Volunteer roles

Are you looking for a Board-level opportunity where you can play an active, strategic role in the growth of a pioneering autism charity?

You could help redefine what's possible for autistic children and young people.

Trustee Opportunities - Remarkable Autism
Location: Hybrid - Newton-le-Willows (in-person and virtual)
Time commitment: Approx. 24 hours per academic year
Remuneration: Voluntary position, with expenses reimbursed

Remarkable Autism is on a mission to redefine what's possible, by creating a world where autistic individuals are empowered to live happy, fulfilled lives. They believe in pushing boundaries and doing things differently, recognising the remarkable contributions autistic people make to our communities.

As they continue their exciting journey towards becoming a world-leading organisation, they're looking for several new Trustees to join their ambitious, forward-thinking Board.

About Remarkable Autism

Delivering life-changing education and support through a special school, independent specialist college and therapy services, the charity takes a holistic approach that prioritises wellbeing and happiness.

They offer high-quality education, employability, and therapeutic programmes, backed by innovative community partnerships and a unique emotional resilience curriculum. They also use collective experience to influence the wider sector, partnering with community groups, health services, and local authorities to improve outcomes for autistic people.

About the role

As a Trustee, you'll join a passionate, skilled Board shaping the organisation's strategic direction. Together, you'll make collective decisions that impact the lives of children, young people, and families across the region.

With growth and innovation ahead, we're looking for Trustees who can think strategically, challenge constructively and help adapt to new opportunities - from digital transformation and financial sustainability, to evolving regulation and governance.

About you

We're seeking committed individuals who bring curiosity, integrity and a desire to make a difference. You might have professional skills and expertise or lived experience that offers valuable perspective.

We warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences, to ensure the Board reflects the diversity of all communities. For this reason, although experience of working with or alongside a Board might be beneficial, it isn't essential (because training and full induction will be provided).

We're especially interested in one or more of the following areas:

Skills and Experience

• Marketing & Communications
• Finance & Budgeting
• HR & People Development
• ICT & Digital Innovation
• Strategic Planning & Project Management
• * Decision-Making & Problem-Solving

Commitment

• Board meets quarterly (approx. 2 hours each)
• Subcommittees meet quarterly (Finance, HR, Quality & Audit)
• Preparation time: 1-3 hours per meeting
• Average time commitment: ~24 hours per academic year

How to apply

A short CV or profile is a great first step, but please also feel free to get in touch to receive a copy of the recruitment pack or an informal conversation. Our Regional Director, Amelia Lee, is leading on this opportunity.

Deadline: As this role has been previously advertised, we'll respond to expressions of interest as quickly as possible. If you'd prefer a clear application timeline, just let us know and we'll make sure you don't miss out.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.  

Lead the transformation of communities and climate action as Chair of one of the North East's most impactful charities standing for social impact and environmental sustainability.

Location: Meetings take place Trust’s Head Office at Parsons Court, Newton Aycliffe; The Greenhouse, Annfield Plain, Stanley, Co Durham 

Closing date: Monday 3rd November

Who we are

For over three decades, Groundwork North East & Cumbria has stood for environmental sustainability and social impact. Our work spans five strategic growth areas: nature-based solutions that restore biodiversity and tackle flooding; youth employment programmes that provide skills and pathways into green careers; green teams and land management that transform neglected spaces; health and wellbeing initiatives that connect people with nature; and energy efficiency programmes that tackle fuel poverty while reducing carbon emissions.

Our mission is simple but profound: create better places, improve people’s prospects, and promote greener lifestyles. We believe that within every community, however disadvantaged, there is deep pride, resilience, and potential. Our role is to harness that pride and unlock that passion, delivering projects and programmes that not only change lives now but also make our communities more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient for the future.

As part of the Groundwork Federation, we are uniquely positioned as an environmental and community-focused charity dedicated to creating thriving places where people and nature flourish together. We work across both urban and rural communities throughout North East England and Cumbria to tackle inequalities, address climate and nature challenges, and empower individuals to improve their lives, neighbourhoods, and local economies.

