Volunteer roles

VOLUNTEER VACANCIES AT THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS’ FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (ESFA)

The English Schools’ FA is seeking to further diversify its decision-making bodies to better reflect the needs and aspirations of those with disabilities and to improve inclusion in this area.  We are seeking to make two appointments within our governance structures, as follows:

• To our Governing Council. You can find further details about the Council and the role Vacancies – English Schools' Football Association
• To our  Inclusion Advisory Network. You can find further details about the IAN and the role here too: Vacancies – English Schools' Football Association

Council is responsible for decisions about football delivery strategy and the IAN is responsible for providing specific inclusion advice to both Council and the Board of Trustees across all aspects of the ESFA, as illustrated below. The candidate appointed to Council will also be co-opted to serve on the IAN.

Candidates interested in either vacancy should carefully review the information on the ESFA website before completing the short application form. Candidates are also encouraged to complete our EDI form which will be separated from your application prior to assessment and then anonymised with the sole purpose of monitoring our EDI policy.  Should candidates wish to submit their application in an alternative format, or have questions about the posts, please contact the CEO.

Deadline for applications for both posts is 8th February 2026

The ESFA is committed to safeguarding children and adults a risk. The successful candidate may need to complete an enhanced DBS check through the FA DBS process. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining the post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

As an equal opportunities Association the ESFA welcomes applications from all parts of the community.

Candidates should note that checks on their online presence may be undertaken as part of this process

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Positive Futures is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board as Chair. This is a pivotal role for a passionate, committed leader who is eager to shape the future of an organisation dedicated to supporting young people and families across the Liverpool City Region. The Chair will work closely with the CEO and trustees to provide strong governance, strategic oversight, and a clear vision for the next phase of our growth and impact.

We seek a strategic, values-led leader to:

• Provide governance leadership
• Work collaboratively with the CEO, offering support and challenge where needed
• Oversee Board development and succession
• Represent the organisation externally
• Lead the next phase of governance strengthening

​If you are motivated by making a lasting difference in the lives of children, young people, and families, and want to contribute your skills and experience at a strategic level, we would be delighted to hear from you.

How To Apply

To apply, please submit:

• Your CV
• A short covering letter (max 2 pages) outlining:

           – Why you want to join Positive Futures

           – Which role you are applying for

           – How your experience aligns with our mission and needs

Closing date: 1st March 2026

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEERS (WITH EXPERIENCE)

4–6 Hours Per Week — Very Flexible

• Shape the Skills. Grow the People. Build the SUNSHINE Movement.
• Bring SUNSHINE to life. Build a movement of connection, joy, and belonging.
• SUNSHINE is stepping boldly into Phase 2 of our journey — and this is the moment where everything begins to take shape.

Our Board of Trustees is appointed and working with passion. Our charity application is submitted. Our vision is clear, our mission is alive, and our purpose has never been more urgent.

Now, we are ready for the next chapter — and we cannot write it without you.

The Role: Help Build the Heart of SUNSHINE Through Learning

As a 100% volunteer‑run and volunteer‑led charity, we are searching for experienced, dedicated, and deeply compassionate Learning and Development Volunteers to design, build, and deliver the training and development systems that will empower every volunteer across SUNSHINE.

This is not just a role. This is an opportunity to shape the knowledge, confidence, and capability of a movement designed to transform loneliness into belonging across London and beyond.

You will help us create a learning experience that is:

• Uplifting — where every volunteer feels confident, supported, and ready to shine.

• Positive — where learning is joyful, encouraging, and rooted in kindness.

• Team‑spirited — where people grow together, support one another, and share pride in their development.

• Impactful — where training directly strengthens community connection and wellbeing.

You Will Lead On:

• Designing and delivering SUNSHINE’s learning and development framework.

• Creating accessible, joyful, and inclusive training materials.

• Developing onboarding pathways that set volunteers up for success.

• Building ongoing development opportunities that nurture skills, confidence, and wellbeing.

• Supporting volunteer leaders to grow, thrive, and lead with compassion.

