Policy Researcher Volunteer Roles in Edinburgh

This is a strategic time to join the Board of TLM Great Britain (TLMGB).  We have a strong and committed group of trustees but sadly some members have completed their tenure.  We are seeking to appoint three trustees during 2025.  We would particularly welcome applications from candidates who are passionate about International Development with skills in charity fundraising, finance or digital marketing / communications.

TLMGB is an explicitly Christian charity, we are seeking a committed Christian with a willingness to engage and at times lead the organisation in prayer, uphold the Christian values and ethos of the organisation and able to demonstrate involvement in their Christian community.  TLMGB is committed to diversity and welcomes those who have been underrepresented in INGO leadership positions, especially African, Asian, Latin American and Caribbean leaders, women and those with a disability.

The Leprosy Mission is the world’s largest leprosy-focused organisation, a pioneer in our field, with over 150 years’ experience tackling this ancient disease. As a leading international Christian development organisation we operate as a Global Fellowship comprising members from 30 countries.  We work with people of all faiths and none to bring about the defeat of leprosy and transformation in the lives of people affected. TLMGB works in 9 countries across Africa and Asia.  We raise funds, promote research and innovation, and support our partners to strengthen health systems, provide life changing health care services, skills training and opportunities for those who have been excluded and rejected by society.

As an organisation we are seeking transformational growth.  Our goal is to see a leprosy-free world.  Our vision is for ‘leprosy defeated, lives transformed’, meaning a world with zero transmission, zero disability and zero discrimination.

Trustees are individually and collectively responsible for leading the organisation and each trustee should be prepared to use their specific skills, knowledge, network and experience to help the Board reach sound decisions. In addition to scrutinising board papers, this may also involve leading discussions, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

TLMGB has a zero-tolerance policy towards any abuse, neglect and exploitation of all people.  Successful candidates are expected to understand, sign and comply with all organisational policies, including our code of conduct and safeguarding policies.  Recruitment to roles within TLMGB includes, in particular, criminal record checks/screening and the collection of relevant references. 

Trustees have over-arching statutory duties in respect of governance, details of which can be found in the recruitment information pack on our website along with more information about the role and our work.

To apply, please visit our website where you will be asked to upload a summary CV, together with a covering letter outlining how you will contribute to the Board.

Closing date: 9am on Friday 28 March 2025.

Preliminary Interviews (virtual): To be agreed.

In-person Interviews (Peterborough office): To be agreed.

Registered Charity number 1050327

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.

Background:

Established in 2011, Kaleidoscope Trust is a UK-based charity fighting to bring about positive legislative, policy and social change for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and gender diverse (LGBTI+) people across the Commonwealth and beyond. We fund, fight for, and empower those upholding the human rights of LGBTI+ people by working with governments, changemakers, and civil society organisations to effect meaningful and lasting change in the lives of LGBTI+ people.
 

At this exciting time for Kaleidoscope Trust, we are looking to find a candidate who can take on the role as Chair of the Board of Trustees to build on the charity’s momentum, while handling the evolving opportunities and challenges of the organisation. The Chair provides strategic leadership of Kaleidoscope Trust in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer.
 

Overall purpose:

To provide Leadership of the Board as a team, to facilitate and drive the governance and strategic direction of Kaleidoscope Trust and to communicate its values, mission, aims, and objectives.
 

Key Responsibilities:

- Working in Partnership with the Chief Executive Officer

- Fundraising & Acting as an Ambassador

- Governance & Strategic Direction

- Communication and Culture

- Board Meetings
 

The post holder will seek to remain both well-informed about the opportunities, challenges, and risks facing the association’s services and will aim to contribute specialist knowledge/expertise to debate and decisionmaking.
 

The Chair of the Board is responsible for ensuring that the Board is effective in setting and implementing the strategic direction of the organisation and can act as a leading ambassador for Kaleidoscope Trust.

We know that diverse boards are the most effective, they can think creatively and hold each other to account, therefore we are particularly looking for applications from trans people, women, People of the Global Majority, people without a degree, working class people and people of faith.
 

Please refer to the Job Description attached for more information on the role.

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.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Manager who can provide strong and stable operational management of the communications teams, directly supervising Senior Officers, while working with the departmental head to develop the department.

