Head of hr volunteer roles in manchester

Director of HR — Detailed Job Description (Voluntary)

Status: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
Reports to: Managing Director
Liaises with: Director of Compliance, Company Secretary, Head of Programmes, Sales & Partnerships Lead
Direct reports: None initially; matrix influence over associate facilitators and hiring managers
Location: Hybrid (South of England preferred) with occasional travel
Time commitment: c. 6–8 hours per month; peaks during recruitment rounds and policy refreshes

Role Purpose

To design and steward the organisation’s people strategy, systems, and policies so that ThriveSpark recruits, develops, and retains a safe, capable, and inclusive workforce. The Director of HR ensures that employment practice is compliant with UK law and sector standards, integrates safeguarding and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) into everyday operations, and provides the Board with independent, high-quality advice on culture, workforce risk, and organisational design as the charity and CIC scale.

Key Responsibilities

1) People Strategy & Governance

• Develop a light-touch but robust HR framework aligned to organisational strategy, values, and risk appetite.

• Advise the Board on workforce planning (staff vs. associates), role design, and succession; maintain an annual HR plan and KPIs.

• Ensure all HR policies are current, accessible, and applied consistently; schedule an annual policy review cycle.

2) Safer Recruitment & Onboarding

• Establish safer recruitment procedures (role profiles, adverts, shortlisting criteria, structured interview packs).

• Oversee right-to-work and enhanced DBS checks where appropriate; ensure references are verified and recorded.

• Design an onboarding pathway covering safeguarding, data protection (UK GDPR), H&S, code of conduct, and role-specific induction.

3) Performance, Supervision & Development

• Implement supervision and appraisal frameworks with clear objectives, feedback cycles, and development plans.

• Introduce role-appropriate learning pathways (safeguarding refreshers, EDI, delivery quality, leadership skills).

• Promote reflective practice and coaching for associate facilitators and line managers.

4) Employee Relations, Culture & Wellbeing

• Provide early, proportionate advice on capability, conduct, grievance, and whistleblowing; ensure fair and timely resolution.

• Champion an inclusive, psychologically safe culture; lead pulse surveys and action plans on engagement and wellbeing.

• Embed reasonable adjustments processes and guidance for neuro-inclusive practice across teams.

5) Pay, Contracts & Working Practices

• Advise on contracts for employment and associate agreements (with legal support where necessary).

• Set and maintain clear Delegations of Authority for HR decisions; document version control and audit trails.

• Provide pragmatic guidance on flexible working, TUPE (if applicable), volunteering, and use of contractors.

6) Compliance & Risk

• Ensure HR practice complies with UK employment law, charity/CIC regulation, and sector safeguarding standards.

• Maintain accurate, secure personnel records; ensure privacy notices, retention schedules, and DPIAs are in place for HR systems.

• Contribute to the risk register; report workforce risks, incidents, and mitigations to the Board each quarter.

7) Collaboration & Advisory

• Work closely with the Director of Compliance on safeguarding training coverage, incident learning, and policy alignment.

• Support the Head of Programmes on capacity planning, supervision cadence, and quality assurance for delivery staff.

• Partner with Finance on workforce budgeting, recruitment costs, and any contingent liabilities.

Success Measures (Illustrative)

• All statutory and safeguarding checks completed and evidenced for 100% of staff/associates before start.

• Induction completion ≥ 95% within 30 days; mandatory training (safeguarding, UK GDPR, EDI) ≥ 95% within 60 days.

• Supervision/appraisal completion ≥ 90% on cycle; documented development plans in place for all staff.

• Recruitment SLAs met (time-to-hire within target, diverse shortlists monitored), with candidate experience ≥ agreed threshold.

• Pulse survey participation ≥ 70% and positive movement on inclusion and wellbeing indicators.

• Zero missed HR compliance deadlines; personnel records and retention schedules audit-ready.

Person Specification

Essential

• Senior experience in HR/People Operations within education, health, social impact, or professional services.

• Demonstrable track record establishing HR policies and implementing safer recruitment and induction at pace.

• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, safeguarding responsibilities, and UK GDPR in HR contexts.

• Skilled in employee relations with balanced, evidence-led judgement and clear written/oral communication.

• Commitment to EDI and neuro-inclusive practice; able to turn principles into workable, proportionate processes.

• High integrity, discretion, and independence of mind; comfortable advising a Board/Chair.

Desirable

• Experience supporting a mixed workforce (staff plus associates/contractors/volunteers).

• Exposure to TUPE, restructuring, or scaling organisations.

• Credential(s) such as CIPD (Level 5/7) or equivalent experience.

• Familiarity with lean policy design, HRIS selection, and light-touch analytics for KPIs.

Safeguarding, Data Protection & Health and Safety

This role is subject to enhanced DBS (depending on access to beneficiaries) and ongoing safeguarding refreshers. All activity must comply with ThriveSpark’s policies (Safeguarding, Data Protection/UK GDPR, Health & Safety, EDI, Code of Conduct). The Director of HR is accountable for ensuring safer recruitment is applied consistently and that HR data processing is lawful, minimised, secure, and time-limited.

Terms of Appointment

This is a voluntary position during the initial phase. Expenses reasonably incurred in the course of duties will be reimbursed in line with policy. As the organisation scales, the Board will review the HR leadership structure and may consider a remunerated appointment subject to resources and need.

We are looking for brilliant HR professionals who want to help Pregnant Then Screwed tackle the Motherhood Penalty by becoming a Volunteer HR Advisor. 

Our Volunteer Advisors give around 1-2 hours a week of their time to the Advice Line. They use their HR knowledge to offer a kind, empathetic support and advice to help people to identify and challenge pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the workplace.

About the role

Role Title: Volunteer HR Advisor 
Location: Home-based (UK)
Reporting To: Head of Support Services

Time Commitment

The Advice Line is open Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm, with various available shifts during those times. We ask volunteers to give 1-2 hours per week on the Advice Line for a minimum of three months. 

Alternative time commitments can be considered and discussed as part of your application, so please do include any information that might be useful in your application form.

Main Role Purpose

The Advice Line HR Advisors play a vital role in providing support and guidance to working parents facing unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace via our advice line. Volunteers will offer advice, listen empathetically, and provide information about employee rights and available resources. This role is critical in empowering parents to make informed decisions and navigate workplace challenges effectively.

Essential requirements

• Minimum CIPD level 5 Diploma in People Management with one professional reference.
• Knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and policies related to pregnancy, maternity leave, and discrimination.
• Access to a mobile phone/laptop/tablet to receive calls. You will not be charged for calls and your number will not be shared.
• Access to a reliable and secure WIFI connection. Public WIFI is not suitable for this role.
• Excellent active and empathetic listening skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• A kind and welcoming telephone manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Comfortable using online communication tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer incoming phone calls to the PTS Advice Line from individuals seeking support and advice.
• Listen actively, empathise, and provide HR advice and guidance to support callers with their enquiries.
• Signpost to further information and other support organisations if necessary.
• Make referrals to our legal partner if required.
• Record all details of the call on our CRM system.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions, adhering to all Pregnant Then Screwed guidelines and policies.

What you can expect from PTS

• The opportunity to use your skill set to tackle the Motherhood Penalty and make a meaningful impact.
• An onboarding and induction period which can be completed at your own pace.
• Support from the PTS staff team and volunteer network.
• Access to our Volunteer Training Hub.
• Opportunities to help us further develop and shape our Support Services.

What happens when you apply

We are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis so there is no deadline to apply, however we may have to close the application window temporarily if we receive a large number of applications. 

Application stages:

1. Apply online using the link on this page.
2. Application review. The PTS staff team will review your application. If suitable, you will be invited to join us for an introduction call. If we can not proceed with your application we will let you know why. Please allow up to four weeks for us to respond to your application.
3. Introduction call. This will be a 15-30 minute call online (via Google Meet) with a Support Services staff member. We’ll ask you a few questions about your application to find out more about you, as well as answering any questions you have. We’ll also get your consent to contact your referee.
4. Online training and reference check. The team will get you set up on our Volunteer Training Hub so that you can complete your online induction training. This can be done at your own pace, and we’ll check in with you after a month if it’s still not completed. We’ll also request a reference from your referee.
5. Group Induction. Once you’ve completed your online training and we’ve received a satisfactory reference, you’ll be invited to join a group induction. Inductions are hosted online at least once a month and give you a chance to meet other volunteers (new and long-standing) and ask questions.
6. Ready to roll! You’ll now be ready to volunteer, so we’ll set you up on our calling system and book in your first shift.
7. One month check in. The team will always be available, but after your first month we’ll check in to make sure everything is going ok and that you’re happy in your new volunteer role. 

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.

Are you a HR professional? Could you give an hour a week to tackle pregnancy and maternity discrimination? Then we need you!

We’re not going to sugar-coat it, things aren’t great for working parents and pregnant women. It can feel frustrating and a bit depressing at times, but by being part of the Pregnant Then Screwed volunteer team, you get to turn that frustration into something positive. In the last year the fantastic volunteers on our Advice Line have spoken to over 5000 women and parents, collectively providing around 40 hours of free support and advice every week. Hundreds of women and parents call our Advice Line every day, but with a small team of volunteers we are only able to answer a fraction of those calls—this is where you come in.

We are looking for brilliant HR professionals who want to help Pregnant Then Screwed tackle the Motherhood Penalty by becoming a Volunteer HR Advisor.

Our Volunteer Advisors give around 1-2 hours a week of their time to the Advice Line. They use their HR knowledge to offer a kind, empathetic support and advice to help people to identify and challenge pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the workplace.

About the role

Role Title: Volunteer HR Advisor 
Location: Home-based (UK)
Reporting To: Head of Support Services

Time Commitment

The Advice Line is open Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm, with various available shifts during those times. We ask volunteers to give 1-2 hours per week on the Advice Line for a minimum of three months. 

Alternative time commitments can be considered and discussed as part of your application, so please do include any information that might be useful in your application form.

Main Role Purpose

The Advice Line HR Advisors play a vital role in providing support and guidance to working parents facing unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace via our advice line. Volunteers will offer advice, listen empathetically, and provide information about employee rights and available resources. This role is critical in empowering parents to make informed decisions and navigate workplace challenges effectively.

Essential requirements

• Minimum CIPD level 5 Diploma in People Management with one professional reference.
• Knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and policies related to pregnancy, maternity leave, and discrimination.
• Access to a mobile phone/laptop/tablet to receive calls. You will not be charged for calls and your number will not be shared.
• Access to a reliable and secure WIFI connection. Public WIFI is not suitable for this role.
• Excellent active and empathetic listening skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• A kind and welcoming telephone manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Comfortable using online communication tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer incoming phone calls to the PTS Advice Line from individuals seeking support and advice.
• Listen actively, empathise, and provide HR advice and guidance to support callers with their enquiries.
• Signpost to further information and other support organisations if necessary.
• Make referrals to our legal partner if required.
• Record all details of the call on our CRM system.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions, adhering to all Pregnant Then Screwed guidelines and policies.

What you can expect from PTS

• The opportunity to use your skill set to tackle the Motherhood Penalty and make a meaningful impact.
• An onboarding and induction period which can be completed at your own pace.
• Support from the PTS staff team and volunteer network.
• Access to our Volunteer Training Hub.
• Opportunities to help us further develop and shape our Support Services.

Head of Programmes - Voluntary (initial phase), expenses reimbursed

Lead the programme portfolio that changes how schools and employers support ADHD - and set the quality bar for a growing, mission-driven organisation. You will turn a robust business plan into measurable outcomes, while shaping a delivery model ready to scale nationally.

About the role
As Head of Programmes you will design, launch, and continuously improve ThriveSpark’s education and workplace offers (CPD for schools/MATs, employer licences, public courses, and a digital toolkit). You will build the associate facilitator bench, embed safeguarding and quality assurance, and evidence impact for clients, trustees, and investors. The role is voluntary at the outset with a clear pathway to a paid appointment as revenues scale.

Key responsibilities

• Translate strategy into modular, evidence-based programmes with clear learning outcomes and delivery standards.

• Own programme roadmaps, fidelity, and version control; maintain delivery playbooks and safeguarding protocols.

• Recruit, onboard, and support an associate facilitator network; schedule delivery and optimise utilisation.

• Set and track KPIs (attendance, attainment, exclusions, workplace retention, self-efficacy, NPS) and publish impact updates.

• Partner on bids and proposals (MATs, local authorities, employers); provide pricing inputs and monitor unit economics.

• Manage risk and compliance (UK GDPR, DPIAs, H&S), ensuring 100% safeguarding compliance.

About you

• Significant experience leading programmes in education/training, social impact, health, or HR/OD.

• Track record of designing scalable, outcomes-driven provision and running quality assurance at pace.

• Excellent stakeholder skills with SENCos, MAT leaders, HR/OD and commissioners.

• Confident with data, evaluation, and budgets; comfortable balancing impact and unit economics.

• Deep commitment to neuro-inclusion; trauma-informed, culturally competent practice.

• Desirable: work with MATs/LAs/NHS/large employers; DSL/safeguarding, SEND/EDI, or delivery management credentials.

Practicalities

• Status: Voluntary (initially); expenses reimbursed. Planned transition to paid role linked to revenue and impact milestones.

• Time: Flexible weekly commitment during pilots; some evening availability.

• Location: Hybrid; South of England preferred. Occasional travel to client sites.

• Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS and ongoing training required.

Why join us

• Build the programmes from the ground up and see your work move the dial on attendance, attainment, retention and wellbeing.

• Operate with clear purpose, strong governance, and a credible route to scale (education, employers, digital).

• Progression pathway to a salaried post as the organisation grows.

How to apply
Apply via CharityJob with your CV and a short statement (max 500 words) outlining your most relevant programme-scale achievement and what you would prioritise in your first 90 days. We actively welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with lived experience.

Join the Quality Control Team at the International Humanity Foundation (IHF)!

Are you detail-oriented and passionate about maintaining high standards? Do you have a knack

for HR and a commitment to ensuring quality education and training? The International

Humanity Foundation (IHF) is looking for dedicated volunteers to join our Quality Control Team!

Role: Quality Control Team Member (Volunteer)

Responsibilities:

- Monitor and evaluate the quality of training provided to all IHF members.

- Ensure that active members receive comprehensive and effective training.

- Collaborate with the HR team to identify and address training needs and improvements.

- Maintain accurate records of training sessions and assessments.

- Provide feedback and recommendations for enhancing training programs.

Requirements:

- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

- Experience or interest in Human Resources (HR) is a plus.

- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

- Commitment to IHF’s mission and values.

- Ability to dedicate a few hours per week to this volunteer role.

What We Offer:

- A chance to make a meaningful impact on global education and humanitarian efforts.

- Experience in quality control and HR functions within an international NGO.

- Opportunities for personal and professional growth.

- A supportive and collaborative team environment.

About Us

IHF is a global NGO dedicated to providing quality education and support to children and

communities in need. Our mission is to make a positive impact through education, volunteerism,

and humanitarian efforts.

Join us in our mission to ensure quality training for all IHF members and help us make a

difference in the world!

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

____________________________________________________________________________

We currently have a vacancy for a Trustee on the Board of the Mosaic Learning Trust, based in Standish, Wigan.

Our Trust comprises three schools across Wigan and Lancashire. We’re looking for someone passionate about making a genuine difference to children’s education and school experience.

Our Board brings together professionals from a wide range of backgrounds – whether your expertise lies in Human Resources, Marketing, Legal Services, Community Engagement, or another sector, your skills could help shape the future of our schools and improve outcomes for all our students. Prior experience in education isn’t necessary, as we provide full training and support.

This is a voluntary role, and we welcome interest from anyone who feels they have the skills and time to contribute. Being a Trustee is both rewarding and impactful – it’s a meaningful way to give back to the local community while developing valuable board-level experience.

UK (Various Locations)

Closing Date: 12 November 2025

Ref 7193

Save the Children UK is looking for an individual with People, Culture and Organisational change/Transformation experience to join us as our Trustee and Chair of the People Committee.

You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive, and the Executive Leadership Team to help shape and champion our transformation journey, ensuring our people, culture, and organisational design enable us to deliver lasting impact for children.

About Us

Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. Together with partners, supporters and communities, we deliver lasting results for millions of children — including those hardest to reach.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional individual to serve as the lead Trustee on our Board for all things People, Culture, Change and Business Transformation.

Save the Children UK is in the middle of a revised organisational strategy reshaping how we work to drive deeper, lasting outcomes for children. We are undoing internal bureaucracy, reimagining partnerships, clarifying our service offers and flattening our internal layers. We are keen on unlocking Agile as a philosophy to become more autonomous, accountable, and human-centred. Over the coming years, we aim to embed meaningful child participation, raise more flexible funding for local leaders, and champion greater power and resources for communities. And we will develop as an organisation that is lighter, more joyful, and more human-centric to create deeper impact.

All of the above is already underway through programmes and plans. We are looking for a Board member to champion the transformation work that is happening within the organisation and within the People team. You will be a trusted sounding board, a challenger who helps us raise our game, and a “lighthouse” for our vision for change.

You could be a current or former Chief People, Transformation, Effectiveness or Innovation Officer, a consultant, or an academic in management thinking - someone with deep expertise in helping organisations make positive, sustainable, and long-lasting change so that they deliver better on their purpose.

As Trustee, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight and governance on People, Culture, and Organisational Effectiveness matters as Chair of the People Committee.

• Champion our transformation agenda, bringing insight and challenge on how to build a more agile, empowered, and joyful organisation.

• Act as a sounding board to the Chief Executive and Executive Team, providing constructive challenge and support on people and culture priorities.

• Ensure alignment between SCUK's transformation goals and our broader strategic ambition to deliver deeper outcomes for children.

• Uphold the highest standards of governance, compliance, safeguarding, and accountability as a member of the Board of Trustees.

• Represent SCUK at key events and act as an ambassador for our values and mission.

About You

We are seeking a Trustee who:

• Is engaged with, and excited by, SCUK's vision, mission and values.

• Is a strategic thinker, with demonstrable and deep expertise in People and Culture matters and organisational management.

• Has a strong track record in successfully designing and delivering strategic and holistic organisational change.

• Has experience leading multi-phased people, culture and effectiveness programmes that have delivered measurable results for the organisation.

• Has deep understanding of, and can champion, Agile and agile ways of working.

• Chairs meetings effectively, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Will work to guarantee the highest standards of integrity and governance, and help ensure statutory requirements are met.

• Is able and willing to devote the necessary time to the role (see below).

• A demonstrable commitment to championing diversity and inclusion, and a clear understanding of power, privilege, and how this affects everyone, particularly the children and communities with which we work.

• An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Trustees, and of the difference between governance and management functions; and corporate governance issues, especially those that might affect a large international not-for-profit organisation.

Other highly desirable experience

• A good understanding of child poverty in the UK, and an interest in international affairs.

• Experience with digital innovation and technology-enabled transformation.

• Willingness to build and use networks to make introductions for SCUK, for example to explore best practice in or facilitate fundraising, or advocacy and campaigning.

The knowledge and skills listed above represent “the ideal candidate”. Please do not be deterred from applying if you do not fulfil every highly desirable capability.

We warmly welcome applications from candidates across the UK, particularly from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and regions of England outside London. Previous Trustee experience is not required — we welcome first-time Trustees and will provide induction and support.

Additional Information / Terms of Appointment

• This is a voluntary position, with reasonable expenses covered. We want to do what we can to remove barriers for Trustees on low incomes or with little spare. Please let us know during the application process if this could be an issue for you, so that we can explore options together.

• Trustees are required to attend all Board meetings (four Board meetings and one or more Board calls per year), and for this role, quarterly People Committee meetings. You may also be asked to join an additional committee. Trustees may also be asked to participate in Board strategy days, telephone conferences, or travel on behalf of SCUK.

• Meetings are held at SCUK's Head Office in Farringdon, London, with hybrid participation possible.

• Trustees are appointed for an initial term of 2 years, after which Trustees can be reappointed for two further terms of 3 years each, up to a maximum of 8 years.

To learn more about the position, please review the Role Profile on our website. 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: 

Save the Children UK believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable where all children have the opportunity to change their world. We apply this to our workforce and we are committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation where all employees have a sense of belonging and feel that they can be "Free to Be Me". We are not looking for just one type of person - we want to recruit people who can add fresh perspectives, innovative ideas or challenge that disrupts the risk of group think. 

We are especially interested in people whose childhood experiences - of life on a low income, of migration, of being in a racialised community, of the care system, of being LGBT+ or in an LGBT+ family or living with (or with someone with) a disability - help us to see things we might otherwise miss. Whatever your story is we want to hear it because we know that different voices, ideas, perspectives and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of children around the world. This is the reason why we are all here. 

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

Bid - Writer Support (Administrator) Job Overview

We are currently recruiting for Bid - Writer Support to join our passionate and driven team.

As Bid Administrator you will support the performance of a high performing bid team designed to facilitate and support the successful winning of new grants and tenders across the UK.

As an outstanding administrator you will play a key role in assisting the team to ensure that all bid documents and business development literature is prepared and presented not only to the highest possible standards but on time – often within challenging deadlines. Key to success in the role will be the following traits:

· Adaptability

· Determination

· Flexibility

· Robust disposition

You will be at your best when you’re working under pressure and in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. This role calls for someone who can react as deadlines and priorities change; someone with resilience and a tenacity to get the job done whilst never compromising on quality.

Key Responsibilities:

· Management of a central mailbox, including basic tender management duties

· Monitoring new business opportunities advertised on various portals and websites.

· Reviewing new business opportunities as they arrive, forwarding relevant opportunities to the appropriate bid writers.

· Taking ownership of the bid library, which includes ensuring that it kept up to date as and when new opportunities are submitted.

· Thoroughly proof-reading materials to ensure information is grammatically correct, well-researched, and without spelling errors

· Ensuring that our in-house bid process is understood and implemented to ensure that quality, commercial and legal requirements are consistently met

· Taking ownership of client portals – Including dealing with daily alerts and maintenance of portal logins

· Providing general administrative support to the bid writing team.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday and Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

• Flexitime
• Work from home

Schedule:Day shift

Experience: Administrative: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Bolton and the surrounding area are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Director of Compliance - (Voluntary)

Status: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
Reports to: Board (via the Chair)
Works with: Managing Director, Company Secretary, Head of Programmes, Director of HR, Finance & Compliance Officer
Location: Hybrid (South of England preferred), with occasional site visits
Time commitment: c. 6–8 hours per month, with peaks during audits/incidents
Screening: Enhanced DBS required

Role purpose

To ensure ThriveSpark operates safely, lawfully, and to a consistently high standard by providing independent oversight of safeguarding, data protection, quality assurance, and organisational risk. The Director of Compliance sets proportionate guardrails that enable delivery, maintains the core compliance framework, and advises the Board with clear, evidence-led judgement.

Key responsibilities

1) Compliance framework & policy governance

• Maintain and periodically review the suite of core policies: Safeguarding, Data Protection (UK GDPR), Health & Safety, Quality Assurance, Complaints, Whistleblowing, and related procedures.

• Establish an annual compliance calendar covering policy review, training refreshers, audits, and filings; monitor adherence and report variances.

• Ensure documents are version-controlled, accessible, and aligned across the CIC and (where relevant) the CIO charity arm.

2) Risk management & assurance

• Own the organisational risk register: define risk owners, review quarterly, and ensure mitigations are tracked to closure.

• Design proportionate internal assurance (spot checks, observations, sample reviews) to test policy effectiveness without impeding delivery.

• Produce concise compliance dashboards and narrative reports for the Board, escalating material issues promptly.

3) Safeguarding oversight

• Ensure safeguarding policy and practice meet statutory and sector standards, with clear reporting/ escalation routes and post-incident learning.

• Confirm coverage and currency of safeguarding training for all relevant staff/associates; monitor DBS status and safer-recruitment controls.

• Chair or contribute to incident reviews (including “near misses”) to identify root causes and corrective actions.

4) Data protection & information governance

• Serve as the lead for UK GDPR compliance (or work closely with an appointed DPO as applicable).

• Lead Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new systems, platforms, or data flows; ensure data minimisation, access control, and retention schedules.

• Oversee privacy notices, subject access processes, data breach response, and ICO registration/renewal.

5) Quality assurance (QA) of delivery

• Codify QA standards for programmes (planning, observation, feedback, supervision, reflective practice).

• Coordinate periodic QA reviews with the Head of Programmes; verify that quality actions are implemented and evidenced.

• Support the publication of proportionate impact and compliance statements to clients and stakeholders.

6) External compliance & partner due diligence

• Ensure statutory filings and insurances remain current (e.g., ICO, relevant regulator reporting).

• Oversee due diligence for key suppliers/partners (safeguarding, data protection, insurance, references) and ensure appropriate clauses in contracts.

• Advise on procurement and proportionate contract-management controls.

7) Complaints, concerns & whistleblowing

• Maintain accessible routes for complaints/concerns; ensure timely, fair handling and learning capture.

• Safeguard whistleblowers and assure the Board that concerns are investigated and addressed without detriment.

Success measures (illustrative)

• Risk register reviewed quarterly with actions closed to schedule; Board receives clear, timely assurance.

• 100% completion and currency of mandatory training (safeguarding, data protection) for staff and associates.

• All relevant programmes observed/assured against QA standards at agreed cadence; corrective actions implemented.

• DPIAs completed before any new data processing; zero material data breaches; ICO registration current.

• Safeguarding incidents reported promptly; root-cause analysis and learning actions evidenced.

• Annual policy audit completed; filings and insurances up to date; no missed statutory deadlines.

Person specification

Essential

• Substantial experience in compliance, safeguarding, quality, or risk within education, health, or the social-impact sector.

• Practical command of UK GDPR (including DPIAs, retention schedules, breach management) and confident policy drafting.

• Proven ability to design proportionate assurance, interpret evidence, and communicate concise, actionable findings to Boards.

• Calm, independent judgement; able to balance risk with operational realities and maintain confidentiality.

• Strong written/oral communication; skilled at turning complex requirements into usable guidance for busy teams.

• Commitment to inclusion, ethical practice, and the safety and dignity of beneficiaries.

Desirable

• Experience overseeing mixed workforces (staff, associates, volunteers) and multi-site delivery.

• Familiarity with sector regulators and reporting (e.g., CIC Regulator/Charity Commission context).

• Exposure to ISO-aligned approaches or equivalent quality systems.

• Relevant credentials (e.g., safeguarding lead, information governance, risk/assurance).

Safeguarding, data protection & H&S

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and ongoing safeguarding refresher training. All activity must comply with ThriveSpark policies and legal duties, including UK GDPR, Health & Safety, and sector standards for safeguarding. The director ensures safer-recruitment, data minimisation, and lawful processing are embedded in everyday practice.

Terms of appointment

This is a voluntary position during the current phase. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with policy. Time commitment averages 6–8 hours per month with additional time during audits or incidents. The Board will periodically review leadership requirements as the organisation scales.