Community Support Manager Volunteer Roles in Edinburgh

Opportunity to join this ambitious, environmental charity at a crucial time to bring your knowledge of planning and strategic thinking to support our new 5-year strategy, at a time where London's green spaces are under increasing threat.

About CPRE London

Our mission to make London a well-planned, greener, climate resilient and nature rich city, which benefits everyone.

Our vision is that by 2035 London has become a well-planned, climate resilient, nature rich city. It is surrounded by a flourishing Green Belt, with a ring of trees and other habitats. It has an expanding network of green spaces, which are well used by all. Streets are greener and encourage walking and cycling. Development includes more affordable, well-designed homes with good facilities nearby to reduce car dependency and support Londoners to live low carbon, healthy lives.

England’s leading countryside charity comprises a National Office and 42 local CPREs, each operating as a distinct charity. At a national level, CPRE campaigns for a beautiful and thriving countryside that is valued, enjoyed and accessible to everyone.

At CPRE London our focus in 2025 is on the following areas::

• Creating an M25 of trees around the capital London Tree Ring Project
• Highlighting the importance of the Green Belt in a climate and nature crisis
• Establishing 10 New Parks
• Expanding and strengthening London Friends of Green Space Network and GoParks London

These are in addition to our core case work supporting local campaigners stand up to threats to local green spaces and the environmental, health and well-being benefits these bring. More details about CPRE’s work is on our website.

Role of Trustee

The Trustee board is the principle governing body of CPRE London and is collectively responsible for the leadership and direction of the charity.

As a Trustee your role includes:

• Developing and overseeing implementation of our strategic plan to help us to deliver our vision.
• Offering independence, external perspective, skills and challenge
• Mentoring and supporting the staff and volunteers.

What we are seeking: Although keen to appoint dedicated Trustees offering a breadth of skills who share our aims, the Trustee board have identified key areas where specific knowledge and experience would be welcomed to complement the existing team:

Knowledge, skills and experience of housing policy and/or the planning system and planning law, relevant to ensuring that we encourage and influence planners and developers to maximise use of using housing stock, other buildings and brownfield sites in the creation of genuinely affordable housing, and that development is in line with our vision for London. Additional, useful background knowledge for any of our trustees includes:

• Technical knowledge of ecology / horticulture / forestry
• Experience with an environmental organisation or charity but this is not essential.

To best represent London’s diverse community on our Boards of Trustees and ensure all residents benefit from our green space advocacy, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Commitment:Estimate 1-2 days per month plus 4 board meetings

The Trustee board meets four times a year at our London office in Farringdon with meetings starting at 18.00 and generally finishing by 20.00. There may be ad hoc commitments in between the board meetings. In the autumn, the Trustees and staff attend a one-day off-site strategy meeting in the Greater London area. Trustees are also encouraged to attend the AGM.

All Trustees usually serve a three-year term of office from election at the annual AGM and are eligible for re-election for up to a further three years. 

What difference will you make?

Opportunity to contribute to our new strategic plan and help steer the direction of CPRE London for the next 5 years. Your chance to influence through teamwork: working with the Director, staff, and other trustees to ensure that the charity’s strategy is achieved and modified as necessary to embrace new ideas or changes in circumstances; optional involvement with our team of dedicated volunteers.

Deadline: 2nd April 2025

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers 
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team in the Swale area ME9, ME10, ME11, ME12, ME13
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Job description
Fantastic opportunity to make an impactful difference in women and girls lives by leading our social media department and content for the charity's social media platforms, monitoring performance and establishing and/or maintaining active social media accounts, in addition to researching and creating creative content for different social media channels.

What will you be doing?

• Creating and managing social media posts across all social media platforms e.g. Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube,TikTok, and X.
• Develop new, engaging informative content to educate, raise awareness and prevention, increase interest, attract supporters and encourage ambassadors.
• Working in conjunction with the Operations Manager, be responsible for posting original, high-quality content (three times per week) to improve our brand presence, grab the attention of our target audience and drive engagement.
• Assist with creating our new social media strategy 

What are we looking for?

• Commitment and passion to advocate and fight to end sexual exploitation and sex trafficking
• Clear understanding of social media platforms
• Innovative and creative leader
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic and a positive can-do attitude.
• Knowledge of marketing is also desirable.

Skills, experience and qualities needed

• Creative Skills
• Canva Experience
• Commercial Awareness
• Creating Calendar
• Customer Service
• IT Skills
• Marketing and PR
• Research
• Team Working
• Written Communication Skills

- Up to 5 hours per week (remote)
- We request a minimum commitment of 1 year volunteering.

What difference will you make?

Joining our team will give you the opportunity to:

• Contribute to a good cause that makes a real difference to lives
• Make a lasting impact in lives and communities
• Provide education and information on a topic where the silence needs to be broken
• Be a voice for women and girls who cannot speak
• Use and share your skills and gain new skills and experience
• Be part of a friendly team of people

Please note that we will request references.

Volunteer Bid Writer – Children With Voices

Position Overview:

Children With Voices, a dynamic and community-driven charity committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families, is seeking a motivated and skilled Volunteer Bid Writer. This role is instrumental in securing funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships to ensure the continuous growth and success of the charity's initiatives.

Responsibilities:

1. Research and Identify Funding Opportunities:

  - Conduct thorough research to identify potential funding sources, grants, and partnership opportunities aligned with Children With Voices' mission and projects.

2. Proposal Development:

  - Collaborate with the charity's leadership team to gather information on projects and programs requiring funding.

  - Develop compelling and well-articulated grant proposals, ensuring alignment with donor guidelines and requirements.

  - Craft persuasive narratives that effectively communicate the impact of Children With Voices' activities.

3. Grant Application Submission:

  - Prepare and submit grant applications within specified deadlines, adhering to all application guidelines and requirements.

  - Maintain accurate records of submitted proposals, deadlines, and communication with funding bodies.

4. Relationship Building:

  - Establish and maintain positive relationships with potential donors, grant-making organisations, and other stakeholders.

  - Engage in effective communication to convey the charity's mission and project goals.

5. Collaboration and Coordination:

  - Work closely with the fundraising team and project managers to gather necessary information for proposals.

  - Collaborate with other team members to ensure the integration of programmatic and financial data in grant applications.

Qualifications:

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Previous experience in grant writing, proposal development, or related fields is desirable.

- Strong research skills to identify relevant funding opportunities.

- Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

- Detail-oriented with strong organisational and project management skills.

- Passion for the mission and values of Children With Voices.

Time Commitment:

Flexible, with an estimated commitment of 5-10 hours per week.

Location:

This role can be performed remotely, with occasional virtual or in-person meetings as needed.

Benefits:

- Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and make a positive impact.

- Gain valuable experience in grant writing and fundraising within a charitable organisation.

- Develop and enhance your skills in communication, research, and project coordination.

- Travel expenses are paid and you will have a healthy meal!

Refugee Biryani & Bananas is looking for a Treasurer with a passion for financial management and accounting to join our Trustees Board to oversee the financial health of the charity and cement the financial literacy of the organisation at Board level. We are looking for someone with the skills, experience, energy and time to commit to our important work. Our Board is responsible for the governance of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas. The Board does not directly manage the day-to-day work, but provides oversight, shaping organisational strategy and supporting our staff and volunteers.

We are expanding our Board of Trustees to support the growth and future plans of our ambitious small charity. Board meetings take place every 12 weeks via video call, with opportunities for in-person gatherings throughout the year. Additional meetings may occasionally be required, either more frequently, in smaller groups, or one-to-one, depending on specific needs or exceptional circumstances.

The Treasurer will work closely with our team members including volunteers, other Trustees and with the CEO, advising on all financial matters including regulatory compliance. The Treasurer will be expected to attend Board meetings which last approximately an hour and a half every twelve weeks.

The Treasurer will:

● Actively participate as a key member of the Board of Trustees.

● Act as an ambassador for Refugee Biryani & Bananas

● Lead development of the annual budget and cash flow forecasting

● Support with fundraising and financial strategic planning

● Advise on all financial matters, including regulatory compliance.

● Oversee the development and observation of financial policies

● Advise the board on fund management and ensure an appropriate reserves policy

● Advise fellow Trustees on a regular basis of the financial status of the charity and where necessary recommend action.

● Support with financial processes such as Gift Aid collection and running Payroll

● Work with professional advisors including any contracted accountants

● Review financial transactions on a monthly basis via digital accounting software, Xero

● Arrange the compilation and agreement of Refugee Biryani & Bananas’ annual report

● Liaise and lead on the annual review of accounts by the independent examiner 

Position: Chair of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the ultimate governance body for the organisation, serving as stewards of the organisation’s resources, and is ultimately responsible for Self Help UK’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation, and financial management. The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis and currently meet virtually every 6 weeks.

Chair Responsibilities: The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Charity’s Chief Executive and Senior Management Team to achieve its goals. The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:

Strategy and Governance

• Ensuring that the Board operates effectively in the consideration, iteration, and approval of the organisational strategy in support of the charity’s mission and values.

• With Trustees, ensuring that the charity operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives

• Safeguarding the interests of the charity’s beneficiaries and providing oversight of stakeholder interests • Maintaining high standards of governance and risk management.

• Ensuring that the Board is as diverse as possible and provides the range of knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to deliver the charity’s aims.

• Ensuring the organisation is accountable and transparent in its activities.

• Maintaining compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.

• Oversight of the Sub Committees of the board.

• Ensuring a high-performing and effective board by committing to regular appraisal and review of Trustees and board performance (including managing retirements and resignations of Trustees).

Guidance and support to the Chief Executive

• Appointment of the Chief Executive and approval of Chief Executive’s salary with the Trustees.

• Line management of and work in partnership with the Chief Executive to support them in achieving the aims of the charity.

• Support and guidance on operations, including personnel management.

Financial

• Ensuring, with the Board, sound financial oversight, including review and approval of the annual budget

• Oversight of high standards of financial management

Advocacy and fundraising

• Using personal and professional networks to help the executive with access to potential donors and supporters, including governments, international bodies, corporations, trusts and foundations, NGOs, and individuals.

• Advise and assist in raising and maintaining the charity’s profile in the UK and internationally.

Lead Board Meetings:

• Lead all aspects of meeting management.

• Encouraging discussion at Board meetings, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made and implemented.

Remuneration: Unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

Time Commitment: Estimated at 2 days per month, but some flexibility and the ability to offer more time on occasion are required.

Standard commitments include:

• Attending Board meetings every 6 weeks. Currently, meetings are held via Zoom

• Attendance at subcommittee meetings as necessary

• Monthly scheduled meeting with the CEO, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.

• Attending, as a minimum, an annual half-day strategy session and other face-to-face events as required.

Qualities of a Chair

Essential

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

• Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims, and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities. • Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.

• Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.

• Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.

Desirable

• Prior experience of committee/trustee work.

• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.

• A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.

• Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance, charity fundraising.

• Leadership skills exercised through a period change.

Note: We are open to flexible / co-chairing arrangements. If you're interested in this option, please let us know in your application.

We’re passionate about making the countryside in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough a better place for everyone to enjoy. Our vibrant team of volunteers inspire people to care for the countryside and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live.

Volunteering with us is a fantastic way to help us champion environmental issues such as the climate emergency, renewable energy, biodiversity and sustainable transport.

With your support we can do even more! As chair of our board of trustees you’ll have an essential role in the development of our charity.

Our friendly team will provide you with training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in charity governance and leadership.

Why we want you

By volunteering with us you’ll be helping to find positive solutions for the issues facing the countryside and the environment. By applying your skills and experience you can make a real difference and be a central part of a friendly and passionate charity.

As chair you’ll provide leadership to our board of trustees and oversee the future direction and development of our charity. You’ll ensure the requirements of the constitution are met and that our governance complies with charity law and best practice.

We’re ideally looking for someone with leadership and charity board experience and a passion for environmental and countryside issues. Please look at our other opportunities to find one that’s right for you.

What you will be doing

• Providing strategic leadership to our charity and supporting fundraising, membership and engagement initiatives
• Ensuring our charity meets constitutional and governance requirements
• Ensuring the financial integrity and long-term sustainability of our charity
• Ensuring board and subgroup meetings and our AGM are held on a regular basis
• Building relationships and representing CPRE at community, council and partnership meetings
• Liaising with local CPREs, regional groups and national CPRE
• Supporting trustees and volunteers and identifying candidates for succession
• Safeguarding the good name and values of our charity
• Providing or arranging line management of any employees
• Advocating the work of CPRE through public speaking and media interviews
• Chairs also represent our charity by being the voting member at national CPRE

The skills you need

• A commitment to CPRE policies, brand, campaigns and initiatives
• Some previous experience in leadership, management and organisational development
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to demonstrate diplomacy, impartiality, respect and confidentiality
• Previous experience of committee work- paid or voluntary
• Knowledge of environmental and countryside issues
• Knowledge of the charity sector including funding and governance
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of working with people from different backgrounds and abilities
• Be able to commit to volunteering regularly to suit your availability, including attendance at meetings
• We ask that all trustees are, or are willing to become, members of CPRE

What's in it for you

• Use your skills and experience to contribute to the success of our charity and make a positive difference to the countryside
• Meet like-minded people and enjoy being part of a team
• Enhance your CV by developing new skills and gaining valuable experience
• We’ll support you to develop in your volunteering role and provide you with relevant training
• We’ll give you a reference for your future work or volunteering
• Get involved with social events and workshops on a local and national level, including the annual CPRE conference
• The opportunity to attend CPRE's national online induction
• We provide out-of-pocket travel expenses

FaithInvest is seeking an experienced fundraising professional to volunteer their expertise for our development efforts, for 6 months initially. We need your help to develop grant applications to philanthropies, trusts, and foundations, which showcase our dynamic operations strategy.

We are a charity dedicated to helping faith organizations align their investments with their values. You won't be working alone- you will be supporting our operations team, who will in turn support you. We anticipate that you will actively participate in shaping our fundraising strategy.

The ideal volunteer will:

• Have significant hands-on experience in charitable fundraising and donor relations
• Be willing to share fundraising strategies and best practices with our staff
• Support the development and execution of fundraising campaigns
• Have connections within philanthropic and faith-based communities
• Be passionate about helping faith groups maximize their impact

This is a remote volunteer position open to candidates globally. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Help develop and refine our fundraising strategy
• Guide the growth of our development program
• Make a meaningful impact in helping faith groups align their investments with their values
• Share your fundraising expertise with our dedicated staff
• Actively participate in fundraising initiatives
• Participate in remote strategy sessions and discussions

Faith organizations have tremendous potential to create positive and transformative change through their vast financial resources. We're looking for an experienced fundraiser with a strong faith background who shares our vision of helping faiths invest for the benefit of people and planet. This volunteer role offers the opportunity to strengthen our capabilities through both strategic guidance and hands-on support, ultimately helping faith groups align their investments with their values and create lasting impact.

This would be an ideal role for a retired or semi-retired development professional who is keen to use their expertise to make a difference.

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic guidance and oversight to the charity, ensuring it achieves its mission of helping adults learn to read. This role specifically seeks a Trustee with experience and insight in working with, large numbers of volunteers, to support the charity in developing, sustaining and empowering its national volunteer network to maximise impact.

You will work closely with the Board, CEO and Senior Team to advance its vision of ensuring that all adults who want to learn to read, can.

This role is ideal for someone with a passion for volunteering and an understanding of its impact in driving social change. If you are ready to help empower volunteers to create a brighter future for adults struggling to read we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities
 

Strategic Oversight:

• Contribute to the charity’s overall strategy with a particular focus on its volunteer-led initiatives
• Apply your insights and suggestions to help further develop the organisational strategy to maximise impact from volunteers
• Advise on best practices for recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers at scale
• Support the development of policies and frameworks that ensure a positive and effective experience for volunteers

Volunteer Management Expertise:

• Provide an insight into managing largescale volunteer programmes, including geographically dispersed teams
• Advise on the design and implementation of systems for communication, engagement, and recognition of volunteers
• Share experience on strategies to address challenges such as volunteer retention, motivation and recognition
• Advise on strategies to promote and ensure diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging,including reaching new, or currently underrepresented, volunteer communities
• Add value for the volunteers of Read Easy by supporting the team to meet expectations of volunteers and ensure a quality experience of volunteering with us

Governance and Compliance:

• Ensure the charity’s volunteer practices comply with legal requirements, safeguarding protocols and best practices.
• Support the Board in overseeing the performance of volunteer programmes and their contribution to the charity’s goals
• ​Advocate for inclusive, equitable approaches to recruitment and management across Read Easy

Advocacy and Representation:

• Champion the roles, value and impact of volunteers within the charity, ensuring that their ideas and views are considered instrategic planning and development
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, building relationships with stakeholders and potential partners who can enhance its volunteer network

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Work closely with staff and other Trustees to support the charity’s volunteer-focused activities
• • Share expertise to strengthen the charity’s capacity to manage a growing and diverse volunteer base
• • Contribute to broader discussions and decision-making as an active member of the Board of Trustees

LYBOTICS

We are on a mission to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, while developing education to help communities of Libya shine.

Our Mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, and developing education to help communities of Libya shine; By engaging kids in exciting mentor-based program that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership

The student teams design, build and program their robot and compete during the championship in an alliance format with other teams.

Digital Marketing Coordinator

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

LYBOTICS has well established ecosystem for volunteers, we need volunteers support for digital marketing to expand LYBOTICS's reach and impact.

The tasks include LinkedIn and X marketing, newsletter and other means.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Main purpose of role:

To support the Fundraising Manager with all aspects of fundraising, with a particular focus on donor stewardship, and small grants/trusts/community fundraising.

The role will be hands on and has the potential for you to learn and develop a variety of fundraising skills.

Responsibilities and key tasks:

• To research and draft applications to small grants and trust.

• Proactively use the fundraising database to develop and manage supporters and ensure all activities are recorded accurately and in line with GDPR

• To assist the Fundraising Manager/Treasurer with the reconciliation of our income and financial processes.

• To assist the Fundraising Manager with the planning and collation of the annual and biannual major funders monitoring reports requests.

• General fundraising/administration duties, as and when required

• This role is expected to meet the minimum financial target per year.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

Essential

Excellent written and oral communication skills.  Ability to work independently and a strong team player. Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with a diverse range of people. Ability to deal with information in a confidential manner. Highly organised with ability to prioritise a varied and demanding workload. Confident IT skills including Microsoft Office. Desirable. Project management skills. Experience working in a voluntary sector preferrable but not essential.

We are looking for a highly motivated Partnerships Development Assistant in maintaining our relationships with charities and enterprises as well as expanding now-u’s base of partnerships. You will have a strong passion for forming partnerships and will bring your knowledge and interest to the team to deliver excellent growth for now-u.

You should be confident in pursuing new partnership opportunities, using the organisation's CRM system and reporting data to the Head of Partnerships on a recurring basis.

You will hold a hands-on role working in a small team and you will be comfortable working in a team on projects, identifying new opportunities, proposing how best to support and deliver them in collaboration with other departments.

If this job excites you, we look forward to hearing from you, with your CV and a cover letter as to why your previous experience (preferable but not necessary) would suit the role. If you feel like you may not have all the experience but feel, with the right development this is the right opportunity for you then still apply.

Your role

• Working with the Head Of Partnerships to identify potential charity and social enterprise partners.

• Contacting charities to form potential partnerships.

• Building relationships with existing partners.

• Working with the wider team to plan and execute campaigns and initiatives.

• Writing and designing proposals to potential partnerships.

• Support the Head of Partnerships in delivering the strategic initiatives to enable us to achieve our long-term growth and vision

• Manage and keep the organisation data and CRM system up to date.

Qualifications/Experience

It is essential you have partnerships experience and you enjoy working with people. You would also need digital skills and learn how to use tools such as Gmail and Slack. Experience maintaining a CRM would be desirable

Who we are

now-u is a new non-profit app, launched in July 2020, with a mission to inform, involve and inspire people to help tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental and social problems. In these unprecedented times, we cannot ‘go back to normal’.  The now-u app facilitates ways for people to do good that are easy, enjoyable, and make a real difference to people, communities and the planet. This July, our four campaigns are: i) domestic abuse in the UK, ii) refugee welfare & resettlement in Europe, iii) water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) around the world and iv) a green recovery.

This is an opportunity to provide really important support to a new project that we hope could really make a positive difference in the world. You would also become part of a small friendly volunteer team who would love to work collaboratively on any other ideas you may have regarding the app.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About Pain Concern:

Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, podcasts, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, and our research and campaigning work.

All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results.

Role Purpose:

Are you seeking experience in publishing? Be a part of the team editing, writing and commissioning content for the magazine, website, leaflets, etc. of Pain Concern. The editorial team undertake all the editorial jobs involved in converting text to publication. Some writing will be involved, but the focus for this role is on ‘editing’ rather than ‘journalism.’ As a member of Pain Concern’s editorial team, you will assist our Managing Editor. By joining us you will join a fast-growing and respected service.

“The great thing about Pain Concern is the breadth of content the charity produces - magazines, leaflets, podcasts, transcriptions, website - all of those need an editorial eye. Volunteering with Pain Concern is a great opportunity to improve your skills and challenge yourself. I am very proud of the work we produced during my time there: magazines, podcasts, leaflets and website” - Jamie Boyce, Managing Editor at Pain Concern, former volunteer.

What you would be doing: 

You will be part of a team, editing, writing and commissioning content for the magazine, newsletter, website, leaflets, etc. of Pain Concern. The editorial jobs involved in converting text to publication include:

· Copy-editing

· Editing transcripts of interviews to produce copy ready for publication.

· Working with authors

· Working with our advisers

· Proof reading

· Permissions and acknowledgements

· Indexing and working with indexers

· Bibliographical references

· Working with designers

· Corrections and maintaining an archive

· Researching information about pain and related topics

Is this role right for me?

We are looking for:

· Excellent written English

· Ability to learn and adopt editorial policy and procedures

· Interest and curiosity in learning about chronic pain

· A working understanding of IT, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams

Availability and location:

· Minimum commitment of 3 months

· Minimum 5 hours per week

· Volunteer from our office at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh EH15 3HS

Benefits to you: 

· Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team, supported by a professional editor

· Meet new people 

· Build on your employability skills 

· Training and a dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you  

· A job reference after 3 months of volunteering.

· Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community

· On-site car parking

· Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy  

How do I apply:

Download and complete an application form from our website.

About Vibes in Care (ViC)

Vibes in Care CIC is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) dedicated to amplifying the voices of children and young people who are care-experienced or at risk. By harnessing insights from lived experience, we develop training, workshops, and advocacy initiatives that reshape professional practices within the care sector.

• Founded on Lived Experience: We believe that those who have gone through the care system have the clearest insights into how to improve it.
• Innovative Training & Workshops: Our programmes empower professionals - such as social workers, educators, and youth workers - to bring about lasting change in how care is delivered.
• Collaborative Culture: Partnership is at the heart of ViC. We work closely with local authorities, youth organisations, and sector specialists to co-create solutions.

Why We Need You

We are seeking Trustees who share our passion for transforming the care experience. Whether you have direct care experience (e.g., have been in care yourself), professional experience in the sector, or simply a deep commitment to improving outcomes for care-experienced children and young people, your voice and leadership are invaluable at this pivotal stage of our growth.

The Role

• Steer Strategic Vision: Help shape and refine ViC’s long-term plans, ensuring that lived experience remains at the core of every decision.
• Champion Good Governance: Oversee compliance with charity regulations, manage financial health, and set policies that maintain transparency and integrity.
• Advocate for Care-Experienced Children and Young People: Act as an ambassador, raising awareness about ViC’s mission and the importance of centring care-experienced voices.
• Support Growth & Partnerships: Contribute insights on fundraising, partnership-building, and community engagement to help ViC expand its reach and impact.

What We’re Looking For

1. Care Experience (Highly Valued): We particularly encourage applications from individuals who have first-hand insights into the care system.
2. Dedication to Social Impact: A genuine desire to improve day-to-day experiences and long-term outcomes for care-experienced children and young people.
3. Collaborative Mindset: Ability to work well in a team, valuing diverse perspectives and open dialogue.
4. Integrity & Oversight: Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and acting in the best interests of ViC’s beneficiaries.
5. Strategic Thinking: Capable of understanding big-picture objectives, assessing organisational risks, and spotting growth opportunities.

Skills & Experience (Desirable)

• Professional or Personal Care Experience: Lived experience, in social care work, child protection, or related fields.
• Finance/Accounting: Competent in budget oversight, financial planning, or grant management.
• Legal & Compliance: Familiarity with UK charity regulations or basic legal frameworks.
• HR & Governance: Ability to guide policy setting, recruitment, and staff/volunteer support.
• Fundraising & Communications: Skill in securing resources and raising organisational visibility.

What’s In It For You?

• A Real Chance to Influence: Your perspective will be integral in shaping how ViC evolves.
• Professional Development: Gain governance experience, hone leadership skills, and build your professional network.
• Impact & Legacy: Contribute directly to improving practices that affect some of society’s most vulnerable young people.
• Flexible & Supportive Environment: We meet quarterly, with much of our collaboration happening remotely, so you can fit your responsibilities around other commitments.

Time Commitment

• Board Meetings: Held four times per year (virtually or in person).
• Preparation & Engagement: A few hours each quarter to review papers and stay updated on organisational developments.
• Additional Involvement: Optional sub-committees or working groups on areas like safeguarding, finance, and training delivery.

Application Process

• CV & Cover Letter: Apply via CharityJob outlining your relevant experience (especially care experience), why you’re passionate about our cause, and how you hope to contribute as a Trustee.
• Informal Interview: We’ll invite shortlisted candidates for a conversation with our Director (Founder) to explore mutual fit and answer any questions.
• Appointment: Successful applicants will be welcomed onto the board, pending usual referencing and compliance checks.

Join us in creating meaningful change for care-experienced children and young people. Your lived insight, passion, and dedication could transform how professionals approach care and, ultimately, transform futures. We look forward to hearing from you!