Volunteer roles for the Education sector
Join a dynamic board supporting primary schools in diverse, deprived areas. Use your strategic finance skills to shape the trust’s future, ensure sustainability, and help every child thrive through smart, impactful use of resources.
What will you be doing?
We are seeking a Lead Finance Trustee to join our committed and dynamic board of trustees, working to support primary schools in some of the most socially diverse and economically deprived areas. This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced and strategically-minded finance professional to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.
As Lead Finance Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the trust’s financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability and effective resource allocation. You will use your knowledge of strategic financial management to help oversee budgets, support informed decision-making, and provide robust challenge and assurance to the executive team.
Your expertise will help ensure that public funds are used wisely and transparently, so that every pound spent has a direct, positive impact on pupils. Working closely with other trustees and leaders, you’ll help ensure the trust’s priorities align with its mission to support children in overcoming barriers, reaching their full potential, and thriving at school.
This is an opportunity to apply your skills and values where they truly matter—supporting equity in education and contributing to brighter futures for the next generation.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a finance professional with the vision, integrity and commitment to contribute meaningfully to the strategic leadership of our trust. As Lead Finance Trustee, you will provide expert guidance and challenge on the trust’s financial sustainability and ensure that public funding is used effectively to support the best possible outcomes for children.
You should bring:
- Proven experience in strategic financial leadership, ideally at board or senior management level, within a public, private or charitable sector organisation
- A strong understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, risk management, and long-term financial planning
- The ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate it clearly to non-financial colleagues
- A track record of constructive challenge and oversight, with sound judgement and a strategic mindset
While experience in education is not essential, an understanding of public sector funding, academy trust structures, or governance in a regulated environment would be advantageous.
You will also bring the following personal qualities:
- A commitment to educational equality and improving life chances for children in disadvantaged communities
- Independence of thought, professional curiosity, and a willingness to challenge assumptions in the best interests of pupils
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse and values-driven board
- Integrity, discretion, and a deep sense of accountability for public resources
This voluntary role is ideal for someone who wants to apply their financial expertise to a cause that matters. You’ll play a key part in helping us deliver sustainable, high-impact education for children who need it most.
What difference will you make?
As Lead Finance Trustee, your influence will reach far beyond balance sheets.
You will ensure that financial decisions directly translate into better outcomes for children, particularly those facing disadvantage. By applying your expertise, you’ll help the trust allocate resources effectively—supporting high-quality teaching, inclusive learning environments, and targeted interventions where they’re needed most.
Your strategic oversight will:
- Strengthen the trust’s financial resilience, enabling it to adapt and grow sustainably
- Guarantee that public funds are used transparently and in the best interests of children
- Help shape long-term goals that reflect the needs of diverse, underserved communities
- Provide assurance to stakeholders, parents, and regulators that the trust’s finances are robust and ethically managed
Ultimately, your role will empower the trust to deliver on its mission: to raise aspirations and improve life chances for every child.
Before you apply
A simple CV or application plus an informal interview to assess suitability
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteers to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by building confidence, resilience and doubling their expected progress in English or maths.
We are looking for inspirational role models who will tutor Maths or English on one of our school programmes across London. You will be matched with a small number of pupils and provide them with the academic support, encouragement and inspiration they need to get back on track. All our volunteer tutors receive full training, lesson resources and support from a qualified teacher/facilitator throughout their placement.
Practical Considerations:
- You can choose a programme that suits your timetable and location.
- Sessions are between 60-90 minutes and will take place on a fixed day of the week, normally at the end of the school day (between 3-5pm).
- Each programme runs across a 12 week period, usually during term time. You will be expected to volunteer for at least one programme (10-12 weeks).
- Team Up provides full lesson plans and teaching resources.
- This role requires you to undergo a free of charge DBS check, which will be arranged by Team Up.
- Travel expenses up to £15 per session are covered.
If you are looking to make a difference in a local community and find a fulfilling role whilst building your professional skillset, then look no further!
Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12 week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only double their expected progress, but also build long term resilience.
Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to gain access to our career mentorship scheme and attend our employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion.
This is an opportunity to enhance your CV and improve your employability skills - all whilst supporting young people from low-income backgrounds!
You will receive:
- Full tutor-training, including safeguarding training.
- Ongoing coaching, training and support from an experienced teacher during your placement.
- Lesson observations alongside personalised developmental feedback and logged classroom hours.
- Opportunities to attend employability workshops incl. cover letter writing skills and coding.
We are looking for:
- Enthusiasm and strong grades in English/maths.
- Committed and organised individuals who are keen to develop new skills.
