Refugees volunteer roles

Role: ESOL Mentor

Time Commitment: 1 hour a week

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people seeking safety and a fresh start?

At Baca, we support our young people to achieve an increase in personal safety, social engagement and engagement with education. We also support them to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing.

The Volunteer Team roles are designed to help provide extra support regarding the development of our young people, who are 16-18-year-old unaccompanied asylum seekers and refugees. The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) mentoring team is an essential part of the young people’s learning and development with their education. We have seen a significant difference in some young people’s confidence with their learning through this project and it has therefore become one of our core activities.

Each ESOL mentor is matched with either one or two young people, and they will support their young people with their ESOL learning from arrival at Baca, through to when those young people start college externally. The length of time is dependent on the young person and their level of education and confidence when they join us. The ESOL mentor role supports the following three main outcomes:

• Improved ability to use English Language
• Improved self confidence
• Increased positive interactions within the local community

Our mentors must have a passion for serving young un-accompanied asylumseeking children and be fully sympathetic to the purpose of Baca and the needs and circumstances of the young people we support. 

Who are LRMN? 

We offer refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants a specialist and holistic service. We  advocate for people’s rights, campaign for wider change, meet their basic needs and help them improve their wellbeing. 

Why do we need you? 

Triage volunteers are an essential part of our team, making sure that clients are able to access the right service. You will deal with initial client enquiries (in person, over the phone or by email), assess what support clients need and help the access the right service for them.  This might be with us, a partner or another external service. 

Our triage team is integral to the smooth running of LRMN. Without them our advisors wouldn’t be able to provide life changing support to the people who access our services. 

Our triage team are the first people that clients will talk to so it is essential that we offer a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space and give them the right information about the services we offer. Given the demand that we face, volunteers help us do that. 

What activities will you be involved in? 

As part of our triage team, you will volunteer alongside staff and fellow volunteers to: 

• Welcome clients to our office/Migrant Hub and speak to them about their needs

• Help clients and referrers understand the services we offer and how to access them

• Respond to new referrals and upload them onto our case management system

• Contact clients to book in appointments and follow up referrals 

• Take on other administrative tasks as identified from time to time 

As you become more experienced, you may be involved in giving basic advice, providing  support letters and other duties. 

Our triage volunteers are based at our Migrant Hub drop-in service (in Woolwich on Tuesdays)

You will be supervised by the Business and Operations Manager and/or Migrant Hub Coordinator but will liaise with staff across the organisation as appropriate. 

What can you gain from this opportunity? 

By volunteering with LRMN, you will: 

• Make a difference to the lives of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees living in south-east London 

• Be part of a diverse, knowledgeable and proactive team in an organisation that has been running for over 25 years 

• Gain experience of admin work in a business environment 

• Gain an understanding of the issues affecting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants

• Have regular support and supervision from the Business and Operations Officer

• Be provided out of pocket expenses to the value of £6 for lunch per day (4+ hours) &  up to £15 travel expenses (when volunteering in the office for 4+ hours) 

Is there induction and training? 

Yes, we provide a comprehensive induction to all new volunteers. This covers roles and  responsibilities, safeguarding, record keeping and use of our client management system  (Advice Pro).

You will be provided with the training needed to perform the role and will have the opportunity to join training with the whole LRMN team.

Who are LRMN looking for? 

We’re looking for someone who is: 

• Passionate about supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers 

• Friendly and approachable and can manage professional boundaries 

• Excellent communicatiuon skills

• Proactive and able to use own initiative 

• Organised and methodical 

• Respectful of client confidentiality 

• Experienced in working with multicultural communities 

• Able to use their digital skills to make referrals and manage online systems 

LRMN is committed to equality and diversity. We pride ourselves on having a diverse team  with a range of experiences. We encourage people with lived experience of the asylum and/or immigration system to apply. If you need additional support to apply or volunteer, please contact us. 

What commitment do you need to make? 

We ask volunteers to commit to volunteering one day a week during office hours (Mon-Fri)  for at least six months. 

