Volunteer roles

Support climbing sessions by helping create an encouraging and welcoming environment where young people can challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop resilience. Volunteers will assist qualified staff with participant engagement, encouragement, and session support.

Help young people develop confidence and self-belief Encourage resilience and problem-solving skills Promote healthy lifestyles and positive risk-taking Support personal achievement and goal setting

You will need to have the following skills in order to participate:

• Interest in climbing or outdoor activities (experience desirable but not essential)
• Positive and encouraging attitude
• Good communication skills
• Ability to support and motivate young people
• Reliability and teamwork
• Willingness to follow health and safety procedures
• Directions - public transport

Vault Youth Zone is accessible by local bus and train services.

Limited local parking may be available. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

Join Vault Youth Zone as a Volunteer Youth Worker and help create a fun, welcoming, and engaging space for young people aged 8–19 (up to 25 for young people with additional needs). Volunteers support the Recreation & Engagement team in delivering activities such as pool, table tennis, board games, challenges, group discussions, themed projects, and social activities.

As a volunteer, you will help young people build confidence, make friends, develop new skills, and feel part of a positive community. You will encourage participation, promote our values, and act as a positive role model while working alongside our team of youth workers.

No previous youth work experience is required. Ongoing support and training will be provided.

Help young people feel safe, supported, and inspired. Build confidence, resilience, and social connections among young people. Create positive experiences that encourage personal development and wellbeing. Support an inclusive environment where young people can have fun, express themselves, and develop life skills.

You will need to have the following skills in order to participate:

• Positive and friendly attitude
• Good communication and listening skills
• Ability to engage and encourage young people
• Teamwork and reliability
• Enthusiasm for creating fun and inclusive activities
• Respect for diversity and inclusion
• Willingness to undertake training and follow safeguarding procedures

Vault Youth Zone is accessible by local bus and train services.

Public parking is available locally. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

Support the delivery of creative arts and crafts activities that encourage young people to express themselves, develop new skills, and build confidence. Volunteers will help facilitate activities such as painting, drawing, sculpture, crafts, and themed creative projects while creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. You will encourage participation, celebrate creativity, and help young people explore their ideas in a fun and supportive space.

Inspire creativity and self-expression in young people Build confidence through creative achievement and skill development Encourage positive social interaction and teamwork Provide a safe space for young people to explore their interests and talents

The skills you'll need

• Enthusiasm for arts, crafts, and creativity
• Good communication and listening skills
• Patience and encouragement when supporting young people
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Positive and inclusive attitude
• Willingness to undertake safeguarding training

Vault Youth Zone is accessible by local bus and train services.

Public car parking is available locally. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

Join the Brigantia Learning Trust – Make a Difference in Your Community

At Brigantia Learning Trust, governance looks a little different—and that’s what makes it so effective. Our approach brings together local voices, strong leadership and a shared commitment to delivering the very best for our academies and communities.

How Our Governance Works

Our governance model is built on four connected layers:

• Academy Advisory Councils (AACs) – representing local voices
• The Board of Trustees – providing strategic oversight
• The Trust Leadership Team – delivering day-to-day executive leadership
• Trust Members – ensuring accountability at the highest level

Supporting this structure are specialist committees covering Finance, Risk & Audit, HR, Education & Standards, and Remuneration, alongside our four Academy Advisory Councils at:

• Brigantia Hill Fort
• Hinde House (2–16)
• Yewlands
• Longley Park Sixth Form

As our Trust grows, our AACs are playing an increasingly vital role, with opportunities for greater responsibility and influence over time.

The Role of the Academy Advisory Council

Each AAC is made up of dedicated individuals—parents, staff, and members of the local community—who work closely with academy leaders and Trust representatives.

This is your opportunity to:

• Have your voice heard at Trust level
• Support and challenge academy leaders
• Represent your community and its interests
• Help shape the experience of young people locally

You’ll meet with senior academy leaders, alongside Link Trustees and members of the Trust Executive Team, ensuring your insights directly inform decision-making.