- Individuals who are passionate about social mobility and helping to reduce the education attainment gap.
- Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Closing date for applications: 31st May 2025
Location: New Cross, London
Salary: Voluntary, Unpaid
Interviews: June 9th - 10th 2025
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About Us:
Goldsmiths Students’ Union is a charity representing over 10,000 students studying at Goldsmiths, University of London, on issues that matter to them. We are student-led, with hundreds of volunteers, dozens of part-time elected officers, and four Sabbatical Officers - students who have been elected by their peers to take a year out of their studies to lead us from the front.
We are a democratic organisation, with a Student Assembly and established trustee board. The Trustee Board delegates responsibility for the day to day management of the organisation to the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive serves the Trustee Board and is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic plan for the management of all staff and resources. The Students’ Union staff team is made up of over 120 permanent and casual employees who work full-time and part-time.
Our Culture:
At the heart of our culture lies a genuine dedication to nurturing the personal and professional growth of our staff. In this year's engagement survey 93% of our staff wholeheartedly agreed that they would recommend Goldsmiths Student Union as a fantastic place to work. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where each team member thrives.
The Role:
As a trustee, you will work closely with the Student Union Officers, staff team and students, to deliver on our strategic aims, ensuring that we are making continuing progress to be recognised for the innovation and quality of the services and support that we provide.
We are seeking at least one trustee with experience in the charity or education sector. The Trustee Board meets formally six times annually, with meetings generally held midweek in the early evening and lasting a few hours.
Download the full job pack below:
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Applications Process
If everything above sounds good to you, we would love to receive your application. Please use our application form to apply as we do not accept CV's and Cover Letters.
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Students at Goldsmiths University come from a variety of backgrounds. We are therefore committed to ensuring our workforce is reflective of our members. We encourage applications from people with different circumstances and from all walks of life as well as those from traditionally underrepresented groups.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Overview
The Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes (TASO) is an affiliate What Works Centre, and part of the UK Government’s What Works Movement. Our vision is to eliminate equality gaps in higher education (HE). Our mission is to improve lives through evidence-informed practice.
TASO was set up in 2019 and became an independent charity in April 2021. Our work focuses on the generation, synthesis and dissemination of high-quality evidence about effective practice in widening participation and student outcomes. We primarily focus on developing and disseminating causal evidence.
We are now looking to appoint new Trustees to take TASO forward into its next phase of development and ensure we are an effective and impactful organisation. This is a great time to join us on our journey, offering the opportunity to contribute to shaping and developing an organisation that has the potential to transform lives.
What we are looking for
We are looking for people who are values-led with wide-ranging experiences across different sectors who can bring a different way of thinking. Above all, our Trustees will be passionate about what TASO is striving to achieve.
We are looking for a number of new people with the following professional experience to join our Board:
- Finance and accountancy
- Risk
- People
- Charity and/or company law
We expect the time commitment to be a day a month. This will include quarterly meetings, occasional considered input into working groups and attendance at sector events.
We are looking for one, or more, of our new trustees to sit on our finance and risk committee.
You do not necessarily need to have any experience of being a trustee; TASO will give you a full induction and support to help you develop into this role.
We are committed to diversifying the Board and welcome applications from people whose identities are currently under-represented on the Board: LGBTQ+ people, disabled people and Black, Asian and minority ethnic people.
For a confidential discussion about the opportunity please contact: Omar Khan CEO of TASO
For more information on the role please visit the TASO website
How to apply
To apply, please visit the TASO website
Deadline for applications: 9am Thursday 22nd May
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Academy trustees are volunteers. The Charity Commission defines trustees as the people responsible for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run.
The purpose of the board of trustees is to provide:
- Strategic leadership of the academy trust
- Your role is to help set and embed your trust’s vision and strategy, and use these to monitor how the trust and its schools are progressing towards your strategic goals
- Accountability and assurance, meaning the board has robust oversight of the operations and performance of the trust, including education, pupil welfare and finance
- You'll monitor these areas and hold trust leaders to account for performance and compliance in them
- Engagement
- This means your board has strategic oversight of relationships with the trust's stakeholders: parents, pupils, staff, local communities
- You'll make sure your schools and your trust are communicating with and involving these groups, so that decision-making is supported by meaningful engagement
Responsibilities
- Develop the trust’s vision and strategy
- Establish a culture of high educational standards, which promotes staff and pupil wellbeing
- Set the trust’s strategic aims and objectives
- Make sure all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum
- Monitor provision for pupils with SEND
- Monitor educational performance of the trust’s academies, using a range of data sources
- Ensure stakeholders (parents, pupils, staff and the local community) are informed and consulted as appropriate
- Approve the budget for the academy trust and, where relevant, for academies within the trust
- Monitor and evaluate the trust’s financial performance
- Approve and review trust policies, and hold staff to account for their implementation
- Ensure the trust is compliant with legal requirements, including that all statutory policies and documents are in place
- Make sure the trust complies with laws that apply to charities and companies, and with its funding agreement
- Carry out the appointment and performance management of the principal/chief executive
- Be a source of challenge and support to the principal/chief executive
- Monitor and evaluate the trust’s staffing structure(s)
- Monitor health and safety in the academy/across the trust
- In a multi-academy trust, work with those involved in local academy governance, supporting and holding them to account
Skills and experience
Essential:
- Critical listening and ability to ask effective questions
- Strategic thinking
- Excellent communication
- Problem-solving and analysis
Desirable:
- Understanding of data
- Information Technology expertise
- HR experience
- Knowledge of education
- Leadership and management skills
- Risk management skills
- Legal expertise, particularly knowledge of charity law
- Marketing and communications skills
Benefits to you
New skills you’ll gain:
- Strategic planning
- Experience on a board
- Holding senior leaders to account and ability to provide challenge
- Finance, and maintaining oversight of potentially multi-million pound budgets
- Analysing data
- Human resources and performance management
- Project management
- Marketing
- Communication and teamwork
- Decision making
- Problem solving
Time commitment
The time commitment for the trustee role will vary. However, all trustees must attend at least 3 meetings of the full board per year. The term of office is 4 years.
Usually trustees sit on a committee focused on an area they have knowledge of, or are particularly interested in – for example, the finance committee. Committees generally meet up to six times a year.
Preparation for meetings includes reading papers and preparing questions for senior leaders.
You will also be expected to undertake any training required to enable you to discharge your role effectively.
Additional information
Academies are both charities and companies limited by guarantee. Academy trustees are therefore both charity trustees and company directors, and must comply with company and charity law.
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.
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is seeking one Expert Layperson to sit on its Remuneration, People and Workplace Culture Committee to contribute their expertise to support the College.
We are specifically seeking candidates with senior expertise in People leadership experience to help us be a world class employer, so we attract and retain great talent across our varied staff roles.
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) was founded in 1505 by Royal Charter granted by King James IV. From the discoveries of Simpson and Lister to modern-day pioneers of medicine and dentistry who are developing simulation, VR, and robotics, we have been driving innovation in medicine for five centuries – making it better for patients across the globe.
As a charitable membership organisation, with just under 32,000 members worldwide, we pride ourselves in providing high-quality education, training, and professional standards assessment for our family of members.
We are headquartered in Edinburgh in our home at Surgeons’ Hall, the world-famous category A listed building designed by William Henry Playfair in 1832. Our main Campus hosts a dedicated skills laboratory, the Surgeons' Hall Museums, the College Library and Archives, as well as function and meeting facilities.
The College employs around 200 staff who are mostly based in Edinburgh, although we also have offices in Birmingham and Kuala Lumpur. We also have a commercial arm, Surgeons Quarter Ltd, which, amongst other things, runs the Ten Hill Place hotel.
You can find out more about the College here.
About the Remuneration, People and Workplace Culture Committee
The Remuneration, People and Workplace Culture Committee assists the Trustee Board in fulfilling its oversight and governance responsibilities in connection with its staff, remuneration, pensions and workplace culture activities. It provides assurance to the Trustee Board on how the College meets required policies, standards, best practice and regulatory requirements in relation to its remit and duties.
The Committee is made up of clinician members of the College’s Trustee Board, with an external lay chair. It is supported by senior staff of the College, particularly the Head of HR and Learning.
The main functions of the Committee are to:
· Assist the Trustee Board in establishing and regularly reviewing the College values
· Provide assurance to the Trustee Board that the College is an inclusive employer of choice which provides a nurturing environment and ensures our staff feel valued and supported
· Monitor compliance with all legislation and charity guidance relevant to the remit of the Committee and provide assurance to Trustee Board on such matters
· Consider and recommend to the Trustee Board the College’s remuneration and benefits strategy, ensuring co-ordination with Surgeons Quarter
· Agree the College’s remuneration policy for all staff, ensuring co-ordination with Surgeons Quarter, and set the individual remuneration and employment packages of senior management staff of the College.
To be a strong voice for our family of members, developing their careers, upholding standards, and promoting patient safety globally.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join our Trust with a unified vision for educational excellence as a Trustee and influence how our schools operate, improve and evolve.
