Volunteer roles

Job Title: EPAfrica – Project Associate (PA)
Location: Kakamega, Kenya
Duration: Approximately 1st July – 13th September 2026, with limited flexibility on start and finish dates.
Start Date: UK-based training and preparation begins in June, with travel to Kenya for final pre-summer preparation in late June.

Compensation: Non-salaried placement.

About EPAfrica
Education Partnerships Africa (EPAfrica) is a volunteer-led organisation with a mission to improve secondary education in East Africa and create opportunities for young people. EPAfrica partners directly with schools to support their self-driven growth through establishing a strong resource base and implementing holistic development programs. The organisation is dedicated to making a sustainable impact by investing in both infrastructure and the long-term capabilities of partner schools. 

Role Description
This is a volunteer placement opportunity involving hybrid training in the UK and then 10 weeks in Western Kenya over the summer of 2026. We're mainly considering applications from UK-based university students and recent graduates, however we are happy to hear from anyone who believes they can make meaningful impact and contributions. This includes apprentices, early careers or even those in the later part of their career. 

Who we are looking for

• Self-motivation and ability to work in a team with key stakeholders
• A passion for education development or sustainable non-profit work 
• An interest in working in an international context, learning through cross-cultural communication

What you'll do
Project Associates are not teachers or builders. Working with an EPAfrica partner school in teams of two or three, Project Associates will have autonomy to collaborate with key stakeholders to tailor, facilitate and project manage EPAfrica's investments. Project Associates will be responsible for ensuring investments suit individual school needs and yield sustainable results beyond the duration of our direct collaboration.
Programmes begin with Project Associates engaging all school stakeholders to identify the best available options for long-term improvement of students’ career opportunities, welfare and health.
Project Associates then co-ordinate the delivery of identified opportunities, in continued partnership with school management. Investments come in the form of cash in educational resources and time in development of initiatives. 

Why join us?
Project Associates benefit from an outstanding opportunity to experience grassroots development whilst building essential skills.
In the UK, Project Associates engage in fundraising and training that considers how evidence-informed investment can effect change. In East Africa, they co-manage a time-limited project (including its budget), work in a different cultural context and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
Employers such as the FCDO, Deloitte and the WHO have regularly been impressed by the autonomy and critical thinking Project Associates have demonstrated through their projects.
We are proud to be entirely volunteer-run and so Project Associates can build on their experience by continuing to volunteer with the charity after their summer in Kenya. 

The Commitment
The Project Associate placement runs for a total of ten weeks in Kenya, between late June and early September. There is an orientation week, eight weeks working directly with your school, and a midway break week.

With comprehensive support and training; you'll fundraise £900 (all of which goes towards your investments in the school you work with) plus ~£1,600 for essential personal expenses (flights, in-country expenses, health insurance etc.).

We're excited to hear from you! To learn more, you can message us on LinkedIn or Instagram, apply through the link on our website.

You’re welcome to apply with a friend and complete your summer placement together, just let us know in your application which close on 9th January.

Job Title: EPAfrica Summer Team – Project Manager (PM)
Location: Kakamega, Kenya
Duration: Approximately 1st July – 13th September 2026, with limited flexibility on start and finish dates.
Start Date: UK-based training and preparation begins in June, with travel to Kenya for final pre-summer preparation in late June.

Compensation: Non-salaried placement, 

About EPAfrica

EPAfrica (Education Partnerships Africa) is a volunteer-led charity working in partnership with rural secondary schools in East Africa. Our focus is on a win:win approach to skills development and capacity building. We recruit, train and support graduates in the UK to develop leadership and project management skills, while working in partnership with rural schools in East Africa to create sustainable improvements in education by investing in people, resources, infrastructure, and local capacity. Project Managers play an essential role in this work, engaging directly with schools, developing a strong understanding of the local context, and supporting meaningful, long-term projects.

Our volunteers work closely with schools to co-create solutions that enhance educational quality and expand opportunity for young people.

Role Overview

As a Project Manager, you’ll be a central leader within EPAfrica’s Summer Team. You’ll oversee Project Associates in their school placements, deliver high-impact training, coordinate programme delivery, and act as a key link between our UK team and our in-country projects. It’s a dynamic leadership role that blends operational management, pastoral care, and strategic decision-making.

