Project Support Officer Volunteer Roles in Edinburgh

Role description

Are you passionate about changing the way we treat animals? Do you want to help reduce environmental damage? Do you want to inspire people to enjoy healthy vegan food that both looks good and tastes great? 

The Vegan Society aims to make veganism more accessible. We help people to adopt a vegan lifestyle by supporting individuals, policy and decision-makers, caterers, manufacturers, healthcare professionals and the media. 

Why do we need you? 

Dr Jeanette Rowley is a consultant on veganism and the law and our Vegan Rights Advocate. Jeanette has been a leader in the promotion of the legal rights of vegans for over a decade and is the founder and chair of The Vegan Society’s International Rights Network. She is now looking for a volunteer to help refresh and update published material relating to the legal protection of vegans. This project will include working on our guide for employers and relevant content on our website. 

What does the role involve? 

The role involves working collaboratively with our Vegan Rights Advocate to review, assess, evaluate and update the information provided on our website and in some of our resources, such as our guide Supporting Veganism in the Workplace. 

At the review and assessment stages, you will read specific advocacy resources to familiarise yourself with the subject matter and content. You will conduct independent research into each specific topic, take notes from relevant authoritative online sources, and assist in evaluating our resources and identifying areas requiring updating and development. 

You will contribute to research on equality and inclusion, help to communicate best practice, fact-check information, and assist with redrafting and updating copy. 

What training and support are available? 

This role will come with an induction session and access to a regular point of contact to support you as a volunteer. You will receive an introduction to the project and tasks. Although the work will be carried out remotely, you will not be required to work totally independently and will work on the tasks collaboratively on a mutually agreed basis. 

What knowledge, experience and skills are required for this role? 

• General knowledge and understanding of UK Equality Diversity and Inclusion principles and practice 
• Experience and skills in conducting research 
• The ability to work both collaboratively and independently 
• Proficient in written English 
• Experience of using Word and working on shared documents 
• A legal or advocacy-related background would be useful, but is not essential. 

What does my availability need to be? 

This role is for a fixed period of six months. We ask for volunteers to commit to about four to six hours a week, although this may vary from week to week. The role can be performed outside traditional working hours and in any time zone, although staff support is only available between 9am and 5pm UK time.

Who does this role report to? 

Dr Jeanette Rowley will be the main point of contact for the tasks. Kaya Gromocki, our Senior Volunteering and Engagement Officer, will be available for support and for anything related to your volunteering experience. 

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer will be second in charge of the organization and will support the management of other executives through directly overseeing the c level team and by overseeing the general operations of the organization to ensure it runs smoothly. They will also carry out tasks to support the CEO and contribute effectively towards the development of the organization. 

Key responsibilities:

• To oversee other c level executives

• To oversee and manage the general operations of the organization 

• To carry out tasks as delegated by the Chief Executive Officer 

• To provide senior leadership resilience, supporting the CEO and other c level officers ensuring the organizations runs smoothly

• Contribute to the organization's strategic planning and development

Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively with others

• Capable of contributing to the development of the organization

• Excellent management skills

• Previous experience in c level or director level positions

• Experience in the charity sector

• Ability to manage a large workload through the use of task systems and IT

Location: Remote (with potential collaboration via online meetings) 

Duration: One-Time Project

Overview

Children with Voices, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and creating a brighter future, is seeking a skilled and compassionate Website and Digital Specialist for a one-time project. This role focuses on enhancing our online presence by updating content, creating mission-aligned new pages, and integrating digital tools to support our organizational efficiency. The selected candidate will work closely with our CEO to ensure the website effectively communicates our initiatives while contributing to the organization’s broader goals of leveraging digital transformation to optimize operations and impact.

Project Scope

Content Updates:

Update website content to reflect our current initiatives and ensure all information is accurate and engaging.

Collaborate with internal teams to gather and present information effectively on the website, incorporating digital tools to streamline workflows.

New Page Creation:

Develop new pages for specific upcoming initiatives in collaboration with the CEO.

Integrate engaging visuals, multimedia elements, and features that enhance user experience while aligning with the organization’s digital transformation goals.

Digital Tools and Process Enhancement:

Recommend and implement digital tools that improve website management and enhance operational processes.

