Volunteer roles

About the job

As GoodWork enters an exciting stage of growth and increasing impact, we are delighted to invite applications to the voluntary position of Chair of Trustees. This is an opportunity to lead a committed and diverse Board in steering a fast-growing London-based youth employment and social mobility charity.

Key Info:

• Remuneration: voluntary, reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed.
• Location: candidates must be based in the UK. While much of this role can be performed remotely, the Chair will be required to visit our London HQ regularly.
• Time commitment: approximately 10-20 hours per month, flexibly.
• Term: Three years from appointment, renewable with Board approval.
• Appointment is subject to Enhanced DBS Check. GoodWork operates in line with safe recruitment practices and adherence to our Safeguarding Policy is essential.

About the Role

Background

Our outgoing Chair, Dale Graham, has supported GoodWork since its inception as a Community Interest Company through to our transition to a registered charity in July 2025. Following a successful three-year tenure, Dale stepped back at the end of 2025 and Abu Sayed is serving as Interim Chair while the Board recruits externally for a new Chair of Trustees.

This recruitment process follows a period of sustained organisational growth, during which we have strengthened our Board with broader expertise, lived experience and sector insight. You can learn more about our current Board and staff team on our website.

Strategic leadership and governance

• Ensure GoodWork delivers effectively against its strategy, mission and charitable objectives. GoodWork’s existing Board and team are in the process of developing a new three year organisational strategy, which we expect to finalise in early 2026.
• Uphold robust governance proportionate to our scale, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission expectations and all legal and regulatory obligations.
• Lead Board stewardship of risk management, safeguarding, impact and evaluation, fundraising and financial oversight.

Board leadership and effectiveness

• Lead and inspire the Board, ensuring it functions as a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative team.
• Chair quarterly Board Meetings and the annual Away Day, ensuring clear agendas, effective decision-making and constructive challenge.
• Support the development of Trustees through periodic 1:1 check-ins (1-2 per year), enabling continuous improvement, accountability and a positive Board culture.
• Ensure Board succession planning, diversity and capability to meet the charity’s evolving needs.

Executive support and accountability

• Build a strong, supportive and constructive partnership with the CEO.
• Facilitate monthly 1:1 meetings with the CEO, providing guidance, challenge and mentorship.
• Ensure appropriate delegation to the staff leadership team while maintaining clarity of responsibilities between governance and operations.

External engagement and advocacy

• Act as a credible ambassador for GoodWork, representing the charity at external events.
• Support fundraising efforts through advocacy, relationship-building and strategic introductions. Role modelling and holding other Trustees to account for their role in supporting GoodWork's income generation activities.
• Champion GoodWork’s mission, ensuring our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is embedded in all aspects of governance and external engagement.

Future vision and impact

• Contribute to the shaping of long-term goals that align with our “north star”: ensuring all young people have the freedom to shape their lives.
• Support the Board and leadership team in evaluating opportunities for growth, transformation and innovation, with our organisational values and commitment to championing youth voice in mind.

What we're looking for:

GoodWork is a rapidly growing charity, requiring Trustees – and particularly the Chair – to balance strategic oversight with practical, hands-on support. We are seeking a Chair who demonstrates:

• Deep commitment to GoodWork’s mission, values and impact, with a strong understanding of the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Leadership experience, ideally with prior Board-level experience in the UK charity sector or a related mission-driven environment.
• Strategic thinking, with the ability to balance long-term vision with short-term priorities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, bringing tact, empathy and the ability to offer constructive challenge.
• Sound judgement and analytical capability, including the ability to engage confidently with financial information, organisational risks, and plans for growth.
• Flexibility and a proactive, problem-solving mindset, comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Commitment to safeguarding and alignment with GoodWork’s broader policies and procedures.
• Enthusiasm for being an active ambassador, championing our work with employers, partners and supporters.

