Volunteer roles

Who is Quaker Social Action?

QSA works with people on low incomes to seek solutions to the issues affecting their lives.

The services that QSA deliver are varied but all are about building respectful and dignified relationships with people who need support in some way. We address issues around food insecurity especially for asylum seekers, the dearth of support on the streets for people who are homeless, and the financial struggles many people experience when arranging a funeral. As well as these direct services we convene an advocacy group of hundreds of grassroots charities tackling child poverty in London. 

Some of our services operate in person, in London, some are national and delivered online or through a telephone helpline. Across all services, we seek to share our learning with others, through advocacy, campaigning or training; or by having a voice with policymakers and in the media on issues where we have credibility.

QSA was founded in 1867 by Quakers troubled by the social injustices of the time and keen to tackle them. This sense of taking practical action to address societal challenges has stayed with us over our 150-year history, and our organisational values are aligned with Quaker values of equality, truth and peace.

QSA is the largest independent Quaker charity and Quakers across the UK support our work –approximately 20% of our £1million+ income comes from Quaker sources. We are proud of our Quaker heritage and our place within the Quaker community, while also clear that our services, jobs and trustee roles are open to all.

“The advice and support was beyond beneficial. As a family we were just above the threshold for getting any financial support and at a very difficult time already, money worries was the last thing we needed.”

- Down to Earth funeral costs helpline caller.

What are we looking for?

The Charity Commission defines trustees as "the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run".

Therefore, we need new trustees who are:

1. Passionate about the aims of QSA and excited to contribute to our work

2. Empathic and understanding of the issues affecting people living in poverty, and keen to learn more

3. Wanting to make a positive contribution to our commitment to increasing inclusion, including giving voice to those with relevant lived experience

4. Willing to take on this responsibility and committed to learning more about charity governance

5. Able to commit the time needed to be a trustee and to take this responsibility seriously, for an initial term of three years.

While previous trustee experience is not necessary, we need trustees who have the confidence to actively contribute to the work of our charity from their appointment date, and who have capacity to engage with the governance task. The trustee task is more than attending meetings: we estimate it represents 1-2 days per month in total, accounting for board preparation, engaging with emails, and taking up opportunities to see the work and meet QSA staff.

Some of our trustees are Quakers but most are not, and we warmly welcome applications from people of all faiths or none. We are looking for trustees who will be in sympathy with Quaker values of peace, equality, integrity and simplicity.

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How do I contribute as a trustee?

Trustees meet four times a year. Usually, two of these meetings are in person in London, on an afternoon; the other two are online and in the evening.

Each trustee is expected to join one committee: finance & fundraising, governance & nominations or people & wellbeing. These meet quarterly, online, and are arranged to meet the needs of their members.

There are also formal and informal opportunities to meet with fellow trustees and with the QSA staff team, including online meetings, away days and special events. We encourage trustees to take advantage of as many of these opportunities as possible.

As well as this, trustees contribute by playing an active part in the life of the charity and by being responsive, supportive and committed to the fulfilment of QSA’s charitable purposes.

Trustees as a whole are responsible for:

· Setting the strategic direction of QSA

· The financial oversight of QSA

· Ensuring we comply with relevant legislation

· Supporting the paid staff of the charity to deliver our mission.

Being a trustee for a charity as diverse and energetic as QSA offers an exciting opportunity for people who are passionate about tackling poverty.

“I feel the service from these marvellous book fans and their very committed, caring staff are an essential…I use them twice a week every week. Please may they continue.”

- Visitor to Turn a Corner library van for people experiencing homelessness.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at QSA

QSA has been working hard on equity, diversity and inclusion and see it as a golden thread which runs through our organisation. We are still learning and we invite new trustees to join us on that learning journey.

Inclusion is important to us – the arrival of new trustees brings fresh perspectives and we are excited that our culture will expand and be enhanced by new people joining the board.

We are particularly keen on recruiting trustees who are closer to our cause. By this we mean people who have current or previous experience of living on a low income. We're aware that poverty disproportionately affects people with disabilities and also people who are black and others from global majority communities. Therefore, we'd particularly like to encourage you to apply if you're from one of these groups.

We are committed to addressing any barriers to inclusion, so do speak to us if there are changes we might need to make to enable you to participate.

Discussion and challenge are at the heart of good governance, so we need people who are different from each other to make that happen. We know this requires full engagement from all our trustees and commitment from us to make it work.

What support will I get?

We know that new trustees will need to get to grips with the role, and we offer support:

• New trustees receive an induction where they meet key staff and other trustees, and learn how our trustees work together.

• We have a buddying system in place for new trustees, providing support and reassurance from a more experienced trustee, especially for the first few months.

• New trustees receive all the information needed about QSA: governing documents, organisational chart, plans and recent trustee papers.

• We support trustees' learning and development and encourage our trustees to take opportunities to broaden their knowledge and skills.

• We do not want cost to be a barrier for trustees. Expenses are covered to ensure trustees can fulfil their obligations, such as travel, accommodation, and childcare.

The Vacancy

Do you feel drawn to support the formation and vocational journey of those seeking to serve as ministers in the Methodist Church?

Have you got experience in pastoral care, mentoring, gained through roles in HR, education, or other people‑focused work? Are you a strong communicator who works collaboratively with others?

If so, we would like to hear from you!

About You

We are seeking a committed and compassionate Lay volunteer to serve as Deputy Chair of the Ministerial Candidates and Probationers Oversight Committee (MCPOC). This role supports the Chair in providing oversight of candidates, student ministers, and probationers, ensuring process are fair, consistent, and pastorally sensitive and that decisions are made in accordance with the Standing Orders of the Methodist Church.

The Deputy Chair will act on behalf of the Chair when required and contribute to the leadership, discernment, and development of the Committee’s work.

As the Deputy Chair of the MCPOC you will need a blend of experience, skills, and personal qualities, including:

• Some experience of chairing meetings or facilitating group discussion.
• Confidence in reading reports and contributing to fair, thoughtful discernment.
• Organised, reliable, and able to handle preparation, follow‑up, and occasional time‑sensitive work.
• A committed Christian whose life reflects the values and ethos of the Methodist Church, and who is respectful, fair‑minded, and supportive of others’ flourishing.
• Competent in Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365 tools.
• Knowledge of Methodist governance or ministerial formation (desirable).

For further details of the role please refer to the Role Description and Person Specification.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at MCPOC meetings (typically 2 full days and one 24 hour residential per year).
• Participation in assessment panels and associated preparation.
• Attendance at liaison meetings, working groups, and other gatherings as required.
• Additional time for reading, scrutiny, and pastoral contact.

For questions or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please email HR Team.

Closing date: 26 July 2026

Shortlisting date: 3 August 2026

Interview date (in person): 10 August 2026

Chair of the Board – cultural leadership, governance, collection development, and strategic advocacy

Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust (PSGCT) is the registered charity responsible for the Peter Scott Gallery, a distinctive and valued part of Lancaster Arts and Lancaster University. The Gallery is an Accredited Museum and holds a rich and varied collection spanning thousands of years, from ancient Egypt and Greece to contemporary art, including works by major artists such as Barbara Hepworth, L. S. Lowry and Terry Frost.

Lancaster Arts is an Arts Council England NPO, with a mission rooted in social and environmental justice and a belief in the power of artistic practice to inspire change, provoke critical thinking and create shared experiences. The Gallery plays a vital role in connecting artistic excellence with research, teaching, public engagement and the wider cultural life of the region.

PSGCT is now seeking a new Chair of the Board to provide thoughtful leadership, uphold strong governance, support financial resilience and act as an ambassador for the Gallery and its ambitions. Working closely with the Curator, Director of Lancaster Arts, fellow Trustees, Lancaster Arts Board and university colleagues, the Chair will help ensure the Trust continues to thrive and that the collection is developed, interpreted and shared with ambition and care.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• A strong track record of leadership in the cultural sector
• Prior experience as a Trustee, ideally with experience of chairing Boards, committees, meetings or events
• A strategic outlook and with the confidence to convene diverse stakeholders and support active, informed and mutually supportive Board contribution

You will also share Lancaster Arts’ commitment to inclusion, environmental responsibility and socially engaged arts practice, and bring the confidence, networks and enthusiasm to act as an ambassador and connector for the Peter Scott Gallery and Lancaster Arts.

Please see the candidate pack for full details.

• Closing date: Thursday 13th August 2026
• Interviews with Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust: from 1st September 2026 onwards
• Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by EOD on 20th August prior to shortlist submission on 21st August.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust particularly encourages expressions of interest from disabled, D/deaf and/or neurodivergent people and those from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact our Operations Team. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

Chair of Advisory Board – cultural leadership, strategic insight, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration

Lancaster Arts is a dynamic and ambitious combined arts organisation, embedded within Lancaster University and supported as an NPO by Arts Council England. Its programme spans contemporary performance, music, visual art, commissions, artist residencies, Creative Gatherings and public programmes across the Nuffield Theatre, the Great Hall, the Peter Scott Gallery, campus spaces and locations across the wider region. Almost half of its programme takes place outside its venues, often in unexpected places including natural settings, community centres, carparks and historic buildings.

