Volunteer roles for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

Treasurer to help arts charity to expand

We are seeking a Treasurer to provide strategic financial oversight at a pivotal moment in IOU’s development. This is a key governance role, working to ensure the organisation's sustainable growth. 

Vision

At IOU we believe in a world remade by artists free to experiment.

IOU Creation Centre is cultural engine for artistic experimentation where radical ideas are tested, made real and released into the world to turn imagined futures into reality.

We exist to get radical artistic ideas into the world. Rooted in Calderdale and reaching far beyond, we back artists to disrupt expectations, imagine futures and make ambitious new work experimenting with art, engineering, technology and landscape to transform people and places.

What will you be doing?

IOU is entering an exciting and transformational period as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2026 and continue the transition from a nationally recognised producing arts company into IOU Creation Centre — a new model centred on artist development, interdisciplinary making, creative technology, engineering, and community participation.

We are seeking a Treasurer to join our Board at a critical and ambitious point in the organisation’s development. Over the last few years, IOU has successfully diversified its business model through the creation of IOU Hostel Ltd, our trading subsidiary, which provides earned income, artist accommodation, and residency opportunities alongside our charitable activity. We are now undertaking important work to strengthen financial systems, reserves, governance structures, and long-term sustainability across both organisations.

Our Board is currently made up of trustees with experience across the arts, fundraising, governance, education, HR, and strategic development. We work collaboratively and closely with the executive team, and pride ourselves on maintaining a supportive, open, and thoughtful culture while also constructively challenging the organisation as it evolves.

The Treasurer will play a key strategic role in helping shape IOU’s next chapter. This includes supporting oversight of:

• financial planning and reporting
• reserves and cashflow management
• governance and financial controls
• the relationship between the charity and trading subsidiary
• longer-term organisational resilience and sustainability

The Treasurer will also chair our Finance Committee, which meets monthly online and works closely with the Executive Director and Finance Manager to review management accounts, budgets, risk, and financial planning before recommendations are made to the wider Board.

This is a particularly exciting time to join IOU. Alongside our 50th anniversary programme and major Heritage Lottery funded archive project, we are developing new partnerships, artist residency models, and approaches to cultural participation rooted in Calderdale and the North of England. We are also exploring how the Creation Centre can become a nationally distinctive rural centre for contemporary interdisciplinary art and making.

As a trustee, you would have the opportunity to contribute to real organisational transformation — helping shape how a small but ambitious cultural organisation builds a resilient future while continuing to take creative risks and support artists and communities.

We are especially keen to hear from people who enjoy working strategically and collaboratively, and who are excited by the challenge of supporting an arts organisation that combines creativity, social impact, entrepreneurial thinking, and cultural ambition.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a Treasurer who shares our belief in the value of arts, culture, and creativity as tools for social connection, experimentation, and positive change. We are particularly interested in someone who can combine strong financial insight with a collaborative and strategic approach to governance.

Our ideal candidate will have professional experience in finance, accounting, business management, or financial leadership, and be confident supporting a small but ambitious organisation through a period of development and transformation. Experience of working with charities, social enterprises, cultural organisations, or trading subsidiaries would be valuable, although not essential.

We are especially looking for someone who can:

• understand and oversee financial reporting, budgeting, cashflow, creative tax credits, reserves, and risk
• support the Board and executive team with strategic financial planning
• help ensure robust financial systems and controls are in place
• communicate financial information clearly to trustees and colleagues from non-financial backgrounds
• provide constructive support and challenge in a collaborative way
• chair our Finance Committee and help strengthen financial confidence across the organisation

As IOU operates both as a charity and alongside a trading subsidiary (IOU Hostel Ltd), experience of mixed-income models, social enterprise, hospitality, or commercial trading would also be beneficial.

We value trustees who are thoughtful, open-minded, and interested in how organisations evolve. We are not looking for someone purely transactional or corporate in approach; we are looking for someone who understands how good governance can support creativity, people, and long-term resilience.

We are also committed to improving representation within our governance and leadership. We particularly welcome applications from people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, those with lived experience that is underrepresented in the cultural sector, and individuals who can bring different perspectives, networks, and experiences to Board discussions.

Previous trustee experience is not essential. We will provide support and induction for someone who is enthusiastic about contributing their skills and developing within the role.