Location: Hybrid / Peterborough and North Cambridgeshire
Time commitment: 4 board meetings + 3 committee meetings / year
Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 9th June
Thomas Deacon Education Trust (TDET) is a thriving multi-academy trust serving over 5,500 pupils across seven academies, including primary, secondary, all-through and alternative provision schools. We are proud of our strong community focus and the work we do to empower communities through high-quality education across Peterborough and North Cambridgeshire.
We are now seeking passionate, high-calibre individuals to join our Board of Trustees, particularly those with expertise in finance and estates/infrastructure.
These are key appointments at a time of strategic transformation and increasing operational efficiency. You’ll help shape the future of our Trust, support the executive team and ensure we continue delivering high-quality education for all children and young people across our diverse communities.
Who we are
Our Trust was established to bring together local schools under a unified vision for educational excellence, community service and sustainable growth. We currently operate seven schools — five in Peterborough and two to the south in Cambridgeshire — across primary, secondary, all-through and alternative provision settings.
We have matured as an organisation, embedding centralised services (HR, IT, Estates, Finance), promoting stronger curriculum alignment across schools and building a sense of collective identity. Like all multi-academy trusts, we continue to face challenges, especially around funding, SEND provision and estate management, however, we remain committed to progress. All of our schools have been inspected in the last three years, and our improvement journey is well underway.
Our governance model is evolving. We’re reintroducing two subcommittees — Education Committee and Finance, Audit and Risk Committee — in 2025/2026. Trustees meet three times per year for full board meetings and three times for the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and Education Committee.
Our high-performing board currently has a strong educational presence, with trustees drawn from school and higher education backgrounds. However, we are thin on numbers and underrepresented in critical areas.
Now, we are particularly seeking individuals from finance, business services and estates sectors to strengthen our ability to challenge, support and guide the Trust as it enters its next phase.
We do not stand still as a Trust. Our new Trustees will join at an exciting time as we undergo new complex estates projects (e.g., a multimillion-pound roof repair at Thomas Deacon Academy), evolving community partnerships and growing cross-trust collaboration. We are ready for the next step, and we need exceptional trustees to help lead the way.
About the role
As a Trustee, you will play a key role in the strategic leadership and governance of the Trust. This is a high-impact, voluntary role with real influence over how our schools operate, improve and evolve. Your focus will be to ensure that the Trust is delivering on its educational mission while remaining financially sustainable and operationally sound.
We are particularly looking to appoint individuals to:
- Join the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee or Education Committee
- Provide strategic and technical oversight of finance, audit, or capital/infrastructure projects
- Chair the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, if suitably experienced
You’ll be part of a collaborative, values-driven board that works closely with a dedicated executive team. Your insights will help guide decisions around budget setting, estates investment, compliance and educational outcomes. You’ll need to commit to regular reading of board papers, engage in meaningful discussion at meetings and support the executive team with scrutiny and challenge.
Meetings are a mix of online and in-person formats, with the flexibility to accommodate professional commitments. While we have a strong preference for candidates based in or connected to Peterborough or Cambridgeshire, we are open to outstanding individuals from further afield who share our mission and can commit the necessary time and attention.
The role is voluntary, but the impact is profound: you’ll be helping shape the education, life chances and wellbeing of thousands of young people across the region.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking candidates with a passion for education and a deep commitment to public service. Your professional background might be in finance, audit, capital projects, or estates management, ideally with experience overseeing budgets, risk, or infrastructure in complex organisations.
We’re especially interested in individuals who can bring:
- Finance expertise (accounting, audit, financial oversight)
- Capital or estates experience (infrastructure, property, construction)
- Leadership experience within high-accountability or regulatory environments
- Strategic mindset, with the ability to interpret data, challenge assumptions and support sound decision-making
We would also value:
- Familiarity with multi-academy trusts or the Academy Trust Handbook
- Experience chairing audit or governance committees
- Links to our local communities in Peterborough and South Cambridgeshire
Equally important is who you are as a person: communicative, thoughtful, committed and unafraid to ask the difficult questions. We’re looking for trustees who bring a mix of professionalism and heart, who care deeply about equity, diversity and inclusive education and who want to make a tangible difference.
We are committed to building a board that reflects the rich diversity of our schools and their communities.
If you want to be part of a Trust that’s ambitious, community-rooted and on a clear improvement trajectory, then we would love to hear from you.
