Environmental volunteer roles

Summary

The Sussex Area of the Ramblers has two Countryside Officers, one for East Sussex and one for West Sussex. The main activity in the role is to act on behalf of members where a reported planning development is likely to have an adverse effect on the walking environment in the Sussex countryside.

Description

The Ramblers, which celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025, is the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, and to improving Britain’s most popular and least-known walking places. We’re committed to campaigning to keep our countryside open to all and to fighting for the things that matter most to walkers. We lead the way, and the walks, for a vibrant community united by the joys of walking, helping everyone get more out of their walks. 

The role of East Sussex Area Countryside Officer involves reviewing planning applications published by Local Authorities and creating and submitting objections on behalf of Sussex Ramblers if an application is likely to have an adverse impact on the Sussex countryside and the places where people walk. Objections may be expressed in writing through a response to the planning process, but could also involve site visits and on occasions attendance at public hearings or meetings with representatives of Local Authorities or with other stakeholders such as Parish Councils and environmental and wildlife organisations.

The role holder will work closely with other Ramblers volunteers such as the East Sussex Area Footpath Officer, the West Sussex Area Countryside Officer and Local Footpath Wardens in East Sussex and where necessary will seek advice and guidance from Ramblers' Central Office. Other main contacts include the Local Authorities, Parish/Town Councils, the South Downs National Park Authority and the East Sussex Local Access Forum. The role holder will be a member of the Area leadership team (Area Council). You will need to be a member of the Ramblers and to live in or close to East Sussex.

What Impact will you have?

The Ramblers help everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protects the places we all love to walk. By volunteering as an Area Countryside Officer you will be paying a vital role in making sure we can achieve this by holding Local Authorities to account for planning decisions, and helping to ensure that our countryside and the places people walk, essential to health and wellbeing, are safeguarded.

Skills and Experience Required

You should have a passion for walking and for preservation and protection of the natural beauty of the countryside and the special qualities of urban space, and a good knowledge of the county. Experience and knowledge of the Local Authorities' planning process is not essential but would be an advantage. The role is suitable for someone who is highly reliable, organised, capable of taking initiative and with an ability to articulate strategic issues clearly in written and spoken form. A desire and ability to work in a team environment is essential. You will also need to be comfortable using a computer and the internet, and managing information.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to expand its reach and part of that journey is to develop an online food bank, allowing people access to a food bank that may not get help through their local council/Job Centre and may only want to use the service online.

People may want to use the online service of a food bank for many reasons, whether due to disability or not. 

The role of Project Co-ordinator role will oversee this project with guidance and input from the trustees, lived experience board members and with the support of other co-ordinators that are relevant to the outreach, funding and running of the service.

You do not necessarily need experience of this kind of role but good attention to detail and task management potential will be key, we can work the rest out together. If you like the idea of this, please get in touch with us and we can arrange an informal chat.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to expand its reach and part of that journey is to work on various platforms in new and creative ways, one of which will be Substack.

If you enjoy writing blogs or newsletters, are able to tell stories in an engaging way, this is the role for you.

This would include writing a weekly “point of view” piece that focuses on an area that Living Reasons engages in, whether this is research data reporting, lived experience storytelling or news highlight pieces.

Additionally to writing posts, you may also want to work with the social media coordinator to create video posts or even look at creating a podcast for the charity, the options are limitless as at Living Reasons, we encourage the entire team to bring ideas to the table and empower you to run with them, with the support of the organisation.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

Chair – Filling Good (Sustainable Retail Community Benefit Society)

Location: Remote/Hybrid – Maidenhead, Berkshire
Commitment: Voluntary (Approx. 4 hrs/week)
Application Deadline:  31/07/2025 - We will interview candidates as we receive applications of interest
Start Date:  ASAP

About Filling Good

Filling Good is a community-led sustainable retail community benefit society on a mission to reduce waste, promote ethical consumption, and support local, eco-conscious producers. Based in Maidenhead, we are passionate about empowering our members and customers to live more sustainably. As a co-operative, we are owned and governed by our members and guided by values of fairness, transparency, and social impact.

The Role

We are seeking a new Chair of the Board to provide strategic leadership, ensure good governance, and support the long-term sustainability and growth of Filling Good. This is a rewarding opportunity to lead a purpose-driven organisation making real environmental and social change at the local level.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Guide the Board in setting and reviewing strategic goals.

• Lead an annual strategy workshop (e.g. SWOT analysis, SMART goal setting).

• Ensure consistent progress tracking against the co-operative’s strategic plan.

Governance Oversight

• Chair Board meetings with clear agendas and effective timekeeping.

• Ensure compliance with legal, food safety, and risk management requirements.

• Support transparent communication with members and foster a shared understanding of priorities.

 Operational Support

• Act as a point of contact and line management for senior staff (e.g.Senior Retail Manager).

• Hold annual informal reviews with key volunteers to set goals and offer support.

• Monitor key performance indicators, financial updates, and operational risks.

Board & Team Development

• Facilitate reviews for individual directors and the Board as a whole.

• Support the ongoing learning and development of Board members.

• Represent Filling Good at events and within the wider co-operative and sustainability sectors.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Brings leadership experience and a collaborative, facilitative approach

• Understands or is keen to learn about co-operative governance

• Is passionate about sustainability, social impact, and ethical retail

• Can commit time and energy to support a growing, purpose-led organisation

• Is diplomatic, organised, and a great communicator

Experience in strategy, governance, HR, or ethical business is desirable but not essential.

What You’ll Gain

• Be part of a vibrant, values-driven community

• Lead meaningful change in local sustainability

• Gain board-level experience in an innovative co-operative model

• Collaborate with a passionate, diverse team of volunteers and members

How to Apply

To express interest, please send a short cover letter and CV (or a brief description of your relevant experience) by 31st July 2025

Informal chats about the role are welcome – just get in touch!

Filling Good is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working to secure funding that will see us through our first year, and the role of the Social Media and Communications Co-ordinator will play a key role in this.

If you are well versed in social media, have experience or a passion for communicating with wide audiences across pretty much all social media platforms, this is a role for you.

Living Reasons, at the core of what we want to achieve, doesn't just value experience from employment but from personal experience and based on you as a person, everything else comes from the relationships built and trust given to each other and we want to learn from you, just as much as you will learn from us.

You will work with the volunteers and trustees to create engaging content that focuses on the current needs of the charity and in the first 3-6 months will be very much focused and 2 areas - fundraising and communicating the charity message and gaining support for the charity as we establish ourselves. We want to do things differently, so there are no boundaries other than legal requirements and ensuring we stick to the charity values, which, as you will see, are very much about making change and doing things differently.

Living Reasons – What we are planning, who we are and where we are now:

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

If you think you would enjoy this role, please apply, we want to hear from you!

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working to secure funding that will see us through our first year, and the role will be an important part of the organisation's growth and ability to obtain funding for specific areas of work by ensuring people who volunteer or engage with Living Reasons receive a high level of training and development.

As an organisation, Living Reasons believe that your individual skills are more important than experience. With this in mind, this role would suit someone who enjoys helping, engaging and passing on knowledge as well as researching and creating new ways of communicating with people, whether you have experience in learning and development is not important as they are skills that can be built on and are able to grow with the organisation. 

Living Reasons – What we are planning, who we are and where we are now:

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

The main duties of a Trustee

• To ensure that the organisation complies with the governing documents, organisation law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing documents.
• To ensure that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives, i.e. the organisation must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objectives, no matter how worthwhile or charitable they are.
• To contribute effectively to the board of trustees’ role by giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.
• To promote the interests of the Ouseburn Trust within a wider network and throughout the community it serves, and whilst doing so, safeguard the good name of the organisation.
• To declare conflicts of interest whilst carrying out the duties of a trustee.
• To be collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• To protect and manage the assets of the organisation and ensure funds are effectively managed.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance and to give advance notice if unable to attend. Trustees who fail to attend three consecutive meetings may be asked to resign their seat.
• To make sure the organisation is effectively insured.
• To support employees in their appointment and effective execution of their duties.
• To keep informed about the activities of the organisation.
• To appoint a suitable person from the board to the roles of Chair & Vice Chair.

