Volunteer supporters volunteer roles in camden, cardiff
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Calling All Wordsmiths – Volunteer as a Grant Writer for RideWise!
Do you have a knack for writing and a passion for making a difference? RideWise, a charity championing sustainable and accessible transport, is looking for volunteer grant writers to help secure vital funding for our projects. Our work helps connect our communities to the people and places that are important to them - and helps safeguard our environment.
Your skills could help us unlock new opportunities, support local communities, and drive real change. Whether you're experienced or just eager to learn, we’d love to have you on board.
Use your words to power our mission. Join RideWise as a volunteer grant writer today!
Improving the lives and futures of our communities through walking, cycling and active travel



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you an experieniced Nutritionist? Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?
Yes? We’d love to hear from you.
We're looking for an experienced nutritionist to help us design a catalogue of recipes that help reduce anxiety and in turn improve mental health.
What is knus?
knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.
What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.
Here’s some further information on what’s needed:
Are you over 18 and living in the UK?
You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
Do you have a laptop?
A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.
How much time can you give?
A minimum of 2-4 hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.
Do you like to learn?
We provide training for all volunteers that join us.
If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.
Please note - all successful volunteers are required to pay the cost price of £20.60 for an Enhanced DBS check. If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service or in receipt of benefits, this cost will not apply.
You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Here at Youth4Youth, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.
If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.
About the role
The role of Software Tester is responsible for the testing of Youth4Youth’s technology solutions. The role involves communication with other Youth4Youth team members; creating test plans; creating test cases; running tests and analysing results to produce reports. The tester will be supporting a website and chat system.
Responsibilities
- • Conduct functional, acceptance, end-to-end, and regression tests to ensure software quality and performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product design and development teams to develop comprehensive user experiences across mobile, web, and app platforms.
• Regularly liaise with the wider team to ensure that test plans align with user requirements and core charity objectives.
• Analyse test results and write detailed reports, communicating findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Identify areas for improvement and work proactively to enhance software functionality.
• Stay up to date with technological innovations and new testing tools.
Skills
- • Enthusiasm for learning about Youth4Youth’s users and processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills to engage with team members and clients.
• Strong written communication with attention to detail.
• Design and spatial skills for usability assessment.
• Adaptable mindset to handle changing tasks and technologies.
• Willingness to stay updated with new software applications and techniques.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure and AWS.
• Experience working with APIs.
• Keen problem-solving and solution-building abilities.
• Openness to learning new technologies.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Organisational skills to deliver tasks on time and manage effectively.
• Collaborative experience and team support.
• Proficient IT skills, especially with Microsoft applications.
• Understanding of software engineering, programming, and development.
• Experience with JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and frameworks like React and AngularJS.
• Knowledge of continuous integration/delivery (CI/CD) and version control systems like Git.
Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.
Benefits of volunteering with Youth4Youth
We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:
- Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
- Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
- Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Youth4Youth volunteers
- Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Youth4Youth has on its direct beneficiaries
The hiring process
Our hiring process typically has two stages
- Video or Written Application (when applicable)
- Interview with the Volunteering Coordinator for that role
Some roles will have extra stages but we’ll let you know as early as possible if so.
Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to assist.
To ensure that all young people have a safe space to reach out for support, enabling them to realise their full potential, thrive in everyday life
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About YAUK
We are a not-for-profit organisation passionate about improving the lives of young people across the UK and believe that every young person should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background or circumstances.
Our work involves using up-and-coming research and advocacy to address issues affecting young people, such as climate change, unemployment and skills training, and inclusion and diversity. We are firmly committed to improving young people's lives and believe that our unique and successful approach to achieving our vision will change lives for the better.
Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.
Responsibilities may include
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To complete research tasks in line with timelines and agreed deadlines
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To help plan, write, edit and proofread reports, literature reviews and related writings
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To work alongside others in managing a workload, and actively communication
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To analyse and interpret research data (mainly qualitative, secondary data analysis)
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To support and be accountable to the senior researcher
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To assist in the design and planning of projects and research work
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To follow ethical guidelines
Requirements:
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To have knowledge on children’s human rights in the UK and other related areas
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To have experience as a Research Assistant or Researcher or equivalent role in related areas
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Experience in qualitative research methods and secondary data analysis, quantitative experience a plus
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To be able to work well as part of a team and independently
Benefits
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This is a UK based 100% fully remote and flexible role
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Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.
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Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.
Why volunteer with us?
We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.
We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Provide a cover letter explaining why you want to volunteer with us, and explain a situation in the past where you have used your own initiative to complete a task.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.
In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Description
Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.