What difference will you make?

As Treasurer, you will play a vital role in helping IOU strengthen its long-term sustainability and successfully navigate a significant period of organisational transformation and growth.

IOU is approaching its 50th anniversary in 2026 and is evolving from a nationally recognised producing arts company into IOU Creation Centre — a new model focused on artist development, creative technology, interdisciplinary practice, engineering, participation, and community engagement. Alongside this, we are managing a growing mixed-income model that includes our trading subsidiary, IOU Hostel Ltd, which supports earned income generation, artist residencies, and wider organisational resilience.

Your contribution will help ensure the organisation is financially robust, well-governed, and strategically positioned for the future. As Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, you will support the Board and executive team to strengthen:

• financial planning and reporting
• reserves and cashflow management
• governance and financial controls
• oversight of the trading subsidiary
• long-term sustainability and investment planning

This role comes at a particularly important time. We are currently reviewing our financial systems, reporting structures, legal arrangements between the charity and trading subsidiary, and future business planning. Your insight and guidance will help shape these developments and support better decision-making across the organisation.

The Treasurer will also help improve confidence and understanding of financial information across the Board by ensuring reporting is clear, accessible, and strategically focused. This will support trustees from a range of professional backgrounds to engage more actively in financial discussions and governance.

Beyond finance, your support will help enable IOU to continue delivering ambitious artistic and community programmes across Calderdale and beyond. This includes artist residencies, workshops, touring work, heritage and archive projects, environmental initiatives, and opportunities for people who may not normally engage with arts and culture.

As an organisation rooted in community participation and diverse creative voices, we are also committed to strengthening representation within our governance and leadership. We recognise that this is an ongoing area of development for us, particularly in ensuring our Board better reflects the ethnic diversity and lived experiences of the communities we work with and alongside. We welcome trustees who can bring different perspectives, experiences, and networks to help shape a more inclusive and representative future for the organisation.

Additional information

Please download the Opportunity and to apply provide a CV and cover letter. 

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

About the role

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

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

What you'll bring

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

• Clear written and verbal communication

• Comfort with email and shared documents

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

Time commitment

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

What you'll get from it

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

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

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

• We welcome pro bono contributions from companies supporting employee volunteering

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

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

About the role

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

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

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

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

What you'll bring

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

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

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

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

Time commitment

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

What you'll get from it

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

• Skills in youth engagement, informal education and community music

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

• Training, mentoring and references provided

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF 

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

About the role

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

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

What you'll bring

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

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

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

Time commitment

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

What you'll get from it

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

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

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

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

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF

OOEF runs two different music clubs at our primary schools: a lunchtime club for younger children who are just discovering instruments, and an after-school club for older children who have had some experience and want to take it further. Both are relaxed, informal settings — very different from the classroom — and both need volunteers to support the children and the lead practitioner. Experience playing an instrument is helpful, but not vital. If you are patient, reliable and love music, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

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

As a club helper you will support the lead practitioner and the children — helping set up and pack away instruments, encouraging children who are hesitant, celebrating small breakthroughs, and being a warm, reliable adult presence in a setting where that matters enormously. The lunchtime club is for younger children's first experiences with the instruments; the after-school club has a slightly older group who have been learning for longer. Both need volunteers who can adapt to the mood of the room. You will work in a team of 5–10 at all times.

What you'll bring

• Patience and warmth with children, including those with SEND

• Reliability — familiar faces build trust, and that trust is the foundation of everything we do

• Flexibility to support whatever the session needs

• A love of music

Time commitment

Most volunteers come in weekly or fortnightly during term time — current sessions run on Wednesday lunchtimes and after school for around an hour each, with more days planned. Some come via company or organisation rotas, others as University of Bath students. One-off sessions are very welcome too. We will shape the commitment entirely around what works for you.

What you'll get from it

• The chance to see children build confidence in a way that rarely happens in formal settings

• Flexible, impactful volunteering that fits around work or other commitments

• A supportive team with training and mentoring provided

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF

OOEF runs free music sessions for children aged 7–11 at two primary schools in Twerton and Whiteway. The sessions are so valued by the schools that children are released from maths lessons to attend. We need volunteers to sit alongside children as they practise — listening, encouraging, celebrating their progress. No musical experience needed. If you love music and care about young people, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

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

As a Practice Buddy you sit alongside small groups of children as they work through their instruments — listening, encouraging and celebrating their progress. You will work in a team of 5–10 at all times; no one ever works alone with children. Training and mentoring are built in from day one.

