Live volunteer roles

The Organisation
The Caldecott Foundation, based in Kent and Nottinghamshire, is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people who have faced challenging beginnings. With over a century of experience, we provide therapeutic residential care, foster families, and tailored education through our purpose-built schools, which support pupils with identified educational needs. Our schools offer a nurturing environment, with personalised learning, home tutoring, and weekly boarding options to help children thrive.At the heart of our approach is the ‘Caldecott Relational Model’, which fosters secure, reparative relationships, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and valued. Our highly trained professionals, including therapists and educators, deliver therapeutic care and bespoke education, creating pathways to mainstream schooling where possible.

To find out more about the work The Caldecott Foundation do, visit the website.

The Role:
The Chair of the Board plays a pivotal role in providing strategic leadership and ensuring effective governance for the Foundation. The primary purpose of the role is to guide the Board in making impactful decisions that align with the Foundation’s charitable objectives, while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability. You will foster a collaborative and high-performing Board culture, support trustee development, and ensure strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funders and partners. Acting as the Foundation’s ambassador, you will advocate for vulnerable children and young people, ensuring their needs remain central to the Foundation’s mission and operations.

Person Specification:
Essential Skills & Experience: 

• Proven experience in a senior Board role, with strong governance and strategic leadership skills. 
• Expertise in managing the interface between executive and non-executive teams.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, stakeholder management skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Strong integrity, independent judgement, and commitment to charitable values. 

Desirable Skills & Experience: 

• Background in charity governance, business leadership, or professional services.

Further Information
For comprehensive information about The Caldecott Foundation, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Information Document.

How to Apply
If you are passionate about joining The Caldecott Foundation 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 sent to Trustees Unlimited. 

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

Closing date for applications: Friday 25th April 2025 
Interviews with The Caldecott Foundation: w/c 19th May 2025 (dates tbc)

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY AND IS NOT OPEN TO STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

What is the purpose of this role?

The Sybil Levin Day Service is a specialist SPECAL-Led day service supporting people with dementia and their carers using the SPECAL method.

What activities might you be involved in?

• Assisting centre attendees to engage in activities.
• Serving meals and drinks.
• Helping to set up and clear away activities.
• Engaging in conversation with centre attendees.
• Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

• People with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of people with dementia.
• A friendly, sensitive and kind approach.
• Being comfortable in small groups or on a one to one basis.
• People with a commitment to using the SPECAL method at all times whilst at the centre.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The centre is open from Monday to Friday and would like volunteers to commit to a morning or afternoon at least once a week as a minimum.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role.  This will include a thorough Charity induction and a departmental induction to provide further information about the role.  You will also be given access to our online training library to complete the training modules that are mandatory for your role.

You will receive SPECAL training prior to commencing your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

• The chance to make a difference to the lives of people with dementia.
• Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.
• A comprehensive training programme.
• The opportunity to learn new skills.
• Experience to add to your CV.
• The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
• Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

HF Mencap is looking for new trustees to expand the skills within its board. This initiative comes as the organisation embarks on a new strategy and experiences a period of growth, made possible by the appointment of a new CEO.

What will you be doing?

HF Mencap  is the only disabilities charity in Hammersmith and Fulham that focuses solely on people with learning disabilities, autism, and other developmental conditions. The Charity provides a range of service-user led activity: Community Advocacy, a Youth Development Project for young adults, and a 6 Day a week Service where the focus is on peer support and skills development through a range of inclusive activities.

As a Trustee you will help HF Mencap continue to provide the highest standards of professional, specialist support and care for the people who use our services and set a clear, ambitious direction for the charity’s future. The Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring the charity is well-run and meets legal requirements, charitable objectives, and those of good governance. You will use your personal skills and experience to help the Board of Trustees in reaching structured and sound decisions.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates who are based in London. You may or may not have been a Trustee or worked in the voluntary sector. 

We would love to hear from individuals who have personal experience with learning disabilities and/or autism, as well as parents or caregivers of those affected. Additionally, we are interested in hearing from professionals who have worked with people with these disabilities. Alternatively experience in fundraising or as a company secretary would be a plus.

Whatever your circumstances you feel strongly about the cause of HF Mencap and want to combine your expertise and passion to create a better world for people with learning disabilities and autism. You are willing to bring your skills and experience to the table to help shape HF Mencap’s future. You are enthusiastic, able to commit time and effort, and enjoy  working as part of a team.