In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About IHF
The International Humanity Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering underserved children in Kenya, Indonesia, and Thailand. We believe in transparency, equal opportunity, and self-sufficiency.
Role Summary
We’re seeking experienced Fundraising Volunteers (remote) with a proven track record—at least 3 years of successful fundraising or grant writing. Your efforts will directly support our global programs and mission.
Responsibilities
Identify and pursue fundraising/grant opportunities
Craft compelling proposals and campaigns
Engage donors and support long-term funding strategies
Work with and lead our fundraising team
Coordinating our At Home volunteers and Global Leadership Development candidates
Requirements
3+ years fundraising experience
Proven fundraising success
Strong writing and communication skills
Self-motivated, reliable, and results-driven
What You Gain
Strategic involvement in meaningful NGO initiatives
Opportunity to expand your global portfolio and build international credibility
Access to leadership roles and professional growth within a purpose-driven organization
A platform to make measurable, lasting impact in the lives of children and communities
Reports To:
Global Outreach Coordinator
Director of Fundraising Initiatives
Please note that shortlisted applicants will go through two rounds of interviews before any contract decision is made. These interviews are designed to assess both your expertise and alignment with our mission and team culture.
Only successful candidates from both interview rounds will be considered for a contract offer
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Roots Academy
At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.
Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 2000 students across the UK & Canada.
Role Summary
The HR Lead will be the focal point for all HR tasks in Canada. This will include supporting the Canada team with recruitment, maintaining HR files, keeping accurate records in line with compliance requirements, issuing volunteer agreements, and ensuring the Canada team are compliant with Canadian employment law.
Key tasks
- Recruitment – supporting with role descriptions, advertising positions, arranging interviews and onboarding new starters.
- Compliance and employment law – requesting IDs and other documentation as required, supporting with training requirements, and advising the leadership team on best practice.
- HR Admin – managing the contracting / volunteer agreement process, ensuring personnel files are kept up to date and accurate record keeping of all HR files.
What we’re looking for
- Prior experience in an HR role, HR qualification would be a bonus
- Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to be diplomatic
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
- Experience handing sensitive information desired but not essential
- Strong understanding of the Muslim Community in Canada, and belief in Roots Academy’s vision
What we have to offer
- Contribute to a growing organisation that educates and empowers the Muslim community.
- Access to in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.
- Receive continuous rewards for facilitating Islamic education through Roots Academy.
Please note: This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers can claim expenses for food, travel, and equipment in line with the Expenses Policy.
We teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to students across the UK and beyond.

Title: Communications volunteer
Summary
Help us grow and engage our audiences by creating communications materials for us to use externally and across our website, social media, print materials and newsletter, so that we can help support the mental health of more women across Sussex.
Description
Our charity delivers counselling and therapeutic groups for women across Sussex. We are looking for an experienced communications professional to work with to support with all or some of the following:
Communications:
· Help to create a communications plan with the CEO, mapping out key activities and campaigns over the year
Social media:
· Assess our current social media and make recommendations to improve content and engagement
· Design and create weekly posts and reels using Canva
· Create 1-3 social posts per week
Newsletter:
· Re-purpose key social posts for our monthly e-newsletter, using MailChimp
Outreach:
· Build a partner communication list and liaise with key organisations and share key materials with them, such as leaflets and information about our services to raise our profile
· Build contacts and reach out to potential press to raise awareness of our organisation
Events:
· Assist with fundraising events and promotion of these from the Brighton 10K run, our Christmas raffle and party.
You will be working with the CEO who will provide our existing brand/style/logo guidelines and brand research/user personas.
What impact will they have?
Your creative output will shape how we present ourselves to our clients and funders. With your help we will be able to continue to reach and support more women across Sussex.
About the volunteer
Description
We are looking for a volunteer who:
· Has experience in creating and writing communications materials such as social media posts
· Ideally has experience in Canva and MailChimp
· Has the ability to quickly understand the needs of our team / organisation / participants
· Has good communications and organisation skills
· Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.
Skills
· Marketing and communications
Where and when
Location
Can be fully remote or partly remote if based near Brighton.
Time
Time commitment
· 0-6 hours / week – the role could be an ongoing role
Volunteer availability
Either inside or outside office hours.
Application details
Application instructions: please send published content examples (social, blog or e-newsletter posts) a CV and details of your availability and interest in the role
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation was established as an educational charity in 2003. Our aim is to develop spiritual awareness and to support people of all faiths, and none, by delivering a range of training programmes that allow open-hearted adults to serve their chosen communities through Ministry, Spiritual Counselling and in supporting life’s transitions. Our interfaith ministers bring unconditional love and radical commitment to members of the public through ceremony, ritual, spiritual counselling, and other methods of support.
We are seeking new trustees, with a focus on marketing and/or legal experience, with a commitment to the vision and purpose of the organisation to join our board. Trustees are appointed for a term of 4 years and are essential to the progress and growth of our organisation.
Organisational purpose:
To benefit the public by the education of mature adults in:
• the core principles of the world’s religions, faiths, and spiritual traditions;
• principles and methods of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making;
• and the practice of non-denominational spiritual and pastoral service in the community.
Our Vision
is a world in which humanity awakens into an inclusive global spirituality that encompasses us all in the field of love and life.
Our Mission
is to work towards evolving consciousness in the world, by facilitating open-hearted people to awaken to inner leadership and their capacity for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace-making.
Ideally, you will have experience working in a not-for-profit organisation and will be passionate about spiritual life and faith-freedom. We would particularly love to hear from anyone with experience of Human Resources, Adult Education, Financial Management, Fundraising, Legal, and IT.
Formal trustee meetings take place with senior staff quarterly, and we hold up to nine trustee-only meetings annually. To ensure our work is collaborative, we also have an annual two-day gathering of trustees and the wider leadership team. All trustees are volunteers, with expenses available for travel to and from meetings and other incidental expenses where applicable. Please note that meetings are currently being held via Zoom.
We have a strong commitment to diversity and aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with on our Board of Trustees. We welcome all candidates irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, culture, religion, age, responsibilities for dependants, physical/mental disability (“protected characteristics” as per the Equality Act 2010), economic status or offending background.
We welcome both OneSpirit ministers and candidates who are not OneSpirit ministers. However, we expect all candidates to adhere to OneSpirit’s code of ethics.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer with Bigger Than Us CIC
Be part of building something bigger than all of us.
Are you passionate about community building, global travel, nonprofit development, and making a real impact in the world?
Bigger Than Us CIC is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to join our growing team across several exciting roles.
Graphic Design / Creative Design Lead
Collaborate with our founder to bring the Bigger Than Us brand to life! You’ll design assets for social media, communications, and promotional platforms, helping us craft a cohesive and beautiful visual identity.
Fundraising Consultant
Work alongside the founder to identify funding opportunities, secure grants, and develop a strategic fundraising plan. Perfect for entry-level candidates or those looking to gain hands-on experience in fundraising.
➡️ This role may transition into a paid contract once funding is secured.
Curriculum & Training Lead
Help shape the heart of our residency.
We’re seeking a strategic and creative volunteer to co-develop our Winter 2025 retreat-style nonprofit residency curriculum. In this role, you’ll work closely with the founder to:
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Design and outline a transformational 4-week curriculum for early-stage nonprofit leaders
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Identify learning outcomes, key themes, and core program modules
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Research and recruit trainers, guest speakers, and facilitators who align with our values
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Ensure the program nurtures personal growth, community impact, and long-term sustainability
This is a highly collaborative role for someone with experience (or strong interest) in curriculum design, learning & development, or community education—especially within nonprofit, social justice, or creative sectors.
✨ Other Opportunities
Have a skill you’d love to offer that’s not listed here? We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds—especially those interested in helping launch our residency.
Volunteers may be eligible for partial or full travel funding, depending on the time commitment and role.
Who We Are
Bigger Than Us CIC is on a mission to make history as the first retreat-style nonprofit residency dedicated to supporting Black and Brown leaders worldwide who are launching community-centered initiatives.
How to Apply
Click Quick Apply and share a short blurb telling us:
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Why you’d like to volunteer
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The role you’re interested in
We can’t wait to hear from you!
All backgrounds, skill levels, and lived experiences are encouraged to apply. Let’s build something beautiful—together.
A residency that makes an impact that lasts and leaders that thrive
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ETS are looking for mature Christians who want to become “Discipleship Leaders”
Do you have an hour or so a week to disciple a new believer or someone who wants to grow in their faith?
If so, ETS will provide the tools to help you do this, with our training, support, experience, and manuals.
ETS stands for “Equipping the Saints” and that is what we do: we will equip you to become a Discipleship leader, as part of our team.
Our mission is to fulfil the above vision throughout the world, as God opens doors, in accordance with the Great Commission of Jesus.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about the natural world and inspiring others to engage with it?
Join us as a Trustee at the Field Studies Council and help shape the future of environmental education.