• Ensuring every volunteer feels equipped, valued, and part of something bigger.

If you believe in the power of learning to uplift people and transform communities, this is your moment.

Why SUNSHINE?

Because loneliness is not just a feeling — it is a public health crisis.

Because too many people are navigating life without a social network to hold them.

Because connection, joy, and community spirit should be a right, not a privilege.

SUNSHINE exists to change that.

Our Vision

A world where every individual feels deeply connected, uplifted, and empowered within a vibrant, compassionate community.

Our Mission

To foster connection and enhance wellbeing by creating inclusive, joyful, supportive environments where people come together and truly belong.

Our Values

• Connection.
• Community Spirit.
• Compassion.
• Joy.
• Inclusivity.

These aren’t just words — they are the heartbeat of everything we do.

Why You Matter

As a Learning and Development Volunteer, you will be one of the first people to shape SUNSHINE from the inside out.

Your work will strengthen the skills and confidence of volunteers delivering:

• Befriending services

• Wellbeing activities

• Community connection programmes

• Outreach to those at risk of loneliness and isolation

Your leadership will uplift the people who uplift others.

You will help create a world where no one feels alone.

This Is Your Call to Action

If you have experience in learning and development, training design, facilitation, coaching, community work, or people development — and if your heart beats for connection, compassion, and community — we would love to welcome you into the SUNSHINE family.

Join us as we build something meaningful, hopeful, and life‑changing. Join us as we bring SUNSHINE to London and beyond. Join us as we create a movement where everyone belongs.

Ready to Make a Difference?

• Step forward.
• Be part of our founding volunteer team.
• Help us build a brighter, kinder, more connected world.

Apply today and help us bring SUNSHINE to life.

SUNSHINE

The Loneliness and Wellbeing Charity

Request For Quote (RFQ) 

ActionAid Communications in Humanitarian Emergencies Review

Request For Quote (RFQ)-Humanitarian Emergencies Review

Date of issue: 12 December 2025 

RFQ reference number: [AAUK COMMS001]

Closing date for submissions: 23rd January 2026 

1. Background 

ActionAid’s Red and Orange Alert protocols are designed to guide communications in humanitarian emergencies, ensuring timely, accurate, and coordinated outputs across the global federation. These protocols play a critical role in mobilising public attention, fundraising, and shaping narratives. However, questions have emerged around efficiency, resourcing, wellbeing, integration with wider organisational work, and alignment with ActionAid UK’s 2025–2028 strategy and ActionAid’s international strategic framework (SIF 3). 

This review will assess the current Red and Orange Alert communications protocols, identify strengths, challenges and key successes, and recommend revisions to strengthen their effectiveness, sustainability, and alignment with organisational priorities. 

2. Objectives 

1. Review the existing Red and Orange Alert communications protocols to assess their relevance, effectiveness, and unintended consequences.
2. Make recommendations for a revised protocol, including clearer structures for delegated authority, risk/crisis communications, staff wellbeing, and integration with wider organisational priorities. 

3. Scope of work 

ActionAid is looking for a qualified consultant or company to undertake a review of ActionAid’s communications work in humanitarian emergencies

The review will: 

• Use our existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as a starting point.
• Examine how ActionAid's existing “Red and Orange” Alert protocols function in practice across ActionAid UK and the Global Secretariat.
• Assess the resources required to activate alerts, including staff time, budget, and outputs, and analyse the value generated for the organisation particularly against ActionAid UK’s new strategy and SIF 3.
• Explore the unintended consequences of the protocols, including:
• Impact on staff wellbeing and risk of burnout.
• The extent to which Red Alerts are siloed or disconnected from other organisational priorities.
• Investigate gaps in managing reputational risk during highly volatile and politicised humanitarian crises
• Who is responsible for risk and how is authority currently delegated
• What processes currently exist.
• What risks does AAUK face, internally and externally
• Recommendations for a clear and sustainable reputational risk framework  

4. Methodology 

The review team will: 

• Gain an understanding of AA's wider organisational work, to ensure the reviews alignment with ActionAid UK’s 2025–2028 strategy and ActionAid’s international strategic framework (SIF 3).
• Conduct document analysis of the existing MOU, alert protocols, and sample case studies of recent alerts.
• Carry out interviews or focus groups with key stakeholders, including:
• ActionAid UK Red Alert staff.
• Global Secretariat Orange Alert staff.
• Fundraising colleagues.
• Other relevant ActionAid staff who engage in emergency communications.
• Collect and analyse data on staff time, budget allocations, outputs, and outcomes linked to past alerts.
• Synthesize findings into a diagnostic report with recommendations. 

