Volunteer roles

TERM TIME ONLY

Liberty Domestic Abuse Group (Women only):

Central Bedfordshire – Monday 09:30 - 14:30

Bedford – Wednesday 09:30 - 14:30

Luton – Friday 09:30 - 14:30

Talk 4 M Domestic Abuse Support Group (Males only):

Bedford - Thursday 16:30 – 19.30

Could you be a part of our inspiring, hardworking and motivated team making a positive contribution to rebuilding the lives of women and children?

At One YMCA we provide a range of varied and exciting volunteer roles - we currently are looking for support at our Horizons (Domestic Abuse) support services based in Bedford.

Some of the tasks and responsibliites include: 

• Supporting the group facilitators to plan weekly sessions
• Setting up the room, including tables, chairs and resources for the participants
• Supporting the facilitator to run particular activities as part of the session delivery
• Ensuring you have a non-judgmental, friendly and approachable demeanour
• Maintaining confidentiality at all times

You will be: 

• Be a good and active listener who can support others
• Have a non-judgmental approach 
• Be of a friendly, welcoming and approachable disposition
• Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
• Experience supporting people with complex needs/situations including: grief, trauma, mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse
• Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
• A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work as part of a team

A full induction to the Horizons/Onyx service and specific sites will be provided, including an "Introduction to Domestic Abuse" 1 day training course

You will be required to complete online training, plus a menu of optional training linked the role will be made available.

You will receive regular 1 to 1s and supervision with line manager and oportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events!

Please note you will be required to undergo a DBS check and two references will be taken up prior to commencing the role. 

Summary

Could you combine nursing skills, compassion and faith to offer care in body, mind and spirit?
Could you support people experiencing homelessness?

Detailed description

You could be part of our exciting pilot project as a volunteer Parish Nurse offering life-transforming whole-person healthcare, working alongside Chaplains, Complex Needs and Housing Support Workers.

 As a YMCA Parish Nurse you would:

• Help service users identify issues and self-manage their wellbeing so they flourish in body, mind and spirit. This might be 1:2:1 or in a group setting.
• Signpost, support, and provide information and reassurance enabling service users to access NHS and other professional or community support as well as internal support from YMCA colleagues and projects.
• Offer spiritual care from a Christian perspective, such as prayer or acts of worship
• Be instrumental in supporting the project develop in this pilot phase

Training for this role is provided by PNMUK as part of their on-going programme of support and personal development for Parish Nursing nationally. The next course is 15-17th November with follow-up online sessions.

This project is being developed and lead by One YMCA’s Chaplaincy Team, together with our Medium Complex Intensive Support Service (MCISS) and supported by Parish Nursing Ministries UK (PNMUK).

The Chaplaincy Team offer life-transforming spiritual care and pastoral support. For us Chaplaincy is about journeying with people, inspired by the life, example and teaching of Jesus. Our vision for Chaplaincy is to see even more of our service users and staff thriving through experiencing the love of God for themselves. Following a re-shaping of our work, Chaplaincy is now part of the newly formed Christian Mission team, which is at the heart of this growing charity. 

YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by and faithful to our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive, and energising communities where young people can truly belong, contribute, and thrive.

What volunteers need�� Disclosure and Barring Service

What we will provide to volunteers

�� Reimbursement of costs�� Extra support

Dignify delivers educational workshops in schools to promote healthy relationships, self-respect, and respect for others. We work to prevent the harmful effects of pornography and challenge the normalisation of unhealthy sexual behaviours among young people. Through evidence-based sessions, we equip students with knowledge, empathy, and tools to navigate relationships positively.

Role Purpose

We are seeking Volunteer Schools Workers to accompany our lead Schools Worker in delivering workshops to children and young people. You’ll help create a safe, positive environment for learning, support classroom activities, and be an encouraging presence for students as they explore important topics around respect, relationships, and digital culture.

Key Responsibilities

· Accompany the lead Schools Worker to sessions in primary and secondary schools.

· Assist with setting up and packing away resources and equipment.

· Helping facilitate and monitoring small group sessions

· Observe and note student engagement to help evaluate sessions.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Strong communication skills, especially with young people.

· Willingness to work with young people from diverse backgrounds and gender identities.

· Comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as pornography, sexual harassment, and objectification.

· Calm, approachable manner that helps young people feel at ease.

· Openness to learning and developing new skills.

· Ability to build respectful, professional relationships with young people, staff, and colleagues.

· Good rapport with people of all ages and abilities.

· Commitment to confidentiality.

· Reliable timekeeping and punctuality for all sessions.

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service will be provided

· You will be required to undertake mandatory e-learning and a menu of optional training will be made available

· Ongoing supervision and support from your line manager

· Travel expenses reimbursed (if applicable).

· Access to events, networking, and training and development opportunities.

Additional Information

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· We will require 2 x references

· You will be required to dress in an appropriate manner when accompanying the team to sessions (school smart)

Hey! We’re Urban Youth — and we’re just getting started.

We’re very excited to be launching a brand‑new youth work charity created to give young people across inner London the experiences, opportunities, and space they need to discover themselves and the world around them. A place rooted in care, creativity, belonging, and real connection. A community that feels like home.

And now we’re looking for a Graphic Designer who can help us bring that energy to life.

Create a logo young people will want to wear, share, and be seen in

Urban Youth is all about possibility. We’re building a youth community where young people can explore who they are, try new things, grow in confidence, and feel part of something bigger. To make that happen, we need a designer with a brilliant visual mind — someone who can create a logo that feels modern, bold, and unmistakably Urban Youth.

This is your chance to shape the visual identity of a charity at the very beginning of its journey. If you love designing for purpose and creating visuals that speak directly to young people, we’d love to meet you.

The Role: Volunteer Graphic Designer

We’re looking for a creative soul who can design a youth‑friendly logo that feels fresh, wearable, and full of life. Something young people will want on hoodies, tees, socials, posters — everywhere.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing our brand‑new Urban Youth logo

• Helping shape the visual identity of a charity from day one

• Creating something young people will be proud to wear and represent

• Collaborating with a small, friendly team who are genuinely excited to work with you

• Bringing colour, shape, and imagination to a movement built for young people

What you’ll bring

Someone who is:

• Creative, confident, and comfortable with modern design styles

• Passionate about youth culture, community, and visual storytelling

• Able to translate mission and energy into bold, meaningful visuals

• Excited to co‑create something that feels fresh, inclusive, and alive

• Happy to volunteer their time for a cause that matters

Whether you’re a student, emerging designer, or seasoned creative wanting to give back — if this speaks to you, we want to hear from you.

What you’ll get

• A chance to make a real impact from day one

• Creative freedom and space to explore ideas

• A warm, supportive team who value your craft

• Portfolio‑ready work that represents a whole movement

• The joy of knowing your design will help young people feel seen, welcomed, and inspired

Ready to help us launch Urban Youth with a visual identity young people will love

Drop us a message, share your portfolio, or just say hi. Let’s build something beautiful together.

Hey! We’re Urban Youth — and we’re just getting started.

We’re are so excited to be launching a brand‑new youth work charity created to give young people across inner London the experiences, opportunities, and space they need to discover themselves and the world around them. A place rooted in care, creativity, belonging, and real connection. A community that feels like home.

And now we’re looking for our first Treasurer — someone who can help us build strong, confident financial foundations from day one.

Help us create a charity that’s financially secure, transparent, and built to last

Urban Youth is all about possibility. We’re building a youth community where young people can explore who they are, try new things, grow in confidence, and feel part of something bigger. To make that happen, we need a Treasurer who brings expertise, clarity, and a steady hand — someone who can guide our Board and help us grow with confidence and integrity.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial future of a charity at its very beginning. If you’re excited by purpose, driven by impact, and ready to help us build something meaningful for London’s young people, we’d love to meet you.