What You’ll Do

As an Academy Advisor, you will:

• Act as a critical friend—supportive, encouraging, and constructively challenging
• Provide local insight to inform Trust decisions
• Support safeguarding understanding at academy level
• Build strong links between the academy and its community
• Review academy performance and discuss key priorities
• Help ensure Trust values and ethos are lived day-to-day

Unlike traditional governing bodies, you won’t be burdened with financial or staffing decisions. Instead, you’ll have the time and focus to look at what really matters—impact, experience and community voice.

What’s Expected of You

We understand this is a voluntary role, and we aim to make it meaningful and manageable:

• Three meetings per year, usually held after school
• Preparation by reading papers and contributing to discussions
• Occasional focused academy visits to understand life on the ground
• Completion of a simple annual skills audit
• Commitment to safeguarding training and DBS clearance

Why Get Involved?

Becoming an Academy Advisor is a rewarding way to give back, develop your skills, and help shape the future of education in your community.

Your perspective matters—whether you’re a parent, professional, or community member. Together, we can ensure every academy continues to thrive.

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.

Location: Remote / Hybrid (UK-based)
Type: Freelance / Contract – Flexible hours
Revenue Share: 70% to Solicitor / 30% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

About Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

At Guardian Light Enterprises LTD, we are more than a social enterprise — we are a beacon of hope for children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and hardship.

Our mission is to empower and protect the most vulnerable, giving them the tools, legal support, and guidance they need to build brighter futures. Every session you deliver as a solicitor doesn’t just provide legal advice — it gives someone dignity, hope, and a chance to reclaim their life.

Role Purpose

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated freelance solicitors to provide expert legal guidance to our beneficiaries. This role is flexible, allowing you to use your legal expertise to make a tangible difference in the lives of children, teenagers, and single-parent families who urgently need your support.

You will:

• Offer legal advice on family law, employment rights, housing, or other related areas

• Guide clients through complex legal processes with clarity and empathy

• Provide practical, actionable advice that empowers clients to take control of their lives

• Collaborate with GLF staff and volunteers to ensure clients are supported holistically

Hours & Commitment

• Recommended: 6–12 hours per month at the early stage

• Sessions can be scheduled flexibly to suit your availability and client needs

• Each session revenue split: 70% to you, 30% reinvested into GLF programs

Compensation & Payment

• Paid per session based on agreed client engagement

• Revenue sharing model ensures fair and transparent payment

• Payment schedule: monthly for simplicity, with detailed statements provided

• Additional incentives: high-performing solicitors may be offered Board Member or Advisory Board roles

Skills & Experience

• Qualified solicitor in the UK, practising in relevant areas (family law, housing, employment, or youth-focused law)

• Strong empathy, patience, and communication skills

• Comfortable working remotely and in collaboration with a mission-driven team

• Passion for social justice, children’s rights, and supporting vulnerable communities

Policies & Safeguarding

• DBS check required (Enhanced, £12.50 volunteer rate)

• Commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

• Adherence to GLF Confidentiality, Data Protection, and Equality policies

Benefits

• Directly impact the lives of vulnerable children, teens, and families

• Flexible working hours to suit your schedule

• Opportunities for professional growth, networking, and community recognition

• Invitation to join our Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the enterprise scales

• Being part of a mission that transforms lives — where every hour you give makes a tangible difference

• Public recognition on GLF communications, website, and reports

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are someone who:

• Believes that legal guidance is a lifeline for those who have nowhere else to turn

• Feels fulfilled by using your expertise to create social impact

• Is proactive, compassionate, and able to work independently

• Wants to be part of a groundbreaking social enterprise at the startup stage

• Values ethical work, transparency, and accountability

• Solicitor must hold - Their own Professional Indemnity Insurance and/or Public Liability Insurance cover

Honorary Therapist Placements: London Schools & Specialist Trauma Service 

Are you a trainee or newly qualified therapist looking to develop your clinical practice within a highly specialist service? 

Respond is seeking honorary therapists to join our schools and clinic-based psychotherapy services supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities who have experienced trauma, abuse and adversity. 

We welcome applications from trainees and newly qualified practitioners in counselling, psychotherapy, dramatherapy, dance movement psychotherapy and other creative arts therapies. 

