Volunteer roles

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

There are currently four Committees that report directly to the Board of Trustees, one of them is the Safeguarding Committee, of which you will be a member. The Safeguarding Committee provides assurance, advice and recommendations to the Board on safeguarding matters.

The Committee provides strategic leadership, ownership and oversight of The Scout Association (TSA)’s safeguarding policies and procedures, and ensures that safeguarding policies, procedures and practice remain fit for purpose and sector leading in protecting young people in Scouting.

The Committee also provides strategic oversight, challenge and assurance in relation to TSA’s safeguarding arrangements, including the safeguarding of adults where relevant.

Independent Members bring external expertise, independent scrutiny and constructive challenge to support the Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities. The role is not operational: it is a strategic governance and assurance role, focused on strengthening oversight, improving learning and helping Scouts respond effectively to current and emerging safeguarding risks.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provide strategic advice, challenge and independent scrutiny to support the Committee in discharging its responsibilities.

· Assist the Committee in ensuring that Scouts remains at the forefront of safeguarding practice and development.

· Review safeguarding performance information, assurance reports, learning reports and risk information to support effective oversight.

· Contribute to the Committee’s review of safeguarding assurance activity, quality assurance findings, thematic reviews, and organisational learning arising from safeguarding incidents and case reviews.

· Contribute to the development and review of safeguarding policies, procedures, guidance and assurance arrangements.

· Help identify emerging safeguarding risks and opportunities affecting young people, volunteers and the wider organisation.

· Support the Committee’s oversight of safeguarding culture, organisational learning and continuous improvement.

· Participate in monitoring and reviewing safeguarding risks delegated to the Committee by the Board.

· Contribute to discussions on strategic priorities and future safeguarding developments across Scouting.

· Act as an advocate for excellent safeguarding practice and a culture that places the safety and wellbeing of young people at its centre.

THE PERSON

Skills

· Communicate effectively with senior volunteers, trustees, staff and external stakeholders.

· Analyse complex information and exercise sound judgement.

· Provide constructive challenge and independent scrutiny.

· Contribute effectively within a strategic committee environment.

· Work collaboratively while maintaining independence of thought.

· Quickly develop an understanding of Scouts, its governance arrangements and safeguarding framework.

EXPERIENCE

The Committee is particularly seeking candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas.

· Priority area: substantial expertise in digital safeguarding, including online safety, digital harms, safeguarding in online environments, social media risks, emerging technology risks and child protection risks associated with digital platforms.

· Additional areas of interest: family law, social care practice or leadership, child protection and safeguarding within statutory services, law enforcement experience relating to safeguarding, horizon scanning, regulatory or inspection environments, quality assurance, or safeguarding within youth, education, faith or voluntary sector settings.

CHARECTERISTICS

· Commitment to the purpose and values of Scouts.

· Strong personal integrity and sound judgement.

· Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

· Ability to operate strategically and objectively.

· Sufficient time available to fulfil the role.

TIME COMMITMENT AND MEETINGS

The Safeguarding Committee normally meets four times per year, with three meetings held virtually and one longer meeting held face-to-face. Members will also be expected to read papers in advance of meetings and may occasionally be consulted between meetings on specific matters.

Applicants should expect to spend around two days per quarter on Committee business after the induction phase, including preparation, attendance and follow-up activity.

APPOINTMENT TERM

Appointments will normally be for an initial three-year term, subject to a six-month review, with the possibility of reappointment for a further term by mutual agreement.

REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role. The Scout Association will reimburse reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing the role in accordance with its Expenses Policy.

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

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Locations to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Locations to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Locations to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Locations to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 22/08/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

We are looking for a film maker who will be able to join us at our food and music events, film and create short highlight clips to share on social media (see our instagram page for ideas).

What will you be doing?

• Filming videos on-site with your equipment.
• Conducting short interviews with guests and the team to create content.
• Contribute new ideas and creativity welcome to showcase and promote Plateful Cafe.

Requirements:

• Basic video editing ability
• A decent camera/phone

We are looking for someone to assist us to share information and updates through our communications and social media content, to help us fundraise and grow.

What will you be doing?

