Volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking to recruit up to four new trustees to join our Board. These appointments will help to strenghten and diversify the skills and experience of our exisiting Board as we deliver our new strategy and support the charity's continued growth.
This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in shping the future direction of the organisation, supporting strong governance and helping us deliver outstanding support.
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
Health & Social Care
Marketing & Communications
Charity Fundraising
Financial/Commercial
As a Trustee, together with the Board of Trustees,you will:
Help set the direction of the charity and make sure it is run well. The decisions you take can have a real impact on people's lives,so the role carries bpth responisbility and purpose.
Ensure that the charity is doing what it ia set up to do, delivering public benefit, and meeting its legal and regulatory responsibilities.
Act in the best interests of the charity, use sound judgement, and contribute to a culture of accountability and good governance.
Bring your skills, experience and perspective to board and committee discussions, supporting informed decision-making and the delivery of the charity's strategy.
Trustee terms run for three years, with the opportunity to be reappointed for a second term.
The role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel and childcare or other carers responsibilities may be claimed.
Board meetings last approxiamately three hours and are held four times per year, in person, in South London. There is also an annual full-day strategy meeting.
Sub-committees are in place,and trustees who are members of a sub-comittee will be expectwd to attend additional meetings,which are held virtually.
Trustees are encouraged to attend key events and any additional meetings where needed.
You will also have an annual one-to-one meeting with the Chair.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for your interest in becoming a Non-Executive Director for Elizabeth Finn Homes. The company is at an incredibly exciting moment in our journey to become the UK’s most loved care homes – filling later life and care careers with joy, community and kindness. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise to a leading provider of high quality care for the elderly, while supporting a vital mission to combat poverty across the UK.
Elizabeth Finn Homes is not just a care provider that fills later life with joy, community and kindness. Our mission extends far beyond the grounds of our homes. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Turn2us, a national charity building financial security for some of the most vulnerable in the UK, Elizabeth Finn Homes plays a crucial role in this cause. The profits and rental income generated by our homes go straight to Turn2us so that it can offer direct financial support, high quality information and strengthen communities.
We are looking for a qualified accountant to join our Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director (NED), and as Chair of our Finance Committee. You could bring your expertise in strategic insight, financial strategy and performance and be instrumental in our growth, development and maximising our contribution to Turn2us. All our NEDs will play a pivotal role in guiding the company’s strategic direction, ensuring robust governance, and upholding the values and standards that are integral to our operations.
We are seeking a finance candidate who may each enhance ourBoard’s experience and expertise in order to support our financialoversight and business growth.
Equity, inclusion and diversity are critical to our ability to deliver excellence. we need our board to be diverse, inclusive and to refelct our communities of staff, residents and thier families.
If you'd like to be part of a team determined to do our very best for our residents, staff, and in the fight against poverty, we'd be thrilled to hear from you.
Hybrid: We hold meetings at our eight homesacross London, at our Central London offices,and virtually.
Voluntary, part-time – approximately eightdays per year.
This is an unremunerated voluntary role.All reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Key Responsibilities
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role and responsibilities of a Non-Executive Director at ElizabethFinn Homes. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change asthe companycontinues to evolve and grow.
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Strategic Oversight: Provide independent oversight andcontribute to the development of the company’s long-termstrategy, ensuring alignment with its purpose, values, andbusiness objectives.
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Governance: Uphold the highest standards of corporategovernance, integrity and ethics, including compliance withlegal and regulatory requirements, the highest standardsof safeguarding practice and oversight, and effective riskmanagement.
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Performance Monitoring: Oversee the performance of theexecutive management team, offering support and constructivechallenge to ensure the company meets its strategic goals.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Act as an ambassador for ElizabethFinn Homes and Turn2us, engaging with key stakeholdersincluding residents, families, regulators, and partners to promotethe organisation’s vision and reputation.
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Financial Stewardship: Contribute to financial oversight, ensuringthat the company’s financial resources are managed effectivelyand sustainably.
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Quality Assurance: Champion high standards of care and ensurecontinuous improvement in the quality of services providedacross all homes.