We work with a diverse group of young people from underserved communities. We particularly encourage applications from minoritised ethnic candidates and those who have lived experience relevant to our programme, particularly non-graduates and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Application process:

• Apply via our application form by 12pm on Wednesday 28 January. You’ll need to submit your CV and answer the following questions in no more than 1,700 characters (about 250 words) each.
• Why are you a good candidate to be Chair of Trustees? Please tell us about your relevant personal and/or professional experience.
• Why do you want to support GoodWork’s mission?
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial 45 minute online interview with two of our existing Trustees between 9 and 13 February 2026.
• Following this, candidates will be invited to a further 30 minute online conversation with two additional Trustees between 23 and 27 February 2026.
• At the final stage, candidates will be invited to visit GoodWork’s offices on Monday 16 March to meet the team and for a final interview with our Interim Chair, Abu Sayed, and CEO, Felicity Halstead.
• Following an extraordinary meeting of the Trustees, we expect to confirm an appointment by the end of the day on Friday 20 March. Appointment will be subject to reference checks and the satisfactory completion of an Enhanced DBS check.
• We expect the new Chair to be in post by the end of April 2026.

If you require adjustments to this process, please let us know by emailing us as soon as possible.

Through volunteering as an Operational Support Team Member, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in providing essential resources to our medical and education teams. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Training for role - Applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed, then inducted on a buddy system

Closing date for these opportunities is: 24/02/2026

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

As Habitat GB is both a registered charity and a company, Trustees also serve as Company Directors, with names publicly listed at Companies House and the Charity Commission.

Time commitment: Up to 1 day per month.

Board meetings are held 4 times per year during the working day.  They are held in person, last half a day and are normally at our ReStore site in Romford. Ad hoc meetings, online and in person, may also be scheduled.

 Trustees may also be asked to join either the Finance, Audit & Risk subcommittee, or the Strategy & Development subcommittee, which also meet 4 times per year, normally online.

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the global Habitat for Humanity Federation fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance.

To support Habitat GB’s vision of a decent home for everyone, our National Strategy 2024-2027 identifies two key goals:

· To develop, pursue and share innovative solutions to increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain’;

· And to form a diverse coalition that champions the universal right to decent homes and collaborates to implement effective housing solutions for underserved communities worldwide.

About the Board of Trustees

The Habitat GB Board of Trustees is a group of volunteers with a wide range of backgrounds

and experiences who come together to help guide Habitat GB to deliver its strategy and ensure we do our work to the highest possible standards.

The Board works as a team, challenging and supporting the National Director and Senior Leadership Team with strategic decisions, mobilising resources and opening up access to networks and expertise.

This is an exciting time to join Habitat GB as we continue to deliver our bold strategy, guided by our vision of a world where everyone has a decent home. As a Trustee, you will help shape and support Habitat GB on this journey, ensuring our plans are ambitious, inclusive and achievable. You will play a key role in guiding the organisation’s future direction, ensuring our strategy reflects the voices and experiences of the people we support and that our work continues to deliver lasting impact.

You can find the biographies of our current Board of Trustees on our website.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking to recruit up to 5 new Trustees. We are particularly looking for the following experience:

· Finance management (experience of audit, impact investment or charity finance would be helpful).

· Legal (experience of charity law would be helpful).

· People - HR, EDI, Culture, Safeguarding.

· Brand, marketing, PR and media.

· Any experience of our strategic areas: the wider housing sector; local or national political, policy or service delivery;  charity retail.

· Fundraising and partnerships.

We are committed to making this opportunity fully accessible. We strongly encourage applications from disabled people and women, as well as individuals from other underrepresented backgrounds and those with lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity, to help us build a more diverse and inclusive Board.  

You do not need to have previous experience of sitting on a Board, or a university degree, or to have reached any particular stage in your career.

If you’re ready to use your experience, insight or passion to help break down barriers and make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

· Prepare for, attend in person and actively contribute to board meetings and share in decision making about all significant issues that impact Habitat GB.

· Chair or serve on at least one committee if invited, each meeting online four times a year.  Either the Finance Audit & Risk Committee, or the Strategy & Development Committee.

· Set Habitat GB’s strategy and ensure its delivery.

· Scrutinise Habitat GB’s performance and hold leadership to account.

· Visit a Habitat GB programme, activity, Global Volunteering Build or shop at least once a year.

· Act as custodian of Habitat GB’s values and long-term future and ensure good governance.