• Leading on one of our social media channels (currently Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn)
• Producing occasional blog posts (minimum one per quarter except LinkedIn lead who will do one per month) on topics related to Plateful Café including research and interviews.
• Recording social media analytics on a weekly basis
• Identifying potential content and opportunities
• Adding ideas to the content planner
• Postings and scheduling content
• Attendance at team catch-ups virtually/phone
• Ad-hoc attendance at events and markets
• Other duties in line with the role description

Requirements:

• Excellent communication skills in fluent English
• Has 3+ years experience of social media, copywriting, journalism, blog content creation, interviewing or similar skills (this does not have to include published work)lls and experience as a Social Media Officer and Blogger? We are looking for a new volunteer to help us at Plateful Cafe.
• Able to create interesting and engaging content
• Good computer skills
• Good time management skills
• Engaging and friendly
• Good team player

Desirable:

• Basic digital photography and editing skills
• An interest in supporting refugees and contributing to the work of Plateful Cafe
• Experience of working with refugees, people seeking asylum, vulnerable groups or lived experience
• Lives in London with ability to attend events and markets

We are looking for a dedicated and well-organised press volunteer who can assist our team with various communication tasks!

Main duties will include:

• Publishing news and reports about developments at Plateful Cafe, which is due to open in May
• Announcing and promoting events organised by our team through local press, radio, Lewisham Council and other organisations
• Writing stories for the website, funding applications and reports
• Creating content for our social media accounts

Requirements:

• A good writer and storyteller
• Contacts with the press
• Prior experience in communication

We are currently recruiting for a Social Media Volunteer. The Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other ethnic minorities in south-east London. Our commitment is to ensure we reach the most vulnerable people in our community and help them access the support they are entitled to. 

Videos are a powerful medium to engage with our supporters and also the wider public. You will play a great role to promote our brand and build our presence online.

Focus Birmingham is a dedicated charity supporting people with sight loss and complex needs, helping them lead fuller, more independent, and more connected lives. We’re currently looking for organised, caring, and reliable volunteers to join us as Admin Volunteers.

If you can spare just a few hours a week, you can play a vital role in keeping our services running smoothly and ensuring that people with sight loss receive the support they need. Your contribution behind the scenes, from your home or at our centre, helps create the strong foundations that allow our frontline teams to deliver life-changing support.

As an Admin Volunteer, you’ll assist with tasks such as updating records, making follow-up calls, organising information, preparing materials, and supporting staff with day-to-day administration. Your attention to detail and friendly approach will help us stay connected, responsive, and effective, and you won’t be doing it alone. We’ll support you at every step, from application and onboarding to ongoing training and guidance from our volunteer team.

We are looking for a creative Volunteer Art Teacher who can being inspiration and colour to our art sessions. We are looking for someone who will be able comfortable working various different art and craft mediums, including watercolours, clay, knitting amongst many others. 

You will be required to volunteer every other Thursday of the month, between 10-12, you will also be required to set up and take down at the start and end of every session. We are looking for commitment for at least 12 months 

We are looking for individuals who

• Have a passion for Art and Crafts, including watercolours, clay, knitting amongst others.
• Have strong communication skills.
• Have an awareness of safeguarding and GDPR
• Be empathic and understanding to the needs of others
• Experience of teaching or supporting people with a visual impairment is desirable but enthusiasm and a willingness to learn new skills are essential.

Benefits of volunteering with Focus Birmingham 

• Access to ongoing training
• Quarterly check ins
• Regular reviews 
• Aiding of professional development.

Focus Birmingham is a dedicated charity supporting people with sight loss and complex needs, helping them lead fuller, more independent, and more connected lives. We’re currently looking for warm, compassionate volunteers to join us as Telephone Befrienders.

If you can spare just a few hours a week, you can make a genuine difference to someone who is visually impaired and may be feeling isolated. A simple conversation from the comfort of your own home can bring comfort, confidence, and connection to someone who truly needs it.

As a Telephone Befriender, you’ll offer friendly chats, emotional support, and a vital social lifeline — helping people feel heard, valued, and less alone and you won’t be doing it on your own. We’ll support you every step of the way, from application and onboarding to being carefully matched with someone you’ll genuinely connect with.

If you’re ready to brighten someone’s day — and enrich your own — we’d love for you to apply and join our community of caring volunteers.