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Ethical Leadership: Uphold and promote the company’scommitment to our values and guiding principles alongsideethical practices, inclusivity, and resident-focused care.
Required Skills and Experience
- Board-Level Experience: Previous experience as a Non-ExecutiveDirector or similar senior leadership role, preferably within thecommercial healthcare, social care, or not-for-profit sectors.
- Financial Expertise: We are looking for a qualified accountant to actas the Chair of the Finance Committee, a sub committee of the EFHBoard.
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Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal andcommunication skills, with the ability to engage effectivelywith a wide range of stakeholders.
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Commitment to Values: Alignment with thepurpose, vision and values of Elizabeth Finn Homes, with agenuine passion for improving the quality of life for residents.
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Strategic Insight: Demonstrated ability to contribute to thedevelopment and implementation of organisational strategies.
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Governance Expertise: Strong understanding of corporategovernance principles and practices, with experience in riskmanagement, compliance, and financial oversight.
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Sector Knowledge: Deep understanding of the commercialhealth and social care sector, including current trends,challenges, and regulatory environment.
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Leadership: Proven ability to influence and provide constructivechallenge and support to senior executives, combined with a collaborative approach to decision-making.
To apply for this position, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining Elizabeth Finn Homes as a Non-Executive Director.
Thank you!
Could your love of cycling inspire and support young people?
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our Youth Project sessions in Bristol!
About this role
As a Youth Project Volunteer, you’ll work alongside our friendly staff and playworkers at local adventure playgrounds, supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment.
You’ll get involved in a range of cycling activities, including:
- Showing young people how to look after their bikes
- Encouraging children to try cycling skills and group rides
- Helping young people explore green spaces and their local area by bike
- Joining in with games and creative activities
No two sessions are the same, but each session is a great way to make a real difference in your community while having fun alongside young people.
About the Youth Project
Our Youth Project engages young people through imaginative and inspiring cycle-related activity sessions.
Sessions run after school and during school holidays at three adventure playgrounds. We’re currently looking for support at Southmead Adventure Playground (the Ranch) and Lockleaze Adventure Playground (the Vench).
About you
We’re looking for volunteers who:
- Are warm, friendly and enjoy working with children and young people (aged 11 – 16).
- Communicate clearly and patiently with young people, parents and playground staff
- Have an interest in cycling and/or a willingness to learn basic bike repair skills
- Are able to commit to a regular weekly session (2–3 hours per week during term time)
A valid enhanced DBS check is required (or willingness to apply).
About Life Cycle
Life Cycle is a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey, from learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry. Our Youth Project is part of our work to support inclusion and community well-being through cycling.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We’re a charity that transforms lives and the environment through cycling
Thank you!
Could you use your mechanical skills to support your local community?
Join the team at our Bristol-based Hub! You’ll work on our award-winning environmental and social initiative, Bikes Beyond Bars.
About the role
As a volunteer at Life Cycle’s community bike shop, you’ll be part of a friendly, hands-on team that refurbishes donated bicycles and supports sustainable cycling in the local community.
You’ll work alongside professional mechanics and fellow volunteers to:
- Refurbish bikes ready for sale and reuse
- Strip bikes for parts or scrap
- Support Hub staff with bike sales to the public
- Help with online sales (eBay) and general Hub activities
- (Optional) Work alongside people on release from prison to support them with bike repairs
This role is a great opportunity for people who enjoy practical work, love bikes, and want to make a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability and community impact.
About Bikes Beyond Bars
Life Cycle is a Bristol-based charity that transforms lives and the environment through cycling.
At Bikes Beyond Bars, we take donations of unwanted bikes to our prison workshops across the UK, where their workshop tutors teach men how to refurbish them. Prisoners earn a bike mechanics qualification, gain employable skills, and find a new sense of purpose and hope.
Bikes leave the prison workshop and are taken to our Bristol Hub. There, Life Cycle’s mechanics and team of volunteers check, tweak, and prepare them for sale.
