Youth Children Volunteer Roles

Can you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 2 years? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours spare a month? 

Do you live in Bristol?

Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care and make a long-term friendship with them? 

If yes, then volunteering for Reconstruct may suit you.

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park.

You must be 21+, available for flexible working and able to commit to a minimum of 2 years. As a volunteer, you would spend about 2-4 hours every month with your allocated child.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests.

WHAT DO INDEPENDENT VISITORS DO?

• Visit a child monthly and becomes a trusted adult friend to them.
• Provide a consistent and reliable adult with a view to building a trusting and positive relationship with the child.
• Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities and spend time with them away from their placement. This in turn can enhance progress and resilience of children, by building self-esteem, strengthening mental health, and opening new social relationships outside of the care system.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport an identify with children and young people.
• Communication – Excellent communication skills, good report writing skills.
• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year and preferably two years.
• Role Model – A good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.
• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Examples of activities can include:

• Sports
• Play football 
• Cinema
• Bowling
• Go to the library

You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your activity, and payment of your expenses, are paid so you are not out of pocket. These include, travel costs, and parking.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to attend necessary training for the role. Interviews will be arranged in due course thereafter.

Can you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 2 years? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours spare a month? 

Do you live in Milton Keynes?

Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care and make a long-term friendship with them? 

If yes, then volunteering for Reconstruct may suit you.

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park.

You must be 21+, available for flexible working and able to commit to a minimum of 2 years. As a volunteer, you would spend about 2-4 hours every month with your allocated child.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests.

WHAT DO INDEPENDENT VISITORS DO?

• Visit a child monthly and becomes a trusted adult friend to them.
• Provide a consistent and reliable adult with a view to building a trusting and positive relationship with the child.
• Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities and spend time with them away from their placement. This in turn can enhance progress and resilience of children, by building self-esteem, strengthening mental health, and opening new social relationships outside of the care system.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport an identify with children and young people.
• Communication – Excellent communication skills, good report writing skills.
• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year and preferably two years.
• Role Model – A good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.
• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Examples of activities can include:

• Sports
• Play football 
• Cinema
• Bowling
• Go to the library

You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your activity, and payment of your expenses, are paid so you are not out of pocket. These include, travel costs, and parking.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to attend necessary training for the role. Interviews will be arranged in due course thereafter.

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’ 

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Tooting on Mondays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10am - 3pm
• Tuesday 2pm - 6pm
• Wednesday 11am - 6pm

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer  Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential 

• To be 18 years or older;

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel and food expenses can be reimbursed);

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;

• To be reliable and punctual;

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum seeker or refugee status

• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check (DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering 

To Apply: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers with email subject header “Youth ESOL Teaching Assistant Volunteer”. 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

About this role

Passionate about supporting young people aged 11 - 16? Join us as a Volunteer for our Youth Project at Southmead Adventure Playground (the Rach) or Lockleaze Adventure Playground (the Vench).

You’ll be engaging with local children as they learn basic bike maintenance skills, play bike games, explore their local neighbourhood, and connect with nature. If you’re looking for an impactful role, which can transform lives in your community, this is the one for you!

As a Youth Project volunteer, you will:

• Support the delivery of an annual programme of activities for children and young people.
• Encourage people from underrepresented and marginalised communities to experience the benefits of cycling.
• Attend one volunteer training day per year, (this may include 'an introduction to play work and adventure playgrounds', beginners bike maintenance, fixing disk-brakes and BMX issues, teaching 'learn-to-ride' and cycle skills games) - there is the option to attend more if availability allows.
• Work in a busy setting and deal calmly with competing demands for attention.
• Work in compliance with Health and Safety guidelines for activities.
• Complete safeguarding training with Life Cycle.

About Life Cycle

Life Cycle is a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey, from learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry.

In this role, you’ll play a key part in our Youth Project, working closely with our Inclusive Cycling team to provide fun, free, neighbourhood-based cycling activities for young people.

‘‘When Jasmine started with Life Cycle, she must’ve been about seven or eight. She’s ten now, and she’s gaining excellent bike skills. She’s ready for the next step.’’

– Jasmine’s Dad.

About you

You’ll be warm, empathetic, and keen to support the team to ensure the project runs smoothly – this includes keeping the Adventure Playground bikes in good working order.

