Volunteer roles

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose. 

As part of our new three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future. For further information visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan - Sense

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re creating change
• We’re always learning
• We’re better together

We’re looking for dedicated Volunteer college governors to help shape and champion the future of Sense Colleges.

About the role: 

As a College Governor, you’ll play a vital non-executive role in ensuring our colleges continue to deliver excellent, inclusive education. You’ll help set the strategic direction, monitor performance, and provide independent oversight and support to senior leaders.

Key responsibilities: 

• Help guide the college’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Monitor progress against key priorities and quality improvement plans.
• Hold leaders to account for performance and outcomes that meet the needs of learners.
• Ensure the college complies with statutory and safeguarding duties.
• Oversee financial health and value for money.
• Review students’ progress through visits, reports, and case studies.
• Join one of our sub-committees — either Quality and Curriculum or Safeguarding and Health & Safety — depending on your skills and interests.

This is a meaningful opportunity to influence the education and support of young disabled people, while developing your own governance experience and leadership skills.

About you

This role would be a great fit if you:

• Are passionate about Sense’s mission to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Understand (or are keen to learn about) good governance and the Nolan Principles of public life.
• Have an interest in education, further education policy, or organisational leadership.
• Are committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Can dedicate around one day per month to attending meetings, undertaking training, and reviewing key documents.
• Have experience as a trustee, governor, or within education, health, or social care (desirable, but not essential).

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and safeguarding training, plus ongoing development.
• Expenses reimbursed in line with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
• A meaningful opportunity to use your skills for good – shaping positive futures for young people.
• Experience that enhances your governance, leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
• The satisfaction of giving back and being part of a values-driven community.
• Wellbeing support through Sense’s Mental Health First Aiders.

Important information

• Applicants must be 18 or over and have a UK address.
• An Enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement for this role due to the educational setting and the likelihood of regular contact with learners.
• Guidance and support will be provided throughout the DBS process.
• All volunteers must follow Sense’s policies, including those on Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, and Data Protection (GDPR).
• This role is voluntary and does not form part of an employment contract.

Ready to make an impact?

Join Sense as a College Governor and help shape a world where everyone is included.

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose. 

As part of our new three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future. For further information visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan - Sense

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re creating change
• We’re always learning
• We’re better together

We’re looking for dedicated Volunteer college governors to help shape and champion the future of Sense Colleges.

About the role: 

As a College Governor, you’ll play a vital non-executive role in ensuring our colleges continue to deliver excellent, inclusive education. You’ll help set the strategic direction, monitor performance, and provide independent oversight and support to senior leaders.

Key responsibilities: 

• Help guide the college’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Monitor progress against key priorities and quality improvement plans.
• Hold leaders to account for performance and outcomes that meet the needs of learners.
• Ensure the college complies with statutory and safeguarding duties.
• Oversee financial health and value for money.
• Review students’ progress through visits, reports, and case studies.
• Join one of our sub-committees — either Quality and Curriculum or Safeguarding and Health & Safety — depending on your skills and interests.

This is a meaningful opportunity to influence the education and support of young disabled people, while developing your own governance experience and leadership skills.

About you

This role would be a great fit if you:

• Are passionate about Sense’s mission to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Understand (or are keen to learn about) good governance and the Nolan Principles of public life.
• Have an interest in education, further education policy, or organisational leadership.
• Are committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Can dedicate around one day per month to attending meetings, undertaking training, and reviewing key documents.
• Have experience as a trustee, governor, or within education, health, or social care (desirable, but not essential).

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and safeguarding training, plus ongoing development.
• Expenses reimbursed in line with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
• A meaningful opportunity to use your skills for good – shaping positive futures for young people.
• Experience that enhances your governance, leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
• The satisfaction of giving back and being part of a values-driven community.
• Wellbeing support through Sense’s Mental Health First Aiders.

Important information

• Applicants must be 18 or over and have a UK address.
• An Enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement for this role due to the educational setting and the likelihood of regular contact with learners.
• Guidance and support will be provided throughout the DBS process.
• All volunteers must follow Sense’s policies, including those on Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, and Data Protection (GDPR).
• This role is voluntary and does not form part of an employment contract.

Ready to make an impact?

Join Sense as a College Governor and help shape a world where everyone is included.

Our outdoor community hub in Worksop launched in autumn 2024 and continues to grow.

We host family events, children’s nature play groups, workshops, green skills training sessions, and much more. We also grow our own produce to use in healthy cooking and eating events on-site.

Every other Friday 9:30am – 2:30pm we work with volunteers who want to be part of something special, to give back to the community and the environment. You can still sign up even if you can’t attend every time or all day, every hour you spent with us is greatly appreciated.