When appointing new Directors/Trustees serious consideration will be given to the skills, knowledge and experience that will be brought to the Board of Directors.

It is essential that Directors/Trustees understand the management process and carry out their role both diligently and effectively without becoming a barrier to progress or over-stepping their responsibilities.

The requirements of the role

The culture of the organisation is to deliver its charitable aims using a business type approach. Ideally we are looking for someone who:

• has a passion for the Ouseburn Valley and our work within it.
• is sympathetic to the Trust's aims and values and
• understands the role of the third sector in driving local regeneration.

New Directors/Trustees will demonstrate:

• Integrity.
• A commitment and enthusiasm to the work and objectives of the Ouseburn Trust.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a Trustee.
• An understanding and/or experience of management practice with a professional approach to the work of the Board and to the development of the Ouseburn Trust.
• A commitment to equality of opportunity.
• Good independent judgement and a strategic vision.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to work in the best interest of the Ouseburn Trust at all times and to take part in the work of the Ouseburn Trust through involvement in sub-committees.
• A range of skills and experience that will enable the Ouseburn Trust to fulfil its Primary Objectives and an understanding and acceptance of the legal responsibilities, duties and liabilities of Trusteeship.

Training provided

An extensive induction pack is available for new Trustees along with ongoing support from staff and fellow Trustees.

Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as the Chair of Trustees for our charity. This is a unique opportunity to guide our mission, shape our strategy, and inspire positive change. 

What will you be doing?

About us

Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning invests in people and their potential. Established in 2004 and nicknamed the “54-acre classroom”, our work uses a unique combination of adventurous and environmental activities, a working farm and horticulture gardens to reconnect people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with nature through outdoor learning.

Our mission is “to support people to overcome obstacles in life through nurturing them in nature, encouraging them in play and curiosity, challenging them in risk and adventure, and engaging them in outdoor learning.  Cultivating connections to the world around them, and inspiring positive lasting change.” 

The Centre is located in south west Essex and works with over 18,000 young people each year on a wide range of programmes that improve health and wellbeing and foster personal development, using our unique blend activities.  We do this by using the activities to generate a wide range of tailored programmes designed to encourage team building, problem solving and communication skills, as well as build confidence, enthuse and motivate, and raise aspirations.

Over the past ten years, the Centre has grown significantly its revenue, it’s profitability and its influence, such that it is now in a strong position and faces huge demand for its services.

The Role

As the Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight. Working closely with the Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive, you will help steer the organisation toward its goals while upholding our values and ensuring accountability.  The role has become vacant due to the retirement of the current Chair.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.
• Chair board meetings effectively, ensuring productive discussions and sound decision-making.
• Work with the Chief Executive Officer to set and review strategic priorities and objectives.
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, representing its interests to stakeholders and communities.
• Support the recruitment and development of a diverse and skilled Board of Trustees.
• Oversee compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable and aligned with its mission.

What are we looking for?

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a dedicated and inspiring leader who shares our passion for creating a better future. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Experience in governance or leadership roles, ideally within non-profit, public, or corporate sectors.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with trustees, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex challenges.
• A good understanding of charity governance and relevant legislation (or a willingness to develop this knowledge).
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of leadership.

Time Commitment and Term

The Chair of Trustees role is voluntary, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The time commitment is approximately 10 hours/month, including board meetings, sub-committee involvement, and occasional events.

Inclusive Recruitment

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities and are dedicated to equality of opportunity in our recruitment process.

Join us in this exciting journey of leadership and impact. Together, we can shape a brighter future for generations to come.

What difference will you make?

As the Chair of Trustees, you will be joining the organisation at an exciting time.  The Board is keen to build on the growth of the last ten years and increase the Centre's capacity in order to be able to serve more young people; your strong leadership, vision and strategy will help make this a reality.

Before you apply

If you would be interested in exploring the possibility of becoming the new Chair of Trustees at Lambourne End, we would like to invite you to contact the Chief Executive Officer to arrange a visit to the Centre and an informal chat; please contact us on the Reach platform.

Additionally, you would be very welcome to have an informal discussion about the role with the outgoing Chair; please let us know if you would like us to arrange this. 