Use knowledge of digital transformation strategies to align website updates and new features with the organization’s overall goals for efficiency and growth.

Maintenance of the website

Timeline and Deliverables:

Complete the project within the agreed timeframe [to be specified during onboarding].

Provide regular updates on progress and milestones.

Deliver updated content and fully functional new pages ready for deployment.

Qualifications

Proven experience as a Website or Digital Specialist, with a portfolio showcasing previous projects.

Proficiency in content management systems, particularly WordPress.

Strong understanding of web design principles, user experience (UX), SEO best practices, and modern digital tools.

Knowledge of digital transformation strategies and their application to organizational operational management.

Excellent communication skills and a collaborative working style.

A passion for supporting charitable causes, particularly those focused on children’s well-being.

How to Apply

If you are enthusiastic about using your web expertise and knowledge of digital transformation to contribute to a meaningful cause, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your proposal, including:

A brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience and understanding of digital transformation.

Why you are passionate about contributing to the mission of Children with Voices.

Examples of previous work or links to your portfolio.

Your CV.

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!

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The PR is responsible for the preparation of a press kit and outreach communications to send to journalist and media companies to publish our news on their blogs, sites, socials etc.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will create a pool of contacts on excel spreadsheet to use for press releases and media outreach on behalf of the organisation

Creating stories for several projects that are of clear benefit to the organisation including our films, music productions, acting for film workshops, artist development workshops for young people from different boroughs in West London. This role will work closely with project stakeholders, including young people organisations, funders and partners, probation officers, as well as collaborate with our Research and Performance and Collective Action departments to learn from our work and embed best practice.

This role will work closely with the Managing Director and project manager colleagues to lead our delivery portfolio through your story creations.

You will also promote our projects, recruit volunteers to support our promos and promote our programmes through the online platform such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The PRO  will be responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating the success of online promotional programmes. They will work closely with a portfolio of partners to design meaningful online interventions for our beneficiaries, as well as leading on the recruitment of volunteers to promote programmes and the evaluation of programmes using the One Place vision of change.

KEY SKILLS

Understanding and experience of marketing and online promotion of projects such as films and music with experience of promoting effective projects on a regional scale preferred but not essential, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and a passion for making a difference to the lives of young people and organisations purpose. We are looking for someone who is proactive, inclusive, inspiring, highly organised and uses their initiative to find creative solutions and manage multiple priorities.

About Us

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Identifying core funding needs (by liaising with HoDs across YAUK and C Level)

• Identifying grant funding available to cover core funding needs

• Building applications to submit for funding

Requirements

• Excellent written communication skills

• Excellent ability to use remote systems

• Excellent ability to work with others

• Excellent research skills

What We Offer

• An opportunity to make an impact in our mission-driven organization.

• Flexible working arrangements.

• A supportive and collaborative team environment.

• Professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

If you’re passionate and want to use your skills to support a meaningful cause, we’d love to hear from you!

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills align with our needs to.   

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!

African Development Choices (ADC) is a UK-based Social Enterprise on a mission to reduce poverty by empowering communities to make informed development choices in the management of public finances and resources.

ADC’s purpose is to enable communities to independently meet their needs for essential services, such as clean water and safe sanitation and improve lives in Africa.

At ADC we encourage a working culture of seeking and giving input, showing and taking initiative, and commitment to the organisation and its purpose.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a volunteer Chief People Officer (Remote) to join ADC.

Main Purpose of Job: This role is for a HR leader who can lead and manage a comprehensive HR service through a range of projects and activities in areas such as, but not limited to: Workforce Planning and Recruitment; On-boarding/Off-boarding; Performance Management; Organisational Culture; Learning and Career Development; HR Compliance and Staff Relations; Diversity and Inclusion; Policy and Procedure Development; and Staff Records Management. Reporting to the Founder, you will manage our recruitment team and be responsible for improving staff engagement, participation and retention.

