Homelessness volunteer roles
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!
Could your experience and skills help us reduce homelessness in Brighton and Hove?
If so, this is a truly exciting time to join our charity as we make progress against our 2024-2030 Strategy.
We are currently seeking volunteer trustees to join our experienced Board who oversee our organisation's governance, compliance, reach and impact.
Our Values: Community, Compassion, Empowerment
If you share our values and have the passion and drive to help us achieve our vision, please send your CV and a covering Letter to our Recruitment Officer: Noeleen Anstee We look forward to hearing from you and would be delighted to have an informal chat about the role if required.
We value equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from everyone, but to fully reflect our client group and the local population, we’re particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise in: Housing, Mental Health and/or have lived experience of homelessness and from people who identify as belonging to a Black and/or Minority Ethnic (BME) group.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We believe everyone has a voice – on stage and in the boardroom.
The Choir with No Name is looking for new trustees to join our friendly and passionate board. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, especially those with lived experience of homelessness or marginalisation. This is your chance to help lead a vibrant, music-making charity that’s transforming lives and building community.
The Choir with No Name runs choirs and builds joyful singing communities with people impacted by homelessness and marginalisation, around the UK. Our vision is that all people going through tough times find a place to sing their hearts out, among friends. We have bold ambitions and need the skills and guidance of an excellent and diverse board to help us get there.
In particular we are looking for people who:
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Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
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Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
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A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
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Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
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Willingness to lead according to our values - family, fun, integrity and inclusion.
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Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Are you who we are looking for?
Specific skills we are hoping for include (but are not limited to):
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Finance skills (we are specifically looking for a treasurer)
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Artistic/musical skills (particularly, but not limited to choral or group singing environments)
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Social change/health and singing
Closing date is: 1st June 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As a First Response Volunteer, you will help find those rough sleeping quicker, and enable Outreach workers to spend more time supporting those found to move away from the streets and get connected to other local services. First Responders play a crucial role to ensure people sleeping rough receive vital support. This is not a client-facing role and therefore is well suited to somebody looking for their first role in the homelessness sector. However, we do also offer development opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge about rough sleeping for those interested.
On shift, you and a partner volunteer will be given a list of people who have been seen sleeping rough. Your role is to identify those who are sleeping rough, and pass information about referrals to the Outreach team to follow up on – they will help the person find accommodation and link them into non-accommodation-based support for example around physical or mental health.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
It’s fantastic that you’d like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. As an Outreach Volunteer you will be assisting Outreach Workers to carry out shifts, adding vital capacity to the team, and enabling us to engage with more rough sleepers who have been referred both via StreetLink and those already known to the team. You will support with navigation, client assessments and note taking while engaging with rough sleeping clients with sensitivity and respect. You may also be helping clients access support around immigration, employment and reconnections and accommodation. Outreach shifts will involve walking long distances to different locations, and often start in the evening or early in the morning so please bear in mind if this is the right role for you.
What will I be doing?
As an Outreach Volunteer you will be providing hands on street outreach with vulnerable individuals through an assertive outreach approach. In this role, you will be supporting us with some or all of the following tasks: • Assisting outreach workers to carry out shifts and look for referrals. • Engaging with rough sleepers (who have just been referred to or are already known to the team) in a street setting. • Supporting clients to access appropriate support by completing assessments and establishing support plans • Supporting outreach workers with recording information. • Adhering to St Mungo’s Policies and Procedures at all times.
Do I need to have any specific skills?
• Have personal resilience. • Physical ability to work on the streets (there can be a lot of walking involved) and take on early start/ late finish shifts. • Good IT skills. • Client and customer focused. • Being approachable with good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and motivation. • Collaborative, reliable with good communication skills. • An understanding of the causes of homelessness and its impact. • Genuine interest in and commitment to St Mungo’s work and client group. • An understanding of and commitment to diversity & equality.
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!
About Crisis
Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We believe everyone should have somewhere safe and warm to call home and are committed to ending homelessness. Every year we work side by side with thousands of people from all sections of our communities to help them rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good.
You will contribute to ending homelessness by...
Helping us better respond to the needs of the people accessing our services. You know your community better than we do - by identifying and creating connections with a network of Eritrean organisations and community groups, such as churches and support groups, we’ll be better able to support Eritrean people who are experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless.
Timings
Flexible, but approx. 7 hours per week – this may include evenings and/or weekends depending on the availability of community groups/organisations.
Location
Skylight London, 50 Commercial Street, London E1 6LT and remote/community-based.
Responsible to
Eritrean Community Connection Volunteer Supervisor.
Core tasks
- With the Volunteer Supervisor, hold focus groups with Crisis members to identify potential contacts within Eritrean community groups and increase our knowledge and cultural awareness of the Eritrean community
- Proactively source and arrange meetings with different Eritrean community groups to:
- Help link these organisations with Crisis so that information can be shared about the realities of homelessness in London and the work of Crisis Skylight
- Gain valuable knowledge about cultural sensitivities so that we can improve staff awareness and better support people from the Eritrean community
Who we are looking for
To be successful in this role we’re looking for someone who:
- Is fluent in English and Tigrinya and/or Amharic and can translate and interpret between them
- Is knowledgeable about the culture and practices in the countries where Tigrinya/ Amharic are spoken
- Has the confidence and motivation to source opportunities to link with Eritrean organisations and community groups and represent Crisis independently
- Has excellent communication skills and is confident networking and talking to new people
- Has good IT skills with the ability to use email and the internet proficiently
- Is organised and reliable, non-judgemental, patient and friendly
- Is passionate about ending and preventing homelessness for people from the Eritrean community
- Understands the importance of adhering to policies and processes, including confidentiality, safeguarding, data protection and professional boundaries
- Is able to commit to the role for 6 months
What you will gain
Engaging your community with a cause you are passionate about is an incredibly rewarding experience. It is a good way to affect change at a local level, improve services and inspire others to consider how they too can take action to end homelessness.
- This is a new volunteering role, which you have the unique opportunity to help develop
- Opportunities to learn about the causes and effects of homelessness and how to engage others in the conversation
- Networking experience for a national organisation including public speaking and relationship management
- The opportunity to share your existing or develop new skills in a friendly and supportive environment
- Regular meetings to discuss how your volunteering is going and what other opportunities and training may be available to you
- Being part of a wide network of staff, volunteers and supporters all working together to end homelessness
- A reference for volunteering at a national organisation
Additional information
- Following a successful interview and references, completion of essential e-learning and training is required before starting the role
- A Crisis IT account will be issued for the role and must be used for all communications and record keeping connected with the role
- Out of pocket travel expenses and meal allowance will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy
- We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply and particularly welcome Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, LGBTQ+, disabled and male applicants as well as those with lived experience of homelessness as these are currently under-represented groups in our volunteer pool
Applications will be considered as they're received so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Introduction
The Passage is establishing a new Special Events Fundraising Committee to support the Senior Events and Community Manager, with the primary goal of growing income from Special Events and attracting new supporters to The Passage.
Purpose of the Committee
- The purpose of the committee is to support The Passage’s Senior Events and Community Manager in delivering successful fundraising events that generate significant income and expand The Passage’s network of supporters. Specifically, the Committee will:
- Work collaboratively with the Senior Events and Community Manager to meet or exceed fundraising goals through special events.
- Source exclusive, money-can’t-buy auction items and experiences to enhance the appeal and revenue of live and silent auctions.
- Leverage personal and professional networks to sell tickets and tables for events like A Little Night Music and the Sports Quiz.
- Introduce new supporters to The Passage through event participation.
- Explore and implement creative ways to promote The Passage’s events to a wider audience, increasing awareness and attendance.
- Utilise personal and professional networks to identify potential corporate sponsors.
- Leverage connections to bring celebrities or high-profile individuals to the event to increase its visibility and appeal.
- Assist in innovation of the Special events portfolio.
Desired skills & expertise
- Sales and Business Development experience
- Marketing and Comms skills
- Knowledge of fundraising
- Networking and relationship building
- Creativity and innovation
- Entertaiment or sports industry connections
- Committed to the values of The Passage
How to apply
Please submit a short covering letter outlining your motivation and suitability for joining the committee and link to your LinkedIn / a very brief employment history to Martina Tamburrino, People Services & Volunteers Partner.
We are also able to arrange an informal discussion with Emma Noble, Director of Income Generation & Communications and Rachel Fenton, Senior Events & Community Manager.
Above all we are looking for inspiring and committed individuals who have a genuine desire to support people, and to help them to rebuild their lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Help guide our finances to ensure Gloucestershire Nightstop can provide safe homes and brighter futures for young people facing homelessness.
About Gloucestershire Nightstop
Gloucestershire Nightstop is a leading youth-specific homelessness charity dedicated to preventing homelessness among young people aged 16-25 in Gloucestershire. For nearly 20 years, we have championed bespoke housing and support models to help young people avoid, resolve, and move on from homelessness, enabling them to safely transition to adulthood and build better futures.
What will you be doing?
We are looking for someone who finds numbers and their impact interesting! We are less concerned with formal qualifications (although very welcome) than someone who commits to doing the work necessary in a timely manner and an ability to work co-operatively with the Chair, Executive Director and all trustees. The board takes the overall responsibility so you will need to be able to help trustees and staff to understand the financial information and its actual or potential impact on the charity immediately and long term. We have an experienced bookkeeper and an appointed experienced external examiner.
Overall purpose:
- Oversee all financial aspects of the charity, on behalf of the board of trustees, to evaluate our financial position and associated risks.
- Assist the Chair and the Executive Director in ensuring that the board of trustees fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper financial governance of the charity.
What are we looking for?
Essential:
- Financial Awareness: Knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, accounting practices relevant to corporate governance.
- Understanding of Regulations: Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, financial regulations governing charities and companies.
- Collaborative Approach: Financial oversight is a shared responsibility of the board, with the Treasurer working closely alongside fellow trustees as part of a team.
- Commitment & Time: Able to dedicate sufficient time to the role.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to plan ahead and contribute to the charity’s long-term vision.
- Ability to digest, present & critically evaluate a range of information, including written reports, statistics and verbal communications.
- Willingness to challenge and engage.
- Understanding and commitment to diversity issues.
Desirable:
- Experience serving as a trustee or working within the charity sector.
- Formal financial qualifications.
Support and training available: If you're new to being a trustee, the Chair and board members will offer guidance and training to help you succeed.
What difference will you make?
Your financial oversight and insight will ensure Gloucestershire Nightstop can open its doors to every young person who turns to us in crisis - not just today, but for years to come. By helping us make the most of every pound, identifying risks before they become problems, and ensuring our resources match our ambition, you’ll directly empower us to provide safe homes, compassionate support, and real opportunities for young people on the brink of homelessness.
Time commitment
Estimate of time needed: up to five hours per month.
Before you apply
The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting GSN with their Treasurer recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills and experience would add value to the board. Please send applications and enquiries to the email address provided.
GSN is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
Refettorio Felix is a community kitchen with an open-door policy in the Earl's Court area. We provide a safe haven and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those facing homelessness and financial crises.
Using surplus food ingredients, our kitchen freshly prepares a three-course lunch for up to 140 people per weekday. We are looking for friendly and dedicated volunteers to support us in our mission to provide fresh and nutritious meals to our guests.
Your support will have a meaningful impact on the quality of lives of the most vulnerable members of the community. From trained and experienced Chefs to keen home cooks, we would love to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Help Us Transform Lives Through Better Systems
Unify Giving is looking for a dedicated volunteer to help optimise our CRM systems and workflows using Monday. com. This role is crucial to ensuring individuals experiencing homelessness receive timely and effective support through our platform.
What You'll Do:
- Set up and optimise Monday. com workflows for our beneficiary management
- Create automation systems to streamline our support processes
- Collaborate with our founders and tech team on integration solutions
- Help develop a sustainable CRM strategy as we scale across the UK and beyond
What We're Looking For:
- Experience with Monday. com and workflow creation
- Understanding of CRM principles and best practices
- Passion for using technology for social impact
- 4-6 hours per week availability (flexible scheduling)
- Bonus: Digital marketing experience
Why Join Us:
You'll be working with a passionate, innovative team that's already making real impact - supporting vulnerable individuals through direct financial assistance via our groundbreaking platform. Your systems expertise will directly translate to more people receiving the help they need.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Step 1: Download our app and explore how we're connecting donors directly with those experiencing homelessness.
Step 2: Apply here to join our team and tell us about your CRM experience.
Join us in creating a more unified approach to tackling homelessness - one workflow at a time!
Connecting donors directly with individuals expriencing homelessness.



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!
We are looking for volunteers to facilitate regular gardening sessions for our clients, guided by St Mungo’s values. This will be a great opportunity to share your talent for and interest in gardening. We’re seeking someone who is open to helping clients learn at their own pace, and take pride in their achievements. You will also support in planning the gardening sessions to meet the needs of the participants and take a creative approach to how these are facilitated.
Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:
- Hounslow-Monday-Friday, 2pm-4:30pm, one day per week
- Westminster- Monday-Friday, between 9am-5pm, 2-4 hours per week
In this role, you will be supporting us with all or some of the following tasks:
• Supporting clients to learn at their own pace and take pride in their achievements.
• Planning the gardening sessions to meet the needs of the participants and take a creative approach to how these are facilitated.
• Facilitating regular gardening sessions for our clients.
• Teaching clients how to grow plants/herbs/vegetables.
• Empowering clients to care for their garden.
• Liaising with the staff around maintenance, ordering seeds etc.
• Maintaining the garden to keep the space tidy and accessible to residents (e.g. weeding, lawn mowing, weeding, trimming, pruning, and clearing up leaves)
• Operating tools including lawnmower and hedge trimmers.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join us as a Trustee / Director and make a difference!
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? Do you have a strong desire to contribute your skills to a cause that matters? We invite you to become a Trustee / Director and be a driving force for change!
Who we are: A purpose-driven charity, dedicated to making a difference to the lives of young, homeless people. We believe in the power of community, collaboration, and transparency to create lasting change.
Our organisation comprises a registered Charity & Community Interest Company each with its own Board. The Charity provides supported accommodation, advice, support & guidance to vulnerable, homeless young people. The Community Interest Company provides 24 / 7 concierge services to CAYSH young people & externally to vulnerable adults with complex needs.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking dedicated individuals to join our board of Trustees / Directors.
What we're looking for: Passionate individuals from a variety of backgrounds, with a range of expertise to contribute to our board. Whether you have experience in social care, safeguarding, finance, law, marketing, technology, or other fields, your unique skills and perspectives are valuable to us. As a Trustee / Director, you will play a pivotal role in guiding our organisation towards success and helping us develop our business growth strategy. We particularly seek a trustee who can take a safeguarding lead.
Why you should join us as a trustee / director: Impact: Be part of an organisation making a real difference in the lives of homeless young people. Leadership: Contribute to strategic decision-making and shape the future direction of the organisation. Fulfilment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts contribute to positive change.
Commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is essential as well as commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory practice.
Time commitment:
Our Trustees and Directors provide a valuable and positive contribution, building on our strengths and ensuring our results are sustained. There are currently 9 Trustees / Directors within the Group who bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to the organisation.
To support the decision making at CAYSH, you will attend an average of 4 Board meetings and up to 4 Committee meetings a year, plus Trustee / Director away-days & other events, such as AGM. Meetings are held outside regular business hours and are mostly online. Events (including strategy days, AGM and service user get-togethers) usually take place at our offices in Croydon.
How to Apply: If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and become a Trustee with CAYSH, we would love to hear from you! Apply now and become a catalyst for positive change! Together, let's build a better future.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Shelter Bucket Collection – Slough Tesco Extra
Role summary
Through their ‘Taste and Tesco’ scheme, the UK’s biggest supermarket offer charities across the UK opportunities to apply for fundraising collections outside their stores. Following a successful application, this bucket collection will take outside the Slough Wellington Tesco Extra, Slough. Volunteers will be required to stand with buckets and card machines asking the public for donations.
- Availability: This is a flexible opportunity, with various shifts between 10:00 - 17:00
- Suggested involvement: Whatever works for you - you choose the shift you volunteer at!
- Location: Slough Wellington Extra, Brunel Way, Wellington Street, Slough, SL1 1XW
- Supervised by: Community and Events Assistant
This role is based within the Community Fundraising team. If you are looking to volunteer in our shops or services, please return to our homepage to find an appropriate opportunity.
Why volunteer with Shelter?
A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now. Together with individuals, in communities and across society, we will lead the way for a safe home for all. But we need your help to do it. Becoming a Community Fundraising Volunteer will give you the opportunity to take practical action and to meet other people who are passionate about tackling the housing emergency.
Skills and Experiences Required
- Passionate about joining the fight for home
Benefits of volunteering with us
- Join our fight against bad housing and homelessness and become a force for change!
- Contribute your time flexibly as and when it suits you
- Meet other volunteers locally
- Build your confidence and develop transferable skills
Learning & Development
To enable you to take part in this opportunity we will:
- Put you in contact with a Community & Events Assistant who will support you in the role
- Provide you with relevant policies
- Provide relevant induction, training and information
- Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy
Next Steps:
To apply for this role, please fill in an application. We'll then be back in touch with applicants to discuss the role further.
Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join us our Chair of the Board of Trustees
We are seeking an inspiring Chair who will play a vital role in shaping our future.
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? Do you have a strong desire to contribute your skills to a cause that matters? We invite you to become the new Chair of our Board of Trustees and be a driving force for change!
Who we are
CAYSH is a purpose driven charity, dedicated to making a difference to the lives of young people. We believe in the power of community, collaboration and transparency to create lasting change. We provide supported housing, advice and guidance to more than 100 vulnerable, homeless young people.
Our Community Interest Company has a separate board and exists to provide 24/7 concierge services to young people at CAYSH and externally to vulnerable adults with complex needs.
What we are looking for: An individual who will provide strategic guidance, support our growth and provide governance leadership. You will also support us in making a difference to the lives of young people and vulnerable adults.
While working collaboratively with our CEO, dedicated team of staff, trustees and directors you will support and oversee the activities of our organisation and have oversight of board and committee activity and decision making.
Why you should join us as our Chair:
Impact: Be part of an organisation making a real difference to the lives of homeless young people. Leadership: Support our strategic decision-making and shape the future direction of the organisation. Fulfilment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts contribute to positive change.
We want to work with a Chair who is an experienced trustee or director, with a career background that will raise the work of the CAYSH Group and champion our vision and mission. We endeavour to grow our organisation and particularly welcome applications from anyone who will support our business growth strategy. Commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is essential, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory practice.
Time commitment:
Our Trustees and Directors provide a valuable and positive contribution, building on our strengths and ensuring our results are sustained. There are currently 9 Trustees / Directors within the Group who bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to the organisation.
You will attend an average of 4 Board meetings and up to 4 Committee meetings a year, plus Trustee / Director away-days & other events, such as AGM. Meetings are held outside regular business hours and are mostly online. Events (including strategy days, AGM and service user get-togethers) usually take place at our offices in Croydon.
How to Apply: If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and to become the Chair of Board of Trustees with CAYSH, we would love to hear from you! Please submit a brief statement outlining your interest and the skills you bring to our organisation.
Apply now and become a catalyst for positive change! Together, let's build a better future.
Spires, a South London homelessness charity, is seeking trustees to support its mission and growth.
About Spires
Spires is an award-winning charity that has been working with homeless and disadvantaged people in Streatham, South London, since 1990. Working with some of the most isolated and vulnerable in our society, we support over 900 men and women every year.
Our vision and aim is to be the best support that we can in helping people move from lives of distress, isolation and insecurity to a future of greater stability and hope. The majority of our clients are homeless or have insecure accommodation, with many also facing complex issues such as long-term unemployment, problems with poor mental and physical health, addiction and substance abuse, or they may even be imprisoned by sex work.
What will you be doing?
Trustees at Spires are responsible for overseeing the charity’s strategic direction and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic oversight: Help shape and support Spires’ evolving strategy
- Legal and regulatory compliance: Ensure adherence to governing documents, charity law, and relevant regulations
- Financial oversight: Together as a board, approve annual budgets, monitor financial performance, and support the Treasurer in maintaining financial health
- Resource management: Ensure that the charity’s resources are used effectively to meet its mission
- Support and challenge: Engage actively in board meetings, offering advice, support, and constructive challenge
- Ambassadorship: Promote Spires within your networks, helping raise its profile and attract support for its mission
- Uphold best practices: Ensure high standards of governance, transparency, and accountability throughout the organisation
This role is mainly home-based
The board meets six times a year, with an estimated time commitment of around 4 hours per month.
Please request the candidate pack for more information.
What are we looking for?
We’re seeking trustees with the following attributes:
- Commitment to Spires and its mission
- Good, independent judgment and strategic vision
- Willingness to speak up and share your opinions
- Understanding of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to duties as a trustee
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds but are particularly interested in those with experience in marketing, social media, fundraising, finance, governance, or legal compliance. Additionally, lived experience of homelessness or related challenges is highly valued, as we strive to ensure our board reflects the community we serve.
No prior trustee experience is required - just a willingness to contribute time, expertise, and fresh perspectives.
What Difference will you make?
By joining Spires as a trustee, you will directly influence the charity’s ability to support homeless and at-risk individuals. Your contributions can help shape policies, enhance fundraising efforts, and strengthen governance, ensuring Spires can continue providing life-changing services. Whether by improving financial oversight, increasing community engagement, or advocating for those in need, your involvement will play a vital role in improving lives and preventing homelessness in South London.
The TrusteeWorks team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Spires with their Trustee recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance.
To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills and experience would add value to the board.
Please send applications and enquiries to the email address provided.
The Housing and Welfare team is a fast-paced team which works to make sure that all of our clients have safe and comfortable accommodation and are able to access any benefits to which they are entitled. People seeking asylum are restricted in the benefits they can access, if any, and their legal status determines whether or not they can engage in employment and what statutory accommodation is available for them, so the Housing and Welfare team is vital in helping HBF’s clients to navigate this system. People recently granted refugee status and those who have experienced exploitation are also at high risk of destitution, homelessness and unsuitable accommodation.
As a very busy team, our casework volunteers are invaluable, supporting the staff team on anything from liaising with statutory bodies and voluntary agencies, to drafting grant applications for individual welfare needs. To be able to meet the enormous demand for welfare and housing support, we ideally need to have volunteer support throughout the week.
Main tasks and activities
· Assisting clients to access asylum support, community care, housing, mainstream benefits, charitable support (etc.), within the remit of prevention of homelessness and destitution;
· Maintaining contact with clients within the remit of prevention of homelessness and destitution;
· Liaising with statutory bodies (Asylum Support, DWP, local authorities), solicitors and voluntary agencies to ensure client needs are met;
· Referring clients internally and externally as appropriate for specialist help with issues that fall outside the remit of the housing and welfare casework service, including health/therapeutic services, referrals to immigration/housing/community care solicitors;
· Maintaining accurate and timely client records and follow-up work;
· Other administrative duties as required, including database management and filing.
Skills and experience needed
· Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation;
· A demonstrable empathy for our vulnerable clients, including people seeking asylum, refugees and survivors of torture and trafficking;
· Some knowledge of the challenges facing vulnerable clients including people seeking asylum, refugees and survivors of torture, trafficking;
· Some experience in a casework and/or advice role;
· Some knowledge of the rights and entitlements of people seeking asylum and refugees;
· Some knowledge of mainstream benefits, housing, social care;
· Ability to keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to welfare, housing and immigration;
· Punctual, reliable and self-motivated;
· Able to commit regularly (ideally same day each week)
· Awareness of confidentiality/data protection;
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
· Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage own time and workload, and to prioritise a range of competing demands;
· Excellent IT skills including the use of databases, email, word processing;
· Flexibility and willingness to undertake other duties as required.
What you will get out of the role:
· A better understanding of UK processes and systems which concern people seeking asylum and refugees (including asylum support, homelessness, welfare benefits, local authority support etc.) and what support is available;
· Increased confidence in working on a one-to-one basis with clients;
· Stronger administrative skills;
· Ability to process large amounts of data and prioritise or categorise it;
· An ability to multi-task between competing priorities;
· Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary team in a Human Rights charity.
Equal Opportunities
The Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid is an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer. We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates as we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in at every level within the organisation. We particularly welcome applications from those with migrant and refugee backgrounds and those with lived experience of the UK’s immigration systems.
To apply, please attach you CV and cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will, unfortunately, not be considered.
Due to capacity constraints, we will only respond to applicants who are being invited to interview.
Please note, a three-month probation period is in place across all HBF voluntary roles.
Successful candidates will be offered the position subject to a DBS check.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.