5. Deliverables 

•  Inception Note
•  Desk research and interviews
• Draft review report  
• Presentation of findings

6. Governance & Management 

• The review will be commissioned by ActionAid UK and coordinated with the Global Secretariat.
• Oversight will be provided by the Co-CEOs office.
• The review team will report regularly to the commissioning manager at ActionAid UK. 

7. Timeline 

The review is expected to run over a period of 14 weeks starting on as soon as possible, although there is some flexibility on the timetable. A detailed timeline will be agreed during inception. 

5. Required skills and experience  

The applicants should demonstrate the following:  

Essential 

• Track record in communications for humanitarian and emergency contexts within international NGOs
• Experience in designing and conducting evaluations, reviews, with a focus on communications, advocacy, and fundraising impact.
• Analytical and synthesis skills – able to combine qualitative and quantitative data into clear, evidence-based findings and actionable recommendations
• Demonstrated ability to apply decolonial, feminist, intersectional, and anti-racist approaches in research and evaluation.
• Project management skills, political and cultural sensitivity, with experience working on communications in sensitive or high-risk contexts (e.g. conflict zones).
• Facilitation and interviewing skills, with diverse range of stakeholders across geographies and functions, and to handle sensitive feedback (e.g. on leadership, team well-being).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to produce high-quality, concise reports,
• Independent, objective, and credible 

 Desirable 

• Knowledge of ActionAid’s work, organisational structure, and values. 

6. Proposal requirements  

Interested parties should submit:  

Technical Proposal (max 10 pages), demonstrating:  

• Understanding of the assignment
• Proposed delivery plan. 
• Relevant experience / team composition  

Financial Proposal, including:  

• Daily rates and total consultancy cost (inclusive of all taxes and expenses). 
• Breakdown by deliverable and cost  

Annexes, including:  

• CVs of key personnel. 
• Examples of previous work (Organisational humanitarian communications frameworks).
• At least 2 references  

7. Submission Process  

Proposals should be submitted via email. Please press the apply button and you will be re-directed to further information
Subject Line: RFP – AAUK Organisational Humanitarian Communications Consultancy – [Your Organisation Name]  

Request For Quote (RFQ)-Humanitarian Emergencies Review

Deadline for submission:06 February 2026 

8. Evaluation Criteria  

• Proposals will be assessed based on the following: 
• Technical understanding & methodology 
• Relevant experience & qualifications 
• Cost-effectiveness 
• Quality of previous work 
• References  

9. Terms and Conditions  

• All intellectual property and reports developed during this consultancy will remain the property of AAUK  
• Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or presentation.  

Are you based in the West or East Midlands and looking for an opportunity to create positive social change, meet new people and learn new things? Music Therapy Works is looking for three-to-four committed, motivated people to join the Board as Trustees, enabling even more people to benefit from Music Therapy.

We are looking, in particular, for one or more of the following skills/experience to complement our existing Trustees:

• Finance
• Digital
• Safeguarding
• Fundraising
• Company Secretary
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
• Environmental sustainability

If you don't have any of these skills or experience please consider applying anyway! We're keen to hear from people with time and energy to commit to the valuable work of our charity.

We also want our Board to reflect the diverse community that Music Therapy Works supports.

We would really like to hear from you if you:

• Have a background in social care and/or safeguarding     
• Have a background in Music Therapy or a related field 
• Reflect MTW’s beneficiaries. For example: are you a disabled person? Do you have mental health needs? Are you a parent or teacher of a young disabled person, or a young person with mental health needs? Are you part of an adoptive family or do you work with children in care? Are you a carer for a person with dementia?

