Volunteer volunteer roles in trowbridge, wiltshire

                      While gaining invaluable experience, practice your passion within real-life scenarios. 

Join a group who aspire to think big, have fun, and create work that stands out. We’re looking for a passionate dedicated individual to join our team, who will play a key role in the growth of our brand messages and visions. The ideal candidate will assist us to conduct research and gather information on various projects.

Responsibilities
Conduct relevant research, gather information on various projects
Write research reports
Working closely with the communications team

Requirements
Good attention to detail.
Strong verbal, written and organisational skills.
Self-starter, dedicated and willing to learn. 
Microsoft Word and Excel skills.

Please note the role is a voluntary position and could be entirely remote. Any incurred reasonable expenses will be paid.
 
ABOUT TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

The Opportunity:
Her Centre is seeking a dynamic Chair to help shape the future of our organisation
and lead our excellent board of trustees. This opportunity will involve working closely
with our CEO to drive change and ensure that our vital work continues to support
every woman in Greenwich who needs us. This is an exciting time of change, which
you will be embarking on with our CEO. You will be joining a dedicated board that
includes expertise from across the private and charitable sectors, the local authority,
and lived experience.

Our Work:
Greenwich has one of the highest rates of domestic abuse in London. Last year
alone, over 4,000 domestic offences were recorded in the borough: a shocking 35%
higher than the London average. Demand for our services has risen sharply: in 2017,
we received 321 acute high-risk referrals but by last year, this had more than
doubled to 780. The most common form of abuse reported is physical violence
(62%), followed by controlling and coercive behaviour (46%). However, the sad
reality is that many women face multiple and overlapping forms of abuse, including
sexual abuse and rape, threats to their children, financial control, and forced
imprisonment.
Last year, Her Centre supported nearly 1,000 women to find safety, seek justice, and
rebuild their lives. We also help children who witness abuse recover from trauma and
support teenagers facing exploitation or violence to recognise unhealthy
relationships and build self-worth. Her Centre is a safe and welcoming space where
all women are listened to and believed in an environment of trust and respect.
Please submit your Covering Letter and CV by Friday, 2 January 2026.

Role Description:
Board Chair

• Time commitment: 6-8 hours monthly. The HER Centre board meetings are hybrid

and currently held every two months.

• Location: Hybrid, in-person meetings at Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance

Walk, London

Purpose of the role:
The Board Chair is responsible for leading the board, ensuring its effectiveness in
enabling the HER Centre to provide best-in-class service to HER Centre users,
providing strategic direction, and keeping the HER Centre as a leading agency
supporting women, particularly those in crisis due to abuse. The Board Chair focuses
the board on strategic matters, prioritising long-term goals and planning, including
approving the annual business, financial, risk, and operational plans. The Board
Chair also adheres to the Charity Commission's essentials of a trustee:
1. Ensure the HER Centre carries out its purpose for public benefit
2. Ensure the HER Centre complies with the governing document and law
3. Acts in the HER Centre’s best interest
4. Manage the HER Centre’s resources responsibly
5. Act with reasonable care and skill
6. Ensure the HER Centre is accountable
7. Reduce risk and liability

Main roles and responsibilities:
• Maintain high standards of governance, fostering transparency and ensuring the
HER Centre holds itself accountable to its service users and stakeholders.
• Ensure trustee awareness and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements,
including those set out in the constitution and the Charity Commission’s guidance
on trustee roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure that the trustee board annually reviews its structure, effectiveness,
delegations and key policies, and implements agreed changes as necessary.
• Manage trustee relationships to foster a positive board culture, including ensuring
the Board has the policies it needs.
• Liaising with the Board Secretary to arrange meetings and set agendas, and
chairing meetings to ensure these are well run and focused on delivering the HER
Centre’s work.
• Line managing the HER Centre CEO, by supporting, positively challenging and
holding them to account, including working with the Board to approve an appraisal
of the CEO.
• Act as a link between trustees, staff and the Service User Advisory Committee
• Act as a HER Centre representative and spokesperson as required
Term: Two years, renewable for a maximum of nine years.

Training and Induction:
You will receive an induction on the work of the HER Centre and meet the Trustees
and staff.
Payment and Expenses:
The Board Chair is a voluntary role. Agreed, out-of-pocket expenses will be
reimbursed.

As a CHSS Community Connector you can support CHSS any time or anywhere, giving as much or as little time to the tasks as you wish. As long as you have access to a smartphone, tablet or computer you can get involved to ensure No Life is Half Lived.

Where you will be based

Home

Why we want you

Everyone has the right to live life to the full. After a diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, stroke, or Long Covid, many people experience fear and isolation, and struggle with the impact on their lives. The care and support we deliver every day ensures everyone can live the life they want to. Across Scotland, we provide vital advice, information, and support through our No Life Half Lived strategy.

You’ll support us by carrying out smalls tasks online or in your community which will make a massive difference to people living with our conditions.

What you will be doing

• Liking and sharing posts on social media to help us spread our work
• Completing online surveys
• Signing campaigns or petitions

The skills you need

• Able to share posts on social media channels
• Access to a computer, tablet or smartphone

What's in it for you

• A flexible opportunity to volunteer around your busy life
• Make a real difference to people with our conditions
• Improve your own health and wellbeing
• Use, learn and develop new skills

We are a small and friendly team of Trustees who are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join us and become a Trustee for our wonderful charity, Wiltshire Portage. Wiltshire Portage supports families who have children aged birth to school entry with additional needs, empowering parents and carers to help their children to reach their full potential as they transition into school and beyond.

There has been a rise in the number of children who have additional needs over the past few years and research has shown that early intervention is vital in helping these children to develop. At Wiltshire Portage, we have a team of experienced Home Visitors who regularly visit families who have young children with additional needs. During visits, Home Visitors identify areas of support that are needed and deliver child-led learning activities through play. Having a child with additional needs can be challenging and Home Visitors are also able to support parents and carers; providing information and sign posting them to organisations who can help.

As a charity, Wiltshire Portage relies on a team of Trustees to work with the CEO in the running of the charity. Trustees are asked to attend a meeting (this is currently carried out virtually) once every two months in the evening.

For nearly 50 years, nia has provided high quality, women-led services across North and East London. nia has three main aims: to provide services for women, children and young people who have experienced male violence, working to end men’s violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.

nia’s values, and our commitment to upholding them, set us apart. We put women first – always and without hesitation: we believe women, we are run by women, for women. We leave no woman behind: we challenge inequality and discrimination and believe that uniting women of all backgrounds is essential to ending the sex-based oppression of women.

 We have a voluntary Board of Trustees who have the ultimate responsibility for directing nia and ensuring that the organisation is well-run. Our trustees are passionate feminists and include women with a wide range of skills and include women who have experienced sexual and domestic violence and ex-service users of specialist women’s services.

The role of the Treasurer is to provide financial expertise and direction to the board of Trustees. The Treasurer’s aim is to oversee and scrutinise financial information to enable the board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the nia.

The Treasurer will ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations and to make sure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.

The Treasurer’s role is also to work in partnership with the Chief Executive and Director of Finance helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and maintain fiscal health, accountability and stability.

Vallis Farm Education Centre CIC is looking for volunteer Non-Executive Directors for our new Education Centre CIC starting early in 2026!

Company Description

Vallis Farm Education Centre CIC (based in Frome, Somerset), is intending to provide day courses, DWP work placements, Skills Bootcamps, our own LANTRA-certified courses and apprenticeships, in horticulture and agroecology. We will also run a weekly youth group to improve nature connection amongst young people; encourage a healthy attitude to the outdoors and give them land-based skills that they will not learn at school. There will also be a ‘light touch’ element of ecology and wildlife to address more positively the challenges we now face with climate change.

Our courses will be open to everyone of all ages; however, our primary focus will be on the provision of post-16 learning opportunities outside of ‘A’ levels and higher education; i.e. further education, work experience and land-based skills development to, ultimately, increase employability.

Our work is guided by a passion for an education that suits all learners, a commitment to supporting everyone to achieve their potential and a desire to see increased employability for young people living in Frome and the surrounding areas.

The Education Centre will be run by Vallis Farms Ltd Head of Land & Learning in conjunction with the Education Centre’s Operations Manager. The Head of Land & Learning will run the youth group and deliver teaching alongside other contracted instructors/teaching staff. The CIC will apply for funding to enable children, young people and adults to take educational courses who would normally self-exclude or be excluded due to lack of transport options or for financial reasons (e.g. a lack of funds to pay for a course or necessary equipment e.g. boots).

Role Description

We are looking for Non-Executive Directors to join our small and passionate board of three people.

This is a voluntary role suitable for individuals who, like us, care deeply about an education provision for all, and are also eager to contribute to shaping the future direction of the Education Centre. You don’t need to have previous board experience or formal qualifications - we’re looking for people with experience in either education (ideally secondary level or above), budget/finance management and reporting, monitoring and evaluation or charity governance, and have a desire to share your experience and skills.

As a Non-Executive Director, you will:

• Participate in board meetings (in-person in Frome) as often as is necessary to effectively carry out board duties and govern the CIC. The frequency can be decided by the board once convened, but will be quarterly at most
• Help guide Vallis Farm Education Centre’s strategy and priorities
• Ensure the CIC has effective leadership, strong accountability systems and effective policies and procedures to ensure it always meets its legal obligations and serves its stated community purpose
• Offer insight, challenge, and support to ensure good governance
• Act as an ambassador for our mission to improve post-16 provision in our area and help us build connections
• Contribute your lived experience, professional knowledge/experience, or community perspective to strengthen our education provision
• Ensure no conflicts of interest occur during the delivery of the CIC’s business

This role is ideal for individuals who want to leverage their skills and experience, passion, or learned perspective to drive positive change in further education and employability for the young people of Somerset.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We ask that you bring:

• An interest in improving accessibility to high quality further education
• Experience (professional or personal) in at least one of the following four areas:
  • Education
  • Budget/financial management
  • Monitoring and evaluation (progress and impact)
  • Charity governance
• Operational and/or company management experience
• Creative ideas, strategic thinking, or problem-solving skills
• A willingness to learn, listen, and contribute as part of a supportive team

Key Details

• Role type: Voluntary
• Location: Frome, Somerset
• Commitment: Up to 4 board meetings per year, plus occasional input between meetings
• Start date: Flexible, February/March 2026

Apply formally by sending your CV, details of two referees and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to our Head of Land & Learning, Tamsin Westbrook

Deadline for applications: 23.59 on Friday 9th January 2026. An interview will follow for shortlisted candidates later in January to assess suitability and to meet the CIC team. All candidates will be informed whether they have been shortlisted or not. References may be sought prior to shortlisting for interview.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Wheels for All is a national charity that helps people of all abilities enjoy cycling in a way that works for them. Supporting more than 100 inclusive cycling hubs with over 30 years of experience, we’ve seen first-hand how cycling can change lives - improving health, confidence and community connection.

We’re now growing our national reach and impact, and we’re looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide us through this exciting next stage.

About the role

As a Trustee, you’ll help shape the direction of the charity, support good decision-making, and make sure we stay focused on our mission to make cycling accessible for everyone. We’d especially like to hear from people who:

• Have experience in communications, PR, campaigning or public engagement, and can help us share the power of inclusive cycling with more people across the UK
• Have strong networks or local knowledge in areas that are currently least well served by inclusive cycling - especially the North East, East Midlands or South West

If that’s not your background, please don’t be put off. We welcome people from all walks of life who share our passion for inclusion and want to make a difference.

Our Trustees also get involved in one or more of our focus groups, including:

• Governance and Risk
• Nominations, People and EDI
• Welfare, Safety and Safeguarding
• Finance
• Income Generation

We follow the Tier 3 Code for Sports Governance, which means we’re serious about running the charity to the highest standards - but we do it in a supportive, friendly and collaborative way. Full induction and training is provided.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before - we’ll help you learn the ropes. You just need to bring:

• A thoughtful, practical approach
• Willingness to ask questions and share ideas
• The ability to work well with others
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and fairness
• A bit of time and energy to get involved

How to apply

• Apply via othe link, and please upload your CV and a cover letter showcasing how you’re the perfect fit for the role

We’re Foothold, and we’re looking for a new Honorary Treasurer.
Our Trustees play a big part in helping us to achieve our strategic objectives and meet the needs of those we’re committed to support: engineers and their families worldwide.
 

What will you be doing?

Our Trustees get together five times a year for a mixture of virtual and in-person meetings (four Board meetings and one training day with staff), as well as spending time before meetings reading the Board papers and preparing, totaling a commitment of 50–70 hours a year of their time.
They’re responsible for providing strategic direction and making key decisions to ensure we’re delivering on our objectives.
They serve on three Committees.

 

What are we looking for?

Financial and audit/risk experience (a recognised financial qualification is desirable) and strong knowledge of Statements of Recommended Practice, charity and company law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Experience gained as Trustee or Non-Executive Director in a similarly complex service-orientated  organisation.
Strong understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
 

What difference will you make?

Being a Trustee can bring unique opportunities
Develop skills you wouldn’t necessarily build in other roles, learn from and work with people from all walks of life. On top of this, you’ll also:
use your passion to help build a brighter future for engineers and their families
play a big role in strategically leading our charity

�� Guardian Light Foundation Board of Directors – Roles, Expectations & Benefits �� Our Mission

Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless and abused children, teenagers, and struggling single-parent families. We provide safe housing, education, career pathways, legal aid, and life-skills support to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

We are building not just an organisation — but a movement of hope, empowerment, and social impact.

�� BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

�� Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

�� OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

�� IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Treasurer (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all financial matters including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.

• Ensure compliance with statutory financial regulations and charity law.

• Work closely with auditors and the Finance Committee.

• Present financial reports at each board meeting.

• Support fundraising and resource management strategy.

Requirements:

• Background in finance, accounting, or business administration.

• Knowledge of charity finance and UK financial reporting standards.

• Integrity and attention to detail.

Benefits:

• Direct influence over financial sustainability and impact measurement.

• Recognition in philanthropic financial management networks.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Role description

All Abortion Talk trustees are responsible for ensuring that we:

● have effectively evaluated the success of our three-year strategy.
● develop and implement a new, 2027 - 2030 strategy for Abortion Talk, to help us achieve
our vision of a world free of abortion stigma.
● comply with our governing document (i.e. our charitable objects), charity law, company
law and any other relevant legislation or regulation.
● apply our resources only in pursuing our charitable objects and for the benefit of the
public.
● protect the pro-choice, feminist and inclusive values of our charity.
● effectively govern the charity, which includes making sure we have the proper policies
and procedures in place.
● ensure financial stability.

The role of the chair also includes:

● leading the board to develop our new, 2027 - 2030 strategy.
● providing leadership to the organisation and the board and ensuring that everyone
remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide
greater public benefit
● chairing board meetings.
● ensuring that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
● making sure the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated
opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of
opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks.
● ensuring trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the
charity.
● appraising the performance of the trustees and the board on an annual basis.
● regularly reviewing and acting to ensure the board has a balance of skills, knowledge
and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively.
● representing the organisation at functions and meetings as an external representative of
the board. Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate.
● supporting the development of board members, individually and collectively.
● bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making.
● working with our lead freelancer, providing them with advice and support as needed.
● role model a commitment to Abortion Talk’s values, and advocate for this across the
organisation.

The above list is indicative, not exhaustive, and the Chair may be required to engage in
additional activities from time to time.

Time commitment: Four two-hour virtual meetings per year, plus one in-person strategy day
(held on a Saturday in London). Additional time to prepare for the meetings and provide ad hoc
advice to Abortion Talk’s lead contractor and volunteers as required, estimated to be around 20
hours per month.

Person specification

Essential
● Professional leadership experience.
● A full commitment to all of our values (set out above).
● A willingness and ability to dedicate the time and effort required to direct how Abortion
Talk is run and managed.
● Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak your mind in acting as a
critical friend to Abortion Talk’s leadership (including other trustees)
● An ability to think creatively.
● An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of
trusteeship
● An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
● A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,
objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Desirable
● Professional leadership experience at small charities/helpline providers.
● Previous experience as a charity trustee.

Interviews
There are like to be two interview stages:

Stage one: A call with our current chair, lead contractor and an Abortion Talk volunteer or board
member. This is likely to take place between 5pm and 8pm on either Wednesday 14th or
Wednesday 21st January 2026.

Stage two: If successful at stage one, you will be invited back to a call with our current chair
and two other trustees. This is likely to take place between 5pm and 8pm on Wednesday 4th
and Thursday 5th February 2026

The Income Generation Officer will play a pivotal role in enhancing the financial sustainability and growth of Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW), supporting 47 active mountain rescue teams across the region. This voluntary position is responsible for devising and implementing a robust income generation strategy to ensure the long-term funding and stability of the organisation.

Resource is required to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to support long-term funding and organisation growth, financial stability and the achievement of income goals. This will include building relations with major donors, corporate partnerships, legacies and individual giving. In addition, there is scope to drive income through MR membership and via grants from trusts, foundations and government.

Reporting to the CEO, the person will need to contribute to the MREW’s overall future strategy. There will be a need to understand the MR structure and to have the ability to work as part of the MREW Senior Management Team, and alongside trustees, liaison team, regional structure and local teams. 

Using the MREW Income Generation Strategy, they will review all existing income generation streams to understand their viability and scalability, along with all potential new income streams to develop sustainable income for MREW.

Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) is a voluntary organisation that provides mountain rescue services 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers support to communities during other crises. It consists of 47 independent volunteer search and rescue teams that operate across eight geographical areas. The organisation serves as the national body to represent the whole organisation, acting as an advisory body, linking with partner organisations and helping to standardise training and share information.

