Volunteer with Cornwall Parent Carer Forum
Cornwall Parent Carer Forum is a parent-led forum for families of children and young people with SEND across Cornwall. We believe that when parent carers are heard, understood and involved, services improve — and outcomes for children and young people improve too.
We’re run by volunteer parent carers who understand the journey firsthand. Right now, there are two ways you could help: by joining our Steering Group, or by becoming an Event Lead in your local area.
Join our Steering Group
Who we're looking for
We have three voluntary roles to fill:
- Data Protection Lead — the person who makes sure we handle people’s information carefully, lawfully and safely.
- Admin Lead / Forum Secretary — the person who keeps the forum organised, so decisions are clear and nothing slips through the cracks.
- Communications Lead — the person who helps us stay in touch with parent carers and share our work clearly and consistently.
You don’t need to be an expert. If you have some relevant experience, or you’re simply willing to learn, we’d love to hear from you.
What you'd be doing
Data Protection Lead
- Keep our data map up to date and advise on data protection across everything we do.
- Coordinate and respond to any data breach or personal data concerns.
- Record breaches and near misses
- Advise on consent, privacy and secure storage — for events, surveys, photos, notes, records and our online platforms.
Admin Lead / Forum Secretary
- Help pull together meeting papers, agendas and minutes.
- Keep our action logs up to date, so agreed actions actually get followed through.
- Keep our policy records tidy and easy to find.
Communications Lead
- Oversee our website, newsletters, email and social media, keeping CPCF’s messaging clear and consistent.
- Collate and draft our weekly newsletter.
- Coordinate the content plan — tone, scheduling, approvals and accessibility checks (we use Ocoya for scheduling).
- Keep our communications accessible, inclusive and in plain English.
- Look after mailing lists and consent for anything we publish, so it’s all handled safely.
How much time it takes
At least 1–2 hours a week, but as much as you feel able to give. We’re all volunteer parent carers, so we know life with SEND is busy and unpredictable. There will be weeks when you can do more, and weeks when you can do less — that’s completely fine.
Where we meet
Almost everything happens online, so you can take part from home and around your own commitments. We very rarely meet in person.
Why this matters
These roles are about good governance and honest oversight. They make sure no one “marks their own homework” — that the people making decisions aren’t the only ones checking them. They hold us accountable, internally, on the things that matter most: how we handle information, how we run the forum, and how we communicate.
Getting these right is how we keep parent carers’ trust, and how we keep pushing for better outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Become an Event Lead
Event Leads host our coffee mornings — the welcoming, local spaces where parent carers can meet, talk and feel heard. It’s a more flexible role, and a lovely way to bring families together in your part of Cornwall.
What you'd be doing
- Plan and run a coffee morning in your local area.
- Create a warm, safe and welcoming space where parent carers feel comfortable.
- Welcome people as they arrive and help conversations flow.
- Listen out for common themes and feed them back to us, so parent carer voice reaches the right places.
- Complete a few simple safety checks beforehand — we’ll show you how, and you’re never on your own with it.
How much time it takes
Around once a month. We provide everything you need — all the materials and the refreshments — so you can focus on the people, not the logistics.
Where
In your own community, somewhere local and easy to reach. This one is in person, so it’s a great fit if you’d like to meet other families face to face.
How to apply
Email us at info@cornwallparentcarerforum.co.uk and let us know which role interests you — a Steering Group role or becoming an Event Lead. Not sure yet, or have questions first? That’s fine too — just get in touch.
We encourage anyone to apply, and we will do everything we can to make reasonable adjustments so you can take part and carry out your role. The forum can also provide a laptop to Steering Group members who need one.