Youth development volunteer volunteer roles

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is one of London’s leading producing houses. We produce world class theatre from the heart of Hammersmith. The Lyric is committed to being part of the community, and we believe passionately in excellence and integrity in everything we do.

The Lyric’s Nomination Committee is seeking a new Chair for Lyric Hammersmith Enterprises Ltd, who will also serve as a Trustee of Lyric. The subsidiary is governed by a non-executive Board of Directors, chaired by this role.  Lyric Hammersmith Enterprises is responsible the Lyric’s non-charitable trading operations including catering, hires and events. Our commercial income is critical to helping the Lyric achieve its artistic and charitable objectives.

We are looking for a Chair with influence and authority, strategic thinking and sound judgement with particular expertise in commercial operations and income generation. You will need to share a passion for our artistic work and our commitment to being an equal, diverse, inclusive and environmentally sustainable organisation.

This role will serve as a Trustee to the charity, joining the existing Board for an initial three-year term. Trustees support the Chair, Lorraine Heggessey, and offer their expertise and guidance to the Executive Team.

We are particularly interested in those who have a strong connection with West London.

Twinkleboost CIO equips new parents with the skills they need to support their child’s communication development, so children can have better outcomes in life. We deliver this support in the non-threatening context of a fun; multi-sensory parent and baby class; led by Speech and Language Therapy Assistants. Each week, parents and carers are taught an evidence-based speech and language strategy which is practiced throughout the session. We focus on providing free sessions to families of children living in disadvantaged areas and children with SEND. For almost a decade, Twinkleboost has operated as a CIC and has recently transitioned to a CIO.

We are looking for a number of trustees to join our board who are able to support the growth of Twinkleboost CIO. We are looking for a trustee with experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Experience of grant writing and bid applications
• Experience of income generation within a charity
• Experience of accounting
• A academic background of Speech and Language Therapy
• Personal experience of facing challenges as a parent
• Those living in the areas Twinkleboost operates: Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester
• Experience of business or management

The successful candidate with possess the following personal attributes:

• Flexibility to engage in the operation of the charity
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Good independent judgement

What difference will you make?

As a member of our board you will support our work and strategic direction, as well as help us to achieve our Purpose to support families so children can have better outcomes in life. The role of trustee at Twinkleboost is varied and interesting, providing scope to really make a difference.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a trustee, you will:

• be committed to the purpose and values of Twinkleboost CIO.
• work with the other trustees to implement and deliver the Strategic Plan.
• ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• contribute to the running of Twinkleboost CIO in your area of experience.
• prepare for, and attend, trustee and committee meetings.
• maintain confidentiality on sensitive and confidential information.

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.

Community researchers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park ensure our community-owned park is inclusive and welcoming for all.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for community researchers specialised to contribute to our community-led working circle who are working on on a listening project to ensure often underrepresented voices in conservation and environmental projects are heard and centred. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects and facilitate the direction of the working circle.

The Inclusivity Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

While your experienced research skills are crucial, we also value your ability to engage with the community and build partnerships. Experience in conducting community-based research or working with community organisations is important. A strong understanding of community dynamics and the ability to collaborate effectively will be invaluable in ensuring your research findings are relevant and impactful. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your research expertise will be vital in shaping our new biodiverse park. By conducting listening research on community needs, and potential park uses, you'll help us create a sustainable and inclusive space. Your findings will inform our design, programming, and outreach efforts, ensuring the park meets the needs of our community and contributes to biodiversity conservation.

Join us as we turn bold ideas into real-world support for LGBTQIA+ people across Berkshire

About SupportU

We are a leading LGBTQ+ help and support service based in Reading, servicing the Thames Valley area. Our service is run by a dedicated team who are responsible for delivering the help and support available through our website, telephone helpline and face-to-face sessions.

What will you be doing?

Support U is seeking trustees to join our board at this pivotal moment following a period of change, as we strengthen our governance and work toward a more sustainable and impactful future. As a trustee, you’ll play a role in helping guide the charity’s direction, ensure good governance, and enable our small team to deliver high-impact services to the LGBTQIA+ community across Berkshire.

Key responsibilities include:

· Providing strategic leadership and oversight

· Ensuring good governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

· Supporting financial management and safeguarding the charity’s resources

· Acting as an ambassador and advocate for the charity

· Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work

Estimate of time needed

Up to five hours per month.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to appoint new trustees who bring a mix of governance experience, strategic skills, as well as passion and commitment to our community and the aims of the charity. 

