Volunteers volunteer roles in keynsham, bristol
Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. As a member of the board of trustees you will be responsible for setting the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. You will use your knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure we achieve our charitable objectives and represents the interests of all stakeholders.
Kidney Research UK has been at the forefront of pioneering research for six decades, investing in talented researchers and funding work that could ultimately lead to a cure. Our work has resulted in vital breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of those affected, changing the future for many kidney patients.
We have made remarkable progress but there is still much to do. The number of people living with kidney failure continues to rise and we must go further to drive innovation and increase investment in renal research. Of course, like so many other charities and organisations we are doing this important work during challenging times.
We have adapted well to the changing world, and we are finding exciting new ways to reach our goals. We know we must rise to the challenge for kidney patients everywhere and we remain determined to grow our income so we can deliver more impact.
Our trustees play a vital role in the governance of Kidney Research UK, which enables and accelerates the impact that we have as an organisation for our patient community. Working closely with your fellow Trustees, the chief executive and wider leadership team, you will be part of a team that guides and oversees the delivery of Kidney Research UK's strategic priorities. We have a number of trustees who are due to retire from their roles during the next 12 months, and we are looking for new trustees to join our board and be part of this exciting transformation.
If this sounds like you and you think you could make a difference, we’d encourage you to review the attached role description below and apply to join our dedicated board of trustees.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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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:
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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
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Help guide Vallis Farm Education Centre’s strategy and priorities
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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
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Offer insight, challenge, and support to ensure good governance
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Act as an ambassador for our mission to improve post-16 provision in our area and help us build connections
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Contribute your lived experience, professional knowledge/experience, or community perspective to strengthen our education provision
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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:
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An interest in improving accessibility to high quality further education
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Experience (professional or personal) in at least one of the following four areas:
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Education
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Budget/financial management
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Monitoring and evaluation (progress and impact)
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Charity governance
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Operational and/or company management experience
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Creative ideas, strategic thinking, or problem-solving skills
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A willingness to learn, listen, and contribute as part of a supportive team
Key Details
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Role type: Voluntary
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Location: Frome, Somerset
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Commitment: Up to 4 board meetings per year, plus occasional input between meetings
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Start date: Flexible, February/March 2026
Please include details on our CV of two referees that we can contact prior to interview. Please say in the covering letter how your skills and experience (personal or work) makes you suitable for this role.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Quartet Community Foundation is seeking a new chair of trustees to lead our dynamic and committed Board.
Quartet distributes approximately £5 million across 1,000 grants each year to support local communities and charities in the region. Trustees on our Board actively contribute to setting the strategic direction of Quartet, helping to advise and run the organisation. As Chair of Trustees, you will work with other members of the Board to form an effective, accountable governing body which provides leadership and support for the dedicated staff team in delivering Quartet’s strategic plan.
The role of the Chair of Trustees
The chair, along with their deputy is appointed by the Board with the following key responsibilities:
- To effectively chair board meetings, ensuring that the board considers and observes best practice governance of Quartet.
- To be actively engaged in setting the strategic direction and policy of Quartet.
- To contribute to the performance management and review of the strategic plan and related targets.
- To help set and agree a balanced financial budget and support the Chief Executive Officer and staff in remaining within it.
- To be an ambassador and advocate for the work of Quartet in the wider community, including representation at evening and daytime events (with and sometimes as a substitute for the CEO).
- To support the CEO in their work, conducting an annual appraisal of their work and setting realistic goals in agreement with them.
- To participate in grant-making panels as a representative of Quartet, as required and to visit at least one funded project per year.
- To attend quarterly board meetings, the AGM, meetings of our four sub-committees, and chair of chairs meetings.
- To ensure that Quartet complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, charity law, company law, internal policies and procedures, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- To participate as appropriate in the national network of community foundations, contribute to its development and set the work of Quartet in the wider context. This usually involves two days a year at a UKCF south west chairs and CEOs workshop.
- Joining trustees are supported to understand and engage with all of these elements, and the successful candidate will also be offered the opportunity to shadow the existing chair for 6-9 months, before she leaves the role in 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?
ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life.
We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance.
This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.
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!
Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise? ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy. Join us!
What will you be doing?
In addition to the responsibilities of all board members, the Treasurer will:
- Support the Board to review and monitor ECU’s financial performance and sustainability
- Ensure the Board receives timely, accessible and accurate financial information
- Support the team to develop and maintain robust and proportionate financial policies, processes and risk management systems
What are we looking for?
- Commitment to ECU’s mission and values
- Commitment to the legal duties and responsibilities
- Financial management experience, policies, risk
- Qualifications
- Able to interpret, interrogate and communicate financial information
- Work as part of a diverse team, and devote the time
Desirable - treasurer experience
What difference will you make?
We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue.
Before you apply
- Your interest in this role and what you could bring to it
- What would you want to learn and gain?
Interview 25 Feb in London (expenses paid)