Responsibilities

• To provide effective operational management of teams within the Communications Department 

• To directly provide guidance, support and direction to Senior Officers who oversee the teams within the department

• To welcome new volunteers to the department and work alongside the departmental heads to improve team culture

• To plan the work of the department and support with strategic decision making

• To provide support as required to ensure that the communications teams are achieving their goals and making progress

Requirements

• To have at least 2 years of communications and marketing experience

• To have demonstrated leadership skills in a previous professional setting

• To have held a management level position

• To have strong IT and digital working skills

• To be competent in the use of Canva, Wix and social media

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

We are recruiting two Senior Communications Officers who can operationally lead one of two teams, either the Website Development Team or Social Media Team. The successful applicants will provide direct support and supervision to Communications Officers.

Responsibilities

• To oversee a team of communications officers and to support them as required

• To oversee performance of team members and provide leadership

• To support the welfare of team members and help to contribute towards a positive culture

• To carry out communications related tasks as required and to guide the work of others

Requirements

• To have previous communications and marketing experience

• To have strong communication and people skills

• To have the ability to lead and guide others

• To have strong IT and digital working skills

• To be competent in the use of Canva, Wix and social media

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the CEO on matters of urgency and importance to the organization.
• Manage the agenda for meetings the CEO holds ensuring all actions are allocated for actioning
• Sign post management across the organisation as required
• Handle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
• Organizing and coordinating meetings, appointments, and events to ensure efficient time management for the CEO
• Handling Communications: Acting as the first point of contact for the CEO, managing correspondence.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and other documents needed for meetings and decision-making.
• Assisting with various administrative tasks such as record-keeping and office management.
• Coordinating specific tasks as assigned by the CEO
• Acting as a bridge between the CEO and other senior management, ensuring smooth communication

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience in fast-paced environments.
• Good IT skills.
• Ability to use remote systems.
• Ability to engage with others well.
• Good people skills.

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.
• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.
• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the CEO on matters of urgency and importance to the organization.
• Manage the agenda for meetings the CEO holds ensuring all actions are allocated for actioning
• Sign post management across the organisation as required
• Handle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
• Organizing and coordinating meetings, appointments, and events to ensure efficient time management for the CEO
• Handling Communications: Acting as the first point of contact for the CEO, managing correspondence.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and other documents needed for meetings and decision-making.
• Assisting with various administrative tasks such as record-keeping and office management.
• Coordinating specific tasks as assigned by the CEO
• Acting as a bridge between the CEO and other senior management, ensuring smooth communication

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience in fast-paced environments.
• Good IT skills.
• Ability to use remote systems.
• Ability to engage with others well.
• Good people skills.

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.
• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.
• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

We are looking to recruit four people who can commit their time and effort on a voluntary basis. We are recruiting Communications Officers to join either our Social Media team or our Website Development Team.

Responsibilities

• To input into a regular flow of communications activity in either the website or social media team

• To work with others to design content and design strategy

• To take part in regular team meetings

• To carry out tasks as assigned

Requirements

• To have an interest in social media, marketing, website development or public relations

• To have strong communication and people skills

• To have strong IT and digital working skills

• To be competent in the use of Canva, Wix and social media

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Our challenge
Brain tumours do not discriminate and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly.
The Support Team at The Brain Tumour Charity are aiming to address the clear gap in emotional support available to those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, by expanding their counselling service. Following the delivery of a successful pilot service, we know the difference that talking therapy can make and our goal is to reach more people, ensuring everyone that wants it, gets the support that they need.

How can you help?
As a Counselling Assessment Volunteer for this service, you will be the first point of call for new clients entering in to the service. This role will require you to talk to a wide range of people - from those newly diagnosed, to others at end of life and also bereaved. As a Counselling Assessment Volunteer, you will be required to:
- Carry out pre-booked counselling assessments with clients who have self-referred themselves into the counselling service
- Gather information through the assessment about the client’s circumstances, explore their needs, explain how the service can help and discuss with them whether the counselling service is suitable
- Confidently follow our safeguarding process, to ensure risk is assessed and appropriate steps are taken to safeguard each client’s well-being
- Observe confidentiality in line with our organisational policy
- Keep accurate and appropriate records on our internal database

We’re looking for...
Someone who is empathetic and supportive in nature, and who is excited by the opportunity to bring this counselling service to the wider brain tumour community. You will also need:
- Experience in providing emotional support to others, perhaps through another role focusing on bereavement, mental health or life limiting illnesses
- Ideally have had previous training in counselling, mental health first aid, or other relevant course
- Ability to work autonomously
- Relevant IT skills in order to maintain appropriate and accurate records on our counselling database
- As this is a home-based role, you will need access to a telephone and computer that you are happy to use for this service

We particularly encourage applications from those who are significantly underrepresented in our sector, including individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

What can you gain from volunteering?
- You’ll have the opportunity to apply your existing support skills in a new way
- You will join a pioneering team, who are passionate about expanding the counselling service
- You will be supported in your role and will have a check in and check out with a team member before and after each shift

Time commitment
We are looking for a commitment of 2 hours per week (minimum) which would allow you to carry out 2 assessments. All assessments must be carried out between 9:30am-4pm and we would ask all volunteers to work on a rota system, volunteering at the same times each week.

Practical considerations
You will receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific train-ing for the role, as well as ongoing direction from one of the team, who will be your key contact. We carry out references for all individuals who will be volunteering with us on a regular basis. Volunteers will be required to complete some internal training, data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the role. Volunteers must be over 18. We may close applications early if we recieve a high number of applications for this role. 

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.

About Roots Academy

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary:

• Define and execute the product vision and strategy for the digital products at Roots Academy.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, prioritise features, and ensure alignment with organisational goals.

• Develop and maintain a product roadmap that reflects user needs and business objectives.

• Conduct market research to inform product decisions and identify opportunities for enhancement.

• Work closely with the development team to define user stories and acceptance criteria, ensuring the timely delivery of product features.

• Monitor product performance and user feedback, utilizing data to inform future development and improvements.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the development team.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience as a Product Manager or in a similar role, preferably within the education technology sector; prior involvement with Islamic Societies (ISOCs) is a plus.

• Strong understanding of web and mobile application development processes and methodologies.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.

• Experience with Agile methodologies and product management tools (e.g., JIRA).

• A passion for education and a commitment to delivering high-quality digital experiences.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 80+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.
• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

About Pain

Concern Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work. 

All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life changing results

Role purpose

The treasurer acts as a trustee of the charity, with additional responsibilities for overseeing the charities funds. Day to day bookkeeping is carried out in the office by the charity’s accounts clerks, using a Sage accounting package. Please note that for safeguarding purposes, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a PVG check. The cost of which will be covered by Pain Concern. This role reports into the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Charity’s Chair.

What you would be doing

• To monitor the financial administration of the charity and report to the board of trustees at regular (monthly) intervals.

• Overseeing the preparation of the accounts and annual financial statements.
• Leading the board in its duty to ensure that the financial accounts are kept in line with regulatory requirements and reports are filed with OSCR and Companies House.

• Leading in the development and implementation of charity’s reserves policies. • Overseeing the financial controls and adherence to systems.

• Acting as a counter signatory on cheques and online payments. • Board‐level liaison with the external scrutiniser of the accounts.

• Complete Trustee Induction training

• Complete Safeguarding training for Trustees

• Respond in a timely manner to trustee business conducted by email and attend any ad-hoc meetings (appropriate notice given)

Is this role right for me?

We are looking for an individual who possesses some, or all of the experiences, skills and qualities listed below:

• Lived experience/interest in chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Qualifications in either accountancy, finance and/or business studies.

• Experience in an accountancy role

• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

• A working understanding of IT, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams Commitment and location

• Attend 1-2hr online evening meetings 4-6 times per year

• Volunteer from your own location

Benefits to you

• Opportunity to meet new people

• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team

• Satisfaction of supporting a valuable service in the community

How do I apply?

Please complete the application form on our website

This is an exciting time for the Society of Genealogists. With membership income rising and funds available for development, it now seeks to shape its future through a new strategic plan.

Core to that plan is the Society’s desire to continue to play a central role in the development of genealogy in the UK, for professionals and amateurs alike.