We deliver outcomes that matter: energy-saving advice to thousands of households, targeted employment and youth programmes, landscape design and environmental restoration, community food growing projects, and nature-based solutions that benefit both people and wildlife. Through our Greenhouse Business Centre and Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre, we also operate successful social enterprises that generate income to reinvest in our charitable work.

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional leader to chair our Board of Trustees as we embark on our ambitious five-year strategy with our goal to achieve net-zero by 2030 while transforming lives region-wide. This is a pivotal moment in our journey, and we need someone who can guide us through this transformational phase.

As Chair, you will work closely with our Chief Executive, Steve Roberts and fellow Trustees to ensure the Trust fulfils its charitable objectives, maintains strong stakeholder trust, and delivers on our strategic ambitions. You will lead 4-6 board meetings annually, foster board development, and represent Groundwork externally as our ambassador.

The role involves ensuring robust governance standards, overseeing financial sustainability, and maintaining effective risk management frameworks. You will serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team, offering strategic counsel while ensuring clear boundaries between governance and executive management.

Who we are looking for

We need a Chair who genuinely understands what good governance looks like and can help us maintain the highest standards while supporting our ambitious growth plans. You will have demonstrable experience in senior leadership or governance roles, bringing strategic vision and the natural ability to facilitate constructive board discussions that drive real outcomes.

More than technical expertise, we are looking for someone who can inspire others and build relationships across diverse stakeholders. You will have natural leadership presence and the confidence to represent Groundwork externally with authenticity. Your diplomatic and empathetic communication style will enable meaningful engagement with people from all backgrounds, from local communities to government ministers.

We seek someone who can create an inclusive board culture where every voice is heard and valued. You will be skilled at fostering cohesion among trustees while ensuring collective accountability for our performance and impact.

Above all, we need someone who shares our genuine passion for environmental and social justice. You will have a heartfelt commitment to creating a more sustainable and inclusive society where communities can thrive. Whether through direct lived experience or professional background, you understand the challenges facing disadvantaged communities and believe in the transformative power of local action.

• Time commitment

The time commitment includes preparation for and attendance at quarterly board meetings, committee work, and external representation as appropriate. You will also spend time building relationships with fellow trustees and the executive team between formal meetings. Usually, the Chair of Groundwork North East & Cumbria sits on Groundwork UK’s Federation Board, which meets four times a year.

Many previous Chairs describe the experience as deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while developing leadership skills and building relationships with diverse professional and civic leaders.

If you believe in harnessing local pride and practical action to make green, fair and resilient communities a reality, we would love to hear from you.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 3rd November.

Inclusion Healthcare seeks an experienced leader as Chair to shape strategy, governance and impact for their ambitious social enterprise, supporting Leicester and surrounding area’s most vulnerable communities.

Location: Hybrid / Leicester (one day per month in Leicester for Board meetings and strategic development) 

Time commitment: 2-3 days per month in the first 12 months, tapering to 1-2 days per month thereafter. 

Applications close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 11th November

Who we are

Inclusion Healthcare is a pioneering, employee-owned social enterprise delivering responsive, high-quality care and support to people who are excluded from traditional GP practices or mainstream care settings. This includes those experiencing homelessness, asylum seekers and other marginalised groups.

We can trace our roots back to over two decades ago, with a group of social entrepreneurs who believed healthcare could and should be delivered differently, set up a new model of care, before establishing us as a Community Interest Company in 2010.

About the role

Ou long-serving Chair has stepped down, creating an exciting opportunity for an exceptional individual to guide Inclusion Healthcare through its next chapter.

The new Chair will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s future. You will lead us in the development of our long-term strategy, ensuring that we fully realise the opportunities afforded by our new contract and that we remain agile and innovative in meeting evolving community needs. You will support the development of leadership structures and guide a refresh of the Board, including the recruitment of a new Non-Executive Director, to ensure we have the breadth of skills, experience and diversity required for the future. You will also lead our ambition to embed robust frameworks for measuring, demonstrating and enhancing our social impact, enabling us to evidence how our work improves lives, reduces health inequalities and delivers meaningful social value.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an inclusive, values-driven leader with the experience and gravitas to chair an ambitious, mission-led organisation. You will bring:

• A strong record of board-level leadership, ideally as Chair or Senior Independent Director, in a social enterprise or mission-driven organisation.
• A deep understanding of effective governance, risk management and fiduciary responsibility.
• Strategic acumen and the ability to lead a Board through a review of vision, organisational growth, transformation and cultural development.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement across commissioning, regulation, community and partner organisations.

