Volunteer roles

Join Our New Wildlife Conservation Volunteering Programme

Help launch our new volunteering programme and play a hands-on role in conserving wildlife habitats at Baronsdown Wildlife Reserve, near Dulverton on the Somerset–Devon border.

Why Volunteer?

By joining us, you will:

• Make a positive contribution to wildlife conservation
• Help protect and enhance local habitats
• Meet like-minded people
• Spend time connecting with nature
• Support your wellbeing through meaningful outdoor activity

Saturday 11 July

This is the first of a series of practical conservation volunteering days planned throughout the year.

Choose the session that suits you:

• Morning: 10:00am–12:00pm
• Afternoon: 1:00pm–3:00pm
• Full day: 10:00am–3:00pm

Activities:

• Pulling ragwort
• Building nesting boxes
• Taking part in pollinator surveys

No experience is required. Full instruction, supervision, and all necessary tools and equipment will be provided.

Please note that the reserve is on uneven and hilly terrain. We recommend:

• Wellies or sturdy outdoor boots
• Long sleeves and trousers
• Gardening gloves, if you have them
• A hat and sun cream in warm or sunny weather

Facilities:

• Toilets on site
• Free parking available
• Tea and biscuits provided
• If attending for the full day, please bring a packed lunch

Get Involved:

We welcome volunteers of all ages and experience levels. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. To register your interest, please apply and our Volunteer Coordinator, Angela, will be in touch with further details.

We’re looking for one Support Group Volunteer over the age of 18 years old, based at Montgomery Court, Choir Close, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8FP.

You’ll be volunteering weekly, Wednesdays 10.30am to 12.30pm.

As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group. The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.

The volunteer will be

· A people person, with good listening skills

· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people

· Good at putting people at ease

· Reliable and organised

· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke

· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies

Become a Fundraising volunteer in Wellingborough!

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.

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.

Fundraising volunteer in Cannock (Staffordshire)

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.

Become a Fundraising volunteer in Wellingborough!

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.

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.

We are looking for a marketing and communications specialist to help improve our communciations and marketing. This role is focused on:

Role Summary

A strategic marketing and communications role focused on:

• Brand awareness
• Social media and content
• Campaign planning
• Website and digital communications
• Supporting fundraising through storytelling and promotion

Ideal Candidate

Someone creative and organised who understands:

• Digital marketing
• Community engagement
• Content creation
• Campaign management
• Brand consistency

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver marketing campaigns
  Manage social media and website content
• Create flyers, graphics and promotional materials
  Support events and awareness campaigns
  Maintain content calendars and marketing assets
• Analyse engagement and campaign performance

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented HR Assistant to support our recruitment and volunteer coordination processes. In this role, you will work closely with the HR & Recruitment Officer to help deliver an efficient and inclusive recruitment experience, from advertising roles through to onboarding new volunteers.

A key part of this role involves maintaining accurate records within our CRM system to support recruitment and onboarding activities.

This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in HR and recruitment within a grassroots charity environment.

Hidayah is a UK-based charity that supports LGBTQI+ Muslims by creating safe, inclusive spaces and promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and social justice.

Key Responsibilities

You will support a range of recruitment and administrative activities, including:

• Assisting with the creation and posting of job adverts and volunteer opportunities
• Supporting recruitment activities, including screening applications and scheduling interviews
• Maintaining accurate candidate and volunteer records using the organisation’s CRM system
• Assisting with onboarding tasks such as collecting documents and reference checks
• Supporting the development, review, and organisation of HR policies and procedures
• Contributing ideas and initiatives that help promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture
• Communicating professionally with applicants and volunteers via email and other platforms
• Updating and organising documents within shared systems such as Google Drive
• Supporting inclusive, fair, and transparent recruitment practices
• Attending monthly check-in meetings with the HR & Recruitment Officer
• Assisting with general HR and administrative tasks where required

• Person Specification

• Essential Criteria

• Strong organisational and administrative skills 

• High level of attention to detail 

• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism 

• Good written and verbal communication skills 

• Confidence using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive) 

• Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines independently 

• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion 

• Alignment with the values and mission of Hidayah LGBTQI+ 

• Desirable Criteria

• Experience using CRM systems or applicant tracking systems 

• Previous experience in recruitment, HR, or volunteer coordination 

• Understanding of inclusive recruitment and accessibility best practices 

• Awareness of challenges facing LGBTQI+ Muslims and other marginalised communities 

• Experience working or volunteering within a charity or community-based organisation 

• Time Commitment

• This is a flexible voluntary role that can be carried out alongside other commitments, provided agreed tasks are completed on time.