The Society is always interested in hearing from individuals who would like to join as trustees. All we ask of trustees is that they bring their knowledge and passion to the challenge. In return, we can offer an opportunity to help shape the future of the Society.

Whether you are just starting out on your family tree or have many years of experience in this field, we would love to hear from you.

Background

The Society of Genealogists (“the Society”) is an educational charity founded in 1911 and is custodian of an extensive and exciting collection of diverse historical and modern, physical and digital records. The Society’s staff and volunteers include experienced and knowledgeable genealogy professionals, with remarkable knowledge and experience of genealogy. 

Chair of the Trustees

The Chair of the Trustees may serve a maximum of three terms of two years before being required to step down. Following the successful tenure of the present Chair, the Society is seeking to recruit the next Chair commencing from the AGM in July 2025, to continue to lead the Society in its continuing ambition to deliver a rewarding research and membership experience to all of its members in the UK and internationally; ensuring it continues to be a thriving organisation through the next stage of transformation and explores opportunities for growth.

We welcome applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion or socio-economic background.

This role will best suit a candidate who resides in the UK.

Please note that this role is voluntary and unpaid.

Job Description

Role: Chair

Term of Office: up to 6 years, with renewals every 2 years.

Purpose: To chair the Board of Trustees of the Society of Genealogists, ensuring that the charity runs legally and is provided with firm strategic direction.

Responsibilities (specific to the role of chair):

• To represent the Society and act as its spokesperson at external and internal functions, meetings, conferences, exhibitions.
• To lead the Board of Trustees in setting and monitoring implementation of the Society’s Strategy.
• To monitor the performance of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), including a formal annual review against objectives.
• To oversee, or directly manage, the selection of new trustees from time to time to maintain sufficient trustees with the appropriate mix of skills.
• To plan, in consultation with the CEO, the annual cycle and set agendas for the Board of Trustees meetings, the AGM and any extraordinary meetings.
• To chair and facilitate meetings of the Board of Trustees and associated special meetings/committees.
• To provide support and delegate assignments as necessary to the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.
• To provide direction, support and impartial objective advice to the Board, individual Trustees and the Society as a whole covering: policymaking, liaison with honorary officers and with chairs of other committees.
• To liaise with the CEO in order to maintain an overview of the affairs of the Society, and to provide support as appropriate.
• To participate in personnel management grievance and disciplinary matters as defined by the personnel policies of the Society.
• To support and contribute to the development of the Board of Trustees, facilitating succession planning, change and conflict resolution.
   

Essential Skills/Qualities:

• Knowledge and experience of the voluntary and community sectors; understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• To work at all times with integrity, objectivity, and honesty.
• Awareness of the commercial realities of a not-for-profit organisation and ability to balance the variety of requests from membership while ensuring financial stability.
• Proven leader with insight, independent judgement, and ability to think creatively in order to drive the development and realisation of the Society’s strategic vision.
• Experience in a board or senior executive role, leading teams and chairing efficient decision-making forums, through effective communication and interpersonal skills including impartiality, fairness, good listening skills, a willingness to speak out where necessary with tact and diplomacy, and an ability to respect confidence and confidentiality.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the Society.
   

Desirable Skills/Qualities

• Understanding of the genealogy sector/market and the Society’s respective position therein.
• Experience in overseeing IT/digital projects and / or multifaceted change programmes.
• Experience in analysis of competitive position.
• Familiarity with and experience of reviewing financial accounts, budgeting, and financial controls.
• Demonstrable ability to develop a strong public profile amongst SOG members and in the genealogy community and to provide a strong contribution to fundraising from donations, grants, and legacy-giving.
   

General Responsibilities (with all Trustees):

• To ensure that the Society complies with its governing document (including pursuing its objects as defined therein), charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To ensure that the resources of the Society are applied exclusively in pursuance of its objects.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction to the Society, including setting overall policy, defining goals, evaluating performance against agreed targets and implementation of decisions made by the Board of Trustees.
• To safeguard the reputation and values of the Society.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Society.
• To ensure the Society has financial stability and aims to deliver profits to reinvest in its services.
• To protect and manage the property of the Society and the proper investment of its funds.