Are you fluent in Arabic, Tigrinya, Bengali, Farsi , Kurdishor any community language and live in Westminster or nearby boroughs? Join us in supporting refugees, migrants, and vulnerable individuals in your community.

We offer free legal advice to migrants , refugees and asylum seekers  for whom English is not their first language, including people in temporary accommodation or experiencing homelessness in Westminster.

Feel free to take on one role—or as many as you’d like!

Our services include:

• �� Weekly drop-in sessions every Monday at Church Street Library
• �� A dedicated Advice Line on Tuesdays and Wednesday

We have aPartnerships with Citizens Advice Westminster, Age UK Westminster, Deaf Plus, and Green Doctors

We're looking for compassionate volunteers to help us bridge language gaps and empower those in need.

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Asylum Aid runs a drop-in information hub every Monday, as well as an advice phoneline on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, where Westminster residents can get support and advice in a range of areas, such as employment, housing and immigration. We are looking for volunteers who speak one of our community languages (Arabic, Kurdish, Bengali, Tigrinya, Farsi) to support us at this information hub, as interpreters and/or administrative volunteers. There we will also be the opportunity to receive training to become an Adviser or Assessor (this requires longer than the usual 6-month minimum commitment). We particularly encourage Westminster residents to apply.

Volunteers will be trained on the job and will have to opportunity to attend thematic training, as well as receiving on-going support and supervision.

Main tasks and activities:

• Interpreting:
  • Interpreting for advisers and clients as required, depending on language skills
• Administration:
  • Responding to client queries
  • Answering the telephone
  • Assisting and registering clients who come into reception.
  • Taking messages for advisers.
  •  Printing outlook timetable and Advice pro appointments for the day.
  • Inputting data in excel and Advice pro.
  • Helping advisers with general administrative tasks such as typing letters, photocopying bundles, and telephoning clients, keeping client files or local information up to date, amending stocks of leaflets, etc.
• Gateway Assessor Role/General Advice Role
  • Conducting initial client assessments.
  • Conducting client interviews (by telephone and in person) to understand client problems and identify key information such as time limits.
  • Signposting/Referral; Referring and signposting clients appropriately (both internally and externally) following agreed protocols, including making appointments and informing clients of what they can expect.
  • Input data in excel and Advice pro.
  • Assisting clients with general form filling, making phone call to agencies to resolve simple problems with benefit, housing, employers, council, etc.
• Case Recording:
  • All clients’ cases are recorded for quality assurance purposes, and to ensure that the client can be offered an efficient service if the client requires further advice or the case becomes more complex. Your supervisor will discuss case recording with you.

Volunteer ESOL Teacher to provide face to face classes for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. You will plan and deliver lessons independently with the assistance of experienced ESOL teachers.  Your students will be from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and ages.

We run classes from Mon to Wed from 10 am until 12. 

Previous teaching experience is not compulsory; CELTA or TEFL appreciated.

Minimum 3 month commitment preferred.

Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities in Lewisham. Our commitment is to reach the most vulnerable people in our community and open a pathway to employment for people who have asylum here. Refugees will benefit from workshops, training skills and knowledge relevant for the catering industry. As a small charity it is important to share information and updates through our communications and social media content, to help us fundraise and grow. We are looking for someone to assist us with updating our website including the online shop, events page and blog. The website is a key part of Plateful Café, raising awareness about the barriers to work for refugees as well as helping to share our delicious products with a broad network. By joining the team you’ll be able to put your marketing and website design skills to great use, ensuring more refugees in South-East London can share delicious food.

Duties will include:

• Keeping the website up to date, including the online shop, events page and blog
• Identifying potential content and opportunities
• Adding ideas to the content planner
• Producing analytics on a monthly basis
• Attendance at monthly web  team catch-ups virtually/phone 
• ad-hoc attendance at events and markets

Requirements:

• Photo editing skills
• Experience with using Wordpress and Woocommerce
• Marketing / communications experience
• Able to create interesting and engaging content
• An interest in supporting refugees and contributing to the work of Plateful Café
• Good time management skills
• Good team player

Desirable:

• SEO knowledge
• Experience of working with refugees, people seeking asylum, vulnerable groups or lived experience
• Lives in South-East London

What Will You Gain?

• Experience and insight into working with a charity and our community and play a key part in ensuring Plateful Cafe achieves its goals.
• Develop your writing, editing and website skills
• Access training opportunities available to Plateful Cafe volunteers
• Regular support with undertaking your role

We are looking for a creative and passionate volunteer illustrator to bring to life the stories of survivors, our campaigns and publications through visual artwork. You will shape the visual storytelling of complex messages across our website and social media channels, including Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn. Your illustrations will play a key role in our advocacy, marketing and fundraising work. 

This role is ideal for an illustrator who wants to use their artistic skills to help shape compassionate narratives about people seeking asylum and refugees, and to support human rights and trauma-informed advocacy. 

MAIN TASKS AND ACTIVITIES 

• Create 20 original illustrations to be used for various purposes such as the charity’s social media posts, reports, campaigns and marketing. In interview, Communications Manager will share example of preferred style of images and will discuss with illustrator what their timescales/time commitment could be for completion. The illustrator can work remotely and the agreed time commitment for them can be discussed and agreed with the Communications Manager.

• The creative artworks must align with Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid’s tone, branding, and trauma-informed approach. 

• Help translate complex policies, personal stories and abstract concepts (such as trauma, recovery or community) into thoughtful and engaging imagery in the illustrations. 

• Contribute creative ideas on how the artworks can be used across our online platforms. 

• Conduct one or two workshops with our Ambassadors for Change, a group of survivors with lived experience of asylum system, to help them develop visuals that support their campaigns.

• Ensure all artwork respects the dignity and privacy of survivors and adheres to ethical storytelling and safeguarding principles.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED 

• Strong illustration skills and with an excellent understanding of visual storytelling.

• Experience of using digital illustration tools (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or similar) are essential. 

• Ability to work collaboratively, interpret briefs and respond constructively to feedback. 

• Understanding of inclusive and ethical design practices and demonstrate sensitivity when representing trauma and human rights issues. 

• Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid. 

• Demonstrable empathy for our clients, including people seeking asylum, refugees and survivors of torture and trafficking, and sensitivity when working on topics related to human rights, trauma, or lived experience. 

• Organised, dependable, and proactive in meeting deadlines. 

HOW TO APPLY 

• To apply please send us a CV along with a short cover letter (max 300 words) about why you would like to volunteer as an illustrator with us. 

• A link or PDF portfolio with samples of your work. 

We will be conducting interviews for this role on a rolling basis so please apply early.

RAMFEL is a charity that supports vulnerable migrants to access justice and that provides vital support in moments of individual crisis.

The role offers an opportunity to join our foodbank team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable migrants. Many of our clients face difficult circumstances, unable to work or access benefits while awaiting decisions on their immigration status from the Home Office. With family ties in the UK or safety concerns in their home countries, they often find themselves in precarious situations, at risk of destitution and exploitation. Our foodbank serves as a practical means of support, providing essential assistance to those in need. We are looking for dedicated individuals to help us continue this vital work.

What will I receive?

- Lunch and travel expenses (up to £10 lunch, up to £10 travel)

- Role specific training, training on issues affecting vulnerable migrants

- Ongoing individual supervision and volunteer meetings

Where are we?

Our foodbank is based in Ilford at Cardinal Heenan Centre, 326 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1QP

What happens if I apply?

• We will interview applicants on 15 December
• You will be asked to complete a DBS check before starting (this is a requirement of working with vulnerable adults and children)
• You will be asked to provide a reference
• Mandatory training for the role and induction will take place on 14 and 20 January 2026

Reporting to: Office Manager

Time Period: We ask for a minimum of a 6-month commitment during our foodbank which happens on Thursday between 9.30 am and 4.00 pm.

Role description:

1. To greet clients and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for them
2. Assist with setting up the foodbank, which involves some manual lifting and arranging supplies
3. To distribute items to individual service users
4. To keep accurate records of the needs of service users
5. To complete necessary administrative duties associated with the delivery of the foodbank service
6. Assist with tidying up and clearing the foodbank after it closes
7. Assist in providing SIM cards to clients when necessary
8. Assist in applying for destitution grants for clients who most need them.

