Safeguarding trustee volunteer roles in edinburgh

Build on Belief is a charity dedicated to helping people who have, or have had issues with drugs and alcohol use, working to improve and sustain their health and wellbeing in order they can recover to lead fulfilling lives. Bring your accountancy and financial experience and skills to become a voluntary trustee and Honorary Treasurer for a growing and innovative organisation and help make a difference across diverse communities in London and SE England.  If you’ve experience in accountancy and finance and perhaps even your own lived experience, then you could help us take the organisation forward.

What we do

BoB helps build the “social capital’ of people who are on a journey of recovery from histories of alcohol, illicit or prescribed drugs. Many of our service users and volunteers across our fourteen London and South-East projects have associated mental and physical health problems, along with histories of homelessness and unemployment.

We largely operate a structure where we recruit volunteers from our service users, and our managers from our volunteer pool, once trained. Our CEO, most managers and some members of the Board have lived experience, and many have been through the drug and alcohol treatment system. This ‘unique’ structure, we believe, gives a high level of peer led understanding of needs and responses

What you will be doing

Purpose of the Trustee Role & Hon Treasurer

The role of a trustee is to ensure that the organisation fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries and delivers on its vision, mission and values. The board of trustees are both jointly and individually responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation's aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

The Hon. Treasurer plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial integrity and sustainability of the organisation. Their primary responsibility is to maintain strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial affairs, ensuring that it remains viable, compliant, and well-positioned to achieve its charitable objectives. This includes ensuring that robust financial systems, accurate records, and effective procedures are in place and consistently followed.

The Treasurer works closely with, and is, actively supported by the CEO and Head of Finance & Central Operations, collaborating on both strategic and operational financial matters to ensure sound governance and effective delivery.

Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend bi-monthly board meetings (Tuesday evening) at Earls Court and participate in ad-hoc task groups and occasional on-line meetings.

BoB Trustees are Required To:

Uphold the charity’s mission and ensure its effective governance, strategic direction, and legal compliance. Their responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership

· Ensure the charity pursues its stated charitable objects as defined in the Memorandum & Articles of Association.

· Establish and maintain a clear vision, values, and strategy, ensuring shared understanding among trustees, staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and associated personnel.

· Ensure operational plans and budgets align with and support the strategic vision.

· Define organisational goals and evaluate performance against agreed targets.

· Advise on and support fundraising efforts and project engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement

· Regularly seek and consider the views of external stakeholders and service users, staff, and volunteers.

· Uphold the good name and values of the organisation in all interactions.

Governance and Compliance

· Ensure compliance with the Mem & Articles of Association, charity law, company law, employment law, and other relevant regulations.

· Ensure resources are used exclusively to further the charity’s objects.

· Maintain appropriate governance structures that reflect the charity’s size, complexity, and diversity.

· Review the governance structure and board performance regularly.

· Ensure trustees adhere to an agreed code of conduct, with mechanisms for addressing non-compliance.

Risk and Oversight

·  Identify and regularly review major risks to the organisation, ensuring systems are in place to mitigate or manage them.

· Monitor changes in the external environment (political, financial, demographic, competitive) that may impact the charity.

· Hold staff accountable for the management and administration of the charity.

· Consider external professional advice on matters presenting material risk or potential breach of trustee duties.

Staff and Operational Oversight

· Follow formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, and remuneration of staff.

· Ensure the organisation exercises a duty of care to its employees.

· Support continuous professional development across the organisation.

Engagement and Representation

· Visit local services and attend key events to support the charity’s work.

· Actively engage with the charity’s activities and initiatives.

· Act as ambassadors for the charity.

The Hon. Treasurers Role

Strategic

· Assist and advise in the formation of the charity’s financial strategy, ensuring adequate resources to deliver services and that funds are spent on furthering charitable purposes.

· Advise on the financial implications of strategic and operational plans.

· Advise on the funding strategy and ensure alignment with the charity’s aims.

· Ensure the Board receives regular and appropriate financial information.

· Review and present the annual financial statements to the Board.

