Advocate volunteer roles in london, essex

At POhWER, we help people who are most vulnerable due to disability, illness, social exclusion, abuse, discrimination, and numerous other challenges, to express their views, uphold their rights or to get the support they need.

Our mission is to empower people to have a voice and make a real difference to their lives. We do this by speaking for them when they cannot and supporting them to speak for themselves when they can.

What will you be doing?

We are seeking to appoint two new Trustees to join the Board at this exciting phase. You will be part of a committed and forward-thinking Board, acting as a “critical friend” to the Executive Team and offering clear governance oversight to the charity. You will have the exciting opportunity to help support the planning and implementation of our Strategy from 2025 onwards, and to help develop and shape our long-term business plans.

POhWER is particularly interested in candidates who can offer expertise in one of the following areas:

• Involvement in the social care/advocacy sector and with experience of the local authority and commissioning environment;
• Experience of HR, typically at executive or board level.

Time commitment: Approximately one day per month and no requirement to attend offices. Board and Committee meetings are generally held on a Thursday early morning.

What are we looking for?

POhWER is seeking particular knowledge, expertise and experience in the following areas:

1. Involvement in the social care or advocacy sector and with experience of local authorities and commissioning environment;
2. Experience of HR, typically at executive or board level.

You will bring an inspiring leadership approach, together with a dedicated knowledge in one of the areas as sought, to complement the skills of the existing Board.  

You will uphold high standards of integrity and probity, both personally and in ensuring POhWER aspires to the highest standards in all its dealings, internally and externally; 

You will be able to give enough time and thought to the role of trustee, eg preparing for, attending and actively participating in all meetings of the Trustees;

You will ensure that POhWER uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives.

What difference will you make?

This is a particularly exciting phase as we are developing our Strategy beyond 2025.  This will take into account the continued economic uncertainty, but ensuring that we continue to achieve positive outcomes for the people who seek our services.

You will add value to our existing Board by bringing dynamism and challenge to the way that POhWER is seen externally. 

You will bring an inspiring leadership approach, together with a dedicated knowledge in one of the areas as sought, to complement the skills of the existing Board.  

We encourage candidates who can contribute greater diversity and who are fully aligned to our vision and values.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance with CV and covering letter indicating you interest in POhWER.

About the role

The Public Affairs and Advocacy team works together to help influence decision-makers so that more young people can develop skills for life.

As an Advocacy Volunteer, you’ll play a key role in raising the profile of Scouts across the UK, ensuring our impact is recognised at both local and national levels. You’ll help us build relationships with political audiences, championing the incredible work we do while remaining politically impartial.

You’ll be working alongside staff colleagues who provide strategic political and policy advice, influencing decision-making and amplifying the voices of our Youth Advocates. Together, we’ll shape the future of skills development for young people.

This is an exciting chance to make a real difference. You don’t need to be an expert in Scouting or UK HQ – just passionate about advocacy and the opportunities it creates.

Key tasks

• Providing guidance and support to fellow volunteers across the country on advocacy matters.
• Developing engaging tools and resources to help volunteers build their influence.
• Contributing to in-person and virtual training sessions across the UK.
• Ensuring the advocacy we do is accessible to all and is open, inclusive and representative of diverse voices.
• Promoting advocacy in teams where it’s not yet a priority.
• Staying ahead of political developments and best practices to strengthen our impact.
• Help to guide and advise our team of Youth Advocates.

The UK Public Affairs and Advocacy Team

Thank you for your interest in joining our UK Public Affairs and Advocacy Team! We are absolutely delighted that you are considering volunteering with us. Your time, skills, and passion will play a vital role in shaping the Scouts’ advocacy efforts, ensuring that young people’s voices are heard by policymakers, stakeholders, and the wider public.

By joining our team, you will contribute to meaningful campaigns, engage with decision-makers, and help drive positive change that empowers young people across the UK. Whether it’s influencing government policies, supporting local advocacy initiatives, or championing the needs of young people, your efforts will make a real difference.

We truly value the dedication of our volunteers and are excited about the possibility of working alongside you. Together, we can amplify the impact of Scouting and create a brighter future for the next generation.

We look forward to welcoming you to the team!

Trustee – PR & Marketing Specialist

Help shape the future of deer conservation and education

The British Deer Society (BDS) is looking for a passionate and experienced professional to join our Board of Trustees, bringing expertise in PR and marketing to help us expand and diversify our reach.

Why join us?

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding BDS, ensuring we achieve our mission to educate, inspire, and advocate for deer welfare. You’ll provide strategic oversight, support our executive team, and help grow our membership by engaging diverse audiences across age, gender, and background.

About the role

Our Trustees share collective responsibility for the governance and administration of the charity. This includes ensuring BDS has a clear strategy, that our goals align with our vision, and that we operate effectively and ethically. Trustees act as a group, working collaboratively to support and challenge the leadership team.

What we’re looking for

We seek a Trustee with:
✔ Expertise in PR and marketing, ideally with experience in membership growth and audience engagement
✔ A strong understanding of governance and strategic oversight
✔ A passion for conservation, education, and wildlife advocacy

By joining BDS, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of deer conservation and education in the UK.

Interested? Apply now and help us take BDS to the next level! 

About Bank.Green

Since the Paris Agreement, global banks have poured a staggering $6.9t into the fossil fuel industry. At Bank.Green, our mission is to lower this vast carbon footprint via technology and consumer action. We empower bank customers with the tools and insights they need to influence their banks towards sustainable lending, or switch to greener alternatives. To date, our bank-checking tool has been used over 500,000 times by bank customers worldwide, while we have shifted at least £40m towards banks who are financing a greener future. Through transparency, engagement, and innovation, we aim to redefine the role of banks in the fight against climate change.

Role Overview

As our Major Gifts Fundraiser, you will play a leading role in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding high-value donors to power our mission. You’ll also help shape a supporter journey that includes appropriate engagement opportunities for a wider range of donors—such as legacy givers, mid-level donors, and monthly supporters—ensuring our broader communications create pathways for meaningful connection and support.

This is a unique opportunity to develop your skills in major donor fundraising while also helping shape the donor engagement strategy of a fast-moving nonprofit focused on systemic change in the financial sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively research and identify new major donor prospects, particularly individuals with an interest in climate, finance, or systems change.
• Reach out to and cultivate relationships with potential major donors, coordinating communications and developing tailored engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on donor meetings, proposals, and stewardship plans.
• Lead on integrating major donor and legacy messaging into our wider communications, ensuring our email and social channels create clear on-ramps for support across all levels.
• Support the development of donor materials, including impact updates, campaign briefings, and stewardship reports.

Desired Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially for high-value audiences.
• Confidence in reaching out to new contacts and representing the organisation’s mission.
• Strategic thinking and creativity in identifying and cultivating funding opportunities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a remote team environment.
• Passion for environmental issues and climate justice.
• Experience or willingness to learn about major gift fundraising, legacy giving, and donor engagement strategy.

Commitment

• This role is an unpaid volunteer opportunity
• We are seeking a commitment of 5–10 hours per week.
• We are looking for someone to come on long-term, but are open to shorter-term applicants.

Our network of committed local vegans across the country is growing! The Vegan Society organises various outreach activities to influence change in every level of society. There are a range of activities going on all the time, from general educational stalls at events to meeting with local policy influencers.

What does the Advocate role involve?

Being an Advocate for veganism with The Vegan Society will mean communicating with people in your local community. You'll share the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. You will form part of a local group, headed up by a local Organiser. The Organiser will feed back your collective efforts to staff. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group, for vegan socialising and ideas sharing.

You’ll stay in touch with the Organiser and bring your passion to tasks. Activities can range from staffing a stall to giving a talk at an employee event. It could also mean writing to a local newspaper or lobbying an MP.

Messaging can differ every month. Part of our mission statement is to ensure people can remain vegan, so you might focus on getting more vegan options available in local businesses. Or within our Live Vegan for Less campaign, you may share cheap vegan recipes to help people with the cost of living.

When acting as an Advocate, you will use The Vegan Society’s branding and messaging guidelines. Your local Organiser will guide you in doing this, as they hold physical resources and handbooks. You can report any issues and feedback you have to your Organiser. You can also contact staff if your Organiser isn't available or you have any problems.

What training and support is available?

You will be provided with a big welcome and full induction from your local Organiser. They will introduce you to the group and any actions that are ongoing. Any training and development will be provided via your Organiser, and you can also ask for specific training on any areas that you need some development in.

What skills would be useful in doing this role?

• The ability to stay motivated in order to achieve the best possible outcomes
• Good email etiquette, responding in a timely manner
• Committed to veganism and the mission of The Vegan Society
• Ability to stay calm if confronted with differing opinions or challenges
• A good communicator, with the ability to be persuasive
• Confident in communicating with people from a range of backgrounds
• Experience of campaigning
• Any experience in talking with members of the public through customer/public service would be helpful
• Awareness of current affairs, especially those that relate to veganism
• Regular availability and a willingness to stay committed to actions
• Good team player

How much time do I need to invest?

For Advocates, we ask for people to engage in a minimum of four to six actions per year. An example of an action could be writing to an MP or holding a stall. But the more you can do, the better! On occasion, there may also be online meetings to plan for actions or provide training.

Who can I contact to find out more?

Enquiries are welcome! Please contact Katy Malkin (Volunteering Coordinator).

How do I apply?

Interested? Simply fill in our Community Advocate application form. This should take a few minutes.

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.

Website Design Volunteer

We are seeking a creative and dedicated Website Design Volunteer to join our team at Center for Human Rights Research and Advocacy for Sustainable Development in Africa (CHRRASDA). This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute your skills in web design while supporting our mission to protect human rights, promote gender equality and champion sustainable development. Our vision is to create a world where there is nondiscrimination and equality for all. Our mission it to:

1. To promote/enhance and protect human rights, peace, justice and the rule of law.
2. To Promote Gender Equality
3. To promote environmental protection
4. To promote sustainable Development

Key Responsibilities:

Website Development and Maintenance – Design and update our website to ensure a user-friendly experience that reflects our mission and activities.

Visual Content Creation – Create compelling graphics, banners, and other visual assets for our online platforms and campaigns.

Collaboration – work with staff and volunteers to define the website’s goals, audience, and key user pathways.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in web design within a nonprofit environment.
• Opportunity to showcase your work on a meaningful platform.
• Recognition on our website and related publications.
• A written reference and certificate of appreciation.

Ideal Candidate:

✔ Proficient in web design tools and technologies (HTML, CSS, WordPress, etc.).

✔ Creative thinker with a keen eye for design and user experience.

✔ Passionate about making a difference through your skills.

✔ Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Are you looking for a volunteering role that supports the impact of the whole third sector? Infrastructure charity DataKind UK is looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees, including a Chair and Treasurer.

DataKind UK is a small charity with a vision for a strong, thriving third sector that embraces data use to become more impactful. We connect third sector organisations with data professionals to improve their decision making, problem solving, and working practices, by applying data science approaches to sector-wide challenges.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and supportive individuals to fuel our mission and direction by providing oversight of our operations, supporting with major decision-making, and advocating for our work and cause.

Being a trustee is a great way to give your time to a cause you care about, broaden your network, and develop your strategy and governance skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities, as we would like to increase the representation of these groups in our community.

How to apply

To apply, please read our candidate pack for more detail and send a 1-2 page cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role based on the skills outlined in the candidate pack, especially highlighting if you are interested in the Chair or Treasurer role, along with your CV, by Monday 2 June.

Initial screening calls will take place during the week commencing Monday 9 June.

Interviews will take place on the 17, 18, and 19 June 2025, with the aim of new members being recruited and onboarded for the following board meeting in August.

Trustees
Term: Trustees will be appointed for a four year term and can serve consecutive terms.
Remuneration: Currently, the role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.
Attendance: We expect Trustees to be able to attend all board meetings, our annual strategic away day and engage with Agenda Alliance in other ways. Board meetings are typically held online, with one meeting held in person per year. There is often the option to join a board meeting from the Agenda office (London E2) if preferred.

About Us:

We advocate and campaign for systems and services to respond appropriately to women and girls with unmet needs.

We want public services to respond better to the distinct and multiple unmet needs of women and girls, including appropriately responding to gender, age, race and trauma.

For the whole system to respond better, we stand in solidarity with the voluntary sector and advocate for them to be empowered.

Our values are our guiding principles for our work to deliver our mission. It is who we are and how we behave. We promise to be: Intersectional, Courageous, Credible, Clear and Collaborative.

About the role:

• To play an active role in the Agenda Alliance Board to ensure the organisation delivers on its mission and vision and is effectively governed.
• We want Trustees to join us in being member-led, women and girls-led and anti-oppressive.
• Our Trustees help shape the strategic direction of Agenda Alliance and provide leadership to ensure that we have the maximum impact for women and girls.
• We are looking for up to 3 Trustees to join our Board who match our ambition and are excited to support Agenda Alliance, as we solidify our position within the sector and grow our reach.

Responsibilities include:

• Help shape the strategic direction and provide leadership to Agenda ensuring that we have maximum impact for women and girls
• Fulfil all legal duties and responsibilities of a trustee and ensure sound governance and financial health of Agenda
• Ensure that Agenda operates within its charitable objectives and that decisions taken are in the best interests of women and girls at risk
• Establish and build a strong, effective, open and supportive relationship with the Chief Executive and other staff
• Act as an ambassador for the charity
• Support funding approaches to gain additional funds

About you:

We are seeking Trustees with skills and experience in the following areas, which we have identified as gaps on our Board:

• Income generation and fundraising, particularly for corporates and trusts and foundations
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Impact measurement
• Finance
• HR
• We are also interested in hearing from individuals with experience in education, particularly school exclusions as this is a key area of our work.

Centring lived experience is important for everything Agenda does, and we are proud to have women with Lived Experience of the areas we work in our board. If you have Lived Experience of any of the areas agenda works on, we would particularly welcome your application.

Closing date: midnight on Monday 12th May.

Interested?

Please scroll down to the bottom of the advert to download the job pack, here you will find full information about the position.
When applying through the job board, you will need to send us your CV and cover letter of no more than two pages answering the questions below. In your cover letter, please state where you saw the role advertised. 

To apply, please send us [Agenda Alliance] your CV, and a cover letter of no more than two pages answering the questions below by midnight on Monday 12th May.

In your cover letter, please state where you saw the role advertised. We can offer alternative ways to apply, such as a video application, rather than a cover letter. Please email for further information if you would like to do so.

We will shortlist by 25 May and first round interviews will be held in the beginning of June. If you are shortlisted following your first interview, there will be a second round in mid-June, when you will discuss the role and your approach with one or two experts by experience who we work with. Please let us know in your cover letter if there are any dates/times in June that you are unavailable.

Cover letter questions:

1. Why do you want to be a Trustee
2. Why do you want to be on the Agenda Alliance Board?
3. What will you get out of being on our Board?
4. Describe a time when you've called out inequality/injustice, or when you've had the opportunity to speak truth to power.

Equal opportunities 
Agenda Alliance selects all candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications, experience and ability to do the role advertised. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability (physical or learning), gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We will provide reasonable support to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. Please contact us to identify any additional support that you may require to enable you to make an application.

Because our work is about centring women and girls’ experiences, and our organisation is led by and for women and girls, this post is open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, part 1). When Agenda refers to women and girls, we mean cisgender, intersex, and transgender women and girls, alongside nonbinary people who experience misogyny.

No agencies please.

Saferworld is an independent international organisation working to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and conduct wider research and analysis. We use this evidence and learning to improve local, national and international policies and practices that can help build lasting peace. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives, free from fear and insecurity. We are a not-for-profit organisation operational in 12 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Saferworld is currently looking for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees. This role will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Saferworld, ensuring the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals align with its governing document, as well as legal and regulatory guidelines. The ideal candidate should have a broad understanding of the charity sector as well as an understanding of how charities operate in a local context – often operating effectively in extremely challenging environments. An understanding of the UK charity context would be helpful but is not crucial. 

The Board is currently reviewing different governance models, including the possibility of a Chair/Vice Chair structure. While this model is still under consideration, it would involve clearly defined roles and responsibilities, helping to balance the workload and bring diverse perspectives to the Board’s leadership. The incoming Chair should be adaptable and open to these ongoing discussions, and play a key role in shaping and refining the governance structure to ensure it aligns effectively with Saferworld’s needs.

We are interested in hearing from individuals who share our values, possess the capacity for independent and creative thinking, and bring strong leadership, relevant competence and experience to our governing body. Whether you are an experienced Chair or wanting to take your first step at senior Board level, we still want to hear from you. 

Please download the recruitment pack for more information on how to apply to be the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Closing date: 11 May 2025

We have a fantaastic opportunity for you to join our Board of Trustees in a growing and expanding organisation that makes a difference in the lives of women and girls, preventing exploitation and trafficking and advocating for a life of freedom, dignity and empowerment.

Emerge Worldwide is a humanitarian organisation whose purpose is to advocate and raise awareness against sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, focused on women and girls. Our activities provide interventions, tools and resources in prevention work, as we seek to end it everywhere. 

We help and support those suffering trauma, and who are victims of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking and empower survivors of this horrific crime, to go on and live independent successful lives.

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. 

We are seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees, who will partner with us in our dedication and fight to combatting this heinous crime. We are keen to receive your application if you have human rights, fundraising, or sexual exploitation / sex trafficking experience.

We are keen to receive applications with experience in any of the following areas:

• human rights

• fundraising / income generation

• asylum seekers / refugees

• sexual exploitation / sex trafficking

Your experience will help to support Emerge Worldwide to engage in high-level discussions and actions, which will position and promote our voice and impact, create positive change within the humanitarian and modern slavery sectors and deliver on our purpose to end sexual exploitation and sex trafficking everywhere.

Duties

• Support and provide advice on Emerge Worldwide’s purpose, vision, mission, goals and activities. 

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Oversee Emerge Worldwide’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress. 

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Keep abreast of changes in Emerge Worldwide’s operating environment.

• Contribute to regular reviews of Emerge Worldwide’s own governance. Attend Board meetings and adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Emerge Worldwide’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of Emerge Worldwide’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Personal skills and qualities

• Enthusiasm and commitment to Emerge Worldwide vision, mission, purpose and work.

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member with good governance.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions. 

• Good independent judgement.

• A strong personal commitment to equality and diversity.

• Willingness to lead according to our values.

• Fulfilling the criteria of a charity trustee the essential trustee 

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a minimum of 2 years of office

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending quarterly Board meetings annually - currently meetings are held remotely.

• Trustees are encouraged to attend all staff in-person meetings which run 3 times annually plus any relevant training days.

You will be part of a professional, friendly and skilled Board of Trustees.

We are a welcoming organisation, dedicated to creating a positive and engaging experience where you’ll feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring your ideas to life.

Apply and help us end sexual exploitation and sex trafficking for good!

Application:

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your motivation for the role and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. 

If you do have any questions, our HR Manager can arrange to speak with you or communicate with you by email.

Please note that we will request references, and a DBS check will be required due to the nature of our work.

Activity Alliance looking for a Chair and three new Trustees who will add value to the charity and exciting journey ahead. You will bring your expertise and/or lived experience to drive meaningful change for disabled people. Two Trustees will be Board-appointed, and one will be Member-appointed. Their start times will vary. We are pleased that you are interested in joining us to work towards our vision and thank you for your interest.

The key responsibilities of the Chair will be:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Activity Alliance fulfils its mission and objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within  the organisation.
• Oversee the governance framework, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the Board in monitoring organisational performance and  ensuring effective risk management. 
• Act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance, promoting our vision and mission. This includes being a spokesperson for the charity with the media and at events.
• Champion the voices of disabled people, advocating for change and influencing policy and decision-making at the  highest levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders, and government bodies.

The key responsibilities of the Trustees will be:

• Have outstanding commitment to Activity Alliance with a strong understanding of the organisation’s values as well as of the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life.
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall  policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets. 
• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. 
• Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation. 
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings when appropriate, and act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance.

Currently, we are particularly interested in recruiting Trustees with understanding, skills, and/or experience in one or more  of the following areas: 

• Legal 
• Commercial and corporate affairs 
• Income generation 
• Application of AI and technology

The posts are for an initial term of up to three years, which may be extended for two further terms of three years.

Lived Experience Sight Loss Trustee - Focus Birmingham – Empowering Lives and Shaping the Future

Focus Birmingham’s (Focus) Trustees are all volunteers, playing an essential role in overseeing the charity’s activities in partnership with the Board of Trustees. The CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) manage the day-to-day running of the charity, but it is the Board of Trustees that holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring the charity continues to grow and delivers on its vision.

The purpose of this trustee role is to bring a ‘lived experience’ perspective to help shape the future of our organisation. You will ensure our services reflect the diverse needs of the people we support and help us advance our mission of improving lives by creating opportunities for people with care and support needs. This role will help them feel empowered to live life to the full and unlock their potential.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Co-production Strategy: Ensure the development and implementation of a co-production strategy in collaboration with the Board and Senior Leadership Team that promotes meaningful involvement of the people we support in decision-making processes.

• Engagement and Participation: Ensure that the Board and Senior Leadership Team champion the active engagement of the people we support in all aspects of the organisation, including programme design, service development, and policy formulation.

• Advisory Groups: Support the Senior Leadership Team in establishing and maintaining advisory groups or panels made up of the people we support, their families, and carers, ensuring their voices are heard, and their perspectives are considered.

• Training and Capacity Building: Provide advice on the development of a learning and development strategy that equips staff and volunteers with the skills to provide person-centred care.

• Feedback Mechanisms: Work with the Board and Senior Leadership Team to implement effective feedback mechanisms, surveys, and evaluation tools to gather input from individuals with care and support needs on the charity’s activities.

• Advocacy: Advocate for the rights and autonomy of the people we support both within Focus Birmingham and in the wider community. Raise awareness of the importance of co-production.

• Policy and Governance: Review, provide advice, and contribute to the development of policies and governance structures that ensure the people we support have a genuine and influential role in the organisation.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborate with fellow Trustees, staff, and volunteers to embed co-production principles across the organisation. Provide guidance and mentorship to staff involved in co-production activities.

What Difference You Will Make and What You Will Achieve

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact by ensuring that individuals with care and support needs are at the forefront of decision-making:

• Networking: Build connections with disability advocates, self-advocacy groups, and stakeholders.

• Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in not-for-profit governance and co-production practices.

• Personal Satisfaction: Contribute to a cause that empowers individuals with care and support needs, helping them exercise their agency and unlock their potential.

How to Apply

If you are committed to empowering individuals with care and support needs and promoting their active participation in shaping Focus Birmingham’s future, we invite you to apply for this trustee role. Your lived experience and expertise in co-production will be instrumental in helping us achieve our mission of improving lives by creating opportunities for people with care and support needs, so they can live life to the full and reach their full potential.

To apply, please submit a completed application form via CharityJob.

Additional details about the role can be found in the attached recruitment pack. If you require any reasonable adjustment to support your application for this role, please contact Focus Birmingham via the details in the recruitment pack.

Closing Date for Applications: 11/05/25

Can you help give musical talent a chance?