As part of this role, you’ll offer individual attention to help children with tasks such as learning to ride, taking part in group rides, fixing a broken bike and participating in games. You’ll be able to communicate clearly and patiently with children, parents and playworkers. Enthusiastic about cycling, you’ll have knowledge of bike repair and maintenance or a willingness to learn.

This is a rewarding role where you can inspire young people to become more confident, engage in physical activity and explore their local area, green spaces and home city. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Essential skills:

• Enthusiasm for working with children and young people.
• Valid enhanced DBS (or willingness to apply for one).
• A keen interest in cycling and all things bike-related.
• Good communication skills.

Desirable:

• Experience working with children and young people.
• Experience in repairing and maintaining bicycles.
• Prepared to undertake Ride Leader training.
• A recognised cycle maintenance qualification.
• First aid certificate.

How to apply: please apply via our ‘Volunteering and jobs’ page on our website.

Job description

As a Youth Club Leader at Youth Challenge Oxfordshire you will play a key role in guiding and supporting young people through our 18-month program. This involves leading weekly 2-hour sessions in Wallingford, creating a safe and engaging environment, and driving personal development.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a 2-hour weekly session during term time, following our unique three-stage programme: ME (self-awareness), US (group dynamics), and THEM (community & global causes).
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and fun environment, supporting the personal development of all group members.
• Plan fundraising activities alongside your group and the support team and attend events (some may be on weekends).
• Lead the group on a 5-day UK residential trip organized by us
• Regularly update Youth Challenge Oxfordshire staff on the group’s progress and address any issues.
• Attend an induction with the Group Manager, complete a DBS check, and receive First Aid and Safeguarding training (funded by us).

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Passionate and Motivated: Enthusiastic about working with vulnerable young people, with a commitment to motivating and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Able to act as a positive role model and build strong, trusting relationships.
• Strong Communication: Excellent listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude.
• DBS Check: Must have or be able to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Travel Ready: Willing to participate in a 5-day UK residential trip and able to commute to Faringdon
• Team Player: Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team.

Note: Expenses will be covered. We unfortunately cannot sponsor candidates

Everyone has hopes, dreams and ambitions, for some of us it is more difficult to turn them into reality. At St Albans Mencap we believe everyone is unique and deserves the chance to reach out and create their own future.

SNAP (Special Needs Activities and Play) is an organisation that offers respite care to children and young people aged 5 to 19 years old, who have learning disabilities of varying severity. Some service users may also have physical or sensory disabilities and/or behaviour that is challenging. We aim to provide stimulating play opportunities and good quality childcare, tailored to meet the needs of children and young adults with special needs.

We run ongoing Saturday clubs during school term-time in both Hemel Hempstead and St Albans, as well as running Playschemes during the Easter, Christmas, Summer, and half term school holidays. Volunteer can choose which of our dates they would like to work, allowing for flexibility around other commitments.

All volunteers are provided with training opportunities to enable us to provide a high standard service. Some of our training opportunities include: Safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid, Epilepsy Awareness and Seizure Response, and Moving & Handling. Our roles will give you the chance to enjoy a variety of challenging and rewarding experiences.  

Being part of the St Albans Mencap team enables you to meet new friends and gain life and work experience in a setting you may currently be unfamiliar with. It can also count towards your Duke of Edinburgh Award and shows commitment to supporting your local community, which ultimately looks great when applying for college, university places, or even a new job.

We also have opportunities for volunteer to progress to staff - Play Worker position. 

Positions are subject to satisfactory DBS check and references.

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Flexible hours
• Weekends
• Christmas, Easter and Summer Holiday
• School term time

Are you passionate about creating opportunities for children and young people to thrive?
Young Barnet Foundation (YBF) is seeking four new Trustees to join our Board and support our work with the voluntary, community, and faith sectors in Barnet. Since 2015, YBF has developed strong partnerships and worked collaboratively to improve outcomes for children and young people.

We are looking for individuals who can contribute their expertise, time, and enthusiasm to help steer our organisation and support its ambitious plans for the future.

Who We’re Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Voluntary sector expertise: Proven experience of working within the not-for-profit sector.
• Fundraising knowledge: Particularly in community fundraising, corporate fundraising, or securing support from trusts and foundations.
• Operational support: Knowledge of IT and/or HR to assist our senior management team in streamlining effective operations.
• Secretariat skills: An interest in keeping accurate minutes, papers, and actions for the Board, ideal for someone new to trusteeship who wishes to gain experience.

We also value:

• Strong connections within Barnet, such as links to local businesses, schools, faith groups, or local government.
• Experience in the youth sector, either as a service user, volunteer, or employee.

We are committed to ensuring our Board reflects the diverse community we serve. We are especially keen to hear from candidates from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, who are currently underrepresented on our Board.

Your Role as a Trustee

As a Trustee, you will:

• Attend bi-monthly Board and sub-committee meetings.
• Act as an ambassador for YBF, helping to raise our profile and support fundraising initiatives.
• Provide guidance and advice in your area of expertise.

This is a voluntary role requiring a time commitment of up to 8 hours per month, including attendance at six Board meetings per year, typically held in the evening. Trustees serve a three-year term, renewable for a maximum of six years.

About us 

The Greenhouse Project exists to enable children, young people, their families and communities to access opportunities that support their creative development, understanding and celebration of diversity. It delivers a programme of media, performance and visual arts workshops, activities and events, educational outreach, Early Years Education and a Play Days Out of School hours initiative.

Volunteer Opportunity – Afterschool Club Pick-ups & Play

At The Greenhouse, we truly value our amazing volunteers, whose support enables us to operate daily. Building positive relationships with children and staff, while demonstrating kindness, respect, and strong values, is an essential part of our work environment.

Volunteers play a vital role in supporting our Out of School and Holiday Club sessions. We are looking for dedicated volunteers to support our Afterschool Club by helping with school pick-ups and engaging children in play activities.

What We Need

• Volunteers who can spare 3 hours per day, Monday to Friday (this is desirable, however, even 1 hour to help get the children from school to The Greenhouse Project Out of School will be appreciated)

• You can choose to volunteer from one to five days per week, but we ask for confirmed availability and reliability

• A willingness to complete a DBS check (the cost will be covered by us)

What You'll Be Doing

• Assisting with school pick-ups

• Engaging children in fun and creative activities

• Helping to create a safe and positive environment for all

• Preparing activities and engaging with children during sessions
• Reading
• Arts and crafts
• Messy play and water activities
• Gardening and forest school
• Cooking
• Hoovering
• Cleaning and washing dishes

If you're interested or would like more information, we'd love to hear from you!

Give Back to Children in Your Community with The Kids Network

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or find a meaningful way to use your time? The Kids Network offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children while practicing your skills and connecting with others.

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

Be Free Young Carers are looking for positive volunteers who can provide regular support to young carers through our Befriending Service. These young people {between 8-17 years old} care for family members who have a long term illness or disability. Young carers often describe their lives as isolated, with few or no friends, and high levels of anxiety and stress as they cope with their caring responsibilities. They urgently need friendly, patient and caring befrienders to provide relaxed and informal support. 

Making a difference to the life of a young carer is incredibly rewarding! You will have the opportunity to use your experience and knowledge to benefit a vulnerable young person. You will learn transferable skills for the workplace, gain experience in working with young people in a supportive role and receive specialised training and support from our specialist staff. Although mostly a one to one activity, you will become part of our befriending community, meeting like-minded people and taking part in group events. Get out and about, try new activities, learn new skills and make the most of your free time!

Our young carers all currently live in Vale of the White Horse, South Oxfordshire and Oxford city.

All Befrienders are required to provide two references, allow us to carry out an enhanced DBS check and complete our training and induction protocols. 

There is no financial cost involved in becoming or being a Befriender. All reasonable expenses, such as travel and activity costs for both the Befriender and the young carer, are covered. There is a maximum budget that is permitted to be spent each meeting, this does not include the Befriender’s travel expenses. 

Be Free Young Carers also have other volunteering opportunities available throughout the year.

We're looking for people who are a dab hand with a duster to support our team of Housekeepers to help maintain the high levels of hygiene standards required at the hospice. We work hard to make sure that the families who visit us create magical memories, and having a clean and relaxing environment is a big part of this. 

This is a rewarding opportunity to gain experience, meet new people and help to make a real difference to the families who visit Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Volunteers will support with some or all of the following tasks:

• Hoovering, dusting and general cleaning of public areas in the hospice

• Maintenance of bed linen, towels etc

• Loading/emptying washing machines

• Mopping floors

• Cleaning and re-stocking bedrooms and bathrooms and toilets

• Deep cleaning routines to stated hygiene standards

• Removing rubbish to appropriate areas

Volunteers will be supported in this role by a Volunteer Supervisor from the Housekeeping team.

“I was a little nervous on my first day but all the staff were so friendly and welcoming that I soon relaxed and enjoyed myself. I get to meet new, interesting people of all ages. It makes me feel like I’m doing something useful and purposeful. It’s nice to use the skills that I have but also to learn new skills.” - Lynne, Hospice Volunteer.

We are seeking a leader who shares our vision of inspiring and supporting young people’s ideas, imagination and voice through their creativity and writing.

You will have the skills, time, passion and influence to be an important part of our pioneering organisation, helping us to grow and develop, and keeping young people and creativity at our heart.

Trustees initially join the board for three years, and are then eligible for re-appointment for a second term. Chair and vice-chairs are eligible for a third term.

Our Chair of Trustees will:

• Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, enabling them to provide effective strategic direction and fulfil their governance responsibilities. 
• Platform and profile Ministry of Stories externally, representing the organisation
• Build and broker relationships with potential partners
• Unlock relationships with funders, corporate partners and/or high value individual donors

You will have:

• A strong commitment to the principles underlying the work of the Ministry of Stories: belief in the power of children's creativity and imagination and in inclusiveness
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic level in the arts, learning, youth or other relevant sector
• Experience of supporting organisational growth
• Understanding and experience of charity governance and the chairing role
• An understanding and commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Please apply via the link to our website below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Job Title: Volunteer Recruitment Consultant
Location: Remote
Employment  Type: Part-Time (10 -15 hours per week)
Organisation: Children with Voices

About Children with Voices
Children with Voices is a Hackney-based charity dedicated to empowering children and families through educational programs, sustainable initiatives, and community-driven support. We are committed to creating a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

The Role
We’re looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Volunteer Recruitment Specialist to join our team remotely. Your role will be vital in attracting, selecting, and onboarding passionate volunteers to support our impactful programs for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruitment Strategy: Design and implement creative strategies to attract a diverse pool of volunteers using social media, outreach, and job boards.
• Screening & Matching: Review applications, interview candidates, and match their skills and interests to appropriate roles.
• Onboarding & Support: Coordinate training and orientation for new volunteers while providing ongoing support and feedback.
• Database Management: Maintain accurate records of applications, assignments, and volunteer engagement metrics.
• Collaboration: Work with program managers to understand volunteer needs and improve retention.

About You

• Proactive, organised, and passionate about community development.
• Skilled in recruitment, screening, and candidate engagement (experience in HR is a bonus).
• Comfortable using digital tools for recruitment and communication.
• Motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in vulnerable families' lives.

Why Join Us?
At Children with Voices, you’ll have the chance to work with a dynamic team and directly impact your community. Your efforts will help us continue delivering life-changing programs to those who need them most.

As a valued member of our team, you’ll enjoy:

• Skill Development: Access to training and growth opportunities to enhance your recruitment and coordination expertise.
• Flexible Work Environment: A fully remote position with the autonomy to manage your schedule.
• Meaningful Impact: The chance to directly contribute to the growth and success of a community-focused charity.

If you’re organised, passionate about making a difference, and ready to help us build a team of dedicated volunteers, we’d love to hear from you!

To apply, please send your CV.

Join us at Children with Voices and help us transform lives, one volunteer at a time.

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system.

As educators, service providers and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps develop young people’s English language skills whilst addressing their psychological and social needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in London. We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

About the opportunity

We are seeking a Chair to work with the Board of Trustees and Director on Springboard's strategic direction and decision making. We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and inclusive education, as well as our commitment to working with, for and alongside refugee communities. We are keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us scale up. We’re looking for people who can think strategically and creatively, work collaboratively and want to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education sector. We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care.

Responsibilities of the Chair include:

• Providing leadership for the board of trustees in their role of setting the strategy and policy of the organisation
• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and setting the agendas
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings 
• Monitoring that decisions taken at board meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at appropriate events, meetings or functions  
• Liaising with the Director on organisational activity and providing support as appropriate 

Qualities:

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• Independent judgment
• Commitment to making meetings inclusive and welcoming to Trustees with all levels of experience
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing inclusive and refugee-focused work

Time commitment

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of two hours per month to the charity. As Chair, you will be required to support with annual reporting to the charity commission, plan the agenda for board meetings and provide intermittent support to the Director. We will also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond on email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier.