Voluntary volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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".
We exist to make lives better
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About The Role
At WWT we shape unforgettable experiences. We are a warm, welcoming and genuine charity that protects and restores Wetlands. WWT Martin Mere has 600 acres of amazing wetland scenery which is home to such an assortment of wildlife.
We are looking for volunteers who can support our team in our Café and shop to ensure we offer excellent customer service to our visitors.
By providing excellent customer care in our shop, you will be encouraging our visitors to support the wider conservation work of WWT. The money that is taken in retail is instrumental to the conservation work that WWT can afford to carry out.
Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.
If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us, or give us a call and leave us a message with your name and number.
About You
Who are we looking for?
This role would suit you if:
- Have an enthusiastic and friendly manner
- Have an eye for detail and creativity
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- A confident attitude and / or experience in successful face-to-face contact with the public
- Commitment to excellent customer service
- Are happy using a computer/till
- Like working in a busy environment
- An interest in birding and optics equipment (if you’d like to get involved in promoting and selling our optics)
We are particularly looking for people to help on Mondays, Thursdays or Fridays.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you'll love volunteering at WWT
- Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
- Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
- Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
- Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
- Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
- Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life
We look forward to hearing from you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Oxfam's Wallasey Shop is looking for Shop Volunteers to help Oxfam’s fight to support the world’s most vulnerable communities.
We’re looking for volunteers who can give 4-8 hours (or more!) of their time in the shop each week, and we’re excited to welcome brand new volunteers to our stores!
Right now, we're looking for people to help out with the online shop and in our book department!
Location: 46 Wallasey Road, Wallasey, CH45 4NW
Become a volunteer!
We like to give volunteers an opportunity to try a range of areas before they find something that suits them. You might become a Retail Volunteer, Stock Volunteer, or. Or, you might find yourself in a more specialist role such as an E-commerce Volunteer, a Shift Lead Volunteer, or even a Stock Specialist Volunteer.
Whatever your skills or interests, there’s something for everyone…
Why be a volunteer?
Your time will make a huge difference. We estimate one four-hour shift will, on average, provide enough income to enable Oxfam to provide life-saving hand-washing facilities for 81 people.
Volunteering also has a positive impact on well-being, with an incredible 7 in 10 volunteers saying that their charitable actions were beneficial for their mental health.
Benefits of becoming a Volunteer:
· Gain genuine experience working in a retail environment.
· Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience, and develop your CV.
· Great way to meet new people & be part of a community. Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family.
· Be part of a fantastic team and make a positive change to the world.
· Opportunity to utilise and develop your transferable skills.
Volunteering with Oxfam will give you the skills, confidence and experience you need to build your CV and boost your employability. Problem solving, communication, working with others and familiarity with the workplace are universally valued by employers.
No experience is necessary as full training and an induction will be given. You don't need to be computer literate to join our team; there are volunteer opportunities for all. All we ask is that you’re happy to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team.
We can be flexible around parenting, caring, health, employment, education, and any other commitments you have.
Tempted? Apply now!
Oxfam covers expenses incurred in line with Oxfam’s Volunteer Expenses Policy, including local, reasonable travel expenses and lunch (for volunteering 5 hours +).’
· We take the welfare of volunteers and everyone we work with very seriously. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, abuse of power, or any sexual misconduct within the workplace.
· Oxfam do not accept applications from anyone on the Sex Offenders list. We may inquire about unspent convictions relevant to the role and you may be required to submit to PVG/DBS check (at no expense to you).
· *NB: due to the current capacity of some shops, it may be that you will be placed on a waiting list and/or, if you are under 18, until a shop has enough staff and/or volunteers DBS cleared. The Shop Manager will discuss this with you.
Following your expression of interest, you will be sent a link to apply for a volunteer role. There will be guidance around provided a referee.
Oxfam is a global community of people who believe in a kinder, and radically better world, where everyone has the power to thrive not just survive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the role
We are a charity dedicated to providing loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. Alongside our care Homes, we also deliver services that support people to live well in their own homes and communities.
We are looking for kind, committed individuals to join us as Telephone Friends.
This free service offers regular, friendly telephone calls to veterans and their partners who may be feeling lonely or isolated. By giving a little of your time, you can make a meaningful difference. Offering companionship, a listening ear, and a reassuring voice.
Full training and ongoing support are provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported every step of the way.