What you'll bring

• A warm, patient approach with primary-school-age children

• Reliability — children build trust with familiar faces, and a volunteer who keeps coming back has a disproportionate impact

• Comfort working as part of a team in a school environment

• A love of music — you don't need to play a note

Time commitment

Most volunteers come in weekly or fortnightly during term time — a typical session is around 1.5–2 hours on a Wednesday afternoon (more days planned). Some come via company or organisation rotas (like Camella estate agents and Bathavon Rotary Club), others as University of Bath students fitting volunteering around their studies. One-off or ad hoc sessions are also very welcome. We will work around whatever suits you.

What you'll get from it

• The chance to see children grow in confidence and ability in real time — often children who struggle in conventional classroom settings

• A supportive, welcoming team with training and mentoring provided

• The knowledge that this is genuinely high-impact work — these children's lives are being changed

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Canterbury Cathedral to appoint a Non-Executive Member of Chapter and Lay Canon and Safeguarding Committee Members. 

About Canterbury Cathedral

Founded by St Augustine in 597 AD, Canterbury Cathedral is a unique place of worship, a major pilgrimage destination, a masterpiece of art and architecture, and one of the UK’s most-visited historic sites. Often referred to as ‘England in stone’, the Cathedral has been at the centre of momentous events and upheavals. It is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and resting place of royalty and saints.

Chapter is the body corporate of Canterbury Cathedral. Its members have the general control and management of the administration of the Cathedral. Canterbury Cathedral became a full charity in February 2024 (under the Cathedrals Measure 2021) and as well as being regulated by the Church Commissioners, will also be regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

The purpose of the Safeguarding Committee is to support Chapter in fulfilling its safeguarding obligations by ensuring arrangements relating to all aspects of safeguarding in the Cathedral are fit for purpose and are communicated fully, both internally and externally. ​​​​​

About the Non-Executive Member of Chapter role:

In this recruitment campaign we are seeking to appoint one member of Chapter and Lay Canon. We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who have a safeguarding background, with knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy and practice that encompasses both adults and children.

All Chapter members must either be an actual communicant (within the meaning given in Rule 83(2) of the Church of England’s Church Representation Rules) or a communicant member of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. An “actual communicant member” of the Church of England is legally defined as a baptized person who is confirmed (or ready to be confirmed) and has received Holy Communion at least three times in the preceding twelve months.

About the Safeguarding Committee roles:

We are interested to hear from candidates who have a safeguarding background, with strategic expertise in victim/survivor advocacy, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, or regulatory safeguarding (e.g., social care, policing, or education) and are able to meet the following person specification.

Committee Members are not required to be an actual communicant.

How to apply

Please visit Inclusive Boards' website for more information and to apply. 

We keep local history alive by managing a community centre that houses an internationally important quilt collection. Through exhibitions, workshops, talks and outreach, we promote patchwork, quilting and care for our collection of antique and heritage quilts.

Each year we welcome thousands of visitors through our doors, to explore and learn about our collection and be inspired! The Trustee Treasurer plays a key role in supporting the effective financial governance and sustainability of The Quilt Association. Working closely with the Chair, Secretary, fellow trustees, and any staff responsible for day-to-day finance administration, the Treasurer helps ensure that the organisation manages its finances responsibly, complies with legal and regulatory requirements, and maintains sound financial oversight.

This role is central to helping the Board make informed decisions, safeguard the charity’s resources, and ensure the long-term financial health of the organisation.

Position: Trustee Treasurer

Responsible to: Chair of Trustees

Location: We are based in Llanidloes, Mid Wales, but you don't have to be. We are open to remote and hybrid volunteering, however we do ask that you be within a reasonable distance to attend our key dates and exhibitions.

Hours: Approx 6 hours per month to include the Trustee Board meeting, any preparation work and subgroups.

Expenses: This role is voluntary, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Expenses policy.

Key responsibilities

As a trustee, you will contribute to the overall development and oversight of organisational strategy. You will be responsible for ensuring the organisation operates in line with its charitable objectives and governing documents, including risk management and compliance with relevant regulations. You'll safeguard the long-term sustainability of the organisation, including financial stability and act as an ambassador for the organisation. As a trustee, you'll also have the opportunity to be involved in the care, conservation, and accessibility of the quilt collection. 

As Treasurer, you will:

• Support the Board in overseeing the financial affairs of the organisation and ensuring that effective financial controls and procedures are in place

• Help ensure that QA operates in line with its governing documents, charity law, company law, and financial regulations

• Work with the Chair, Secretary, and any relevant staff to prepare and present clear financial information to the Board

• Monitor income, expenditure, cash flow, and reserves, helping trustees understand the organisation’s financial position

• Support the preparation and approval of annual budgets and financial forecasts

• Ensure that appropriate accounting records are maintained and that financial reporting is accurate and timely

• Support the preparation and submission of annual accounts, returns, and reports to Companies House and the Charity Commission

• Liaise with independent examiners or auditors where required

• Ensure that appropriate financial policies, controls, and risk management processes are in place

• Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making, particularly in relation to financial sustainability and fundraising opportunities

• Act as a point of contact for trustees regarding financial governance and procedures

• Support trustee induction by ensuring new trustees understand the organisation’s financial responsibilities and position

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who are committed to the aims of The Quilt Association and who can contribute to the effective governance and financial sustainability of the organisation.

Essential Qualities and Experience

We are looking for people with a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort. 

• Confidence working with financial information and budgets

• Ability to think strategically and make sound judgements

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a board

• A clear understanding of, or willingness to learn about, trustee responsibilities

• An organised and methodical approach to financial oversight and record keeping

• Integrity, accountability, and attention to detail

Desirable Experience

• Experience in finance, bookkeeping, accounting, budgeting, or financial management

• Experience of charity finance, governance, or compliance requirements

• Understanding of financial reporting requirements for charities and companies limited by guarantee

Previous trustee experience is not essential—we will provide induction and support.

Due to the nature of this role, appointment will be subject to a Standard DBS

We keep local history alive by managing a community centre that houses an internationally important quilt collection. Through exhibitions, workshops, talks and outreach, we promote patchwork, quilting and care for our collection of antique and heritage quilts.

Each year we welcome thousands of visitors through our doors, to explore and learn about our collection and be inspired! Our Trustees steer and guide The Quilt Asssociation, keeping us growing and sustainable. Working collectively as a Board, Trustees ensure the organisation fulfils its charitable aims, complies with legal and regulatory requirements, and continues to develop as a nationally significant centre for quilting and textile heritage and arts.

Position: Trustee

Responsible to: Chair of Trustees

Location: We are based in Llanidloes, Mid Wales, but you don't have to be. We are open to remote and hybrid volunteering, however we do ask that you be within a reasonable distance to attend our key dates and exhibitions.

Hours: Approx 6 hours per month to include the Trustee Board meeting, any preparation work and subgroups.

Expenses: This role is voluntary, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Expenses policy.

Key responsibilities

As a trustee, you will contribute to the overall development and oversight of organisational strategy. You will be responsible for ensuring the organisation operates in line with its charitable objectives and governing documents, including risk management and compliance with relevant regulations. You'll safeguard the long-term sustainability of the organisation, including financial stability and act as an ambassador for the organisation. As a trustee, you'll also have the opportunity to be involved in the care, conservation, and accessibility of the quilt collection.

We are looking to build on the skills of our current board and are seeking trustees who can take a lead role in one of the following areas:

• Human Resources - Advising on people management, policies, volunteer engagement, and organisational culture

• IT / Digital - Supporting digital infrastructure, data management, systems, and opportunities for digital engagement

• Textile Conservation - Providing expertise in the care, preservation, and documentation of heritage textiles

• Marketing and Communications - Supporting audience development, promotion of exhibitions and events, and strengthening the organisation’s profile

• Property / Facilities Management - Advising on the maintenance, development, and effective use of Minerva Arts Centre

• Arts, Culture and Heritage Sector Experience - Bringing insight, networks and strategic understanding of the wider cultural landscape

We are looking for people with a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort. 

• Ability to think strategically and make sound judgements

• Have good communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a board

• IHave integrity and a clear understanding of (or willingness to learn) trustee responsibilities

We believe all dance professionals should be able to lead a fulfilling life in dance safe from hardship.We are looking for new Trustees to help us achieve our aim. 