Most importantly, you will help develop future global leaders, guiding PAs through experiences that shape their confidence, judgement, and understanding of international development.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Directly manage volunteers in-country, including Project Associates and the coordinator team.

• Lead Project Associates through their summer placements, offering guidance, structure, and motivation.

• Build strong partnerships with schools, managing expectations and setting boundaries for accommodation, travel and other logistics. This can include discussions around finances, travel and dietary requirements. 

Training & Capacity Building

• With the support of coordinators, deliver training on project management, risk management, cultural awareness and responsible international capacity building.

• Create a psychologically safe and collaborative space for all volunteers and facilitate reflective discussions that strengthen leadership, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding.

Pastoral Support

• Act as the first point of contact for PA wellbeing, helping volunteers navigate challenges and thrive during their placements.

Programme Oversight

• Monitor project progress and help PAs resolve operational issues.

• Ensure investments align with EPAfrica’s mission and theory of change.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Conduct school visits to assess impact and gather data for future decision-making.

• Visit potential partner schools and support long-term organisational learning.

Risk Management

• Respond to in-country issues with maturity, calm, and strong judgement.

Coordination & Communication

• Maintain clear and constructive communication with the UK charity team and local partners.

What We’re Looking For

• Alignment with EPAfrica’s values and operating model.

• A strong interest in building international partnerships - experience preferred.

• Evidence of leading and supporting teams with empathy and clarity.

• Strong communication skills across diverse cultural contexts.

• Facilitation skills and the ability to create psychologically safe and collaborative learning spaces 

• Ability to stay calm under pressure, take initiative, and make sound decisions.

• Willingness to embrace semi-rural living and fast-paced environments.

• Experience and willingness to act with resilience and adaptability in new cultural contexts and settings (food, travel, communications, cultural expectations, etc.)

• Prior PA or Summer Team experience is a significant advantage.

What You’ll Gain

• Build on existing leadership experience with responsibility, influence, and visibility.

• Hands-on exposure to International Partnership building. 

• The chance to help develop globally-minded young leaders.

• Deep cultural immersion in Western Kenya.

• Some candidates are able to have a mid-programme holiday to explore Kenya’s incredible landscapes (Mombasa, Maasai Mara, Nairobi, and more). 

• A strong professional network within EPAfrica.

• Experience that stands out on a CV many alumni go on to roles at the FCDO, WHO, UN, Civil Service, and major consultancies.

Interested?

If you’re passionate about education, leadership, and making a tangible impact, we’d love to hear from you. This is a unique opportunity to step into a challenging, meaningful role, one that shapes communities, strengthens schools, and develops young leaders.

You’re welcome to apply with a friend and complete your summer placement together, just let us know in your application.

Job Title: EPAfrica Summer Team – Project Coordinator (PC)

Location: Kakamega, Kenya

Duration: Minimum 3 weeks during our summer programme, which runs from approximately late June –  to mid-September 2026

Start Date: The EPAfrica summer starts in late June, with travel to Kenya taking place several days before the Project Associates arrive.

Compensation: This is a non-salaried placement, with the following expenses covered:

Travel: All project-related travel in and around Kakamega County. Flight tickets are at the expense of the post holder*
Accommodation: Fully covered throughout the EPAfrica summer.
Programme delivery costs: All costs associated with programme delivery (travel to sites, partner meeting expenses, etc.) covered by the charity.

*Additional Costs: Round-trip flights to Kenya and limited subsistence costs, plus any personal travel elsewhere within Kenya (e.g., for your holiday week).

About EPAfrica

EPAfrica (Education Partnerships Africa) is a volunteer-led charity working in partnership with rural secondary schools in East Africa. Our focus is on a win:win approach to skills development and capacity building. We recruit, train and support graduates in the UK to develop leadership and project management skills, while working in partnership with rural schools in East Africa to create sustainable improvements in education by investing in people, resources, infrastructure, and local capacity. Project Coordinators play an essential role in this work, engaging directly with schools, developing a strong understanding of the local context, and supporting meaningful, long-term projects.

Role Overview

As a Project Coordinator (PC), you will be part of EPAfrica’s Summer Team, contributing to the effective delivery of our in-country programme. Working alongside the Project Manager and fellow Coordinators, you will help ensure that Project Associates (PAs) have the operational guidance, logistical support, and pastoral care they need during their placements.

The role offers a broad introduction to programme coordination, capacity building and grassroots development work. It provides valuable experience in supporting teams, navigating operational challenges, and contributing to the smooth functioning of a multi-site programme. Project Coordinators play an important part in maintaining programme quality and supporting volunteers as they apply training, develop confidence, and build relationships in partner schools.

Key Responsibilities

Working under the guidance of the Project Manager (PM), the Project Coordinator will:

Support Project Associates (PAs) in their placements, including:

• Monitoring project progress and helping PAs address challenges as they arise.

• Providing pastoral support and helping maintain volunteer wellbeing.

• Co-delivering training on topics such as project management, responsible development practices, cultural awareness, safety, and wellbeing.

Operational Coordination

• Assist with the coordination of logistics essential to programme delivery.

• Facilitate communication between PAs, the Summer Team, and the UK-based central charity team.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Contribute to in-country monitoring and evaluation activities, including:

  • Monitoring visits to current and recent investment schools.

  • Assessment visits to potential future participant schools.

  • Staying informed on developments in the Kenyan education sector and their potential implications for our work.

• Support the maintenance of relationships with local partners.

Team Contribution

• Participate in Summer Team planning, reflection sessions, and process documentation.

• Help maintain the safety, security, and wellbeing of the Kenya-based team in line with EPAfrica’s risk guidelines.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong familiarity with, and interest in, EPAfrica’s values and operating model.

• Demonstrated interest in grassroots international development; prior experience (volunteering, fieldwork, or professional) preferred.

• Experience working within teams delivering project-based work, and the ability to support others with empathy.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across cultures.

• Facilitation skills, or willingness to learn how to assist in delivering training, and creating psychologically safe learning spaces 

• Confidence in taking initiative, solving problems under pressure, and making thoughtful decisions.

• Willingness to work in a fast-paced, challenging environment

• Experience and willingness to act with resilience and adaptability in new cultural contexts and settings (food, travel, communications, cultural expectations, etc.)

• Experience as a Project Associate (formerly Project Worker) or previous Summer Team involvement preferred, though relevant experience in similar contexts is also valued.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical experience in project coordination and delivery.

• Exposure to international development at a grassroots level.

• The opportunity to spend time in semi-rural communities in Western Kenya.

• One week’s holiday mid-programme, with the opportunity to explore Kenya (e.g., Mombasa, Nairobi, Maasai Mara).

• Experience working with a dedicated and collaborative team, and the chance to build a strong professional network.

• Transferable skills in stakeholder management, communication, logistics, and risk awareness.

• A valuable addition to your CV, many EPAfrica alumni progress to roles with the FCDO, WHO, UN, Civil Service, and a range of consultancies.

Interested?

We welcome applications from those enthusiastic about education and development and interested in contributing to impactful, hands-on work in Kenya. You are also welcome to apply with a friend and complete a summer placement alongside them, please indicate this in your application.

Join our friendly, experienced team. All training given and there will be ongoing support from more experienced Trustees.

Duties include attending  onlineTrustee Board meetings 6 times pa, supporting the charity with occasional events and maintaining regular communication with the board imbetween meetings.

Applications invited from senior and highly experienced volunteers who wish to join a Board of Trustees

We are seeking a Trustee with experience in any of these areas

Legal / Income Generation /NHS / Digital Marketing

Hours: Approximately 3 - 6 hours per month 

Supported by: Board and Chair of Trustees and CEO

Location: Surrey

Role: To work as part of the Trustee team in providing a governance framework for the Charity and to be able to make effective decisions and be accountable to the Charity Commission.

Skills:

We are looking for Trustees for our Board with senior skills in any of these areas:

• Legal Experience

• Income Generation

• The NHS

• Digital Marketing Experience

You would contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in defining the strategic direction of the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating organisational performance against agreed strategic targets.

You would Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.

You would Attend bi-monthly Board meetings. 

You would Utilise your specific experience and expertise, as and when required, to lead discussions, provide guidance on new initiatives or give support to management through ad hoc meetings or committees.

You would Participate in one or more Board committees as required.

Role involves:

Scrutinising Board papers and other communications.

Abiding by Age UK Surrey’s policies and procedures and ensure these are effectively implemented.