Positive Futures is seeking a Trustee with professional experience in children’s social care to join our Board. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced practitioner or leader to bring expertise in safeguarding, residential care, and Ofsted-regulated services to the strategic oversight of our organisation. The successful candidate will provide critical insight into care planning, permanence, and supporting excellence in residential settings, ensuring that Positive Homes continues to deliver safe, high-quality services as it grows and responds to national legislative changes.

We seek a professional with experience in:

• Children’s social work
• Safeguarding
• Ofsted-regulated services
• Care planning and permanence
• Supporting residential care excellence

​This trustee will provide critical insight and oversight as Positive Homes grows and adapts to national legislative changes.

If you are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people, and want to contribute your expertise to shaping the governance and strategic direction of a growing, values-led organisation, we would be delighted to hear from you. 

How To Apply

To apply, please submit:

• Your CV
• A short covering letter (max 2 pages) outlining:

           – Why you want to join Positive Futures

           – Which role you are applying for

           – How your experience aligns with our mission and needs

Closing date: 1st March 2026

VOLUNTEERING PROGRAMME VOLUNTEERS (WITH EXPERIENCE)

4-6 Hours Per Week - Very Flexible

Bring SUNSHINE to Life. Build a Movement of Connection, Joy & Belonging.

SUNSHINE is stepping boldly into Phase 2 of our journey — and this is the moment where everything begins to take shape.

Our Board of Trustees is appointed and working with passion. Our charity application is submitted. Our vision is clear, our mission is alive, and our purpose has never been more urgent.

Now, we are ready for the next chapter — and we cannot write it without you.

The Role: Help Build the Heart of SUNSHINE

As a 100% volunteer run and led charity, we are searching for experienced, dedicated, and deeply compassionate Volunteering Programme Volunteers to lead the creation, set-up, and implementation of our brand‑new volunteering programme.

This is not just a role. This is an opportunity to shape the culture, spirit, and soul of a movement designed to transform loneliness into belonging across London.

You will help us build a volunteering experience that is:

• Uplifting — where every volunteer feels energised and valued.

• Positive — where kindness and optimism guide every interaction.

• Team‑spirited — where people come together with purpose, pride, and joy.

• Impactful — where every action contributes to a healthier, more connected community.

You will lead on:

• Designing and launching our volunteering programme.

• Creating a warm, joyful, and inclusive volunteer culture.

• Recruiting, onboarding, and retaining volunteers who share our mission.

• Ensuring every volunteer feels supported, celebrated, and part of something bigger.

If you believe in the power of people coming together, this is your moment.

Why SUNSHINE?

• Because loneliness is not just a feeling — it is a public health crisis.
• Because too many people are navigating life without a social network to hold them.
• Because connection, joy, and community spirit should be a right, not a privilege.

SUNSHINE exists to change that.

Our Vision

A world where every individual feels deeply connected, uplifted, and empowered within a vibrant, compassionate community.

Our Mission

To foster connection and enhance wellbeing by creating inclusive, joyful, supportive environments where people come together and truly belong.

Our Values

• Connection.
• Community Spirit.
• Compassion.
• Joy.
• Inclusivity.

These aren’t just words — they are the heartbeat of everything we do.

Why You Matter

As a Volunteering Programme Volunteer, you will be one of the first people to shape SUNSHINE from the inside out.

You will help build the systems, culture, and experiences that will support:

• Befriending services

• Wellbeing activities

• Community connection programmes

• Outreach to those at risk of loneliness and isolation

Your leadership will directly uplift people who need it most.

You will help create a world where no one feels alone.

This Is Your Call to Action

If you have experience in volunteering, programme development, community work, or people leadership — and if your heart beats for connection, compassion, and community — we would love to welcome you into the SUNSHINE family.

• Join us as we build something meaningful, hopeful, and life‑changing.
• Join us as we bring SUNSHINE to London and beyond.
• Join us as we create a movement where everyone belongs.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Step forward. Be part of our founding volunteer team. Help us build a brighter, kinder, more connected world.

Apply today and help us bring SUNSHINE to life.

SUNSHINE

The Loneliness and Wellbeing Charity

Volunteer Researcher – Yellow Wood Project

Location: Remote (UK-based preferred)

Type: Volunteer (Flexible, ~10-20 hours/month)

Reporting to: Director/Founder

Organisation Type: Community Interest Company (CIC)

About Us

We are a mission-driven Community Interest Company dedicated to early intervention against online harms and the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSEA) and violence against women and girls (VAWG). Rooted in a behavioural science approach combined with systems thinking, we work to understand the contemporary online context for children and young people and pathways to engaging with harmful content, develop evidence-based interventions which support healthier sexual and social development, and create safer communities through primary and secondary prevention.

Role Overview

We are seeking a passionate and proactive Volunteer Researcher to help us on our Insight and Understanding workstream; conducting primary and secondary research as well as providing guidance on commissioned research. This is a key voluntary role for someone with a background in social research who wants to use their skills to make a measurable difference in a sensitive but vital area of public benefit, increasingly recognised as an urgent issue and one in receipt of growing governmental attention.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on experience and availability, responsibilities may include:

• Conducting desk-based research and literature reviews (academic, policy, and grey literature)
• Contributing to the establishment of the organisation’s Research Ethics Policy
• Supporting the design of research projects, including research questions, methods, and tools
• Assisting with data collection (e.g. surveys, interviews, focus groups), where appropriate
• Supporting data analysis (qualitative and/or quantitative)
• Summarising findings into clear written outputs (briefings, reports, blogs, or presentations)
• Supporting evidence gathering for funding applications, policy submissions, or advocacy work
• Contributing to the maintenance of research logs, references, and documentation
• Adhering to the organisation’s research ethics and data protection policies at all times

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Experience in social research, public policy, or social impact
• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Willingness to follow ethical research standards
• Alignment with the organisation’s mission and values
• Ability to work on highly sensitive topics related to issues including: pornography, violence, sexual offending, and misogyny.

Desirable

• Undergraduate or postgraduate study (completed or ongoing) in a relevant field (e.g. social sciences, psychology, criminology, education, public health, data science)
• Familiarity with research methods such as surveys, interviews, and digital ethnography
• Experience conducting literature reviews or academic research
• Thematic data analysis skills
• Understanding of issues relating to online harms, child safety, or digital wellbeing and familiarity with safeguarding  
• Familiarity with behaviour change frameworks (e.g. COM-B, Behaviour Change Wheel)

Time Commitment

• Approximately 10-20 hours per month
• Flexible schedule, with occasional online meetings
• Project-based with ability to work on discrete project or ongoing basis, as preferred

What We Offer

• A meaningful opportunity to contribute to the protection of children from online harms, as well as a CSEA and VAWG prevention mission
• Flexible, remote working with supportive leadership
• Recognition in reports and communications
• A reference or endorsement after three months of active volunteering
• The chance to shape organisation direction at an early and impactful stage of growth

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Membership and Community Lay trustee

The Membership and Community Lay Trustee provides strategic oversight and expert guidance on membership growth, engagement and community development. Workingalongside fellow trustees, you will support the organisation to build a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable professional community, that reflects its values and supports its charitable purpose. Acting as a critical friend to management, you will help shape policy, identify opportunities and risks, and support strategies that strengthen member value, retention and participation.

We’re seeking a senior professional with experience in membership strategy, stakeholder engagement or community development, ideally with board-level experience or experience advising boards or working at a similar strategic level.
You will bring insight into how professional communities thrive, how member needs evolve, and how digital and
data-driven approaches can support engagement and growth. Experience developing and evaluating membership models, including subscription-based approaches, is highly desirable. Experience within a regulated, professional or charitable membership environment is also desirable.

A collaborative approach, high integrity, and alignment with the organisation’s vision and values are essential.

To view the role profile please click on this Membership and Community Lay Trustee| RCOT 

To apply, please submit a CV and suitability statement aligned with the role profile with no more than 600 words, via this Membership and Community Lay Trustee| RCOT by Sunday 15 February 2026.

You will be vital to the work of your local Scope shop, as one of the first faces customers see.

You will receive training on serving our customers on the till, taking payments and making Gift Aid donations. This makes a real difference to our income and the number of disabled people we can support.

Your role may include:

• using the till and cash handling
• welcoming and supporting customers
• helping to display stock and window dressing
• preparing goods for sale
• tidying and cleaning the shop

When and where

You will be based at our Scope shop at 64 High Street, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5EA. We are flexible on the times you would like to volunteer. We’d love your help for as little as 1 hour a week, but if you can give more time that would help us even more.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome anyone who is friendly and passionate about disability equality!

Some volunteers want to learn more about charities or about retail. Others want to make a difference to the lives of disabled people. Other volunteers are interested in our training and development opportunities. Some people join us to meet new people and make friends. Sometimes people want to help a charity shop they like shopping in, while also getting a discount in the shop!

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people. Equality and inclusion are at the heart of Scope’s mission. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all volunteers.

Skills and experience you can gain

• teamwork
• customer service
• till operation
• retail skills
• communication
• stock preparation and management
• health and safety
• valuable experience for your CV
• experience of a large, national disability charity

What we can offer you

• introduction to scope
• demonstration of your tasks
• training courses, in person and online
• personal development opportunities
• support and regular catchups from a dedicated manager
• agreed travel expenses
• adjustments to make the role accessible for you
• work experience for your CV
• a work reference
• 20% discount in your Scope charity shop

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Scope is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children and adults at risk, whether receiving services or being staff or volunteers. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Positive Futures is seeking a qualified finance professional to join our Board as Treasurer. This is a pivotal role for someone with experience in charity finance or complex organisational structures, who can provide strategic oversight and ensure the long-term financial health of our organisation. The successful candidate will offer guidance on financial planning, risk management, and ethical investment, working closely with the CEO and trustees to safeguard the organisation’s resources while supporting its mission to improve outcomes for children, young people, and families.

We seek a finance professional with charity or complex organisational experience to:

• Provide financial oversight and assurance
• Chair the Finance & Risk Committee once established
• Support long-term sustainability and ethical investment
• Oversee reserves, audit, controls and financial planning

​If you are committed to strong, ethical financial stewardship and want to apply your expertise to help shape the governance and sustainability of a values-led organisation, we would be delighted to hear from you.

How To Apply

To apply, please submit:

• Your CV
• A short covering letter (max 2 pages) outlining:

           – Why you want to join Positive Futures

           – Which role you are applying for

           – How your experience aligns with our mission and needs

Closing date: 1st March 2026

Finance Lay Trustee

The Finance Lay Trustee will provide strategic financial and commercial leadership to RCOT, ensuring robust governance, financial sustainability and effective oversight of commercial initiatives. As the lead trustee on financial matters, you’ll guide the Board’s understanding of financial strategy, risk and performance, and act as a key link between the Board and the Audit, Investment and Risk Committee (by sitting as a member and/or Chair of the Committee). Your insight will help shape RCOT’s long-term financial health and its ability to deliver on its mission.

We’re seeking a senior finance professional with board-level experience or significant experience reporting to boards. You will bring deep expertise in financial strategy, as well as experience in one or more of: commercial
operations; regulatory compliance; or not-forprofit organisations. You will be confident in interpreting complex financial information and communicating it clearly to non-finance colleagues, and you will take a collaborative,
values-led approach to inclusive and purpose-led leadership.

To view the role profile please click on this Finance Lay Trustee | RCOT 

To apply, please submit a CV and suitability statement aligned with the role profile with no more than 600 words, via this Finance Lay Trustee | RCOT  by Sunday 15 February 2026.

Join the non-executive Board of Governors of the University of Wolverhampton and help shape the future of an inclusive, values-driven university through strategic leadership, independent challenge, and a shared commitment to the transformative power of higher education.

Who we are

Independent Governors are non-executive members of the University’s Board of Governors. They bring independent judgement, strategic insight, and professional expertise to support the University’s long-term success, financial sustainability, and compliance with an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

The Board operates through a constructive partnership between Governors and the Executive, underpinned by mutual respect, clarity of roles, and a shared commitment to the University’s mission. Governors are responsible for strategic oversight, assurance, and governance, while the Executive team retains accountability for operational leadership and delivery.

Independent Governors are expected to work collaboratively, valuing strong relationships, open dialogue, and collective responsibility. The role requires a genuine commitment of time and attention, including engagement in discussions and workshops that support informed decision-making and long-term stability.

About the role

Setting direction and providing strategic oversight:

• Contribute to the definition, approval, and review of the University’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Support the Board in maintaining a clear long-term strategic direction that is responsive to a volatile external environment.
• Provide assurance on institutional performance and future strategic positioning.

Ensuring financial sustainability and effective governance:

• Monitoring financial performance, long-term sustainability, and the effective management of risk.
• Overseeing governance frameworks and ensuring regulatory compliance, including with the Office for Students Conditions of Registration.
• Ensuring adherence to the University’s Instrument and Articles of Government, Board Regulations, and the Committee of University Chairs Code of Governance.

Providing constructive challenge and assurance:

• Offer informed questioning and constructive challenge, supporting robust decision-making.
• Recognise and respect the professional expertise and leadership of the Executive team, providing oversight without encroaching on operational management.
• Receive and evaluate assurance on delivery, outcomes, and the effectiveness of strategic execution.

Working in partnership with Board leadership and the Executive:

• Effective governance depends on strong relationships and clear communication. Independent Governors are expected to:
• Adopt a collaborative, relationship-based approach that supports Board cohesion and effectiveness.
• Maintain a ‘no surprises’ approach, keeping the Chair appropriately informed and supported.
• Be prepared to adapt thinking and support changes in strategic direction where required.
• Commitment, engagement, and ambassadorship.

The role requires:

• A meaningful commitment of time, including attendance at Board and committee meetings, strategy sessions, and workshops.
• Ongoing development of knowledge of higher education governance, policy, and regulation.
• A willingness to act as an ambassador for the University, representing and promoting it at key events and formal occasions, including graduations

Governors are expected to act in line with the Nolan Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

Appointments are typically for a three-year term, renewable up to nine years, with a 12-month probationary period. The time commitment averages a minimum of 5 hours per month, plus preparation, briefings, and 2 annual strategic away days.

Who we are looking for

We welcome and encourage interest from experienced, values-driven individuals who can bring independent, strategic thinking and senior professional expertise to the University of Wolverhampton’s Board of Governors.

Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded leader with either direct experience of leading audit and risk services for large and complex public institutions as clients, or as an experienced non-executive with prior service on an audit & risk committee. The successful candidate will have an excellent understanding of the business cycle of an audit & risk committee, including its critical oversight role in financial management, risk, and regulatory compliance, and the importance of audit in ensuring the long-term sustainability and governance of a higher education institution.

Independent Governor – Digital Transformation

We are seeking an individual with extensive experience leading major programmes of IT and digital change, linked to infrastructure planning, capital development, and investment to support organisational growth. This role requires the ability to bring strategic insight into how technology and digital initiatives can transform operations, enhance student and staff (customer) experience, and deliver long-term institutional impact.

Independent Governor – Higher Education Policy & Regulation

We are seeking a candidate with significant experience in higher education policy, regulation, or governance, gained either through work in government, advising government, or supporting the sector through professional and membership organisations.

Candidates could also come from think tanks or policy organisations with expertise in shaping higher education strategy, regulation, and compliance. This role requires an understanding of the wider higher education landscape and the ability to contribute insight into regulatory, policy, and sector developments that affect the University’s strategic objectives.

All Independent Governors

Successful candidates for all roles will demonstrate:

• Independent judgement, integrity, and the ability to act impartially
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and collaborative skills
• The ability to provide constructive challenge while supporting collective decision-making
• A commitment to preparation, attendance at meetings, and ongoing development
• Alignment with fairness, inclusion, public service, and the University’s values
• A passion for the transformative impact of higher education and the University of Wolverhampton

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Diversity of experience and thought strengthens the Board and reflects the inclusive values of our university.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 23 February. 

The Volunteer Finance Associate supports the Finance & Accounting Team by accurately tracking donations and financial transactions, maintaining clean and auditable financial records, and assisting with routine reconciliations. This role is essential in ensuring transparency, accountability, and timely financial information to support ethical decision-making within the CIC.

Essential Technical Competencies

• Practical experience supporting finance or accounting processes at organisational level.
• Experience recording, tracking, and reconciling financial transactions or donations.
• Familiarity with accounting software such as:
  • Xero
  • QuickBooks
  • Sage
  • or equivalent finance systems
• Ability to maintain accurate, audit-ready financial records and documentation.
• Working knowledge of basic accounting principles and financial controls.
• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail.Ability to escalate discrepancies or irregularities clearly and promptly.
• Understanding of confidentiality, ethical finance handling, and data integrity.
• Ability to manage multiple finance tasks while meeting internal deadlines.
• Equivalent professional or voluntary experience accepted.

Desirable Competencies

• Experience working within non-profit, CIC, charity, or community-based organisations.
• Exposure to donation platforms, fundraising tools, or payment processors.
• Experience supporting finance teams in volunteer-led or resource-constrained environments.
• Familiarity with financial reporting for internal or governance purposes.
• Awareness of compliance, audit, or internal controls in small organisations.

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications: Not strictly required.
• Education background: Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business, or related field preferred.
• Professional experience: Equivalent practical or voluntary experience accepted.
• Finance, ethics, or data protection training: Required once in post (training can be provided).

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Record and track all donations received through approved fundraising and payment platforms in a timely and accurate manner.
• Assist with the reconciliation of donation records against bank statements and payment processor reports.
• Support the maintenance of accurate financial data within accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, or equivalent systems.
• Prepare basic financial summaries, donation breakdowns, and internal reports for review by the Lead Financial Accountant.
• Assist with filing, document management, and maintaining audit-ready financial records in line with CIC policies.
• Ensure financial records are complete, clearly labelled, and stored in accordance with internal retention and compliance standards.
• Escalate discrepancies, missing information, or irregular transactions promptly and clearly to the Lead Financial Accountant.
• Adhere strictly to the CIC’s financial policies, ethical standards, and confidentiality requirements at all times.
• Support ad-hoc finance tasks as required to assist with month-end or internal reporting processes.

You must:

• Be aligned with the CIC’s mission, values, and ethical, anti-capitalist stance.
• Be willing to commit at a founding level during the unpaid build phase of the organisation.
• Be comfortable working with evolving or incomplete financial systems and helping to build structure, clarity, and good practice.
• Be able to work responsibly with sensitive financial and donor data.
• Be comfortable collaborating across multiple teams, including Finance, Operations, Fundraising, and Leadership.
• Be able to follow guidance, policies, and controls while also exercising sound judgement.

You should bring experience in some of the following:

• Supporting finance, accounting, or data processes within small organisations or teams.
• Donation tracking, income recording, or financial data management.
• Working with accounting software, spreadsheets, or structured financial systems.
• Reconciliation, data checking, or basic internal reporting.
• Maintaining accurate records in low-resource or volunteer-led environments.
• Working with limited budgets in non-profit, CIC, or purpose-led settings.

Formal qualifications are not strictly required, but relevant education is desirable.
Essential equivalent practical or voluntary experience is mandatory.

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation focused on ethics, accountability, and mission alignment.
• A practical discussion around financial processes, data accuracy, and working within evolving systems.

If you believe that transparent, well-managed finances are essential to trust, safeguarding, and long-term impact, this role is for you.

A Final Word

Transparency is power and responsibility.

If you know that:

• Financial integrity builds public trust
• Data accuracy protects communities and donors
• Accountability matters more than scale

Then your contribution here will matter.