Who are Dance Professionals Fund? 

Dance Professionals Fund is an award-winning registered CIO providing financial and wellbeing support to dancers, dance teachers and choreographers. Our dedicated services bring together a range of effective ways of supporting dance professionals, including financial grants, signposting to support services, injury rehabilitation, career upskilling support and access to professional counselling. Dance professionals will receive holistic support from us whatever their situation. 

Role Description 

We are seeking trustees to join us from January 2027 for an initial term of three years.We are looking for a range of skills and experience, including: 

• Experience and/or specialism in commercial dance or street dance

• A recreational dance teacher and/or owner of a dance school 

• Background/experience in finance in a senior role or on a charity Board 

• Experience within a benevolent fund as either as staff or trustee

• Background in legal expertise, in a senior role or on a charity Board 

• Strong communication skills, comprehensive networking experience 

We welcome applications from anyone who is passionate about helping the Dance Professionals Fund achieve its objectives. Full trustee training will be provided.  

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and especially those from Global Majority groups. We are keen to add more voices with lived disability experience to the Board – helping us evolve our aims with all disabilities in mind.  

Closing date 
5pm, 24 June 2026 

See inside our Collections storage facility - closed to the public - and help us prepare to move our collection to a new facility

What is an Inventory volunteer?

The RAF Museum has many items in its collection which are not currently on display. Our inventory volunteers will ensure that we have an up-to-date record of all the items in our reserve collection, their purpose and condition, to help us prepare to move from our current store outside Stafford to a new storage facility in Cosford. This is a weekday only opportunity.

This role sits within the RAF Museum’s Midlands Development Programme which will transform our museum and our impact on the local community through a series of phased projects – engaging audiences who may not obviously identify with the RAF story by finding common interests and histories which link them. As part of this project, we are planning a new learning centre, outdoor spaces, collections hub and major exhibition.

What will I be doing?

The Inventory Volunteer role could encompass various tasks, which might include:

· Assessing objects’ condition

· Measuring and weighing items

· Undertaking cleaning as required

· Object photography

This role is perfect for you if you…

· Are curious and eager to learn

· Pay attention to detail

· Have a light and careful touch

· Are happy working as part of a team

· Are organised and able to keep accurate records

How much time would I need to commit?

Ideally a half day (09:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to 16:00) once a week, although other arrangements can be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 20 volunteering sessions. This is a weekdays only opportunity.

What's in it for me?

· Becoming part of a great team of volunteers and staff

· See and handle objects from the RAF Museum’s collection not on public display

· Learn about object conservation

· Discover more about the history of the RAF

· Gain behind-the-scenes experience within the heritage sector

· 25% discount at our retail outlets and café[KS1] 

· Travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy

· Free entry to a wide range of museums and heritage sites across the UK.

Executive Director

The Longest Yarn

Flexible

Initially Voluntary Basis with Expenses Covered to be based in the U.K. 

About The Longest Yarn

The Longest Yarn is an internationally recognised knitted and crocheted exhibition project preserving wartime stories through immersive textile art, historical interpretation and community participation. Registered as an Association in France since 2023 with CIO pending in U.K. 

Having toured extensively across the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States, The Longest Yarn now consists of two major exhibitions.

One exhibition, The Longest Yarn: Britain at War, is based in the United Kingdom and is already booked to tour major cathedrals and other significant venues through to 2028.

The original D-Day exhibition now has its permanent home in Normandy near the landing beaches, where it is exhibited for approximately six months of the year, with the flexibility to tour across the UK or Europe during the winter months.

Together, the exhibitions continue to grow as a major international remembrance and heritage initiative.

Founded as a simple project combining creativity, education, remembrance, community involvement and support for veteran causes through large-scale public exhibitions and events, The Longest Yarn rapidly exceeded all expectations, attracting more than 500,000 visitors within just 23 months.

We are currently working with several veteran charities, including one major initiative helping to provide a home for a homeless veteran living with PTSD. Developing and expanding our support for veteran causes remains an important part of the future vision for The Longest Yarn.

The Role

Could You Help the Founder Build The Next Chapter?

Over 500,000 people have now visited .