Participating in activities to promote the Charity to our beneficiaries, funders and the wider public.

Trustees should have:

An understanding of the needs of older people.

A commitment to the aims and values of the organisation.

A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to provide the level of commitment required for this role.

Good strategic vision.

Good, independent judgment.

An ability to think creatively.

A willingness to challenge others.

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

An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

A willingness to support the staff team as appropriate. 

Comply with the Age UK Brand Partnership Agreement and Charity Commission guidance. 

Be responsible for the financial position of the Charity, ensure it is operating efficiently and effectively, and delivers on the outcomes defined in its governing document. 

Set the strategic direction and delegate operational responsibility to the CEO.

Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation and regulations.

Ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its  objects.

Protect and manage the property of the Charity and ensure the proper investment of the Charity’s funds.

Are you an enthusiastic volunteer looking for a new role where you'll be able to use your skills to really make a difference? Are you passionate about helping others? Could you use your literacy knowledge to support volunteers and readers?

Read Easy Sheffield is a successful local charity that provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, affiliated to national charity Read Easy UK. We are currently looking to expand our work and for this we need some more volunteers to join our friendly management team, and we excited to be seeking a new Literacy Specialist.

The Literacy Specialist is a vital and interesting role within the Read Easy Sheffield Management Team to make sure that all readers get the support they need during their reading journey. You’ll provide literacy support to the volunteer coaches and give advice on specific challenges they may be facing. This voluntary position would be fantastic for someone who has experience with literacy and education, and can be patient and flexible. You will receive training and support from Read Easy UK to develop your skills, and get to work alongside an enthusiastic Management Team. You will play an instrumental part in making sure our group continues to thrive!

What will you be doing?

• Providing literacy support to the Coordinators and Reading Coaches.
• Visiting reading pairs to advise on specific situations and challenges that Readers and Coaches may be facing.
• Contributing to the content, delivery and organisation of coach meetings.
• Finding or creating useful activities and resources that Coaches can use to support and extend their Readers’ learning.
• Attending monthly Management Team meetings.

The role is flexible so you can choose your own hours – you might expect to spend 2 to 3 hours a week on this. To get the most from the role, we expect all Management Team members to support Read Easy Sheffield for at least one year.

What's in it for you?

• A rewarding role that has a positive impact on people's lives

• Opportunity to meet and work collaboratively with new people

• Training and support to develop your skills

• As part of the Management Team, you will help shape the direction of the organisation

The skills you will need:

• A background in teaching reading/literacy (preferably, but not necessarily, with adults).

• An understanding of the difference between the needs of adults and children in the learning process.

• A knowledge of the range of teaching resources that are available for adults, or a willingness to research them.

• Reasonable confidence in using IT.

• The ability to use initiative and work independently.

• A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.

• An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.

• A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.

Please be aware that the reading coaching takes place in venues across the city, mainly in libraries and community centres. Bearing in mind that the role will involve occasional visits to pairs to offer support with their sessions when needed, you will need to be Sheffield-based and ideally able to drive or travel around the city.

Are you an enthusiastic volunteer looking for a new role where you'll be able to use your organisation and people skills to really make a difference? Are you passionate about helping others? Could you be part of someone’s journey towards learning to read?

Read Easy Sheffield is a successful local charity that provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, affiliated to national charity Read Easy UK. We are currently looking to expand our work and for this we need some more volunteers to join our friendly team, and we excited to be seeking another Coordinator.

This voluntary position would be fantastic for someone who has good organisational and problem-solving skills, as well as great people skills and a friendly, caring nature. If you are the type of person who enjoys solving puzzles and helping others, this could be the perfect role for you!

Being a Coordinator is a vital and interesting role within the Read Easy Sheffield Team. Alongside the other Coordinators (currently three), you will meet adults who want to learn to read and interview volunteer Reading Coaches. You will then pair them up and offer support when needed (alongside our Literacy Specialist), checking in with both your Readers and your Coaches that all is going well. You will play an instrumental part in making sure our group continues to thrive!

You don’t need previous experience, and you don’t need to have volunteered as a Reading Coach first – you will receive training and support from Read Easy UK to develop your skills, and you will work alongside an enthusiastic and supportive team who will show you the ropes.

The role is flexible and can be mostly done from home, however you will need to make occasional visits to see reading pairs in person in their venues across the city, and come to in person meetings.

You can choose your own hours and how many reading pairs you’d like to support – you might expect to spend 3 to 5 hours a week on this. However, most of the coaching happens during the daytime so you will need some daytime availability. To get the most from the role, we expect all Coordinators to support Read Easy Sheffield for at least one year.

What's in it for you?

· A rewarding role that has a positive impact on people's lives – there is no better feeling than seeing the readers graduate from the course!

· Opportunity to meet new people and work collaboratively to keep the ship sailing

· Developing your skills in coordinating projects, or making good use of existing ones!

· Regular contact with the team, including social events and other face-to-face opportunities

· Support from a dedicated team leader, as well as comprehensive training in the role

The skills you will need:

· A passion for supporting others to achieve their goals

· Good communication and people skills, as well as being organised!

· Reasonable confidence in using IT (accessing documents, completing electronic forms and records, email, Teams/Zoom meetings)

· The ability to use initiative and willingness to work independently, as well as part of a team

· A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included

· Energy and enthusiasm to commit to the role for at least a year

· A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.

Please be aware that the reading coaching takes place in venues across the city, mainly in libraries and community centres. Bearing in mind that the role will involve occasional visits to pairs to offer support with their sessions when needed, you will need to be Sheffield-based and ideally able to drive or travel around the city.

Job Description:

Services Sales Specialist (Commission-Only)

Programme Association: Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP) /

International Personal Development Programme (iPDP)

Role Type: Part-time | Self-Employed Contractor | Commission-Only (Uncapped) | Remote

Commitment: 12 hours/week (Structured as two 6-hour shifts) | 16-week programme duration

Role Summary

Quilombo UK is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Services Sales Specialist to join our team as a self-employed contractor. This is a crucial, target-driven, commission-only role focused on generating revenue by converting prospective service users into paying clients.The successful candidate will gain direct, high-impact sales experience that mirrors the standards and performance expectations of a paid sales position, with the added benefit of earning commission on all confirmed deals.

Compensation Structure

● Payment Basis: This is a commission-only, self-employed contractor position. There is no fixed salary or hourly wage. The specialist is responsible for invoicing Quilombo UK monthly for earned commission.

● Commission: Commission is earned per converted sale, payable only after the customer’s second monthly payment is successfully processed.

○ Standard £200 ePDP Sale: £25 commission

○ Subsidized £100 Sale: £10 commission

○ 2-Month Rolling Sale: £65 commission

● Payment Schedule: Commission earned is paid monthly, 30 days after receipt of the monthly invoice from the specialist, following the trigger (receipt of the customer's second payment) being confirmed.

Main Responsibilities

This is a target-driven, client-facing role responsible for the full sales cycle:

● Lead Generation: Proactively research and identify prospective clients aligned with Quilombo UK’s mission and services.

● Outreach & Pitching: Initiate direct outreach (calls, emails, online meetings) with clients directly.

● Closing Deals: Deliver compelling sales pitches and presentations, handle end-to-end sales processes, and secure contracts for services.

● Pipeline Management: Develop and maintain a strong client pipeline, updating CRM or tracking systems regularly.

● Performance: Consistently meet or exceed weekly/monthly Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to outreach, meetings, and revenue conversions.

● Strategy: Collaborate with the Director to refine messaging and sales strategy for maximum impact. Services to be Sold

The successful candidate will primarily sell Quilombo UK’s core offerings:

● ePDP (Enhanced Professional Development Programme)

● iPDP (International Personal Development Programme)

● Quilombo UK Departments as a Service

● Workshops

● Essential: Demonstrated experience in a sales, business development, or account management role, with a proven track record of generating leads and closing deals.

● Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, strong presentation and negotiation abilities, and confidence to work independently.

● Alignment: Passion for social justice, community engagement, and inclusion.

What We Offer

● Income Potential: Uncapped commission earning potential based entirely on performance.

● Experience: Real-world, results-driven sales experience with clear KPIs and performance feedback.

● Mentorship: Coaching and mentoring from experienced directors and leadership.

● Certification: Certificate of completion and reference upon successful 16-week programme completion.

Job Types: Part-time, Freelance

Work Location: Remote

Position Overview:
The Service Sales Specialist plays a dual role in driving programme enrollment and delivering exceptional service to prospective participants. Focused on sales and outreach, this position generates leads, conducts cold calls, and converts inquiries into enrollments for the employability and skills development programme. With a strong emphasis on meeting sales targets, the CSR will articulate the programme’s value proposition, address concerns, and guide prospects through the enrollment process while maintaining a participant-centric approach.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sales & Lead Generation:

   • Proactively identify and engage potential participants through cold calling, email campaigns, social media outreach, and community partnerships.

   • Achieve monthly enrollment targets by converting leads into committed participants, tracking conversion rates and pipeline progress.

2. Participant Onboarding:

   • Serve as the first point of contact for inquiries, providing detailed information about programme benefits, eligibility criteria, and enrollment steps.

   • Guide prospects through the application process, ensuring a seamless transition from inquiry to enrollment.

3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

   • Maintain accurate records of leads, interactions, and conversions in the CRM system.

   • Follow up with prospects to address concerns, nurture interest, and close enrollments.

4. Reporting & Feedback:

   • Provide weekly updates to the Programme Lead on sales performance, challenges, and market insights.

   • Share participant feedback to improve programme positioning and outreach strategies.

5. Compliance & Ethics:

   • Adhere to organisational policies and ethical standards in all sales activities, ensuring transparency and respect for participant needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field preferred.

• Experience:

  • 2+ years in sales, telemarketing, or customer service roles with a proven track record of meeting/exceeding targets.

  • Experience conducting cold calls, managing leads, and closing conversions.

• Skills:

  • Strong persuasive communication and active listening skills.

  • Proficiency in CRM systems and Google products (Forms, Docs, Sheets, Slides).

  • Ability to articulate complex programme details in a clear, motivating manner.

  • Resilience in handling objections and rejection.

Bucks Students’ Union is seeking to recruit a new Trustee to join our Board and help support our continued development. As a registered charity with a turnover in excess of £2.5 million and a career staff team of 50, Bucks Students’ Union provides a range of services to our diverse membership of c16,000 students.

Our services include an Advice Centre and Representation Department, a 1,200 capacity social space, a catering operation, a vibrant student newspaper and a wide-ranging programme of sporting, developmental, recreational and volunteering activities.

As part of our Board, you will support the Chief Executive Officer, the elected officers and the wider team in the continued delivery of our high-quality services and assuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

We would welcome applicants with a keen understanding of higher education and issues affecting students and a passion for supporting the development of organisations in the third sector as well as a strong alignment with our values. In particular, we would encourage applications from individuals with legal and/or governance experience.

All trustee positions are voluntary (expenses provided) and offer a range of personal development opportunities.

Hello my name is Bahati from Tanzania, i am the founder of the registered non profit organization called smile for future generation in Tanzania, I'm humbly asking a volunteer from Europe or United States to help us doing fundraising campaign for the projects we have in our organization, the core role will be linking our organization with companies ,individual philanthropists and other organization for gaining more experience. 

We're seeking up to two new trustees with charity experience and local knowledge of in Barrow-in-Furness and South Cumbria who wish to use their skills to support brilliant causes in our community through making grants.

The Sir John Fisher Foundation invests in organisations that serve needs and grow ambitions in the area around Barrow-in-Furness. Our focus is funding core costs and projects that produce sustained results in the community, arts, music and education.

Being a trustee of The Sir John Fisher Foundation is an outstanding opportunity to deepen knowledge of philanthropy and the charity sector, or to build skills in strategy, governance, impact and charity finance.

As a trustee, your role is to work with other trustees to set our strategic direction, oversee the effective running of the charity and participate in the Foundation’s grant-making decisions. This includes:

• Assessing grant applications for our main and core grants programmes
• Attending two full-day board meetings per year, in person (usually around May and November in or near Barrow-in-Furness)
• Attending two further online board meetings per year, usually for ~2 hours
• Participating in site visits to applicants and grantees
• Contributing to planning and implementing the Foundation’s strategy, working with other trustees and staff, in line with our charitable objectives
• Overseeing the financial sustainability of the charity to fund our grant-making programmes, including our investments, mainly our shareholding in James Fisher & Sons
• Supporting the Foundation’s staff team with the general management of the charity
• Ensuring the charity meets its legal obligations as set out by the Charity Commission, and effectively fulfils its general functions and duties

We are looking for trustees with the following essential skills, knowledge and personal qualities, as well as demonstrating the values of the Foundation: 

• Commitment to the Foundation’s objectives and grant-making priorities
• Knowledge of the issues faced by people living and working in our geographical priority area (Barrow-in-Furness and the surrounding area)
• Previous experience working or volunteering for a charity
• A sound understanding of the responsibilities of charity trustees (or willingness to learn)
• Understanding of charity accounts (or willingness to learn)
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills; a critical friend who can give challenge respectfully and be open to changing own views if necessary
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills
• Personal integrity and humility; discretion
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Willingness to devote the time and energy required to trustee duties

Previous board, trustee or grant-making experience is not necessary. We are actively seeking candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, and professional expertise. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our governance, enrich our decision-making and ensure that our mission is carried out equitably. We encourage applications from individuals who bring lived experiences and insights that have been historically underrepresented in leadership roles.

We encourage applications from first-time trustees whose skills and backgrounds will enhance the board in other ways, as we can provide a thorough induction, trustee buddy, training and support. Through our memberships of the Association of Charitable Foundations and Yorkshire Funders, we can provide access to relevant grant-making training opportunities and networking with grant-makers on a regional and national level.

Apply by 5pm, Sunday 11th January 2026.

Volunteer Drivers – Make a Real Difference in Birmingham

Are you a confident and considerate driver looking for a way to give back to your community? Join our Dependency and Recovery Service as a Volunteer Driver and help people take their first steps toward a positive future.

What’s the role?

As a Volunteer Driver, you’ll:

• Meet individuals at the prison gate and drive them safely to their designated Probation Office.
• Use your own vehicle to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive journey.
• Work alongside our Dependency and Recovery Coordinators and other volunteers to help people transition smoothly back into the community.

Why this role matters

Leaving prison can be overwhelming. Your support helps reduce anxiety and builds trust, giving people the best chance to engage with services and make positive changes.

What we’re looking for

• Patience and resilience – building trust takes time.
• A positive role model who is punctual, honest, and reliable.
• Someone who treats others with respect and empathy.

What you’ll receive

• Comprehensive training and ongoing support.
• A dedicated supervisor to guide you in your role.
• The chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.

Practical details

• You’ll need your own vehicle and a valid driving licence, MOT and insurance
• Must have at least 2 years driving experience on a full licence
• Must not have been disqualified for drink/drug driving in the last 5 years
• Must not have any points for any major offences on the driving licence
• Mileage expenses are reimbursed
• Availability - Monday/Tuesday/ Wednesday or Thursday during the mornings

Please see attached role description for full details

This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS

Communication Support Volunteers are an essential part of our work for reaching and supporting different communities. Our partners in the community hold events across the UK and online. Your support will help assist communication by translating between English and British Sign Language (BSL), ensuring attendees have a positive experience! You will provide informal communication support (this is not a qualified interpreter role). You may be on your own, or as part of a team so you’ll need to be enthusiastic and motivated.

About you

• Aged 18 years and over
• BSL signing skills at level 3 or above (with or without a formal qualification)
• Able to adapt your communication methods depending on individual needs and environments
• Willing to get involved in activities to encourage people to participate
• Communicate effectively within your role and as part of a team

When and where

• Events will vary regionally and may take place during the day, evening, or weekends as a one-off or regular occurrence
• You’ll decide where and when you’d like to volunteer - we don’t expect anyone to travel far from their home

What you will do

Your tasks will depend on who you are supporting and what kind of event they’re running, but they may include:

• Assisting two-way communication for children and adults with varied communication methods
• Translating between English and British Sign Language (BSL)
• Completing agreed tasks on time and responding to any changes on the day
• Identifying tasks that need doing and any issues that need reporting
• Using your initiative to respond to situations and help out without being asked
• Presenting the National Deaf Children’s Society and our community partners in a positive way
  

What will you gain from the role?

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them: 

• Increased confidence and new skills
• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families 
• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference

Support and training
You will be provided with:

• Basic training to help keep yourself, others, and data safe
• A named point of contact for support
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs
• Clear information about what to do and who to contact if you are worried about something

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to complete a Basic DBS check, complete a self-disclosure form, provide references, and complete our essential training.