What you'll do
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Make regular, friendly telephone calls to veterans and their partners
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Offer companionship, conversation, and emotional support
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Help reduce loneliness and promote wellbeing
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Build positive, respectful relationships over time
Who we're looking for:
We’re looking for people who:
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Are caring, compassionate, and respectful
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Enjoy talking and listening to others
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Put people first and value meaningful connections
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Share our values and want to make a positive difference
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Have a passion for helping others live life to the fullest
You don’t need previous experience.
Time commitment
Minimum of 1 hour per week. There is no time limit on the length of service, but Telephone Friends are asked to make a commitment for a minimum of 12 months.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you someone who loves getting creative, catching a show, or simply enjoying a good chat over coffee and cake?
We’re looking for a friendly volunteer to spend time with a lovely lady with a learning disability who enjoys:
Arts & crafts Trips to the theatre Cooking and baking Scrapbooking And catching up over a cuppa and a slice of cake!
She’s looking for someone to share her interests, try new things together, and enjoy relaxed, sociable outings in the local community.
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
- Sitting and having a chat
- Checking in on their well- being
- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
- Enjoying a walk
- A craft activity at home
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
- Sitting and having a chat
- Checking in on their well- being
- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
- Enjoying a walk
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer for NYAS
- Do you want to make a difference to a young person’s life?
- Do you have 1- 4 hours per month to spare?
Due to the request of the young people who are waiting for an Indepenent Visitor we urgently require male volunteer befrienders to be a positive role model. So why not volunteer as a mentor/befriender for NYAS as an Independent Visitor for children and young people in care.
As a volunteer you will:
- Have fun, take young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest
- Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person’s life and help build self- esteem and confidence
You don’t need any special qualifications
We are looking for reliable and dependable people from all walks of life.
We will provide training and on-going support. We will pay expenses to a set limit.
Here is what some of our young people and volunteers have to say about this rewarding role:
- I like how my Independent Visitor isn’t anything to do with social services and is here to support me not to judge.
- They have boosted my confidence, now I feel like when I go places I can just relax and have fun.
- My young person always looks forward to me coming, they have had such a disjointed life, I am a stable figure in their life and this has to be important for them as everything else changes around them a lot.
Job Type: Volunteer
Budget: £30.00 per month
Work Location: In person
Job Types: Part-time, Zero hours contract, Volunteer
Expected hours: No more than 2 per week
Work Location: In person
Support for care experience young people
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".
Job description
Quilombo UK is looking for a Bid Writer (Grant & Funds), who loves to face work challenges; to join their growing team.
The Bid Writer (Grant & Funds) will play a critical role by assisting the manager to prepare the proposal that helps the organization to further develop and establish.
This role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to; gain experience in the Third Sector; love to 'give back to their community'. The role is for you if you are looking for flexibility and autonomy. Where necessary specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.
Main Responsibilities
- Apart from writing proposals, you will also be reviewing and editing previously written content wherever necessary.
- Working with other team members to produce bid responses and writings
- Helps in writing funding applications for the varied projects that we run in order to meet our organisational objectives.
- Also helps in presentations and all supporting documentation.
General tasks
- Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.
Essential
- You must be based in the UK
- You will need to have good written skills
- Able to write effective, concise and compelling content
- You will be self-starting and willing to research and look for new funding opportunities that match our aims and objectives;
- Ability to work on tight deadlines
- Well organized, proactive and able to deliver tasks efficiently.
- Able to speak confidently with a variety of stakeholders.
- Good time-management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and excel.
- To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
- Strong team player
- Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.
The volunteering program with Quilombo UK requires a minimum of 16 weeks of commitment. We are looking for someone who can offer 12 hours a week, Monday - Friday (2 times a week).
Please note that this is a volunteering unpaid role.
Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer
Benefits: Work from home
Experience:
- Technical Writing: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: Remote
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for one Trustee & Deputy Chair to join our Charity Trustee Board to support the Union through its next steps. A strong and active Board is crucial for us as we develop and implement our strategy, face challenges, maximise opportunities and endeavour to create an even better Union; one that continues to be flexible and agile enough to react quickly to the changing needs and interests of our student members and achieve our vision.
The Person
The right candidate will thrive in a student led, highly responsive environment and have an enthusiasm for supporting and guiding a student organisation. They will command confidence, have sound judgement and strong communication and leadership skills. We are looking for a trustee with the following skills/experience
Finance Experience:
- Preferably financial experience from a charity outside of the SU sector
- Understanding of financial oversight
- Ability to interpret financial information to support strategic decision-making
- Awareness of charity finance and regulatory requirements
Chairing Experience:
- Ability to deputise for the Chair, and chair meetings of the Board
- Ability to build a strong and effective working relationship with the Board of Trustees Chair
- Ability to foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees
- Assist and support the Chair in providing leadership to the Board, through the governance arrangements, and also acting as a ‘sounding board’ and confidante to the Chair in the execution of their role
Due to the current make-up of our Trustee Board, we are not actively searching for candidates with skills, knowledge and experience related to the Student Union and HE sector and we would welcome candidates from other sectors or regions to apply. That said, we would very much like to encourage anyone who feels that they could bring something to our Board to apply, regardless of experience - our purpose and values also lead us to welcome first time Trustees too!
We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our Trustee Board to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
Further Information
Application is via a comprehensive CV plus a supporting statement (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing why you are applying for the position and what requirements you meet to carry out the role
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Appropriate Adult's support children and vulnerable adults when they are detained in police custody. With the Southwark & Lambeth Appropriate Adult Service, you will be trained, supervised and supported to be an Appropriate Adult in Southwark & Lambeth police stations. We are there to ensure vulnerable detainees understand their rights, we safeguard their welfare and effective participation as well as ensuring they are treated fairly during this criminal justice process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteer to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by improving their grades and building confidence in their learning.
We are looking for inspirational role models who will tutorEnglish on one of our 10-12 week online progarmmes, starting mid-January 2026.
You will be matched with a small number of pupils and provide them with the academic support, encouragement and inspiration they need to get back on track. The pupils on our online programmes have had some disrupted schooling due to challenging personal circumstances and our tuition programmes aim to build not just academic strength, but confidence and positivity towards learning as well.
All our volunteer tutors receive full training, lesson resources and support from a qualified teacher / team manager throughout their placement.
Practical Considerations:
- Our online programme runs on Tuesday afternoons from 17:00 till 18:00.
- The start date is 13th January 2026 and the final session is on Tuesday 24th March 2026
- Sessions are 60 minutes and take place via Teams. Tutors are expected to be online 15 minutes prior to their session. There is a 15-minute debrief with your progarmme manager after each session.
- This role requires you to undergo a free of charge enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged by Team Up.
We are looking for:
- Strong grades in English
- Experience working with young people
- Committed, organised and patient individuals
- Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils
- Individuals who are passionate about social mobility and helping to reduce the education attainment gap
Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12 week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only improve their grades, but also build long term resilience.
Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to attend our employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion of the programme.
Volunteers address a widening attainment gap in education by helping disadvantaged pupils double their expected progress and improve future prospects.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The International Academy of Secrets Wisdom (IASW) is pleased to announce the opening of volunteer opportunities in various administrative, educational, and media fields.
We invite interested individuals to fill out the application form through the following link:
[ https://forms.gle/Fu31SxiVenc3yPU67 ]
Please help us share this link with as many people as possible so that the benefit reaches everyone.
Academy Message: Providing comprehensive and innovative educational and training programs designed to develop individuals and prepare them to become c
Sunderland Culture is entering a bold new chapter, and we are seeking to appoint two Independent Trustees who can bring expertise, constructive challenge, and important oversight to Board discussions and decisions. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, wider Board team and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.
Role of The Board
The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;
• Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities.
• Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”
• Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence. • Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.
• Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.
• Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures.
The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:
• Ambition & Quality
• Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)
• Inclusivity and Relevance
• Environmental Sustainability
Independent Trustees – Role Description
We are seeking to appoint two independent trustees who will bring expertise, insight, and constructive challenge to Board discussions.
We are particularly seeking expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Finance and audit
• Fundraising and income generation
• Community cohesion
Time Commitment
• Approximately 1 day per month (variable to time of year).
• Board meetings: (4–6 times per year).
• Membership of sub-committees: (4 meetings per year).
• Preparation and engagement outside meetings.
• Term: 3 years, renewable twice.
We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the charity as we enter a bold new chapter for Sunderland Culture. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, Board of Trustees, and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.
The Role of The Board
The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;
• Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities. • Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”
• Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence. • Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.
• Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.
• Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures.
The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:
• Ambition & Quality
• Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)
• Inclusivity and Relevance
• Environmental Sustainability
The Role of The Chair
The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties effectively.
Time Commitment
• Approximately 2 days per month on average (variable through the year).
• 4–6 Board meetings annually, plus sub‑committee commitments and occasional extraordinary sessions.
• Attendance at key organisational moments (performances, openings, stakeholder meetings).