· Represent Habitat GB externally, be prepared to open up your network and act as an ambassador.

· Ensure legal and regulatory duties as a Trustee and Company Director are fulfilled.

· Fulfil the expectations of the Charity Commission or any other relevant regulatory body.

· Engage in any induction, training or upskilling activities required.

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:

· Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.

· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.

· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We are looking for volunteers in Buckinghamshire, including Milton Keynes area.

Volunteers would be expected to attend regular network training evenings, on line training and specific face to face training for the role. Once trained for the role would be expected to assist at First Aid, PR and fundraising events.

Candidates will need to be available to attend an all day Selection event that will be held on Saturday 28th February 2026 at the St John Ambulance Headquarters in Aylesbury.

Following the selection event, successful candidates will need to attend a Welcome event on Saturday 14th March in Aylesbury. On line training plus face to face classroom training.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 
20/02/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

BECOME A FOUNDING OPERATIONAL SUPPORT VOLUNTEER WITH RANGER CADETS

Help Build the Engine Room of a New National Youth Movement

Every great youth organisation stands on the shoulders of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes — the planners, the organisers, the communicators, the fundraisers, the strategists. Ranger Cadets is rising, and now we are calling for exceptional Operational Support Volunteers to help build the foundations of a movement that will shape generations.

Ranger Cadets is a new uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to equip young people with essential life skills, tools, and opportunities to become active citizens who make a positive contribution to society.

Our cadets grow in confidence, resilience, leadership, and pride — but none of that happens without a strong, dedicated team powering the organisation from behind the scenes.

This is where you come in.

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS: THE HEART OF OUR MISSION

You don’t need to wear a uniform to change lives. You don’t need to stand in front of a group to shape the future. You can make a profound impact — remotely, flexibly, and meaningfully — by strengthening the systems that help Ranger Cadets thrive.

We are seeking Operational Support Volunteers across a wide range of organisational areas, including:

• Admin & Operations

• Fundraising & Bid Writing

• Communications & Social Media

• Marketing & Branding

• Finance & Budget Support

• HR & People Support

• Volunteer Management

• Learning & Development

• Safeguarding Support

• Programme Development

• And many more essential roles

Whether you have specialist expertise or simply a passion for helping an organisation grow, there is a place for you here.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

Behind every confident cadet, every community project, every training session, and every moment of pride — there is a team of volunteers who made it possible.

As an Operational Support Volunteer, you will:

• Strengthen the systems that keep young people safe and supported.

• Shape the identity, culture, and future of a brand‑new national movement.

• Help build sustainable funding and partnerships.

• Create communications that inspire and uplift.

• Support volunteers and leaders across the organisation.

• Develop resources, training, and tools that empower young people.

• Play a vital role in ensuring Ranger Cadets grows with integrity, clarity, and purpose.

Your contribution becomes part of the organisation’s DNA — a legacy that will last long after the early days.

THIS IS YOUR MOMENT TO BUILD SOMETHING THAT MATTERS

Ranger Cadets is at the beginning of its journey. This is your chance to help shape the foundations, systems, and culture of a movement that will one day reach communities across the country.

Founding Operational Support Volunteers aren’t just helpers. They are architects. They are the ones who can proudly say: “I helped build this organisation from the ground up.”

STEP FORWARD. SUPPORT THE MISSION. SHAPE THE FUTURE.

If you believe in the power of youth… If you want to use your skills to create real social impact… If you’re ready to be part of something inspiring, purposeful, and full of heart…

Then Ranger Cadets needs you.

Become an Operational Support Volunteer today — and help us build a movement that will change lives for generations.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

Volunteer Fundraiser (Remote)
Duration: Three months (potential extension)
Type: Volunteer (Flexible Hours, 10-20/week)

Join Our Mission to Save Animals in Cambodia – Gain Proven Fundraising Experience!

AOOW is the only vegan animal sanctuary in Cambodia working towards animal rights!
We need someone like you to grow our team and protect our rescued animals by growing our supporter base in order for us to expand our care and mission.

Are you a fundraising student or experienced fundraiser with a burning passion for animals and a drive to make a real difference? Animals of Our World Sanctuary, a vibrant animal rescue in Cambodia, is seeking enthusiastic Remote Volunteer Fundraisers to help us expand our impact. Work directly with our Head Fundraiser, Founder, and Social Media Team to supercharge online campaigns that save lives – from pigs and dogs to cows and chickens.

Operating our House of Strays Sanctuary in Cambodia presents unique hurdles that make your expertise vital. Challenges we face involve extreme weather, supply chain disruptions, and high veterinary costs for our rescues. Economic pressures mean every donation counts double, fueling emergency care, home and enrichment improvements, and expansion—your fundraising efforts will directly overcome these barriers to amplify our lifesaving work.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and execute innovative online fundraising tactics (e.g., email drives, social media appeals, crowdfunding boosts).
• Collaborate on content creation for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to engage global vegan and animal-loving communities.
• Analyse campaign results and brainstorm fresh ideas to grow donations and awareness.
• Track progress and report on the tangible difference your work makes for our sanctuary residents.

Who We’re Looking For:
• Current university students, recent graduates or experienced fundraisers (ideal for building your resume with proven nonprofit experience).
• Self-starters with initiative, basic fundraising knowledge (or eagerness to learn), and a genuine love for animals.
• Comfortable with digital tools (Google Workspace, Canva, social media analytics).
• Strong English communication skills; bonus for creative storytelling or graphic design.
• Available 10-20 hours/week on a flexible schedule – perfect around studies or other commitments.

Based in Cambodia but open to volunteers worldwide, this role lets you demonstrate your skills from anywhere. No prior professional experience required – just your passion and willingness to hustle for animals!

How to Apply:
 send your CV, a short cover letter explaining why you love animals and how you’d fundraise for us, and links to any relevant social media or projects.

Let’s amplify your voice for animals – apply today and be the change our sanctuary needs!

Animals of Our World is an equal opportunity sanctuary. We celebrate diversity in our global volunteer team.

About the Degrees Initiative

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

The charity was founded in 2021, now has around 20 staff members and is growing. We seek a volunteer trustee with significant financial experience including an accounting qualification to join an existing five-person board to help guide a growing initiative that is changing the field of SRM.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to apply their financial expertise in a high-profile governance role, shaping strategy and supporting a mission that empowers Global South researchers to lead in one of the world’s most important climate debates. 

Role 

The volunteer trustee will complement and further strengthen an existing five-person volunteer trustee board including the Chair & Treasurer. The role will entail strategic leadership, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Alongside the Treasurer they will predominantly be advising the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the rest of the senior management team (the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff) to ensure the robust financial health of the charity. This will include: 

• Maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs by overseeing the annual financial planning and budgets proposed by the senior management team 

• Monitoring and evaluating financial progress against budgets and forecasts from staff reporting at quarterly board meetings, acting a voice of financial expertise during board discussions 

• Approving the audited annual accounts and financial statements presented by the senior management team alongside the rest of the board 

• Strategic input by reviewing risk assessments alongside financial implications and advising on the organisation of financial resources and reserves to support the long-term goals of the charity 

• Confirming transparency and accountability in financial operations, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place in addition to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements 

• Advising on how the charity can most effectively conduct its international work, especially providing grants to organisations in the Global South 

• Confirming that the charity has an appropriate investment policy, and that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity

• Sitting on any board sub-committees as required 

For over 70 years, Age UK Lambeth has been at the heart of the community, supporting older people to live well, stay connected, and feel valued. Last year, our services supported over 6,700 older people in Lambeth and we are proud of our work and our history. We are excited about the future, and we need passionate individuals to help us shape it.

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board and play a vital, strategic role in guiding our charity’s work. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, genders, and professional experiences, as diverse perspectives are crucial to serving our community. If our vision, mission, and values resonate with you, we welcome your application.

We’re looking for creative and organised people who enjoy visual design and want to use their skills to support meaningful community projects.

As a Creative Design Volunteer, you’ll help create eye-catching digital and print materials that promote our programmes, campaigns and events. From social media graphics to posters and newsletters, your designs will help us communicate clearly and consistently with our audiences.