What started as a slightly bonkers knitted D-Day idea has grown into:

• a permanent Normandy exhibition
• a second UK touring exhibition
• veteran partnerships
• media attention worldwide
• and more opportunities than one person can realistically manage alone.

We are beginning the search for somebody to help build this properly for the future.

This may suit somebody from:

• military or veteran backgrounds
• tourism or events
• heritage or museums
• operations or logistics
• volunteer coordination
• charity or project management

Most importantly — you need to believe in people, possibility, and what this project represents.

Initially this is about finding the right person and exploring what the role could become over time.

Reporting Structure

The Executive Director will report directly to:

• Founder & Creative Director
• The Board of Trustees

To Apply

If it sparks your interest, please apply with your CV and we can organise an informal chat with the Founder and Creative Director.

At Afrocats, we work with communities in Greater Manchester to support women, children and families through access to arts and culture. We are looking for an organised and reliable volunteer administrator to join our small, friendly team and provide support across a range of needs.

This is a flexible volunteer opportunity ideal for someone with previous office or administrative experience who would like to use their skills to support meaningful community work.

Role Responsibilities:

• General administrative support
• Data entry
• Presentation preparation
• Monitoring and responding to emails
• Research tasks and adhoc project support

Commitment:
Around 8 hours per week for a period of 12 months.

Working Hours:
Hours are flexible, however, during the initial induction period, some overlap with staff working hours will be required.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Organised and detail-oriented
• Confident using email, Word, Excel, and other digital services
• Able to manage tasks independently
• Friendly, professional, and proactive
• Comfortable working remotely and as part of a team

Previous administrative or office experience is preferred.

Join us and play an important role in supporting the inner workings of a local organisation working with communities!

Volunteer Admissions Assistant

You'll be multitasking throughout the day, with a mix of responsibilities including customer service, ticket sales, promoting Gift Aid donations, shop duties, guiding visitors and providing information about the Museum and the collection. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and love engaging with people, this is the role for you. 

The Volunteer Admissions Assistant role is all about making a lasting impression and creating a memorable visitor experience. You’ll be:

• Welcoming and engaging with visitors, sharing information about the museum and its collection.
• Selling tickets and gift shop items, ensuring smooth transactions and great customer service.
• Collecting data for Gift Aid and marketing purposes, including how visitors found out about us.
• Creating positive experiences to encourage return visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.
• Helping visitors explore the Museum through interpretation, answering questions and distributing trails, accessibility and family activities.
• Maintaining the gift shop, including restocking, counting stock, and setting up attractive displays.
• Conducting online research and building contact lists to support marketing efforts.
• Promoting the Museum locally, raising awareness and encouraging more visitors to discover what we have to offer!

Who we’re looking for:

We’d like to extend an invitation to anyone, particularly members of the local community.  Full training will be provided, we are looking for anyone with:

• Great customer service skills – you will be friendly and confident about approaching visitors of all ages and backgrounds
• Great communication skills – you will be able to clearly explain information about the Museum and ticketing to visitors
• Good computer skills – with training, you will be able to use our ticketing system, email and Microsoft Office
• Good Sales Skills – you will be able to promote ticket sales and gift shop items as well as encouraging Gift Aid donations
• Multitasking skills – with various responsibilities such as selling tickets, guiding visitors, and managing the gift shop, you will be able to juggle tasks efficiently
• A good telephone manner
• Good team working skills

This role offers plenty of variety, and you'll play an important part in making every visitor's experience unforgettable.

Training and support:

All volunteers will first be invited for a training shift.  We have an induction and training process, during which we give volunteers the information they need to enjoy their time with us. Training is mainly 'on the job', supported by an experienced volunteer as well as the manager on duty. Volunteers are given regular feedback and we remain open to suggestions on how we can improve the volunteer experience. The Admissions Assistant receives continued training and development throughout their time with us.

Availability:

We are looking for volunteers who would ideally like to donate 2-4 shifts per month, weekdays or weekends, either as a 10-1.30pm shift, or a 1.30-5pm shift, for a minimum of 3 months. Ideally, you will be able to start immediately, although this is not essential. Travel expenses up to £5 will be paid, with up to an additional £5 for lunch expenses if you are on a full day shift.

Please note: Applicants from some overseas countries are required to have a relevant work permit or student visa to volunteer in the U.K. We’ll need to see this for our records before volunteering can commence.