The role is voluntary, with any necessary out of pocket expenses reimbursed. Appointment is for a three year term with the opportunity to be re-appointed for a further term up to three years.

What difference will you make?

The current social and economic pressures have put the needs of those living with learning disability further down the national agenda. You will be helping to keep their voice heard and enabling a local charity to take an even more active role in helping to address the inequality faced by so many of them.

Before you apply

Please contact us via Reach with a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.

Passionate about animal welfare? Bring your expertise to our Board.

Our mission

Our mission is to improve the lives of dogs and cats today and avoid harm tomorrow.
The Edgard & Cooper Foundation exists to end the suffering of dogs and cats.
To realise our mission, we work in partnership with projects that meet our three key goals:

1. Stop the avoidable suffering of dogs and cats
2. Help people understand what dogs and cats need
3. Champion the legal protection of dogs and cats

Since the start of our operations in 2016, The Edgard & Cooper Foundation has worked hard to reach its full potential but we need your help. We see the need to bring a new Trustee to the Board, with a background in legal or governance and animal welfare to help us continuously improve and further our impact.

Edgard & Cooper and the Foundation

The Edgard & Cooper Foundation operates as a distinct and independent entity from Edgard & Cooper, the pet food brand. While both share a deep commitment to improving the lives of dogs and cats, the Foundation is solely dedicated to philanthropic efforts, focusing on funding impactful animal welfare initiatives worldwide. Since our inception, we have provided financial support to 22 projects in 16 countries, with a total funding commitment of €3,303,869. In 2024, we donated €770,000 to partners addressing animal welfare, education, and legal protection.

Person Specification

It’s essential to us that all persons involved with The Edgard & Cooper Foundation in any capacity have a genuine passion for the welfare of all animals, and fully support our mission and values.
We are seeking a Trustee with expertise and experience in:

• Animal welfare issues faced by dogs and cats, and their possible solutions locally and globally, to enhance impact.
• Legal, compliance, and risk management to ensure strong charitable governance.
• Previous Board Trustee experience, ideally within animal welfare philanthropy or related causes.

Trustee Responsibilities

• Developing and upholding the mission and values of The Edgard & Cooper Foundation.
• Strategic input on our Theory of Change model and setting our goals and key priorities.
• Expert input on decision-making and evaluation of partners and grant-making activities.
• Ensuring legal, compliance, and risk management best practices are integrated into all Foundation activities.
• Reviewing budgets and statutory annual accounts, as well as reviewing and developing all internal processes; financial, operational and otherwise.
• Reviewing and development of external communications when required.
• Supporting the Foundation team with expertise and critical advice.
• Review of organisational structure, including advice and decision-making on new Board members and succession.
• Acting as an ambassador for The Edgard & Cooper Foundation and paying keen attention to any organisations we fund through grant-making.

What's in it for you?

This is the perfect opportunity to make a tangible, lasting difference in dog and cat welfare while using your professional skills for a meaningful cause. As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping the Foundation’s impact, working alongside a passionate and dynamic Board committed to driving positive change.
This role offers valuable learning and developing opportunities, exposure to high-level strategic decision-making, as well as network expansion opportunities.
Please note that trustee roles are not accompanied by financial remuneration, though reasonable travel expenses may be claimed.

Hiring Process

• Fill in your information through our Careers Page to express your interest in the position and we will schedule a “Get to know you” call (25’)
• Match? Please send us your resume and a cover letter
• Competency-based interview with the Executive team (1 hour)
• Opportunity to engage with the other Board Members

Equal opportunities

We believe our strength comes from its diversity. We strive to create an environment where every person feels valued and empowered. So no matter who you are, where you come from, what you believe in or what your dreams are, we welcome you and look forward to receiving your application.
If your circumstances require any special arrangements at any stage of our interview process, please let us know.
We're looking forward to hearing from you.

We kindly ask you to apply in English.

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

What will you be doing?

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

What are we looking for?

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

Skills, experience and qualities needed

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

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

What difference will you make?

Joining our team will give you the opportunity to:

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

Please note that we will request references.

Role: Welcome volunteer

Team: Tooting Hub – CARAS ESOL (Youth/Adult)

Supervised by: Team Project Coordinator

Location: Tooting Hub site

Activity times: Monday or Wednesday

Time commitment: 2 hour shifts on a rolling basis.

We ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 4 months

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work:

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.

About the Role:

We are currently recruiting a team of volunteers to join our new Welcome team at Tooting Hub. This is a new role. Welcome volunteers will provide a friendly face to existing community members attending our regular projects. They will also be the important ‘face of CARAS and our welcome at the door’ to people attending projects for the first time, to visitors and to people dropping in unannounced to enquire about CARAS’s service. Volunteers will meet and greet, and ensure all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting. There will be an administrative element to the role (updating registers and emailing enquiries to CARAS staff, for example).

Who will you be?

We work hard to ensure our services feel welcoming and inclusive. It is important that this new team is representative of our diverse local and internal CARAS community. Whether you are new to volunteering with CARAS or are a regular volunteer looking to vary your role or a community member wanting to develop some leadership skills or volunteering experience, this might be the exact project for you.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

· Signing up to a shift/s on the Tooting HUB welcome team rota

· Able to be at Tooting Hub in person to complete agreed shifts

· Welcoming staff, volunteers, existing and potential new community members and visitors

· Ensuring all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting

· Ensuring everyone completes the onsite register on arrival to comply with safeguarding, health and safety and fire evacuation policies

· Taking agreed initial intake information for new / drop in visitors wanting to attend a taster activity

· Conducting induction tours of the building and introductions to facilities, key staff, and partners

Requirements (all experience can be from paid or voluntary roles): 

Essential: 

· A calm, friendly, kind, and patient approach

· Happy and confident to meet new people and put them at their ease

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds

· Confidence in using one’s own judgement to follow agreed policy

· Good IT admin skills in using Microsoft office, outlook, Google search, online forms etc

· A commitment to confidentiality and data protection

· Punctual and reliable

· To be able to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays for a minimum of four months

Desirable:

· Lived experience of seeking sanctuary and/ or the UK immigration system.

· Personal experience of working with people seeking asylum.

· Proficiency in one or more of the following community languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu, or Vietnamese.

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process.

Benefits to Volunteering:

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum.

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team.

· Develop your skills and competencies.

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.

· Obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering

· All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. *

· You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.

Aspens are looking for trustees to join us on the next exciting part of our journey. We'd love to hear from you if you have accountancy, social care, business development or fundraising experience.

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism? Do you have the skills, experience, and dedication to help guide a forward-thinking charity? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

About Aspens CharitiesAt Aspens we provide high quality care and support to people on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; and their families; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

Why Become a Trustee?As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of Aspens Charities. You will work alongside a committed Board to ensure our services remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our core values.

Your Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring Aspens meets its charitable objectives.
• Oversee financial management, risk assessment, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to drive excellence in service delivery.
• Act as an ambassador for Aspens, promoting our work and values.
• Attend Board meetings and contribute to key strategic decisions.

What We’re Looking For:We welcome applications from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Key attributes include:

• A strong commitment to the aims and values of Aspens Charities.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Willingness to dedicate time to Board meetings and governance activities.
• Integrity, good judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

• Accountancy
• Health & Social Care sector knowledge
• Fundraising and business development

Time Commitment & LocationThis is a voluntary, unpaid role with reasonable expenses covered. The Board meets approximately three times a year, with 3 committee meetings and occasional additional meetings or events. Meetings are held in person and virtually.

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to the goals and aims of the charity. 
• Dedication to the role and a willingness to devote the required time. 
• The ability to make good independent judgements. 
• Being able to think creatively. 
• Understanding the importance of carrying out required legal duties. 
• Proven strategic abilities that can be used to create effective plans. 
• Strength of character coupled with the ability to voice concerns and opinions.
• Proven experience working as a member of successful teams. 
• Integrity and objectivity which can be applied to all aspects of the role.

Experience of either accountancy or fundraising / income generation. 

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, your leadership will directly shape the future of Aspens Charities and the lives of the people we support. You will help:

• Improve Quality of Care – Ensuring individuals with learning disabilities and autism receive the best possible support.
• Drive Strategic Growth – Expanding and developing services to reach more people in need.
• Ensure Financial Sustainability – Overseeing resources to secure long-term impact.
• Strengthen Governance – Upholding transparency, compliance, and ethical leadership.