• Term: Three years, renewable by mutual agreement.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) is seeking passionate new trustees to join our board and help shape the next chapter of our story. With a new CEO, bold artistic ambitions and a growing national footprint, this is an exciting moment to join an evolving organisation committed to nurturing young talent, expanding opportunities and strengthening our impact across the UK.
About NYJO:
Founded in 1965, NYJO has grown from a single jazz orchestra to a vibrant, varied organisation delivering engaging participation projects and impactful live performances for everyone. We exist to empower young jazz musicians and inspire audiences across the UK through our work.
We are committed to supporting and developing musicians of all styles and standards: whether you want to become the next emerging artist or simply play for fun -- we're here for it.
NYJO is dedicated to making jazz and creative music-making more accessible to early-career musicians, young people, and audiences across the country. Throughout our activity, we seek to create a meeting ground between the established and the experimental -- the past, present, and future -- to build bespoke programmes which cater to lifelong and new jazz fans.
Our work spans three core areas:
Emerging Professionals - We curate exciting performance projects for audiences and emerging professional musicians aged 18-25, underpinned by a programme of Professional Development.
NYJO Learning - We create accessible learning programmes for all, providing young people with impactful tools for personal growth through creative music-making.
Community Outreach - We are passionate about responding to and representing our communities, both locally and nationally, in physical and digital spaces.
We work in close collaboration with likeminded partners to deliver projects that respond to local community needs and create an inclusive learning environment which centres the voices of young people.
In 2021 we became a Resident Artistic Company at Woolwich Works, a creative arts centre in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. We are a registered charity with a turnover of c.£750,000 annually and are proud to be an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation, working towards delivering ACE's 'Let's Create' strategy to make the arts sector more inclusive and reflective of modern Britain.
Our Board
NYJO's current Board consists of seven Trustees with expertise spanning digital communications, governance, HR, jazz industry knowledge, music education, finance, and fundraising. We are pleased to have diversified our board significantly in recent years, knowing that diverse boards make better decisions. Ensuring that our board is representative of the communities in which we work and the young people that we serve remains a priority.
Board Responsibilities
NYJO Trustees are expected to play a full role as a board director and trustee in accordance with charity and company regulations, and governance best practice. Responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets
- Maintaining a collaborative and supportive relationship with senior staff and fellow trustees
- Proactively advocating for our work, championing the transformative power of jazz education and the many benefits that young people derive from creative music-making
- Safeguarding the financial stability, reputation and values of the charity
- Protecting the interest of donors and current and future beneficiaries, acting as guardians of NYJO's assets and taking due care over their security, deployment and proper application
- Ensuring that NYJO complies with its Articles and Objects, charity and company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations
What We're Looking For
We are keen to recruit Trustees who:
- Are committed to NYJO's mission and will advocate for our work
- Bring strategic judgement, vision and creative thinking to the charity
- Can provide sound, independent reasoning and constructive challenge to our management team
- Are numerate, with the ability to understand budgets and charity finance
- Are willing to devote the necessary time and effort to be a Trustee, and to undertake relevant training and appraisal
- Demonstrate an understanding of good governance of charities
- Demonstrate the intellectual capacity to grasp issues outside personal experience and communicate opinions effectively
We are keen for our trustees to represent a broad mix of skills, experience and backgrounds, helping us to broaden our thinking and provide constructive challenge. At this time, our priority is to appoint an individual with professional experience as a UK based jazz musician, as this perspective will complement our current board's existing expertise and help ensure our leadership reflects the communities and artists we support.
We are committed to broadening the diversity of perspectives on our Board. We particularly encourage applications from women, younger people, and individuals from groups that are currently underrepresented at board level. All appointments will be made on merit.
You do not need to have prior trustee experience. Where needed, we will provide guidance and support to help first-time trustees thrive in the role.
In addition to professional jazz music experience, we would also be interested in candidates with demonstrable experience in music law or marketing, particularly digital marketing and social media. There is no expectation that applicants must meet more than one of these areas of expertise.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to providing an environment where every trustee is able to contribute confidently. We will offer appropriate onboarding and ongoing support to ensure all trustees can engage fully with their responsibilities.
Time Commitment
Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings (four per year) and an annual strategic planning session. Additionally, you may be invited to join working groups according to your areas of expertise and interest and will always be welcome to attend our performances and education events.
We will always be respectful of your time and provide maximum possible notice of any meetings and events.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