Peridot and Thomas Deacon Education Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a new leader to guide and support our local team of friendly volunteers. If you’re inspired to lead others and be part of a genuinely transformational charity, then we would love to hear from you. You will use your leadership skills to manage and chair our local management team meetings and AGM, help set the vision and strategy for the group and network within the local community and be a passionate spokesperson for Read Easy UK and for our local branch.
This is a hugely important role in the Management Team, and you will be driving the proper and effective direction of the local group from the front.
This role will appeal to you if you are motivated by managing a team of diverse volunteers, and by the challenge of ultimately helping hundreds of adults in our community to learn to read.
The Howard of Effingham School Friends (PTA) - Treasurer
The Howard of Effingham School Friends exists to foster good relationships between parents and staff; to raise funds for the purchase of extra items of equipment; to provide services for pupils and to organise social functions. The committee of parents and teachers arranges a wide range of social and fund-raising activities. All parents are warmly invited to join in on every possible occasion.
We are looking for a Treasurer to join our committee:
Main purpose of the role
The treasurer controls the Friends funds in line with the committee’s decisions as well as charity law. They make sure upcoming events are affordable and profitable and report financial information to the rest of the team.
The treasurer’s responsibilities are:
- Manages the day-to-day finances
- Keeps a detailed and accurate record of the financial activity of the Friends
- Reports on the finances at meetings in a clear, concise way
- Arranges floats for events
- Ensures money is kept safely before and during events
- Banks the takings from events and fundraisers
- Makes Gift Aid claims
- Implements procedures for making payments and claiming expenses
- Completes the Charity Commission annual return
- Gets accounts audited where necessary
At the AGM
- Prepares the financial report
Applications
Please apply by email outlining your suitability for the role.
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We seek candidates with experience across various sectors to bring their expertise to the non-executive leadership of our Trust.
About Forward Education Trust
Forward Education Trust aims to provide high-quality education and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Their primary objective is to create an inclusive learning environment that fosters academic, social, and emotional development. The trust is committed to improving educational outcomes, promoting independence, and ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
What will you be doing?
Our Executive Leaders work alongside Trustees as a team, united by the shared purpose of achieving the Trust’s vision and mission. As a Trustee, you will be expected to attend our main board meetings four times a year, with additional meetings depending on the committee you join. Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Trust, including its financial health, the integrity of its activities, and the development of the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in line with the governing document, legal, and regulatory guidelines. This responsibility encompasses both the Trust’s culture and its performance. Governing a successful school trust is a challenging and demanding role, but it is also highly rewarding, with the opportunity to work alongside like-minded, supportive colleagues.
For full details please request a copy of the candidate pack.
What are we looking for?
Trustees bring a diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience to the Board.
The basic requirements for applicants are enthusiasm and a commitment to working collaboratively with others for the benefit of the Trust and its objectives.
We are currently seeking candidates with experience and expertise in:
· Human Resources - Our staff are the most important part of making our schools a success
· Education - Ideally state-funded, at any age-range, in senior positions from Deputy Headteacher upwards
· Financial Management - Whether in education, other public bodies, commercial enterprise or accountancy practice
· Business Operations - Including project management and multi-site operations
· Information Technology - Contributing to our digital systems for sustainability
What Difference will you make?
As a Trustee, your expertise and leadership will directly shape the future of Forward Education Trust and the students we serve. By ensuring strong governance and strategic decision-making, you will help our seven special schools provide the highest quality education for children with complex learning and physical needs. Your role as a Trustee will provide the support and accountability needed to create stable, thriving school environments where children with special educational needs can flourish, achieve their full potential, and transition into fulfilling adult lives.
Time Commitment
The estimated commitment for this role is between one and three hours per week.
Before you apply
The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Forward Education Trust with their Trustee recruitment.
To apply please submit your CV along with a cover letter stating the following:
• Why you are interested in becoming a Trustee with Forward Education Trust
• Your relevant skills and experience (see both the Role and Person specification)
Please also supply the names and contact details of two referees. Referees will only be contacted in respect of those candidates who are shortlisted, and you will be made aware before any contact is made.
Please send applications and enquiries to: the TrusteeWorks team at the email address provided.
We are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. We are member-led, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in our Lay Trustee roles here at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall. We're very pleased to announce the opening of applications for our esteemed Board of Trustees. We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
Our membership comprises of students studying with both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall) which creates a unique and special experience of which we love to be a key part of.
The role of Lay Trustee provides an opportunity to support our President Trustees and Student Trustees, foster a culture of student leadership and deliver a student focused service.
You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are undertaking two crucial pieces of work: finalising our new 2025-2028 strategic plan, and beginning the quintennial review of our Constitution. If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.