You will be required at all times to respect:

1. RAMFEL’s confidentiality and any other relevant policy

2. Safeguarding policies

Person Specification

Requirements:

(E=Essential, D=Desirable)

1. A commitment to volunteer on Thursdays at RAMFEL’s Ilford office.
2. A commitment to RAMFEL’s aims and objectives.
3. Ability to demonstrate behaviour in keeping with RAMFEL’s core values of teamwork, respect, integrity and fairness.
4. Excellent organisational, written and verbal communication skills.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
6. Demonstrate ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, displaying flexibility and willingness to provide support where needed.
7. Keep the people we support at the heart of what you do.
8. Maintain professional boundaries.
9. Ability to volunteer in a multicultural environment.
10. Ability to undertake some manual lifting

Please submit a CV and cover letter detailing how you meet the requirements mentioned in the person specification. Both your CV and cover letter should be in PDF form. Candidates who have been shortlisted will undergo interviews on 15 December 2025.

About IRMO

IRMO works to enable the development, agency, and participation of Latin Americans and other Spanish and Portuguese speakers, by responding to both immediate needs and structural inequalities. We do this by offering high-quality information and advice services, opportunities for development and training, and a platform to seek social and systemic change. 

About the Children and Young People Area

Our programme offers a wide range of activities for migrant, asylum-seeking and refugee families, children and young people. These include English classes, mentoring, creative workshops and group trips. We help children and young people secure places in nurseries, schools, colleges and universities, boost educational attainment and make friends while learning, creating and discovering talents. For parents, we offer tailored advice, advocacy and workshops that connect families with essential services, including support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and emergency assistance. 

About the Role 

The Latin American Youth Forum (LAYF) SPACE Workshop Assistant will be supporting our Youth Project Coordinator with contributing ideas for workshops and preparing sessions, promoting opportunities for young people in the workshops, creating/sharing useful resources and supporting with monitoring and evaluation. The ideal LAYF Workshop Assistant is someone who is fluent in Spanish & English or Portuguese & English; has some experience in working with children and young people and has an idea of the challenges faced by migrant, refugee & asylum seeking young people in the UK. 

Main tasks and responsibilities 

● Support the Youth Project Coordinator to plan and deliver the LAYF SPACE Workshops and facilitate sessions in Spanish/Portuguese. This would include session space set up, registration, welcoming young people, co-facilitation and assisting the Youth Project Coordinator with managing the group. 

● Support with the translation of existing and new resources or comms material from English to Spanish/Portuguese. 

● Support with monitoring the impact of activities and evaluating the young people's progress by giving out questionnaires, feedback forms and collecting information for case studies. 

● Adhere to IRMO’s Safeguarding procedures and report any safeguarding concerns.

We are looking for someone who is/has: 

● Fluent in English and Spanish (essential) and Portuguese (desirable). 

● Aware of the issues facing migrants, especially children and young people, in the UK. 

● A warm, friendly, patient and empathetic approach towards young people with complex needs. 

● Some experience or keen interest in youth work and facilitation with young people. 

● Good time management and organisational skills to be able to assist the delivery of the regular LAYF SPACE sessions. 

● Some knowledge of safeguarding and child protection in the UK.

 ● Non-judgemental, empathetic and committed to IRMO’s mission and values.

Adult Casework Volunteer - Role description 

Role: Adult Casework Volunteer 

Team: Casework 

Supervised by: Adult caseworker 

Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5.30pm)

Time commitment: 3.5 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months 

About CARAS :  

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do 

About CARAS casework:

CARAS works with adults and young people of a refugee and asylum seeker background to find solutions to their problems. There are two separate sub-teams within the Casework team; young people and adults. We support adults to navigate the asylum system, understand their options, access benefits, connect with services and realise their goals. We are a non-specialist casework and advocacy service, so we work in close partnership with other local organisations to whom we refer people with more complex issues.

Using the empowerment model, our casework service embodies CARAS’ values of ‘with not for’, always striving to ensure people are armed with the information and resources they need to make decisions and take action for themselves.