With a long-established reputation for the creation, development and presentation of cutting-edge contemporary arts, Lancaster Arts brings together artists, researchers, students, communities and audiences through work that is socially engaged, internationally relevant and rooted in the organisation’s vision of a world where social and environmental justice drives change.

Lancaster Arts is now seeking a new Chair of the Lancaster Arts Board (LAB) to provide strong, collaborative and values-led leadership. LAB is an Advisory Board, which provides strategic guidance, advocacy and critical support, helping Lancaster Arts strengthen its visibility, connections and influence across Lancaster University, the cultural sector and civic life, while supporting the organisation to remain responsive, resilient and relevant in a complex environment.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• A strong track record of leadership in the cultural sector or a closely related field
• A strategic outlook and the ability to navigate the intersection of Higher Education, the arts and wider civic and cultural relationships
• Skilled facilitation and communication, with the confidence to convene diverse stakeholders and support inclusive, purposeful Board discussion

You will also share Lancaster Arts’ commitment to inclusion, environmental responsibility and socially engaged practice, and bring the credibility, networks and enthusiasm to act as a public advocate and connector for Lancaster Arts.

Please see the candidate pack for full details.

• Closing date: Thursday 13th August 2026
• Interviews with Lancaster Arts: from 1st September 2026 onwards
• Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by EOD on 20th August prior to shortlist submission on 21st August.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact our Operations Team. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

At St John Ambulance, we believe that no one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are looking for people with excellent interpersonal skills to join our Safeguarding Team. Safeguarding is central to the work of St John Ambulance because it ensures that the diverse range of services we provide to children and adults at risk of harm, are delivered safely. Safeguarding Team Members do this in a number of ways e.g. by monitoring the implementation of the safeguarding policy, by responding to questions regarding and giving guidance etc.

Learning is at the heart of St John Ambulance and we offer a very large range of learning and developmental opportunities to our volunteers, including the full professional training that is essential for our Safeguarding Team Members:

·  Safeguarding Awareness

·  Safeguarding in Practice

·  Working safely with Children and Adults at Risk of Harm

We are looking to run a volunteering interview/selection session on:
-  Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 27/07/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

About us: 

H4All is working to advance the health and wellbeing of residents in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

This is done through our Community Champions programme, which is an initiative made up of organisations and local volunteers who promote positive wellbeing messaging and share healthcare information.

Who are we looking for? 

We are looking for committed volunteers who want to combine their passion for coaching and public health.  As a Wellbeing Coach Volunteer, you’ll be supporting a community-led programme by working with clients (Punjabi women) with Type 2 diabetes to help them set goals. 

This is a meaningful opportunity to reduce health and inequalities in Hillingdon, while gaining hands-on experience and benefiting from free training and support.    

Key Responsibilities 

• Attend two sessions a month with a client (30 minutes each) over a period of 6 months.

• Setting goals, developing an action plan and supporting clients to achieve goals

• Be able to listen non-judgmentally and communicate effectively

• Signposting client to relevant organisations, activities and support

• Give regular updates to the Health and Wellbeing Programme Officer

Benefits for you: 

• Free, specialised training and mentoring provided, enhancing personal and professional skills. 

• Hands-on experience in wellbeing coaching. 

• Networking opportunities with healthcare professionals, community organisations and other volunteers. 

• A chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. 

Training and support given: 

Mandatory training:  

•  Online Mental Health courses

• Diabetes online training 

• Wellbeing Coach training (ongoing) 

Throughout your time volunteering with us, there will be additional online and in-person training that will be offered (depending on interest and projects we are running).

Expenses: 

We can provide expenses for travel and parking at events or training.

Skills and attributes required: 

• Ability to speak Punjabi

• Friendly, supportive and non-judgmental attitude.

• Effective communicator and active listener.

• Respectful of confidentiality and procedures.

• Reliable and committed.

• Empathetic and understanding of others’ cultures, beliefs and backgrounds.

Desirable:

• Previous qualifications or experience in Coaching would be highly beneficial but is not needed.

Reporting to: Health and Wellbeing Programme Officer

Commitment required: 

• Full induction and Mandatory online courses, such as Health Coaching and Safeguarding online course.

• Attend relevant training when offered. 

• We ask for a commitment of 6 months due to free training and individual support/development offered to our volunteers. In addition, you will be supporting clients on a one-on-one basis.

• You’ll be working with a client over a period of 6 months, and meet them at Townfield Doctors Surgery for two 30-minute sessions (twice a month) to track their progress.

Documents Required: 

• In your application form, you will be asked for 2 references who have known you for at least a year. They can be from a professional, a friend, a support worker etc.

• A basic DBS check is required for public-facing roles.

To apply for this role: 

A H4ALL application form must be completed. You can email us or visit our website to get an application form.

VSO – Uzbekistan Education Project

International Volunteering Opportunity: English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teacher (Aug 2026 – June 2027)

About VSO: 

VSO is a global development organisation that uses the power of volunteering to tackle poverty and inequality. Rather than providing aid, VSO works in partnership with governments and local institutions to strengthen skills and systems so that sustainable change continues long after a project ends. Volunteers are placed at the centre of community-led development to empower the most marginalised people.  

Project Summary

The Government of Uzbekistan is prioritising improved English language learning across the education system as part of national development reforms. In partnership with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, VSO will place experienced and passionate volunteer teachers in public secondary schools to strengthen English language teaching and learning outcomes.  

Why this opportunity is unique?  

This is more than a teaching role — it is an opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful and lasting impact on education reform

• Gain valuable international experience in a multicultural environment.

• Be part of a global movement for positive change

• By supporting teachers and students to reach their full potential, you will leave a legacy that continues long after your placement ends.

Role Summary – EFL Teacher (English Language-Teacher)

Location: Public secondary schools in Uzbekistan Duration: 10–11 months (August 2026 – June 2027)  

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering interactive English classes to students aged 11–16

• Mentoring and coaching local teachers

• Leading extracurricular language activities and English clubs

• Integrating technology and modern teaching methodologies in the classroom  

Eligibility Criteria

• Graduate in Education / TESOL / Linguistics or related fields

• Final-year undergraduate or master’s student (who completes the course by July 2026)

• Fluent in English language (minimum C1 level)

• CELTA / TEFL / TESOL / DELTA preferred

Allowance, Costs & Support

There are no programme fees for volunteers. Fully funded project, all cost covered by VSO, including:

• Monthly living allowance equivalent to a local teacher’s salary

• Private accommodation near the workplace

• Return international flights, Visa, vaccinations & DBS -onboarding costs

• Comprehensive medical insurance and 24/7 mental health support

• Access to VSO’s global learning platform and continuous professional development

• In-country support from VSO for the full duration of the placement  

VSO has zero tolerance of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people. We will expect all our employees/ volunteers to commit to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm and abide by our safeguarding policy.

All successful candidates will have enhanced criminal background check done during onboarding 

Application Closing Date: 7th June 2026

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

What you would be involved in? (responsibilities) • Leading and inspiring a volunteer movement across a community or geography to deliver community first aid, community education and fundraising activities • Delivering a diverse, inclusive and positive volunteering experience for those within your network • Building strong relationships with local communities and organisations (e.g., Local Authorities, NHS, Council for Volunteering Services, etc) • Leading your community first aid network to respond to the needs of your local communities.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/08/2026
• Interviews will take place - Date, Times and Locations to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place - Date, Times and Locations to be advised

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Who We Are
Somerset Wildlife Trust is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK. We are a science-led movement focused on restoring habitats to support a wide range of wildlife and to restore natural processes that are essential for healthy landscapes. This also provides vital services such as clean air and water, food production, carbon absorption, and flood alleviation.

We have had some fantastic successes over our 60 years, such as working in partnership on the Levels and Moors to return the iconic Bittern, securing the purchase of Honeygar Farm to restore degraded peatlands, working with Devon Wildlife Trust on the reintroduction of pine martens, and developing climate adaptation plans with communities already affected by climate change.

However, we know we need to do more. The scale and urgency of the nature and climate crisis has never felt more pressing than it does right now.

The Role
We are looking for new Trustees to join us in our mission to create a wilder Somerset by 2030.

We understand that to deliver real-world change, we need to think and act differently. We want to recruit people with a range of different backgrounds and experiences, and with a variety of areas of interest, who can bring new energy and expertise to achieve more for nature in Somerset.

We are seeking individuals who share our passion for nature and our ambition to see it recover across Somerset and beyond. We are looking for people who believe we can address nature loss and climate change by supporting and inspiring others to take action.

We welcome applications from all applicants who can dedicate the time needed and demonstrate their commitment to our goals and values. We are looking for people with:

• A passion for nature 
• A shared commitment to Somerset Wildlife Trust’s goals and values 
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to be a Trustee 
• The ability to think and operate at a strategic level 
• Good independent judgement and problem-solving skills 
• An ability to think creatively 
• An ability to speak honestly and act as the minority voice when needed 
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship 
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team 

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our values:

Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work every day. Our values are:

• We include
• We collaborate
• We find a way
• We challenge
• We celebrate

We are seeking an inspirational Chair of Trustees and a Vice Chair to lead Studio Upstairs into its next exciting chapter.

This pivotal role requires integrity, compassion, and strategic vision to ensure our much-loved arts and mental health charity fulfils its charitable objectives, maintains the highest standards of governance, and continues to thrive as a respected and trusted organisation.

The Board of Trustees plays a vital role by steering and supporting the charity development. 

We are seeking to appoint a Chair,Vice Chair or initially to join the board as a Trustee.. The Studio Upstairs Board is drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and has a variety of skills. To complement the current Board, we would envisage that the Chair had a wide experience of running organisations and a particular interest in the charity sector. We are keen to hear from candidates with skills in the areas of Corporate Governance and Business Development ie: Charity Financial Management, Partnership working or Fundraising as well as those within Digital Technologies, Health or Legal expertise.

Studio Upstairs exists to transform lives through creativity. We have branches in Bristol and London. We are a trusted arts and mental health charity offering open studios and a creative community. We help people overcome challenges through therapeutic art practice and supportive peer interaction.

In addition to the full board meetings  there may be occasional committee meetings or meetings of specific task groups. It is expected that the Chair will also maintain regular contact with the Managing Director and other Board members.

The Board Meetings are to be held four to six times a year in London (currently online). 

A clear empathy with the aims of the charity are essential. You can find out more about our work on our website. 

The shortlisted candidates will be offered an opportunity to discuss the role informally prior to an interview. 

This is a pivotal leadership role for an experienced, values-driven Chair who can provide strategic direction and oversight, strong governance leadership, and visible ambassadorial support to the organisation.

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a Till  Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Provide a warm, friendly welcome to customers.
• Provide great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience.
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public.
• Processing sales and serving on the till.
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives.
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community.
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers.
• Following health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers. 

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

This is a weekend position.

OVERALL PURPOSE

Overall Responsibility for Co-ordinating the service delivery and impact measurement of a chosen WFRC Project on a day-to-day basis.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be instrumental in the growth and development of a fast-growing women & children’s charity. We are looking for someone to be an integral part of our team by ‘masterminding’ all aspects of running a chosen community project.

With your positive approach, you will enjoy working proactively and have the ability to juggle multiple tasks and respond to the day to day needs of the programme. You will be a confident communicator with the ability to build rapport and get conversations going with a wide range of people. You will lead and coordinate a team of volunteers in the implementation and provision of a responsive, high quality and service user-focused project. Please note that this is an unpaid voluntary role, however, volunteer expenses will be covered for the right candidate.

 OPERATIONAL TASKS

Project Implementation & Delivery:

· Collaborate with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.

· Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and resource allocations to guide project execution.

· Lead project team and facilitate effective communication and collaboration among team members.

· Assign tasks, set priorities, and ensure that project milestones and deadlines are met.

· Identify potential risks and obstacles to project success and develop mitigation strategies.

· Coordinate the allocation of resources, including budget, personnel, and materials, to support project activities.

· Optimise resource utilisation and identify opportunities for cost savings or efficiencies.

· Communicate project status, updates, and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.

· Establish and implement quality assurance processes to ensure that project deliverables meet established standards and requirements.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, including project plans, schedules, budgets, and reports.

· Prepare and present project status reports, dashboards, and presentations to senior management and stakeholders.

 Volunteer Management:

®  To oversee recruitment, induction and training of all new project volunteers.

®  To supervise, performance manage, appraise and support the professional development of project volunteers.

®  To communicate regularly with volunteers via phone, emails, and other means of communication.

®  To manage and authorize volunteer expenses.

®  To recognize and appreciate volunteers’ efforts.

Evaluation, Monitoring & Performance:

® To set up monitoring and evaluation systems and ensure volunteer compliance.

® To produce quarterly and ad hoc performance reports.

® To monitor performance regularly, taking action where under-performance is identified in liaison with management.

Personnel & Training & Communication:

® To identify training needs and undertake "in-house" and external training as requested and approved by line manager.

® To develop one’s own professional growth with input from line manager.

SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Essential Skills & Experience:

· Strong understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.

· Excellent written & verbal communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

· Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a proactive and results-oriented mindset.

· Experience in the non-profit sector or with social impact projects is preferred but not required.

· Strong office administration skills, with experience in overseeing office operations.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access).