In return, we offer: 

• Specialist experience within a nationally recognised trauma-informed service

• Clinical supervision from experienced HCPC/BACP/UKCP registered clinicians

• Experience working with autistic people and people with learning disabilities

• Opportunities to contribute to assessments, individual therapy and multidisciplinary working

• Ongoing training and professional development

Placements available in Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey and Shoreditch. 

Join us in helping people move from trauma towards recovery and empowerment. 

If you have experience in the private, public or voluntary sectors and the drive to make a difference, East Anglia's Children;s Hospice (EACH) have an opportunity for you to join our Clinical Governance Committee (and one other board committee) in a voluntary role to make a positive contribution to the work we do.

We are looking for a talented health professional; ideally with a background in paediatrics, to join our board of trustees to bring strong knowledge of clinical governance frameworks and healthcare regulations. You’ll bring valuable previous experience at a senior level to give specialised input on clinical governance to ensure safe, effective, and ethical delivery of EACH’s healthcare-related objectives. You will work with the Care leadership team to monitor adherence to healthcare standards, including those set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

We welcome applicants with a medical background (ideally in paediatrics but not essential), and who bring knowledge of clinical safeguarding, patient safety, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and co-production.

Our trustees drive our strategic development and hold our management team to account and the range of perspectives and lived experience trustees bring to board-level discussions helps us respond more effectively to our service users and the children and young people we support.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board and would particularly welcome applications from individuals from under-represented communities, and those whose lived experience or perspective would strengthen our ability to serve children and families from all backgrounds.

We would particularly like to hear from individuals who are well networked within our local communities across East Anglia; knowledge of, and connections within, the Cambridgeshire region would be especially advantageous.

We value hugely the contribution trustees make to EACH helping us to ensure our service users and families receive safe, well-led compassionate care.  You should be able to commit to four full day committee meetings per year (held in person at our hospice near Norwich) as well as four half day meetings held at our Milton (Cambridge) hospice. There is normally an additional one-day awayday meeting annually and some ad hoc activities, such as hospice quality visits or attendance at fundraising or community events in the East Anglia region.  Applicants will need to have their own transport. 

You must be over 18 and eligible to act as a Charity Trustee in England.

What can a trustee role give you?

Being a trustee can be extremely rewarding. You will have:

• A comprehensive induction and training plan
• Opportunities to influence important strategic decisions
• Opportunities to gain new skills and to collaborate with senior managers across a variety of functions at EACH
• Influence to shape innovative projects
• Opportunities to build broader business awareness and professional development
• The chance to improve the palliative and end of life care of children and young people and the support we offer to their families 

Recruitment Information:

Trustee positions are un-remunerated although reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid. This role offers a person the chance to make a strong valuable contribution to a respected community organisation with exposure at Board level.

Appointment to the Trustee Board will be subject to a selection process and satisfactory references and an advanced DBS check.

EACH are committed to building an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage applications from all areas of the community, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.  We welcome applications from people from ethnically diverse and under-represented backgrounds, as well as those with lived experience of physical or mental health conditions. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of our communities and fosters an inclusive culture where all perspectives are valued.

How to apply:

For more information or for an informal chat about this rewarding opportunity, please contact Anna Lipp.

If you feel you have the skills, passion and time to commit to this role and would like to apply, please submit a CV together with a supporting statement summarising your interest in joining the Trustee Board at EACH outlining what qualities you think you have to contribute to the charity’s mission and how you feel your values match those at EACH. 

• The closing date for applications is 14th June 2026
• Interviews are expected to be held via MS Teams initially with a follow up in person meeting/tour of the hospice

Ready to use your skills to support young people seeking safety?

Join Young Roots as a Trustee and help young refugees rebuild their lives.

Young Roots is a London-based charity supporting young people aged 14–25 who are seeking safety in the UK, many of whom are here alone. Our youth clubs are places of welcome for young people who are isolated, lonely and without family.Our caseworkers make sure young people have everything they need to thrive - somewhere safe to live, a college place, a doctor or a lawyer. And our campaigners are amplifying young people's voices, calling for a fairer, kinder asylum system.