About the Role:

We are currently recruiting for 2 volunteers to join our Adult Casework team. 

The purpose of the Adult Casework volunteer role is to support adults with a refugee or asylum seeking background to understand their rights, access information and services, and ultimately, take control of their own lives. You will work with individuals to address problems they may face relating to, among other issues, asylum support, accessing healthcare and education, access to legal advice and finding activities and opportunities.

You will start from an understanding that individuals are always best placed to solve their own problems, and often need nothing more than to talk out a problem and find the solution themselves. When helpful, you will provide information to clarify and support to take action. 

The Adult Casework team hold a support session at our office in Tooting on Thursday afternoons from 2-5.30pm.  Volunteer caseworkers have 1:1 appointments, either in person or by phone, with CARAS members.  These can be related to a range of topics.  Currently our biggest areas of work are around housing for people seeking asylum, access to college, nursery/school places for children, referrals to mental health providers, searches and signposting to activities, finding solicitors and supporting people to apply for bus passes and ID cards.  Volunteers also support with administrative tasks such as updating our databases, collating resources and creating information guides. 

Adult Casework Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:  

• Working in an empowering way with individuals and promoting their independence through goal-setting.  

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge of rights and entitlements.   

• Assisting with filling out forms 

• Signposting and referring onto other services and organisations.  

• Gathering information from experts and disseminating information to people in an accessible manner.  

• Engaging in collaborative internet and phone research on services, organisations and grants.  

• Flagging safeguarding concerns and other issues where further support is required.  

• Keeping accurate casenotes 

• Supporting to maintain our signposting database 

• Researching and collating resources 

• Working collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the Adult Casework project.  

• Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements:

Essential

• Experience of doing 1:1 advice work/casework.

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English.   

• Confidence in using IT (Microsft office, outlook, zoom, Google search, online forms)  

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds; 

• A commitment to confidentiality and data protection 

• Thorough with good attention to detail 

• Reliable 

• A high level of spoken and written English 

• Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way  

• A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach 

• Enjoyment in speaking to new people 

• A commitment to working in an empowering way 

• Able to maintain boundaries 

• Able to work autonomously 

• Currently resident in the UK 

Desirable 

• Working knowledge or experience of relevant law and policy around asylum support, the asylum process, rights and entitlements for people seeking asylum 

• Experience of working with interpreters 

• Direct experience of the UK immigration system.  

• Past experience of working with people seeking asylum 

• Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu or Vietnamese.  

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process 

Benefits to Volunteering:

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

•  Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Obtain a reference from us relating to your volunteering 

All volunteers must complete a basic DBS check for volunteers working with adults and attend training with us before starting.  You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

To Apply:

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.

 Applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP. 

Successful applicants will undergo training and induction with our team. 

Friends Without Borders (Portsmouth) CIO. The relief of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees who are suffering hardship or distress or in need, particularly, but not exclusively, in the City of Portsmouth, by the provision of financial and other assistance and raising the awareness of the general public.

As the new Chair your role will be pivotal within our team and we are excited to learn from the unique skills you bring. Your contribution will help Friends Without Borders to flourish and grow and we are excited to welcome you into our dedicated team.

What will you be doing?

Now is an exciting time to join the Board of Trustees at Friends Without Borders and help shape the charity’s future.

This role will allow you to put your professional skills and charity expertise to great use for the benefit of individuals who have had to flee their homes and livelihoods.

The Chair provides leadership to the board, ensuring effective governance, strategic direction and a strong public profile for Friends Without Borders. The Chair will engage trustees, support staff and oversee the charity’s mission in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

What are we looking for?

The ideal Chair will demonstrate:

Experience & Knowledge

• Board level experience, ideally in the charity sector either as a Trustee or a CEO (You do not need to have been a Chair before).
• Knowledge of charity law, governance and reporting requirements.
• Understanding of strategic planning, policy development and risk management.
• Commitment to developing a familiarity with the client group and relevant social/political context.

At Friends Without Borders, we believe that diversity strengthens our work. We warmly welcome applications from individuals who bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to our Board. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of the asylum system, as well as candidates from underrepresented communities. 

What difference will you make?

This is an exciting time to join the Trustee Board at Friends Without Borders and a fantastic opportunity to Influence the growth and future of a dynamic charity

As Chair, you will play a key role in enabling us to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, empowering them to rebuild their lives in safety here in Portsmouth.

This role offers a valuable opportunity to:

• Use your professional skills and experience to make a meaningful difference to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes and livelihoods.
• Contribute strategically to the management and development of a growing charity.
• Deepen your insight and expertise in charity governance, financial oversight, and organisational leadership.

Before you apply

Reach Volunteering are supporting Friends Without Borders with their Board recruitment.

Please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills would add value to the board. Please do also supply the details of two Referees (no contact will be made with Referees without your express permission and only at the point that a Trustee role has been offered and accepted).

At Friends Without Borders, we are committed to meeting the aims set out in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policies.  As part of this commitment, we invite you to complete an anonymous and voluntary EDI monitoring form. This form is not part of your application and will remain confidential. Please get in touch to request the form.

If you would like to have an informal initial conversation either with the TrusteeWorks team of with a member of Friends Without Borders, please do contact TrusteeWorks who would be happy to arrange this for you.

 About HIAS+JCORE

HIAS+JCORE is the UK Jewish response to refuge and asylum. Our vision is a UK where refugees can live in dignity, in a society free from racism. This work is driven by the belief that the Jewish community should play an active part in empowering refugees to thrive.

Our organisation came into this form through the joining of operations between two organisations: the UK-based JCORE (Jewish Council for Racial Equality) and HIAS, a global humanitarian aid and advocacy organisation. HIAS+JCORE is inspired by Jewish values and history to support those who are displaced, no matter their background.

Role purpose

The Fundraising Trustee will bring expertise, insight, and strategic guidance to help the charity strengthen and diversify its income. Working with the Board and staff/volunteers, they will ensure fundraising is ethical, sustainable, and aligned with the charity’s mission and values.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to the overall governance of the charity as a member of the Board of Trustees.
• Provide advice and support on fundraising strategy, ensuring income generation is realistic and compliant with regulation.
• Act as a fundraising champion on HIAS+JCORE’s board, working with and supporting other trustees to explore fundraising possibilities.
• If networks for fundraising exist, use them to support the work of the charity.
• Support the development of diverse fundraising streams (e.g. individual giving, trusts and foundations, community fundraising, corporate support) and advise and support with appeals and major fundraising events/campaigns.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice, including the Code of Fundraising Practice, and through HIAS+JCORE’s policies and procedures.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work and helping to raise its profile.

Person specification

Essential:

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trusteeship.
• Knowledge and experience of fundraising (e.g. trusts, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, or digital campaigns).
• Strategic thinker, able to balance long-term planning with practical advice.
• Strong communication and networking skills.

Desirable:

• Experience of fundraising in a small charity context.
• Existing networks that could support the charity’s fundraising efforts.
• Understanding of charity finance and/or marketing.

Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people?

We are offering 2 young people aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer with the Portuguese Red Cross in Braga, Portugal. Next placement dates are planned for: 5th January - end of August 2026.

You will be working on a range of projects, which will give you the chance to explore the different kinds of social action that the Portuguese Red Cross undertake in Braga. 

Typical tasks may involve:

• Supporting the charity shop, Ponto Vermelho, with social media, sorting donations and organising the displays.
• Supporting in the Youth Centre for the Roma Community – organising and delivering activities, helping with homework.
• Supporting in the Foster Care for Unaccompanied Minor Refugees.
• Supporting the Social Kindergarten.
• Assisting with projects which help the homeless and the elderly.
• Assisting in the writing of project proposals and funding bids.

It's a fantastic opportunity to get involved in projects and find out what you are interested in. For more details on the role and the projects available, have a look at the role description. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement! These are fully funded placements, with return flights, accommodation and health insurance covered - volunteers receive a small monthly stipend for living expenses.

Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role, as it is Taith funded. Interviews will take place online with shortlisted candidates.

We are keen to hear from individuals especially those who do not normally get the chance to volunteer overseas, who are passionate and motivated about working in the humanitarian sector and international volunteering but who also understand that these types of placements require adaptability and resilience. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs.

We are looking for a Communications Officer who can strategically identify and post engaging content for our social media feeds and other communication channels, which will inspire people to support our work with refugees and asylum seekers in Epirus. You are the person who thinks “this would make a good post”, while activities are taking place. More than that, your interest and belief in digital communications as a force for good should be backed with an interest in data and analytics, using them to influence our overall communication strategy.

Your role would include:

• Interacting with our digital communities to increase engagement, followers and the quality of user experience.

• Identifying key influencers and conversations that we should engage in to better showcase our work and expand our reach.

• Managing our other channels of communication, including newsletters, donor engagement, website and press service.

You should be able to:

• Manage communication channels in a professional capacity

• Create and deliver communication strategies for specific programmes and campaigns

• Produce regular data reports using Facebook Insights, LinkedIn Analytics, Google Analytics or similar tools, analysing data and adapt strategies accordingly 

• Keep up-to-date with the latest trends/developments in digital communications

• Identify key influential external figures and agencies to further our reach and impact

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience working in a refugee context or with a vulnerable population

• Experience working in an NGO, Charity or in the field of human rights

What do we offer?

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow; investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Have experience leading a team of this type?

Consider applying to become a Communications Coordinator. Whether your experience lies in the humanitarian sector or elsewhere, we are looking for people with expertise that can drive us forward as an organisation.

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

Go remote

This position is also open to remote candidates. If you wish to apply for a remote role, mention this in your application.

Friends Without Borders (Portsmouth) CIO. The relief of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees who are suffering hardship or distress or in need, particularly, but not exclusively, in the City of Portsmouth, by the provision of financial and other assistance and raising the awareness of the general public.

As the new Treasurer your role will be pivotal within our team and we are excited to learn from the unique skills you bring. Your contribution will help Friends Without Borders to flourish and grow and we are excited to welcome you into our dedicated team.

What will you be doing?

Now is an exciting time to join the Board of Trustees at Friends Without Borders. This role will allow you to put your professional skills to great use for the benefit of individuals who have had to flee their homes and livelihoods. It will also provide you with the opportunity to develop your insight and expertise into all aspects of managing a growing charity. 

The Treasurer is a voluntary role that ensures the financial health and accountability of Friends Without Borders. The role combines strategic oversight, advice and hands-on financial management. Between our Client Services Manager and volunteer Bookkeeper, spreadsheets relating to petty cash, income and expenditure are prepared. Our Treasurer will be responsible for payroll, pension payments and tax returns.

What are we looking for?

Essential

• Professional accounting or finance qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with financial systems and controls, ideally but not essentially in a charity or small organisation.
• Understanding of budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.

Desirable

• Familiarity with charity financial regulations, Gift Aid, restricted funds and statutory reporting.

At Friends Without Borders, we believe that diversity strengthens our work. We warmly welcome applications from individuals who bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to our Board. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of the asylum system, as well as candidates from underrepresented communities. 

What difference will you make?

This is an exciting time to join the Trustee Board at Friends Without Borders.

As Treasurer, you will play a key role in enabling us to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, empowering them to rebuild their lives in safety here in Portsmouth.

This role offers a valuable opportunity to:

• Use your professional skills and experience to make a meaningful difference to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes and livelihoods.
• Contribute strategically to the management and development of a growing charity.
• Deepen your insight and expertise in charity governance, financial oversight, and organisational leadership.

Before you apply

Reach Volunteering are supporting Friends Without Borders with their Board recruitment.

Please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills would add value to the board. Please do also supply the details of two Referees (no contact will be made with Referees without your express permission and only at the point that a Trustee role has been offered and accepted).

At Friends Without Borders, we are committed to meeting the aims set out in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policies. As part of this commitment, we invite you to complete an anonymous and voluntary EDI monitoring form. This form is not part of your application and will remain confidential. Please get in touch to request the form.

If you would like to have an informal initial conversation either with the TrusteeWorks team of with a member of Friends Without Borders, please do contact TrusteeWorks who would be happy to arrange this for you.