Volunteer with our National, Regional or Special Interest Groups

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#CIOFVolunteers

It would not be possible to run our national, regional and special interest fundraising groups across the UK without the help of our incredible volunteers, and we’re looking for committed and passionate people to join our team.

Volunteers give their time, skills and expertise to support our work. There is no such thing as a typical volunteer. Individuals are motivated to volunteer for different reasons; to learn new skills, to use their spare time positively or because they believe in what we are doing.  

Whether you’re good with people, numbers or ideas, you’ll find it worthwhile to spend your time as a volunteer supporting the vibrant fundraising community within the UK. You’ll gain the kind of knowledge and experience you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere. And all the while, you’ll be making a difference.

Whatever you have to offer, you’ll fit right in

Volunteering would be beneficial for your own fundraising journey in a number of ways: 

How to get involved

1. Check the list of groups that are currently looking for volunteers.

2. Read about the roles that make up a group committee.

3. Fill in the online form to register your interest.

4. A group representative will get in touch to arrange a follow up conversation. Please see below for more information about the application process.

If you know which group and role you're interested in, you can go straight to the form below.

Application process

Groups with vacancies

Please click on each group to find out what roles they are recruiting for. If there's one you'd like to find out more about, please use the online form below to register your interest, and a member of the relevant committee will be in touch.

Committee members for regional groups should be based in that region, whereas special interest groups, such as Consultants or Supporter Experience, could be based anywhere in the UK.

For more information about what each group covers, and their activities, please visit our national, regional and special interest group pages. 

For more information about what each role is responsible for, please download the PDF below, or scroll down to look through the roles available.

Northern Ireland

We provide a forum for skills development and networking across professional fundraising in Northern Ireland. We’re here to help and support all fundraisers in our local sector and our committee should reflect that. Therefore, we seek to continue strengthening the diversity among our team and welcome expressions of interest from skilled fundraisers from ethnically diverse and underrepresented communities.

Find out more about us on our page.

Scotland

We are not currently recruiting for any roles, however please get in touch if you are interested in volunteering. We'd love to hear from you!

Scottish Fundraising Conference
We are looking to recruit volunteers to our Scottish Fundraising Conference committee, to assist with a range of duties and roles.
 

 
Wales/Cymru

The Wales committee is keen to add new members with a wide range of interests and expertise. If you’re interested in getting involved please get in touch. We have the following vacancies:

  • Secretary
  • Events lead
  • Learning and Development lead
Central South

We have the following vacancies:

  • Events/Social Media lead
East Midlands

Covering a wide area and six counties – Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northants – we provide a forum for skills development and networking. We welcome fundraisers of all experience levels and from every fundraising discipline working or living in the East Midlands. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We are looking for:

  • Mentoring lead

  • Events and training lead

  • General committee members

London and South East

We provide a forum for fundraisers in the region to meet each other, share information and advice, attend seminars and talks presented by leading specialists and socialise with your peers. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We're looking for a:

  • Mentoring Lead
  • Secretary
North West

We have the following vacancies:

  • Networking Lead - Manchester
  • Networking Lead - Liverpool
  • Networking Lead - Lancashire
  • Secretary
  • Marketing Assistant
  • EDI Champion
  • Policy Champion
South West

We cover Bath, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Somerset.

We organise events and training to support fundraisers at all levels in the region, and also run an excellent South West mentoring scheme, which has been running since 2010.

We're looking for:

  • Training Co lead
  • Treasurer support
West Midlands

The West Midlands group aim is to provide support, inspiration and professional development opportunities to fundraisers living in Birmingham, Coventry, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Whether you want to develop your skills, share ideas and learn from your peers or just talk to other people who understand what it means to be a fundraiser today – the West Midlands group is here. Find out more about us and our current committee on our website.

We're looking for:

  • Training Lead
  • Sponsorship Lead
Yorkshire

We put together a range of training events throughout Yorkshire with expert guest speakers involved in all aspects of fundraising, host social events with fundraisers throughout the region and hold our successful Regional Conference each year. Find out more about us and our current committee on our website.

We are looking for:

  • Events lead (North Yorkshire based)
  • RAISE champion
  • Communications lead (social media)
Black Fundraisers UK

We're a voluntary organisation working to support fundraisers that are Black, Asian, people of colour, or from a specific minoritised ethnicity by providing a regular forum to meet, share experiences and access professional support. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We are looking for:

  • Communications Lead
  • Communications Lead (social media focus)
  • Regional ambassadors (please contact us for more information)
Community Fundraising

We have the following vacancies:

  • EDI Lead

  • Secretary

  • Communications Lead (incl Social)

  • Mentoring Lead

  • Training Lead

  • Events Lead

  • Supporting volunteer

Consultants

We aim to support fundraising consultants by liasing with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising on matters such as the Directory of Fundraising Consultants, and providing opportunities to hear from and network with other fundraising consultants at our meetings. Find out more about us and our current committee on our website.

We're looking for a:

  • EDI Champion
Corporate Fundraisers

We aim to provide opportunities for fundraisers and volunteers involved in corporate fundraising to network with each other, to represent the views of corporate fundraisers, both within the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and to other organisations, and to provide access to information and training for members of the group. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We're looking for a:

  • Main Committee - three roles available
Cultural Sector Network

The Cultural Sector Network aims to break down the barriers separating arts, culture and heritage fundraisers and to develop a truly public understanding of the charitable case for supporting culture. We achieve this aim through running our annual Cultural Sector Network Conference, a rolling programme of events and peer-to-peer networking opportunities, running mentoring in partnership with Young Arts Fundraisers and wider sector advocacy. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We are looking for:

  • Chair/Co-chair
  • Treasurer
  • Marketing lead
  • Mentoring programme lead/co-lead
  • Members for our events and conference sub-committee
  • Members for our advocacy and research sub-committee
Event Fundraising

Our members are an informal group directly involved in fundraising through various types of events. We host quarterly meetings to discuss topics of interest, hear from key speakers or stakeholders within the sector, and network with colleagues from other charities. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We're looking for a:

  • Chair
  • Communications Lead (social media focus)
  • EDI Champion
  • Events Lead (special events focus)
Fundraisers in Christian Organisations

We recognise the special responsibilities, opportunities and challenges facing fundraisers in Christian organisations and seeks to address these issues both positively and honestly. We represent over 2,000 organisations through membership and attendance at our meetings and training events. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We are looking for a:

  • Chair
  • Secretary
  • EDI Champion
  • Treasurer
Major Donor

We have the following vacancies:

  • Co Chair
Payroll Giving

We have the following vacancies:

  • EDI Lead
Researchers in Fundraising

We are a committee of professional prospect researchers representing charities, educational institutions, and fundraising and research consultancies from across the UK. We create opportunities for the prospect research community in the UK and internationally to develop their skills, connect and network with one another, strike up mentoring relationships, discover new research roles, and much more. Currently we have no vacancies but please get in touch if interested in volunteering with us. Find out more about us and our committee on our section of the website.

Sole Fundraisers

We're dedicated to the issues facing fundraisers with primary responsibility for raising voluntary income in their organisation. This includes people who are the only employee with responsibilty for raising voluntary income. those with sole or shared responsibility for their fundraising strategy and many others. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We're looking for a:

  • EDI Champion
  • Treasurer
Supporter Experience

We’re a network of fundraising professionals who believe that if, as fundraisers, we only focus on the money we will damage the experience. But if we focus on giving supporters a great experience, then the money will follow. Our Steering Committee is building a community of fundraisers who share our vision that good fundraising is built on a good supporter experience. We do this by offering networking opportunities, collecting and sharing case studies and providing a regular e-newsletter. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We're looking for a:

  • Communications Lead
  • Marketing Lead
Trusts and Statutory

We provide a forum for fundraisers who raise funds from trust and statutory sources. The group meets several times a year, often with guest speakers from trust and statutory sources, providing an excellent opportunity to meet with other trust and statutory fundraisers and to hear the perspective of those who work in and run trusts and offer statutory grants. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We are looking for:

  • Treasurer
Scottish Community

We have the following vacancies:

  • Chair or Co-Chair
  • Committee members (general support)
Scottish Corporate

We are looking for new volunteers to join our committee to fill all roles. If you'd like to support our activities in any way, please visit the group volunteering form, or get in touch with any questions.

Scottish Heads and Directors

Our group is a space for senior practitioners to share best practice in fundraising, provide a supportive network for its members, provide a platform to inform Chartered Institute of Fundraising Scotland policy positions and discuss topical issues.

Membership is open to all members of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising who are senior practising fundraisers whether they manage a team or are a sole fundraiser. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We are looking for:

  • Committee members (general support)
  • Chair
  • Secretary 
Scottish Major Donor

We bring together major donor fundraisers from a wide range of backgrounds including the arts, higher education and the third sector. We offer a great forum for sharing information, learning and networking with your fundraising peers. We focus on a different aspect of major donor fundraising at each meeting and invite speakers (including experienced fundraisers, consultants, trustees and donors) along to give new and interesting perspectives on the world of philanthropy. We meet around four times a year. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We are looking for:

  • Secretary
  • Committee members
  • EDI champion
Scottish Trusts, Statutory and Foundations

We welcome everyone from sole fundraisers from small charities to Trust specialists from larger departments. The charities represented range from small to Scotland-wide organisations and Scottish branches of UK bodies. The causes too are wide-ranging, from health and disability, to education, arts and the environment. Find out more about us, and our current committee, on our website.

We are looking for:

  • Co-Chair
  • Secretary
  • Committee members

Available roles

Please click each role title for a brief description of what the repsonsibilities are. You can find more detail about all the roles by downloading the PDF below.

Chair or Co-Chair

The main committee contact with the Chartered Institute, and an essential Officer role for all groups. Substitute may be appointed temporarily, by agreement with the Volunteering team.

  • Accountable to the Chartered Institute, following all governance matters.
  • Presides over all their group meetings where they are present and have the casting vote at Committee meetings where necessary.
  • Ensures all events and forums have the correct procedures in place to be safe and requires that committee members also abide by these.
  • Furthers the interests of the Chartered Institute promoting its policies and initiatives, taking direction from the Volunteering team.
  • Ensures the delivery of an annual member-focused activity programme
  • Regularly communicates the complaints procedure to group members
  • Believes complainants if an allegation is made and ensures they know and follow the formal processes to go down to report this.
  • Undertakes and applies all safeguarding and other necessary training to equip them in their roles. Directs members of our committees to this too.
  • Ensures that they and their committee abide by the Chartered Institute Code of Conduct and Behaviour, providing challenge where needed.
  • Keeps the Volunteering team informed of the group’s activities and progress, and shares copies of all mailings to members.
  • Responsible for ensuring that relevant communications from central office are circulated to all Committee members.
  • Provides pastoral care for committee members
  • Attends reviews with the Head of Volunteering, and all Chairs’ meetings
Vice Chair

An optional Officer role. If a Vice-Chair is appointed, this position covers for the Chair in their absence. The Vice-Chair does not automatically fill the role of the Chair when the Chair retires. Details of the role are agreed within the committee and work is delegated by the Chair.

Treasurer

An essential Officer role for all groups.

  • Responsible for maintaining written financial records on behalf of the group.
  • Responsible for managing access to online banking tools, flagging any issues or anomalies with the Volunteering team.
  • Sends group accounts to the Chartered Institute in line with Chartered Institute procedures (currently quarterly reports) and as periodically requested.
  • Working with the Chair, creates and submits an annual budget for the group.
  • Signs off on group finances with the Chair, within the limits delegated by the Chartered Institute.
  • Submits relevant expenditure to the Volunteering team each week (current deadline of Tuesday close of business).
  • Responsible for maintaining receipts and records of income and expenditure. To be stored confidentially for 7 years.
  • Informed of conflicts of interest regarding financial processes and makes the committee and Volunteering Relationship and Membership Manager aware of any concerns.
  • Attends an induction, and necessary training.
  • Ensures all events have a Chartered Institute of Fundraising individual member benefit (discounted ticket rate).
  • Liaises with the Volunteering team if they receive any unexpected income.
  • Helps ensure events will not run at a loss by monitoring income and expenditure.

 

Secretary

An optional Officer role.

  • Responsible for organising committee meetings, and recording minutes and related action points.
  • Responsible for maintaining the register of all committee members and keeping the Volunteering team updated at all times.
  • Responsible for collating and returning volunteer agreements for all committee members.
  • Ensures that all committee members complete essential training in a timely way.
  • Supports the Chair in administrative tasks not otherwise covered by committee roles.
  • Records and reports on conflicts of interest in committee meetings.
  • Attends an induction, and necessary training.
EDI Champion

An advocate for diversity on the committee, at events and in event planning stages. Work with the staff team to champion equality, diversity and inclusion in the sector and throughout the volunteer network.

 

Events Lead

Co-ordinating and organising meetings, i.e. setting dates in advance, booking venues, co-ordinating speakers, setting prices for events with a reduced rate for Chartered Institute members, marketing etc.

 

Sponsorship Lead

Working closely with your group’s Events Lead and the Partnerships team at the Chartered Institute to find and engage with potential sponsors for your group’s events and activities. Responsible for managing the relationships and delivering on agreed outcomes.

 

Membership Champion

Helping to recruit new Chartered Institute members and directing people to sign up to hear more from the group via the Chartered Institute website. Ensure your group is equipped to promote membership at all relevant opportunities and share the individual member discount code relevant to your event. Working with the Chartered Institute Membership team, report on members in your group specialism or area.

 

Communications Lead

Keeping in touch with members and fundraisers through the committee’s networks on social media and email, using approved processes. Promote the group events and activities, and share relevant information for your community of fundraisers, from the Chartered Institute team or news from the sector.

 

Policy Lead

The key contact on the committee for policy related to your group’s specialism or area. Work closely with the staff policy team to share expertise and inform decisions where relevant. 

Bursary Lead

Works with the Treasurer and Chartered Institute staff team to deliver bursaries and enable more fundraisers to access Chartered Institute events and training via your group’s designated funds.

Mentoring Lead

Takes the lead on the mentoring programme delivered by your group (if relevant). Create partnerships between fundraisers in your region or specialism, adhering to all safeguarding and wellbeing guidance provided. Encourage, support and grow the sector.

Training Lead

Nations and regional groups should aspire to deliver the Introduction to Fundraising training course (currently managed centrally and delivered online). Any additional training should be agreed with the Chartered Institute’s Professional Development team in advance. The Professional Development team will work with Training leads across the groups to help structure relevant training.

Innovation Lead

As our innovation lead, you will be working with committee members and our network to challenge and evolve current thinking and provide a forum for thought leadership. Through working with other volunteers and contributors, you will help to develop new understanding that we can offer to our fundraising community through our events, communications, and mentoring.

Please note that to volunteer with us:

Once you have submitted the online form, you will be asked to complete an optional diversity monitoring form. This is completely anonymous, and not required for your application to be recieved, nor is it linked to any details in your application. This is to help the Chartered Institute ensure we are creating an inclusive and welcoming volunteering space for all fundraisers.

Since becoming a committee member I've been involved in a range of activities such delivering our first ever member survey, helping put on our annual conferences and launching our blog. I'm excited to see what's around the corner and to continue to play my part in making fundraising a viable profession of choice for everybody.

Symon Russell, Insight in Fundraising

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