Volunteer roles

The Association of Anaesthetists (Great Britain & Ireland) is seeking to appoint a lay trustee to its Board of Trustees

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a well-respected medical membership organisation helping to shape the future of anaesthesia, influence patient safety, and support anaesthetists at every stage of their careers.

With more than 10,000 members across Great Britain and Ireland and internationally, the Association’s mission is to safeguard patients by educating, supporting, and inspiring anaesthetists to deliver the very best care in every healthcare setting.

About the Association

For over 90 years, the Association has been a trusted voice for the anaesthesia community, supporting clinicians through an evolving healthcare landscape.

The Association is registered as a company limited by guarantee and as a charity in both England and Wales and Scotland.

Our work is driven by four strategic priorities: Patient Care and Safety, Education and Research, Advocacy and Support, and Innovation and Growth. These priorities are set out in our ambitious 2024–2029 strategy, launched in 2024, which defines the Association’s vision, mission, values, and long-term direction.

Our core values are at the heart of everything we do:

• Committed: We are a respected and independent organisation, committed to speaking up and speaking out on behalf of our members and the anaesthesia community
• Trusted: For over 90 years, we have helped to set standards, share knowledge, and support thousands of people in a vital profession. Our expertise matters to our members and globally
• Innovative: We look forward, not back. We care about the future of anaesthesia and actively help shape its future on behalf of our members by listening, responding, and innovating
• Connected: We are a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive community. We exist because of, and on behalf of, our members

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic leadership of the charity, overseeing organisational strategy, annual business plans, and financial stewardship. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership team, the board ensures the Association continues to deliver impact for members, patients, and the wider healthcare community.

For further information on the charity see the latest Foundation Statutory Report and Accounts.

About the lay trustee role

Lay trustees play a vital role in strengthening the effectiveness, governance, and strategic direction of the Association. They bring valuable external insight, independent challenge, and specialist expertise that have significantly enhanced board discussions and decision-making.

As a lay trustee, you will:

• Help shape the future direction of the Association
• Provide independent oversight and constructive challenge
• Contribute specialist expertise and fresh perspectives
• Support strong governance and strategic decision-making
• Act as a trusted critical friend to the organisation

You will work alongside elected trustees who are practising anaesthetists, fellow lay trustees with expertise in finance and technology, and a highly experienced staff team.

Lay trustees also become members of the Association Council, which acts as an advisory body to the Board.

Who are we looking for?

We are particularly interested in applications from individuals with expertise in areas such as:

• Fundraising
• Marketing and communications
• External affairs

Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential. We value diversity of thought, background, and lived experience, and encourage applications from individuals who can bring new perspectives to our work.

The full role description is shown below.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to patient care and the future of healthcare while working with a committed and forward-thinking organisation.

By joining the board, you will help influence a profession that plays a critical role in healthcare systems across the world, supporting clinicians, improving standards, and ultimately helping patients receive safer care. If you are motivated by purpose, collaboration, and strategic impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Friday 21 August 2026. Applications are invited via cover letter and CV to the Chief Executive Officer, Nicky de Beer. In your cover letter, please address how you meet the role description and person specification. We accept the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an emerging technology but please state if and how you have used AI in your application. Please send your letter and CV.

Following an initial short-listing process interviews will be held via videoconference on the morning of Thursday 10 September 2026.

For further information or an informal discussion

Contact Nicky de Beer, Chief Executive Officer.

Lay trustee role description

Purpose of role: Lay trustees enhance the knowledge, expertise, judgement, and balance available to the Board of Trustees to ensure a financially sound, healthy, and legally compliant organisation. Their principal assets will be their knowledge and expertise, independence, and the confidence and ability to be a critical friend of the Association.

Responsible to: President (Chair of the Board of Trustees)

Key working relationships

• President
• Other trustees
• Chief Executive Officer, senior management team and staff
• Other members of the Association Council
• Other stakeholder organisations such as the Royal College of Anaesthetists, and charity partners

Term of appointment:

Following a successful interview and satisfactory references, the lay trustee will be appointed for a three-year term commencing from the Annual Members’ Meeting in September 2026.