Over the last 26 years our committed team of trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters have made Young Sounds UK one of the largest and most respected charities in music education. As we move into the next phase of our development, we’re looking for a committed chair with energy, passion and the time to continue to help drive us forward. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO to ensure the charity continues to achieve its ambitions and will lead the board in delivering its responsibility for the overall governance and strategic direction of Young Sounds UK.

We want to hear from people who are passionate about and willing to advocate strongly for giving those young people facing the most barriers the support they need to fulfil their potential. We also expect candidates to demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

If you think this may be you, please see our recruitment pack for more information and to apply.

If you’d like an informal chat with one of our current trustees, please email Young Sounds’ CEO.

Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures and the charity has been providing mentoring services to people in prison since 1998. We provide support to men between the ages of 18 - 35 in custody who have 6 months left of their prison sentence, and then 'through the gate' into their community for up to 12 months.

In London, services are delivered at HMP Brixton and HMPYOI Isis. We are looking for volunteer mentors who can spare half a day per week to support young men to change their life by acting as an inspirational role model and helping with goal setting. Mentoring sessions usually last 1 hour per week; allowing enough time for travel and liaising with Trailblazers staff will take about half a day.

Your support will help a young man to reconnect with his own community, friends and loved ones, go into education, training and employment, and to give a person a sense of hope for the future. As a charity we are reliant on volunteers; with your help we can continue to support people in prison to make and change to their lives, their family and wider society. We welcome all skill sets within Trailblazers as we work with a diverse group of men, all we ask if you have a genuine passion for social change and that you can commit to at least 1 young man for up to 12 months, so they have a consistent person in their life - something that some of our mentees have never had. The national average re-offending rate for a person leaving prison is up to 55%, the rate for those who have a Trailblazers mentor is lowered to 9%. 

We are actively looking for people to join our mentoring community with lived experience of the criminal justice system, underrepresented groups from BAME community, creative arts, business skills, wellbeing - whatever your skills and background we are open to hear from you to support our diverse group of men.Out of pocket expenses are covered as well as training to equip you for your role. More information and the application form can be found on the website. 

Role activities:

• To provide a positive role model for people in prison and in their own community, to be empathic and to have a desire and commitment to support people to fulfil their potential.

• To attend and participate fully in the initial and ongoing mentor training.

• To attend group support/supervision meetings and review performance within mentoring relationships.

• To complete mentoring session notes relevant to the mentoring service for monitoring purposes.

• To take part in introductory meetings with mentees and set ground rules and boundaries.

• To report safeguarding concerns immediately.

• To follow relevant policies and procedures. 

• To perform your role in line with the aims of the organisation.

• To meet with and actively develop a supportive relationship with mentees.

• Be prepared to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions. 

• To make the necessary practical arrangements to meet the mentee on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

• Assist the mentee to celebrate their achievements.

• Support the mentee to meet identified goals.

• Develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor.

• Be committed to the project for a minimum of 12 months.

• Regular communication with Trailblazers staff in support of your mentee. 

Skills/behaviours/knowledge required:

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and challenges faced by mentees (Desirable) full training will be given. 

• Awareness of own professional boundaries and the ability to report any concerns within the mentoring relationship that could be pertinent to risk to the mentee, or to others. 

• To be an advocate for a mentee and to actively seek opportunities for mentees for resettlement back into their own community in conjunction with Trailblazers staff. 

• To be non-judgmental, focus on the person rather than the offense. 

• Professional but relatable with strong communication skills. 

• Awareness of adversity and how to overcome barriers to build a supportive network around the mentee. 

• Basic IT skills. 

• Be able to take advice and guidance from Trailblazers staff. 

Criteria: 

• Over 21. 

• We encourage applications from those with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System but you must be off licence for a minimum of 12 months, and not in crisis yourself. 

• You cannot apply to a project if you have been a resident in the same prison yourself. 

• A good level of fitness to able to move around a prison at fast past that does include stairs 

• Due to security checks at the prison you must be a British citizen.     

• Not committed an offense where you are barred from working with vulnerable adults or children. 

• Live within a 30-mile radius from the prison at which you would like to volunteer.