• Experience of driving innovation and growth in a social enterprise or impact-led organisation, bringing creative, entrepreneurial thinking to complex social challenges.
• A demonstrable commitment to equity, inclusion and social impact.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates with lived experience of the communities we serve and from diverse backgrounds, who can bring new perspectives to our Board and decision-making.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 11th November.

Join Us as Chair of Trustees

SEAS Sailability & All Afloat – Merging for Greater Impact

About SEAS All Afloat

SEAS Sailability and All Afloat, two well-established charities operating across Wales since 2017, are merging to combine their experience, resources, and passion for inclusion on the water.

SEAS Sailability has built a successful partnership with a commercial activity provider, delivering weekly evening sessions and monthly weekend activities during the spring and summer months for disabled people, their families, and carers. Over the past five years, SEAS Sailability has secured approximately £200,000 in grants and donations to support this work.

All Afloat has focused on breaking down barriers to water sports and expanding access to sailing and boating for disadvantaged young people and those with disabilities. The charity has supported ten RYA Training Centres across Wales, delivering more than £150,000 worth of projects, providing over 4,500 sessions for more than 3,500 young participants, opening clear pathways to RYA qualifications from introductory sailing through to Dinghy Instructor certification.

As the new merged organisation, SEAS All Afloat will build on this strong foundation to secure sustainable funding that maintains current activity while enabling the growth of similar partnerships across Wales. Our ambition is to use our combined experience, equipment, and networks to expand opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the water safely and inclusively.

Through community projects and activity clubs, we will continue to deliver safe, engaging, and inclusive on-water experiences that build confidence, develop skills, and foster wellbeing — particularly for those facing barriers to participation.

The Role of the Chair of Trustees

Our volunteers and trustees play a vital role in steering the charity and ensuring we deliver on our mission.

The Chair of Trustees provides leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight. Working collaboratively with trustees, volunteers, and partners, the Chair helps set the vision and direction of the charity and acts as a key ambassador.

The Chair ensures that the Board operates effectively, decisions are well-informed, and the charity remains compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements. They also represent SEAS All Afloat publicly, championing its values and strengthening its relationships with stakeholders.

About You

We are looking for someone with:

• A passion for making outdoor activities accessible for all.
• Strong leadership and governance experience (charity, corporate, or public sector).
• Excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to build consensus.
• Confidence in representing the charity externally and acting as a spokesperson.
• A collaborative and inclusive approach.

Experience in sport, youth development, disability inclusion, or fundraising would be an advantage, but is not essential.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a newly merged organisation at a pivotal stage in its journey.
• A meaningful and rewarding role that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
• The chance to work alongside a dedicated team of trustees, staff, and volunteers.

Time Commitment

This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The time commitment is around 6–10 meetings a year, plus regular contact with the leadership team and occasional events.

Chair of Trustees  - Role Description and Person Specification

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership of the Board:
• Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring trustees fulfil their responsibilities for governance, strategy, and oversight.
• Facilitate effective, inclusive board meetings—ensuring decisions are made collectively and in the best interest of the charity.
• Provide leadership and clarity of purpose in decision-making.
• Strategy and Governance:
• Work with the board, staff and service users to develop and agree the charity’s long-term vision, strategy, and goals.
• Oversee compliance with governing documents, charity law, and regulatory requirements.
• Safeguard the charity’s assets and ensure sound financial and risk management.
• Promote effective governance practices and continuous improvement of the Board’s performance.
• Lead the recruitment, induction, and development of new trustees. Encourage succession planning and development within the Board.
• Representation and Advocacy:
• Act as a spokesperson and ambassador for SEAS All Afloat.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, regulators, and community partners.

Specific Tasks

• Chair regular trustee meetings and the Annual Wash-up.
• Work with the operations manager and secretary to set agendas and circulate meeting papers in good time.
• Monitor and follow up on Board decisions and agreed actions.
• Ensure financial reports and budgets are presented and understood by the Board.
• Act as the main contact with the Charity Commission on governance matters, ensuring annual report and accounts are submitted as required.
• Lead an annual review of SEAS All Afloat policies and procedures, ensuring that they meet best practice and the requirements of the Charity Commission, Welsh government and any specific grant funding bodies such as the National Lottery.
• Ensure fundraising processes (e.g. grant applications and reporting) are in place, appropriate, accurate, and delivered to a high standard.
• Represent SEAS All Afloat at external events, meetings, and within the community.
• Provide support and oversight to operations manager and senior volunteers involved in day-to-day operations.
• Be available to trustees and volunteers for ad hoc discussions between formal meetings.

Person Specification

• Essential Skills and Experience:
• Proven leadership ability, including chairing meetings and facilitating consensus.
• Understanding of trusteeship and charity governance (or willingness to learn).
• Strong strategic thinking skills with experience shaping vision and direction.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to represent the charity externally.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to analyse information, assess risks, and make impartial decisions.
• Strong teamworking and collaboration skills.
• Willingness and capacity to commit sufficient time to the role.
• Desirable Skills and Experience:
• Understanding of, or lived experience with, issues relating to disability and accessibility, especially in the context of outdoor or water-based activities.
• Experience or awareness of fundraising and income-generation processes, including grants and reporting.
• Previous experience as a trustee, chair, or senior volunteer.
• Ability to communicate effectively in Welsh (spoken and/or written)
• Maritime, water sports, or youth development experience (professional or voluntary).
• Local community links and networks to strengthen partnerships.
• Advocacy and influencing experience with funders or stakeholders.
• Personal Qualities:
• Passion for the mission of SEAS All Afloat.
• Integrity, objectivity, and openness.
• Ability to inspire confidence and trust.
• Respectful of diverse views and skilled at building consensus.
• Resilient and able to handle sensitive matters with discretion.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

East Sussex College Group (ESCG) are keen to appoint motivated and dynamic Governors from a wide range of backgrounds and with a diversity of skills and experience.

Location: Eastbourne, Lewes, Hastings & Newhaven

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 10th November.

ESCG, formed in 2018 following a merger between Sussex Coast College Hastings and Sussex Downs College, is the leading destination for further education in East Sussex. The College spans four campuses and offers a variety of traditional sixth form subjects, alongside vocational and professional courses, apprenticeships and much, much more!  We pride ourselves in being welcoming and inclusive, with a strong sense of community and a commitment to improving outcomes for all who study with us.

The Board, together with the Chief Executive Officer & Principal, constitutes the highest level of decision-making in the College Group, having overall responsibility for the strategic direction and financial health of the institution. As an Independent Governor, you will be at the very heart of the College Group, not only responsible for determining the education and training provided and the strategy for delivering it, but also leading the drive to maintain excellent teaching and learning, improving outcomes for young people and adult learners in Hastings, Eastbourne, Lewes and Newhaven.

We are looking to engage Governors with a passion and interest in supporting the lives of young people and adults through education.

You do not need to be an expert in education, but what you do need is the drive and ambition to support others to succeed, to be an ambassador for the college and all that we do for our local communities, students, stakeholders, and our people.

Having recently carried out a skills audit of our current Governors, there are some particular areas of expertise that we are keen to engage with the Board. These are:

• Financial management expertise, with either a specialism in FE and/or a qualified accountant.
• Audit knowledge and experience.
• Digital/AI expertise.
• Expertise in complex capital and infrastructure projects.
• Experience in marketing and strategic communications.
• Organisational culture and managing change.
• FE curriculum and quality expertise.

However, this is not an exhaustive list. We are also interested in candidates with knowledge of the Lewes/Newhaven local areas, ideally with an existing network within local industries and/or relationships with key community stakeholders.

ESCG is committed to reflecting the diversity of the people and communities it serves, to ensure a breadth of experiences and to govern a genuinely inclusive organisation. Diversity brings competing perspectives and is an important protection against ‘groupthink’ at the Board level. In this regard, the diversity of Governors ensures that decision-making perspectives are enhanced. Diversity information is captured during the application process and is used to support the Board in enhancing its diversification agenda.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 10th November.

Coffee Shop Volunteer - Prevent Breast Cancer

Commitment/Hours

Morning 9.30am-1pm      Afternoon 1pm-4pm

Purpose/summary of the role

Assisting in the running of the Coffee Shop in a methodical and organised way.

The Coffee Shop plays a significant role in the promotion of the image and work of Prevent Breast Cancer whilst providing a vital service to patients of The Nightingale Centre and Prevent Breast Cancer.

The profits generated are used to support research into breast cancer prediction and prevention.

With this in mind, please find below a list of tasks/ activities which the Prevent Breast Cancer Volunteer will undertake in this area.

Main duties & responsibilities

• To assist and serve customers with food items and beverages.
• To ensure food safety and food hygiene at all times.
• To handle cash and card payments securely.
• To keep the Coffee Shop and areas around, clean and tidy throughout the day.
• To check, use by and sell by dates on all perishables and notify at the end of the day.
• Ability to work on own initiative regarding the upkeep of the Coffee Shop.
• To monitor and record fridge temperatures.

Training will be given on all aspects 

• An e-learning course to be completed
• Health & hygiene in regard to serving food and beverages
• Customer service
• Daily cleaning
• Handling cash and card payments, including training on using a tablet and card reader                        
• Monitor and recording of fridge temperature levels

Prevent Breast Cancer’s Volunteer Person Specification

Experience/Knowledge & Skills

 Essential: 

• Good communication skills
• Empathy with patients, carers and visitors 
• Integrity
• Good verbal and basic written skills
• Commitment to tasks involved 
• Patient, pleasant manner 
• Caring, compassionate and confident
• Honest and reliable in order to maintain confidentiality  
• Respect for the dignity, needs and decisions of customers 
• Provide information to customers 
• An understanding and considerate attitude towards patients, visitors and staff
• Pride in Prevent Breast Cancer, MFT and the NHS and the work volunteers carry out
• An interest in Prevent Breast and vision to prevent breast cancer for the next generation
• Patience and tolerance
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Desire and ability to liaise and work alongside hospital staff
• Good personal presentation and personal hygiene
• Willingness to attend meetings or training sessions requested by the Volunteer Management Team

Desirable: 

• Willing to get involved with other Prevent Breast Cancer events and other volunteer roles, as and when requested
• To have previously volunteered in a medical or care environment 
• Willing to shadow another volunteer and to allow new volunteers to shadow
   
   

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Family Friends - Family Befriender

Location

Within the boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham and Brent.

Time Commitment

Hours are flexible depending on the family’s needs, but an average of 2-3 hours per weekly or fortnightly for 6-12 months.

Role

To befriend a family by providing support, to improve their self-confidence, emotional health, and wellbeing, reducing their social isolation and promote their independence.

Through encouragement and support, volunteers will aim to help families discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties.

Responsibilities

• To visit a family with whom you have been matched, building a relationship of friendship and trust.
• To identify areas of support and work to achieve attainable goals
• To support parents to get out and about with their children or pursue specific activities in the community
• To complete a feedback form after each visit and to participate in regular supervision with your Coordinator
• To uphold Family Friend’s core principles, vision, culture and values and abide by Family Friends policies and procedures.

Qualities and Skills required

• To be reliable and have a genuine interest in the desire to make a difference in the lives of families
• Good communication skills
• Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

Training and Support

• You will be required to attend Induction training and participate in further training and/or networking events which may be offered.
• Ongoing support and supervision will be given by the named Coordinator either in person or via Zoom/telephone.
• Attend 4 volunteer support group meetings during the time of involvement
• Regular reviews will take place and an opportunity given for peer support through networking events with other Volunteers
• Regular newsletters, updates and news from Family Friends will be sent to you by email
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses such as food and drinks or public transport costs.

Other requirements

Due to the vulnerable nature of the people we support, we will require two references and also a DBS check. Further details will be discussed with you at recruitment.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

ROLE DESCRIPTION
Trustee – Funding & Bid Application Review

We are seeking a new Trustee to strengthen our multi-skilled and hard-working board, with specific expertise in funding and bid applications.

While we already have skilled board members and volunteers who can write strong funding applications, what we currently lack is the time and experience to:

• Research potential funding opportunities
• Review and filter which opportunities are worth pursuing
• Summarise and present recommendations to the Board and staff

This new Trustee role would add significant value to the work we already provide - by helping us focus our efforts on the most promising funding sources.

Skills and Background

We are open to a range of professional backgrounds. You may not be actively working or may have a little time free to support us in this role, but we are looking for people who can bring the following:

• Experience in bid applications, grant funding, or fundraising — particularly in identifying and assessing opportunities
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to weigh up eligibility, likelihood of success, and fit with our charity’s mission
• Confidence in working with information, making judgements, and communicating clear summaries to colleagues
• A background in areas such as fundraising, charity administration, project management, finance, business development, or legal/governance would all be relevant and useful

Commitment

As a Trustee, this voluntary role involves attending Board meetings, which are approximately every two months, an annual strategy day, occasional working groups and the AGM. Meetings are held in person where possible, with online options available. We also hold fundraising events, which you are warmly encouraged to support. The expected commitment is around 10 hours a month, including reviewing opportunities and communicating with fellow Trustees and staff via email, WhatsApp, or phone.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Family Friends - Big Buddy

Location

Within the boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham and Brent. 

Time Commitment

Hours are flexible depending on the family’s needs, but an average of 2-3 hours per weekly or fortnightly for 6-12 months. 

Role

To befriend a young person aged 10-18, providing 1:1 support to improve their self-confidence, emotional health, and wellbeing, reducing their social isolation and promote their independence.

Through encouragement and support, volunteers will aim to help young people to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties.

Responsibilities

• To visit a young person with whom you have been matched, building a relationship of friendship and trust
• To support the young person to get out and about in their community or pursue specific activities
• To complete a feedback form after each visit and to participate in regular supervision with your Coordinator
• To uphold organisation name core principles, vision, culture and values and abide by Family Friends policies and procedures.

Qualities and Skills Required

• To be reliable and have a genuine interest in the desire to make a difference in the lives of families 
• Good communication skills 
• Patience and a warm and friendly attitude 

Training and Support

• You will be required to attend Induction training and participate in further training and/or networking events which may be offered. 
• Ongoing support and supervision will be given by the named Coordinator either in person or via Zoom/telephone. 
• Attend 4 volunteer support group meetings during the time of involvement Regular reviews will take place and an opportunity given for peer support through networking events with other Volunteers 
• Regular newsletters, updates and news from Family Friends will be sent to you by email 
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses such as food and drinks or public transport costs. 

Any other requirements

Due to the vulnerable nature of the people we support, we will require two references and also a DBS check. Further details will be discussed with you at recruitment.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is a leading children’s hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life limiting conditions and their families.  Our bespoke support is free of charge and available 365 days of the year. The supplementary support to our paid staff that our volunteers offer ensures the best experience for our supported families. The hospice recognises and values the unique contribution volunteers make. 

Role Purpose

Shooting Star Children's Hospices is seeking an experienced and dedicated academic with a strong interest in paediatric palliative care, or related field to join our Research Governance Committee as a Volunteer Academic Member. 

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of research at a research active children’s hospice, to ensure that our research activities meet the highest standards of integrity, ethics and governance.

You will work with the Committee Chair, the Research Fellow, and other committee members to support research that makes a meaningful difference to children with life-limiting conditions and their families as well as bereaved families, including those where a child died unexpectedly. 

Appointment to the Committee will be subject to confirmation by the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Trustee Board.

Duties and key responsibilities

• Participate in quarterly meetings: Attend and contribute to online committee meetings held four times per year (papers and slide deck will be prepared by the Chair). 
• Review research proposals: Provide expert review of project proposals, contributing to the assurance of ethical and governance standards. 
• Support research oversight: Help ensure that all research complies with regulatory and ethical requirements and reflects best practices. 
• Contribute academic expertise: Share your knowledge and experience to strengthen the quality and impact of the charity’s research portfolio. 
• Promote collaboration: Encourage partnerships between Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and wider academic, clinical, and research communities. 
• Champion good governance: Actively promote equity, transparency, and excellence in research oversight. 