Time commitment

The Board of Trustees meets up to five times a year. The dates for board meetings are set 12 months in advance from October to September. Meetings normally take place on Fridays approximately every 8 weeks as either a half-day or full-day meeting at 21 Portland Place, London or via videoconference, but videoconferencing facilities will be available for all meetings.

Trustees are expected to attend each board meeting and to engage in communication between board meetings with staff and board colleagues as required.

Expenses

This role is voluntary and is unremunerated. Trustees will be reimbursed for their expenses for travel, hotel accommodation and subsistence when attending meetings. Expenses will be paid in accordance with the expenses policy. As this is a voluntary role, trustees are not otherwise compensated for their service.

Training

Training is provided for trustees to enable them to perform their governance duties effectively.

Trustee duties and responsibilities

Please view the Charity Commission guidance CC3 The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do. Trustees of the Association are also directors under company law, and under the Companies Act 2006, there are specific legal duties placed upon company directors. You should familiarise yourself with those legal duties before applying for this role.

Key responsibilities:

Strategic direction and financial oversight.

• Contribute to ensuring that the charity’s purpose is carried out and that all activities support its charitable objectives
• Contribute to and agree the strategic direction of the Association and help set its long term priorities
• Oversee risk management, making sure appropriate controls and policies are in place
• Oversee the financial performance of the Association including budgets, reserves and the responsible use of funds
• Help to ensure that the Association’s equity, diversity, and inclusion objectives are met

Trustees are also expected to:

• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance, including acting in line with charity law, company law, and the governing document
• Attend meetings of the Board of Trustees on a regular basis and be well prepared by reading relevant papers in advance and participating fully in meetings and decision making
• Act with integrity and independence, always in the best interests of the charity
• Participate in wider Association work, assist with ensuring the charity’s purposes and mission are clearly communicated to members and the public
• Undertake training and induction as may be required to carry out the role
• Keep up to date with developments in healthcare. the charity/not-for-profit sector and the role of trustee
• Act as an ambassador for the Association where appropriate

Person specification

We are keen to appoint lay trustees whose values align with ours and have the following key attributes.

Key attributes

Essential

Relevant expertise outside the field of anaesthesia, such as in:

• Fundraising
• Marketing & Communications
• External affairs

The ability to challenge constructively and rigorously and to contribute at a strategic level while listening sensitively to the views of others

Commitment to the Association and its objectives

Sound judgement, integrity, and high ethical standards

Excellent communication skills

Willingness to acquire the expertise and knowledge to discharge responsibilities

An understanding and awareness of equity, diversity and inclusion

Ability to attend board sub-committees and working group meetings, conferences and key events run by the Association

Desirable

Experience of acting as a trustee

Informed about the environment in which the charity operates and the issues it faces

Branch Coordinator 
Across the UK, our 65 local branches help disabled people live more independently. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

As our local Branch Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local branch works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct, and support other branch volunteers to make sure your branch’s activities meet the needs of your local disabled community.

You’ll bring your leadership, management, communication, organisation, and motivation skills to this role.
Most importantly, you’ll help disabled people to live more independent lives.

What the role involves
This role may vary depending on local needs but is likely to include:
• Coordinating the activities of our local branch to undertake and meet the needs of referrals in your area
• Coordinating and chairing the branch meetings
• Leading the branch’s shared responsibility for planning and completing referrals
• Coordinating the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new local branch volunteers
• Approving income and expenditure with the other branch bank account signatories and ensuring with the Treasurer that our financial requirements and policies relating to branches are followed
• Ensuring the branch’s activities comply with policies to keep people safe
• Regularly communicate and act as a key contact between staff and volunteers

What you need for this role 

Essential
• Confident in leading and chairing a meeting
• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email
• Willingness to attend local events to promote the charity’s work
• Ability to understand and follow external and internal policies and procedures

Desirable
• Self-aware of own management style and ability to lead a team, taking a supporting and coaching approach with other volunteers
• Able to communicate to different audiences, including decision-makers and volunteers
• Able to delegate and motivate the activities of others
• Enthusiastic about raising awareness of the charity’s work in the local area
• Willingness to develop skills and experience

To volunteer in this role, you will need to:
• Complete references 
• Complete induction including online and virtual training- as directed by central staff
• Undertake a DBS/PVG check if it is necessary for the role 

Additional information about our Volunteering programme:
When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. To undertake this specific role, you do not need to be an engineer/skilled craftsperson.