Division: People and Culture

Department: N/A

Position reports to (line manager): Founder and CEO

Who reports to this position (direct reports): HR Coordinator

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 
 

• Develop and implement an HR strategy
   
• Contribute to the development of a collaborative high performing organisational culture by building staff and organisational capability
   
• Develop an effective performance management system ensuring that organisational values are translated into measurable competencies, behaviours and objectives and that job descriptions, performance standards, and performance evaluation instruments are aligned
   
• Develop and implement learning and career development initiatives for all staff and recommend staff training that will enhance growth and development
   
• Prepare and analyse HR metrics and provide reports that support decision making
   
• Implement new, and enhance existing staff recognition and reward programs
   
• Champion the ADC culture and ensure all staff are aware of the expectations
   
• Develop and implement strategies to increase Diversity & Inclusion within the organization
   
• Develop and implement an annual People Survey, communicate results and own activity plan to drive improved staff engagement
   
• Review and approve HR policies and procedures and recommend improvements
   
• Contribute to development of a customised HR management system

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

Essential

· Excellent knowledge of HR General, Learning and Career Development, and Recruitment

· Senior HR leadership experience within a small to medium sized organisation

· Experience of setting up new HR functions and processes would be desirable

· Significant experience of initiating, delivering, leading and embedding change initiatives

· Commitment of minimum 7-10 hours per week

Desirable

• Experience working in an early stage start-up and gone through a scaling phase
   
• Passion for the start-up life and comfortable in a role with a little ambiguity

What ADC Offers You:

This is a volunteer, remote and unpaid position with the following benefits:

• Professional learning and career development opportunities
   
• An opportunity to build on your work experience within your profession
   
• An opportunity to be part of a diverse team representing different parts of the world that is helping to deliver systemic social change in Africa
   
• An opportunity to help shape a start-up social enterprise
   
• We provide work reference

African Development Choices (ADC) is a UK-based Social Enterprise on a mission to reduce poverty by empowering communities to make more informed choices in the management of public resources.

ADC’s purpose is to enable communities to independently meet their needs for essential services, such as clean water and safe sanitation and improve lives in Africa.

At ADC we encourage a working culture of seeking and giving input, showing and taking initiative, and commitment to the organisation and its purpose.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a remote-based volunteer Events Manager to join ADC.

Main Purpose of Job: Support ADC’s fundraising efforts

Division: Social Impact

Department: Fundraising

Position Reports to: Head of Fundraising

Job type: Remote

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify new funding opportunities aligned with ADC’s vision by researching potential donors and funders
• Update ADC’s donor pipeline and ensure all prospective and current donor details are accurately recorded
• Support the grant writing process and the organization of fundraising events
• Maintain a calendar of upcoming application and reporting deadlines, coordinate submissions and ensure deadlines are met and records are accurately maintained
• Collaborate with the fundraising and marketing teams in executing fundraising campaigns
• Assist with donor relationship management and provide updates on ongoing projects
• Prepare and facilitate timely delivery of internal reports while adhering to reporting timelines 
• Assist in preparing presentations and in creating donor communication materials (promotional materials, such as flyers and digital content)
• Coordinate meetings with ADC’s key stakeholders like donors and partners
• Undertake responsibility for carrying out other relevant tasks as required

Knowledge, Skills, Education, and Expertise

Essential

· Graduate/ Post graduate degree in social sciences, development studies, business management or equivalent

· At least 5-7 years of relevant experience in fundraising, reporting, writing proposals and grant applications in a development context in Africa, preferably Kenya

· Knowledge of grant making processes and platforms

· Advanced research, writing and editing skills with exceptional attention to detail

· Strong time management skills

· Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people from various backgrounds

· Ability to coordinate with departments, organize and prioritize workload and adhere to deadlines 

· Ability to come up with innovative ideas for campaigns and events and develop new ways to attract and retain donors

· Ability to actively seek and give input in a collaborative team environment  

· Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a remote team

· Good knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint and Word) and Google Suites

· A committed team player with outstanding communication skills in English (Verbal and written)

· Available to volunteer at least 7-10 hours a week

Desirable

· Experience working in an early stage start-up and gone through a scaling phase

· Experience in fundraising/crowdfunding campaigns

· Passion for the start-up life and comfortable in a role with a little ambiguity

What ADC Offers You:
 

This is a volunteer, remote and unpaid position with the following benefits:

· Professional learning and career development opportunities
 

· An opportunity to build on your work experience within your profession
 

· An opportunity to be part of a diverse team representing different parts
of the world that is helping to deliver systemic social change in Africa
 

· An opportunity to help shape a start-up social enterprise
 

· We provide work reference

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Here at African Development Choices, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our teams are made up of people from all over the world and we welcome all applications. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, and you require any reasonable adjustments for your application with us, please let us know by contacting recruitmentatafricandevelopmentchoicesdotorg

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

• As the Senior HR Officer in our Volunteer Relations team, you will be reporting directly to the HR Manager, as well as oversee the day-to-day management of volunteer relations across our organisation, ensuring the  smooth execution of policies and adherence to the Volunteer Handbook. Your role involves being the primary point of contact for volunteers, addressing queries, and resolving issues promptly while upholding the organisation’s standards and values.

• You will also play a key role in fostering a professional and supportive environment for all volunteers, maintaining productive relationships, and ensuring operational excellence in volunteer management.

Duties

• Exit Management

Facilitate seamless volunteer offboarding processes, including conducting structured exit interviews to identify areas of improvement.

Maintain accurate records of exits to inform retention and engagement strategies.

Ensure compliance with organisational policies during volunteer departures.

• Volunteer Inactivity Management

Monitor volunteer activity levels and implement inactivity management procedures in collaboration with line managers.

Maintain updated records to track and report volunteer activity trends.

• Grievance and Conflict Resolution

Implement and manage an efficient grievance procedure to handle volunteer concerns professionally and promptly.

Ensure impartiality and transparency in addressing grievances, collaborating with relevant stakeholders for resolution.

Collaborate with the L&D team to provide periodic training for volunteers and managers on grievance handling and conflict resolution.

• Policy Execution and Compliance

Act as the primary custodian of the Volunteer Handbook, ensuring volunteers are well-informed about organisational policies and procedures.

Monitor compliance with organisational guidelines and address any violations in consultation with the HR Manager.

Partner with the Policy team to update the Volunteer Handbook periodically to reflect regulatory changes and organisational needs.

• Volunteer Relations

Serve as the first point of contact for volunteers, addressing their queries and concerns to foster a positive environment.

Actively promote inclusivity and diversity in all volunteer-related activities.

• Compliance and Reporting

Ensure all volunteer-related activities comply with organisational and legal standards.

Prepare regular reports on the approved Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including challenges and support needed.

Requirements

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)

• Ability to work well in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Passionate for personal development

• Good experience and foundation in employee/volunteer relations

• Right to volunteer in the UK

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!

At Samaritans, our vision is that fewer people die by suicide. We are seeking a passionate and skilled strategic Fundraising Lead to play a crucial role in helping us secure the necessary funds to sustain and expand our work in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas.

Please see below for the key responsibilities of the role:

• To lead on the development and implementation of an income generation plan which supports the charity’s strategic priority of being ‘Financially Sustainable’

• Research and identity local trust and statutory funders of Samaritans services and costs, drafting and submitting applications

• Monitor progress of applications, including reporting back to funders about project outcomes and progress

• Liaise with the Regional Fundraising Officer/Samaritans Central Office Fundraising Team to avoid duplication of approaches to the same funder 

• Research and identify potential community funders such as local businesses and organisations, networking to secure one off donations or regular income

• Arrange local fundraising collections, including booking venues

• If required, recruit and manage new fundraising support volunteers

• Work with the Outreach/Publicity Team to raise awareness of Chesterfield Samaritans

• Attend Board and/or Operations Team meetings where required, reporting on progress and escalating risks

• Comply with national fundraising regulations and Samaritans Fundraising Policies and Procedures

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!

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Governance & Legal Support to lead the governance and legal functions of Youth Advantage UK. The Head of Governance & Legal Support will oversee compliance, risk management, and legal operations to ensure the charity operates within all applicable regulations and ethical standards. Managing the Governance & Legal Support Manager, this role will also involve developing and implementing governance frameworks that support organisational growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

● Manage Governance & Legal Support Team: Provide leadership and guidance to the Governance & Legal Support Manager and ensure the team operates effectively.

● Develop Governance Frameworks: Create and implement policies, procedures, and systems to strengthen the charity’s governance structure.

● Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards, including charity law, data protection, and safeguarding.

● Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks, maintaining a comprehensive risk register and working with leadership to address potential challenges.

● Support the Board of Trustees: Act as a key liaison for the Board, preparing meeting agendas, maintaining minutes, and ensuring timely submission of governance reports.