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in academic research, research governance, and research ethics. 
• Strong academic background in higher education, and health or social care research. 
• In-depth understanding of research compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HRA, UKRIO, Caldicott Guidelines, or equivalent). 
• Ability to evaluate research proposals and provide constructive feedback. 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 
• Confidence using virtual meeting platforms and digital collaboration tools. 

Desirable Attributes

• Academic research background with a track record of publications in the area of paediatric palliative care or related field.
• Previous experience serving on or chairing a research committee or governance board.
• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.

Commitment

• Quarterly committee meetings (Approximately 1 hour per meeting).
• Reviewing project proposals (Approximately 1 hour per month).
• Email communication and ad hoc queries (Approximately 1 hour per month).
• 2–3 years in the role would be appreciated for both parties to gain the most out of this experience.
• This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses related to attendance and participation will be reimbursed. 

What can I expect from volunteering for Shooting Star Children's Hospices?

• Full training and Induction for the volunteer role.
• To make a valuable and worthwhile contribution to the services we provide
• Ongoing Support from a line manager and the Volunteer Development team.
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our volunteer policy.
• A monthly volunteer newsletter with news about the charity and any ad-hoc volunteering opportunities.
• The possibility to switch volunteer roles if you decide that you would like to try something different.
• An invite to our yearly Volunteer thank you event.
• An opportunity to provide feedback via our feedback forms, surveys and our Volunteer Forum

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Trustee - Fundraising

There are hundreds of thousands of members of the fire services community across the UK. Fire and rescue services don’t just fight flames, they rescue and respond to everything from floods, major disasters and terrorist incidents to road traffic collisions.  Those who serve in fire and rescue services, face distinct and lasting health and wellbeing demands arising from their roles.

For more than 80 years, Fire Fighters Charity has stood side by side with the UK fire and rescue services community, there for them with the tailored and timely care and support they need to manage the impacts of service on they and their families - physically, emotionally and socially.

Our care and support is confidential, free, and without judgement – always. We are there when it matters most, whether in person in one of our three centres, online or by telephone, as a charitable healthcare provider. We give people in the ‘fire family’ access to the independent and tailored health care and wellbeing support they need – both during and after service.

We are recruiting  new trustees to join our Board and we invite applications from those who are experienced in operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation, have solid strategic and financial skills and relationship and influencing skills.

Specifically, we are looking for candidates who will ideally have background and skills in Fundraising, including for example with a substantial background as a senior charity fundraiser with a sound understanding and experience of voluntary income generation at both strategic and operational levels and/or knowledge and experience of brand development and/or digital audience engagement

We are increasingly becoming a group of individuals who reflect and understand the diverse communities we serve, and we value the creativity, contribution, and value that different perspectives and experience add to any organisation. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and cultures, including those from communities traditionally underrepresented in charity sector governance roles.

Closing date: Friday 10 October 2025. We reserve the right to interview on a rolling basis, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. Interviews will be held on Microsoft Teams.

SportCheer England seeks a strategic, hands-on Chair to lead them to full NGB status and champion inclusive governance and athlete-centred impact in a fast-evolving sport.

Location: Hybrid with occasional in person meetings

Who we are

SportCheer England (SCE) is the officially recognised national governing body for cheerleading in England, endorsed by the International Cheer Union (ICU) and on track for full recognition by Sport England. Representing over 89,000 athletes across recreational, competitive and elite levels, we are the voice and guardian of one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports.

Cheerleading in England is a dynamic, inclusive, and high-performance sport, encompassing both acrobatic team routines and performance cheer styles. From grassroots clubs to world championship podiums, England is a global leader pioneering ParaCheer divisions and consistently medalling at the ICU World Championships.

Since our formation in 2019, we’ve built a strong governance foundation, launched a formal membership structure and achieved pre-recognition approval from Sport England. As we enter a pivotal phase of growth and sector influence, we are seeking a strategic and hands-on Executive Chair to help shape the future of cheerleading in England.

