19 Policy researcher volunteer volunteer roles in Nottingham

About You

Are you a member of the Methodist Church in Britain seeking to use your skills, expertise and gifts in a new way? Could you make a significant contribution to an important committee in the Methodist Church?

We are seeking new lay members of the Ministries Committee for 2026-27, initially for a term of three years, renewable for a further 3 years if appropriate.

The Role

The Ministries Committee reports to the Connexional Council, the trustee body of the Methodist Church in Great Britain. The Committee is charged with responsibility to keep in constant review the life of the Methodist Church as it relates to Ministries, ordained and lay, to reflect strategically and review ministries related work that will enable the ministry and mission of the Church to be more effective, and to review the formational and support needs of those who exercise lay and ordained ministry on behalf of the Church. 

Working collaboratively with other committee members and with the Mission Committee and Resourcing Committee, you will be experienced in chairing committees and bring a range of circuit experiences and other experiences of the Methodist Church to the work of the Ministries Committee.

In order to ensure a diverse mix of lay and ordained members of the committee, applications are particularly invited from lay members of the Methodist Church in Britain including Local Preachers, Worship Leaders and Local Lay Pastors. You are encouraged to apply if you feel that overall your skills and experience meet the person specification requirements. You will have some experience of serving on a church body and some experience or interest in cross-cultural ministry, stationing, candidating or training.

The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups. We also welcome applications from people living with disabilities and those still developing their careers. We are committed to fairness, and all applications will be assessed on merit.

If you would like to speak to someone about this role then please e-mail; HR Team.

Key Dates

Closing Date: 18 September 2026

Interview Date: 28 September 2026 to be held in person at Methodist Church House in London

United Nations CSO, Centre for Big Synergy, reaches over 250M in over 120 countries. 

Volunteer Media correspondents (Campaigns) will be leading and supporting Centre for Big Synergy’s (CBS) SDG campaigns and events by capturing and sharing impactful stories and features across its communication channels, reaching millions.

What will you be doing?

Working closely with relevant campaigns or events team leadership and other volunteers of CBS, the Media Correspondents will interview members of public, campaign stakeholders, special guests, celebrities, leaders in policy, business and media , produce high‑quality audio‑visual content, and manage digital publications, helping to strengthen awareness, engagement, and visibility for our organisation’s mission and project outcomes.

Correspondents will be engaging with campaigns such as below and more

A. Big Syn International Film Festival 

B. Talk climate, not just weather 

Correspondents will play a key role in shaping and sharing the stories behind our sustainability initiatives. Your responsibilities will include:

• Working alone or in pairs; introduce campaigns to stakeholders/public, research, plan, compose and execute interviews and features (text, audio, video as applicable) 
• Conducting interviews with project leads, community members, partners, special guests, advisors and beneficiaries; for public events, public engagement, award ceremonies, campaigns
• Recording high‑quality audio and video content in the field (public places) or remotely.
• Editing interviews and project footage into clear, engaging, and professional media outputs.
• Creating compelling written and visual content for social media, newsletters, and other organisational platforms.
• Managing the publication of content across our digital channels, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with our mission.
• Collaborating with multiple project teams, selecting assignments based on your availability and areas of interest.
• Maintaining organised media archives and ensuring all content adheres to ethical and brand guidelines.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a confident and capable media professional who brings:

• A minimum of three years’ experience in journalism, media production, communications, or a related field.
• Strong interviewing skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders respectfully and professionally.
• Proficiency in audio and video recording, editing software, and digital content creation.
• Excellent written communication skills and an eye for compelling storytelling.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and an understanding of how to tailor content for different audiences.
• The ability to work independently, manage multiple assignments, and meet agreed timelines.
• A genuine interest in sustainability, community development, and not‑for‑profit work.
• Professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to representing the organisation with integrity.

What difference will you make?

Your work will directly amplify the impact of our sustainability projects by bringing real stories, voices, and achievements to the forefront. Through your content, you will:

• Increase public awareness of environmental and community challenges.
• Strengthen engagement with supporters, partners, and funders.
• Help attract new volunteers, collaborators, and donors.
• Showcase the tangible outcomes of our initiatives, inspiring broader participation and long‑term change.
• Ensure that the people and communities we serve are heard, respected, and represented with authenticity.

Your contribution will help us extend our reach, deepen our influence, and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

Please note: Can perform all duties remotely, wherever they re based. Will be required to travel to London for events if available. Campaigns run for extended periods of time and Media Correspondents are required to commit to at least 3 months to contribute to those, to ensure meaningful engagement and impact of their contributions.

What we do

Respair Therapy C.I.C. began in 2023 with a simple belief: dance belongs to everybody, and every body. Like many of the people we work with, Respair does not fit neatly into one box. Our work exists on a spectrum, from the gloriously frivolous to the deeply serious.

At one end, we hire out silent disco equipment so that people can turn their living room, kitchen or garden into a dancefloor. We create joyful events where people can put on a pair of headphones, choose their music and dance together without worrying about what they look like. Income from silent disco hire goes back into Respair, so a party in someone’s garden can help another person access psychological support.

At the other end is Dance Movement Psychotherapy, or DMP. This is not a dance class or an informal wellbeing activity. It is a recognised form of psychotherapy in which movement, the body and the relationship between client and therapist are central to the clinical work.

In the UK, Dance Movement Psychotherapists complete postgraduate training at Master’s degree level, including clinical placements, personal therapy, supervised practice and academic research. Qualified practitioners register with the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK and work to professional and ethical standards. DMP is used within NHS services, as well as in schools, mental health services, social care, charities and private practice. It is serious clinical work that can support people experiencing trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, loss, relationship difficulties and other forms of psychological distress.

Between these two ends are projects such as Babe Club, our silent disco for parents, carers and babies; therapeutic movement in schools; and work with neurodivergent people, adults with learning disabilities and people living with dementia.

Our work is inclusive, trauma informed and anti oppressive. Whether we are helping somebody throw a brilliant party or supporting a person through specialist psychotherapy, we are creating more opportunities for people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities to experience movement, connection and psychological support.

How do we what we do

Respair is run by a Founding Director and team of Supporting Directors who volunteer their time. The Founding Director is also the Lead Psychotherapist and Facilitator. We meet quarterly to discuss the finance, legal and compliance aspects of the work. We have an accountant and a book keeper and we use Quickbooks to keep everything in one place. We apply for funding from local and national funding bodies. We have been successful in securing over £24,000 in restricted funds, and we have plans to apply for more. 

What we need

Respair is a creative and responsive organisation, so new ideas and opportunities can appear quickly. We need a Finance Director who can help us pause, understand the numbers and decide what is realistic.

The right person will be financially experienced, practical and approachable. They will look beyond whether the figures add up to help us understand what they mean, ask difficult questions and give clear advice.

Essential skills and qualities

The successful candidate will:

• Have substantial experience using QuickBooks.
• Have experience working with a charity, Community Interest Company, social enterprise or other small mission driven organisation.
• Understand restricted grants, funder budgets and financial reporting.
• Be able to prepare and interpret annual budgets, project budgets, cash flow forecasts and management accounts.
• Compare actual income and expenditure against agreed budgets, identify significant differences and recommend action.
• Assess the financial impact of new projects, contracts, staffing decisions and significant purchases.
• Develop proportionate financial policies and controls, including reserves policies and spending limits.
• Read annual accounts and ask sensible questions before they are approved.
• Explain financial information clearly to people without a finance background.
• Give honest, independent advice and offer thoughtful challenge, including when the Managing Director or Board may have hoped for a different answer.
• Be trustworthy, reliable and able to handle sensitive information confidentially.
• Support Respair’s commitment to inclusion, fairness and accessible mental health support.

The Finance Director will work closely with Debbie, our Founding Director, so a warm, straightforward and respectful working relationship will be important.

Desirable skills and qualities

It would be helpful if the candidate also has:

• A recognised finance qualification, such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or AAT.
• Previous experience as a finance director, treasurer or board member.
• Knowledge of payroll, PAYE, pensions, Corporation Tax and Companies House reporting.
• Experience working constructively with bookkeepers and external accountants.
• An interest in mental health, therapy, community work or the creative arts.

We do not expect one person to know every answer. We do expect them to recognise the limits of their knowledge, ask questions and seek specialist advice when needed. A sense of humour and an understanding of the slightly unpredictable nature of a small, growing organisation would also be very welcome.