We are especially keen to hear from applicants with experience in Finance, Higher Education, Human Resources, Charity or Employment Law.
About Us
We’re an autonomous organisation and we’re funded by the University of Exeter and Falmouth University. Acting independently ensures that we remain entirely focused on our students with one purpose in mind: to improve their student experience.
As a registered charity (1193045), our charitable purpose is the advancement of education, and our funds can for used for this charitable purpose only. This means that as a not-for-profit organisation: any income we gain goes straight back into providing services for students.
We are a member-led democratic organisation; our students are at the heart of everything we do. Our members views, opinions and experiences regarding students’ lives influence decision makers operating at every level, helping to shape the wider student experience and we enjoy positive collaborative relationships with both universities. Students have the power to shape what the Union does through our Annual Student Members’ Meetings and referenda, and they lead our Student Forum, which determine our Union priorities.
We are proud of the range of opportunities and services that we provide to students, which includes student led societies and sports clubs, volunteering opportunities, professional independent specialist advice, academic representation, and democratic activities. We also help students to organise a wide range of events and activities specifically for their fellow students.
Our Board
Our board is unique in the charity sector. We have a young and dynamic board; two thirds of the trustees are either recent or current students at the universities resulting in a purposefully high turnover of trustees. The charity is based in a complex, ever-changing Higher Education sector, working closely with two very different universities.
We have three sets of Trustees:
• Four President Trustees: a President and Vice President from each university, elected by cross-campus ballot. These are student leaders who have either just finished their degree or take a sabbatical to take up this role, in which they are also a full-time employee. Term: one year, maximum of two terms.
• Four Student Trustees: two from each university, appointed via the Appointments Committee. These are current students who offer direct insight into university life. Term: two years, maximum of two terms.
• Four Lay Trustees: appointed via the Appointments Committee. These trustees offer expertise, continuity, and insight. They are experienced, skilled members who enjoy being part of a dynamic board and supporting the younger trustees. Term: three years, maximum of three terms.
The Chair of the Board will always be a President Trustee, and the Deputy Chair will always be a Lay Trustee. Any Trustee can chair one of our three sub-committees: Finance, Appointments, Remuneration and Human Resources.
Why Should You Become a Trustee?
Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience. You’ll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and support our President and Student Trustees. As a Lay Trustee, you are eligible to become Deputy Chair of the Board, or Chair of one of the sub-committees.
You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.
Job Description
We’re looking for someone to work collectively with our board of trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our Students’ Union.
Remuneration: Lay Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.
Hours: Hours can vary however typically each year:
• Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long conducted online.
• Additional two (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 45 minutes.
• There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid).
Term of office: three years, up to three terms.
Location: Homebased with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.
Role Purpose
The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy. They approve and monitor plans to deliver the strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
• To ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose, constitution and other governing documents and relevant legislation while remaining true to its Mission, Vision and Values.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role by determining the Students’ Union strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Ensure The SU uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects/purpose.
• Act as guardians of The SU’s assets and ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Prepare for Board meetings by reading through materials and Board papers beforehand, scrutinising information and be able to discuss issues.
• Take advice on matters on which you are not competent to decide.
• Provide support to President Trustees and Student Trustees.
• Take part in Board Reviews and Skills Audits each year.
• Use personal skills and experience to ensure the Union is well-run and efficient
• Seek external professional advice where there may be material risk to the Union or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties or at any other appropriate moment.
• Add value to the Trustee Board and the Union through generating ideas, challenging the status quo, broadening thinking and supporting and promoting innovation and creativity.
• Abide by the Union Trustee Code of Conduct.
CRITERIA
All Trustees must display the following characteristics
Commitment to and passion for The SU.
Willingness and reliability to devote the necessary time and effort.
Strategic vision.
Good, independent judgment.
Ability to think creatively.
An understanding of and commitment to the values and principles of student representation and democracy.
Willingness to speak their mind.
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Responsible, especially when handling sensitive and confidential information.
A commitment to act in accordance with the Nolan principles for ethical conduct in public service.
We are looking for individuals who have skills, knowledge or experience in one or more of these sectors
Finance
Higher Education
Human Resources
Charity or Employment Law
How To Apply
Please visit the role posting on our website for further details on how to apply. We require the completion of a Person Details form, and Skills Audit spreadsheets, along with your CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Friday 16 May. Interviews will take place online via MS Teams on Wednesday 21 May, an additional slot is also available on Thursday 22 May if this is not convenient.
You must be available to attend Trustee Training on Friday 20 June, and Board of Trustees on Wednesday 25 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Tuesday 1 July.
Eligibility
There are strict conditions placed on charity Trustees by law and all applicants must declare that they are eligible to become a charity Trustee. You will not be eligible if:
• You are on the Sex Offenders’ Register
• You have any unspent conviction for an offence involving:
o deception or dishonesty
o terrorist offences
o money laundering
o bribery
o misconduct in public office, perjury, perverting the course of justice
o contravention of certain preventative Orders of the Charity Commission (Section 77 of the Charities Act 2011)
o attempting, aiding or abetting the above offences
• You have any designation under specific anti-terrorist legislation
• You have been convicted of contempt of court
• You have been removed from:
o trusteeship, or as an officer, agent or employee of a charity by the Court or the Commission for misconduct or mismanagement
o a position of management or control of a charity in Scotland for mismanagement or misconduct
• You have been found guilty by the High court of disobeying a Commission order or direction
• You have an undischarged bankruptcy
• You have a composition or arrangement with creditors which includes an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) and is currently on the Insolvency Service Register
As part of the recruitment process, we will ask you to sign a declaration that you are legally entitled to become a Trustee and commit the required time.
Data Protection
We’re committed to data protection and it’s important to know what’s happening with your data when you apply for a role. That means we’ll only use the information you supply for the purposes of progressing your application (or to fulfil legal or regulatory requirements if necessary) and we’ll never share your information with any third parties for marketing purposes or store it outside of the European Economic Area.
Equal Opportunities
We’re committed to ensuring our workforce accurately reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We positively encourage applications from all individuals irrespective of their gender, age, home country, ethnic background, sexuality, religious beliefs or disability. All candidates will be treated equally and all appointments made on merit.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creator (Volunteer, Unpaid)
Empathos Foundation is looking for a creative and enthusiastic TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creator to help us craft impactful short-form videos that amplify our mission and campaigns. This is a volunteer, unpaid role designed for individuals passionate about storytelling, social media trends, and creating meaningful content. This remote position requires a commitment of approximately 4 hours per week, with access to Canva Pro for your video editing needs.
What You’ll Do:
- Edit and create a series of TikTok and Instagram Reels using post-event footage, photos, and media that we’ll upload to Google Drive.
- Transform raw content into engaging short-form videos that highlight events, promote campaigns, and resonate with our audience.
- Stay on top of TikTok and Instagram Reels trends, incorporating music, transitions, and styles to increase engagement.
- Collaborate with the team to align your work with our branding and objectives.
- Produce visually compelling and shareable videos to promote events, initiatives, and impact stories.
The Impact of Your Work:
Your contributions as a volunteer will help us:
- Amplify our mission: Use engaging videos to highlight our work in academia and welfare, inspiring wider support and participation.
- Promote events effectively: Showcase event highlights and key moments to attract and engage audiences.
- Expand our reach: Build a stronger social media presence, reaching new audiences and increasing our visibility.
- Foster community engagement: Use storytelling to connect with supporters and encourage their involvement.
Skills, Experience, and Qualities:
- Video Editing Skills: Proficiency with Canva Pro, CapCut, Adobe Premiere, or similar tools to create professional-quality videos.
- Social Media Trend Knowledge: Awareness of TikTok and Instagram Reels trends, including popular music, challenges, and editing techniques.
- Creative and Organised: Ability to create engaging narratives from raw footage and maintain consistent quality and branding.
- Passion for Storytelling: Strong enthusiasm for using video to inspire change and communicate our impact.
- Time Management: Commitment to approximately 4 hours per week, with the ability to meet deadlines.
- Collaborative Mindset: Comfortable working remotely with a team and open to feedback.
While this is an unpaid role, it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, grow your portfolio, and make a real difference by contributing to meaningful causes.
Join Empathos Foundation as a TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creator. Help us turn post-event media into inspiring stories that engage and empower communities!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Atkinson HR are proud to be partnering with The University of Suffolk Students' Union (UoSSU) to recruit three new trustees to their Board.
UoSSU is entering a pivotal phase in their journey. Having navigated significant changes, they are now focused on establishing strong foundations to ensure long-term health and success.
They’re seeking committed individuals to join a skilled and dedicated Board in guiding the next chapter of UoSSU’s development. If you have experience in HR, Strategy or Business Development and are eager to engage with the complexities of higher education and students' unions, this role is for you!
About UoSSU
The University of Suffolk Students’ Union is the independent representative body for students at the University of Suffolk. They exist to empower students, enhance their university experience, and support their personal and professional growth. They work to provide academic representation, welfare services, student activities, and opportunities for leadership and development.
The Role
As a trustee, you will help oversee the strategic direction, financial health, and overall governance of the Students’ Union. You will ensure that they continue to deliver meaningful impact while remaining financially sustainable and well-managed.
Key responsibilities of the role include:
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Ensuring UoSSU operates in line with its mission and values.
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Overseeing financial management and legal compliance.
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Supporting the development and implementation of UoSSU’s strategic plan.
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Bringing your skills and experience to support and challenge the executive team.
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Acting in the best interests of students, ensuring their voices are at the heart of everything the Students’ Union does.
Candidate Profile
UoSSU welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You don't need previous trustee experience— just a commitment to making a difference.
We’re particularly keen to hear from people with expertise in:
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HR
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Strategy
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Business Development
If you’re passionate about people, purposeful work, and the potential of medium-sized charities to do amazing things, we’d love to hear from you.
A diverse Board is key to UoSSU’s strength, and they actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
Time Commitment & Benefits
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The time commitment expected of this role is approximately 10 days per year.
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The Board meets approximately four times per year, with occasional additional commitments. You will also be expected to attend board subcommittee meetings.
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This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
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A unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, expand your professional network, and contribute to student life at the University of Suffolk.
How to Apply
Please click 'apply now' or contact Atkinson HR via the email address in the job pack if you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal discussion.
Key Dates
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Closing Date: Tuesday 27th May 2025
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Interviews: Wednesday 4th June & Wednesday 18th June 2025
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Induction: Week commencing 23rd June 2025
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Cornerstone Library in Churchtown, Southport
Trustee/Fundraiser vacancy
The Role
Our community library is looking for a proactive Trustee who will lead on fundraising in tandem with our volunteer fundraising team to identify event opportunities and move them to successful completion. The successful fundraiser will also help to develop corporate sponsorship, legacy giving and individual donations to support our small charity . The skills we would appreciate are abilities to:
· Bring ideas for new and resourceful fundraising activities;
· Manage fundraising events with our volunteer fundraising team from forecasting through to conclusion;
· Research local corporate and individual sponsorship and partnerships and communicate effectively with them;
· Maintain a simple fundraising database;
· Assist in marketing our events, creating posts for social media and email marketing, possible digital fundraising and sponsored events;
· Communicate with our small team of fellow-Trustees to help us move forward and shape our strategy.
The attributes we hope that you, as a volunteer, will bring include:
· Experience in successful fundraising;
· Good written and verbal communication skills, including computer software skills;
· Have available a minimum of 6 months commitment.
If you are enthused by the opportunity to use your skills to help us to move forward our small community library, we look forward to hearing from you. This is a volunteering, unpaid role but one which will realise a long-held vision to provide not just a community library but a safe, warm community space for local residents.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Empathos Foundation is seeking a creative and passionate Social Media Graphics Designer to help us create engaging and visually appealing posts for our social media platforms, including Instagram and LinkedIn. As a remote volunteer role, you'll work approximately 4 hours per week, designing content that aligns with our mission and campaigns.
You’ll have access to Canva Pro and be part of a supportive team that values your input and creativity. This role is perfect for someone eager to gain experience in the non-profit sector, build their design portfolio, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
What You’ll Do:
- Design graphics for social media posts in line with our branding.
- Collaborate with the team to align content with ongoing campaigns.
- Create visually compelling content that resonates with our audience.
The Impact of Your Work:
As a Social Media Graphics Designer at Empathos Foundation, your work will directly support our efforts to raise awareness, engage our community, and inspire action.
- Amplify our message: Your designs will communicate our campaigns and bring attention to initiatives in healthcare, education, and poverty relief.
- Increase engagement: By creating eye-catching content, you’ll help us reach more people and encourage interaction with our platforms.
- Shape our online presence: Your contributions will strengthen our brand and elevate our visibility, ensuring our message reaches those who need it most.
Skills, Experience, and Qualities:
- Graphic Design Skills: Proficient in tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
- Social Media Savvy: Understanding of Instagram and LinkedIn trends and best practices.
- Passion for Making a Difference: Enthusiastic about supporting impactful causes through creative design.
- Fast Turnaround: Able to deliver high-quality designs quickly and efficiently.
- Attention to Detail: Consistency with branding and a strong eye for design aesthetics.
- Collaboration: Willingness to work with a team and incorporate feedback.
- Time Management: Commit to 4 hours per week and effectively manage tasks.
Your designs will not just be graphics—they’ll be catalysts for change, inspiring others to join our mission and make a difference.
Join us as a Social Media Graphics Designer to use your creativity for good and help Empathos Foundation make an even greater impact.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.