We are now looking for passionate and committed people to join our Board of Trustees. We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:

• Finance (Treasurer)
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
• Fundraising

This is a chance to bring your expertise to an ambitious organisation delivering life-changing support and campaigning for a more compassionate asylum system. You'll help guide our strategy, strengthen our impact and ensure we are fit for the future.

You don't need previous trustee experience — we'll provide training, support and development. What matters most is your enthusiasm for our mission and your commitment to making a difference.

We strongly encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of the asylum system and people from communities currently underrepresented in leadership roles.

Commitment: Around 2–4 hours per week, with board meetings every two months (a mix of remote and central London meetings).

Application deadline: 14 June

Join us and help young people seeking safety rebuild thier lives.

Job Description:

Job Summary We are seeking a motivated and creative Social Media Manager to manager our social media team. This role is ideal for individuals looking to share their experience and skills in public relations and social media management. As a Social Media manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing our social media strategy, helping to enhance our online presence and engage with our audience effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage and show leadership to our Social media team
• Responsible for creating engaging content for various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
• Monitor social media channels for trends, feedback, and engagement opportunities.
• Help manage the scheduling and posting of content across all platforms.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop campaigns that align with our brand voice and objectives.
• Conduct research on industry trends and competitor activities to inform content strategies.
• Support the analysis of social media metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns and suggest improvements.
• Host team meetings and contribute ideas for enhancing our social media presence.
• Report to senior management

Requirements

• Strong interest in public relations and social media management.
• Excellent written communication skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Familiarity with various social media platforms and their best practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Creative mindset with the ability to generate innovative ideas for content creation.
• Basic knowledge of graphic design tools (e.g., Canva or Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus but not essential.
• A proactive attitude towards learning and personal development.

This internship offers an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive environment while contributing to meaningful projects that impact our brand's visibility and engagement online.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This role is an expenses only role. Expenses will be reimbursed

We would require you to work for 3 days a week.

Job Type: Internship

Contract length: 6 months

Work Location: Remote

Becoming a Trustee with Brigantia Learning Trust is an opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting difference. Trustees are central to our mission. You will be part of a committed group helping to shape the future of education across our academies. You’ll work alongside passionate professionals, community leaders, and educators to ensure that every learner thrives, regardless of background, barriers, or circumstance. This is a chance to support transformative work, promote fairness, and be part of creating excellence together. 

As a volunteer Trustee, we are committed to ensuring your time with us is meaningful and rewarding. As a Trustee, you will receive:

• A personalised induction and ongoing CPD
• Mentoring from experienced Board members
• Access to Trust-wide networks and national conferences
• Opportunities to build your governance experience
• Strategic engagement with our Executive Team
• The chance to shape young lives and strengthen communities.

Trustees play a critical leadership role to ensure the Trust meets its charitable purpose and remains focused on the communities it serves. As a member of the board, you will:

• Set and safeguard the ethos and strategic direction
• Monitor performance and hold the CEO to account
• Represent the voice and needs of our diverse communities
• Oversee financial and legal compliance
• Ensure decisions are made with equity, integrity and purpose.

We are building a Board that reflects the richness and diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome people from all walks of life who care about education and social justice.

• A shared belief in our mission and values
• Integrity, curiosity, and strategic thinking
• A sense of civic duty and community commitment
• Willingness to learn and grow as part of a team

We ask for: 

• 4–6 Board meetings per year
• Participation in at least one committee or working group
• Occasional attendance to school or Trust events (encouraged)

OOEF is a small, fast-growing charity and we need people to help us run it well. You can do this on-site with us — in which case you will the magic in action — or remotely, or a mixture of both. Volunteer scheduling, communications, grant applications, impact reporting, events, partnerships... or whatever else you spot needs doing and are motivated to get involved with. No music background needed. We are looking for someone organised, reliable and genuinely interested in what we do.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at two Bath primary schools in Twerton and Whiteway — nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

As an Operations & Admin Volunteer you might focus on one area or help across several, depending on your skills and availability: volunteer scheduling, communications, grant applications, impact reporting, events and partnerships. This role can be shaped entirely around you. If you want to be on-site — watching sessions, being part of the team, seeing the impact first-hand — we would love that. Volunteers who come in consistently tell us it is the most motivating thing about the work. But if remote or flexible working suits you better, that works too.