We need volunteers to help us with: DIY, gardening, implementing infrastructure such as polytunnels, raised beds, seating, and more.

What you’ll get: New green skills, learning about conservation and biodiversity, meeting new people, work experience, boosted physical and mental health, and more!

We’ll be here every other Friday 9:30am – 2:30pm. You can still sign up even if you can’t attend every time or all day, every hour you spent with us is greatly appreciated.

People of all ages, skill levels and abilities are welcome. You’ll receive full training, all PPE, refreshments and reimbursement of transport costs.

Address: Entrance to Allotments via metal gate next to 109 Cheapside, Worksop, S80 2JD
Facilities: There is a toilet and running water on-site, free on-street parking, and shops nearby.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) gives old buildings a future - and we’re looking for an experienced strategic thinker and inspiring leader to be our new Chair of Trustees in our 150th anniversary year and beyond.

As Chair, you'll guide us at Board level, champion the SPAB Approach, attend meetings, support our activities and be an ambassador for the country’s oldest heritage organisation.

About Us

We help people to look after old buildings, making them fit for the future while keeping their historic character. We do this through casework, technical research and advice, education and training, awards, outreach and events across the UK and Ireland. 

Our work is underpinned by a conservation philosophy that encourages people to preserve historic fabric. The SPAB Approach provides a well-tested basis for practical decision-making in building conservation. We also encourage excellence in new design to enrich and complement the built historic environment. 

Founded in 1877 by William Morris and his fellow campaigners, the SPAB continues to advocate for old buildings almost 150 years later. 

About the Role

We're looking for someone...​​

• Able to direct the business of the Board efficiently and effectively​

• Skilled in developing and nurturing productive working relationships​

• Willing to challenge and introduce new ways of thinking and acting​

• Nurturing of positive engagement amongst staff, volunteers and members​

• Committed to the SPAB Approach to the conservation of built heritage​

• A member of the SPAB​

Experience Required

You will be...​​

• Familiar with charity or corporate governance​

• Capable of high-level advocacy across a range of media​

• Successful at fundraising and/or entrepreneurial experience​

• Able to deliver growth and change management in an organisation​

• Competent in difficult situations and with resolving conflict​

​Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Board in its strategic and policy roles​

• Chair the Board and other meetings to facilitate positive discussion and development​

• Ensure the Board fulfils its legal and charitable responsibilities for the governance of the SPAB​

• Establish a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive and Honorary Treasurer​

• Reviewing the performance of the Chief Executive and Board​

Key Tasks

• Campaigner: for the SPAB Approach and the conservation of built heritage​

• Strategist: implementing and refining the SPAB’s strategy for 2025-30 by responding to emerging opportunities and risks​

• Fundraiser: supporting the SPAB in fulfilling its fundraising needs​

• Networker: making connections and influencing at a senior level (not just in the heritage sector)​

• Publicist: raising the professional and public profile of the SPAB and its members in the UK and overseas​

• Teambuilder: developing Board members and staff​

• Organiser: facilitating Board processes and leading on improving governance practice​

What We Offer

• The Chair’s role is the most senior voluntary position within the SPAB​

• The postholder will have the opportunity to lead the UK’s oldest building conservation organisation into its 150th Anniversary year and beyond​

• The position of SPAB Chair is highly regarded within the heritage sector and elsewhere​

• The post is voluntary and unremunerated, but reasonable expenses can be claimed​​

​How to Apply

Please submit a CV (maximum two pages) and a covering letter (maximum two pages) clearly explaining why you believe you are well suited to the role by Friday 21 August 2026, 5pm​.

Interviews will be held at ​37 Spital Square, London, E1 6DY​ in early-mid September 2026​ (date tbc)​.

Equal Opportunities​​

We particularly welcome applications from people with backgrounds underrepresented in building conservation.​​

Are you committed to delivering high-quality care? Do you have experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team?

As a County Lead of South & West Yorkshire you will be part of the establishment of a County St John Council to oversee and guide volunteer Community Networks aims to create a structured and supportive framework that empowers volunteers to operate more effectively and efficiently. By providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight, the council ensures that volunteer efforts align with community needs and priorities while avoiding duplication of services.

St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident.

We are looking for a leader with a passion for local volunteering and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across your county

The post will also interact with relevant Communities of Practice to share learning, advice and best practice

A County Education & Volunteer Experience Lead will support delivery of the community engagement and education across the Community Networks to enable to county to deliver on SJA's mission that first aid should be in the hands of everybody. They will also support personal growth and development of volunteers alongside recruitment and onboarding of new volunteers across the whole volunteer journey.