"Life Cycle helped me massively in prison, keeping me occupied and out of the celI. I felt respected and treated as a valued member of society, not just an ex-con." – Jon (name changed).
About you
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Practical, positive and ready to get stuck in
- Has good mechanical skills – if you’re unsure, get in touch!
- Enthusiastic about Life Cycle’s mission, vision and values
- Believes in the possibility of change for those who have been involved in the criminal justice system.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We’re a charity that transforms lives and the environment through cycling
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We’re looking for an Assembly chair who is motivated by playing a leading role in maximising the potential of the whole CPRE community to strengthen its voice and activities for the benefit of the countryside.
The Assembly meets quarterly, usually mid-week, for about three hours. The meetings are held online. There’ll be preparation and liaising to undertake ahead of meetings, so we expect this role will require a time commitment of half a day a week, two to three days a month.
The chair of the Assembly is elected annually, can serve for a maximum of three years, and attends the trustee board meetings of the national CPRE charity
The Assembly meets quarterly, usually mid-week, for about three hours. The meetings are held online. There’ll be preparation and liaising to undertake ahead of meetings, so we expect this role will require a time commitment of half a day a week, two to three days a month.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Are you passionate about sustainability and making a real difference in people’s lives?
Join Life Cycle’s Bikes Beyond Bars project, an award-winning environmental and social initiative that combines bike recycling, skills training, and rehabilitation.
What you’ll do
- Work alongside course participants in prison workshops, helping them to refurbish a wide range of donated bikes.
- Support learners to develop practical cycle maintenance skills and work towards an industry-recognised professional qualification.
- Provide hands-on assistance alongside experienced Prison Bike Mechanic Tutors.
- Contribute to a positive, supportive learning environment that boosts confidence, employability, and community integration.
By helping refurbish bikes that would otherwise go to waste. You’ll also make a meaningful impact on the participants’ journey toward rehabilitation, helping them gain training that can open doors to future employment.
"Life Cycle helped me massively in prison, keeping me occupied and out of the cell… I contacted Life Cycle when I was released because I wanted to give back something to the people that helped me. I felt respected and treated as a valued member of society, not just an ex-con." – Jon (name changed)
About you
- Someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work
- Good mechanical skills (if you’re unsure, get in touch!)
- Sympathetic to working with people in prison
- You believe in the possibility of change for those who have been involved in the criminal justice system
- Enthusiastic about Life Cycle’s charitable mission, vision, and values.
About Life Cycle
Life Cycle is a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey, from learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We’re a charity that transforms lives and the environment through cycling
Thank you!
A Peer Mentor is a volunteer who has experienced similar challenges and experiences as the person they are supporting. Being a peer mentor is seen as a positive and secure way to progress towards education, work, or employment.
Volunteers who take on peer support roles can feel empowered, have a greater confidence and a more positive sense of identity.
Could you provide an authentic voice that our clients can relate to?
· Do you have 1-2 hours a week to support a client
· Can you inspire others, give them hope through self-disclosure and by being an example of recovery?
· Build relationships based on trust, acceptance, understanding and an empathy from a shared lived experience?
· Can we rely on you to tap into your own experiences to help us identify barriers and gaps in our services and how we can be improving and identify good practice?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities:
· Inspiring service users by using your own life experiences and by being a positive role model
· Providing a safe sounding space, listen in a non-judgemental way
· Helping to improve wellbeing, confidence, and independence by exploring activities that promote this
· Assist service users to engage with formalised support
· Attend appropriate training and development opportunities as required
Thank you!
Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.
Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.
Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?
- Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
- Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
- Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key responsibilities
Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:
- Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
- Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
- Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
- Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
- Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator
Skills required
No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:
- A non-judgemental approach
- Good listening and communication skills
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Respect confidentiality
- Be able to work on own initiative
- Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way
Thank you!
Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.
Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.
Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?
- Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
- Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
- Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key responsibilities
Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:
- Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
- Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
- Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
- Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
- Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator
Skills required
No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:
- A non-judgemental approach
- Good listening and communication skills
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Respect confidentiality
- Be able to work on own initiative
- Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way
Thank you!
Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.
Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.
Are you a reliable handyperson who can undertake, upkeep, and repair a range of tasks for our housing support clients?
- Do you have 1-2 hours a week to make basic home improvements to client’s accommodation?
- Are you a dab hand at DIY and want to put your handyperson skills to good use?
- Do you have an interest in motivating people to make positive changes in their lives through acquiring new skills?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key responsibilities
Your role will include carrying out basic household repairs and alterations such as:
- Gardening work
- Flat pack furniture assembly
- Putting up curtain rails/blinds
- Hanging pictures and shelves
Skills required
No volunteering experience is required however the below skills are essential:
- Practical skills in DIY and/or gardening
- Good listening and communication skills
- Excellent people skills to enable you to work with a range of individuals with complex backgrounds
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Respect confidentiality
- Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a Fundraising Volunteer!
Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.
The difference you’ll make
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.
As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.
What you can expect from us
- A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
- Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
- Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
- Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:
- Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
- Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
- Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
- Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
- Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
- Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection
Time commitment
This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.
You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for
We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.
Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Cinematographers Wanted-Summer 2026:
We are seeking talented filmakers to collaborate on an impactful project aimed at wildlife conservation through documented storytelling.
This eight-week volunteer opportunity in a remore area includes all transportation, meals, and insurance coverage. You will be working with no-nonsense elite operators. Safe return likely. Successful participants can anticipate, along with recognition, a professional reference and film credit.
Experience in the cadet force, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, mountaineering, or sailing is advantageous.
Applicants should be resilient and dedicated- Only serious, talented and comitted individuals need apply.
None
Registered Charity
1 - 5
Protect, serve and secure today’s wildlife for the future.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Can you help a visually impaired adult experience the joys and freedoms of cycling?
We’re looking for people to volunteer as front riders for our Two’s Company group rides!
About this role
As a volunteer front rider, you’ll assist our visually impaired back riders by piloting a tandem bicycle on cycle paths and the countryside around Bristol.
Many of the participants cannot ride a bike independently. Group tandem rides are a great way to connect with others while experiencing the countryside through its sounds, scents, and the exhilaration of cycling together.
The rides are very sociable, and we usually stop at a café or pub for lunch. If you enjoy meeting and chatting with new people, you’ll be a perfect fit!
About the rides
Each year we run rides between March and October, mostly at weekends, but with occasional weekdays or evening rides. The rides are pitched at different levels -gentle, intermediate, and advanced - to enable people of all abilities and fitness levels to participate. Front riders are matched to a different back rider every ride, and each ride has a trained group Ride Leader.
About you
To be a front rider, you should be a strong and experienced cyclist - but no prior tandem experience is required as training is provided. We also ask that you commit to a minimum of three rides a year.
To be a front rider, you should also fit the following criteria:
- Be 18+ years of age
- Be able to cycle long distances (20 – 30 miles)
- Be friendly, outgoing and a good communicator
- Treat visually impaired people on an equal, non-patronising basis
- Be at least 5’6” (168 cm), so you can comfortably pilot our tandems
- Be able to attend induction and training sessions - we do have some adaptability though, so please ask if you are struggling to meet the dates and times offered or have any other specific requirements.
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are required for our front riders whilst volunteering as part of supervised group rides.
To help you settle in as a front rider, we’ll provide the following training:
- Practical tandem training
- Visual impairment training
- Safeguarding training
- Disability training
About Life Cycle
Life Cycle is a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey, from learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We’re a charity that transforms lives and the environment through cycling
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Who are Governors for Schools?
Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.
We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.
Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.
What’s involved?
There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.
Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.
Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.
Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.
Who can be a governor?
The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.
Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.
Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.
You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.
What’s the process?
You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.
You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.
Ongoing support
Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Blackburn are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.
What will you be doing?
Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues
The core responsibilities involved are:
- Ensuring accountability
- Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
- Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
- Budgetary allocation and control
- Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
- Setting the school’s aims and values
- Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher
The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.
A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.
What are we looking for?
You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.
Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.
What difference will you make?
Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.
As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:
- help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
- work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
- gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work
Before you apply
You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.