· Recommend appropriate accounting procedures, controls, and policies consistent with financial and regulatory legislation.

· Oversee the appointment and regular review of auditors.

· Work in close partnership with the CEO and Head of Finance & Central Operations to support strategic goals.

· Ensure appropriate investment and reserves policies are in place.

· Monitor the performance of investments.

· Ensure all assets are adequately maintained and accounted for.

Governance

· Maintain effective governance of the organisation’s financial affairs, ensuring viability and proper processes for financial records, decisions, and delegations.

· Ensure the Board is aware of its financial duties and responsibilities and complies with all relevant legislations (e.g. Companies and Charity Law)

· Lead on the assessment and management of financial risk

· Ensure financial policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated

· Ensure compliance with charity accounting practices and statutory requirements

· Ensure recommendations from auditors are implemented

· Ensure accounts meet conditions of contractual agreements with funders and statutory bodies.

Experience, Skills & Behaviours required to fulfil the role of Hon. Treasurer effectively:

• Experience of charity accounting.
• Experience of financial control, budgeting, and risk management.
• Good communications and interpersonal skills.
• A willingness to be contacted on an ad-hoc basis.
• Ability to ensure financial decisions taken are followed up in a timely manner.

What we are looking for

Our Trustee Board comprises people who have good skills and experience in, corporate strategic marketing and communications, health care, HR, information technology, research and legal matters. 

Our current Honorary Treasurer is standing down after seven years, and we are looking to replace him. The role of Honorary Treasurer is an important one, being the key person colleague trustees look to for professional advice about all things financial.  We have a Head of Finance & Central Operations who manages the day-to-day financial management and reporting systems.

This year we have introduced two systems to underpin our growth to a nearly £2m business. These are Xero and PLEO, with PEOPLE HR for our associated HR functions.

If you’ve experience of senior financial management and leadership, then you could make a significant contribution to our development.

Essential experience & qualifications sought

We are open to a variety of professional financial backgrounds and qualifications with, ideally but not necessarily only, charities and including current registration as a member of the:

o Institute of Chartered Accountants.

o Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

o Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

o CIPFA

We are very open to bringing on board people who can support us becoming a more inclusive organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, women and other underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities and from LGBTQI communities. We are also very open to recruiting someone who may have their own lived experience of addictions and adversity to draw upon. What counts will be your enthusiasm, commitment, competence and interest in taking on a trustee and governance role.

 A few more details on application process

Our deadline for applications is Monday 15 December 2025

· Please submit a CV and a covering letter (no more than 2 pages) which must address three questions (see below).

· We aim to be flexible with interview dates, to include early evenings but aim to hold them during January or early February.

· If you need any particular support if you are invited to an interview, then please make this clear in your supporting statement (see below).

· We plan to have an induction and familiarisation/onboarding process before final confirmation as a trustee. Once appointed, Trustees are expected to serve a minimum three-year term of office. This is a voluntary and non-paid position.

Please send your CV with covering Supportive Statement to our Chair, Roger Howard:

· Your Supportive Statement or covering letter should address three questions:

i. Why are you interested in becoming a trustee and treasurer of BoB?

ii. What insights and experiences can you bring to our charity Board?

iii. Is there anything in your background that we should be aware of that might be relevant to you becoming a trustee/company director?

Personal data statement:  In line with GDPR, we ask that you do NOT send us any informtion that can identify children or any of your Sensitive Personal Data in your CV and application documentation, apart from matters relating to your own experiences of addictions and matters which may arise during a subsequent DBS enhanced scrutiny.

Following this notice, any inclusion of your Sensitive Personal Data in your CV/ application documentation will be understood by us as your express consent to process this information going forward.

Coempowered is a small but rapidly developing non-profit working to empower indiviuals and help build community capacity among for young people, women, and marginalised communities in the UK and internationally through workshops, classes, semiar, projects and research. 

We currently have two trustees and are seeking a third trustee who can bring valuable expertise in fundraising, chairing, or education to help guide our next phase of development.