To formally apply for this role, please send a CV and a covering letter detailing why you are interested in the role and how your experience aligns with our vision.

Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people? 

We are offering 1 young person aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer for up to 11 months with the French Red Cross (Croix Rouge) in Montrouge. The programme will run from September 2025 – August 2026 (subject to visas). 

You will join the head office communication department of Croix-Rouge insertion, a programme funded by the French Red Cross that enables destitute young people, homeless people and long-term jobseekers to re-connect to the labour market, through civic participation. An intermediate to fluent level of written and spoken French is essential for this role and you will have the opportunity to further develop your written skills in French and gain experience in communicating across a range of channels, as well as developing your conversational French through lessons provided by Croix Rouge. 

On your arrival in France, you will take part in a 3 days on-arrival seminar in Paris, where you will get to know your national coordinators and other European volunteers. You will also have the opportunity to discover the beautiful city of Paris before leaving for your placement role! Your role involves volunteering for a maximum of 35 hours per week, including French lessons and a personal project. 

This is a great opportunity to get involved in key projects and find out what you are interested in. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement! 

Typical tasks may involve: 

• Activities at Headquarters: 

• Manage and update the association's web pages and social media accounts (including SEO improvements) 

• Create, update, and adapt various materials (posters, flyers, brochures, catalogues, activity reports, videos, presentations, etc.) 

• Monitor and share news related to Croix-Rouge insertion activities 

• Participate in the organisation of national events (General Assembly, seminars, partner meetings, etc.) 

• Support the creation of Activity Reports and ensure deadlines are met 

• Contribute to discussions and working groups to deepen the Croix-Rouge insertion project and improve communication practices 

• Provide logistical support for organising the General Assembly 

• Facilitate the flow of information between headquarters and the local offices 

• Activities on the Ground (Croix-Rouge Insertion Local Agencies - Bondy and Bobigny): 

• Assist the agencies in the development, daily operations, or sustainability of their actions related to Access to Rights, Prison-Justice, Mobility, Digital Inclusion, and Basic Skills for RSA beneficiaries 

• Support the sharing and learning of skills between teams to fully experience the support process, especially in the development of theatre improvisation workshops for beneficiaries 

• Assist in communicating on the ground to change the perception of the public interest, which is still often stigmatised in priority urban areas 

We’re looking for the following qualities: 

• Someone sensitive to the association's social and environmental dimension 

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail 

• Creative with good interpersonal skills

• Interest in office automation tools, graphic design software and animation tools (Adobe Suite, Canva, etc.) 

• Interest in digital media (social networks) 

• Ability to analyse, summarise and write in French

Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role. This role requires someone with intermediate to fluent levels of spoken and written French. Interviews will take place online with shortlisted candidates. 

We are keen to hear from individuals especially those who do not normally get the chance to volunteer overseas, who are passionate and motivated about working in the humanitarian sector and international volunteering but who also understand that these types of placements require adaptability and resilience. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to ensure that all of our operational activity, whether internally or with people who come in contact with the organisation, are having the best experience they can possibly have and that the work we are carrying out, the campaigns we are focusing on and where we are focusing our time and our money, is relevant and remains so moving forward.

That is where I lived experience board of volunteers comes in. In essence that lived experience board is the driver for all that we do as an organisation and will inform, guide and develop the organisation.

The board is broken in to separate lived experiences which hold focus groups, support groups and communicated with each other to talk about members lived experiences, support each other and feel part of a community, while also using the voice and power of that lived experience to bring about change. The board chooses what information is passed on to the organisation and what is not.

Additionally, to the community aspects of the role, you will also be sent specific materials to share your experiences or take part in research or in new policy discussions or campaign ideas as the organisation evolves.

Additionally, to the specific lived experience groups, the full board can communicate with each other and will have periodic full board meetings that will allow people to share their experiences from various viewpoints, so that cross overs and shared experiences can become strength but can also guide the overall operation of Living Reasons.

For this role, all you need is to have lived experience of autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia, either from a personal viewpoint, or as a supporter/care giver/guardian/family member. There will be two separate groups (one for personal experience and people who are supporting someone – this allows for different conversations to happen).

This role will really drive change, not just in Living Reasons as an organisation, but in society as a whole.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to ensure that all of our operational activity, whether internally or with people who come in contact with the organisation, are having the best experience they can possibly have and that the work we are carrying out, the campaigns we are focusing on and where we are focusing our time and our money, is relevant and remains so moving forward.

That is where I lived experience board of volunteers comes in. In essence that lived experience board is the driver for all that we do as an organisation and will inform, guide and develop the organisation.

The board is broken in to separate lived experiences which hold focus groups, support groups and communicated with each other to talk about members lived experiences, support each other and feel part of a community, while also using the voice and power of that lived experience to bring about change. The board chooses what information is passed on to the organisation and what is not.

Additionally, to the community aspects of the role, you will also be sent specific materials to share your experiences or take part in research or in new policy discussions or campaign ideas as the organisation evolves.

Additionally, to the specific lived experience groups, the full board can communicate with each other and will have periodic full board meetings that will allow people to share their experiences from various viewpoints, so that cross overs and shared experiences can become strength but can also guide the overall operation of Living Reasons.

For this role, all you need is to have lived experience of mental health conditions, either from a personal viewpoint, or as a supporter/care giver/guardian/family member. There will be two separate groups (one for personal experience and people who are supporting someone – this allows for different conversations to happen).

This role will really drive change, not just in Living Reasons as an organisation, but in society as a whole.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

United Nations CSO, Centre for Big Synergy, seeks a Partnerships Researcher for the World's biggest sustainability film festival!

This is an opportunity to build for furthering your career in research and partnerships and also to gain professional esteem and presence.

Big Syn Institute is a part of the Centre for Big Synergy and has been organising the Big Syn International Film Festival (BSIFF) since 2019.

The partnerships researcher will work closely with the team to identify and engage in strategic research, both online and offline, for the biggest film festival and awards, of its kind - Big Syn Institute's BSIFF, London.

Since 2019, the festival has reached over 50M people and in over 120 countries. Through relevant shorts, features, animations, documentaries, CSR videos and Public Service Videos, Charity films, the festival advocates the United Nations 17 Global Goals and also celebrates the work of UK's marginalised filmmakers. 

OSCAR, BAFTA and EMMY award-winners, as well as other luminaries from film and media, sustainability, and policy have been part of the festival and have supported it since inception. Winners from the festival have eventually won OSCARS and EMMY awards

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a dedicated researcher with a can-do attitude. The partnerships researcher must be able to:

• Conducting deep online research to identify partners and opportunities that align with our values
• Creating clear summaries and recommendations based on your findings
• Updating the team once a week (remotely) to discuss research progress and priorities.

What are we looking for?

A committed and meticulous person, passionate about making the world a more sustainable, safer and peaceful place

• Proven experience of research and working with the team to identify potential partners and stakeholders
• Experience conducting structured research to identify trends, gaps, or opportunities—especially in social, environmental, or nonprofit sectors
• Ability to research and maintain database of potential partners, work on lead generation and follow ups
• Prompt communication and timekeeping, ability to deliver on time
• Maintain confidentiality and utmost standards of professional etiquette.

What difference will you make?

Over 85% of people in the UK and even more, globally, are unaware of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)let alone take any steps to create a more sustainable world for themselves and in the process for others in this complexly interconnected world.

This highlights the need for such initiatives to educate the British as well as global societies about the UN SDGs. Your contributions can educate and inspire millions to act on the SDGs and bring positive changes that will impact all of us in this complexly interconnected world.

Most importantly your efforts will ensure that the film festival and the UK's marginalised filmmakers (LGBTQI+, women, disabled and ethnic minorities) get even more visibility, thus furthering the motto of the festival to celebrate inclusion and diversity whilst inspiring the civic society to act on the Global Goals. It will also help partner organisations join forces and work in synergy to amplify the impact of the initiative through communal as well as individual efforts. Thus, benefitting more lives that we would have helped acting alone.

Before you apply

If you think you may not have all the skills or experiences requested but feel you are a strong candidate, please do apply as you will be part of a team with a broad skill-set. As you will be working remotely we will provide you with as much support as possible. This application is urgent and we are looking for the right candidate to start as soon as possible.

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in your community?

Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as the Chair of Trustees for our charitable organisation. This is a unique opportunity to guide our mission, shape our strategy, and inspire positive change. 

About us

Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning invests in people and their potential. Established in 2004 and nicknamed the “54-acre classroom”, our work uses a unique combination of adventurous and environmental activities, a working farm and horticulture gardens to reconnect people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with nature through outdoor learning.

Our mission is “to support people to overcome obstacles in life through nurturing them in nature, encouraging them in play and curiosity, challenging them in risk and adventure, and engaging them in outdoor learning.  Cultivating connections to the world around them, and inspiring positive lasting change.” 

The Centre is located in south west Essex and works with over 18,000 young people each year on a wide range of programmes that improve health and wellbeing and foster personal development, using our unique blend activities.  We do this by using the activities to generate a wide range of tailored programmes designed to encourage team building, problem solving and communication skills, as well as build confidence, enthuse and motivate, and raise aspirations.

Over the past ten years, the Centre has grown significantly its revenue, it’s profitability and its influence, such that it is now in a strong position and faces huge demand for its services.

The Role

As the Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight. Working closely with the Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive, you will help steer the organisation toward its goals while upholding our values and ensuring accountability.  The role has become vacant due to the retirement of the current Chair.

Key Responsibilities

· Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.

· Chair board meetings effectively, ensuring productive discussions and sound decision-making.

· Work with the Chief Executive Officer to set and review strategic priorities and objectives.

· Act as an ambassador for the organisation, representing its interests to stakeholders and communities.

· Support the recruitment and development of a diverse and skilled Board of Trustees.

· Oversee compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

· Ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable and aligned with its mission.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a dedicated and inspiring leader who shares our passion for creating a better future. The ideal candidate will bring:

· Experience in governance or leadership roles, ideally within non-profit, public, or corporate sectors.

· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with trustees, staff, and external stakeholders.

· Strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex challenges.

· A good understanding of charity governance and relevant legislation (or a willingness to develop this knowledge).

· A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of leadership.

Time Commitment and Term

The Chair of Trustees role is voluntary, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The time commitment is approximately 10 hours/month, including board meetings, sub-committee involvement, and occasional events.

How to Apply

If this opportunity resonates with you, we would love to hear from you.  If you would be interested in exploring the possibility of becoming the new Chair of Trustees at Lambourne End, we would like to invite you to contact the Chief Executive Officer to arrange a visit to the Centre and an informal chat; please contact Rob at the Centre.   Additionally, you would be very welcome to have an informal discussion about the role with the outgoing Chair; please let us know if you would like us to arrange this.  To formally apply for this role, please send a CV and a covering letter detailing why you are interested in the role and how your experience aligns with our vision.   Applications should be sent by 31st August 2025.

Inclusive Recruitment

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities and are dedicated to equality of opportunity in our recruitment process.

Join us in this exciting journey of leadership and impact. Together, we can shape a brighter future for generations to come.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to expand its reach and part of that journey is to support people who have neurodevelopmental conditions, learning difficulties and/or disabilities through legal processes if they have faced discrimination. To do this, the organisation needs to remain knowledgeable in this area.

Living Reasons will not be giving legal advice, but will be supportive during the early stages of potential legal proceedings, which means we need an understanding of what is and is not permissible under UK law to ensure that we can help each person effectively while also not diminishing any future legal case, in fact we will be doing all we can to help build evidence in case this needs to happen in the future.

In the role of Discrimination Law Co-ordinator, you will ensure that all disputes and complaints that Living Reasons support someone are consistently meeting these requirements. This will be through templates and guideline creation and will also, at times mean going over individual cases whether this is not clear to the person engaging with the person that has the dispute.

We are not looking for a lawyer specifically, we understand that many people understand the law and may not have been able to engage with the education system to gain a degree for example or are currently in the process of learning law. We are looking for someone who is able to analyse the information in front of them and make the connections to legal precedents and back that up with case law or clear legal reasoning.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)