What you'll bring

• Organisational ability and initiative — keeping multiple things moving without always being asked

• Clear written and verbal communication

• Comfort with email and shared documents

• Any of the following are a real bonus: bookkeeping, design, research, fundraising, project management, web skills

Time commitment

The time commitment is flexible and entirely negotiable — from a couple of hours per month to something more regular. Some volunteers come via employer volunteering schemes on a rota (companies and organisations are very welcome); others commit as individuals on an ad hoc basis; others come as students fitting volunteering around their studies. We will shape the arrangement entirely around your availability.

What you'll get from it

• Real insight into how a values-driven music charity operates at a pivotal moment in its growth

• Close working with the founding team on work that genuinely matters

• If you come on-site: the chance to see the direct impact of what you do

• We welcome pro bono contributions from companies supporting employee volunteering

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF (if working on-site)

When children finish Year 6 in our primary programme, many of them don't want the music to stop. So we have started an evening youth club to keep it going. It runs in partnership with Youth Connect South West, and the Police Early Intervention Team back it because they see music as a practical tool against gang recruitment and knife crime. We need musicians or singers who want to teach instruments and support creative projects with young people in their community.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at two Bath primary schools in Twerton and Whiteway — nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

The youth club runs in partnership with Youth Connect South West and is endorsed by the Police Early Intervention Team and the Bath & North East Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership — who see music as a frontline tool against gang recruitment and knife crime.

As a Youth Club Music Leader you will draw on your musical skills to teach instruments, support group projects, and help young people develop creatively and socially. You will work in teams with other musicians and youth workers. Formal teaching qualifications are not required.

Note: this role is specifically for people who play an instrument or sing. If you are interested in a pastoral or support role at the youth club without a music requirement, please get in touch to ask about our Youth Club Support Volunteer role.

What you'll bring

• The ability to play an instrument or sing — any genre or style welcome

• Genuine warmth and consistency with young people, including those from complex backgrounds

• Musical credibility alongside the ability to connect with and earn the trust of young people

• Reliability — these young people need familiar, dependable adults in their lives

Time commitment

Most volunteers usually come in one evening per week or per fortnight — sessions run for 2 hours, but if you can only make part of that then we will work around your availability. Some come via community or employer rotas; others commit individually. We will work around your schedule and build the arrangement around what suits you.

What you'll get from it

• Deeply rewarding work in a community that genuinely needs what you can offer

• Skills in youth engagement, informal education and community music

• The chance to work alongside an experienced, passionate and supportive team

• Training, mentoring and references provided

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF 

For many of the children in our programme, OOEF is the first time they have ever seen a live musician or held an instrument. We bring guest musicians into school to perform for them and help them try instruments from our own collection. It is one of our most popular sessions — and one of the most memorable things you are likely to do as a volunteer. Any instrument welcome. Any genre. Amateur or professional. We will sort the instruments — you just need to bring yourself and your music.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at St Michael's Junior School in Twerton and Whiteway — two schools in nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

You might visit once or come back regularly. You might play solo, with a colleague, or as part of an ensemble. Sessions are supervised alongside OOEF staff and volunteers throughout — you will never be alone with children. The children's reaction — curiosity, delight, the moment a sound comes out of an instrument for the first time — is something volunteers consistently describe as one of the most joyful experiences of their lives.

What you'll bring

• The ability to play an instrument or sing to a standard you are comfortable demonstrating

• Warmth and confidence engaging with groups of primary-school-age children

• A love of sharing music — the enthusiasm is as important as the skill

Time commitment

Guest musician sessions are fully ad hoc — we confirm dates that suit you. A typical visit is around 1-2 hours. Some musicians come individually; others come as part of ensembles, university music societies or via employer volunteering programmes. There is no minimum commitment — one visit is genuinely valuable.

What you'll get from it

• A genuinely joyful experience — children are the most honest, enthusiastic audience you will ever play to

• The chance to inspire young people who may go on to play themselves

• A place in a growing community of musicians supporting OOEF's work across Bath

• Complete flexibility — one visit or many, entirely on your terms

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF