Independent Visitor Volunteer Roles

The Kelmarsh Trust is an independent Charity responsible for the management of the historic Kelmarsh Hall (a Grade 1 listed building); it’s Grade 2* listed Gardens and the wider Kelmarsh Estate.

What will you be doing?

Kelmarsh Hall is an 18th century Grade 1 listed property, set in iconic Grade 2* listed gardens at the centre of a traditional working agricultural country estate of 3500 acres.

The Kelmarsh Trust was established in 1982 following the death of the last member of the Lancaster family who had owned the estate since the beginning of the 20th century.

It’s purpose is to promote, conserve and protect the heritage of the Hall and it’s environs, to make the Hall and Gardens open and accessible for public appreciation and to provide an education resource and facility for a variety of interested individuals and organisations. 

The Trust has a number of sources of revenue including rental income from six working farms and thirty residential properties (which comprise the wider estate); revenue from visitors to the Hall and gardens;  income from a successful Events business which utilises the Hall and grounds for weddings, festivals and corporate events; income from a wind farm located on the estate; returns from a tea room and shop; investment income and occasional grants from various external bodies. The total annual income is c£1m.

The Trust has a strong focus on increasing these revenue streams and exploring other strategic development opportunities across the wider estate.

The Trust is also working to make Kelmarsh one of Northamptonshire’s major visitor attractions - with a variety of events open to the public - including garden walks, musical evenings, food and drink markets, children’s activities, picnics and seasonal fairs.

The Trust is supported by a small dedicated and highly effective team of full and part time staff ably supported by our fantastic volunteers and our first class professional advisors.

Estimate of time needed: 0-5 hours / month. The Trust meets four times each year and there are sub-committee and other ad-hoc meetings.

What are we looking for?

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the Trust managing one of Northamptonshire’s finest country estates which is a major heritage site, visitor attraction, events venue and education centre as well as being a working estate with several farms and a number of let properties.

We are looking to appoint a new Trustee to join our Board. Specifically we are looking for someone with a finance background, ideally a qualified Chartered Accountant, who has operated at Board or senior management level in either the commercial sector or private practice. The individual will also have a passion for the traditional country house and estate.

What difference will you make?

The Kelmarsh Trust's purpose is to promote, conserve and protect the heritage of the Hall and it’s environs, to make the Hall and Gardens open and accessible for public appreciation and to provide an education resource and facility for a variety of interested individuals and organisations. 

The Trust is working to make Kelmarsh one of Northamptonshire’s major visitor attractions with a variety of events open to the public - including garden walks, musical evenings, food and drink markets, children’s activities, picnics and seasonal fairs.

The Organisation
For nearly a century, Norfolk Wildlife Trust has been committed to the conservation of Norfolk’s wildlife: a commitment expressed in land acquisition, habitat restoration, education, engagement and advocacy. Our passionate belief is that the wildlife of Norfolk deserves a healthy landscape in which to thrive and that people deserve the same.

To find out more about the work Norfolk Wildlife Trust do, visit the website.

The Role:
The Chair will provide leadership to the Council of Trustees, ensuring all Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of Norfolk Wildlife Trust. The Chair will work in partnership with the CEO and the Strategic Leadership Team to ensure the Trust achieves its Strategy: 'A Wilder Norfolk for All'.

Person Specification:

• A strong commitment to the aims and purposes of Norfolk Wildlife Trust
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as the Chair of the Trustee Board
• A strong sense of strategic purpose
• An inclusive leadership style with experience in chairing meetings
• The ability to listen and engage effectively
• A willingness and the ability to champion the Trust's work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Commitment to the Charity Governance Code and Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
• Ability to commit time to the role, including travel and attending events out of office hours
• IT skills (papers for meetings are sent electronically and many meetings are held online)

Further Information
For comprehensive information about Norfolk Wildlife Trust, 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 Norfolk Wildlife Trust and believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply with the following:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides 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.

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

All applications should be emailed to Trustees Unlimited.

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

Closing date for applications: Friday 14th February 2025
Interview with Norfolk Wildlife Trust: is likely to take place in w/c 3 March or w/c 10 March 2025

About SOS!SEN
SOS!SEN is an independent UK charity dedicated to helping families secure the right educational support for children and young people with SEND. Our team of over 70 volunteers with firsthand experience provides legally-based advice and practical guidance to confidently navigate the SEND system. We support parents, carers, and young people through every phase of their journey. With a 95% success rate at Tribunal and 1,400 helpline calls answered yearly, we empower all children to reach their full potential through the provisions they deserve. We also raise awareness of SEND challenges through training, campaigning, and lobbying, ensuring that legal duties to children are fulfilled.

We’re Looking for Meeter/Greeter Volunteers
Locations Available:

• Canterbury, Kent: 2 roles available
• Maidstone, Kent: 1 role available
• Bristol, Bristol City: 1 role available
• Thornton Heath, Greater London: 1 role available
• Birmingham, West Midlands: 2 roles available
• Westminster, London, Greater London: 2 roles available

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per month (term time only)
Start Date: February 2025 (flexible)

Join us as a Meeter/Greeter Volunteer!
You’ll be the first point of contact at our advice centres, offering empathetic and welcoming support to families and individuals navigating SEND challenges. This rewarding role enables you to make a meaningful difference by strengthening our community connections.

Key Responsibilities:

• Welcome visitors to the advice centre.
• Use a web-based system to register visitors.
• Triage visitors reasons for attending the advice centre.
• Process and manage large quantities of information efficiently and be able to condense it to hand over the visitor to a SEN advisor.
• Build relationships with visitors and provide a listening ear. Keep accurate records in the charity database.
• Share key updates through our WhatsApp community.

Skills and Qualifications:
Essential:

• Empathetic, helpful, and kind demeanour.
• Ability to build relationships and listen actively.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with web-based systems.

Desirable:

• Personal experience with the tribunal system.
• Some knowledge of SEND.

Training and Support:

• Initial training will be provided.
• Ongoing support through our volunteer knowledge area, with access to webinars, continuing training and development opportunities, and SOS!SEN resources available on our website.

What’s in it for you?

• Gain valuable experience in the SEND field.
• Contribute to a meaningful cause and make a tangible difference in the lives of families.
• Develop skills in communication, problem-solving, and technology.

Expectations:

• Adhere to our code of conduct and maintain confidentiality.
• Be proactive in finding solutions to problems through personal research and available resources.

Inclusive and Supportive Environment:

At SOS!SEN, we value the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our volunteers. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where all volunteers feel respected, valued, and able to meaningfully contribute to our causes.

How to Apply:

To apply, click the "Apply" button to complete the application form. You won’t need to submit a CV or cover letter. When asked about the capacity in which you’d like to volunteer, please select ‘Meeter/Greeter at Advice Centre ’ to ensure your application is considered for this role.

An exciting opportunity to join the board of The Pleasley Pit Trust as treasurer. The position is to maintain and improve the charity’s financial standing and to collaborate with colleagues in assessing and managing risk and to ensure financial sustainability.

You will be joining us as we enter an exciting period of growth and transition; our aspirations are big and will see us transform our museum and educational centre into a significant visitor attraction. We will tell the compelling story of coal mining throughout the East Midlands and beyond and using our beautiful country park and nature reserve we will bring the restoritive power of nature and outside activities in open green spaces to new generations.

We need a treasurer who will play a key part in our development, providing the financial leadership needed to realise our ambitious plans and  help us make a difference to our grass roots charity.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

· Oversee the financial health of the charity, ensuring we operate within financial regulations both legally, and constitutionally.

· Develop financial plans, oversee, and prepare budgets, and forecasts and in collaboration with the board of trustees, and other stakeholders, appraise financial viability of plans, proposals, and feasibility studies, ensuring the financial viability of the organisation.

· Monitor and report on the financial position for the board’s monthly meetings and Annual General Meeting.

· Implement effective financial risk management processes, putting in controls to ensure compliance. Review and update financial policies and procedures, as necessary. Ensure guidance is provided to all board members regarding their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.

· Ensure the timely preparation and submission of all statutory financial reporting requirements; coordinate and lead the annual audit process, consulting with the charity’s external auditors and the finance team (currently one part time Finance Officer and one Visitor Centre Manager).

· Play an active role in the strategic development of the charity, particularly in relation to the museum and educational projects. This will include identifying and helping to secure funding opportunities with the visitor centre manager and other board members.

· Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of financial and legal regulations that may impact on decisions or policies.

· Where appropriate, oversee the charity's investment portfolio, ensuring a balance of risk and return.

Skills and Experience:

Proven track record of financial management and budget-holding responsibilities, ideally in a growth environment.

Strong aptitude for financial data analysis with the ability to interpret complex financial data and explain it to non-finance colleagues in a clear and concise manner.

Experience of financial risk management, including knowledge of statutory financial reporting and audit processes.

An understanding of the financial challenges and funding opportunities relevant to independent charities, or a willingness to learn.

Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to forge effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders.

A commitment to the mission and values of The Pleasley Pit Trust and a desire to protect the coal mining heritage of the region.

Desirable:

Relevant degree, or equivalent accounting knowledge gained in a business arena,

The Pleasley Pit Trust uses SAGE.

Experience securing funding from a range of sources, including grants, individual and  corporate donations, and legacies.

Experience in a similar role within a museum or heritage organisation.

The Norwich Printing Museum is looking to recruit a small number (up to six) of new members for its Board of Trustees.

The Museum is one of very few remaining working printing museums in the UK. It was born from a collection of printing machinery, type and bindery equipment gathered by Jarrolds for their own printing museum (which closed in 2019). The Museum is now an independent charitable Trust, run by the Board of Trustees and operated by a team of volunteers (a few of whom are also Trustees). A small working ‘Museum in Residence’ on the Blickling Estate has been operating since 2021 and is due to close in October 2025. The Museum is seeking a permanent home to store and display its collections in Norwich.

Whether you are an experienced museum volunteer or trustee, someone with an interest in conserving and interpreting threatened traditional crafts, an enthusiast for the history and practice of printing, or for the city of Norwich, you will be very welcome to apply to join our Board of Trustees.

The Trustees are looking to expand their skill-base, and will welcome especially those with skills and enthusiasm in one or more of the following areas:

• Heritage project development
• Leadership and decision-making
• Museum management or curatorship
• Building management
• Fundraising
• Public education
• Printing or book history
• Printmaking
• Design history
• Bookbinding
• Marketing and publicity
• Administrative skills
• Managing volunteers
• IT and social media
• Teaching/public speaking
• Norwich and Norfolk life

The role of Trustee involves:

• Taking part in management and decision-making processes
• Working with the Board to meet the challenges that face the Museum, especially the need for new premises
• Managing the volunteers and working with them to provide the best service to the public, as a working and archival museum, a cultural and educational resource, and a visitor attraction
• Working with the Board and volunteers to raise funds and publicity for the Museum
• Engaging with other museums and collection-holders in the UK, and with the other charities and administrative bodies which support the Museum
• Working with the Board to update and expand the Museum’s policies and procedures
• Bringing your own ideas and enthusiasms to the running of the Museum

While we welcome applications from across the country, we are particularly seeking Trustees with local connections and knowledge.

Time commitment: The Board of Trustees usually meets monthly throughout the year, currently via Zoom, as well as conducting some ad hoc committee business between meetings, mostly by e-mail. Occasional events and meetings are held in Norwich.

What Trustees receive: As a Trustee you will receive the induction and training  necessary for your role, and the full support of your fellow Trustees. There is no payment for Trusteeship, but traveling and material expenses may be claimed. 

Closing date for applications: 1 March 2025. If you are interested in applying, or would like to find out more, please contact the Chair or Secretary (contact details below). Applicants will be sent a form requesting information on their background and skills, and their reasons for applying, along with the names of two referees (one personal, one professional). Applicants who are selected will be interviewed by representatives of the current Board, and the references of successful applicants will be taken up before their posts are confirmed.

Samaritans is here for anyone struggling to cope – day or night, 365 days a year. We take action to prevent people reaching crisis point, helping people find ways to cope and learn the skills to be there for others. We operate from a medium sized building consisting of a dozen or so rooms in New Cross. We need someone to help us keep the building safe and comfortable for our volunteers and visitors. There would be some DIY and maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs and testing alarms. We would also like you to deal with third party contractors, utility providers and other suppliers.

Currently, this role is shared between a couple of our listening volunteers and doesn't take up more than a few hours each week. The hours are very flexible based upon your availability.

Join us and make a real difference to local families

Being a parent can be lonely, frustrating, and overwhelming. Home-Start is there for families when they need it the most.

Our longstanding Chair and Treasurer are standing down. We require

• an experienced Chair
• a Treasurer with financial management experience, preferably in a non-profit
• two members with experiences that will add insight into the challenges families with young children in South Wiltshire face. We welcome interest from all backgrounds/skill sets and are particularly keen to find people with HR experience.

You can help children in South Wiltshire have the best start in life. We would love to hear from you.

“The team feels like ordinary people doing extraordinary things for families.” Volunteer

“Been amazing, knowing I’ve got that (volunteer visit) to look forward to in a difficult week, she listens, she’s great, helps to know I have her visit when I’m having a difficult week.” Mum

“Families who are lucky enough to have Home-Start involvement flourish. Home-Start can connect with families who would otherwise struggle to gain access to their communities while they are vulnerable and coping with difficult and sometimes complex situations. Home-Start is not duplicated by other services and if not in South Wiltshire some families would slip between the statutory agencies.” Health Visitor, South Wiltshire

About Us

Evolve is a leading homelessness charity in London, providing housing and support to over 1,300 people each year. We believe in building on people’s strengths, aspirations and goals to help break the cycle of homelessness and help them move forward with their lives.

Our mission is to help children, young people and adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness reach their potential, and move on to live happy, fulfilled lives.

Background to the role

Evolve’s long-servicing Chair stepped down due to tenure served at the end of 2024, with our Vice Chair stepping up to Chair. We are now looking to bring support to the role of chairing the board with a Vice Chair who brings experience from the registered housing sector. Evolve is both a registered charity and a registered housing provider. Regulation is complex and ever-increasing for registered housing providers, and the voices of our customers need to take the right position in housing governance. 

Main Responsibilities

The Vice Chair is crucial to the successful running of the organisation. The Vice Chair, in partnership with the Chair, the Board and the Chief Executive, ensures that the organisation operates effectively, setting its strategic vision and delivering its Business Plan.  The Vice Chair assists the Chair in upholding and demonstrating excellence in governance and ensuring that the organisation works within the parameters laid down by its Articles of Association and all regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• To assist the Chair in ensuring that the Board and the organisation operate effectively in accordance with the Articles of Association, demonstrating the highest standards of governance.
• To assist the Chair in ensuring that all the affairs of Evolve Housing + Support are carried out effectively and in compliance with the requirements of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, Charities Act, the Companies Act and all regulatory bodies.
• To assist the Chair in ensuring effective internal controls are in place and to ensure compliance with internal financial regulations, standing orders and delegated authorities.

Person Specification

We are seeking to bring individuals to our board with senior level experience in one of these core areas: finance, housing management, maintenance, asset management, compliance, health & safety, development, and safeguarding in housing. It is not necessary to have held a board role previously, however, a knowledge of good governance principles is required.

Key requirements:

• Governance experience, member or Chair of a Board or similar, with knowledge of good governance practice.
• Experience at Executive level within a registered housing provider.
• Current working knowledge of regulatory requirements for social housing providers and key issues facing the sector.
• Strong commitment to equality and diversity; social justice and inclusion.
• Enabling and supportive management style that motivates the Chief Executive, other staff and the Board to deliver the best.

Diversity and inclusion 

Evolve Housing + Support is fully committed to equality of opportunity, and creating an inclusive culture across our organisation is at the heart of who we are. We actively encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds, cultures, genders, and disabilities.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Evolve Housing + Support in the recruitment of this role. 

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter after reviewing the recruitment pack. If you would like a call to discuss the role in more detail, please email John Sanger to arrange a convenient time. Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.

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

The closing date for applications is Monday 17th February. 

Play to the Crowd (Incorporating Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers) is looking for individuals to join our Board of Trustees. Our aim is to build the collective diversity of our trustees to include a greater range of ages, backgrounds and experience.

At this time, we are particularly looking for a Trustee who can represent young people between the ages of 18 and 35 who do, or would like to, access theatre and the arts. Applications from those within that age range will therefore be prioritised on this occasion.

For more information, please have a look at our trustee information pack, which is available below. 

Deadline for application: 10am, Fri 28 Feb
Interview date: TBC

Home-Start South Wiltshire offers support, friendship, and practical help to parents with at least one child under 5 through our network of trained volunteers, who visit families in their homes. We believe children need a happy and secure childhood and that parents play the key role in giving their children a good start in life and helping them achieve their full potential.

We are urgently looking for an experienced Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. The main responsibilities include leadership and governance, strategic planning, financial oversight, fundraising and advocacy, board development, program oversight and engaging with our team.

We are looking for the following skills:

· Proven leadership experience, preferably in a non-profit organisation with a strong understanding of governance and strategic planning.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and bring people together.

· Experience of chairing meetings and events.

· Able to demonstrate a strong passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives, and cause.

​This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check. Chair Information Pack and role description

We actively encourage applications from candidates known to be under-represented in the charity sector – including Black, Asian and other Ethnic groups and disabled candidates and from all walks of life. Candidates can request reasonable adjustments for them to complete the recruitment process.

Home-Start South Wiltshire offers support, friendship, and practical help to parents with at least one child under 5 through our network of trained volunteers, who visit families in their homes. We believe children need a happy and secure childhood and that parents play the key role in giving their children a good start in life and helping them achieve their full potential.

We are urgently looking for a new Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees, oversee our financial affairs and help shape our future growth.

You will ideally (although not necessarily) be:

· A qualified accountant

You will have:

· Proven experience in a financial management role.

· Strong understanding of accounting principles and practices.

· Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to communicate financial information clearly and concisely, including to those who may have little or no  experience of finances and budgeting.

· Commitment to the values and mission of Home-Start South Wiltshire.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

We actively encourage applications from candidates known to be under-represented in the charity sector – including Black, Asian and other Ethnic groups and disabled candidates. Candidates can request reasonable adjustments for them to complete the recruitment process.

For an informal discussion with the current Finance Lead or for an application pack and form, please contact Jacqui Scott.

We will respond to candidates as they apply and reserve the right to keep this post open until it is filled.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is seeking to appoint a new Trustee/ Non-Executive Director, with income generation and/ or digital marketing expertise. Joining our Board offers an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of one of the UK’s leading pre-hospital emergency care charities, ensuring our vital service continues to save lives across the Midlands region and beyond.

We’re looking for an individual who can bring the following attributes:

1. GOOD GOVERNANCE

The ability to make a strong contribution to the governance and success of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (with a track record of successful leadership, and experience of operating at board level or the ability to contribute at board level).

2.  INCOME GENERATION AND/ OR DIGITAL MARKETING EXPERTISE

An experienced leader with income generation experience – charity or commercial sector, 

AND/OR

An experienced leader within the digital marketing/ social media sector, with the ability to enhance the charity’s digital marketing engagement strategy and capabilities (including data and analytics, and innovations in this space such as AI).

We are seeking new Trustees with a specialism in either Equality, Diversity and Inclusion or Finance to join our Board.

Awarded Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards 2025 and the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre by UK Theatre in 2023, Nottingham Playhouse is one of the country’s leading producing theatres. In addition to our ambitious productions, wide-ranging participation programmes and extensive artist development programme, we are also a registered charity. All of the funds we raise help to ensure we’re reaching as many people as possible to give them new opportunities and create lasting memories.

Nottingham Playhouse is governed by a Board of Trustees, whose expertise and care guide the decisions and actions of the organisation. The Board of Trustees meets 6 times a year in Nottingham, with occasional subgroup meetings. Trustees also attend press nights for each in-house production and other Nottingham Playhouse activities whenever possible.

To compliment the skills of our current Trustees, we are now seeking passionate and effective advocates for the arts with particular expertise in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion or Finance, to proactively support and contribute to the work of the Board. 

This is an unpaid, non-executive role but reasonable expenses for attending Board meetings will be offered. More information about the role is available in the Recruitment Pack.

Nottingham Playhouse is committed to a policy of diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from potential Trustees who would help to broaden the diversity of our Board. You can be a Trustee provided you are aged 18 or over and training can be given if needed. We strive to be fully accessible and applications from disabled people are particularly welcome to balance our governance.

How to Apply

To apply, please send us:

1. A covering letter explaining why this opportunity appeals to you and what experience, skills and knowledge you would bring to Nottingham Playhouse as a Trustee
2. A copy of your CV (please include contact details)
3. A completed Equal Opportunities monitoring form, downloadable from our website. 

We would like to help you to fully participate in the application process. If you would like the information providing in an alternative format, support in completing your application, or you would like an alternative way to make your application, please contact us to discuss a suitable format.

Closing date: Friday 28 February 2025 at 12noon.