Volunteer roles
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Octavia works with people affected by unemployment, ill health, social isolation or low income to connect them with opportunities for positive personal change. Our vision is to build stronger, happier and healthier communities in central and west London to help create an enriched life where we live.
We believe that every young person should have a place they can go to feel safe, included and inspired. We provide a comprehensive programme of activities that meet the needs of local children and young people. As a youth work volunteer, you would be contributing towards this vision.
Reasons to volunteer
Would you like to inspire and support young people, by exploring digital media? Would you love to help young people feel valued, included and gain in confidence? We also offer the opportunity to:
· Opportunity to learn new skills, especially in digital media software and equipment
· Be part of exciting creative projects and activities
· Gain strong experience with a diverse cohort of young people
· Full induction and training, including: safeguarding, confidentiality, health & safety and opportunities to attend training courses to develop your expertise in youth work & digital media
· Travel costs reimbursed on the provision of receipts*
What would I be doing?
· Assisting in delivery of creative and digital media based youth work sessions
· Assisting with set up and breakdown of session equipment and resources
· Assist in idea generation and planning of creative and digital media based youth work sessions
What skills are we looking for?
· Passionate about working with young people and providing opportunities for their development
· Passionate about a creative area (e.g. Filmmaking/photography/music production/web design)
· Willingness to strictly follow safeguarding policies and best practice in work with young people
· We expect volunteers to be with us for 4 hours per week
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a HR professional? Could you give an hour a week to tackle pregnancy and maternity discrimination? Then we need you!
We’re not going to sugar-coat it, things aren’t great for working parents and pregnant women. It can feel frustrating and a bit depressing at times, but by being part of the Pregnant Then Screwed volunteer team, you get to turn that frustration into something positive. In the last year the fantastic volunteers on our Advice Line have spoken to over 5000 women and parents, collectively providing around 40 hours of free support and advice every week. Hundreds of women and parents call our Advice Line every day, but with a small team of volunteers we are only able to answer a fraction of those calls—this is where you come in.
We are looking for brilliant HR professionals who want to help Pregnant Then Screwed tackle the Motherhood Penalty by becoming a Volunteer HR Advisor.
Our Volunteer Advisors give around 1-2 hours a week of their time to the Advice Line. They use their HR knowledge to offer a kind, empathetic support and advice to help people to identify and challenge pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the workplace.
About the role
Role Title: Volunteer HR Advisor
Location: Home-based (UK)
Reporting To: Head of Support Services
Time Commitment
The Advice Line is open Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm, with various available shifts during those times. We ask volunteers to give 1-2 hours per week on the Advice Line for a minimum of three months.
Alternative time commitments can be considered and discussed as part of your application, so please do include any information that might be useful in your application form.
Main Role Purpose
The Advice Line HR Advisors play a vital role in providing support and guidance to working parents facing unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace via our advice line. Volunteers will offer advice, listen empathetically, and provide information about employee rights and available resources. This role is critical in empowering parents to make informed decisions and navigate workplace challenges effectively.
Essential requirements
- Minimum CIPD level 5 Diploma in People Management with one professional reference.
- Knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and policies related to pregnancy, maternity leave, and discrimination.
- Access to a mobile phone/laptop/tablet to receive calls. You will not be charged for calls and your number will not be shared.
- Access to a reliable and secure WIFI connection. Public WIFI is not suitable for this role.
- Excellent active and empathetic listening skills.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
- A kind and welcoming telephone manner.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Comfortable using online communication tools.
Key Responsibilities
- Answer incoming phone calls to the PTS Advice Line from individuals seeking support and advice.
- Listen actively, empathise, and provide HR advice and guidance to support callers with their enquiries.
- Signpost to further information and other support organisations if necessary.
- Make referrals to our legal partner if required.
- Record all details of the call on our CRM system.
- Maintain professionalism in all interactions, adhering to all Pregnant Then Screwed guidelines and policies.
What you can expect from PTS
- The opportunity to use your skill set to tackle the Motherhood Penalty and make a meaningful impact.
- An onboarding and induction period which can be completed at your own pace.
- Support from the PTS staff team and volunteer network.
- Access to our Volunteer Training Hub.
- Opportunities to help us further develop and shape our Support Services.
Charity working to end the motherhood penalty.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Cheerer Volunteering at London Landmarks Half Marathon 2026
Would you like to have a great day out, while supporting Shelter’s fundraisers?
Information about the role
The main thing we need you to do is cheer! You will be a vital part of race day, supporting 450 Shelter runners from the side lines. You’ll need to help create a high energy, friendly atmosphere, motivating everyone on race day to do their best.
Volunteering at this event is also an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit whilst contributing towards our mission.
Date: 12/04/2026
Time: 10:00 – 14:00
Location: Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London, WC2A 2LL
The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.
This role fights the housing emergency by creating an inspirational buzz and providing much needed support to our fantastic runners, helping them in their mission to raise money for our Fight for Home.
Benefits of volunteering with Shelter
Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.
We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.
Next steps
If you would like to volunteer at this event, click ‘fill in an application’. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity further.
Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
As an Outreach & Hub Support Volunteer you will make a difference by supporting clients to engage with us in different ways including providing hands on street outreach in line with our assertive outreach approach, and supporting clients in our Hub.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Befriender for young people in care for NYAS -WANTAGE area
Do you want to make a difference to a young person’s life?
Do you have 1- 4 hours per month to spare?
We urgently require volunteer befrienders to be a positive role models for young people living in care. So why not volunteer as a mentor/befriender for NYAS as an Independent Visitor for children and young people in care.
As a volunteer you will:
* Have fun, take young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest
* Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person’s life and help build self- esteem and confidence
* You don’t need any special qualifications
We are looking for reliable and dependable people from all walks of life.
We will provide training and on-going support. We will pay expenses to a set limit.
Here is what some of our young people and volunteers have to say about this rewarding role:
I like how my Independent Visitor isn’t anything to do with social services and is here to support me not to judge.
They have boosted my confidence, now I feel like when I go places I can just relax and have fun.
My young person always looks forward to me coming, they have had such a disjointed life, I am a stable figure in their life and this has to be important for them as everything else changes around them a lot.
If you feel you would suit this role, please get in touch.
At NYAS, we listen to what children, young people and vulnerable adults want. We empower them to have their voices heard.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
This opportunity will be at both Crook and Durham so volunteers need to be willing to volunteer at both sites.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Could your leadership skills help shape the future of a charity that supports the UK's nursing and midwifery workforce?
Charity People is excited to be partnering with Cavell, the UK's largest funder of nurses and midwives in hardship and crisis, as they recruit several new Trustees to join their Board at an exciting moment in the charity's growth.
Location: UK-wide
Time Commitment: Approx. 4 Board meetings + 1 strategy day per year
Term: Initially four years, with option for renewal
Renumeration: Voluntary, with reasonable expenses covered
With an ambitious new vision and mission, underpinned by a three-year strategy, Cavell is entering a significant new phase of development, strengthening its role in supporting the wellbeing of nurses and midwives and contributing to the resilience and retention of the UK healthcare workforce.
Cavell's vision is a future where nursing and midwifery professionals are celebrated, championed and supported to thrive. Its mission is to champion their wellbeing through tailored support, recognition and advocacy.
As living costs rise and workforce pressures grow, more people are turning to Cavell for help. Through person-centred emotional support, financial guidance, grants and wellbeing conversations, Cavell provides vital support when it is needed most. By helping nurses and midwives stay in the profession they care deeply about, Cavell also strengthens the workforce that underpins patient care across the UK and ultimately improving care for everyone.
About the role
Trustees play an active role in shaping strategy, addressing key opportunities and risks, and offering support and constructive challenge to the Executive Team. You will join a supportive, engaged and professionally diverse Board to provide strong governance and strategic leadership, working closely with a talented internal team.
We want to be crystal clear that previous Trustee experience is not required - Cavell welcomes both first-time Trustees and experienced Board members. They are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the UK nursing and midwifery workforce.
Applications are warmly welcomed from people of all backgrounds, particularly those currently under-represented on charity boards.
Who are we looking for?
The Board already benefits from the significant expertise of medical professionals and qualified nurses. For these vacancies, we would love to see applications that strengthen the board's capability around:
- Charity sector leadership and governance
- Income generation and fundraising - particularly in areas such as business development, partnerships, philanthropy, or revenue diversification
- Commercial and business leadership and acumen
- Relevant business or high-net-worth networks
Personal attributes matter just as much. Cavell is looking for people with:
- A strong and visible passion for the charity's purpose and mission
- An open, collaborative and inclusive leadership style
- Excellent judgement, independence of thought and the highest levels of integrity
- Ability to build a collegiate board environment, always valuing diverse perspectives
How to apply
A short CV or profile is a great starting point, but not essential. If you'd like the full application details or to arrange an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch.
Our Regional Director, Amelia Lee, is leading this opportunity and an exploratory call with her forms part of the process ahead of shortlisting.