- You can be based anywhere in the UK
- You’ll need to commit approx. 10 days a year
- It’s a voluntary position but reasonable expenses are reimbursed
About Us
Field Studies Council is an environmental education charity. For over 80 years, we've been inspiring people to understand and care for the natural world. Through our network of centres across the UK, we provide fieldwork and outdoor learning experiences for all ages — from school groups and university students to families and lifelong learners.
We are a leader in biodiversity training, the publisher of best-selling wildlife ID guides, and a champion for accessible outdoor education, particularly for disadvantaged young people. Our mission is simple but vital: to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.
Your Opportunity to Make a Difference
We’re currently looking to appoint four new Trustees to bring fresh perspectives and help us grow in diversity, representation and expertise. As a Trustee, you'll help guide and shape our charity’s future.
While the day-to-day running of our charity is handled by our staff and volunteers, the Board of Trustees plays a key role in making sure everything stays on track.
That includes overseeing our work, making big-picture decisions, and ensuring we meet our legal and regulatory responsibilities. It’s an important role, but you won’t be doing it alone. You will:
- Provide strategic oversight and guidance to support our mission and values
- Use your insight and experience to influence decisions that impact tens of thousands of learners annually
- Act as an ambassador for environmental education and social inclusion
- Contribute to Board and committee meetings, and participate in key annual activities including visiting one of our field centres each year to see our work in action
- Use your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to help us innovate, grow, and reach more people
Who We’re Looking For
You don’t need to be an academic, ecologist or environmentalist to join us or have charity trustee, company director or equivalent experience — we welcome applicants from all walks of life. We are especially interested in candidates with skills in:
- Charity governance
- Finance (qualified professionals – potential Honorary Treasurer role)
- Fundraising & stakeholder engagement
- Marketing & communications
Above all, we want individuals who are:
- Passionate about equal access to outdoor learning
- Ready to speak up and bring a new perspective
- Willing to give their time and energy to support the Field Studies Council
We’re committed to building a Trustee board that is inclusive, representative, and reflective of the diverse communities we serve.
We warmly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in charity governance — including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ communities, young people, and those with lived experience of social or economic disadvantage.
If you're excited by our mission and ready to help others experience the power of nature, we’d love to hear from you.
What’s Involved
- Approx. 10 days per year commitment for an initial 3-year term (this includes board and committee meetings, and a centre visit)
- Most meetings are held virtually, with one in-person event annually
- All reasonable expenses are covered
- Appropriate training and support will be provided
Please download the Trustee Candidate Information Pack to learn more and take the next step in helping us connect people with the natural world
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.
The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.
For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack.
We are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. We are member-led, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in our Lay Trustee roles here at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall. We're very pleased to announce the opening of applications for our esteemed Board of Trustees. We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
Our membership comprises of students studying with both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall) which creates a unique and special experience of which we love to be a key part of.
The role of Lay Trustee provides an opportunity to support our President Trustees and Student Trustees, foster a culture of student leadership and deliver a student focused service.
You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are undertaking two crucial pieces of work: finalising our new 2025-2028 strategic plan, and beginning the quintennial review of our Constitution. If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.
We are especially keen to hear from applicants with experience in Finance, Higher Education, Human Resources, Charity or Employment Law.
About Us
We’re an autonomous organisation and we’re funded by the University of Exeter and Falmouth University. Acting independently ensures that we remain entirely focused on our students with one purpose in mind: to improve their student experience.
As a registered charity (1193045), our charitable purpose is the advancement of education, and our funds can for used for this charitable purpose only. This means that as a not-for-profit organisation: any income we gain goes straight back into providing services for students.
We are a member-led democratic organisation; our students are at the heart of everything we do. Our members views, opinions and experiences regarding students’ lives influence decision makers operating at every level, helping to shape the wider student experience and we enjoy positive collaborative relationships with both universities. Students have the power to shape what the Union does through our Annual Student Members’ Meetings and referenda, and they lead our Student Forum, which determine our Union priorities.
We are proud of the range of opportunities and services that we provide to students, which includes student led societies and sports clubs, volunteering opportunities, professional independent specialist advice, academic representation, and democratic activities. We also help students to organise a wide range of events and activities specifically for their fellow students.
Our Board
Our board is unique in the charity sector. We have a young and dynamic board; two thirds of the trustees are either recent or current students at the universities resulting in a purposefully high turnover of trustees. The charity is based in a complex, ever-changing Higher Education sector, working closely with two very different universities.
We have three sets of Trustees:
• Four President Trustees: a President and Vice President from each university, elected by cross-campus ballot. These are student leaders who have either just finished their degree or take a sabbatical to take up this role, in which they are also a full-time employee. Term: one year, maximum of two terms.