This is a flexible opportunity for anyone who enjoys bringing ideas to life through design and wants to use their creativity for social good.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing digital and print materials such as posters, flyers and social media graphics
• Creating templates and layouts for newsletters, presentations or reports
• Adapting designs to meet accessibility and brand guidelines
• Supporting the visual design of campaigns and community events
• Helping organise and manage design files and templates
• Contributing creative ideas for visual storytelling and community engagement

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

• Creative eye for layout and design
• Confidence using design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud or similar
• Attention to detail and ability to follow brand guidelines
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Reliable, organised and able to manage time effectively
• Interest in community, social impact or charity communications

What You’ll Gain

• Experience designing materials for community campaigns and events
• Opportunities to develop and showcase creative skills
• A chance to build a portfolio of design work for a good cause
• The satisfaction of helping a charity communicate its impact

About Us

We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.

Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.

Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.

Gage Mix Radio are looking for presenters! This is a really flexible role, suitable for those looking for something creative. You will host live shows, introduce songs and chat with listeners of Selby’s very own local radio station.

This is an ideal role for somebody creative, who enjoys radio and music. You'll be presenting your own show, so need to be confident and ready to be 'on air'.

As the radio station is new and developing, this is a very flexible role. We will set up time to chat with you about what committment you can offer, and what presenting could look like for you.

We are looking for someone who preferably has a professional fundraising background within the charitable sector. We currently have a fundraising subcommittee set up, this role would chair the subcommittee and lead on fundraising initiatives. This subcommittee is currently made up of 3 trustees & 1 staff member, though we are actively looking for fundraising volunteers to join the committee.

This role will lead on branches fundraising & income generation (not via the branches 2 shops).

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties. This role will join the current trustee board (made up of 9 members) and you will be supported by other trustees.

For this role we are looking for individuals with the following experience/skills:

• Fundraising & Income Generation - Essential
• Creative - Essential
• Innovative - Essential
• Passionate about the welfare of animals - Essential

We'd love applicants within or very close to the branch area - Finchley, Hendon, Golders Green, Edgware, Whetstone, Stanmore.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable people who’d like to spend a few hours helping out in the local community by supporting our community activities, outreach and events.

As a Community Engagement Volunteer, you’ll help plan and deliver a range of activities that bring people together, from community sessions and wellbeing projects to local events and awareness campaigns. You’ll play an active role in creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where participants can connect, take part and access support.

This is a flexible, hands-on opportunity for anyone who enjoys meeting new people and wants to help strengthen local relationships and wellbeing.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the setup and delivery of community sessions, events and outreach activities
• Welcoming participants, providing friendly assistance and helping create an inclusive environment
• Sharing information about our programmes, activities, campaigns and opportunities
• Helping us reach more people through local outreach and awareness work
• Assisting with health, wellbeing or awareness events that promote active participation
• Collecting feedback and basic evaluation information to support programme improvement

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

• Friendly, approachable and reliable attitude
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Confidence engaging with people from different backgrounds
• Patience, empathy and respect for others’ experiences
• Enthusiasm for community, inclusion or wellbeing work

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to meet new people and get involved in your community
• Experience supporting local projects and outreach activities
• Opportunities to build confidence and develop new skills
• The satisfaction of making a genuine difference to others

About Us

We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.

Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.

Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.

Could you use your skills and experience to make a difference as a trustee for a fantastic small health charity?

Pharmacy Research UK is the principal research charity supporting pharmacy professionals to develop research skills and lead research to improve healthcare for the benefit of patients and the public.

We fund research projects and individual bursaries, working to improve skills across the pharmacy sector, to provide an evidence-base to improve the practice of pharmacy, to highlight the vital role of pharmacy in our health services and ultimately to improve public health. 

We are looking to recruit two new trustees to join our board as we look to grow and develop this fantastic small charity.PRUK is run by a small but dedicated staff team, with oversight from our trustee board. Anyone can be a trustee and we welcome all applications to join our board. We always seek to maintain a good balance of skills and experiences on the board and so are particularly interested to receive applications from people with experience in academia, pharmacy, fundraising and the voluntary sector, and / or finance and accounting. We also want to ensure that our board is representative of the community we serve and so encourage applications from female candidates and candidates from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and from candidates across all nations of the UK. 

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.