Deadline: 9am on Friday 3rd April
Interview dates to be confirmed soon, likely to be happening late April.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Commonwealth Education Trust (CET) provides professional development and training to teachers in low- and middle-income settings through our ed-Tech, award winning, low-cost platform, Teach2030. Easy-to-use and low data, teachers in under resourced settings receive contextualised, assessed, and certified foundational materials to underpin and advance their practice.
As an Education Specialist, you'll need a background in education, with a high level of teaching proficiency and ability to engage with pedagogical content. You'll write, design and deliver engaging, interactive, and impactful resources and course materials that suit our teachers worldwide.
Your role will include:
- Writing courses and educational content for blogs
- Checking and editing current courses to improve educational content
- Enhancing the educational content provided to our users worldwide
- Leading digital workshops and Q&As
- Contributing and participating in NGO contracts
What We're Looking For
- Expertise with pedagogy in primary or secondary school
- A PGCE and QTS
- Enthusiasm for teaching, learning, training and education
- Technical proficiency or willingness to learn
- Initiative and willingness to contribute new ideas
- Record in designing high-quality, measurable learning solutions
- Ability to present complex ideas clearly and creatively.
- An education background is essential.
All children deserve a quality education from a transformative and supportive teacher.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an opportunity to play a key role in the leadership of Sussex Area Ramblers by supporting the Chair in the oversight and direction of all Area activities, making sure that they are consistent, integrated and in line with Ramblers' mission and strategy.
The Ramblers, Suusex Area of which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, is the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, and to improving Britain’s most popular and least-known walking places. We’re committed to campaigning to keep our countryside open to all and to fighting for the things that matter most to walkers. We lead the way, and the walks, for a vibrant community united by the joys of walking, helping everyone get more out of their walks.
The Vice-Chair supports the Area Chair in the leadership of Ramblers' activities in East and West Sussex including the provision through the Groups in the Area of organised walks, helping to ensure the Groups are run well, follow good practice and join in national/Area initiatives, the protection of rights of way, and and the preservation and conservation of, the countryside, includung representing the Area to external stakeholders.
The Vice-Chair deputises for the Area Chair, as required, at meetings of the Area leadership teams (Area Council and Area Executive Committee), represents the Area at meetings of the Ramblers' South East Regional Cluster and, in agreement with the Area Chair, leads specific projects in which the Area is engaged, making sure in all cases that Ramblers' policies and procedures are followed with a view to ensuring that the Area, its members and volunteers are kept safe and legally compliant.
The Vice-Chair supports the Chair in managing the Area's working relationship with local authorities, organisations and politicians.
The Vice-Chair assists the Chair by making sure that the Area follows all of the required governance, including AGMs and attendance at Ramblers' General Council Meetings.
The role holderwill work closely with the Chair and other members of the Area Executive Committee and Area Council, and where necessary seek advice and guidance from Ramblers' central office.
You will need to be a member of the Ramblers and live in East or West Sussex to hold the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.
We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.
Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.
Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement.
The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do:
- Community fundraising
- Talks and demonstrations
- Support at events
- Volunteer welfare
- Community Roadshows
- Supporting national campaigns
- Counting and banking money
- Booking events
- Supporting Networks
- Administration support
- Writing thank you and community letters
- Media and social media
- Community news and Network newsletters
Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - dates, times and location to be advised,
Training for role - dates, times and location to be advised,
Closing date for these opportunities is: 05/04/2026
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
Do you want to help the youth of today become the lifesavers of tomorrow? We're on a mission to teach young people across the country how to save lives. It's a chance for them to learn important first aid skills in a fun, friendly, and safe environment.
St John is one of the largest youth organisations in the country and many of our young volunteers go onto careers in health and/or social care.
Being a youth volunteer helps young people develop skills and confidence that go on to help them with further education and university applications. To do this we need dedicated and enthusiastic youth helpers. Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us.
Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community.
Our Badger are children aged 5-10 years of age and the Cadets are 11 – 17
If you’d like to know more about volunteering or would just like to chat to someone who does, get in touch.
As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time.
Must be able to attend meetings and attend courses when they become available
The closing date for this advert will be 03/04/2026
Interview - dates and time, locations to be advised
We are looking for new volunteers to join our Youth Team in North Staffordshire to support our young people in striving to achieve their Super Badger and Grand Prior awards. All volunteers begin as Youth Team Members, with the opportunity to progress to Youth Leader after completing additional training.
This role requires a DBS check and completion of mandatory training. Our core training includes Safeguarding, Youth Leader First Aid, and Youth Team Fundamentals, delivered through a mix of e‑learning, virtual sessions, and optional in‑person courses covering youth team principles, day warrant, and more, depending on your level of involvement.
Our youth groups currently meet in Stoke, Hanley and Cheadle on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings during term time. If you’re enthusiastic about supporting young people and developing your skills within a friendly and dedicated team, we’d love to hear from you.
Pursuing the role
- Interview - 11/04/2026, time and location to be confirmed
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 20/06/2026, time and location to be confirmed
- Training for role - date, time and location to be confirmed
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Closing date for these opportunities is: 04/04/2026
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
We are honoured to be supporting the wonderful Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People to recruit four new Trustees to their Board.
Rainbows Hospice for Children & Young People is based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, and is the only Hospice across the East Midlands that delivers a comprehensive range of support services, nursing and care for babies, children and young people with life threatening and life limiting conditions and their families.
As a Trustee for Rainbows Hospice your commitment will make a direct difference to the families they support. The work involved in being a Trustee can be demanding but is also immensely rewarding, providing both expected and unexpected opportunities for personal development. You will be joining a multi-skilled and talented Board of Trustees, currently twelve, who have a collective responsibility to govern their work.
The rewards of working with, and learning from, people of different backgrounds and skills will be great. You will help plan and fulfil their strategic future and make policy decisions to ensure they are accountable to the families, supporters, the Charity Commission and the public in general.
The team are looking for four Trustees to join them and have identified the following three skill areas of interest at this time;
Leadership
• Proven leadership experience aligned with organisational values and culture
• Collaborative, compassionate leadership style (non-hierarchical approach)
• Ability to inspire and bring people along
• Strategic oversight experience at board level
• Senior leadership role required (e.g., Director or CEO level)
Business/ Finance
• Strong understanding of charity finance to support the Director of Finance
• Broad commercial acumen beyond just retail
• Senior-level experience with a track record in innovation and growth
• Ability to contribute strategically to financial oversight and decision-making
Strategic Income Generation/ Retail
• Retail experience is essential and currently missing from the board (used to have a retail trustee on the board from Boots)
• Strategic income generation experience is desirable, though partly covered by the CEO
• Ability to challenge and support investment decisions to drive income
• Understanding of both operational and commercial aspects of retail
• Senior-level experience (e.g., Director of Retail at a large national charity like Cancer Research UK Senior Director
The best Boards are diverse, with people who have a real understanding of the needs to be met and others who have specific skills and knowledge that can complement that. Rainbows supports babies, children, young people and their families from many multi cultural and multi-ethnic communities across the East Midlands. We welcome applications reflective of the region and rich diversity of the communities we serve.
For more information, please download the job pack attached above.
The closing date is Monday 30th March 2026
Interviews are to be held w/c 13th April.
Valued Recruitment is working exclusively with Rainbows to recruit for their Board of Trustees. We are an ethical recruitment company, intent on hiring inclusively and transparently.
To apply, we welcome a CV and a 1-2 page covering letter detailing your interest in the role.
Accessibility is incredibly important to us here at Valued Recruitment and at Rainbows. If you would like any accessibility amendments or support throughout the application and interview stage, please don’t hesitate to let us know. No question or request is too big or too small. We want this process to be comfortable and enjoyable and a chance for you to bring your best self to the process.
An ethical recruitment consultancy shaking up the not-for-profit sector. Recruiting without compromise and representing talent unapologetically.



The Organisation
The 5% Club is a national dynamic movement of employers committed to “Earn and Learn” as part of building and developing the workforce they need for a socially mobile, prosperous and cohesive nation. We exist to help our Members and all employers increase further the number, quality and range of Earn and Learn opportunities across the UK. By joining The 5% Club, our Members aspire to achieve 5% of their workforce in Earn and Learn positions (including apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formalised training schemes) within five years of joining.
The 5% Club now represents over 1250 organisations with 2m employees, of which almost 121,000 are in on-the-job training – an average, of more than 6?ross the movement. Our mission is rooted in employers taking a proactive role in addressing the UK’s critical skills challenges. It’s about developing people with the right skills to forge meaningful career paths and its members represent some of the gold standards of training and skills development.
We want roles such as apprenticeships, sponsored student placements, graduate programmes and upskilling to be accessible to all. By “all,” we mean the spectrum of Britain’s social diversity – racial, cultural, gender, age, background and more. The end goal is to drive up shared prosperity in the country by enlisting all manner of organisation sizes (from SMEs, for whom “5%” means one person – to FTSE100 household names employing tens of thousands) as Members, who then sign the Charter committing to building a workforce with at least 5% of their employees in Earn and Learn roles.
The 5% Club has strong connections to the Government, industry bodies and education partners and this plays a huge part in advocacy and change.
To find out more about what we do, visit our website.
The Role
The Chair of the Board provides strategic leadership to the charity, ensuring it is well governed, financially sustainable, and delivering meaningful impact for its beneficiaries. The role requires an experienced and collaborative leader who can support the Chief Executive, guide the Board, and uphold the highest standards of charity governance.
Key responsibilities
Governance Leadership
- Lead the Board in ensuring the charity fulfils its mission, complies with its governing document, and meets all legal and regulatory requirements (including Charity Commission expectations).
- Ensure the Board operates effectively, with the right balance of skills, diversity, and experience. Lead regular Board effectiveness reviews and support ongoing trustee development.
- Uphold the principles of good governance, encouraging constructive challenge, accountability, and high ethical standards.
Strategic Oversight
- Work with trustees and the Chief Executive to set the charity’s long-term vision, strategy, and priorities.
- Ensure appropriate systems are in place to monitor performance, impact, and risk. Oversee the quality of impact reporting, ensuring the charity communicates its outcomes effectively.
- Champion organisational learning, innovation, and responsiveness to change in the external environment.
Supporting and Challenging the Chief Executive
- Provide support, guidance, and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive.
- Maintain a strong, transparent, and trusting working relationship with the Chief Executive.
- Undertake formal annual appraisal of the Chief Executive and ensure the Board supports their performance and development.
- Act as the Chief Executive’s point of escalation for urgent or exceptional decisions requiring Chair involvement.
Board Leadership & Culture
- Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring inclusive and balanced discussions and clear decisions.
- Ensure committees function effectively and are properly delegated while maintaining appropriate oversight.
- Build a collaborative board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and maintaining a focus on beneficiaries. Lead succession planning across the Board – and supporting Committees – and ensure recruitment reflects diversity and skill needs.
- Lead trustee recruitment, induction, and succession planning (except for the recruitment of a new Chair).
External Representation
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, representing it with key stakeholders, funders, partners, regulators, and the media (as appropriate).
- Support the Chief Executive and senior team in relationship-building with donors, sponsors, and strategic partners.
- Promote the charity’s reputation and influence within relevant sectors. Represent the Charity in policy, advocacy and employer-facing forums where appropriate.
Risk, Finance & Compliance
- Ensure robust financial oversight, including budgeting, audit, reserves, and investment policies.
- Oversee risk management and ensure the Board receives timely information to make informed decisions.
- Ensure the charity maintains high standards in safeguarding, health & safety, data protection, and other statutory areas. Provide assurance over internal control systems and review the annual report and accounts prior to approval.
The Person
We are seeking an individual with substantial senior leadership experience, ideally a current or former business leader within an employer organisation, and prior experience as Chair of a commercial company, non-profit organisation, or charity. Experience in environments involving policy engagement or multistakeholder representation would be advantageous.
Essential Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience in a business, employer organisation, or large operational environment.
- Prior experience as Chair of a commercial company, charity, or non-profit.
- Experience of organisational governance, strategic planning, and risk oversight.
- Experience supporting or overseeing a Chief Executive or senior leadership team.
- Demonstrable experience building high-performing boards or teams.
- Experience engaging with Government, regulators, or policy-influencing environments.
Desirable Experience
- Experience in the charity sector, voluntary or community work, or public service.
- Experience with fundraising, commissioning, or managing external partnerships.
- Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., Charity Commission guidance, safeguarding,data protection).
- Experience within a membership organisation or skills/employability-focused sector.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate insight into practical direction.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to chair meetings effectively and foster inclusive discussion.
- Integrity, independence of mind, and sound judgement.
- Ability to analyse complex information and make evidence-based decisions.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Confidence in ambassadorial and stakeholder-facing roles, including ability to represent the organisation publicly, including handling media or public scrutiny if required.
Personal Attributes
- Genuine alignment with the charity’s mission and values.
- Collaborative, supportive, and low-ego leadership style.
- Ability to challenge constructively and hold others to account.
- Resilient, calm under pressure, and capable of navigating ambiguity.
- High ethical standards and commitment to trusteeship responsibilities.
- Comfortable operating in high-visibility environments and representing the charity in national settings.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.
Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.
What you will be doing
- Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
- Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
- Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
- SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
- Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
- Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
- Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.
The skills you need
- Be friendly and approachable.
- Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
- Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
- Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
- Basic IT skills would be an advantage.
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
- Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
- Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