• Four Student Trustees: two from each university, appointed via the Appointments Committee. These are current students who offer direct insight into university life. Term: two years, maximum of two terms.
• Four Lay Trustees: appointed via the Appointments Committee. These trustees offer expertise, continuity, and insight. They are experienced, skilled members who enjoy being part of a dynamic board and supporting the younger trustees. Term: three years, maximum of three terms.
The Chair of the Board will always be a President Trustee, and the Deputy Chair will always be a Lay Trustee. Any Trustee can chair one of our three sub-committees: Finance, Appointments, Remuneration and Human Resources.
Why Should You Become a Trustee?
Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience. You’ll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and support our President and Student Trustees. As a Lay Trustee, you are eligible to become Deputy Chair of the Board, or Chair of one of the sub-committees.
You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.
Job Description
We’re looking for someone to work collectively with our board of trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our Students’ Union.
Remuneration: Lay Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.
Hours: Hours can vary however typically each year:
• Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long conducted online.
• Additional two (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 45 minutes.
• There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid).
Term of office: three years, up to three terms.
Location: Homebased with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.
Role Purpose
The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy. They approve and monitor plans to deliver the strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
• To ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose, constitution and other governing documents and relevant legislation while remaining true to its Mission, Vision and Values.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role by determining the Students’ Union strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Ensure The SU uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects/purpose.
• Act as guardians of The SU’s assets and ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Prepare for Board meetings by reading through materials and Board papers beforehand, scrutinising information and be able to discuss issues.
• Take advice on matters on which you are not competent to decide.
• Provide support to President Trustees and Student Trustees.
• Take part in Board Reviews and Skills Audits each year.
• Use personal skills and experience to ensure the Union is well-run and efficient
• Seek external professional advice where there may be material risk to the Union or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties or at any other appropriate moment.
• Add value to the Trustee Board and the Union through generating ideas, challenging the status quo, broadening thinking and supporting and promoting innovation and creativity.
• Abide by the Union Trustee Code of Conduct.
CRITERIA
All Trustees must display the following characteristics
Commitment to and passion for The SU.
Willingness and reliability to devote the necessary time and effort.
Strategic vision.
Good, independent judgment.
Ability to think creatively.
An understanding of and commitment to the values and principles of student representation and democracy.
Willingness to speak their mind.
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Responsible, especially when handling sensitive and confidential information.
A commitment to act in accordance with the Nolan principles for ethical conduct in public service.
We are looking for individuals who have skills, knowledge or experience in one or more of these sectors
Finance
Higher Education
Human Resources
Charity or Employment Law
How To Apply
Please visit the role posting on our website for further details on how to apply. We require the completion of a Person Details form, and Skills Audit spreadsheets, along with your CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Friday 16 May. Interviews will take place online via MS Teams on Wednesday 21 May, an additional slot is also available on Thursday 22 May if this is not convenient.
You must be available to attend Trustee Training on Friday 20 June, and Board of Trustees on Wednesday 25 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Tuesday 1 July.
Eligibility
There are strict conditions placed on charity Trustees by law and all applicants must declare that they are eligible to become a charity Trustee. You will not be eligible if:
• You are on the Sex Offenders’ Register
• You have any unspent conviction for an offence involving:
o deception or dishonesty
o terrorist offences
o money laundering
o bribery
o misconduct in public office, perjury, perverting the course of justice
o contravention of certain preventative Orders of the Charity Commission (Section 77 of the Charities Act 2011)
o attempting, aiding or abetting the above offences
• You have any designation under specific anti-terrorist legislation
• You have been convicted of contempt of court
• You have been removed from:
o trusteeship, or as an officer, agent or employee of a charity by the Court or the Commission for misconduct or mismanagement
o a position of management or control of a charity in Scotland for mismanagement or misconduct
• You have been found guilty by the High court of disobeying a Commission order or direction
• You have an undischarged bankruptcy
• You have a composition or arrangement with creditors which includes an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) and is currently on the Insolvency Service Register
As part of the recruitment process, we will ask you to sign a declaration that you are legally entitled to become a Trustee and commit the required time.
Data Protection
We’re committed to data protection and it’s important to know what’s happening with your data when you apply for a role. That means we’ll only use the information you supply for the purposes of progressing your application (or to fulfil legal or regulatory requirements if necessary) and we’ll never share your information with any third parties for marketing purposes or store it outside of the European Economic Area.
Equal Opportunities
We’re committed to ensuring our workforce accurately reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We positively encourage applications from all individuals irrespective of their gender, age, home country, ethnic background, sexuality, religious beliefs or disability. All candidates will be treated equally and all appointments made on merit.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.