Quotes from our volunteers -

• Sonia, Telephone Befriender "It's so rewarding knowing that  a weekly phone call to someone can help reduce their feelings of loneliness and isolation for a small part of their day."
• Sacha, Telephone Befriender "One of the greatest gifts is giving my time to support and empower citizens with sight loss."
• Sharon, Telephone Befriender "It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction when I see service users gain confidence and self-esteem, as I believe the be-friending service is making a real difference to their lives".
  
   

  What you’ll do: Make weekly phone calls to offer companionship, conversation and support to someone who may feel isolated.

  Time needed: Around 1–2 hours per week (flexible to suit you).

  Rewards: Boosted confidence, stronger communication and people skills, and a meaningful addition to your CV.

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

To bring our vision to life, we are looking for a dedicated person to play a vital role in managing and strengthening our relationships with partner organisations (such as university Islamic Societies), with a focus on marketing and growth. You will work closely with external partners to increase the number of students attending Roots workshops through creative and innovative methods.

Key tasks

• Marketing Support - Provide guidance and resources to partners for marketing Roots workshops effectively, including sharing marketing collateral and leading growth initiatives.

• Performance Monitoring - Monitor the marketing efforts of partner organisations, track key performance metrics, and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement.

• Communication Liaison - Serve as the primary point of contact through social media between our organisation and partner organisations, facilitating clear and consistent communication channels.

• Training and Onboarding - Conduct training sessions and onboarding for new partner organisations to familiarise them with our brand guidelines, marketing strategies, and communication protocols.

• Collaboration - Coordinate cross-functional efforts with internal teams, such as marketing, design, and external partnerships, to ensure alignment with partnership goals.

What we’re looking for

• Passion for Islamic education and the development of young Muslims. 

• Creative ideas and ability to think outside the box.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to multitask successfully.

• Proficiency in project management and organisational skills.

• Analytical mindset for assessing results and suggesting recommendations.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

Being a trustee at IVAR is about more than governance oversight. We want a board of different voices and perspectives that will challenge our thinking and push us to be bolder

With the support of the staff team and professional associates, trustees at IVAR are expected to:

- Set and maintain the strategy and values.
- Ensure IVAR complies at all times with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Maintain proper financial control and ensure IVAR applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objects, as defined in the governing documents.
- Support the operational management of the charity.

In addition to these, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. Trustees are also actively encouraged to become involved in specific projects outside of board meetings, drawing on their own networks and experience to help support staff in their work.

We are seeking an experienced and strategically minded Finance Trustee to join our Board and play a key role in supporting the continued growth and sustainability of Cherry Trees.

In this role, you will provide expert financial guidance to the Board of Trustees, helping to shape the organisation’s long-term direction in partnership with the Chair. You will support the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring they are managed with integrity, transparency, and in line with legal, constitutional, and regulatory requirements.

You will ensure that robust financial systems and controls are in place, with accurate records maintained at all times. Working closely with the Head of Finance, you will monitor and report on the Charity’s financial health, providing clear and insightful analysis to support decision-making.

The role also includes oversight of the preparation of financial reports, annual accounts, audits, and statutory returns, ensuring the Charity meets all its financial obligations and deadlines.

This is a rewarding opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a meaningful impact, supporting a vital charity as it develops and grows.

#Treasurer#Treasurers #BoardTreasurer #CharityTreasurer #Finance Trustee#Financial Accounting Trustee #Treasurer

Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) is seeking a dedicated Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. This is a pivotal role, ensuring our charity remains financially secure while continuing to move in the right strategic direction. VAC is the Local Infrastructure Organisation for Camden, representing over 1,200 charities, community groups, social enterprises and faith-based entities.

As Treasurer, you will work closely with staff and fellow Trustees to oversee VAC’s financial health, support robust governance, and help shape the future of our support for the Camden community. 

VAC strengthens and connects Camden’s voluntary and community organisations. Supporting over 345 member groups, we represent a diverse range of communities and interests. Our mission is to empower Camden’s residents, helping them become resilient and influential in the decisions that affect their lives. 

Our vision is a borough where people feel a strong sense of belonging, where communities collaborate, shape services, and take action to meet local needs. 

VAC is committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds to ensure our Board reflects the vibrant community of Camden. We look forward to hearing from you.