• Minimum of 2 hours per week, with the opportunity to contribute additional hours if available 

• Flexible working schedule 

• Attendance at a monthly check-in meeting 

• Benefits of Volunteering

• Make a meaningful impact within the LGBTQI+ Muslim community 

• Be part of a values-driven organisation promoting inclusion and social justice 

• Gain hands-on HR and recruitment experience 

• Develop professional, organisational, and interpersonal skills 

• Expand your professional network 

• Receive a reference for your CV

As a member of the Board, you will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation, developing its aims, objectives and goals in accordance with company guidelines, legal and regulatory guidelines, you will help to protect the wealth and assets of the organisation.

Responsibilities:

Ensuring that the organisation complies with internal policy and legislation.

Making sure that the organisation pursues defined goals in line with its stated objectives.

Monitoring the financial position and ensuring that the organisation operates within its means and that there are clear lines of accountability for financial management

Ensuring that the resources of the organisation are used only to pursue legitimate objectives. Contributing to the Board's role of providing strategic direction and supporting the development of policies, goals and targets.

Maintaining the good name of the organisation. Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation. Participating in working groups as necessary.

Attending seminars and networking events when required.

Leading discussions and providing guidance on new initiatives, particularly in areas where the member has specific skills, knowledge or expertise.

Maintaining confidentiality about any sensitive or confidential information Regularly attending and taking a full part in meetings.

Skills and qualifications:

Commitment to the goals and aims of the organisation.

Dedication to the role and a willingness to devote the required time. Understanding the importance of carrying out required legal duties. Proven strategic abilities that can be used to create effective plans.

Strength of character coupled with the ability to voice concerns and opinions. Proven experience working as a member of successful teams.

Integrity and objectivity which can be applied to all aspects of the role.

We are particularly interested in applicants who have professional backgrounds in Asset Management, Legal, Housing Regulation and Financee but welcome applications from anyone with the passion and commitment to our cause.

Meetings are held either in a Central London venue or over Microsoft teams, on weekday evenings once a quarter.

The AGM is held in October and we usually have one strategy day a year in the spring.

To express an interest in the role and to be considered, please submit the following:

• A detailed and up-to-date CV.
• A supporting statement that addresses the criteria in the skills and experience section and also outlines your motivation for applying.

About LIVN Global

LIVN Global is a faith-inspired organisation passionate about bringing hope, unity, and transformation to deprived communities through outreach, creative projects, and collaborative initiatives. We use digital platforms to amplify our message and connect with a growing and diverse audience.

Role Overview

We are looking for a London-based Volunteer Social Media Assistant to support our Social Media Manager in growing LIVN Global’s online presence.

This role will combine digital support with on-the-ground content creation, helping us capture real moments from our events, outreach, and community activities. You will play a key role in helping us increase awareness and build a stronger, more engaged community of supporters.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Social Media Manager in planning and scheduling content
• Capture photo and video content at events, outreaches, and key moments across London
• Assist in creating engaging posts (reels, stories, captions, and graphics)
• Help maintain a consistent and compelling social media presence
• Engage with followers through comments and messages where appropriate
• Support campaigns aimed at increasing awareness and growing our community
• Identify content opportunities during live events and activities
• Assist with basic editing of photos and videos for social media use

Person Specification

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is based in or near London and able to attend events and activities in person
• Has an interest in social media, content creation, or digital marketing
• Has experience filming content on a smartphone or camera
• Is creative, proactive, and has a good eye for storytelling
• Has good written communication skills
• Is organised and able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Aligns with the vision and values of LIVN Global
• Can commit at least 14 hours per week

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience editing short-form video content
• Basic design skills (e.g. Canva)
• Familiarity with Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms
• Experience supporting live events or community initiatives

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in social media and content creation
• Opportunity to build a strong creative portfolio
• Mentorship from an experienced Social Media Manager
• Experience capturing content in real-world, high-impact settings
• A chance to be part of a purpose-driven and growing movement.

National Relief Trust, we are dedicated to making a real difference through charity support, community development, and focused health initiatives. To keep our programs running smoothly and reaching the people who need them most, we rely on a strong behind-the-scenes team.

The Role We are looking for a highly organized and reliable volunteer to join us remotely as an Operations Support Coordinator. In this role, you will be the glue that holds our daily operations together. If you love keeping things tidy, organizing information, and supporting a busy team from the comfort of your own home, we would love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Day-to-Day Admin: Helping our team with general administrative tasks to keep projects moving.

• Data Entry & Organization: Keeping our records, files, and databases accurate and up to date.

• Team Support: Assisting with scheduling virtual meetings, taking notes, and organizing digital workspaces.

• Communication: Acting as a friendly point of contact for basic team inquiries and helping route emails to the right people.

What We’re Looking For

• Organized: You have a great eye for detail and like keeping things neat and structured.

• Tech-Comfortable: You are confident using standard tools like email, word processors, and spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Workspace).

• Self-Motivated: Since this is a remote role, you are happy to work independently and manage your own time.

• Friendly Communicator: You are comfortable reaching out to team members online and writing clear, polite emails.

• No prior charity experience is strictly required, just a willingness to learn and pitch in!

What’s In It For You?

• Gain practical, hands-on experience in operations and charity administration.

• Work flexibly from home, fitting your volunteering around your current schedule.

• Join a welcoming, passionate team dedicated to health and community development.

• Make a genuine, lasting impact on the causes we support.

The e-Assessment Association (eAA) is the leading professional membership body promoting better assessment through technology. We bring together awarding organisations, education providers, technology suppliers, researchers and policymakers to advance high-quality, innovative assessment practice in the UK and internationally.

We are now seeking a new Chair of the Board to lead the next phase of the Association’s development.

This is a high-impact governance role for an experienced senior leader who is passionate about assessment, education and technology, and who enjoys working collaboratively to make a difference across a complex and evolving sector.

Why this role matters

The Chair plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction, influence and effectiveness of the eAA.

Working with a committed Board of Directors and a small, professional operational team, the Chair provides strategic leadership, ensures strong governance, and acts as an ambassador for the Association and its members.

The Chair of the eAA Limited also serves as Chair of the Board of e-Assessment Services Limited, the Association’s trading subsidiary, supporting the sustainability and growth of the organisation.

This is an opportunity to:

• lead a respected, member-led organisation at the forefront of digital assessment;
• influence policy, practice and debate across assessment and education technology;
• support the continued professionalisation and growth of the Association; and
• work with a knowledgeable, engaged Board and an experienced executive team.

The role is supported by an annual honorarium of £6,000 in recognition of the time commitment and responsibility involved.

What you’ll be doing

As Chair, you will:

Provide strategic leadership

• Lead the Board in setting the strategic direction of the Association and monitoring progress against agreed objectives.
• Support the long-term sustainability, relevance and impact of the eAA.

Ensure strong governance

Ensure the Association operates within its governance framework and complies with all statutory and fiduciary duties.
Foster a positive, inclusive and professional Board culture that encourages open discussion, diverse perspectives and collective decision-making.
Work closely with the Vice-Chair and other Directors to maintain continuity and effective governance processes.
Support and challenge the Executive

• Provide support, guidance and constructive challenge to the CEO and operations team.
• Oversee performance against strategic and operational goals.
• Review budgets, management accounts and strategic plans in collaboration with the Treasurer and executive team.

Represent and advocate

• Act as an ambassador for the Association with members, partners, sponsors and external stakeholders.
• Represent the eAA at key events, including the e-Assessment International Conference and Awards.
• Use your networks and credibility to enhance the Association’s profile and influence.

Essential experience and attributes

• Senior leadership experience within assessment, education or educational technology.
• A strong understanding of assessment principles and the role of technology in transforming assessment practice.
• Demonstrated Board-level governance experience, ideally within a company limited by guarantee, charity or membership organisation.
• Excellent chairing and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead a diverse Board effectively.
• Strategic thinking, integrity and the confidence to provide constructive challenge.
• Strong communication and ambassadorial skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working in or alongside professional associations or member-led organisations.
• Established networks across education, assessment and technology sectors.
• Experience representing an organisation publicly at conferences or sector events.

The Organisation
Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network working towards one vision: a world where every child grows up in a safe and loving family. We support the transformation of child protection and alternative care systems, shifting away from institutional care and strengthening families and communities to keep children safe.
The unique composition of our Foundation brings together our Key Assets teams in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and represents a network of over 1,000 foster care and child care practitioners. We combine this practical expertise with international advocacy and grant making through our MJF Global division to champion global care reform and support local organisations working to prevent family separation.

Structure
Our structure enables us to share and build on our collective experience, knowledge, practitioner skills, and proven best practice models as we continue to deliver innovative and quality services. Each organisation within the Martin James Foundation has its own strategy and mission of how it works towards our shared vision of a world in which children grow up and thrive in safe and loving families.
In addition, a set of shared strategic objectives enables us to achieve a greater combined impact. These objectives span a range of interventions that seek to support children, families and communities, as well as the structures and systems designed to protect them. Our work is informed and guided by the principles of the Guidelines of Alternative Care for Children, designed to enhance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Role of the Martin James Foundation Board
The Board of Trustees has strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that ambitious strategic goals are set and worked towards effectively. The Board of Trustees works in collaboration with the Executive team to make decisions on key issues, offering support and challenge on a range of matters. The Board of Trustees acts as a point of escalation for internal and external stakeholders, for example any complaints or grievances, in line with agreed processes. The Board of Trustees also has legal oversight of the charity, including responsibility for ensuring that statutory and reporting requirements to the Charity Commission are met.

Board Statement of Values and Decision Making
Board Members embrace the entrepreneurial ethos of the Martin James Foundation. The Board is keen to take innovative approaches to delivering the Foundation’s work and commits to working collaboratively and effectively, as a collective decision-making body, to ensure the success of the charity. In doing so, board members commit to upholding the seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

The Role of the Martin James Foundation Trustee
All Martin James Foundation Trustees contribute to the effective governance of the Foundation, through supporting the Board to make objective, long-term decisions on key issues in order to advance the charity’s mission and goals. Typically, such key issues will include: strategy, goal-setting, programme or project design, relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. government), public relations, finance, safeguarding, or any other legal matters. The Chair will hold the Board of Trustees and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. Each Trustee will support the Chair and Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives.

Person Specification
1. A strong and visible passion and commitment to Martin James Foundation, its strategic objectives, values and cause
2. Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
3. Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees. An understanding and experience of international issues and the challenges facing NGOs working internationally is desirable
4. Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
5. Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
6. Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events.
7. Desirable: Broad knowledge and understanding of children’s protection and social care and current issues affecting it.
8. Desirable: Lived experience of foster care or other family-based care.
9. Essential: Expertise in charity law and regulations gained through operating as a legal professional for Not-For-Profit / Charitable organisations.

Commitment and Conduct
The average time commitment is approximately 1 day per month, encompassing the following activities:
• Attendance at four quarterly Board meetings including review of all relevant papers and policies in advance of meetings. Meetings are held remotely with one in person annual general meeting. Papers for these meetings are circulated one week in advance. Meetings will focus on new projects, annual report and accounts, and other strategic decisions.
• Occasional exceptional Board meetings may be convened as required and are held by video call.
• Attendance at four quarterly Finance, Risk and Audit sub-committee meetings. Additional Board Committees are under consideration to which new Trustees would be invited to join in accordance with relevant skill sets.
• Meetings with executive leadership team members in relation to specific policies and projects, linking to relevant skills and specialisms brought by Trustees.
• Optional monthly meetings with the Chief Executive.

The Martin James Foundation strives to enable a diverse range of participation and contributions to the Board, and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. People with lived experience of alternative care, and from people outside of the UK are encouraged to apply. All Board positions are voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, and any training costs will be fully covered.

New Trustees will be provided with a structured induction and ongoing training and one-to-one support as appropriate.
As part of the appointment process, all Board members are required to adhere to the Martin James Foundation Code of Conduct and complete the Declaration of Eligibility and Interest form. The content of the Declaration of Interest form may require you to withdraw from specific discussions where you, a partner or close relative stands to gain or where you are so close to a matter being discussed that it will be difficult for you to be impartial.