You might be a good fit if you:

· Align with our mission and values

· Understand the needs and experiences of LGBTQIA+ communities

· Can collaborate within a diverse team and contribute constructively

· Are willing to ask questions, challenge ideas, and help shape solutions

Living experience as part of the LGBTQIA+ community is encouraged, but not essential - we also welcome allies who bring a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and our cause.

What difference will you make?

As a trustee at Support U, your voice will help shape how we respond to the real, evolving needs of LGBTQIA+ people across Berkshire. You’ll influence how we grow, how we include, and how we stay true to our values while adapting for the future.

You’ll be part of a small, committed team working to strengthen support, challenge exclusion, and ensure our community feels seen, supported, and proud.

About Us

Home-Start Guildford is an independent charity based in Guildford committed to promoting the welfare of local families and children. We are part of Home-Start UK, one of the UK’s leading family support charities, benefiting from their policy framework and quality assurance, but not funding. Staff and volunteers offer regular support, including providing emotional and practical help to families in the families’ own homes and connecting families with specialist services within the community.

Job Title: Chair of Trustees

Location: Guildford, Surrey

Organisation: Home-Start Guildford

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our Board of Trustees as the Chair. The Chair will lead the Board in ensuring the effective governance of the charity, providing strategic direction, and supporting the Manager and staff team. This is a pivotal role that requires a strong leader with a passion for making a difference in the lives of families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring that our mission and values are at the forefront of all decisions.
• Governance: Ensure the charity is effectively governed and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, safeguarding the integrity and reputation of Home-Start Guildford.
• Support: Provide guidance and oversight to the Manager, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that enables the staff team to thrive.
• Representation: Act as an ambassador for Home-Start Guildford, representing the charity at external events and meetings, and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Communication: Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among Trustees, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
• Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial health and sustainability of the charity, working closely with the Treasurer to monitor budgets and financial planning.

Person Specification:

• Leadership Experience: Proven leadership experience, ideally within the charity sector, with a track record of strategic planning and governance.
• Governance Knowledge: Strong understanding of governance and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Commitment: A deep commitment to the values and mission of Home-Start Guildford, with a genuine passion for supporting families.
• Financial Acumen: Experience in financial oversight and fundraising is desirable, with the ability to ensure the charity's financial stability.

Time Commitment:

The Chair is expected to commit approximately 2-4 days per month, including attendance at Board meetings and occasional events. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of families in Guildford.

What does becoming a trustee involve?

As part of the trustee role, you will be expected to:

• Attend, and prepare for, a minimum of six meetings per year.
• Undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
• Undergo a selection process as outlined by Home-Start Guildford.
• Commit to the legal and financial responsibilities of the role, as outlined in the charity's Constitution (‘Foundation’ model constitution).
• Visit and engage with the office and staff to enhance your understanding of how Home-Start Guildford works.

Training and Support:

Trustees are fully inducted into Home-Start at the start of their new role; they will receive:

• An online welcome event and e-learning, introducing Home-Start’s service and your responsibilities.
• Training in key areas including safeguarding.
• Reimbursement of paid expenses.
• Access to Home-Start’s online community via HSUK intranet – full of information and guidance on running a local Home-Start.
• Tailored support by other trustees and staff.

What do you get as a volunteer trustee with our organisation?

• An opportunity to exercise your strategic planning skills, probably in a different environment or context.
• An opportunity to influence and collectively lead an organisation supporting families of young children.
• A chance to expand and implement your understanding of our work.
• A chance to augment your experience of charities.
• A boost to your career and CV, if needed.
• Satisfaction of helping an organisation that supports families, thus giving something back to your community.
• Induction training from us; training, support, and assistance from local charity-support & advice agencies; reimbursement of reasonable expenses, if needed.

What do we get?

• Your strategic skills, knowledge, understanding, or experience.
• Your abilities to influence plans for our charity’s future, especially in this cost-of-living crisis.
• Enhancement to our overall governance and the Board of trustees; improvement in our operational growth.
• Your participation in our collective decision-making, contributing to all areas of our charity work.
• Your enthusiasm.

Contact Information:

For more information about the role, please contact Sarah Black or Louisa Tompkins in the first instance at the Home-Start Guildford office. We are happy to answer any questions and provide further details about this exciting opportunity.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to our office email. We look forward to hearing from candidates who share our vision and are eager to contribute to our mission.

All prospective volunteers must have the legal right to stay in the United Kingdom and you will be asked to produce evidence of this as part of the induction process.

Home-Start is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity.

Home-Start Guildford is committed to safer recruitment practice as an

important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults

Registered Charity No. 1154609

About Us

Bradford District and Craven Mind is a successful and independent local charity with a rich history spanning over 30 years of delivering person-focused mental health support.

The organisation helps build individual and community resilience, provides early intervention and advice, supports people in crisis and helps people to work towards recovery and sustained wellbeing through services for people of all ages. 

We are recognised as a key provider in our local Health and Care system and an active member of the Integrated Care System. Our close relationships with all our stakeholders and our emphasis on developing and maintaining effective cross-sector partnerships and collaborations, allows us to deliver a wide range of innovative services and be recognised as a trusted partner.

We are affiliated to national Mind but rely on our own resources to provide support to local communities. Our services prioritise listening to and understanding the needs of local people and are delivered in partnership across Bradford District and Craven.

Background to the role

The new Chair of the Board of Trustees will be joining us at an exciting time as we move into year two of our strategy, respond to the changes in NHS priorities and funding and adapt to the new governments priorities and approach.

You can read about what we have been achieving through our Impact Reports and Annual Reports on our website.

It is clear however there is still much more to do. We launched our new strategy in August 2024 and during 2024-2028 we will focus on delivering our four key objectives to help drive our reach and impact.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide purposeful leadership - creating a strong and sustained connection to purpose, steering strategy development and leading the Board. 
• Be a constructive partner to the CEO - building a trusting, cohesive relationship as the ‘top leadership team’, providing advice, challenge and support to architect and orchestrate the progression of the organisation and supporting infrastructure. 
• Develop a highly effective Board – creating the environment for a high performing team, evaluating and facilitating improvement of individual and collective capability and performance, supporting trustees of all experience levels to contribute to the best of their abilities.
• Facilitate and sustain good governance - ensuring delivery of the organisation's purpose in line with its governing document, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources, decision-making, accountability and proactive risk management. 
• Influence and collaborate with stakeholders - understanding the environment and systems that the organisation operates within and collaborating with others to collectively achieve the biggest positive impact. 
• Engagement and Visibility – being visible and engage well across the workforce, attending key events and maintaining communication

Person Specification

• Personally motivated to make a positive difference to others
• A strategic thinker who can see the big picture and navigate complex and contentious issues
• Able to engage and collaborate effectively with people at all levels from different backgrounds and organisations
• Has the experience and/or personal qualities necessary to bring the best out of people through a ‘coaching style’ approach to leadership
• Progressive and innovative, capable of stimulating, challenging and influencing others to contemplate and consider different solutions
• Able to facilitate others and develop effective team working, with experience of planning, preparing and chairing meetings at senior levels

Diversity and inclusion 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting BDC Mind in the recruitment of these roles. 

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in a Word doc. format, which should indicate why you are interested in applying for the particular role and how you meet the selection criteria. 

The closing date for applications is Monday 14th July. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates are expected to have an interview with the panel at Bradford District and Craven Mind during the week beginning 28th July.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you. 

Outstanding in every area, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) are looking for new members to join their Board and support them as they navigate their strategic development and delivery on their journey for even greater success.

Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford

Time commitment: Approx. 10 hours per month

Closing date: 9 a.m. Wednesday 25th June

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) is Staffordshire’s leading General Further Education College, with pass rates and student achievement rates amongst the very best in the country.

We provide a wide range of academic, vocational and apprenticeship qualifications from entry to degree level, along with support services to help our students achieve their goals. The College has grown significantly over the past 10 years and is currently home to a population of over 8,000 students studying full-time, part-time, higher education and apprenticeship programmes with us.

Who we are

In 2019, NSCG became the first further education provider in England to achieve the top grade of Outstanding in every area of Ofsted’s reformed Education Inspection Framework.

When we were inspected again in October 2024, we were able to demonstrate the continued consistency of our provision by once again achieving the same result – Outstanding in every area!

The latest inspection report praised all areas of our provision, acknowledging the pace at which our students make progress in their learning as well as the high aspirations that our leaders have by commenting that “with clarity and passion, leaders set high expectations for staff and learners” whilst also highlighting the extensive investment we have made in state-of-the-art facilities across the college.

The philosophy underpinning everything we do, whether you are a student, a lecturer, a member of our support staff, a manager or a Governor, is to be ‘committed to excellence’.

Our continued aim is to be recognised nationally as an outstanding organisation where students and staff thrive, achieve and make a positive contribution to the cultural and economic prosperity of Staffordshire and beyond.

About the role

The NSCG Corporation is the College’s governing body and currently comprises 16 members. Our board members provide representation from local businesses, local councils and community groups as well from our staff team and our student body.

Through their role on our Corporation Board, our members represent the particular interests of the local community and public interest in general. They oversee the way the College is run, ensuring it meets the needs of the local community, school leavers and employers.

It ensures the highest professional and ethical standards as well as the effective use of resources. Governors are responsible for the financial solvency of the institution, the proper use of public funds, sound management and the quality of education, training and business service provided. Perhaps even more importantly, our Governors set the tone of our organisation, shape our culture and help define the values through which we work.

Who we are looking for

Successful candidates will be those who can offer their commitment to supporting the College’s ambition to build on our successes and drive forward our aspirations to be an even more effective and impactful organisation.

These roles offer a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious and committed Corporation and become a member of one of the College’s committees allowing you to genuinely have an impact on the success of our College, the achievements of our students and the future prosperity of our local communities.

This passion and commitment should be underpinned by a track record of significant expertise and impactful leadership that would be relevant in relation to the following committees.

Audit Committee

Firstly, we will welcome candidates with expertise and experience gained in the areas highlighted below. Candidates will not only be motivated to join our Board but will also be able to commit the time to joining our Audit Committee.

• Qualified senior audit professionals
• Senior risk and compliance professionals
• Senior professionals with expertise in data protection and/or cyber security
• Qualified finance professionals

Education & Standards Committee

We also seek applications from strategic leaders from across the wider education sector. This experience could come from those working within the higher education sector, in local secondary schools, multi-academy trusts, independent training providers, specialist SEND providers, or the further education sector itself.

We will also welcome applications from candidates who are based within large employers but who have an understanding and appreciation of the impacts that our provision has on their workforce. We believe such candidates will offer valuable insights into the future development of our curriculum.

Successful candidates with this particular experience will be appointed to our full Board as well as our Education & Standards Committee, which currently has eight other members.

Finance & General Purposes Committee

Finally, we also seek to appoint a new member to our board who is an experienced, senior and strategically focused, qualified, finance professional. Whilst candidates may have professional expertise as a senior financial leader, they may also have additional experience of working in more board operational roles which encompass responsibilities linked to estates and resource functions.

The successful candidate will be appointed to our full Board as well as our Finance & General Purposes Committee, on which there are currently six other members.

Expectations and commitment

Successful candidates will be appointed on the basis of a four-year term of office.

Whilst previous governance experience is not essential, candidates will need to be able demonstrate an understanding of the principles of good governance and how these should be implemented to discharge fiduciary responsibilities in the context of a non-executive board.

You will be able to apply your specialist knowledge and expertise to contribute to strategic discussions and decision-making by working constructively as part of a non-executive team whilst demonstrating an understanding that Governors must act fairly and impartially, with a commitment to the principles of safeguarding, equality and diversity.

The appointed candidates will be expected to attend five meetings of the Board each year, and the frequency of our Committee meetings varies as below:

• Education & Standards Committee: four meetings per year
• Audit Committee: three meetings per year
• Finance & General Purposes Committee: three meetings per year

We try to always ensure that meetings are held in person as this allows governors to experience the vibrant College atmosphere whilst on site.

Governors usually dedicate an average of around 10 hours per month to their role, which includes meeting preparation, attendance and follow-up. However, we are privileged that our Governors also dedicate additional time to the College. They each spend time each term, visiting our sites, engaging with our staff and students, and use this as a chance to see our impacts first-hand. We hope to receive applications from individuals who would be open to offering a similar level of commitment to our organisation.

All of our Governors are supported throughout their terms of office. Induction, training and development opportunities are all available, as well as the invitation to attend a range of exciting events and ceremonies throughout the year. This type of engagement by the governing body with the wider College community is both encouraged and supported, and allows our governors to fully appreciate the vibrancy, inclusivity and success of the organisation.

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to join our Board, to better reflect our communities and welcome different thinking to ensure we include all voices of our society.

Peridot Partners and Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.