The national charity for the Neighbourhood Watch Movement is seeking new trustees – could you be one of them?You’ve probably heard of us. You’ve probably seen Neighbourhood Watch signs. But you might be surprised at the range of work our volunteers carry out.

As the national umbrella organisation of the largest voluntary movement for crime prevention in England and Wales, we support people to prevent and reduce crime by coming together with their neighbours to create safer, stronger and active communities. We estimate that our 93,000 Neighbourhood watch Groups engage with over two million people in a spirit of local activism that can address the issues that often give rise to crime and anti-social behaviour and help prevent them from becoming more serious. In the past year we have partnered with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to provide training on being an “active bystander” and our “Are You OK?” campaign that showed how to respond in the event of witnessing aggression aimed at women, racial minorities or LGBTQ+ people. During 2022/23 we also launched a Community Safety Charter which has been endorsed more than 2500 times by Police Forces, local authorities and many different public and commercial organisations as well as by individuals and local communities.

Neighbourhood Watch Network supports these activities through a small central team of dedicated staff, led by our Chief Executive. Our work is funded mostly by grants from government, trusts and foundations, and partnerships with businesses but we are also developing ways for individuals to contribute to our work.

The objective of Spotlight on Africa (“SoA ”) is to improve the livelihoods and opportunities of those in need in Africa through the following activities:

- Improved healthcare

- Access to education

- Improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene

- Economic empowerment through relevant skills training

To achieve its charitable purposes SoA provides grants to Spotlight on Africa-Uganda Foundation (“SoA UF”), a registered international NGO in Uganda (“SoA UF”) who execute the work and manage the activities in Eastern Uganda.

In this region we’ve built two primary schools serving 1,400 children, a health clinic treating 50,000 patients annually, and a maternity hospital delivering 1,250 babies safely each year and drilled 50 deep boreholes supplying clean water to 40,000 people. We have also built two Technology centres that provide teachers, students, health workers, and tradespeople with essential digital skills and alternative career prospects in the region which is particularly important for women. We also provide vocational training in carpentry, tailoring, agriculture, hairdressing, and borehole maintenance.

SoA continues to grow and in 2025-26 raised over £1 million from donations and fundraising events. It has strong governance provided by its UK Board of Trustees that is chaired by a King’s Counsel and by the Board of SoA-UF and its patrons who include the former Chief Justice of Uganda and the Ugandan Ambassador to the UK.

The role

As Treasurer you will chair our Finance, Risk and Audit Committee and act as the Charity’s lead voice on financial matters. Working closely with the Chair, Assistant Treasurer and SoA-UF’s Executive Director and Accountant you will help ensure SoA remains financially resilient, well-governed and delivering value by:

· Finance — overseeing our planning, budgeting and reporting processes including KPIs; guiding the Trustees and SoA-UF Board in reviewing the monthly management accounts, performance KPIs, approving annual accounts; advising on the financial implications of strategic decisions; and liaising with our external auditors.

· Risk management — providing oversight of our internal controls, financial control framework and risk register, and ensuring appropriate insurance and anti-fraud arrangements are in place. Actively managing foreign exchange risks and maximising interest income from deposits. Close stewardship and oversight of the application of grants to SoA-UF through to expenditure on its charitable activities.

· Governance — chairing the Finance Committee, leading the Trustees’ duty to ensure proper financial stewardship, and supporting compliance with Charity Commission and other regulatory requirements. Also supporting SoA-UF Board in ensuring they provide proper financial stewardship and compliance with local laws and regulations.

Who we are looking for

You will be a qualified accountant with strong commercial awareness and the ability to translate financial information clearly for a Board audience. Beyond the technical qualifications, we are looking for someone who brings:

· Experience of organisational risk management and internal controls, ideally from an international perspective

· A solid understanding of charity governance, trusteeship and the legal duties of a trustee

· Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to non-finance colleagues and stakeholders

· The leadership skills to chair the Finance committee and bring people together around shared goals

· Willingness for occasional to travel to our projects in Africa

Above all, you will share our belief that we can deliver sustained change that transforms the lives of those of the poorest of the poor in Africa through our charitable activities.

About the role:

· This is a voluntary, unremunerated role but with reimbursement of travel and other related expenses.

· The time commitment is:

o Monthly SoA Trustee meetings and Quarterly SoA-UF Board meetings

o Monthly Finance meetings with the SoA Chair, SoA Assistant Treasurer, SoA-UF Chairman, SoA-UF Executive Director and SoA Accountant

o An annual UK away day strategy session (weekend day)

o Additional time (average 10 hours a month) for preparing reports, liaising with the Assistant Treasurer, managing FX and deposits and ad hoc matters

The initial term of office is three years but can be extended by mutual agreement.

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

About the role: 
 
We are looking for people to help lead some our teams across the organisation. We are volunteer led and manage 65+ volunteers across the country, most of them remoately. There are 10 different teams ranging from creative to business development. We are looking for up to 10 people to help with the coordination of feedback, delegation of tasks and assisting with running monthly meetings. We have a very diverse team of volunteers from all different culture, religons and disabilities. 

Our values: 

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

What are we looking for? 

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

Skillset; 

• Communication skills  

• Coordination skills

• Delegration 

• Knowledge or previous experience of working with disabilities. 

• Knowledge of inclusive design and work practices or open to learning.

• Organised  

• Adaptable  

• Willing to learn and develop  

• Thrill of building an online community. 

• Have a basic DBS check

• Positive attitude towards disability or illness 

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

• Gaining valuable experience. 

• Improving your confidence 

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest. 

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Making a difference to the community 

• Makes a positive impact on people 

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills. 

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers. 

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

• Employment opportunities

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food – and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
• Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
• Transporting equipment to and from events

Time expectation

Our transport volunteers usually spend two to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

About Us 

LoveBrum is a Birmingham charity that champions the city’s hidden gems – the incredible volunteer led and grassroot projects making a real difference in communities across our city every day. 

We believe Birmimgham is full of people doing amazing things, and we’re here to help them be seen, celebrated and supported. Through fundraising, storytelling and bringing people together, we shine a spotlight on local projects that deserve more recognition, helping them access the funding and awareness they need to grow their impact. 

Help Birmingham thrive with LoveBrum 

Do you enjoy meeting new people and want to make a real difference in your local community? LoveBrum is looking for friendly, enthusiastic Volunteer Fundraisers to help support us at events across Birmingham. 

As a Volunteer Fundraiser, you'll play a vital role in raising awareness of LoveBrum, engaging with the public, and helping us raise funds that support small, volunteer-led projects making a positive impact across the city. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Representing LoveBrum at community and corporate events, gala dinners and fundraising activities. 

• Chatting with members of the public about our work and inspiring them to support our mission. 

• Collecting donations, selling raffle tickets and promoting fundraising campaigns. 

• Helping to set up and pack down at events. 

• Creating a warm, welcoming and positive experience for supporters. 

What we're looking for 

You don't need fundraising experience – we'll provide all the guidance you need. We're looking for people who are: 

• Friendly, approachable and confident speaking to people. 

• Passionate about supporting Birmingham communities. 

• Reliable and enthusiastic. 

• Comfortable working as part of a team. 

• Available to volunteer at occasional evenings or weekends (when events take place). 

What you'll gain 

• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in your local community. 

• Meet like-minded people, become part of the LoveBrum volunteer family and network with a range of communities across Birmingham. 

• Build confidence and develop communication and fundraising skills. 

• Gain valuable experience for your CV and a professional reference (available upon request).

• Training, support and a welcoming team. 

About LoveBrum

LoveBrum is a Birmingham charity that champions the city’s hidden gems – the incredible volunteer led and grassroot projects making a real difference in communities across our city every day. 

We believe Birmimgham is full of people doing amazing things, and we’re here to help them be seen, celebrated and supported. Through fundraising, storytelling and bringing people together, we shine a spotlight on local projects that deserve more recognition, helping them access the funding and awareness they need to grow their impact.

If you’re passionate about Birmingham, love creating great content, and want to use your creativity to make a genuine difference, we’d love you to join our team. 

Role Overview 

We’re looking for a creative Volunteer Causes & Impact Marketing Content Creator to help tell LoveBrum’s story, the stories of the causes we support and the impact we’re creating.

Whether you’re looking to build your portfolio, gain hands-on experience in content marketing and social media, or simply want to use your skills to support a charity you believe in, this flexible volunteer role is a fantastic opportunity. You’ll create content that that inspires people to get involved, demonstrate the impact of our work at LoveBrum, and helps more Birmingham causes get the support they deserve. 

Along the way, you’ll build real marketing experience, work alongside a passionate team, and play a key role in helping LoveBrum grow its reach and impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist in creating engaging content for our social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn etc.) 

• Support with capturing photograph and video content for LoveBrum Causes working alongside LoveBrum service patrons and charity manager 

• Design graphics using tools like Canva for campaigns and impact storytelling 

• Help schedule and manage posts using tools such as Buffer

• Attend campaign planning and brainstorming sessions to maximise impact and causes storytelling 

• Ensure all content is in line with the charity’s tone, brand, and mission 

Ideal Candidate 

• Demonstratable experience creating marketing content, with examples to show (personal channels, university projects or client work all count) 

• Self-sufficient in production: able to shoot, edit and publish photo and video content end to end without supervision 

• Confident in editing video in CapCut or similar, and designing graphics in Canva to a publishable standard 

• Able to translate case studies and beneficiaries' stories into content that resonates with donors 

• Good written and verbal communication skills 

• Familiar with scheduling tools such as Buffer 

• Organised, proactive, and able to manage their own workload 

• An eye for compelling storytelling and a genuine interest in charitable causes 

What You’ll Gain 

• Valuable experience in marketing, communications, and digital content creation 

• Mentorship and feedback from a supportive team 

• A portfolio of work that makes a real-world impact 

• A professional reference and letter of recommendation (upon request) 

• The satisfaction of contributing to a meaningful cause 

The role of a Volunteer Therapeutic Community Caseworker at the Baobab Centre is to support unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee adolescents and young adults to access care, basic rights and entitlements and to support their social development and rehabilitation. This role involves working closely with the clinical key worker of each young person and with our wider multidisciplinary team. As a Caseworker you will aim to empower individuals to build stable, independent lives in the UK, including by supporting them to communicate their views, needs and experiences in decision-making processes, and supporting them to make challenges when necessary. Caseworkers assist young people to make effective choices about what happens in their lives and encourage them to speak up and build agency.

Baobab aims to be a non-residential therapeutic community with a holistic and integrated perspective. As a Volunteer Caseworker, you will play a key role within our multidisciplinary team. We aim to be a thinking organisation and place a high value on shared thinking time and shared responsibilities. Our team work together with each other and with agencies and key individuals in young people’s lives, both within and outside of Baobab. A key aspect of the role is communicating with members of the clinical and admin staff team within the Baobab Centre and with other workers in the network around each young person including social workers, teachers, foster carers, lawyers, hospital consultants, housing and benefits workers. etc. You will strive to develop relationships across networks and advocate access to rights and entitlements for our community members.

It is critical that as a Caseworker: 

- You have an insight to the backgrounds and experiences of both the internal and external factors impacting on the lives of unaccompanied young people attending our centre and an understanding of the broader context in our society as it impacts on young asylum seekers (including invisibility, marginalisation, discrimination and the fact of waiting in uncertainty for a long time).

- You have an insight in how trauma and the many human rights violations and persecution that most members of our community have experienced impact on all aspects of a young person’s internal and external world.

- You have an insight in how current immigration rules and social care system procedures act as barriers to rehabilitation, including by restricting access to education, adequate benefits, housing and healthcare provision.

To guarantee stability of service this Volunteer Casework role asks for a minimum commitment of 2 days per week over 6 months minimum.

As a full member of our multidisciplinary team and our therapeutic community you would be expected to volunteer regular hours, with the understanding and appreciation that you give your time freely and that there is flexibility to review with your Baobab supporter.

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. 

The Literacy Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone who comes to Read Easy to improve their reading gets the support that they need to succeed.

Role of a Literacy Specialist:
● Providing literacy support to the Coordinator and Reading Coaches
● Visiting reading pairs to advise on specific situations and challenges that Readers and Coaches may be facing
● Contributing to the content, delivery and organisation of coach meetings
● Creating a ‘Resources Box’ containing a range of useful activities and resources that Coaches can use to support and extend their Readers’ learning
● Assembling ‘Starter Packs’ for Coaches and Readers, using guidance provided
● Attending Management Team meetings, typically every 6-8 weeks

Skills needed:
● A background in teaching reading/literacy (preferably, but not necessarily, with adults)
● An understanding of the difference between the needs of adults and children in the learning process
● A knowledge of the range of teaching resources that are available for adults, or a willingness to research them
● Reasonable confidence in using IT
● The ability to use initiative and work independently
● A willingness to abide by Read easy policies and procedures
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role, ideally some during the day

Ideally you will be based in the Keynsham area. You will need to attend meetings with reading pairs and there will be Management Team meetings every 6-8 weeks.

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. 

The Coordinator is the first point of contact for those who want to learn to read. They are vital in matching our Reader and Coach pairs and supporting them as they make progress.

Role of a Coordinator:

● Help interview new Coaches when recruited and shortlisted by the Volunteer Recruiter
● Enrol and assess new Readers, using the simple resources provided
● Match Readers with Coaches, make introductions, and help them organise their reading sessions (which will take place in an approved venue or online)
● Visit your reading pairs to provide encouragement, presenting certificates on occasion
● Work collaboratively with any other Coordinators in the group.
● Contribute to Coach meetings where volunteers discuss their experiences and receive further support. (Run by the Management Team typically every 8 weeks)
● Attend Management Team meetings when invited, typically every 6-8 weeks either in person or remotely
● Record progress of your reading pairs using resources provided, sharing these with the Management Team to keep them fully informed and submit expenses for payment regularly 

Skills needed:
● A passion for supporting others achieve either their reading or coaching goals
● A willingness to become familiar with the methods of the phonics based Turning Pages coaching manuals, so that you can confidently guide others
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality
● Strong organisational, time management and record keeping skills
● Self-awareness, personal responsibility and a professional approach
● Reasonable confidence in using IT (accessing documents, completing electronic forms and records, email, Teams/Zoom meetings)
● The ability to use initiative and willingness to work independently and as part of a team
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures;
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for support from the Management Team
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of 2-3 hours a week to commit to the role 

Ideally you will be based in the Keynsham area. The role can be done mainly from home but there will be occasional travel to meet Coaches and Readers. This role is very flexible and can fit around other commitments.

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. 

The Referrals Networker builds relationships with local agencies who may be able to refer potential Readers to the group.

Role of a Referrals Networker:
● Liaising with your group to establish which organisations have already been contacted, so that you can build on that initial work
● Managing the relationship between the referral agencies and the group
● Seeking out new referral agencies as the group grows in capacity
● Familiarising yourself with the Publicity Organiser’s resources available to you
● Creating a record of organisations and agencies who are likely to come into contact with those who don’t read and the dates you are in touch with them
● Contacting these organisations regularly to provide information about what your group offers and identify how they can best inform their personnel to make referrals
● Keeping your local group informed about your activity and identifying how many of your contacts refer new Readers
● Attending Management Team meetings, typically every 6-8 weeks 

Skills needed:
● Confidence to promote the work of Read Easy and how it can support local people who would like to improve their reading skills
● Ability to develop strong working relationships with local referral agencies and to manage expectations
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality
● Reasonable confidence in using IT
● The ability to use initiative and work independently
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role 

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. 

Reading Coaches are paired with Readers and meet twice a week to guide them through Read Easy's phonics based Turning Pages programme.

Role of a Reading Coach:
● Developing the literacy skills of an adult Reader who has difficulty with reading
● Meeting with your Reader for two separate half hour sessions each week face to face in an approved venue or remotely on a video call or a combination of both
● Providing non-judgemental literacy support to your Reader
● Utilising your empathy and understanding to support your Reader
● Delivering the phonics based Turning Pages programme with guidance for coaches on every page and using other approved resources
● Keeping records of your meetings
● Liaising with your allocated Coordinator and Literacy Specialist
● Attending Coach meetings approximately every two months
● Working within Read Easy policies and procedures

Skills needed:
● Confident reading skills
● Clear communicator
● Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding whilst maintaining boundaries
● Ability to talk and listen to the person you coach in a patient, positive, encouraging and purposeful way
● A non-judgemental attitude and a positive respect for others, regardless of abilities, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or age
● Ability to focus on your Reader and their needs
● Ability to work alone, seeking support when necessary
● Reliability, consistency and an ability to handle disappointment
● A commitment to maintain confidentiality and volunteer within Read Easy’s guidelines and policies
● Willingness to commit to the required training
● Ability to utilise Zoom meeting platform to attend remote coach training
● Ability and confidence to use a computer to access documents online, or the willingness to learn to do so 

You will need to make a regular commitment to meet your Reader twice a week for a half hour session.

Volunteer with CAT’s Maintenance Team and gain skills as you help care for CAT’s unique site, our green buildings, and our off-grid sustainable energy systems.

What will you be doing?

As a Maintenance Volunteer you will help to maintain and improve CAT’s unique site. Built on the site of a disused Welsh quarry by a group of inspired volunteers, CAT’s site has a rich and fascinating past. For more than 50 years, CAT has been a place of experimentation, inspiration and learning, where sustainability is embedded into the buildings and landscape.

As a Maintenance Volunteer, you will join the Estates team in caring for and making improvements to the buildings, pathways and infrastructure that are used by staff, students and visitors.

This is a practical role, so previous experience and confidence using a variety of general-purpose tools is desirable. Training and direction will be provided within the Estates Team but a volunteer in this role will need to be proactive and be able to work as part of a volunteer team with minimal staff supervision. This is a perfect role for someone looking to gain practical experience and to build confidence as part of a busy team.

Key elements of the role:

- Open to long term residential volunteers only.

- Support the Estates team with maintenance and repair jobs around site in all weathers. These could include repairs to buildings, routine maintenance such as gutter clearance, monitoring CAT’s off-grid systems and general DIY tasks - Tasks will be uncomplicated and training will be provided.

- Work independently and part of a team on practical tasks.

- Preparation and clear down for practical short courses, Graduate School workshops and events.

- Organise and maintain tools and materials for use across site.

- Support CAT’s Estates team to care for CAT’s unique site.

We’re looking for people who:

- Would like to gain experience working as part of a practical maintenance team.

- Enjoy volunteering and working alongside others

- Have some practical experience and confidence using a variety of general-purpose tools and maintenance processes.

- Are comfortable living as part of a community

- Are proactive, keen to learn and self-motivated

- Are friendly, respectful and trustworthy

- Are reliable and enthusiastic about making a difference

- Have knowledge, interest or a willingness to learn about sustainability and CAT’s work

Full food and board provided.

Applications for the Autumn 2026 placement open.

The deadline for applications is 9 August 2026.

The trial week for this placement will be Tuesday 1st to Friday 4th September 2026

The Autumn 2026 placement will be 19th October – 26 March 2027

For more information and to apply for this fantastic opportunity viait our website