About the role

We are recruiting an Executive Chair to lead SportCheer England through a critical period of operational development, governance maturity and sector impact.

This is a hybrid role, combining the strategic oversight of a traditional Chair with the collaborative, hands-on support of an executive leader. You will guide the Board in setting direction, ensure alignment with Sport England’s Tier 1 governance standards and help deliver key milestones on our journey to full NGB recognition.

The Executive Chair will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, champion inclusive and athlete-centred governance, and represent SCE externally with credibility and care. You’ll also play a vital role in shaping our membership offer, supporting financial sustainability and modelling the values that underpin our sport.

This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed. Time commitment is approximately 4–5 days per month, with flexibility to accommodate operational demands during this formative phase.

Who we are looking for

We welcome candidates with proven leadership experience at board or executive level, ideally within sport, youth or voluntary sectors. You’ll bring a strong understanding of UK sports governance, safeguarding and organisational development, alongside a commitment to equity, inclusion and athlete welfare.

You may have prior experience within a national governing body or have led organisations through growth, change or recognition phases. Familiarity with the Code for Sports Governance and lived experience that reflects the diversity of the cheerleading community are highly valued.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who can unite strategic vision with operational pragmatism, with the ability to inspire confidence, foster collaboration and help build a sustainable and inclusive future for cheerleading in England.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 4 p.m. Wednesday 22nd October. 

Ride High Children’s Volunteer

Children's team seeking friendly, encouraging, supportive volunteers that are open to working with horses. No experience necessary.

At Ride High MK, our charity helps over 120 children a week. These local children are referred to us for many reasons and could face serious challenges including poverty, mental health issues, and social isolation or be tackling issues such as grief, young carer responsibilities and bullying. With referrals from over 40 local agencies, including CAMHS, schools, and social services, Ride High plays a critical role in Milton Keynes’ social care and wellbeing landscape. We do this through a unique combination of equine-assisted learning and education. 

Every two-hour session for the children consists of one hour riding and horse care and one hour of clubroom work. The instructors at the riding school run the hour on the yard with our volunteers supporting the children and our skilled club leaders run the clubroom sessions. These include various projects and creative activities to work on personal and life skills.

The Children’s volunteer role involves welcoming the children, helping to find their equipment, getting them out into the stable yard for their lesson on time, assisting with riding lessons where appropriate (no experience necessary) and clubroom activities, giving the children refreshments and helping to see that they get their transport home.

We are looking for volunteers, aged 18 or over, who can commit to a regular weekly time to work with the children; helping to build their confidence, encouraging them to participate in sessions. Our greatest need is for volunteers who can help in the yard sessions, donating an hour of their time each week for the first hour of the session to help us keep the children safe and giving reassurance and encouragement so they get the most out of their session with the horses. The volunteers lead our horses while the children hone their skills and help them to understand and process directions from their riding instructors.

Timings: 

Monday to Friday (term-time only). 10:30am - 12:30pm 1:30pm-2:30pm or 2:30pm-3:30pm

Do you have a legal or financial background with experience in project management?

Are you excited about property and development?

Do you have an innovative approach?

If so, we’d really like to hear from you!

We are working in partnership with ELM Group, a not-for-profit organisation, consisting of RLHA (Retirement Lease Housing Association) and ELM Management (the non-retirement part the business). The group owns over 40 freeholds and manages another 60 estates in the South of England. The head office is in Frimley, Surrey and employs just over 160 staff.

Established in 1971 the Group is very proud of its history and its charitable status and is looking forward to a great future.

They are seeking to recruit a Chair to join the Board for 2 terms of 3 years (6 years) in line with the National Housing Federation Code of Governance 2020.

The successful candidate will have an innovative approach, a passion for property and development, bringing either legal or financial knowledge alongside excellent project management

Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday morning of each month, (except June, August, and December). There are currently 6 members of the Board and 2 Leaseholder Board Members.

If you are someone who can demonstrate these skills and experience alongside the ability to advise and contribute to the Board, then we would like to hear from you.

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

£2,781 per annum plus reasonable expenses

Closing date for applications: 2nd November 2025