Your expertise will make a lasting difference, creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

WellChild, based in Cheltenham, is the national charity for seriously ill children and their families. We fund programmes and services to make it possible for children and young people living with complex medical needs to thrive at home instead of hospital.

What we are looking for:

An experienced senior paediatric doctor with knowledge of the current challenging environment faced by children with complex medical needs and their families.

Purpose of the role:

Our medical trustee is the professional/clinical link championing our families and professional voices to ensure that we always act in the best interest of our service users which is the focus of our charity.

It is the duty of the board of trustees to act in the interests of the charity’s service users. It should ensure that the charity has a clear strategic direction and fulfils its charitable purpose as set out in the charity’s governing document – Articles of Association.

The board of trustees follows the Nolan principles of acting with integrity. It adopts values, applies ethical principles to decisions and creates a welcoming and supportive culture which helps achieve the charity’s purpose. The board ensures the charity’s ethics and values are embedded throughout the organisation.

Trustees undertake their duties with this in mind.

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking to recruit 2 new trustees.  We are looking to diversify the experience and expertise of our Board, and we believe that there are people out there who have knowledge, skills and passion in different areas that will help SWWB. Areas for organisational development include:

· Embedding lived experience expertise into the design, delivery and evaluation of our work

· Developing our campaigning and strategic work

· Building up our social media and comms presence

· Stepping up our fundraising game

If you think you can help with any of these things (or something else), and you are interested in being a trustee, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!

Our ambition is to continue to develop outstanding services that meet the needs of our community; if you want to be part of our future, we would love to meet you to discuss this further.

Becoming a trustee for Home-Start Southwark (HSS) is an exciting and fulfilling role. The role of a trustee is to ensure that HSS fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries through contributing to the strategic development, effective governance and financial management of the organisation. The board of trustees are both jointly and individually responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of HSS, its financial health, the integrity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals.

We are particularly interested in receiving applications from people with the following skillsets:

• HR
• Legal
• Finance, accountancy, bookkeeping
• Fundraising
• Media and communications

                                                  MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS VOLUNTEER

About us

Youth Mix is an award-winning young people’s charity that’s about “Inspiring a Generation” empowering young people to be change-makers in their communities, as well as through projects that UNITE communities, EDUCATE on social issues, INSPIRE a generation of leaders and CREATE active citizens.

What is our mission

We will be delivering an array of highly effective projects engaging with hard to reach young people across England, particularly in areas of high need. Projects will include providing tools and approaches on life and social skills, mentoring, organising community cohesion events, delivering workshops on topics relevant to young people’s needs and promoting volunteering opportunities.

About the role

We need an experienced Marketing & Communications Volunteer to join us who is able to set up and develop our communications, including running our social media platforms and creating a fantastic positive energy and buzz about Youth Mix and young people.

The role is what you make it and as a leader within the charity, you will have a massive input on the culture, comms and direction of the charity, creating an amazing platform for us to create a huge positive energy for both the charity and young people.

As this role is voluntary, the role offers great flexibility to fit around your time (including daytimes, evenings and/or weekends), where you will mostly manage your own workload, including mostly home based working. Inspire A Generation – Join Youth Mix Today!!! and help us make a difference to the lives of young people across England.

As a vital member of our team, you will:

• Develop and execute marketing strategies to increase awareness and engagement.
• Create exciting and impactful content for social media, newsletters, and other communication channels.
• Help define our tone of voice and messaging to align with our brand and mission.
• Work on campaigns that generate support for Youth Mix’s initiatives.
• Support us in engaging with partners, donors, and supporters through innovative communications.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience and interest in marketing, communications, or social media.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for building a strong and exciting brand presence.
• A passion for Youth Mix’s mission and values.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• A commitment to the role for 18 months
• Available to commit 6-8 hours per week

How to apply

Apply with your CV through the Charity Jobs website.  We will then send you a short application form for you to complete and email back to us. Once your application has been reviewed and if you are successful we will contact you to arrange a telephone interview.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the high number of applications we are expecting to receive for this role, we are not able to respond individually to candidates concerning their applications. Therefore if after the application stage of the process, if you do not hear from us 4 weeks from the date of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion.

• Role: Trustee for UK Board
• Experience: Candidates with experience in International Development (INGO experience) or Primary Education desired
• Subcommittees: Optional committee role in Audit & Risk Committee or Remuneration Committee
• Remuneration: Pro bono
• Time commitment: c. 10-12 days commitment per year
• Terms of the appointment: 3 years with possibility to renew for a further 3 years
• Location: UK – London and remote

About UWS

WHEN WE EDUCATE THE FUTURE, WE CHANGE THE FUTURE

Education accelerates poverty reduction, female empowerment, and improved infant mortality.
Yet, 251 million children worldwide are out of school.
 

This changes now.

UWS works to ensure children have access to quality, inclusive education in remote and marginalised communities by collaborating with local partners, communities and governments.

We deliver schools, we train teachers and we strengthen education systems.

Our low-cost, high impact model builds capacity, not dependency. This ensures that education systems continue to flourish beyond our involvement.

Shifting focus from delivering change in the short term, to empowering change for the long term, we go beyond educating the future, to changing it.

Our vision is Zero Education Poverty.

UWS is an international nonprofit that was established in 2008 to provide children in remote and marginalised regions access to free quality, inclusive primary education. We currently operate in rural areas of Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Madagascar, working with over 320 communities and over 70,000 children to date. We currently have three Boards, in the UK, USA, and Germany. This recruitment is for Trustees of the UK Board. 

Role summary

• Role: Trustee for UK Board and committee role (Audit & Risk Committee or Remuneration Committee)
• Remuneration: Pro bono
• Time commitment: c. 10-12 days commitment per year
• Terms of the appointment: 3 years with possibility to renew for a further 3 years
• Location: UK – London and remote

Role specification

The UK Board of Trustees governs UWS by setting its strategic direction, approving its goals and objectives, and providing oversight to ensure the organisation fulfils its mission. Trustees use their networks and expertise to support UWS in expanding its reach and impact.

Due to some Trustees stepping down at the end of their term, UWS is seeking one new Trustee to help expand its reach internationally to serve more children in remote communities. UWS is now particularly interested in candidates with International Development experience (INGO experience), particularly in Primary Education and ideally with an understanding of gender inclusive education – ensuring girls have the same start in life as boys. 

While UWS is headquartered in London, it has teams delivering programmes in Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Madagascar. Trustees play a key role in advocating for UWS, offering strategic guidance, and helping to develop partnerships that support its mission.

Diversity

At UWS, we are committed to ensuring our leadership reflects the diverse communities we serve. We believe that different perspectives and lived experiences strengthen our governance and decision-making. As part of this commitment, we are actively seeking to broaden representation on our board and encourage applications from individuals who bring diverse insights and backgrounds.

We particularly welcome applications from:

• Individuals with lived experience of informal, disrupted, or limited access to education.

• People from—or with strong connections to—our programme countries (Nepal, Myanmar, Madagascar, and Cambodia) or other low-income countries facing similar education challenges.

• Those with direct experience of overcoming barriers to education in low-income contexts.

Appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, we may apply positive action where candidates from underrepresented backgrounds demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

We encourage all who share our mission to apply and help us build a more inclusive and representative organisation.

Terms of appointment

This role is unremunerated, and the time commitment is approximately 10–12 days per year. This includes four Board meetings and one annual strategy day. Trustees may also choose to join a committee or provide ad hoc advisory support based on their expertise and availability.

UWS is committed to safeguarding children, and safe recruitment is central to this commitment. All applicants will be required to undertake a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check as a condition of Trusteeship.

Process

This process is being run in-house by the organisation, who will view the applications without edits. We therefore advise applicants to avoid using ‘see CV’ or ‘please call me to discuss further’ in your application as it may restrict your chances of progressing to the next round.

Deadline for applications: 25 April 2025
Shortlisting and candidates can expect to be contacted by: 9 May 2025
Candidates can expect the process to be completed by: Middle of June 2025.

Luminus Non-Executive Director opportunity

Are you looking for a chance to make a real difference to the lives of local people in Surrey, particularly those at risk of health inequalities?

As the NHS and local authority services face a period of significant change, it's vital that people and the quality of care remain front and centre, and their voices and experiences are heard.

This is a voluntary, unremunerated role, although we do cover all reasonable expenses and applicable care costs.

Luminus is a Surrey-based Community Interest Company (CIC) which exists to make sure those voices are heard. We are now seeking new Non-Executive Directors to help guide the next stage of our growth. This is a great time to join a well-led and well-governed organisation, bringing your existing skills, or building your experience on a Board, as we offer a warm welcome, friendly atmosphere, mentorship and training - as well as the chance to make a real difference. In particular (but not exclusively), we welcome applicants who have experience of one or more of the following:

• growing a business;
• a network of contacts across Surrey and beyond who are potentially relevant to the wider business interests of Luminus; and/ or
• a particular interest/ experience in fulfilling the Board’s oversight of finances and/ or its governance in general.

Luminus welcomes applicants with a diverse range of perspectives and experience, and welcomes people seeking their first Non-Executive Director (NED) role. A willingness to learn about our organisation and the responsibilities of our NEDs, and an ability to commit to the time involved, are essential.

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from ethnic minoritised communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with lived experience of social or health inequalities. If you are passionate about our mission but unsure whether this role is for you, we would love to hear from you - we welcome fresh perspectives.

Time commitment: Quarterly Board meetings plus workshops and potentially sub-committees – around 1 to 2 days per month.

Please find out more about the role in our NED recruitment document on our website.

We are also offering 2 further opportunities to find out more:

• We will be running an online information session via Teams on Wednesday 7 May at 1.30pm where you will be able to hear from our current Board co-chairs and CEO, and ask questions. If you are interested in attending please contact us for joining instructions before 7 May 2025.
• If you’d like an informal telephone chat with one of our co-chairs, please contact us and we can arrange this for you at a time that suits.

How to apply

Please submit your completed application form and CV by 5pm on 16 May 2025. Application forms are available on the Luminus website or message us and we will send to you.

If you have questions about the application process or would like support in applying please contact us.

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 26 May 2025 at our offices in Burpham, Guildford.

Our Challenge 

Our Support and Information team offer a wide range of inclusive and accessible peer support services, for everyone affected by a brain tumour — adults and children, regardless of whether it’s low or high grade. One of our most popular services is our Online Support Groups which offer peer to peer support on Facebook, HealthUnlocked and Instagram.

We are looking for volunteers who can manage requests to join our Facebook Support Groups and respond to posts with supportive comments and signposting. This role will continue to facilitate the warm and inclusive nature of the support groups by ensuring members are welcomed to the group and posts across our online support groups are responded to by The Charity, where appropriate.

How can you help?

In this role, you’d be required to get involved in the following:

• Managing Facebook requests
• Creating and maintaining accurate information on our CRM database
• Welcoming new members to the groups
• Offering peer support by responding to posts
• Flagging posts or comments to the group admin if you have any concerns
• Support with additional online tasks that help to deliver The Charity’s Support services

What impact will you have?

We have over 35,000 members of our online support groups and you will play a key role in providing vital support and information signposting to help those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. 

We’re looking for…

Someone who is empathetic and supportive in nature and has:

• Experience of using social media platforms, in particular Facebook
• Strong IT and computer skills, ideally experience of using databases
• A high degree of empathy and resilience and an ability to separate own experiences from others, offering support and signposting in a non judgemental way
• Organisation and reliability, with an ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
• Great written communication skills and a demonstrable understanding of confidential working

The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities. 

 What can you gain from volunteering? 

• You’ll have the opportunity to utilise your existing skills, while developing and learning new ones to take forward into the future 
• You’ll join a friendly, passionate team and develop an understanding of how this team at The Charity operates
• The satisfaction of knowing that you’re making a valuable contribution to the lives of those affected by brain tumours

Time commitment

We ask volunteers for a regular commitment of at least two hours a week (between 9am—5pm, Mon—Fri), with the opportunity to offer more time if you would like to. Due to the training involved, we would ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 6 months volunteering with us.

Practical considerations

This is remote role where you can volunteer from home. You will receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing direction and support from one of the team, who will be your key contact. We carry out reference checks for all individuals who will be volunteering with us on a regular basis. Volunteers will be required to complete some internal data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the role. Volunteers must be over 18. We encourage volunteers to claim for any reasonable expenses that are incurred in the course of their volunteering with the Charity.

Need support with the application process? We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, please do get in touch.