Trustee

Are you interested in becoming a voluntary Trustee? 

We are looking for experienced and committed individuals to play a valuable role in the governance and development of our South West London charity, which is dedicated to working with people of refugee backgrounds to provide practical, educational, and social help. 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) creates supportive relationships, networks, and spaces that enable people to access what they need in order to improve their wellbeing and safety. Our team of staff and volunteers run a large range of activities and services which offer a place of welcome to refugees and asylum seekers, working with them to recognise skills and develop potential. 

CARAS has become one of the largest providers of refugee support in south London, including working with large numbers of unaccompanied and separated children. We have responded to changes in demographics and are proud of our ability to remain agile. 

We are looking for up to three voluntary trustees with relevant skills/experience to strengthen our small and dedicated Board, and to take an active role in decision making and developing the strategic direction of CARAS.

About You

We are looking for people that can bring a range of experiences, independence of thought and judgement, a strong belief in the ethos and values of the charity, and have time to commit. Previous experience as a trustee is desirable but not necessary; we will provide a full induction. Our current trustees have skills and experience covering lived experience of the asylum system, risk, communications, and finance. To support the ongoing goals of CARAS, applicants with any of the following skills would be especially useful:

• Finance

• Strategy 

• Legal and governance

• Fundraising, particularly contracting with local authorities 

We encourage applications from people who have been through the UK asylum or immigration system, people of colour, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people.

Time commitment: Four meetings per year (in the evenings), one away day per year (usually at the weekend), and occasional attendance (2-4 sessions a year) at core programmes (this can be arranged either during the day, in the evenings, or weekends). Trustees can also join subcommittees, including finance and risk. Quarterly meetings alternate between in-person at our Tooting office and remote, whereas subcommittee meetings are all remote. 

Closing date: We will assess and respond to applications as they are received.