About the Opportunity
This is a formative moment for Coempowered. As a small and growing organisation, we are establishing the structures, policies, and long-term strategies necessary for sustainable impact. Our trustees play a crucial role in this process, working closely with the directors to oversee governance, support planning, and position the organisation to apply for grants and build partnerships.

We are looking for a committed individual who is passionate about our mission and willing to contribute actively to shaping Coempowered’s direction. Trustees are expected to bring strategic insight, uphold strong governance, and collaborate constructively with the board.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to governance and strategic oversight as we prepare for charity registration.

• Support planning for organisational growth, including funding pathways and programme development.

• Provide leadership or guidance in one or more key areas:

  • Fundraising: helping to develop a sustainable funding strategy and support early grant applications.

  • Chairing and governance: contributing to board leadership, decision-making, and policy development.

  • Education: advising on programme design, partnerships, quality assurance, or public engagement.

• Participate in quarterly board meetings and occasional working groups.

• Act as an ambassador for Coempowered, upholding our values of inclusion, critical inquiry, and empowerment.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in fundraising, charity governance, board leadership, or the education sector.

• A strategic and reflective mindset, with confidence in contributing to decision-making.

• Reliability, professionalism, and a genuine interest in developing a growing non-profit.

• Willingness to commit long-term and help build the organisation collaboratively with the existing trustees and directors.

Time Commitment
Approximately 6-8 hours per month, remote, with quarterly board meetings.

If you are inspired by educational and social impact and would like to help shape the future of a developing organisation, we would welcome your application.

Volunteer: The PR Officer of Hidayah plays a vital role in raising the profile of the organisation. The PR Officer will take the lead in managing relationships with external media, agencies, and partners to help Hidayah achieve its strategic aims. The PR officer will work closely with the Chair and two digital trustees, and focus on increasing visibility, strengthening our public image, and supporting advocacy through effective communication.
 

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

• Act as the main point of contact for external media outlets, journalists, and PR agencies on behalf of Hidayah.

• Work with the Chair to help implement their media strategy and PR aims.

• Draft, review and issue press releases, statements, and media content as needed.

• Identify media opportunities that can help platform Hidayah’s work, voices, and campaigns.

• Cultivate and manage relationships with media partners, influencers, and relevant organisations.

• Provide PR advice and guidance to the Chair and help ensure consistent messaging.

• Contribute to the development of key messaging and ensure alignment with organisational policies and values.

• Help monitor media coverage and report back to the Chair on PR impact and reach.

What do we expect from the PR Officer of Hidayah?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Knowledge:

• Experience in PR, communications, journalism, or media relations, ideally in the voluntary, charity or advocacy sector.

• Understanding of media landscapes, both mainstream and community-based, with an awareness of LGBTQ+ and/or faith-sensitive contexts.

• Knowledge of reputation management and crisis communications.

Personality:

• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to represent Hidayah with professionalism, sensitivity, and integrity.

• Friendly, enthusiastic, dedicated, and committed to Hidayah’s mission and values.

• Creative thinker who can identify innovative ways to promote Hidayah’s work.

Personal Skills:

• Strong writing and editing skills for creating press releases and media content.

• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with external partners.

• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and diversity in communications.

• Ability to respond to media challenges and opportunities with diplomacy and care.

Administration Skills:

• Organised and methodical in managing media contacts and communications records.

• Competence in using email, social media platforms, and shared systems such as Google Drive.

• Ability to draft reports on PR activity for Board meetings.

• Familiarity with digital tools to track media coverage and public engagement.

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your own schedule. One average the role will require 2-4 hours per week. The following commitments are in place for all Hidayah volunteers:

• To be available for media requests or to coordinate timely responses as needed.

• To support Hidayah events through PR activity and promotion. 

• To help with fundraising efforts by securing media coverage for campaigns and initiatives.

• To check and respond to PR-related emails promptly.

• To maintain clear records of media engagement and press materials in the organisation’s shared systems (Google Drive).

Volunteer Opportunity: Chief Executive Officer (Non-Uniform Role)

Organisation: Ranger Cadets

Location: REMOTE Flexible / National

Commitment: Volunteer Leadership Role

About Us

Ranger Cadets is a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine, to belong, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Role

We are seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Ranger Cadets in a non-uniform position. This is a pivotal volunteer role for someone who can bring strategic clarity, operational leadership, and inspirational energy to a growing national movement.