The Role: Volunteer Treasurer

We’re looking for an experienced accountant or finance professional who can lead on all things financial as we establish Urban Youth. You’ll help us build strong systems, ensure good governance, and guide the Board to make informed, responsible decisions that centre young people and long‑term impact.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the financial set‑up of a brand‑new youth charity

• Developing our early financial policies, processes, and reporting structures

• Providing clear, accessible financial guidance to the Board

• Ensuring we meet all charity finance and reporting requirements

• Supporting the creation of budgets, forecasts, and financial plans

• Helping us build a financially sustainable organisation from day one

• Acting as a trusted voice on risk, compliance, and long‑term financial health

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A qualified or highly experienced accountant

• Confident in charity finance, or excited to apply your skills in a new context

• Passionate about young people, community, and social change

• Forward‑thinking, organised, and able to build systems from scratch

• Collaborative, warm, and able to explain finance in a clear, human way

• Driven to help a new charity grow safely, sustainably, and with impact

• Happy to volunteer their time for a cause that matters

You don’t need previous trustee experience — what matters is your expertise, your values, and your willingness to help us build something extraordinary.

What you’ll get

• A defining leadership role in a brand‑new London youth charity

• The chance to shape our financial systems, culture, and long‑term sustainability

• A collaborative, passionate Board who genuinely value your expertise

• The opportunity to create real, lasting impact for young people

• A role that grows with you — and with the movement you help build

Who this is perfect for

Someone who wants to:

• Use their financial expertise for social good

• Build something from the ground up

• Guide a new Board with clarity and confidence

• Help create a movement that feels modern, inclusive, and alive

• Ensure Urban Youth is financially strong, transparent, and future‑ready

If this speaks to you, we want to hear from you.

Ready to help us build Urban Youth on solid foundations

Drop us a message, tell us why this excites you, or just say hi. Let’s build something extraordinary for London’s young people.

Hey! We’re Urban Youth — and we’re just getting started.

We’re so excited to be launching a brand‑new youth work charity created to give young people across inner London the experiences, opportunities, and space they need to discover themselves and the world around them. A place rooted in care, creativity, belonging, and real connection. A community that feels like home.

And now we’re looking for our first Chair — someone who can help us build the foundations of a movement.

Lead the Board that will shape the future of Urban Youth

Urban Youth is all about possibility. We’re building a youth community where young people can explore who they are, try new things, grow in confidence, and feel part of something bigger. To make that happen, we need a Chair who brings passion, leadership, and a collaborative spirit — someone who can guide us through our start‑up phase and help us build a Board that reflects the energy and diversity of London.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a charity at its very beginning. If you’re excited by purpose, energised by people, and ready to help us make a real difference, we’d love to meet you.

The Role: Volunteer Chair of the Board of Trustees

We’re looking for a forward‑thinking, people‑centred leader who can bring clarity, confidence, and momentum to Urban Youth. You’ll set the tone for our governance, support the early development of the charity, and help us build a Board that is strong, inclusive, and rooted in our mission.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the recruitment of our brand‑new Board of Trustees (all roles except Treasurer)

• Providing strategic leadership as we establish Urban Youth as a London charity

• Supporting the Founder and CEO as we shape our vision, culture, and long‑term direction

• Ensuring good governance, accountability, and a positive, collaborative Board culture

• Acting as an ambassador for Urban Youth — building relationships, confidence, and momentum

• Guiding the Board to make decisions that centre young people and community impact

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about young people, community, and social change

• Excited by the energy of building something new

• A natural leader who brings people together and inspires trust

• Forward‑thinking, strategic, and comfortable in start‑up environments

• Collaborative, warm, and able to hold space for different voices

• Driven, organised, and committed to making a real difference

• Happy to volunteer their time for a cause that matters

You don’t need decades of board experience — what matters most is your leadership, your values, and your willingness to help us build something meaningful.

What you’ll get

• A defining leadership role in a brand‑new London youth charity

• The chance to shape our Board, culture, and long‑term direction

• A collaborative, passionate team who genuinely value your voice

• The opportunity to create real, lasting impact for young people

• A role that grows with you — and with the movement you help build

Who this is perfect for

Someone who wants to:

• Lead with purpose and heart

• Build something from the ground up

• Champion young people and community

• Bring energy, clarity, and vision to a new movement

• Make a real difference across inner London

If this speaks to you, we want to hear from you.

Ready to help us launch Urban Youth with strength, purpose, and heart

Drop us a message, tell us why this excites you, or just say hi. Let’s build something extraordinary for London’s young people.

Hey! We’re Urban Youth — and we’re just getting started.

We’re so excited to be launching a brand‑new youth work charity created to give young people across inner London the experiences, opportunities, and space they need to discover themselves and the world around them. A place rooted in care, creativity, belonging, and real connection. A community that feels like home.

And now we’re looking for our very first CEO — someone who can take this spark and turn it into a community for young people.

Lead the launch of a new youth charity built for London’s young people

Urban Youth is all about possibility. We’re building a youth community where young people can explore who they are, try new things, grow in confidence, and feel part of something bigger. To make that happen, we need a CEO with passion, drive, and a solution‑focused mindset — someone who can guide us from early set‑up to launch and beyond.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a charity from the ground up. If you’re energised by youth work, excited by start‑up energy, and ready to build something meaningful for young people across London, we’d love to meet you.

The Role: Volunteer CEO

We’re looking for a dynamic, people‑centred leader who can bring clarity, energy, and direction to Urban Youth as we prepare for launch. You’ll be the driving force behind our early development — leading volunteers, shaping programmes, building partnerships, and ensuring everything we do is rooted in purpose and impact.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the development and launch of a brand‑new youth work charity

• Guiding, motivating, and supporting a team of passionate volunteers

• Shaping our early programmes, culture, and youth‑centred approach

• Building relationships with partners, communities, and supporters

• Driving forward our mission with creativity, confidence, and heart

• Working closely with the Board to ensure strong governance and strategic clarity

• Creating a youth community where young people feel seen, supported, and inspired

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about youth work and young people’s development

• Energised by building something new and full of potential

• A natural leader who brings people together and lifts them up

• Solution‑focused, adaptable, and comfortable navigating start‑up challenges

• Driven, organised, and able to turn ideas into action

• Confident working with volunteers and building positive team culture

• Excited to co‑create a youth community that feels modern, inclusive, and alive

• Happy to volunteer their time for a cause that truly matters

You don’t need to have been a CEO before — what matters is your leadership, your values, and your commitment to young people.

What you’ll get

• A defining leadership role in a brand‑new London youth charity

• The chance to shape our programmes, culture, and long‑term direction

• A collaborative, passionate Board and volunteer team who value your voice

• The opportunity to create real, lasting impact for young people

• A role that grows with you — and with the movement you help build

Who this is perfect for

Someone who wants to:

• Lead with purpose and heart

• Build a youth charity from the ground up

• Create spaces where young people can grow, explore, and belong

• Bring energy, clarity, and vision to a new movement

• Make a real difference across inner London

If this speaks to you, we want to hear from you.

Ready to help us launch Urban Youth with power, purpose, and heart

Drop us a message, tell us why this excites you, or just say hi.

Let’s build something extraordinary for London’s young people.

REMOTE Volunteer • Part‑Time • Graphic Designer (Logo Designer)

Help build a charity that changes lives, shifts systems, and opens doors for generations.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we believe an “accident of birth” should never determine a person’s destination. We are a new London‑based social mobility charity committed to breaking cycles of deprivation through holistic employability, wellbeing, and mentoring programmes that empower adults to thrive.

We are prioritising delivery in Newham and Tower Hamlets — two boroughs that rank among the top 10 most deprived areas nationally for employment and skills. The need here is real. The talent is abundant. The opportunity for impact is extraordinary.

Our vision is to build a flagship model in East London that can grow, evolve, and expand beyond these two boroughs — creating a blueprint for social mobility that transforms communities across the UK.

Through enriching programmes, professional experiences, and empowering support, we champion ambition, connect individuals to meaningful opportunities, and help every person develop, grow, and excel. We believe success should be defined by talent, aspiration, and dedication — never background or circumstance.

We are now recruiting a volunteer Graphic Designer to help shape the visual identity of our charity at this pivotal early stage.

You will work closely with the Founder to design a modern, meaningful, and impactful logo that reflects our mission of growth, development, empowerment, and change.

Volunteer Role: Graphic Designer (Logo Designer)

We are looking for a creative, thoughtful, and mission‑driven designer who can craft a logo that:

• Captures our purpose — breaking down barriers and unlocking potential

• Communicates growth and transformation

• Feels modern, bold, and full of possibility

• Resonates with adults from working‑class and underserved communities

• Works across digital, print, and social platforms

Your design will become the visual foundation of our charity — a symbol of hope, ambition, and opportunity for the communities we serve.

If you bring creativity, passion, and a commitment to social impact, we would love to hear from you.

Why join us?

1. Shape a new charity from day one

Your work will define our brand identity and help us communicate our mission with clarity and power.

2. Create a logo that represents real change

Your design will be seen by participants, partners, funders, volunteers, and communities across East London.

3. Lead with authenticity and heart

We welcome designers with lived experience, community roots, and non‑traditional backgrounds.

4. Build a flagship model for national impact

Your logo will become the face of a charity that aims to grow across the UK.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from people who are:

• Passionate about design, branding, and visual storytelling

• Excited by the challenge of creating a logo for a start‑up charity

• Able to translate mission and values into strong visual identity

• Collaborative, reflective, and open to feedback

• Ready to bring their creativity, lived experience, and voice to the table

We particularly encourage applications from people from working‑class or low‑income backgrounds, people of colour, and those with lived experience of the barriers we aim to dismantle.

Time commitment

A flexible voluntary REMOTE role — design work can be completed remotely and at your own pace, with occasional check‑ins with the Founder.

Join us and help build a charity that unlocks potential, transforms futures, and uplifts communities.

Help Us Unlock Potential and Break Down Barriers

If you’re ready to design a logo with purpose at its core, we’d love to hear from you.

Graphic Designer – VOLUNTEER

Flexible Hours | Remote | Start‑Up Youth Social Mobility Charity

About REMIX

REMIX is a start‑up, youth‑led social mobility charity transforming young lives across London. Based in Shoreditch, we empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to unlock their potential, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through nurturing mentorship, inspiring role models, and transformative opportunities.

We’re in the exciting early stages of building something bold, vibrant, and community‑powered — and we’re looking for a Graphic Designer who can help bring REMIX’s visual identity to life and put us firmly on the map.

The Role

We are seeking a creative, energetic, and impact‑driven Graphic Designer to help shape REMIX’s visual presence across digital and print. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who loves designing for purpose, enjoys youth‑focused branding, and wants to help build the look and feel of a movement from the ground up.

You will work closely with the Head of Brand, Partnerships & Impact, as well as the CEO and wider team, to create bold, exciting, and culturally relevant designs that amplify REMIX’s voice across London.

Time commitment: FLEXIBLE & REMOTE, including:

• Design briefs and creative sessions

• Digital and print asset creation

• Occasional collaboration with leadership and volunteers

Key Responsibilities

As Graphic Designer, you will:

• Create impactful digital and print materials that increase brand awareness and excitement around REMIX.

• Design posters, social media graphics, flyers, banners, campaign visuals, and other creative assets.

• Bring REMIX’s brand guidelines to life with consistency, creativity, and youth‑friendly energy.

• Support the development of visual storytelling that highlights our mission, programmes, and impact.

• Help shape the visual identity of a start‑up charity with big ambitions.

• Ensure all designs feel vibrant, accessible, and aligned with our values of empowerment, equity, compassion, and inspiration.

This role blends creativity, branding, youth culture, and movement‑building — perfect for someone who wants their work to spark excitement and visibility.

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need years of experience — we welcome emerging designers, students, freelancers, and creatives looking to build their portfolio. What matters most is your creativity, your passion, and your ability to design with purpose.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about social mobility, youth empowerment, and fairness.

• Creative, bold, and excited by designing for a youth‑led movement.

• Confident using design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite, Figma — whatever you prefer).

• Able to work collaboratively but also independently on briefs.

• Organised, reliable, and committed to our mission.

• Compassionate, emotionally intelligent, and community‑minded.

Experience with branding, social media design, or campaign visuals is beneficial — but not essential if you bring strong creative instincts and a willingness to learn.

Why Join REMIX?

• Play a central role in shaping the visual identity of a start‑up charity with huge potential.

• Help build a movement that champions equity, compassion, and opportunity.

• See your designs used across London to inspire young people and supporters.

• Work with passionate Trustees and volunteers who care deeply about young people.

• Build your portfolio with real‑world, high‑impact creative work.

• Make a meaningful, lasting difference in the lives of young Londoners.

This is your chance to design the look and feel of a movement.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 30th March 2026, before 6pm

REMIX

To empower. To inspire. To transform.

Head of Brand, Partnerships & Impact – VOLUNTEER

5–10 hours per week | Shoreditch, London | Start‑Up Youth Social Mobility Charity

About REMIX

REMIX is a start‑up, youth‑led social mobility charity transforming young lives across London. Based in Shoreditch, we empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to unlock their potential, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through nurturing mentorship, inspiring role models, and transformative opportunities.

We’re in the exciting early stages of building something bold, vibrant, and community‑powered — and we’re looking for a Head of Brand, Partnerships & Impact who wants to help shape how REMIX shows up in the world.

The Role

We are seeking a creative, strategic, and people‑centred Head of Brand, Partnerships & Impact to lead REMIX’s outward‑facing work. This is a dynamic, entrepreneurial role for someone who loves storytelling, relationship‑building, and amplifying a movement’s voice.

You will shape how REMIX communicates, grows, and builds influence — from brand identity and social media presence to partnerships, fundraising, and impact storytelling. Working closely with the CEO, COO, and Board, you’ll help position REMIX as a trusted, inspiring force for young Londoners.

Time commitment: 5–10 hours per week, including:

• Bi‑monthly Board meetings

• Working groups and leadership sessions

• Brand, partnerships, fundraising, and impact tasks, duties and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

As Head of Brand, Partnerships & Impact, you will:

Brand & Communications

• Lead REMIX’s brand identity, tone of voice, and visual presence across all platforms.

• Oversee social media, storytelling, and content that reflects REMIX’s energy and values.

• Ensure all communications are youth‑friendly, empowering, and movement‑driven.

Partnerships & Fundraising

• Build relationships with community organisations, local businesses, funders, and supporters.

• Support the development of fundraising strategies, campaigns, and partnership opportunities.

• Represent REMIX externally with confidence, warmth, and credibility.

Impact & Visibility

• Help shape REMIX’s impact framework and communicate our outcomes clearly and creatively.

• Share stories of change that highlight the voices and experiences of young people.

• Amplify REMIX’s presence across London, ensuring we are seen, heard, and trusted.

This role blends creativity, strategy, communications, partnerships, and impact — perfect for someone who loves connecting people, telling powerful stories, and driving growth.

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need previous experience in all areas — we welcome people stepping into leadership for the first time. What matters most is your passion, creativity, and ability to bring people together.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about social mobility, youth empowerment, and fairness.

• Creative, entrepreneurial, and excited by building something new.

• A strong communicator with excellent people skills.

• Confident working collaboratively with the CEO, Trustees, volunteers, and partners.

• Equally comfortable working independently and taking initiative.

• Organised, reliable, and committed to our mission.

• Compassionate, emotionally intelligent, and community‑minded.

Experience in communications, partnerships, fundraising, marketing, or brand development is beneficial — but not essential if you bring strong creative and relational skills.

Why Join REMIX?

• Play a central role in shaping the outward identity of a start‑up charity with huge potential.

• Help build a movement that champions equity, compassion, and opportunity.

• Influence how REMIX is seen, understood, and supported across London.

• Work with passionate Trustees and volunteers who care deeply about young people.

• Gain leadership experience in brand, partnerships, fundraising, and impact.

• Make a meaningful, lasting difference in the lives of young Londoners.

This is your chance to amplify the voice of a movement.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 30th March 2026, before 6pm

REMIX

To empower. To inspire. To transform.

The Reading for fun charity 

Chair of Trustees of World Book Day

Location: London (hybrid)

Remuneration: Voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed

Time commitment: One day per week

Term: 3 years (may be appointed for a second term, maximum 6 years)

Closing Date for applications: 6th March 2026

About World Book Day

World Book Day (WBD) is a small national charity with significant reach and profile, consistently punching above our weight.  WBD champions reading for fun because it seriously improves lives.  In fact, it is the biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful future.  With the spotlight in this National Year of Reading on reversing the decline in children's reading, now is an exciting time to join us. 

As our current strategy enters its final phase and our 30th anniversary approaches, a new Chair would work with our board and executive team to develop and lead our new strategy and to leverage our existing strengths to realise the potential for growth in our impact. The new Chair will also support WBD's income generation activities, through attending events and philanthropy meetings and supporting corporate partnership opportunities, promoting WBD through their networks and championing donations.

This is a rare opportunity to help more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop a lifelong habit of reading for fun and access the improved life chances this brings them.

What we are looking for

World Book Day's new Chair may come from a commercial, educational, public service or other background. In addition to the qualities required for a trustee, they should have the following qualities:

· A commitment to World Book Day's vision and values

Knowledge and experience:

· of senior strategic leadership (e.g. as a Chair or Committee Chair, trustee, non-executive director or senior executive)

· of charity governance and financial oversight

· of supporting, line managing and evaluating the performance of a senior leader

· to support our plans to increase and diversify WBD's income

· to work effectively with WBD's varied stakeholder landscape

· complementary or adjacent to WBD's activities, purpose and strategy

The ability to:

· lead by example

· communicate skilfully and effectively

· be an influential, inspirational and supportive leader who builds confidence and consensus

· develop partnerships and strategic alliances

· act impartially, fairly, with tact and diplomacy and respect confidences.

World Book Day welcomes candidates drawn from a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics.  We would like our trustees to be reflective of our society and WBD's beneficiaries.  We actively encourage applications from those currently under-represented on our board: non-binary, all ethnic groups other than white British and LGBTQ+.

For a full role description and details of how to apply, please see the recruitment pack below.  The deadline for applications is 6th March 2026.

The reading for fun charity 

World Book Day Trustees

Location: London (hybrid)

Remuneration: voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed

Term: 3 years (may be appointed for a second term, maximum 6 years)

Closing date for applications: 6th March 2026

About World Book Day

World Book Day (WBD) is a small national charity with significant reach and profile, consistently punching above our weight.  WBD champions reading for fun because it seriously improves lives.  In fact, it is the biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful future.  With the spotlight in this National Year of Reading on reversing the decline in children's reading, now is an exciting time to join us. 

This is a rare opportunity to help more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop a lifelong habit of reading for fun and access the improved life chances this brings them.

New World Book Day Trustees

WBD is governed by its board of trustees, 3 of which are appointed by the Publishers' Association and 3 by the Booksellers' Association, each in their capacity as a founding member.  The remaining trustees are appointed by the board.  New trustees are recruited to infill the gaps identified from regular skills audits.  We are now seeking three new trustees, one of whom will be the new Chair of the trustee board, to fill an existing and two upcoming vacancies.

The three new trustees sought are expected to fulfil the following specifications:

· Chair of the Trustee Board: This post is advertised separately

· Publishers' Association Appointed Trustee: This trustee will be an individual from within the publishing industry.  We are particularly looking for someone with senior level strategic HR experience, in particular remuneration and reward, performance management and employee health, safety and wellbeing.

· Education/literacy trustee: This person will have senior level strategic education and/or literacy experience, ideally derived from lived experience as an educator, academic or policy expert.

All trustees are expected to bring a commitment to our mission to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own.  Trustees will use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions, supporting effective governance in a national literacy charity and playing a vital role in its future success.

World Book Day welcomes candidates drawn from a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics.  We would like our trustees to be reflective of our society and WBD's beneficiaries.  We actively encourage applications from those currently under-represented on our board: non-binary, all ethnic groups other than white British and LGBTQ+.

For a full role description and details of how to apply, please see the recruitment pack below.  The deadline for applications is 6th March 2026

Since 1988, Autograph has been shaping a more inclusive future in the visual arts and beyond. We champion artists who explore race, representation, human rights and social justice through photography. Autograph’s work ensures these stories are seen and celebrated, deepening understanding of ourselves and others.

Autograph is looking for trustees to help us plan strategically so that we can amplify the local and global reach of our artists’ projects and engage as many people as possible with our mission. Trustees hold a key role in helping us to realise social change through supporting us to deliver our mission and guiding our strategic development. You would have the opportunity to meet artists, participants and partners, join events, attend exhibition launches, get to know our collection of photography, and engage with selected projects if you want to.

Do you have any of the following?

• Higher Education leadership experience in visual arts in the UK and internationally delivering multi-partner research projects.
• Legal experience in the field of civil law/human rights.
• Strategic experience in fundraising, cultivating and securing donors and patrons for arts projects.
• Financial expertise and knowledge of charitable regulation either in the arts sector or the wider charity sector.
• Knowledge and experience of property development.

And a very strong commitment to social justice and inclusion? If so, we would love to hear from you!

Voluntary
This is an unpaid, voluntary role

Term Length
Term of 4 years, with possibility of renewal

Board Meetings
Four meetings each year: two online and two at Autograph

Read more about what a charity Trustee does, the role at Autograph, and download the recruitment pack on our website.

CARIS Families (registered charity name CARIS Camden, charity number 1121919) is a small frontline charity that runs support services for homeless children and their parents living in temporary accommodation hostels in the London Boroughs of Camden and Hackney. 

Families can find themselves homeless for many reasons.  They may be displaced as part of the refugee resettlement process.  They may be fleeing domestic violence or suffering the fallout of relationship breakdown.  They may have simply found themselves priced out of the rental market and lost their home as a result.  With affordable housing and social tenancies increasingly scarce, many children and their parents live in this state of limbo for years on end.  The hostel, in effect, becomes the childhood home, making ‘temporary accommodation’ anything but temporary. 

CARIS Families' frontline mission is twofold: to improve families' day-to-day experiences while in temporary accommodation  and to assist them to move out of homelessness as soon as possible.  We improve day-to-day experiences by providing hostel-based services for families that put back opportunities for children to thrive and that support parental wellbeing.  At the same time, we casework with parents to progress their housing case so the family can move on into a settled home as soon as possible.  In 2025 we supported 108 families and 146 children with play and learning opportunities, school holiday activities, family support work, poverty relief work and housing casework.

In addition to our frontline work, we contribute data and learned experience from our frontline work to academic research and political campaigning with the aim of bringing about reform of harmful temporary accommodation practises, and we support our families to share their lived experience. 

Our turnover in 2024 was £238,555, with the majority of our income coming from trust and foundation grants, of which 4 are multi-year grants.  We do not currently receive any statutory funding.  Please find out more on the Charity Commission website at: CARIS CAMDEN - 1121919

Current context 

We currently have a board of eight trustees and would like to increase the capacity of the board to match our growth, as we expand our hostel reach, family casework and public profile in the campaigns arena. 

We have a Director, a staff team of six and a small cohort of volunteers who deliver our services within the family hostels and further afield. We have a broad support base with the significant impact and value of work recognised by our partners. 

Roles 

We have completed a Trustees skill audit and the following areas were identified as priority skills and expertise needed to support the development of our work: 

• Individuals with lived experience of family temporary accommodation 

• Children’s social workers 

• Teachers or educationalists with an Early Years / KS1 interest, interested in educational inequality

• Academics with interest in sociology, urban geography and social inequality relating to housing rights and children’s life chances 

• Housing and homelessness professionals

• Medical professionals with an interest in child and maternal health in light of social inequalities 

• Corporate, HNW and legacy fundraising professionals 

• IT and technology professionals with expertise in how we can better use technology to drive our work forward and increase impact using our collected data. 

If you don’t quite match the above but feel you have significant skill or knowledge to contribute to our work we’d still love to hear from you. 

Given the demographics of the families we support, we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals, from people with experience of migration, and from people with lived experience of temporary accommodation.

Expectations for Trustees 

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring the charity is well‑governed, sustainable, and delivering meaningful impact. As a trustee, you will be expected to: 

• Attend all Trustees meetings.  Currently this consists of four meetings per annum, which generally alternate between online delivery and in-person in central London. 

• Attend at least one session of delivery with our staff team each year. 

• Proactively contribute your particular area/s of knowledge, expertise and insight to board discussions and strategic decision-making processes. 

• Be willing to proactively engage in the development of CARIS Families on a three to five-year term.

• Undertake an Enhanced DBS check and online Safeguarding Training course, both organised and funded by CARIS Families. 

While this is a voluntary role, travel expenses within Greater London can be covered to attend meetings and services.

Please get in touch if you have any questions about the role or your decision to apply, we’d welcome a discussion. 

Potentially interested individuals will be invited to have an informal conversation with our Director, followed by a meeting with our Chair of Trustees, prior to suitable individuals being voted in.