Youth/Children Volunteer Roles

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run approximately 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people, and families across the UK.

Whilst we primarily sell pre-loved items, we still have a massive part to play in reducing our carbon footprint, protecting our planet, and reserving resources for future generations. Our Retail Sustainability Team is responsible for ensuring we continue to reduce what we are sending to landfill whilst also looking for additional ways to raise funds through different sustainability initiatives.

Being part of our Sustainability Team within our retail stores means you will help make a positive change by mending, creating, and transforming some of our donations into new items to be sold in-store.

It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a month (or even more) but we’re very flexible to work around our volunteer’s availability.

Why we want you

As a Refashion Volunteer you will support us in our work towards becoming as more sustainable charity. You will be part of the instore sustainability team and take textile items that cannot be resold and transform them into new saleable items thereby reducing our waste.

What you will be doing

• Taking textile items allocated for rag and removing items such as zips, buttons etc to be sold as haberdashery
• Cutting fabric into patches to be sold for crafting
• Making small repairs to items such as sewing seams or buttons etc
• Transforming items into new and exciting pieces
• Collaborate with in-store staff to find items suitable for upcycling
• Ensure all health & safety procedures are adhered to

The skills you need

• A passion for sustainability, crafting or upcycling
• Enjoy being creative and artistic
• An ability to sew and/or use a sewing machine (desirable but not necessary)
• Confident in working independently but also happy to collaborate as part of a team
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including sustainability initiatives.
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning, development, and progression opportunities
• Volunteering in a fast paced and diverse environment
• Improve your knowledge and understanding of sustainability in a retail environment
• An opportunity to help make a difference by sharing your learning with others
• In-store discount (20%)
• Access to our internal job opportunities

Location:

Unit 17/17a, 53 Valley Road, Forster Square Retail Park, Bradford, BD1 4RN, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 16

Purpose and Aims of the role: 

We are looking for volunteers who can provide a strong foundation to help strengthen their communities by helping Care Experienced children and young people engage in activities to build their skills and confidence and to be included, understood, respected, and valued in their communities.

The Group Work Volunteer role will work alongside our innovative and energetic Edinburgh project team, supporting to raise awareness of Care Experience and supporting activities for young people, providing supportive adults to ensure all children and young people can thrive, bringing communities together.

This role will involve interacting with young people aged 5-17 through supporting and leading on a variety of activities e.g. arts/crafts/sports/general youth work at our fortnightly/monthly sessions as well as at our National events that happen throughout the year. This role will help build community strengths for Care Experienced people and provide social networks to help build resilience and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Who Cares? Scotland is a people organisation. We invest in our people, our relationships and in a positive working culture. It’s important to us that our volunteer team is included, involved and motivated to change society. 

We aim to recruit people with excellent qualities from a wide variety of backgrounds who share in our mission. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with care experience. 

What will I be doing? 

• Supporting staff to undertake activities 

• Leading on activities 

• Supporting young people’s sense of belonging and connection 

• Building community ties, ensuring Care Experienced people are welcomed within communities.

• Helping children and young people to have fun 

• Building children and young people’s confidence and self esteem 

• Being a positive role model 

What skills can I bring to this role? 

• A knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Care Experienced people. 

• Ability to work well in a team. 

• Good communication and listening skills. 

• Ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in activities. 

What qualities do I need? 

• To have a non-judgemental approach to people, have empathy. 

• Be enthusiastic, flexible and committed. 

• Reliable and approachable. 

• Friendly, helpful and understanding. 

• A commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner. 

• To have a good value base, be open minded and level-headed. 

Purpose and Aims of the role: 

We are looking for volunteers who can provide a strong foundation to help strengthen their communities by helping Care Experienced children and young people engage in activities to build their skills and confidence and to be included, understood, respected, and valued in their communities.

The Group Work Volunteer role will work alongside our innovative and energetic East Lothian project team, supporting the delivery of the fortnightly East Lothian Champions Board groups. The group allows Care Experienced children and young people to build connections with others and provides a platform for them to raise their views and experiences to promote change.

This role will involve interacting with young people aged 12-17 through supporting and leading on a variety of activities e.g. arts/crafts/sports/general youth work at our fortnightly sessions as well as at our National events that happen throughout the year. This role will help build connection and belonging for Care Experienced young people and provide a platform to allow them to influence positive change. Providing transport to young people to and from the fortnightly sessions is a key need for the group.

Who Cares? Scotland is a people organisation. We invest in our people, our relationships and in a positive working culture. It’s important to us that our volunteer team is included, involved and motivated to change society. 

We aim to recruit people with excellent qualities from a wide variety of backgrounds who share in our mission. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with care experience. 

What will I be doing? 

• Supporting staff to undertake activities 

• Leading on activities 

• Supporting young people’s sense of belonging and connection 

• Building community ties, ensuring Care Experienced people are welcomed within communities.

• Helping children and young people to have fun 

• Building children and young people’s confidence and self esteem 

• Being a positive role model 

What skills can I bring to this role? 

• A knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Care Experienced people. 

• Ability to work well in a team. 

• Good communication and listening skills. 

• Ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in activities. 

What qualities do I need? 

• To have a non-judgemental approach to people, have empathy. 

• Be enthusiastic, flexible and committed. 

• Reliable and approachable. 

• Friendly, helpful and understanding. 

• A commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner. 

• To have a good value base, be open minded and level-headed. 

We are looking for volunteers who can provide a strong foundation to help strengthen their communities by helping Care Experienced children and young people engage in activities to build their skills and confidence and to be included, understood, respected, and valued in their communities.

The Youth Work Support Volunteer role will work alongside our innovative and energetic Clackmannanshire project team, supporting to raise awareness of Care Experience and supporting activities for young people, providing supportive adults to ensure all children and young people can thrive, bringing communities together.

This role will involve interacting with young people aged 5-17 through supporting and leading on a variety of activities e.g. arts/crafts/sports/general youth work at our weekly/fortnightly sessions as well as at our National events that happen throughout the year (Participation). This role will help build community strengths for Care Experienced people and provide social networks to help build resilience and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Who Cares? Scotland is a people organisation. We invest in our people, our relationships and in a positive working culture. It’s important to us that our volunteer team is included, involved and motivated to change society.

We aim to recruit people with excellent qualities from a wide variety of backgrounds who share in our mission. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with care experience.

What will I be doing?

· Supporting staff to undertake activities

· Leading on activities

· Supporting young people’s sense of belonging and connection

· Building community ties, ensuring Care Experienced people are welcomed within communities.

· Building relationships with local schools through delivering this work.

· Helping children and young people to have fun

· Building children and young people’s confidence and self esteem

· Being a positive role model.

What skills can I bring to this role?

· A knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Care Experienced people.

· Ability to work well in a team.

· Ability to work in a school setting.

· Good communication and listening skills.

· Ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in activities.

· Strong presentation and facilitation skills.

What qualities do I need?

· To have a non-judgemental approach to people, have empathy.

· Be enthusiastic, flexible and committed.

· Reliable and approachable.

· Friendly, helpful and understanding.

· A commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner.

· To have a good value base, be open minded and level-headed.

When will I be needed?

· Groups will range between weekly/fortnightly (there is flexibility here to suit you)

· Approximately 2 hours per week/fortnight in the early evening

What will I gain from the role?

· Experience of working alongside an influencing team.

· Knowledge of Government/ Corporate Parenting roles and policies.

· Practical experience of working in a team.

· Experience working with children and young people.

· Youth work skills.

· Have fun!

What support will I be given?

· Induction

· Role specific training and information

· Expenses – all out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed

· Supervision and support from your manager / coordinator

· Group supervision/peer support sessions with other volunteers and staff

We're setting up a new youth charity called REMIX and looking for a volunteer who can manage our new youth charity, including the set up and running of it.

REMIX aims to be a dynamic youth-focused charity passionate and committed to empowering young people from deprived areas and disadvantaged backgrounds across London and beyond by creating opportunities and experiences that address the holistic needs of young people, that EMPOWER young people and INSPIRE change that puts them on a path to TRANSFORM their lives for the better. Our evidence-based programmes will focus on developing essential life skills, fostering healthy lifestyles, and unlocking personal growth by experienced and dedicated positive role models in a safe and non judgemental environment, helping young people discover themselves and the world around them.

We're looking for a Youth Charity Manager (VOLUNTEER):

The volunteer role of Youth Charity Manager at REMIX is pivotal in shaping and managing the charity, driving and ensuring we deliver significant social change in young peoples lives in London and beyond.

Here are some of the key tasks and duties associated with this role:

1. Set up and manage REMIX.
2. Design and implement programmes that align with REMIX’s strategic vision, ensuring they are effective and impactful.
3. Develop and apply robust metrics to assess and report on the effectiveness of the programmes, ensuring they achieve the desired outcomes.
4. Build a team around you to support you in running REMIX and carrying out the work we need to do to drive social change.
5. Build and maintain relationships with partners, funders, and young people to enhance programme reach and impact. 
6. Lead and inspire the team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

​The role requires a commitment to the cause, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead and manage a diverse team. It’s a role that offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people and the community as a whole.

Together, let’s REMIX the narrative of our world!

REMIX

EMPOWER | INSPIRE | TRANSFORM

We're setting up a new youth charity called REMIX and looking for a volunteer to join us in the role of Website Designer who can help us get REMIX by creating a visually appealing vibrant one page website that we can add pages too once we are fully registered as a charity.

REMIX aims to be a dynamic youth-focused charity passionate and committed to empowering young people from deprived areas and disadvantaged backgrounds across London and beyond by creating opportunities and experiences that address the holistic needs of young people, that EMPOWER young people and INSPIRE change that puts them on a path to TRANSFORM their lives for the better. Our evidence-based programmes will focus on developing essential life skills, fostering healthy lifestyles, and unlocking personal growth by experienced and dedicated positive role models in a safe and non judgemental environment, helping young people discover themselves and the world around them.

We're looking for volunteer Website Designer:

We're searching for a visionary Website Designer to lay the foundation of our online presence with a stunning one-page website that captures our essence and mission. We want a website that can be added too and launched once we are fully launched with our charity number. The one page wesbite will initially give us online presence and help us raise awareness of REMIX to people across London and beyond.

Together, let’s REMIX the narrative of our world!

REMIX

EMPOWER | INSPIRE | TRANSFORM

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

You can be based anywhere in the UK to become a Doorstep Library online volunteer.

• Time commitment: One evening a week, or once every 3 weeks as a Stand-In Volunteer
• Hours per week: 2
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Skills/Experience Needed

• Be able to make a regular weekly commitment or once every 3 weeks for a Stand-In Volunteer during school term time
• Be compliant with our safeguarding procedures, complete an Enhanced DBS, Child Barred List check, and provide 2 references
• Enjoy spending time with children and believe in education for all
• Have comfortable fluency in English
• Be non-judgmental and respectful of a variety of lifestyles and children’s learning
• Have excellent communication skills – be able to listen to families and communicate effectively with Project Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff)
• Be confident using technology – for connecting with families via Zoom and completing records
• Be organised – be able to multi-task in a multi-faceted role comprising of much more than solely reading to children
• Be reliable – always attending a pre-agreed session and giving plenty of notice in advance of absences
• Be friendly – to build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the team
• Be confident – to lead the session or mentor a new volunteer
• Be patient, persistent and flexible – tailoring your approach to each family’s needs

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.  

We are based in Camden, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth and Westminster.

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families at their homes every week with a backpack full of books to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick books based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Visit their homes with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Leave behind a selection of books for the children to borrow for the week

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

We have volunteer opportunities in: Hammersmith, Parsons Green, Fulham Broadway, Shepherds Bush, East Acton, Latimer Road, Euston, Kings Cross, Marylebone, Edgware Road, Queens Park, Pimlico, Brixton and Tulse Hill.

• Time commitment: One evening a week, or once every 3 weeks as a Stand-In Volunteer
• Hours per week: 2.5
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays depending on where you are based from 4:30pm – 7:00pm

Skills/Experience Needed

• Be able to make a regular weekly commitment or once every 3 weeks for a Stand-In Volunteer during school term time
• Be compliant with our safeguarding procedures, complete an Enhanced DBS, Child Barred List check, and provide 2 references
• Enjoy spending time with children and believe in education for all
• Have comfortable fluency in English
• Be non-judgmental and respectful of a variety of lifestyles and children’s learning
• Have excellent communication skills – be able to listen to families and communicate effectively with Project Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff)
• Be reliable – always attending a pre-agreed session and giving plenty of notice in advance of absences
• Be friendly – to build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the team
• Be confident – to lead the session or mentor a new volunteer
• Be patient, persistent and flexible – tailoring your approach to each family’s needs

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.  

The vacancy

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is seeking to appoint one new Trustee. As a DofE Trustee you will make a meaningful contribution to our work, helping young people develop themselves so they have the skills and confidence to make the most of whatever life throws at them. 

The duties of a trustee are as follows:

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (for example, its trust deed, constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objects (for example, the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public.

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.

• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, and remuneration of the chief executive (if the charity employs staff) 

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Trustees Board reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Person specification

A commitment to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and its vision, mission, and values

– An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

– Experience as a Board member in a business or charitable organisation

– A qualified accountant who has experience as a CFO or audit committee partner, candidates must have the capacity and capability to undertake the role of DofE’s Chair of Audit, Investment and Risk Committee

– Ability to distil complex information and bring a pragmatic approach to its application

– Understanding of risk and how to identify, manage and mitigate risks and at Board level

– Highly-effective communication and interpersonal skills

– Independent, innovative, strategic and creative thinker

– Sound judgement, ability to weigh up different options and information and make informed decisions

– Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with other Trustees and the Executive Leadership Team

– A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity accountability, openness, honesty and

Trustee recruitment:

To meet the changing needs and aspirations of the most diverse generation of young adults ever, our Board needs a range of perspectives, skills, and lived experience.

The DofE Trustee Board is particularly keen to recruit a new trustee with skills, expertise and lived experience in the following areas:

• A qualified accountant and has professional experience as a CFO or as an Audit partner. 
• Candidates must have the capacity and capability to undertake the role of DofE’s Chair of Audit, Investment and Risk Committee
• Experience as a Board member in a business or charitable organisation.

Terms of Appointment

Trustees are appointed for an initial four-year term with the possibility to extend for a further four-year period.

Time commitment

• Four formal board meetings per year (3 hours per meeting), ordinarily held in central London or via Microsoft Teams.

• Sub-committee meetings - circa four a year or when required (usually 1-2 hours per meeting).

• A board strategy away day per year.

• Reading time for papers.

Time to participate in essential training and ongoing Trustee development.

• Contribution to charity events and activities, such as fundraising events and Staff Conference.

Induction, training and governance

Safe recruitment practice applies to our Trustees, and if appointed we will expect you to complete an induction to the DofE, visit our sites and meet key staff, volunteers and participants.

Trustees are required to provide suitable references, undertake a basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar),fit and proper person checks and provide confirmation of identity and any relevant qualifications. In addition, we will ask you to declare any relevant interests on an annual basis and sign up to our Trustee Code of Conduct.

To support you in your role as a Trustee we will provide training in relation to safeguarding and data protection as part of your induction and offer ongoing learning and development opportunities as well as an optional mentor and regular guidance and performance check ins throughout your time as a Trustee.

How to apply

For further information about DofE UK, our work and impact, please see our website. 

If you require further information regarding the opportunity which is not covered within the Trustee Recruitment Pack, please reach out to Lauren Walden-Pidding. 

The closing date for applications midnight on 19th May 2024

Interview will take place: from week commencing 27th May 2024.

To apply, please submit a CV supported by a covering letter outlining your motivation for applying and highlighting how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the specific requirements of the role.

Please also note we will require two professional references in support of your application.

The Island Lead Volunteer is a key volunteer leadership role within Scouting with responsibility for providing outstanding management and support for the groups within the County. The primary focus for the Island Lead Volunteer is to ensure that Scouting is able to reach every young person in Jersey; open to all regardless of faith, colour or social background, because we believe Scouting has the ability to change lives.

This is achieved by leading the team of Group Lead Volunteers, and other Island appointments as well as working with the Growth and Communities Team (employed staff) to provide enough places to meet the demand for Scouting, and by ensuring that every youth member has access to a high-quality balanced programme that is challenging, relevant and rewarding.

As our Island Lead Volunteer, you'll get the opportunity to lead Jersey through transformation and develop working in teams, and look at extending the reach of scouting to all parts of the county and for all those who want to become involved. You will be able to really develop and hone your leadership skills by managing teams of remote volunteers across the breadth of Jersey.

Leading and managing volunteers provides so much more opportunity and experiences than with employees, and the skills you can gain by doing this really can be a great asset for your professional life as well as in Scouts. The issues and challenges that you find ways to tackle will stretch you as an individual and as a leader, and you’ll find yourself discovering new things that you are capable of achieving, all within a supportive environment.

If you get a kick out of seeing things happen, achieving success and making a positive impact to a wide audience then the Island Lead Volunteer role definitely provides all of that. 

We are looking for Volunteers based in either:

Gloucester, Bristol., South Wales, Devon, Somerset, Hertfordshire and Leicester.

To help run our family hubs, where tasks involve making refreshments and interacting with families.

Help with fundraising events: include selling raffle tickets, helping at the charity awaremeness stand, talking to people etc.

Volunteering opportunity: The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is seeking new Trustees 

Join us as a Trustee at The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain! As a registered charity, we’re seeking dedicated individuals to guide us in fulfilling our mission with integrity and passion.

Responsibilities include shaping strategic direction, safeguarding the organisation’s values, ensuring financial stability, and actively contributing to board decisions. Trustees play a key role in promoting openness, honesty, and leadership.

We’re looking for committed individuals with a love for brass banding and youth music, and expertise in areas like arts management, funding development, audience development, marketing and communication.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact, join us on this exciting journey! We are seeking applications from a broad range of backgrounds and ages. Don't be put off if this is would be your first charity trusteeship - to develop greater youth voice applications from under 25s welcome.

This role involves working directly with 11 – 18yr olds through our NEST bereavement support programme which uses craft, activities and group talk to explore grief. Group work volunteers will be part of a team supporting a lead worker to run the programme. There is scope to develop leadership roles, should volunteers like to take this route.

The role includes building trusting relationships with young people and encouraging them to take part in activities. Volunteers will support young people to explore their grief by supporting them to take part in activities themed around memories, feelings, coping strategies and support networks. The role will also include general tasks such as setting up, clearing up, and making refreshments.

This role is within a small team which consists of paid staff, volunteers and trustees all of whom are passionate about the work we do.

This is an exciting opportunity within an expanding charity. Volunteers should have an interest in working with children, young people and families within a group setting and have a deep empathy for the objectives of the charity. 

All volunteers are subject to an enhanced DBS check, at the expense of the charity. Reasonable out of pocket expenses can also be paid, for example travel costs. You will need to be at least 18 years old to carry out this role. 

Wiltshire Treehouse (registered charity no. 1159719) is a small charity based in Swindon which supports bereaved children and young people. We provide a range of support services including advice and guidance to families and professionals, a family programme (for primary aged children and their parents/guardians), and a group for young people (11-18yrs old).

About The Outrunners

The Outrunners support young people to get outdoors, get moving, and build the futures they want - all through the power of running, movement and the community. Our vision is a London where everyone is included and no one is left behind. 

The young people we work with have incredible talent, creativity and energy but don’t get the opportunities they need because of deep structural disadvantages - racism, sexism and financial inequality.

We harness the collective energy of the running world to change that: helping young people access fun, accessible movement and running, access opportunities that help them build the futures they want, and work to change how their local area supports them. 

Driven by young people themselves, we are building a community that moves together: removing barriers to participation in running and movement; building connections in London’s diverse neighbourhoods; creating pathways to help young people achieve their ambitions; and driving change to tackle disadvantage and make running truly inclusive. Last year, we supported over 350 young people across our programmes. 

In the 5 years that The Outrunners has existed, we have rapidly caught the attention of the running world and have grown quickly, thanks to the impactful support of major brands, races, the wider running world and the philanthropic and community sectors. We now have significant partnerships with Nike and The London Marathon that are taking us to the next level.

We have an experienced team, a growing basis of dedicated supporters, connections in the running and sports world and a strong income pipeline for 2024/25.

Why do we need new Trustees?

We are at the next stage of our development and want to bring on board the expertise and skills that can support and guide our growth. With our strong partnership, increasing influence, and growing network of supporters, we have a major opportunity to grow our impact in the coming years. 

We want to ensure that The Outrunners are equipped to maximise this opportunity to support more young people and drive real structural change in the running world and beyond. 

What we need from our Trustees?

Trustees must be people with independent judgement, an ability to speak their mind and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience, and networks to support The Outrunners.

Although not essential, we are particularly interested in trustees with either of the following skills and experience: 

1. Experience navigating periods of rapid growth and scaling, including continuing to secure the resources that are required to do this sustainably and managing the risks this entails. We envisage candidates with this experience might have experience in finance, tech, or running or investing in start-ups; or

2. Experience influencing and driving positive change in sports, (particularly change that supports under-represented groups) to access better support and greater opportunities. We envisage candidates who have experience within the running world (or similar sports) with the brands, races, events or media.

Beyond this, the things we need from our Trustees are:

• A passion for shaping a different future for young people and having a positive impact in local communities

• An understanding of the challenges facing young people in Hackney, and an insight into how The Outrunners Charity can best add value to supporting the future generations around us. 

• The ability to support and guide our organisation’s learning and impact upon the community around us and to think strategically and creatively about the challenges and opportunities ahead

• An appreciation of charity finance that would contribute to our Finance Committee’s robust scrutiny and strengths in navigating our finances, operating environment and fundraising targets

• An understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures that will ensure the organisation is rigorous in its processes, ensuring the safety of the communities it engages with.

• You will have good listening skills and be able to respect the opinions of others

• You will understand the responsibilities required of a Trustee 

• You will be willing to undertake any necessary training which we require of you

We are not expecting applicants to have all of these qualities; and expect that the best candidates will come with some others. But we hope that our trustees between them will be able to cover all of these key attributes and more.

Above all you need to have genuine enthusiasm and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for the young people we work with by supporting and guiding our Chief Executive and The Outrunners’ passionate and committed staff and volunteers in their mission to better the lives of marginalised young people in Hackney.

Role Description/Responsibilities:

• Desirable - Someone with experience overseeing raising funds in either the charitable or corporate sectors. 

• Desirable - someone who has previous Trustee experience.

• Work with the existing board of Trustees and comply with the 6 main duties of being a Trustee which are:

1. Ensure your charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

2. Comply with your charity’s governing document and the law

3. Act in your charity’s best interests

4. Manage your charity’s resources responsibly 

5. Act with reasonable care and skill

6. Ensure your charity is accountable

What will you get from us?

The Board is committed to tackling the varied challenges of The Outrunners Charity. 

In return, you will be rewarded by:

• Contributing to making a real difference to the lives of young people in Hackney and beyond;

• Being part of a team of staff and volunteers made up of interesting, skilled experts and working closely with The Outrunners Charity's visionary Chief Executive;

• Receiving an in-depth induction and opportunities to attend a wide selection of events, with a focus on networking, sharing learning and celebrating community and organisational successes;

• Obtaining high-quality safeguarding training as well as a bespoke training programme aimed at understanding the needs of the young people that The Outrunners support; and

• Becoming part of the founding vision of a young and ambitious charity, which has multiple and well-respected local community links, and a chance to influence the direction in which this charity will be heading to.

Time Commitment Expectations:

Board members are expected to attend the four quarterly meetings and AGM, whilst also being flexible and responsive to unexpected changes. Our Board members are active ambassadors for The Outrunners Charity. This means attending and supporting events and taking opportunities to promote and develop the work of The Outrunners Charity through networks and contacts. We therefore ask that Board members commit about 2 days per year to The Outrunners Charity, on top of the four evening Board Meetings a year and an AGM.

The four essential board meetings are 3 hours long. Meetings are held at a date and time which is convenient for all, which is usually a weekday evening, and are held online until it is safe to do so face to face.

Minimum tenure for a Trustee is 2 years.

Valuing Inclusion:

We currently have a very diverse leadership team and we welcome applications from people who are LGBTQ+ and non-binary, people with disabilities, people with mental and physical health conditions and people from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

Next steps and what to expect:

If you would like to put yourself forward as a potential Trustee please apply with your CV.

Or, if you prefer, you could send us your expression of interest in any other creative way that gets across your background, interest and what you would bring. 

We don’t expect you to cover all the points about The Outrunners, or respond line by line to this job pack – but we do want to hear how you will make a difference to our organisation and to the people we work with, if you become a Trustee.

We will be accepting applications until Sunday 7th April 2024.