Volunteer roles

Enriching lives and creating bright futures for all, Derby College Group is looking for a Chair of Finance & Resources and a new Governor with audit expertise to help push forward this critical agenda.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 1st September 2025

Location: Derby

Time commitment: 5 board meetings per year

About Derby College Group

Derby College Group (DCG) is the 18th largest college in the country, supporting 54% of learners in Derby City and its surrounding area. The vision of Derby College Group (DCG) is to create world-class, accessible education opportunities that enrich lives and make bright futures a reality for all. DCG is committed to providing educational excellence, championing social mobility and driving economic prosperity.

DCG delivers high-quality academic, vocational and technical education that empowers people to achieve their ambitions while providing employers across the Midlands and beyond with the talented workforce of tomorrow.

Through a dynamic and responsive curriculum, it predicts and serves the needs of its business and civic communities. Students of all ages and backgrounds are prepared for positive destinations in the next stage of their lives, whether that be further study, the world of work, entrepreneurship or independent living. They leave DCG ready to contribute to society as responsible citizens.

The Group’s portfolio of educational programmes and skills solutions is underpinned by thriving partnerships with employers, shaped by comprehensive market intelligence and informed by liaison with key stakeholders such as the East Midlands Combined Authority.

A truly diverse organisation, the Group comprises four Colleges – the Roundhouse, the Joseph Wright Centre, Broomfield Hall, and the Community College, Ilkeston. Every year it caters for thousands of learners spanning post-16 students pursuing academic and technical pathways, apprentices at all levels, higher education students, and adults seeking career progression, upskilling and reskilling.

About the roles

Being a Governor in the FE sector is like no other voluntary role.  At Derby College Group, you will be a member of the Board of Corporation led by our Chair, Andrew Cochrane, contributing to the overall responsibilities of the Board, which include:

• The preservation and development of the educational character and mission of the Group and oversight of its activities:
• Setting and communicating the Group’s strategy and goals.
• Exercising effective control to ensure that funds and assets are protected, the organisation remains solvent and legal obligations are met.
• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance and quality of the college and for the performance of staff.

The DCG Corporation structure consists of five Board meetings per year with all Governors attending and a number of specific committees, including Curriculum Performance, Audit, Finance & Resources and Strategy & Curriculum Planning, feeding into the main Board.

Who we are looking for

Chair of Finance & Resources Committee

We welcome applications from qualified financial leaders, someone who understands technical accounting, and has the ability to monitor financial performance to ensure financial stability. Candidates may have gained their professional experience from a range of settings, including education, the public sector, charities, and other corporate entities.

Given the committee leadership nature of this role, we anticipate that candidates will have previous experience sitting on or reporting to a Board, which will provide them with the skills and understanding of the expectations, processes, and procedures that come with leading a committee.

You will attend all board meetings and lead the Finance & Resources Committee that meets five times over the academic year, along with building a trusted professional relationship with our Chief Financial Officer, Jo Clifford.

Governor – Audit

As a member of the Corporation and Audit Committee, you will attend all Board meetings as well as the Audit Committee meetings.

For this role, we are seeking someone ideally with a regulatory background, an active interest in further education, and someone with strategic awareness experience and understanding, as well as critical reasoning skills and the ability to engage in board-level discussions and decision-making.

Most importantly, you will be passionate about the power of education at all stages in life and will have an understanding of the area, both the City of Derby and the wider East Midlands.

You will also be a team player and a critical thinker, using these skills to work closely with other Governors to continue to drive forward the success of the College for students and the City of Derby.

Peridot Partners and Derby College Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

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 1st September 2025.

CoachActivism

CoachActivism provides high-quality, pro-bono coaching to humanitarian workers and volunteers.

We are a group of committed professionals with a dedication to offering mental health coaching and leadership support to organisations and individuals in the humanitarian sphere.

Our coaches work with our clients on their unique personal and/or team challenges, individuals receive up to 6 hours of free coaching, from a professional, certified coach. Our coaches will support our clients as they navigate challenges in the area of burnout reduction, self-care, stress and time-management, building resilience and more effective team communication.

We're excited to hear from you and create some amazing results together. We are currently open to accepting a new additional steering committee members, so if you are passionate about humanitarian aid and coaching and willing to help, reach out any time!

Strategic Planning Workshop Facilitator

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

We are seeking a skilled volunteer to design and facilitate a strategic planning workshop that will help our team clarify priorities, align goals, and create a roadmap for the future.

Key Responsibilities:

Collaborate with leadership to understand organizational goals and current challenges

Design an engaging and effective strategic planning session (2-4 hours long)

Facilitate the workshop, ensuring full participation and clear outcomes

Summarize key insights and proposed next steps in a short follow-up report

Ideal Candidate:

Experience facilitating strategy or planning sessions (nonprofit or small business experience a plus)

Strong communication and group facilitation skills

Ability to remain neutral while guiding decision-making

Strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset

Ability to conduct the session online in time favourable to GMT+2

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

One-off project

Over Easy Solar

Over Easy Solar plans to revolutionize solar installations with our vertical PV units that is easier and faster to install on all flat roof tops due to its lightweight design which is also suitable for green roofs.

At Over Easy Solar, we focus on the challenge of underutilized spaces for solar energy, particularly rooftops, which are often overlooked due to concerns about maintenance, energy efficiency, and potential damage from conventional solar panels. As solar energy is a cornerstone of the transition to a sustainable energy future, we address these concerns by providing innovative, eco-friendly solar panel solutions that integrate seamlessly with flat rooftops and green roofs, unlocking their full potential without disruption. This approach supports EU energy goals for rooftop PV installations, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Over Easy Solar’s vertical bifacial solar panel offers an innovative solution to underutilized rooftop spaces for solar installations. Designed to revolutionize flat roof setups, it speeds up deployment up to ten times faster than conventional systems, thanks to its prefabricated design that simplifies planning, logistics, and reduces costs. The vertical design also captures more sunlight during peak demand times, including mornings, evenings, and winter, maximizing energy output when it’s needed most. Its maintenance-friendly design ensures easy access without disassembling the array, and its unique geometry allows it to rest securely on rooftops without heavy ballast, minimizing structural load. Compatible with various roofing materials, including green roofs, our product delivers an efficient, sustainable, and versatile solar solution that meets the demand for accessible renewable energy.

Graphic Designer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Over Easy Solar is a provider of vertical bifacial solar units for green and flat roofs, based in Valencia and Oslo. Our prefabricated VPV solar units offer a lightweight, ballast-free solution for rooftops, delivering high-value energy production. We envision a future where all flat roofs generate locally produced, clean, renewable energy.

We are looking for a Volunteer Graphic Designer to help us bring our brand and product communications to the next level with professional, creative, and impactful designs.

�� What You'll Do

Design brochures, flyers, and presentation templates for brand and product communication

Create compelling visuals for use across social media, website, and customer-facing materials

Support the preparation of exciting new initiatives (to be revealed soon)

Potentially develop simple video content or animations to promote our solutions

✅ We’re Looking For Someone Who: Has proven experience in graphic design (portfolio required)

Is confident with tools such as Canva

Has a creative but critical mindset, giving constructive input on design direction

Can align visuals with brand guidelines while proposing innovative ideas

⏳ Time Commitment 5–10 hours per week for 2–3 months Fully remote and flexible

Help us amplify our impact with professional design that inspires partners and customers to transform rooftops into clean energy assets. We’d love to have your creativity on board!

Weekly Time Commitment

7-9 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

1-2 months

Eco-Stylist

We are a go-to resource to find and shop sustainable clothing brands.

The fashion industry has a massive sustainability problem: less than 5% of clothing makers earn a living wage, 60% of clothes are made from fossil fuel based fabrics like polyester, and because of fast fashion, half of new clothes end up in a landfill in less than one year. Sustainable fashion brands are challenging these problems but “it’s hard to find sustainable brands and trust them.”

Eco-Stylist is the trusted go-to resource to find and shop sustainable clothing brands. Our Certified brands are different: 78% of our brands are making progress on living wages, with 61% already ensuring most of their clothing makers earn a living wage. 92% of our brands use a majority of more sustainable fabrics like hemp, tencel, and organic cotton. 0% of our brands are fast fashion.

We have a brand directory of 100+ certified brands, a marketplace of 1,400+ items, and a blog with shopping guides and educational content.

Social Media Manager

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

The Social Media Manager will focus on engaging and growing our social media presence. Currently focusing on Instagram and Tiktok. This is an exciting opportunity to gain experience with potential for massive results.

We currently have 5600+ IG followers, 900+ FB, 1100+ LinkedIn, 7.8k+ Pinterest, and just starting on Tiktok. It will be your job to grow and engage this audience, regularly analyzing performance, identifying opportunities, and tweaking your strategy.

Prior experience not required but must have strong interests in sustainability, fashion, and gaining marketing experience. Must also be excited about social media and the opportunities it presents for both growth, engagement, and storytelling.

Looking for entrepreneurial candidates who are extremely driven and self-motivated.

Benefits: includes mentoring. At the end of your 3-6 month internship we will assist you in your next career steps: informational interviews, jobs, letters of recommendation, grad school applications, etc.

Eco-Stylist is a growing startup and social enterprise, with a mission to make sustainable fashion the norm.

Our handle is @yourecostylist.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Eco-Stylist

We are a go-to resource to find and shop sustainable clothing brands.

The fashion industry has a massive sustainability problem: less than 5% of clothing makers earn a living wage, 60% of clothes are made from fossil fuel based fabrics like polyester, and because of fast fashion, half of new clothes end up in a landfill in less than one year. Sustainable fashion brands are challenging these problems but “it’s hard to find sustainable brands and trust them.”

Eco-Stylist is the trusted go-to resource to find and shop sustainable clothing brands. Our Certified brands are different: 78% of our brands are making progress on living wages, with 61% already ensuring most of their clothing makers earn a living wage. 92% of our brands use a majority of more sustainable fabrics like hemp, tencel, and organic cotton. 0% of our brands are fast fashion.

We have a brand directory of 100+ certified brands, a marketplace of 1,400+ items, and a blog with shopping guides and educational content.

Sustainability Analyst

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

The Sustainability Analyst's primary role will be to research sustainable brands weekly using a clearly defined sustainability criteria we developed. The ideal candidate loves sustainability and human rights, and is seeking work that will have a real and direct impact.

Interest in these topics is a plus: sustainable/ethical fashion, fashion, sustainable living, and sustainability research.

Looking for entrepreneurial candidates who are extremely driven and self-motivated. Internships have the potential to turn into a paid position if you're able to drive results and contribute to the growth of our startup.

Benefits: includes mentoring. At the end of your 3-6 month internship we will assist you in your next career steps: informational interviews, jobs, letters of recommendation, grad school applications, etc.

Eco-Stylist is a growing startup and social enterprise, with a mission to make sustainable fashion the norm.

Our handle is @yourecostylist.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, genetic neuromuscular condition causing progressive muscle wasting (atrophy) and weakness leading to loss of movement.

Our current chair has been in the position for 6 years and after serving their maximum term, we are seeking a new Chair to lead the charity and help us deliver our four year strategic plan ‘Building a future together’.

The chair provides a pivotal role in ensuring the charity has a well governed organisation, strong staff team and board with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, with one shared goal of working towards the organisational mission underpinned by our values and principles.

The chair will support the CEO and ensure that the board functions as a unit and works closely with the senior leadership team to achieve agreed objectives. From time to time the chair will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the CEO. An effective chairperson is a key player in ensuring effective governance for the charity. 

This is an exciting new role, the purpose of which is to gather feedback from both clients and stakeholder to assess the broader impact of our work.

We are looking for a volunteer to undertake follow up phone calls to clients, this might be after an intervention with them or at intervals after closure. To ensure we a complaint with GDPR, we record consent, and this is stored on our inhouse Client database CRM. 

The volunteer will be provided with a list of questions to ask to gather feedback and would be expected to detail the responses. 

Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per week (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Shelter Birmingham, 38 The Priory Queensway, Maple House, Birmingham, B4 7LA 

Supervised by: Birmingham Volunteer Coordinator

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.

As a Client and Stakeholder Feedback Volunteer, you’ll be supporting the day-to-day work of Shelter’s and providing updates on client's experiences. Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Main Tasks include 

• Make follow-up phone calls to stakeholder and clients after they have accessed our services to gather feedback from them. 

• Ask set questions when speaking with stakeholders and clients to see if and how advice has made a difference to them and record their responses. 

• Assessing and adding in quantitative and qualitative data to our client database (CRM). 

• Present the responses in an accessible format e.g. using Word or Excel. 

• Identify key findings and/or trends and discuss with relevant team member(s) 

• Provide insight into improvements for the activities involved 

Skills and experience required 

The aim of the post is to gather information and feedback regarding the service we offer and the impact this has made. Therefore, we are looking for somebody who is:

• Comfortable interacting with stakeholders in person and over the telephone 

• Is considerate of tone and language during interactions. 

• Has good listening skills. 

• Has strong written skills and the ability to take detailed and accurate notes of the discussion whilst on the telephone or in person. 

• Has good IT skills, including experience using MS Office software such as Excel and Forms. 

• Is resilient to potentially challenging conversations, while understanding the boundaries of the role. 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide an induction into your role

• Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

• Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

This role will allow us to see the effects of the housing advice and workshop delivery received by clients and professionals and if there are any additional impacts such as increased sense of stability or more confidence in their rights. 

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to the households we assist. You’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to support local people with a range of housing issues. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community. 

Join Us in Making a Difference for Cats!
Volunteering is at the heart of Cats Protection—joyful, inclusive, and truly transformative. As a Fundraising & Events Volunteer, you’ll help raise the vital funds that support thousands of cats and kittens in need.

What You Could Be Doing:

• Supporting community fundraising events such as craft fairs, county shows, and local collections.
• Helping with online fundraising campaigns—perfect for showcasing your tech skills!
• Sorting and recording donated goods to help our cause.
• Sharing ideas to develop new fundraising activities with fellow volunteers and our Community Fundraising Hub.
• Promoting Cats Protection in Wrexham and wider area, connecting with supporters who love cats as much as you do!

What We Offer You:

• A welcoming, inclusive environment that values your contribution.
• Support to ensure your experience is positive and impactful.
• Reimbursement for agreed out-of-pocket expenses.
• Access to online training and a thorough induction to set you up for success.

This flexible role allows you to volunteer in a way that fits around your other commitments, so you can make a difference in a way that works for you.

Ready to Get Started?
Please make sure to share your email address with us, and we’ll be in touch to arrange an interview and send you the official application form. We can’t wait to meet you!

Together, we are all for cats.

CAT FOSTERER

Cat Fosterer (RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch)

We’re looking for cat-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of the cats in our care whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their purrfect forever home?

Overview of the opportunity

As a cat fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing our cats with the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you will play a crucial role in a cat’s wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

Once everything is in place, the animal centre will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your fostered cat. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our cats are in your foster care, you will:

•  Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.
•  Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.
• Transport them to any veterinary appointments if required.
•  Provide them with your time and patience.
•  Help us spread the word about the cats in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
•  Playing and cuddles are also a must!        

What we are looking for in a volunteer Cat Fosterer                                                                                                                                                                                             

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for cats.
• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
• For their wellbeing, our cats need to be kept in a separate room, so the whole family should be on board.
• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case). 

​What we can offer you as a volunteer Cat Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the cats in your care.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
•  Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
•  Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

It is worth mentioning that our cats do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster cat.

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

Why we want you

Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged 18 and over.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

Disclaimer

Additional information: - We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs, please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments. - We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please speak to a manager for assistance.

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

We are currently seeking an independent committee member possessing an accounting qualification and high-level expertise in audit, risk, and financial governance to join the Audit and Risk Committee of STAR Academies, a nationally-renowned Trust of 36 schools. While the Trust is centred in Lancashire, the successful applicant may be based elsewhere in the country and able to undertake the role in a largely remote fashion.
 

Star Academies is one of the country’s leading multi-academy Trusts (MATs), operating 36 schools across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the Midlands and London. The Trust includes primary, secondary, and all-through schools, with a strong track record of delivering exceptional educational outcomes. Almost half of Star’s schools have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, while the majority of the remaining schools are rated ‘Good’. A small number are undergoing improvement, including a school that joined the Trust in November 2024 after being rated as requiring special measures.

Star Academies has a well-earned reputation for excellence. It originally established and ran outstanding Muslim faith schools before expanding into non-faith schools and sponsoring underperforming schools, leading them to significant improvement. The Trust operates its own teaching school, providing training and development for teachers and school leaders at all levels.

Founded in Blackburn, Star Academies has strategically expanded to support communities across London, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Lancashire and Liverpool. The Trust was invited by the Department for Education (DfE) to expand into new regions, reflecting its national reputation for high standards.

Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Star Academies’ Chief Executive, has been a key figure in national education leadership. Knighted in 2021, he serves on several influential boards and committees, most recently as the interim Chair of Ofsted. His leadership has positioned Star Academies at the forefront of educational improvement and governance excellence.

Star Academies employs rigorous governance structures to maintain its financial and operational integrity. The Trust engages Beever and Struthers (external auditors) and RSM (internal auditors) to ensure financial compliance. Prospective candidates should ensure there are no conflicts of interest that may affect their ability to provide independent scrutiny.

The Trust’s Requirements

Star Academies is seeking to appoint an Independent Committee Member to join its Audit & Risk (A&R) Committee. This individual will not serve as a Trustee but will work closely with existing Trustees, executives and auditors to provide scrutiny, challenge and oversight of the Trust’s audit and risk management processes.

The A&R Committee plays a critical role in governance, overseeing the Trust’s financial systems, risk management, and regulatory compliance. While financial oversight is the responsibility of a separate Finance Committee, the A&R Committee ensures that risk and internal control processes meet the highest standards. It also serves as the first governance checkpoint for any new schools joining the Trust. Minutes, reports and recommendations from the A&R Committee are shared with the Finance Committee and Trust Board, ensuring a cohesive approach to governance and compliance.

The Independent Committee Member will bring high-level expertise in audit, risk, and financial governance. Star Academies is particularly seeking a qualified accountant with demonstrable experience in managing risk within an organisation or group of companies with a significant turnover. Candidates should be comfortable operating in a highly professional and strategic environment, where they will be expected to challenge, question and support executives and auditors in a robust yet constructive manner.

Meetings are well-structured and efficient, with all papers provided in advance via an online portal. Committee Members are expected to read these materials ahead of time to ensure discussions are focused, strategic and impactful. The preparation for each meeting is estimated to take around 90 minutes.

The Audit & Risk Committee meets three times per year, typically around Christmas, Easter and the summer break. Meetings are scheduled on Thursdays from 5.00–7.00 PM but often conclude within one hour. While there is an annual opportunity to visit the Trust and meet the team, all committee meetings are conducted remotely via video conferencing, with in-person meetings arranged if necessary for induction purposes.

This is a rare opportunity to work with one of the UK’s most respected Multi-Academy Trusts, contributing to strong governance and strategic oversight. The role offers a high level of engagement with minimal time commitment, making it ideal for a senior finance professional looking to contribute to the education sector or an experienced MAT Trustee wishing to support a leading national Trust.

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

As a stock volunteer, you'll be behind-the-scenes, sorting and organising donations to keep our retail spaces well-stocked. Your keen eye for detail and passion for helping others will ensure our customers always have a great choice of items to buy.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: Gain valuable retail experience you can add to your CV, such as following instructions, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

Why we want you

Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged 18 and over.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers who drop off donations and other members of the team.
• Preparing stock to be put out on the shop floor, ready for sale.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

Disclaimer

Additional information: - We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs, please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments. - We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please speak to a manager for assistance.

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER

Fundraising Volunteer (RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch)

Do you have bags of enthusiasm and are good at organising events? If yes, volunteer for the RSPCA as a Fundraiser and have fun and meet new people whilst raising vital funds for animals in need in your area!

Overview of opportunity

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you will play a vital part in organising and assisting with our fundraising activities. All the proceeds from these activities go directly towards the essential animal welfare work that we do at branch level.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch

The RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is local animal welfare. We take in neglected, abandoned & vulnerable animals locally, via our own animal welfare officer, as well as the national RSPCA Inspectorate officers. Our funds are mostly raised through our 2 charity shops.

Fundraising Volunteer responsibilities

• Organise, advertise, and promote fundraising activities to raise vital funds to improve animal welfare.
• Plan and participate in organised events for fundraising over an agreed period.
• Communicate all planned activities with staff and other volunteers.
•  Work alongside other volunteers, staff, and members of the public, ensuring excellent customer service at all times.
• Ensure best practice in fundraising and that it is legally compliant.

What we are looking for in a Fundraising Volunteer

•  Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment.
•  Lots of enthusiasm to help us raise much needed funds
•  Good communication and organisational skills
• Friendly and approachable
• Ability to work on own initiative

What we can offer you as a Fundraising Volunteer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your area.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
•  Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and training programme.
• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role

Ace of Clubs (AoC) is an independent charity based in Clapham that supports individuals experiencing homelessness. We serve up to 200 hot meals a day to adults who are homeless, hungry or facing adversity. 

With a small staff team, we need more volunteer help to support our admin - this includes writing emails, helping with communications or writing reports.  You will be helping out in areas such as fundraising, communications and charity co-ordination.  As this role requires significant writing, it is essential  that you have a high standard of written English and have close attention to detail.  You also need to be competent on using Microsoft packages.

Hours can be flexible during the working day Monday to Friday depending on your commitments.  However, we would like a minimum of 5 hours per week as we will also invest time to onboard, induct and train you.  We also ask for a commitment of ideally 6 months.  However, we do appreciate that you may have some planned leave etc. within that timeframe.

This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain experience in the charity sector or for people who have previously had careers, but now have some time and skills to give back to a charity.

We are a friendly and welcoming team with many volunteers also supporting our daily work, so you will be joining a bustling and inspiring environment.