All of the initiatives and projects run by Level Trust, from the Uniform Exchange to the Child Poverty Conference, are successful because of the behind-the-scenes efforts of so many people, particularly volunteers.
If you would like to volunteer with Level Trust, there are particular roles that we are looking to fill:
Every child deserves to start the school day feeling confident, comfortable and ready to learn. But for many families in Luton, the cost of school uniform is a real worry. That’s where you come in.
As a Uniform Exchange volunteer, you’ll help make sure local children have the uniform they need, free of charge and without stigma. You might be sorting and checking donated items, organising stock by school and size, preparing orders for families, or welcoming parents and carers, providing support at a challenging time in their life.
You don’t need any experience, just:
In return, you’ll:
Level Trust is proud to serve every part of Luton’s diverse community, and we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds.
At Level Trust, we run holiday enrichment activity days for 8-12 year-olds who are affected by poverty. The activities they take part in are designed to improve their confidence and social skills and give them the fun experiences they normally miss out on.
We need enthusiastic and responsible volunteers to guide children through their amazing time on SMASH. Volunteers will lead small groups of children through each day, keeping them together, giving them encouragement, making sure they feel able to participate, and offering them pastoral support if they are having difficulties.
We need volunteers to commit to at least one full week of our Holiday Enrichment activity days which takes place throughout the school summer holidays. (Full details in the role description, below.)
At Level Trust, we’re working towards a Luton where no child goes without. Every pound raised helps us provide the essentials that local children need to participate fully in their education and give them a fair start.
As a Community Fundraising Volunteer, you’ll help us raise vital funds and spread the word about our work. You might be organising your own fundraising event, supporting bucket collections, helping at community stalls, or encouraging local businesses, schools and faith or community groups to get behind our cause.
You don’t need any experience, just:
In return, you’ll:
Level Trust is proud to serve every part of Luton’s diverse community, and we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds.
If you would like to apply for a role, please read the relevant full role description, which you can download just below and then fill out our volunteer application form!
If you’d like to speak to us about a role before applying, give us a call on 07480753905. If there are other skills that you feel you could bring to the charity that aren’t mentioned in the roles above we’d still like to hear from you.
I feel extremely honoured to be the CEO of Level Trust.
It is a responsibility that I take very seriously. I spent many years as a senior leader in education working in a variety of settings including: custodial and secure units, mainstream primary and secondary schools and alternative provision.
I have been a part of the Level Trust team since 2021 and my favorite part of my job is working with our amazing staff, trustees and volunteers to support children and families across Luton. In my spare time you will find me walking my four dogs, reading or watching Strictly!
I support the running of our Uniform Exchange and Learning Locker and also work out in our amazing local community and schools to build relationships and reach those in need more directly. My favourite part about my job is using my own life experience to support families and meeting the wonderful next generation of adults. I love hearing individual thoughts and feelings straight from our community and seeing how we can help. I am so passionate about the importance of Level Trusts and its role in our community and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
As a successful HR professional with 20+ years experience at operational and strategic level, my
passion is unlocking the barriers to successful growth for SMEs with people at its core. Fuelled by my
passion and enthusiasm for understanding the needs of people and ensuring this contributes to the
success of business, I firmly believe that people are a business's greatest asset.
I am delighted and honoured to be supporting Level Trust in a people and HR capacity – playing a
part in the charity’s amazing journey and the incredible impact the team are having on the everyday
lives of those most vulnerable in society.
Outside of work, I place family at the heart of everything - nurturing my 14 year old Autistic child to
be the best he can be, and raising money and awareness for the charity Erase Meso – a charity
raising critical funds for Mesothelioma (Asbestos Cancer Research) following my brothers terminal
diagnosis 4 years ago but defying all odds, through clinical immunotherapy trials, now being in
remission.
Fowzia Ahmed is a teacher passionate about creating inclusive environments where young people feel supported and empowered to thrive. As a former Deputy SENDCo, she has extensive experience in safeguarding and SEND. She currently leads Student Leadership and Girls’ Aspirations, developing opportunities that inspire confidence and personal growth. Fowzia is also the founder of Barakah, a community initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation of female leaders.
I’m 28 and from Luton. I have 4 children who are 11, 7, 6 and 6 months. I grew up in Marsh Farm and know the struggles of not having the right uniform.
I enjoy visiting new places, crafting something up and spending time with my family.
I became a trustee for Level Trust because I have a strong love for all the work they do supporting families like my own with everyday problems. I’ve been in that situation myself and now I’m looking to advocate and help others benefit from all the opportunities Level Trust has to offer.
A qualified accountant with extensive experience in financial stewardship, Sharon Esnard serves as a trustee of Level Trust, helping to guide the charity’s strategic direction and ensure robust governance. Sharon is committed to creating a fairer start for children in Luton and uses her professional insight to support Level Trust’s mission of removing barriers to education. Her work reflects a strong belief in the power of practical, compassionate support for families.
Catherine Farrell has been involved in fundraising for over 28 years and has been working with Level Trust since March 2022.
An expert in networking, raising money for special projects, running capital appeals and core funding. Catherine has raised millions of pounds for social welfare projects, community and youth projects, homelessness, hospices and disability charities. She is energetic and passionate about her work and understands the motivation for giving. She is a trust and major donor fundraiser and has also obtained significant funding through national lottery sources.
Rachel Warwick is Chair of Trustees at Level Trust. She has experience in fundraising, marketing, and governance in education and the charity sector. Rachel founded the national holiday hunger charity MakeLunch in 2011 and is currently Director of Mobilisation at Scripture Union. She is passionate about tackling poverty and creating opportunities for children to thrive.
Sufian Sadiq is the Director of Teaching School at Chiltern Learning Trust, with responsibility for overseeing two regional Hub areas in the South East of England. Chiltern Teaching School are one of the largest providers of CPD to the sector nationally.
He is a passionate activist within the educational landscape around race, equity and inclusion. He is a Fellow and Board Member of the Chartered College of Teaching, as well as a Fellow for the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.
He plays an active role in numerous charitable organisations as a Trustee and also holds key governance roles within educational organisations.
Mostaque grew up in the Bury Park area of Luton, close to the Kenilworth Road stadium of his beloved Luton Town Football Club, where he holds the position of Community Ambassador.
He runs a local printing company Bartham Press, founded Community Interest Luton, and leads on its various initiatives which seek to better the lives of people in the region.
Mostaque has worked in business and charity for many years. He knows the local area and the people very well, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his ambassador role.
Chris is the Chief Executive of Youthscape, a national youth charity based in Luton. His work has focused on supporting young people’s development in areas like mental and emotional wellbeing.
In his spare time he’s a bit of a Mac nerd and a member of The Magic Circle.
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Anisah graduated from UCL with a degree in Education and Philosophy and started her career in the field of admissions.
She is now Head of Student Experience and Corporate Communications for Luton Sixth Form College and is the youngest female, ethnic minority Head of Department in the history of the college.
Anisah is a strong advocate for Luton and showcases the town on a national platform, something which she describes as a privilege.
Wasim is a passionate solicitor who has grown up in Central Luton. As a Partner at Hannah Solicitors, he has been committed to promoting progression and creating opportunities for the young and upcoming generation.
Whether it’s legal advice, career guidance, or community development, he is always available to make a positive impact.
Wasim has worked with small boutique and large firms bringing together skills from both and is part of a community employment objective to create brighter futures.
Altaf is the Principal and CEO of Luton Sixth Form College, the oldest and one of the largest and best specialist sixth form colleges in the country supporting the dreams of over three thousand highly ambitious young professionals.
Altaf is convinced the future UK Prime Minister will come from Luton Sixth Form College – you read it here first!
I work for Whittaker Plane and alongside Level Trust. I am passionate about helping people and I enjoy working behind the scenes to make sure businesses run smoothly and efficiently. Originally from Chicago, I have now called Luton home for over 15 years. When not working, I can be found with my two kids or inside the pages of a good book.
Mark Plane qualified as a Chartered Accountant with ICAEW in 2011 and founded Whittaker Plane in 2014.
Whittaker Plane Ltd is founded on values of integrity and excellence and supports many businesses and charities to achieve their goals.
Whittaker Plane supports Level Trust with book-keeping, payroll, accounts and advice to the CEO and Trustee board.
As a Luton parent Mark has seen the great work of Level Trust in his children’s schools.
I run the Uniform Exchange and Learning Locker. As a mum with three children, I know what it's like trying to get everything the children need for school. You just get what they need and they grow, it breaks or they lose it! It can be really hard to find the money to replace or buy new things when there’s not much left after you’ve paid your bills. I like helping people and I get to know lots of families on my estate. I'm known as the uniform lady (!) and people say hello when I'm out with my family or walking my dog.
I have spent many years working within the public sector. At 18 years old, I joined the Police Force and spent a number of years policing on the front line. I then moved into education, primarily focussing on safeguarding and supporting children and young people. I have two young children myself, who keep me busy and I love to spend time outdoors exploring with them. You may also find me exercising or with my head in a book.