As CEO, you will:

• Provide overall leadership and direction for Ranger Cadets.

• Build and sustain partnerships with communities, schools, and youth organisations.

• Oversee governance, safeguarding, and operational excellence.

• Inspire and support volunteers, trustees, and staff to deliver our mission.

• Champion our values of inclusivity, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Who We’re Looking For

• A proven leader with experience in charity, youth work, education, or community development.

• Strong organisational and strategic planning skills.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

• Passion for youth empowerment, social mobility, and community impact.

• Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape and grow a national youth organisation from its earliest stages.

• The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for young people across the UK.

• A role that blends vision, leadership, and community impact.

How to Apply

If you are ready to lead with purpose and help unlock the potential of young people, we would love to hear from you.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

Volunteer Opportunity: Chief Operating Officer (Non-Uniform Role)

Organisation: Ranger Cadets

Location: Remote Flexible / National

Commitment: Volunteer Leadership Role

About Us

Ranger Cadets is a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine, to belong, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the operational heart of Ranger Cadets in a non-uniform position. This is a vital volunteer role for someone who can translate vision into action, ensuring our programmes, systems, and people run smoothly and effectively.

As COO, you will:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Ranger Cadets nationally.

• Develop and implement systems for governance, safeguarding, and compliance.

• Support programme delivery, volunteer management, and organisational growth.

• Work closely with the CEO, trustees, and senior volunteers to ensure strategic goals are achieved.

• Champion efficiency, clarity, and inclusivity across all operational areas.

Who We’re Looking For

• A proven organiser with experience in charity operations, youth work, or community development.

• Strong skills in planning, systems design, and operational management.

• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.

• Passion for youth empowerment, social mobility, and community impact.

• Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape the operational backbone of a national youth organisation.

• The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for young people across the UK.

• A role that blends structure, impact, and community service.

How to Apply

If you are ready to bring clarity, structure, and operational excellence to Ranger Cadets, we would love to hear from you.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) seeks to engage in bidding and tendering to deliver health and social care services effectively.  Our goal is to ensure sustainability and positively impact the lives of more people.  We want assistance in developing an ambitious strategy.

What will you be doing?

We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for a talented Bid Manager to join our passionate team at the Africa Health Organisation (AHO)!  Since 1999, we've been dedicated to delivering health and social care to millions across Africa and the Diaspora, and now we're ready to further elevate our impact.

This year, we're embarking on a mission to broaden our funding strategy by incorporating bid and tender opportunities.  Our goal is to engage with governments in Africa and the UK, the public sector, and the public, providing essential, practical, and emotional support to those facing chronic conditions.  We need a visionary like you to help us achieve our goals.

We're seeking a dynamic, experienced Bid Manager to develop and execute a winning strategy to secure the necessary financial backing.  There are numerous exciting possibilities ahead, including central government tenders, local and statutory opportunities.  We're eager to explore them all.

In this pivotal role, you'll plan and execute our bids and tender writing efforts, ensuring that our bid proposals not only shine but also come to life in meaningful ways.  If you're a bid writer who thrives on creativity and collaboration, we want to hear from you!  Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to inspire and mentor volunteers within our bid and tender team, making a positive impact together.  Join us on this exciting journey!

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Role Description:

Bid Management: Lead and manage the entire bid and tender process, ensuring submissions meet deadlines and align with client requirements across the UK & Ireland.

Proposal Development: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop tailored, high-quality, and persuasive proposals that align with our value proposition.

Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with sales, operations, legal, and clinical teams to gather critical input and ensure accurate, compliant, and compelling submissions.

Market Analysis: Stay informed on market trends, tender opportunities, and competitor activity to identify and secure strategic opportunities.

Compliance: Ensure all submissions adhere to company standards, client specifications, and relevant regulatory requirements.

Process Improvement: Continuously refine bid processes, content libraries, templates, and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Post-Submission Activities: Manage debrief processes and gather feedback to inform future submissions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead AHO bids: Manage the whole bid process with a hands-on approach.
• Create strong responses: Tailor solutions that clearly show our value.
• Support growth: Work with Business Development and Marketing to boost propositions.
• Drive best practice: Lead bid qualification, governance, and reviews.
• User-focused: Understand needs and clearly present our solutions.
• Know the landscape: Medical, research industries, and opportunities.
• Know our strengths: Stay sharp on our services and competitors.
• Seal the deal: Coordinate smooth contract closures.
• Stay tidy: Keep the bid library updated and accessible.
• Keep comms clear: Align stakeholders throughout the process.
• Stay compliant: Follow governance and secure approvals.
• Push for quality: Lead reviews to ensure high-standard submissions.
• Maintain the opportunity pipeline: utilising CRM and creating reports for management.
• Taking the lead on other business development activities, such as award submissions, whitepapers, and sales collateral.
• Supporting every stage of the sales funnel: by working closely with marketing, sales, implementation, and operations teams.

What are we looking for?

Person Specification: What You'll Bring:

• At least two years of proven experience in bid and tender management, preferably within the healthcare (NHS & private), medical, or technology sectors.
• End-to-end bid management experience: A minimum of 4 years' experience leading the whole bid process.
• Preferred qualifications include a degree in Business, Communication, Marketing, Creative Writing, English or equivalent.
• APMP Certification is also desirable.
• Sector versatility: Experience with both public- and private-sector bids in the medical, biotech, biomed, health, and social sectors is preferred.
• Industry knowledge: Understanding of contact centres and/or customer experience is essential.
• Commercial acumen: Strong business sense, negotiation skills, and a hands-on approach.
• Resilience under pressure: Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
• Detail orientation: High attention to detail to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Growth mindset: Self-motivated, proactive, and focused on continuous improvement.
• Strong communicator: Confident and articulate, with the ability to build trusted relationships across stakeholders.
• Time management: Skilled at prioritising tasks and managing competing deadlines.

What difference will you make?

In this exciting role, you will lead the strategic process for winning new business through competitive bids, tenders, and proposals, ultimately elevating AHO's success. Your specialised knowledge will enhance our win rates and maximise revenue by bringing clarity, quality, and coordination to what can be a complex and high-stakes journey. impact

Your primary mission is to boost AHO's tender win rates and strengthen our strategic advantage.  By diligently overseeing each step of the bidding process—from initial evaluation to final submission—you will significantly improve the quality and persuasion of our proposals, directly increasing our chances of securing valuable contracts.

You'll provide key insights to help AHO target the most promising opportunities by implementing a thoughtful "bid/no-bid" process.  This approach will ensure we focus only on lucrative and winnable contracts that closely align with our strategic goals, ultimately saving time and resources and allowing us to prioritise high-potential projects.

In this role, you will orchestrate a well-coordinated process that drives operational efficiency.  As the central point of contact, you will gather input from diverse internal teams—sales, finance, legal, and technical—ensuring everyone collaborates smoothly to meet critical deadlines.

As a leader, you'll elevate the quality of our bid content.  By overseeing the creation of compelling, polished materials, you'll ensure our final submissions are professional, cohesive, and error-free. You will utilise a centralised content library containing valuable resources, such as case studies and CVs, to streamline efforts and enhance our proposals.

You will keep projects on track by developing detailed project plans and timelines, ensuring all tasks are completed on time—especially critical in the fast-paced environment of tender submissions.  Your effective management will ease colleagues' workloads, allowing the entire team to shine.

To foster long-term business growth, you'll create a wealth of knowledge around our tenders and bids. By conducting insightful post-submission debriefs and analysing feedback, you will capture invaluable lessons from both successes and setbacks.  This ongoing improvement process will enhance our bidding capabilities for future opportunities.

You also have the opportunity to enhance AHO's brand reputation by submitting well-organised, accurate, and compliant bids.  By doing so, you'll showcase our professionalism and reliability to clients, building trust and solidifying our credible standing in the market.

Strategic alignment is vital for sustaining consistent, stable business growth.  Together, we can make a remarkable impact on development.