Objectives

The overarching activities for this role are:

• Develop an income generation plan, aligning with the financial planning cycle, with a periodic review and reporting cycle. Deliver against the plan.
• Central to the role will be the following essential tasks:
  • Grant Writing: Researching and writing grant proposals to secure funding from various trusts, foundations, and government agencies. 
  • Corporate Partnerships: Building and maintaining relationships with businesses to secure corporate sponsorships, donations, and in-kind contributions. 
  • Donor Engagement: Cultivating and managing relationships with individual donors and supporters to ensure their engagement and long-term support. 
• Create an opportunity to develop long-term wills and legacy income.
• Develop compelling cases for support grounded in impact and aligned with MREW values and mission.
• Build and steward high-value relationships with funders, donors and strategic partners.
• Oversee income targets whilst ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical standards.
• Research and develop grant opportunities from national and local bodies, in conjunction with regional and local teams.
• Lead on income generation for MREW, working with member teams and all other stakeholders. Support regional and local team fundraising opportunities. Foster collaboration, empowerment and accountability.
• Agree on short-term and long-term fundraising targets and opportunities alongside the MREW Senior Management Team.
• Represent MREW at relevant external meetings.

Skills

• Experience generating income, with a demonstrable track record of developing and leading fundraising strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to foster trust and accurately represent MREW’s mission and goals.
• Ability to work alongside colleagues and manage competing priorities.
• Financial literacy, including budget creation and management.
• Creativity, imagination and intuition.

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. You will need to demonstrate a commitment to the charity's mission and cause. 

Qualifications

• Financial or project management qualifications are desirable.

Additional notes

• To work with the Finance Director to plan for future year budgets and to ensure that an accurate record of all financial transactions are produced and maintained for the MREW Finance Director, including the fundraising pipeline.
• To ensure all committee members are treated fairly through MREW Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To work with the national media team to release press statements/support campaigns as required.
• This is a voluntary role within MREW, elected annually; it is expected that the applicant will serve a term of 5 years, with a possible extension of a further 5 years if desired.
• Travel during the working day may be required, with occasional absence from home overnight, as meetings with funders and other stakeholders may cover a large geographical area. Out-of-pocket expenses can be reclaimed in line with the MREW Expenses Policy.

Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

Description
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Working Relationships: C-Level Executives, National Research, Policy, Ethics, Research Reporting, and Local Operations
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: Part-time | Flexible hours | Long term commitment

About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership across our national and local operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective delivery of projects and research, maintaining ethical and operational standards, and driving continuous improvement across all organisational systems and processes.

This is a senior voluntary position ideal for an experienced operations or strategy leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make an impact in the not-for-profit or research sector.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of Policy, Ethics and Research Reporting, National Operations, and Local Operations (including projects and research).

• Oversee operational delivery to ensure smooth, ethical, and effective implementation of all projects.

• Lead the optimisation of systems, structures, and processes to maximise organisational efficiency.

• Ensure resource allocation is effective and aligned with strategic goals.

• Support and collaborate with C-Level colleagues to drive organisational progress.

• Attend high-level meetings and provide regular operational updates and recommendations.

• Act as a key decision-maker in operational strategy, compliance, and performance management.

• Support and coach department heads and senior managers to strengthen internal leadership capacity.

• Step in to provide hands-on support to other C-Level officers and direct reports when needed.

What We're Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, experienced, and adaptable leader who can bring structure, strategy, and calm to a dynamic environment. You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
• Significant experience in operations management, project delivery, or organisational leadership.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple teams or departments in complex environments.
• Strong ethical grounding and commitment to compliance and transparency.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to balance strategy and execution.
• Experience mentoring or managing senior leaders or functional heads.
• Comfort working remotely with cross-functional, volunteer-led teams.
• A collaborative, supportive leadership style and openness to learning and adaptation.
• An understanding of the not-for-profit, research, or policy sectors (advantageous but not essential).

What You’ll Gain
• The opportunity to lead national operations for a values-led organisation making a tangible impact.
• Executive-level experience within a collaborative, mission-driven C-Suite.
• The chance to refine strategic and operational leadership skills in a complex, real-world setting.
• Recognition through:
o LinkedIn testimonial and reference
o A public thank you post
o Permission to list the organisation as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
o A written reference upon completion of your commitment

Important Information
This is a voluntary position. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. This opportunity is ideal for seasoned operations leaders or executives seeking to contribute their expertise to a meaningful, values-driven mission and support the growth of an impactful organisation.

Apply Now
If you’re ready to help shape the strategic and operational backbone of a growing organisation and support our mission through effective leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

We are seeking a Director and Chair of Trustees Designate to help shape the future direction of our organisation. We are looking for an individual with proven senior leadership experience - ideally, though not necessarily, within the third sector - who can bring strong strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative leadership style.