Branch chair volunteer volunteer roles in morden, greater london
South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) is an independent registered charity providing specialised legal advice and assistance covering Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond-upon-Thames and Sutton in South West London.
Our vision is a future where people who cannot afford a lawyer:
- Have equal access to assert and enforce their rights;
- Are empowered to benefit from everything a healthy society has to offer;
- Are treated equally with dignity and respect.
You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to grow and prosper. If you have a passion for access to justice and believe that you can improve the impact the SWLLC can make, then we look forward to hearing from you.
What will you be doing?
Our previous chair stood down after an extended term of 6 years. They helped oversee the law centre during the pandemic and its aftermath during which we have seen the law centre continue to flourish in a very challenging environment. We are looking for a new chair who believes in what we do and is prepared to lead and act as an ambassador for the charitable trust so that we can continue to do this work. We currently have a strong trustee board of varying skills and tenures and the day to day management of the law centre is delegated to a small team. This team is small for what the law centre is trying to achieve. We need you to bring your expertise, energy and networks to the law centre. The role isn't glamorous, it's unpaid, and it's sometimes unacknowledged, but it is rewarding. You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to support over 6,000 people a year, who would not otherwise have access to legal advice. We are very proud of the impact that we have had over the last 50 years, and continue to have. SWLLC continues to operate in a challenging environment, the work of the law centre is regulated and audited by a number of external bodies, our finances continued to be challenged by static legal aid, grants and donations, despite this we have continued to flourish, but the need for our services is greater than we can provide. The main areas that our trustees board can support alongside the role of governance of the law centre are:
- Finance
- Fundraising
- Human Resources
- Communications and Marketing
- IT and facilities
- Community Engagement and Community Activism
Time commitment:
6 Board meetings per year. Take place through a mixture of in person and online meetings in the evenings (usually midweek between 6pm – 7:30pm). The Chair will also need to have regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and Senior Management Team outside of these regular board meetings. Such meetings will typically be brief, online and arranged at a mutually convenient time. The Chair will also need to represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders. Our head office is based in Croydon with other offices in Clapham Junction and Morden. We expect the role to take around 1 -2 days per month.
What are we looking for?
Principal responsibilities:
Strategic leadership
- Act as representative of the whole board and not its defacto head
- Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries
Governance
- Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity
External Relations
- Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity in partnership with the CEO
Efficiency and effectiveness
- Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
- Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership
Relationship with the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team
- Establish and build a strong, effective, supporting and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives
Personal Qualities:
- Personal gravitas to lead a significant organisation demonstrating a strong and visible passion and commitment to the law centre, its strategic objectives and cause
- Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
- Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the law centre
- Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
- Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours
Experience:
- Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
- Successful track record of achievement through their career
- Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders
- Significant experience of chairing meetings and events Knowledge and skills
- Broad knowledge and understanding of the legal sector and current issues affecting it
- Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
- Good understanding of charity governance and finance issues Terms The charity’s Chair (and board members) will serve a four-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.
What difference will you make?
The impact the Chair will have is to ensure the continuation of the law centres' successful mission
Law Centres are community-led, not-for-profit organisations that help local people to understand and enforce their legal rights. Their services are free, and they attempt to target the people who most need them – people who are at risk of discrimination and ill-treatment and those who are least able to protect themselves, for example because they lack the money to hire someone with legal expertise to help them. We are currently celebrating our 50th year. SWLLC s is one of the larger Law Centre in Great Britain covering six London boroughs – Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth. Our catchment area covers 1.7 million people. We now operate from 3 branch offices. We help over 6,000 people each year with a face to face service covering 3 broad services.
- Expert casework and representation in the social welfare law covering community care, debt, employment, housing, immigration/asylum, public law, welfare rights and cost of living support
- Emergency representation as part of the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme
- Pro Bono Clinics
Amongst the results we achieve that make us proud of what we do are:
- the prevention of homelessness
- the prevention and reduction of poverty
- the protection of family life by reuniting people living in the UK with those living abroad
- the prevention of torture and death beyond our borders by the provision of advice and representation to people fleeing persecution
- the prevention of ill-health by successfully challenging unfit living conditions
- the prevention of mental ill-health by assisting people to deal with their personal debts
Before you apply
If you would like an initial discussion before putting in your application please message through the Reach Volunteering Platform and Senior Management Team will be on contact to further discuss the role and the opportunity. A panel of trustees and senior management team will review your application. If we consider that your skills and experience are a good fit with the Law Centre, you will be invited for an informal discussion with the panel about our work and the trustee role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions.
Thank you!
The Organisation:
Founded in 1868, the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is the oldest charity dedicated to the Commonwealth. The RCS is a network of organisations and individuals across more than 70 countries in the Commonwealth and beyond who promote the value and the values of the Commonwealth.
His Majesty The King is the Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, and Her Majesty The Queen is the Vice-Patron.
The King succeeded The late Queen Elizabeth II, who had been Patron since 1952 when she was also Head of the Commonwealth. Queen Camilla had previously been our inaugural Vice-Patron since 2018.
The Honorary Vice-President is the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
The Royal Commonwealth Society is governed by an experienced Council
comprising the Executive Chair and Trustees.
The offices are in Guildhall, London, with team members based in Canada, Malta, Nigeria, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
In addition to branches, the Royal Commonwealth Society has an active network of over 450 Associate Fellows. Formerly Queen’s Young Leaders and other outstanding young people from all 56 Commonwealth countries, the Associate Fellows are reappointed annually based on their contributions to their respective Working Groups.
To find out more about the Royal Commonwealth Society, visit the website.
The Role:
To get the most out of being on the RCS’s Council, we are looking for those who have a passion for our aims and can commit to the time and effort required. Our trustees need strategic vision, independent judgement, and an ability to work effectively and actively as part of a small but dedicated charitable organisation. We are seeking an experienced Chair who can lead the Council in a collegiate and effective manner to deliver the most impact for the citizens of the Commonwealth.
To fulfil the duties of this role, we are looking for someone who has considerable board experience and a commitment to charitable endeavours. A background in the Commonwealth is not required. We are especially keen to hear from people from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Oversee the Council and the Society’s strategy and direction
- Management of finances of the Society
- Lead fundraising efforts
- Responsible for the governance of the Society
- Maintain relationships with external stakeholders
Person Specification:
- Chair experience would be highly desirable
- Board experience would be required
- Trustee experience of charitable organisations would be desirable
- High-level professional experience
- Interest in the voluntary sector and its contribution to society
- Commitment to good governance
- Strong interpersonal skills and a collegiate approach
- An interest in global affairs and an international outlook
- Experience of working with stakeholders and doing so with professionalism and discretion
- Confidence in being the high profile representative of a significant institution
Further Information:
For comprehensive information about the Royal Commonwealth Society, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Information Document.
How to Apply:
If you are passionate about joining the Royal Commonwealth Society and believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply with the following:
- An up-to-date 2 page CV
- A supporting statement of no more than 1 side of A4, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise and what you think you can bring to the role.
- 3 referees’ contact emails and telephone numbers.
All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited (part of the Russam group).
All applications should be sent to Trustees Unlimited.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter, Managing Partner - Charities.
Closing date for applications: Monday 5th May 2025
Interviews with Royal Commonwealth Society: Monday 19th May [online] and Tuesday 27th May 2025 [in person, at the Guildhall].
The role commences on 1st June 2025.
Please confirm the above dates are suitable in your covering letter. Please also highlight any potential conflicts of interest. References and other checks will be conducted.
Thank you!
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!
Become our Trustee Tresurer and chair our Finance Committee.We need a Trustees with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to help accelerate our influcence on wildlife and nature recovery issues in the country and beyond.
With a refreshed 3-year strategy (23-26), “A Wilder Herefordshire, More Nature Everywhere” we’re working hard to recover nature at scale through deeper collaborations, working with local community organisations and networks to develop a clear plan for nature’s recovery. We are also working with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts, river partnerships and national partners such as the Woodland Trust, National Trust, and Duchy of Cornwall.
So, with lots happening, it’s an exciting if challenging time for the Trust. Urgent action is needed to address the decline of wildlife in our beautiful county – and we need to muster all the resources and skills we can to succeed.
We are a welcoming board who support and challenge each other to do better for wildlife.
We look to recruit trustees from a range of backgrounds, life stages and skills to join us.
At this time, we wish to recruit someone to take on the role of Treasurer, and chair our Finance Committee. You would need the following skills and qualities:
· A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the Vision of the Trust;
· Demonstrable experience of financial management;
· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences;
· A good understanding of governance, gained either as a Trustee of another charity, a director of a company, or as a manager who has worked with Boards;
· The ability to apply clear logical thinking and creativity to developing our strategy
If you are successful, you will be welcomed and supported by a talented and committed board of trustees, a strong and experienced staff team and an active and expanding band of volunteers and by the wider Wildlife Trust movement. We hope you are inspired to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Alison McLean OBE, Chair, March 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are looking for two new trustees who can bring expertise from the philanthropic and talent management spheres, respectively.
The Organisation:
Founded in 1868, the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is the oldest charity dedicated to the Commonwealth. The RCS is a network of organisations and individuals across more than 70 countries in the Commonwealth and beyond who promote the value and the values of the Commonwealth. His Majesty The King is the Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, and Her Majesty The Queen is the Vice-Patron. The King succeeded The late Queen Elizabeth II, who had been Patron since 1952 when she was also Head of the Commonwealth. Queen Camilla had previously been our inaugural Vice-Patron since 2018. The Honorary Vice-President is the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. The Royal Commonwealth Society is governed by an experienced Council comprising the Executive Chair and Trustees.
The offices are in Guildhall, London, with team members based in Canada, Malta, Nigeria, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. In addition to branches, the Royal Commonwealth Society has an active network of over 450 Associate Fellows. Formerly Queen’s Young Leaders and other outstanding young people from all 56 Commonwealth countries, the Associate Fellows are reappointed annually based on their contributions to their respective Working Groups.
The Role:
To get the most out of being on the RCS’s Council, we are looking for those
who have a passion for our aims and can commit to the time and effort
required. Our trustees need strategic vision, independent judgement, and an
ability to work effectively and actively as part of a small but dedicated charitable
organisation.
To fulfil the duties of this role, we are looking for someone who has
considerable experience in philanthropy or talent and human resource
management. A background in the Commonwealth is not required. We are
especially keen to hear from people from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Active and committed Member of the Council to give input into the Society’s strategy and direction
- Management of finances of the Society
- Contribute to fundraising efforts
- Responsible for the governance of the Society
- Serve as a representative of a significant charitable institution
Person Specification:
- Background or experience in philanthropy or talent/people management
- Board/trustee experience would be desirable but not required
- High-level professional experience
- Interest in the voluntary sector and its contribution to society
- Interest in global affairs and an international outlook
- Commitment to good governance
- Strong interpersonal skills and a collegiate approach
Thank you!
Trustee – PR & Marketing Specialist
Help shape the future of deer conservation and education
The British Deer Society (BDS) is looking for a passionate and experienced professional to join our Board of Trustees, bringing expertise in PR and marketing to help us expand and diversify our reach.
Why join us?
As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding BDS, ensuring we achieve our mission to educate, inspire, and advocate for deer welfare. You’ll provide strategic oversight, support our executive team, and help grow our membership by engaging diverse audiences across age, gender, and background.
About the role
Our Trustees share collective responsibility for the governance and administration of the charity. This includes ensuring BDS has a clear strategy, that our goals align with our vision, and that we operate effectively and ethically. Trustees act as a group, working collaboratively to support and challenge the leadership team.
What we’re looking for
We seek a Trustee with:
✔ Expertise in PR and marketing, ideally with experience in membership growth and audience engagement
✔ A strong understanding of governance and strategic oversight
✔ A passion for conservation, education, and wildlife advocacy
By joining BDS, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of deer conservation and education in the UK.
Interested? Apply now and help us take BDS to the next level!
Registered Charity
6 - 10
We educate and inspire everyone about deer. We highlight the importance of evidence-based deer management. We champion deer welfare relentlessly.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.