Assist Networks in writing and implementing effective community plans. - Ensure volunteer leaders follow the recruitment and onboarding processes. - Support volunteer leaders in delivering an effective welcome and induction process to ensure volunteers feel valued and prepared for their roles. - Contribute to the reward and recognition programme. - Ensure volunteer leaders follow the leavers process to provide a positive and supportive exit experience. - Facilitate internal training opportunities. - Actively promote and support free and paid education and engagement activities being delivered in communities and schools. - Actively promote and contribute to the success of national campaigns.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 22/07/2026

Interviews - Date, Time and Location to be advised

The successful candidate will be a member of the St John Priory Group in South & west Yorkshire and will be responsible for championing and informing the Group about the work of the Hospital and encouraging support. The role reports into the Chair in South & West Yorkshire and will have a close working relationship with the National Hospitaller who will provide additional support.

A County Fundraising Lead would be expected to support fundraising activity at Network Level providing expert guidance on fundraising activity and opportunity whilst leading County Level fundraising activity to bolster targets.

County Hospitallers are responsible for fundraising and advocacy for the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem

The closing date for this role is 22/07/2026

Interview Date: Monday 27th July or Tuesday 28th July

Training for the role to be advised

NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) provides emotional support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse; including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.

We offer empathy, validation, normalisation, understanding and care to our callers. We also assist survivors in finding longer term or local support, utilising common coping and grounding mechanisms, as well as signposting to other services who may be able to provide additional support.

Our service is vital as many survivors of childhood abuse continue to be negatively impacted by their experiences into adulthood – from complex post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders and depression amongst other challenges.

It doesn’t have to be this way – this is the chance for you to change someone’s life for the better. We are seeking empathetic and resilient Volunteer Call Handlers to join our friendly team in Stockport.

Volunteer Call Handlers answer calls to NAPAC’s primary survivor support service – the telephone support line, so being confident speaking on the telephone is essential.

Due to the nature of the role, we require our volunteers to be above the age of 21.

Our volunteers at NAPAC are part of a unique, welcoming team where they receive 1:1 support from those around them. Volunteers will receive a 5-week training course (4×3-hour sessions plus a shadowing week).

Volunteer recruitment is ongoing with courses running every couple of months. Here you will receive specialist trauma-informed training and be fully equipped with the skills you need to feel confident in supporting survivors. Volunteers are also invited to attend our twice-yearly training days where we host guest speakers from other relevant organisations. Our volunteers play a crucial role supporting survivors and make a real difference to someone’s life with every call.

About the Role:

The Chair provides leadership to the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Chief Executive to ensure the charity is well-governed, financially sound, and delivering on its charitable objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing effective leadership to the Board and ensuring it fulfils its legal and strategic responsibilities
• Setting the agenda for Board meetings and ensuring robust, inclusive decision-making
• Acting as a critical friend and line manager to the Chief Executive
• Ensuring strong governance, compliance, and risk management
• Supporting the charity’s strategic development, reputation, and external relationships
• Championing the charity’s values, mission, and beneficiaries

About You:

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous Board-level experience (Chair or senior Trustee experience desirable)
• Demonstrates strong leadership, facilitation, and influencing skills
• Understands the responsibilities and legal duties of charity trustees
• Is able to commit the time and energy required to lead an effective Board
• Shares a passion for our cause and values

Experience in areas such as strategy, finance, transformation, fundraising, health, social care, education, or the voluntary sector would be welcomed.

That said, lived experience and diverse perspectives are equally valued.

Norfolk Tennis is the county governing body for tennis and padel in Norfolk and a volunteer-led Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity No. 1203480). We work in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association to support clubs, venues, coaches and players across the county, helping more people enjoy the physical, social and community benefits of tennis and padel. Our work aligns with the LTA’s “Tennis Opened Up” strategy, which aims to make the sport accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. Norfolk Tennis is governed by a Board of Trustees supported by a volunteer Management Committee representing clubs, venues and key development areas across the county. As tennis and padel continue to grow, Norfolk Tennis is seeking individuals to join its Board of Trustees and contribute strategic leadership to the development of tennis and padel across the county.

About the Trustee Role
Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Norfolk Tennis is well governed, financially sustainable and strategically focused. Working collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the Management Committee, Trustees help ensure the organisation operates effectively as a charity while delivering meaningful impact for tennis and padel across the county.

Trustees are responsible for:

• Supporting the strategic direction of Norfolk Tennis
• Ensuring strong governance, accountability and compliance
• Providing independent professional expertise and oversight
• Acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries
• Helping ensure resources are used effectively to support tennis development

Trustees attend periodic Trustee meetings (typically online) and may attend Management Committee meetings where helpful to maintain alignment between governance and operational delivery.

We are particularly interested in individuals who can contribute leadership or professional expertise in the following areas.

Governance & Charity Law Trustee
To support strong governance and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, Norfolk Tennis is seeking a volunteer trustee with expertise in charity law.

This role focuses on providing guidance on legal responsibilities, governance best practice and risk management to support the organisation’s long-term stability and integrity.

Key contributions include:
• Advising the Board of Trustees on charity law, governance and regulatory requirements
• Supporting compliance with Charity Commission guidance and best practice
• Reviewing governing documents and supporting any required updates
• Providing input on policies, risk management and decision-making processes
• Ensuring the organisation operates within its legal and charitable objectives
• Offering guidance on contracts, partnerships and potential liabilities

This role would suit someone with experience in charity law, governance, legal advisory or regulatory compliance, ideally with an understanding of the charitable or sports sector.

Inclusion & Disability Trustee
Norfolk Tennis is committed to ensuring tennis and padel are open and accessible to all communities.

The Inclusion & Disability Trustee helps champion equality, diversity and accessibility across the county, supporting initiatives that widen participation and remove barriers to involvement.

The role includes:

• Supporting Norfolk Tennis in embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles
• Championing inclusive participation for disabled players and under-represented groups
• Advising on inclusive programme development and community engagement
• Supporting initiatives linked to the LTA’s Open Court disability tennis programme
• Helping identify partnerships with organisations supporting inclusive sport

This role would suit someone with experience in EDI leadership, disability sport, community engagement, education or inclusion policy.

Who We Are Looking For
We welcome applicants who bring professional expertise, leadership experience and an interest in supporting community sport.

Experience in tennis is not essential.

We particularly welcome individuals with backgrounds in:

• finance, accounting or investment
• governance, compliance or safeguarding
• equality, diversity and inclusion
• disability sport or community engagement
• commercial partnerships or business development

Most importantly, we are looking for people who bring sound judgement, integrity, collaborative working and a commitment to supporting tennis across Norfolk.

Time Commitment
The role is designed to fit alongside professional and personal commitments.

Typical involvement includes:

• periodic Trustee meetings (normally online/Zoom)
• monthly (or every 5-6 weeks) Management Committee meetings (normally online/Zoom)
• periodic engagement on strategic matters within your area of expertise

Why Join Norfolk Tennis?
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future of tennis and padel in Norfolk.

As a Trustee you will help:

• shape the strategic direction of county tennis
• support clubs, venues and players across Norfolk
• promote inclusive participation in sport
• strengthen the long-term sustainability of tennis in the county

You will also be part of a friendly and committed volunteer team working in partnership with one of the UK’s leading national governing bodies for sport.

Norfolk Tennis is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.

Become a Fundraising volunteer to support the Strathspey Cats Protection Branch!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

About the REMAP:

Since 1964, REMAP has helped thousands of people each year overcome everyday challenges through innovative, bespoke solutions. When standard commercial products are not suitable, REMAP volunteers design and make one-off equipment tailored to a person’s individual needs. Our work is delivered through more than 65 volunteer-run branches across the UK and is completely free of charge for the people we support.

About the role:

REMAP is looking for Volunteer Makers who can use practical, technical or creative skills to design and make bespoke equipment for disabled people. Previous REMAP solutions designed by our volunteers have included adapted handles, specialist supports, modified furniture, access aids and other one-off items designed around a person’s individual needs. You can find more inspiring solutions on REMAP's website on the Solutions section. 

We are looking for volunteers: 

• With skills or experience in engineering, carpentry, DIY, product design, electronics, metalwork, plastics, workshop practice or practical problem-solving.
• With access to own tools or workshop .
• Who live in the area of your local Branch and have access to transport.
• Who are able to listen carefully, work safely, think creatively and treat people with dignity and respect
• With an understanding of risk management and who can follow set policies and procedures

What will you be doing:

You will take on practical cases that match your skills and availability. This may include meeting clients, speaking with families or therapists, understanding a practical challenge, and designing or making a safe solution using materials such as wood, metal, plastic or electronics.

What difference will you make:

Your volunteering and solutions will help disabled people overcome everyday barriers and enjoy greater independence, confidence and choice. Many REMAP projects are modest in size but life-changing in impact for the person receiving them.

​Salary: 

This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Support:

Induction, mentoring, local branch support and guidance on safe working are provided. DBS checks are arranged where required.

Why Volunteer With REMAP?

• To give someone greater independence, confidence and choice in everyday life.
• To use your existing practical, maker skills.
• To share your experience.
• To learn new skills. 
• To join a welcoming likeminded community of makers with great practical skills.
• To increase your own wellbeing through purposeful volunteering that makes a real difference. 

This is an exciting time for the Helen Bamber Foundation Group (which comprises Helen 
Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid) as we continue to grow our impact and strengthen our 
services for survivors of torture, trafficking, and human cruelty and those seeking protection. 
Our work is more crucial than ever, as we advocate for vulnerable individuals within a 
challenging and evolving global landscape. 

This year, we are looking to recruit a Trustee and Chair of the Finance and Fundraising Committee 
to replace the current position holder who is retiring from the role. This role is a key member of 
both Boards of Trustees, providing oversight of both charities’ financial health and helping ensure 
strong financial governance of the Group. Working closely with the CEO of Helen Bamber 
Foundation Group, the Executive Director of Asylum Aid, the Director of Finance and Governance 
and both Boards, this trustee will support strategic decision-making by ensuring that trustees 
have clear and accurate financial information and that the Group operates with robust financial 
controls. The role plays an important role in helping the Boards balance ambition and growth 
with responsible financial stewardship.

As a Trustee you will be part of a small team of volunteers who are collectively responsible for 
developing and guiding the strategic direction of the Group and steering the long-term stability. 
You’ll also chair the Finance and Fundraising Sub-Committee, which serves both Helen Bamber 
Foundation and Asylum Aid.

Please see the role description for further details.

At the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust we believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. You will be directly involved in shaping our visitors’ unforgettable experiences through your warm welcome, your interaction with them and the information that you provide on the canoe safari and guided boat tours. 

No previous experience is required as training will be provided.  However this role will suit you if you have a love of wildlife and the outdoors and are:

• Confident or experienced in talking to the public
• Able to work in a team of staff and volunteers
• Experienced in a visitor service environment with a strong commitment to excellent customer service
• Experience in canoeing is an advantage.

Please note that unfortunately this role is not suitable for under 18's.

Please apply for this role via the WWT website.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organisations, at work in more than 40 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas and Europe, helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions.

IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to deliver funding, policy and practice change, and programming. We are dedicated to supporting people across the arc of crisis – from conflict to refuge to resettlement – and since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in the UK. We aim to centre the voice of our clients in all our work, including by working with a Community Advisory Board of 12 refugees and asylum seekers in the UK to ensure their experience and expertise shapes our UK programmes.

IRC UK’s Board of Trustees

Our Board of Trustees are responsible for overall good governance of IRC UK and supporting us to deliver against our strategic plan in areas such as programmes, fundraising, policy and advocacy, communications, people and culture, finance and operations. As of May 2026, we have 11 Trustees with a broad range of experience and expertise across areas relevant to IRC UK’s work, ensuring as a collective they can perform their strategic, supervisory and governance duties well.

The roles

In 2025, we saw a dramatic collapse in international aid and a retreat from global cooperation, despite unprecedented levels of humanitarian need. This trend is continuing at pace in 2026 with rapidly escalating global conflict amplified by climate change and entrenched poverty. In the UK, we are working to protect the rights of refugees in an increasingly challenging media and political environment.

In this context, we are seeking two new Trustees to lend skills and expertise in areas which we have identified as critical to strengthening the Board’s capability for the years ahead. These will replace Trustees nearing the ends of their terms. The successful candidate(s) will have:

Essential experience:

· Senior leadership experience within a complex international and matrix-structured organisation (charity, NGO, public, private);

· Strong leadership skills, and the ability to support and challenge executive leadership (including the ability to think critically and ask the right questions);

· Strong cross-cultural awareness and a commitment to role-modelling and advancing diversity, equality and inclusion;

· High standards of integrity and accountability;

· Ability to understand and interpret complex information pertaining to IRC UK’s financial position, risk and performance;

· Ability to work collaboratively with others; and

· An interest and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to successfully deliver this role.

Desirable experience:

· Experience in or understanding of the international development or UK charity sector;

· Experience operating at Board or equivalent strategic level;

· Strong networks and willingness to make connections which advance IRC UK’s charitable purpose, particularly in high-value fundraising.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who can demonstrate any of the following: 

• Strategic understanding of refugee issues in the UK, including asylum, resettlement and integration, to support IRC UK in deepening the impact and reach of its programmes and advocacy. 

• Digital expertise and networks, including an understanding of the rapidly evolving technology landscape and networks across technology, social media and digital marketing. 

• Philanthropy and partnerships experience, including strong connections across UK foundations, trusts and the wider philanthropic sector.