Peer To Peer Researcher Volunteer Roles in Edinburgh

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of those affected by Long Covid? 

Long Covid Support, a registered charity in England and Wales, is searching for a forward thinking and dedicated Chair of Trustees to lead our mission. This is a unique opportunity to drive positive change, advocate for those impacted, and shape the future of our charity to better support individuals and their families/carers.

Who are we?

Long Covid Support was registered as a charity in 2022 with a clear vision: for Long Covid to be well-defined and understood, with high-quality information, support, and healthcare services accessible across the UK. Founded by individuals with lived experience, we are committed to ensuring that patients are equal partners in decisions about their health and welfare, with fair access to investigations, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Who are we looking for?

Through our networks, we bring together diverse individuals and communities—both within and beyond the UK—to connect, share knowledge, and amplify their voices in conversations that matter. As our new Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the next exciting phase of our charity’s growth, strengthening our impact, and driving meaningful change for those affected by Long Covid.

Do you have the skills and experience to lead a growing charity making a real impact? We are looking for someone with:

✅ Leadership skills

✅ Experience of committee work

✅ Tact and diplomacy

✅ Strong communication and interpersonal skills

✅ Impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confidentiality

Experience in chairing a trustee board or a comparable body—such as Chair of School Governors, Parish or Town Council Chair—would be a significant advantage. A background in health or social care would also be highly beneficial.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight, ensuring that Long Covid Support remains focused on its mission and operates effectively within legal and regulatory frameworks.

This is an active and hands-on role, requiring a commitment beyond board meetings to support this small but impactful charity. Your leadership will help shape the charity’s direction, strengthen governance, and drive meaningful change for those affected by Long Covid.

Key Responsibilities:

�� Leading the organisation – Keeping the board focused on delivering our charitable objectives for the greatest public benefit.

�� Chairing and facilitating board meetings – Ensuring productive discussions and clear decision-making.

�� Setting strategic direction – Guiding policy development and overseeing the implementation of key decisions.

�� Acting as an ambassador – Representing the charity at events and speaking on its behalf when required.

�� Ensuring good governance – Upholding fairness, impartiality, and transparency in decision-making.

�� Planning board operations – Scheduling and organising trustee meetings, including the AGM.

�� Building a strong board – Supporting trustee induction, training, and succession planning.

�� Providing strategic oversight, support and challenge to our executive team.

�� Managing internal dynamics – Addressing conflict within the board and wider organisation.

��Ensuring that robust systems are in place for internal financial control and the protection of Long Covid Support's funds and assets. 

�� Ensuring legal compliance – Working closely with the board and external bodies to meet governance requirements.

Time Commitment

This role requires chairing quarterly trustee meetings alongside additional ad hoc meetings as needed. You will also play an active role in strategic planning, governance, and representing the charity at key events.

�� Approx. 12-15 days annually, including meetings, leadership duties, and advocacy work.

�� Flexibility is required for additional meetings and events as needed.

Term

This is a fixed term role. One third (or the number nearest one third) of the Trustees must retire at each AGM, those longest in office retiring first and the choice between any of equal service being made by drawing lots. Trustees can stand to be re-elected for another term.

Your Support

Long Covid Support has been instrumental in providing patient and public voices to all responses to Long Covid across the four nations of the United Kingdom. Our organisation comprises people with lived experience of Long Covid, medical researchers and other interested supporters. We are governed by a board of Trustees and have an operations committee who run our day-to-day activities, supported by the work of the Finance & Fundraising and Communications committees. Our work focuses on peer support, advocacy and research involvement. 

Our trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Long Covid Support, its financial health, probity of its activities, and for setting and overseeing the delivery of the organisation’s aims and objectives. In addition to being a registered charity, the Charity is a company limited by guarantee and, as such, our trustees are also appointed as its company directors. This is an exciting time to be joining Long Covid Support as we launch our future strategy and are the appointed secretariat to the Long Covid APPG.

Application Process

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse board and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of Long Covid.

 Please submit your CV and a covering letter 

 Application close date - 3 April 2025

Join us in leading meaningful change for those living with Long Covid. As Chair of Trustees, you’ll play a vital role in driving our mission forward, strengthening our impact, and ensuring that those affected receive the recognition, support, and healthcare they deserve.

If you’re passionate about advocacy, collaboration, and driving positive change, we’d love to hear from you!

Disqualification

Trustees must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee. You must not: 

● Have an unspent conviction for an offence involving deception or dishonesty (such as fraud) 

● Be bankrupt or have entered into a formal arrangement (e.g., an Individual Voluntary Arrangement) 

● Have been removed as a company director or a charity trustee because of wrongdoing

● Have an unspent conviction for: 

○ Specified terrorism offences 

○ A specified money laundering offence 

○ The offence of contravening a Charity Commission Order or Direction

○ Offences of misconduct in public office, perjury, or perverting the course of justice

○ For aiding, attempting or abetting the above offences 

○ Be on the sex offender’s register 

● Have an unspent sanction for contempt of Court 

● Have disobeyed a Commission Order 

● Be a designated person (under specific anti-terrorist legislation)

Trustees must be over the age of 18.

Who we are

MS is a neurological condition affecting the central nervous system creating a wide range of symptoms which vary greatly from person to person.

We work with the MS community, supporting them to make the right choices for themselves about how to manage the impact of their MS and live a life as close as possible to how they wish.

The role
Following our most recent skills audit, we are looking to recruit two or three new trustees to
supplement our combined skill set.

Whilst we are keen to hear from people with a passion for supporting the MS community, we are open to applications from people that can bring specific skills where we have identified gaps also.These include, but are not limited to:

• Health/ holistic healthcare
• Legal
• Fundraising
• Hands on social media implementation and optimisation
• Data strategy and technology

Do you want to take part in vegan volunteering around your local area?

You can do that – right here at The Vegan Society. 

We have an ever-growing Community Network of vegans just like you, who have a passion to volunteer and promote veganism where they live. 

Every month, our Network choose from a range of outreach tasks. These could include town centre stalls, writing to a councillor or MP, sharing our campaigns on social media or contacting local businesses. You're in control of how much or how little you do. 

As an Advocate, you will have a network of other Advocates and an Organiser in your area. Your Organiser will be your main point of contact. They will send you tasks every month and ask you to feed back on what you've completed and any positive outcomes. 

Why do we need you to volunteer?

As the vegan community grows, veganism itself becomes better understood. We're finding that more people are looking to The Vegan Society to find out what being vegan is all about.

Local communities are starting to see the vegan movement as something real and something that’s happening in their area. More people are embracing a vegan lifestyle, which we welcome. From new businesses, to families, to councillors, many people need support. This could be with a range of topics: going vegan, finding correct information around a vegan diet, providing vegan options in their business, MPs listening to vegan constituents, and learning about our work.

Local issues are often unique and more varied than national issues. Our volunteers from local areas are vital! They enable us to share our messages and campaigns in an effective way. Research tells us that people are far more likely to trust information from a peer rather than an outside expert, so community volunteering vastly increases the impact of our campaigns.

Our network of committed local vegans across the country is growing! The Vegan Society organises various outreach activities to influence change in every level of society. There are a range of activities going on all the time, from general educational stalls at events to meeting with local policy influencers.

Advocates are a crucial voice in their own community. They ensure that our campaign messages are spread far and wide. They provide a strong vegan presence in local communities.

What does the Advocate role involve?

Being an Advocate for veganism with The Vegan Society will mean communicating with people in your local community. You'll share the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. You will form part of a local group, headed up by a local Organiser. The Organiser will feed back your collective efforts to staff. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group, for vegan socialising and ideas sharing.

You’ll stay in touch with the Organiser and bring your passion to tasks. Activities can range from staffing a stall to giving a talk at an employee event. It could also mean writing to a local newspaper or lobbying an MP.

Messaging can differ every month. Part of our mission statement is to ensure people can remain vegan, so you might focus on getting more vegan options available in local businesses. Or within our Live Vegan for Less campaign, you may share cheap vegan recipes to help people with the cost of living.

When acting as an Advocate, you will use The Vegan Society’s branding and messaging guidelines. Your local Organiser will guide you in doing this, as they hold physical resources and handbooks. You can report any issues and feedback you have to your Organiser. You can also contact staff if your Organiser isn't available or you have any problems.

What training and support is available?

You will be provided with a big welcome and full induction from your local Organiser. They will introduce you to the group and any actions that are ongoing. Any training and development will be provided via your Organiser, and you can also ask for specific training on any areas that you need some development in.

What skills would be useful in doing this role?

• The ability to stay motivated in order to achieve the best possible outcomes
• Good email etiquette, responding in a timely manner
• Committed to veganism and the mission of The Vegan Society
• Ability to stay calm if confronted with differing opinions or challenges
• A good communicator, with the ability to be persuasive
• Confident in communicating with people from a range of backgrounds
• Experience of campaigning
• Any experience in talking with members of the public through customer/public service would be helpful
• Awareness of current affairs, especially those that relate to veganism
• Regular availability and a willingness to stay committed to actions
• Good team player

How much time do I need to invest? 

For Advocates, we ask for people to engage in a minimum of four to six actions per year. An example of an action could be writing to an MP or holding a stall. But the more you can do, the better! On occasion, there may also be online meetings to plan for actions or provide training.

About Vibes in Care (ViC)

Vibes in Care CIC is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) dedicated to amplifying the voices of children and young people who are care-experienced or at risk. By harnessing insights from lived experience, we develop training, workshops, and advocacy initiatives that reshape professional practices within the care sector.

• Founded on Lived Experience: We believe that those who have gone through the care system have the clearest insights into how to improve it.
• Innovative Training & Workshops: Our programmes empower professionals - such as social workers, educators, and youth workers - to bring about lasting change in how care is delivered.
• Collaborative Culture: Partnership is at the heart of ViC. We work closely with local authorities, youth organisations, and sector specialists to co-create solutions.

Why We Need You

We are seeking Trustees who share our passion for transforming the care experience. Whether you have direct care experience (e.g., have been in care yourself), professional experience in the sector, or simply a deep commitment to improving outcomes for care-experienced children and young people, your voice and leadership are invaluable at this pivotal stage of our growth.

The Role

• Steer Strategic Vision: Help shape and refine ViC’s long-term plans, ensuring that lived experience remains at the core of every decision.
• Champion Good Governance: Oversee compliance with charity regulations, manage financial health, and set policies that maintain transparency and integrity.
• Advocate for Care-Experienced Children and Young People: Act as an ambassador, raising awareness about ViC’s mission and the importance of centring care-experienced voices.
• Support Growth & Partnerships: Contribute insights on fundraising, partnership-building, and community engagement to help ViC expand its reach and impact.

What We’re Looking For

1. Care Experience (Highly Valued): We particularly encourage applications from individuals who have first-hand insights into the care system.
2. Dedication to Social Impact: A genuine desire to improve day-to-day experiences and long-term outcomes for care-experienced children and young people.
3. Collaborative Mindset: Ability to work well in a team, valuing diverse perspectives and open dialogue.
4. Integrity & Oversight: Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and acting in the best interests of ViC’s beneficiaries.
5. Strategic Thinking: Capable of understanding big-picture objectives, assessing organisational risks, and spotting growth opportunities.

Skills & Experience (Desirable)

• Professional or Personal Care Experience: Lived experience, in social care work, child protection, or related fields.
• Finance/Accounting: Competent in budget oversight, financial planning, or grant management.
• Legal & Compliance: Familiarity with UK charity regulations or basic legal frameworks.
• HR & Governance: Ability to guide policy setting, recruitment, and staff/volunteer support.
• Fundraising & Communications: Skill in securing resources and raising organisational visibility.

What’s In It For You?

• A Real Chance to Influence: Your perspective will be integral in shaping how ViC evolves.
• Professional Development: Gain governance experience, hone leadership skills, and build your professional network.
• Impact & Legacy: Contribute directly to improving practices that affect some of society’s most vulnerable young people.
• Flexible & Supportive Environment: We meet quarterly, with much of our collaboration happening remotely, so you can fit your responsibilities around other commitments.

Time Commitment

• Board Meetings: Held four times per year (virtually or in person).
• Preparation & Engagement: A few hours each quarter to review papers and stay updated on organisational developments.
• Additional Involvement: Optional sub-committees or working groups on areas like safeguarding, finance, and training delivery.

Application Process

• CV & Cover Letter: Apply via CharityJob outlining your relevant experience (especially care experience), why you’re passionate about our cause, and how you hope to contribute as a Trustee.
• Informal Interview: We’ll invite shortlisted candidates for a conversation with our Director (Founder) to explore mutual fit and answer any questions.
• Appointment: Successful applicants will be welcomed onto the board, pending usual referencing and compliance checks.

Join us in creating meaningful change for care-experienced children and young people. Your lived insight, passion, and dedication could transform how professionals approach care and, ultimately, transform futures. We look forward to hearing from you!

CSW is looking to recruit 3-5 new trustees to ensure that CSW remains true to its calling and is accountable to its stakeholders for its impact. Successful candidates will be strategic thinkers, who are able to review, advise on and shape organisational plans, and are comfortable offering new ideas, perspectives and solutions. They will need to demonstrate a commitment to the Christian faith and to CSW’s vision of a world free from religious persecution, where everyone can practise a religion or belief of their choice.

About CSW CSW’s team of specialist advocates work on over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, to ensure that the right to freedom of religion or belief is upheld and protected. Our vision is a world free from religious persecution, where everyone can practise a religion or belief of their choice. CSW seeks to challenge and change the laws, behaviours and policies which lead to abuses of the right to freedom of religion and belief. We have over four decades of experience advocating for freedom of religion or belief around the world.

Key Responsibilities As a trustee, you will be responsible for championing CSW’s vision, maintaining CSW’s Christian ethos, and safeguarding the organisation’s reputation.

You will support in:

• Setting or approving policies, plans and budgets to achieve CSW’s charitable objectives, and monitoring performance against them.
• Setting and maintaining a framework of delegation and internal controls.
• Making decisions on matters which might pose significant risk to the organisation, financial or otherwise.
• Actively contributing to the strategic direction of the charity, and evaluating performance.
• Ensuring the solvency, financial resilience and effective administration of the organisation.
• Representing CSW positively to external communities (e.g. the Church, charity sector and public bodies ).
• Fulfilling the statutory responsibilities of a trustee as set out by the Charity Commission.

Commitment required  Trustees are usually elected to the Board for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of re-election for two further three-year terms. As a CSW trustee, you will be required to participate in:

• Three Board meetings each year
• An annual Board of Trustees Away Day
• One of CSW’s subcommittees – up to three additional meetings each year

Most Board and Committee meetings are held in the evening, starting at 7.30pm or 8pm, and take place online. In addition, ad-hoc advice may be sought from trustees between meetings, as required.

Essential Qualities Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate the following:

• They are a committed and mature Christian, able to demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of CSW’s Statement of Faith (The Apostles’ Creed).
• A personal commitment to Jesus Christ, reflected in their devotional life and involvement in a Christian community, including an individual commitment to prayer and a willingness to uphold CSW’s work in prayer.
• An ability to analyse information, think creatively and, when necessary, challenge constructively.

Desirable Qualities CSW is particularly keen to hear from candidates who possess one or more of the following:

• Expertise in or experience of:

           o Charity law

           o Fundraising or income-generation

           o Advocacy

• Personal and/or lived experience of issues relating to freedom of religion or belief; or an association with someone who has first-hand experience of discrimination, harassment or persecution on the basis of their religion or belief.
• Experience of working in or volunteering with a faith-based charity, or the Church.

Although we are particularly looking for trustees who meet one of the above criteria, we will consider all applications we receive. 

Diversity and inclusion CSW affirms that everyone is made in the image of God. We therefore honour the perspectives of people from diverse racial and denominational backgrounds, particularly those with closer cultural or lived proximity to the contexts where our advocacy focuses on. We strongly welcome applicants from a diversity of diasporas to apply.

We recognise that across the UK., younger people are underrepresented on boards. CSW believes that trustees of all ages have something meaningful to offer to our work and have two positions reserved for those under the age of 30. We particularly encourage people in this age bracket to put themselves forward for consideration.

Terms The role of Trustee is unpaid, but all reasonable travel, accommodation, subsistence and childcare expenses will be met. Trustees are usually appointed for an initial term of three years, which may be renewed for a further two periods of up to three years each.

Applicants must not be disqualified from being a trustee according to Charity Commission guidelines.