executive and management action delegated to a chief executive (and a senior management team).

We are seeking to recruit a Treasurer to bring their skills and expertise and offer strategic guidance, constructive and supportive challenge, specialist advice and their independent thinking.

The Treasurer provides financial oversight, guidance and strategic advice to ensure our organisation’s financial stability and integrity. The Treasurer will be responsible for monitoring financial performance and supporting long term-term financial planning in line with our organisations mission.

Key responsibilities

• Act as a Director ensuring the organisation meet its statutory duties under Companies Act 2006 and the Articles of Association
• Provide strategic financial oversight and constructive challenge at Board level and as part of the relevant Committees established to support the Board
• Reviews budget, management accounts and annual statutory accounts
• Ensure the organisation’s financial management, controls and reporting are robust and transparent
• Support the Board in maintaining financial sustainability and advising Board and Senior Management Team on financial risks and opportunities
• Assist with statutory reporting and regulatory compliance
• Liaise with external auditors as required
• Work collaboratively with fellow non-executive directors contributing to Board effectiveness and continuous improvement
• Work closely with the Head of Finance as requested

Person Specification

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Proven experience in finance and accounting or related fields
• Experience of the workings of a finance department of charities or not for profit organisations
• Acts with integrity, honesty, and accountability at all times
• Provides constructive challenge and sound financial judgement
• Takes a strategic, long-term view of financial sustainability and risk
• Works collaboratively and respectfully with fellow Non-Executive Directors
• A strong commitment to good governance, transparency, and best practice

Desirable

• Professional accounting qualifications CCAB or CIMA
• Prior experience as a Trustee or non-executive Director

Hopian is looking for volunteers to be the first point of contact for anyone who gets in touch with our Helpline for those affected by Domestic Abuse and Child Sexual Exploitation.

Hopian is a registered charity that provides advice and support for adults and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse through the provision of refuge accommodation and community support services.  We also provide support and access to counselling for people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation.

What the role entails:

• Answer inbound calls and respond to general enquiries to help people understand our service and the next steps.
• Take safe contact details and record brief notes so our staff can follow up efficiently.
• Triage and signpost using clear guidance, escalating any higher-risk or complex concerns to a staff member.
• Support email responses to straightforward enquiries and referrals, using agreed templates and safecontact practices.
• Contact people at the end of their support to gather feedback, helping us improve our services and ensure everyone feels heard and valued.

What we are looking for:

• Clear and confident communication, spoken and written,
• Active listening and empathy, with the ability to stay calm under pressure,
• Good judgement about boundaries and confidentiality (you will always have a staff member to escalate to),
• Basic digital skills for call notes and email replies.

Training, supervision & support

You will receive a structured induction, role-specific training, and ongoing group supervision, plus access to the Volunteer Handbook and a supportive team environment.

Recruitment process

Once you submit your CV and covering letter, it will be reviewed and shortlisted against the role criteria. If your application meets the requirements, you will be invited to an interview.

Applicants who are successful at the interview will receive a conditional offer, subject to standard checks. These include identity verification, two satisfactory references, and, where required for the role, a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

We will keep you informed at each stage and will advise you of induction dates once we have made a conditional offer.

Before starting your role, you will need to attend all required induction and role-specific training. Some sessions may fall outside your usual weekly volunteering schedule, particularly in the early stages of onboarding. We ask for a commitment to attend the full training programme so that you feel confident and supported in the helpline.

Can you help us to raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms across your local area?

Become a Bowel Cancer Awareness Champion and use your voice in the community, in-person or virtually, to make sure everyone knows how to spot the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. This will help make sure more people can spot the signs sooner and so get a diagnosis at the earliest possible stage when the disease is more treatable and curable.

Take part from the comfort of your own home, using your social media to share our specifically curated social media graphics and videos in your community by reaching out to local businesses, community notice boards and places of worship to display our posters, or at your workplace by sharing information through your staff newsletters, our leaflets, or by putting our symptoms posters up in your staff toilets.

No long-term commitment is required — just a little bit of your time and your local knowledge! We'll provide you with everything you need to get you started including our toolkit and handy guide, as well as support from our dedicated volunteering team.

However you choose to take part, you’ll be helping your local community by making them aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer and where to find out more about what to do about them.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued.  The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Community Development Volunteer

Our Community Development Volunteers undertake an administrative role that provides support to our Community Development Co-ordinator in a variety of ways.

As a Community Development Volunteer in England, you might:

• conduct online research
• contact local community groups to build relationships with them and understand their needs
• attend events to raise awareness or present our work
• engage with project participants on social media
• deliver promotional material in a variety of locations

Most volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK.  Please note that there is very limited opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

We are particularly keen to build connections with marginalised communities in Manchester, and so ideally we are looking for volunteers who are already part of, or happy to get involved with, local groups

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services.  All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Could your leadership skills help shape the future of a charity that supports the UK's nursing and midwifery workforce?

Charity People is excited to be partnering with Cavell, the UK's largest funder of nurses and midwives in hardship and crisis, as they recruit several new Trustees to join their Board at an exciting moment in the charity's growth.

Location: UK-wide
Time Commitment: Approx. 4 Board meetings + 1 strategy day per year
Term: Initially four years, with option for renewal
Renumeration: Voluntary, with reasonable expenses covered

With an ambitious new vision and mission, underpinned by a three-year strategy, Cavell is entering a significant new phase of development, strengthening its role in supporting the wellbeing of nurses and midwives and contributing to the resilience and retention of the UK healthcare workforce.

Cavell's vision is a future where nursing and midwifery professionals are celebrated, championed and supported to thrive. Its mission is to champion their wellbeing through tailored support, recognition and advocacy.

As living costs rise and workforce pressures grow, more people are turning to Cavell for help. Through person-centred emotional support, financial guidance, grants and wellbeing conversations, Cavell provides vital support when it is needed most. By helping nurses and midwives stay in the profession they care deeply about, Cavell also strengthens the workforce that underpins patient care across the UK and ultimately improving care for everyone.

About the role

Trustees play an active role in shaping strategy, addressing key opportunities and risks, and offering support and constructive challenge to the Executive Team. You will join a supportive, engaged and professionally diverse Board to provide strong governance and strategic leadership, working closely with a talented internal team.

We want to be crystal clear that previous Trustee experience is not required - Cavell welcomes both first-time Trustees and experienced Board members. They are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the UK nursing and midwifery workforce.

Applications are warmly welcomed from people of all backgrounds, particularly those currently under-represented on charity boards.

Who are we looking for?

The Board already benefits from the significant expertise of medical professionals and qualified nurses. For these vacancies, we would love to see applications that strengthen the board's capability around:

• Charity sector leadership and governance
• Income generation and fundraising - particularly in areas such as business development, partnerships, philanthropy, or revenue diversification
• Commercial and business leadership and acumen
• Relevant business or high-net-worth networks

Personal attributes matter just as much. Cavell is looking for people with:

• A strong and visible passion for the charity's purpose and mission
• An open, collaborative and inclusive leadership style
• Excellent judgement, independence of thought and the highest levels of integrity
• Ability to build a collegiate board environment, always valuing diverse perspectives

How to apply

A short CV or profile is a great starting point, but not essential. If you'd like the full application details or to arrange an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch.

Our Regional Director, Amelia Lee, is leading this opportunity and an exploratory call with her forms part of the process ahead of shortlisting.

Deadline:  9am on Tuesday, 7th of April
Interview dates to be confirmed soon, likely to be happening late April.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers. We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. 

Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance. As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation. 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. Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, and to attend regular network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date. Training is included in the role for responsibilities; the selected candidate is expected to attend all relevant meetings If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

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. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful in selection, an interview will need to take place, and you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Training for role - If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed. Details of course including dates, time & venue tbc.

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Organisation: Easy Housing Association (EHA) – Registered Social Landlord
Location: Remote
Type: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Closing Date: 5th April 2026

Join EHA’s board of trustees – provide strategic oversight for a safer, stronger social housing future.

Easy Housing Association (EHA) is a progressive, mission-driven Registered Social Landlord (RSL), committed to delivering safe, secure, and affordable homes for those who need them most. As we continue to grow, we are strengthening our governance and seeking two experienced and strategic individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you will provide high-level oversight, ensuring strong leadership, regulatory compliance, and financial resilience.

We are specifically looking for trustees with senior-level expertise in one or both of the following areas:

• Health & safety within the social housing sector
• Finance and strategic oversight in the charity or housing sectors

As a trustee, you will advise, challenge, and support EHA’s leadership, helping us meet our legal obligations, protect tenant wellbeing, and maintain long-term sustainability.
 

��️ Trustee oversight role: health & safety (social housing focus)

We are seeking a trustee to provide strategic oversight and governance on health and safety systems across EHA. You will help ensure we meet the highest safety standards for tenants, staff, and volunteers, and remain fully compliant with housing regulations.

Key areas of expertise include:

• Interpreting and overseeing compliance with H&S laws relevant to RSLs
• Ensuring robust systems for fire, gas, asbestos, and communal area safety
• Providing risk management insight across housing stock and services
• Understanding the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) expectations
• Reviewing inspection, audit, and incident-reporting frameworks
• Championing a strong, proactive safety culture across the organisation

Your contribution will help ensure EHA protects people and property through effective governance.

�� Trustee oversight role: finance & charity sector governance

We are also recruiting a trustee with the financial acumen to guide EHA’s strategic financial direction, ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainability across operations.

This role suits someone with financial leadership experience in charitable housing providers, housing associations, or social enterprises.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring long-term financial strategy, planning, and risk
• Understanding Charity SORP and RSL financial standards
• Overseeing reserves policy, budgeting, and funding management
• Ensuring compliance with the Charity Commission and RSH
• Supporting transparent and effective financial reporting
• Holding executive teams to account while enabling performance

Your insight will strengthen the board’s ability to govern with integrity and impact.

⏱️ Time commitment

Trustees are expected to attend monthly board meetings (approximately 2.5 hours online) and commit an additional 4 hours per month to board-related duties, including reading papers, joining sub-committees, or contributing expertise.

�� What you’ll gain

• A high-impact role in a values-led, tenant-focused RSL
• Opportunities to shape policy, compliance, and social impact
• Professional development in governance, housing, and regulation
• The fulfilment of helping improve lives through safe, secure housing

EHA is proud to be an inclusive and tenant-focused RSL. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds especially those with lived experience of social housing.

Your leadership and strategic oversight can help us build homes and futures that are safe, equitable, and resilient.
By joining our Board, you will help change lives—ensuring that safe, secure, and affordable housing is not a privilege, but a right.

We are seeking a legally qualified professional to join the Board of Trustees and contribute to the organisation’s governance, risk oversight, and long-term sustainability.

The Opportunity

Code Your Future is seeking a legally qualified professional to join its Board of Trustees and contribute to the organisation’s governance, risk oversight, and long-term sustainability.
As a Trustee, you will contribute to Board discussions, support sound decision-making, and help ensure the organisation operates in accordance with its charitable purpose and governance responsibilities.
This is a strategic governance role rather than an operational legal role. Trustees are not expected to provide legal services, but to contribute their expertise to Board-level oversight, governance, and risk management.

Core Trustee Responsibilities
Trustees share collective responsibility for:

• Acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries
• Supporting effective governance and decision-making
• Providing oversight of organisational strategy, performance, and risk
• Safeguarding the organisation’s reputation, sustainability, and beneficiaries
• Ensuring appropriate safeguarding awareness, policies, and oversight are in place
• Providing appropriate challenge and support to the executive team
• Contributing actively to Board and Committee discussions

Legal & Governance Contribution
You will help the Board:

• Provide insight on governance, regulatory, and legal risk matters
• Support strong governance and compliance practices
• Contribute to the continued development and strengthening of the organisation’s governance
• Support Board oversight of safeguarding, providing appropriate governance perspective and scrutiny
• Chair or contribute to a Board Committee, supporting oversight of risk, governance, and key policies
• Contribute specialist expertise and constructive challenge at Board and Committee level

Candidate Profile
Essential

• Legal qualification as a solicitor, barrister, or equivalent legal professional
• Ability to contribute to governance, risk oversight, and Board-level discussions
• Sound judgment and willingness to provide constructive challenge
• Commitment to CYF’s mission and values

Desirable

• Experience working with charities, non-profits, or regulated organisations
• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities within charities, education, or community organisations
• Previous Board, Trustee, or governance experience

Time Commitment

• Quarterly Board meetings (primarily virtual)
• Participation in one annual in-person strategy retreat
• Participation in a Board Committee
• Preparation for meetings and occasional input between meetings
• Average commitment: 6–8 hours per month

What You Will Gain

• Valuable Board-level governance experience
• Opportunity to contribute to organisational strategy
• Collaboration with experienced professionals
• Meaningful contribution to a mission-driven organisation

Who are we: 
We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families. We take a positive and proactive disability and illness. We don't conform to society's and the media's view that disability is awful, and you have no quality of life. Although we fully acknowledge it gives rise to come of the most heartbreaking and challenging times you will ever face. We ask everyone who joins Buttons & Bubbles to embrace this perspective. If you don't agree with it, then sadly we're not the right organisation for you. 

About the role: 
 
We are looking for people to join our communications team. Helping with a variety of tasks from social media scheduling to posting job adverts to helping create policies.  

Our values: 

We embrace disability and neurodiversity; it makes us a stronger and more brilliant team. No robots at Buttons & Bubbles, thank you! 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a few individuals who may have the following skills and experience. Don't worry if you haven’t as full training will be provided.

Skillset; 

• Communication skills  

• Editing cntent  

• Scheduling content  

• Knowledge of admin programs including spreadsheets and outlook 

• Organised  

• Adaptable  

• Willing to learn and develop  

• An individual with a creative mindset 

• Thrill of building an online community. 

• Have a basic DBS check

• Positive attitude towards disability or illness 

Benefits of joining Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C:  

• Gaining valuable experience. 

• Improving your confidence 

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest. 

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Making a difference to the community 

• Makes a positive impact on people 

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills. 

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers. 

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future 

• Employment opportunities

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.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Blackburn 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.

Alfie Boe Concerts – Volunteer Collectors

We are delighted to be supported by our Patron, Alfie Boe, during his upcoming 2026 Tour. We will be collecting donations at all of Alfie Boe’s concert dates and are looking for volunteers to join us and help manage those collections at their local venue.

The dates we are looking for support on are:

Tuesday 14th April – Dundee Caird Hall

Wesdnesday 15th April – Aberdeen Music Hall

Friday 24th April – Hull City Hall

Thursday 7th May – Warwick Arts Centre

Saturday 9th May – Ipswich Regent

Monday 11th May – Kings Lynn Corn Exchange

Wednesday 13th May – Cambridge Corn Exchange

Tuesday 19th May - Llandudno Venue Cymru Theatre

Saturday 23rd May – Southend Cliffs Pavillion

Sunday 24th May – Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall

Timings are roughly 5pm – 10.30pm. Please note: This volunteer opportunity does not include tickets to watch the show.

Roles, Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collecting donations before the show, after the show, and during the interval via collection buckets and handheld contactless devices
• Represent Brain Tumour Research and make a real contribution to Brain Tumour Research and our much needed more
• All volunteers will be provided with a t-shirt and collection buckets

Volunteer person specification:

• Polite manner
• Good verbal communication skills
• Trustworthy
• Reliable and committed
• Ability to work with others

What we offer:

• The chance to be part of an exciting opportunity and support one of our fundraising events
• The opportunity to add to your CV
• The chance to make a real contribution to Brain Tumour Research
• Paid travel expenses if needed