● Legal Oversight: Manage contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

● Training & Development: Provide training and resources to staff and volunteers on governance and compliance matters, ensuring understanding and adherence to policies.

● Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with legal advisors, regulators, and other stakeholders to support organisational compliance.

● Drive Organisational Values: Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice across the organisation.

Ideal Candidate:

● Experience: At least six months in a senior governance, legal, or compliance-focused leadership role within the charity sector or a similar organisation.

● Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage and develop teams, fostering a high-performance culture.

● Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of charity law, governance best practices, and regulatory compliance.

● Risk Management Expertise: Experience in identifying and mitigating risks in a complex organisational environment.

● Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

● Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with governance and compliance tools, systems, and processes.

● Commitment to Diversity: Understanding and experience in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within governance practices.

● Passion for Youth Development: Genuine enthusiasm for supporting young people and advancing the mission of Youth Advantage UK.

Day-to-day Tasks:

● Managing the Governance & Legal Support team, including sharing best practices and ensuring professional standards are met.

● Ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, legal regulations, and internal policies.

● Preparing and distributing materials for Board of Trustee meetings, including agendas and reports.

● Reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements, and legal documents.

● Monitoring and updating the organisation’s risk register.

● Providing guidance on data protection, safeguarding, and ethical practices.

● Maintaining organisational policies and ensuring they are up-to-date and effectively implemented.

● Building relationships with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies.

Short-term Tasks:

● Conducting a review of current governance policies and frameworks to identify areas for improvement.

● Establishing a schedule for regular governance and legal compliance audits.

● Updating the organisation’s risk register and developing mitigation plans for high-priority risks.

● Developing training materials for staff and volunteers on governance and compliance topics.

● Creating a roadmap for aligning governance practices with the organisation’s strategic goals.

Why Join Youth Advantage UK?

Youth Advantage UK is a research led organization that aims to further the rights of young people between 11 and 25 years old across the UK through policy work and projects. As the Head of Governance & Legal Support, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates with integrity, accountability, and transparency. You will work with a passionate and dedicated team, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and develop frameworks that ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission. Youth Advantage UK is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where volunteers can grow both professionally and personally.

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic guidance and oversight to the charity, ensuring it achieves its mission of helping adults learn to read. This role specifically seeks a Trustee with experience and insight in working with, large numbers of volunteers, to support the charity in developing, sustaining and empowering its national volunteer network to maximise impact.

You will work closely with the Board, CEO and Senior Team to advance its vision of ensuring that all adults who want to learn to read, can.

This role is ideal for someone with a passion for volunteering and an understanding of its impact in driving social change. If you are ready to help empower volunteers to create a brighter future for adults struggling to read we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities
 

Strategic Oversight:

• Contribute to the charity’s overall strategy with a particular focus on its volunteer-led initiatives
• Apply your insights and suggestions to help further develop the organisational strategy to maximise impact from volunteers
• Advise on best practices for recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers at scale
• Support the development of policies and frameworks that ensure a positive and effective experience for volunteers

Volunteer Management Expertise:

• Provide an insight into managing largescale volunteer programmes, including geographically dispersed teams
• Advise on the design and implementation of systems for communication, engagement, and recognition of volunteers
• Share experience on strategies to address challenges such as volunteer retention, motivation and recognition
• Advise on strategies to promote and ensure diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging,including reaching new, or currently underrepresented, volunteer communities
• Add value for the volunteers of Read Easy by supporting the team to meet expectations of volunteers and ensure a quality experience of volunteering with us

Governance and Compliance:

• Ensure the charity’s volunteer practices comply with legal requirements, safeguarding protocols and best practices.
• Support the Board in overseeing the performance of volunteer programmes and their contribution to the charity’s goals
• ​Advocate for inclusive, equitable approaches to recruitment and management across Read Easy

Advocacy and Representation:

• Champion the roles, value and impact of volunteers within the charity, ensuring that their ideas and views are considered instrategic planning and development
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, building relationships with stakeholders and potential partners who can enhance its volunteer network

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Work closely with staff and other Trustees to support the charity’s volunteer-focused activities
• • Share expertise to strengthen the charity’s capacity to manage a growing and diverse volunteer base
• • Contribute to broader discussions and decision-making as an active member of the Board of Trustees