Digital volunteer roles in england, london

We are looking for two new trustees who can bring expertise from the philanthropic and talent management spheres, respectively.

The Organisation:
Founded in 1868, the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is the oldest charity dedicated to the Commonwealth. The RCS is a network of organisations and individuals across more than 70 countries in the Commonwealth and beyond who promote the value and the values of the Commonwealth. His Majesty The King is the Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, and Her Majesty The Queen is the Vice-Patron. The King succeeded The late Queen Elizabeth II, who had been Patron since 1952 when she was also Head of the Commonwealth. Queen Camilla had previously been our inaugural Vice-Patron since 2018. The Honorary Vice-President is the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.  The Royal Commonwealth Society is governed by an experienced Council comprising the Executive Chair and Trustees.

The offices are in Guildhall, London, with team members based in Canada, Malta, Nigeria, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. In addition to branches, the Royal Commonwealth Society has an active network of over 450 Associate Fellows. Formerly Queen’s Young Leaders and other outstanding young people from all 56 Commonwealth countries, the Associate Fellows are reappointed annually based on their contributions to their respective Working Groups.

The Role:
To get the most out of being on the RCS’s Council, we are looking for those
who have a passion for our aims and can commit to the time and effort
required. Our trustees need strategic vision, independent judgement, and an
ability to work effectively and actively as part of a small but dedicated charitable
organisation.
To fulfil the duties of this role, we are looking for someone who has
considerable experience in philanthropy or talent and human resource
management. A background in the Commonwealth is not required. We are
especially keen to hear from people from a wide range of backgrounds.

• Active and committed Member of the Council to give input into the Society’s strategy and direction
• Management of finances of the Society
• Contribute to fundraising efforts
• Responsible for the governance of the Society
• Serve as a representative of a significant charitable institution

Person Specification:

• Background or experience in philanthropy or talent/people management
• Board/trustee experience would be desirable but not required
• High-level professional experience
• Interest in the voluntary sector and its contribution to society
• Interest in global affairs and an international outlook
• Commitment to good governance
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collegiate approach

The Organisation:
Founded in 1868, the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is the oldest charity dedicated to the Commonwealth. The RCS is a network of organisations and individuals across more than 70 countries in the Commonwealth and beyond who promote the value and the values of the Commonwealth.
His Majesty The King is the Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, and Her Majesty The Queen is the Vice-Patron.
The King succeeded The late Queen Elizabeth II, who had been Patron since 1952 when she was also Head of the Commonwealth. Queen Camilla had previously been our inaugural Vice-Patron since 2018.
The Honorary Vice-President is the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
The Royal Commonwealth Society is governed by an experienced Council
comprising the Executive Chair and Trustees.
The offices are in Guildhall, London, with team members based in Canada, Malta, Nigeria, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
In addition to branches, the Royal Commonwealth Society has an active network of over 450 Associate Fellows. Formerly Queen’s Young Leaders and other outstanding young people from all 56 Commonwealth countries, the Associate Fellows are reappointed annually based on their contributions to their respective Working Groups.

To find out more about the Royal Commonwealth Society, visit the website.
 
The Role:
To get the most out of being on the RCS’s Council, we are looking for those who have a passion for our aims and can commit to the time and effort required. Our trustees need strategic vision, independent judgement, and an ability to work effectively and actively as part of a small but dedicated charitable organisation. We are seeking an experienced Chair who can lead the Council in a collegiate and effective manner to deliver the most impact for the citizens of the Commonwealth.
To fulfil the duties of this role, we are looking for someone who has considerable board experience and a commitment to charitable endeavours. A background in the Commonwealth is not required. We are especially keen to hear from people from a wide range of backgrounds.

• Oversee the Council and the Society’s strategy and direction
• Management of finances of the Society
• Lead fundraising efforts
• Responsible for the governance of the Society
• Maintain relationships with external stakeholders

Person Specification:

• Chair experience would be highly desirable
• Board experience would be required
• Trustee experience of charitable organisations would be desirable
• High-level professional experience
• Interest in the voluntary sector and its contribution to society
• Commitment to good governance
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collegiate approach
• An interest in global affairs and an international outlook
• Experience of working with stakeholders and doing so with professionalism and discretion
• Confidence in being the high profile representative of a significant institution

Further Information:
For comprehensive information about the Royal Commonwealth Society, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Information Document.

How to Apply:
If you are passionate about joining the Royal Commonwealth Society and believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply with the following:

• An up-to-date 2 page CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 1 side of A4, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise and what you think you can bring to the role.
• 3 referees’ contact emails and telephone numbers. 

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited (part of the Russam group).

All applications should be sent to Trustees Unlimited.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter, Managing Partner - Charities.

Closing date for applications: Monday 5th May 2025
Interviews with Royal Commonwealth Society: Monday 19th May [online] and Tuesday 27th May 2025 [in person, at the Guildhall]. 

The role commences on 1st June 2025.

Please confirm the above dates are suitable in your covering letter. Please also highlight any potential conflicts of interest. References and other checks will be conducted.

This is an exciting opportunity to get involved as a Learning Trustee in an engaging, decision making role in a charity that inspires and empowers young disabled adults to live fulfilling, independent lives – promoting personal development through the arts.

About the Orpheus Centre

The Orpheus Centre is a charity and college which supports young disabled adults aged 18-25 to learn essential life skills, gain formal qualifications and prepare for future employment.

There are currently 66 students with 21 living on site in Godstone, Surrey. Students come from across the UK and all have a love of the arts.

Started by lyricist and musician Sir Richard Stilgoe, the organisation offers learning, care and development opportunities at the college and in the wider community, working with professional artists, businesses and other charities.

The overall aim is to equip the students with the skills they need to live as independently as possible and to pursue their chosen careers.

Our core values are to be Joyful, Bold, Inclusive, Resilient and Determined. These values are the foundations for all our work and are what the organisation stands for.

Why should you apply?

Orpheus is a vibrant Independent Specialist college for young disabled adults who have a passion for the arts and a desire to live independently. Orpheus believes that disabled people should have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers.

The Board of Trustees are looking for a new Trustee who is passionate about our vision to empower and equip young disabled people with the skills and confidence they need in order to live independent and fulfilling lives in the community.

Time commitment

The time commitment is between 10 and 15 days per annum, including four Board meetings including the AGM (mainly in person), four committee meetings (mainly virtual), one or two awaydays and ad-hoc attendance.

What will you be doing?

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Orpheus, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document and with legal and regulatory guidelines.

The role of the Learning and Care Committee Co-Chair includes but also goes beyond the role of other Trustees. So in addition to your duties as a Trustee, you will take a leadership role in ensuring that the Board fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the Orpheus Centre in relation to Learning and Care. You will also work closely with the Chief Executive, Principal and Head of Care to support them in achieving the aims of the Orpheus Centre in the areas of Learning and Care, and will act as the channel of communication between the committee and the Board.

You will lead the committee, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for good governance, and will work in partnership with the Principal and Head of Care, helping them to achieve the department’s aims.

Your responsibilities will include:

• providing effective scrutiny, challenge and questioning related to curriculum and learner progress;
• supporting the learning management team with quality activities, including annual trustee learning walks and quarterly deep dive activity;
• ensuring that you undertake a thorough induction programme;
• leading the Learning and Care Committee, including chairing committee meetings effectively;
• monitoring progress in implementing decisions taken at committee meetings and keeping in close touch with the work of the Learning and Care Departments in general – while always respecting the boundary between the respective roles of executives and non-executives; 
• acting as a spokesperson for Orpheus when requested and as appropriate;
• providing a written and oral update of the last committee meeting at each Board meeting;
• assessing and monitoring risks relevant to the Learning and Care functions of the Orpheus Centre;

and

• monitoring and scrutinising performance data within the Learning and Care Departments.

How to apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following:

• A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements.
• A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification. Please note that the covering letter is an important part of your application.
• Contact details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you; referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer

We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be considered for interview.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are:

• Challenging attitudes towards disability
• Increasing understanding of disability
• Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
• Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration