Treasurer volunteer roles in london

Trustees required with various skills and experience
Treasurer required with accountancy or similar qualification
London and Home Counties 

We are partnering with the Social Interest Group (‘SIG’) to appoint new Trustees to join their board.  SIG brings charities together to work under one umbrella focusing on delivering good quality social and health care services.  They build powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement, supporting thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential services, drop-in centres, community floating support settings (including people's own homes), probation settings, and hospitals awaiting discharge
SIG’s Mission is to create solutions that bridge the gaps in local health and social care, getting people out of hospital, out of prison and off the streets.

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation (the parent company), who together with their subsidiary charities SIG Penrose, SIG Housing Trust, SIG Equinox, SIG Pathways to Independence and SIG Safe Ground, work to tackle social and health care inequalities and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement in order to ensure that people in our society have every opportunity to live fulfilled, healthy and constructive lives. They do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, and Kent. They also support people in prisons, currently delivering services in Liverpool.

Through their values they are committed to:

• Delivering excellence and innovation
• Promoting equality and mutual respect
• A belief that positive change is possible
• Involving and consulting service users
• Active citizenship and community involvement
• Valuing staff, harnessing their full potential

They are keen to have an inclusive board, therefore backgrounds and experience though important is matched by the need for the passion, ambition and interest to help SIG fulfil its mission.

As mentioned, your background is less important but if you are either within the charity or non-profit sector or within an organisation that operates in a similar environment, engaged in the medical profession or a service user or carer, this is of particular interest to the current board.

The successful candidates will demonstrate: 

• A clear commitment to the charity’s mission and values, with a genuine passion for making a positive impact in the community
• The capacity to participate actively and from an informed position
• A willingness to use personal networks and resources of relevance to SIG’s charitable purpose
• A passion for their work, and to promoting SIG and its subsidiaries as an organisation
• A firm understanding and respect for the Nolan Principles of Public Life

There are 4 board meetings per year, both online and face-to-face plus contributions to planning, Awaydays and specialist areas. The total time commitment is in the region of four hours per month.

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement. 

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date for applications: 22nd July 
First Interviews:  31st July
Second Interviews: 8th Aug 

The Great Friendship Project is looking for a dynamic and committed Chair of Trustees to guide our Board, support our CEO, and champion our mission to tackle loneliness and build real-world friendships across the UK.

As Chair, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role, helping steer the charity through its next stage of growth.

You’ll lead a passionate and capable Board of Trustees, ensuring strong governance, sound financial oversight, and strategic clarity - all while acting as a critical friend to the CEO and a powerful ambassador for our work.

This is an exciting time to join, with high-profile campaigns, powerful partnerships, and growing national recognition, we’re looking for someone who can bring wisdom, challenge, and vision to our leadership team.

What are we looking for?

What we're Looking For

• Proven leadership experience, ideally in a non-profit, public, or purpose-driven organisation.
• Strong understanding of governance, charity finance, and strategic planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead with clarity and empathy.
• A commitment to inclusion, transparency, and social impact.
• Passion for tackling loneliness and championing authentic human connection.

Board Leadership & Governance

• Chair Board meetings every 1–2 months, setting clear agendas in collaboration with the CEO.
• Ensure meetings are purposeful, inclusive, and outcome-driven.
• Lead the Board in evaluating its performance and decision-making.
• Provide 1:1 support and mentorship to the CEO, fostering leadership development and succession planning.

Financial Stewardship

• Work alongside the Treasurer and CEO to oversee financial health and sustainability.
• Review quarterly management accounts and long-term forecasts.
• Support robust financial planning, risk management, and reporting.
• Present the Annual Accounts to the Board and ensure legal compliance.

Strategy & Development

• Guide the Board in shaping and reviewing the charity’s long-term vision and strategic direction.
• Monitor delivery against objectives and ensure mission alignment.
• Lead trustee recruitment, induction, and development to maintain a high-performing, diverse Board.

Risk & Compliance

• Lead quarterly review of the Risk Register and oversee the review of key policies.
• Ensure the charity meets all legal and regulatory obligations.

Reporting & Impact

• Oversee the creation of the Trustees’ Annual Report and support the CEO in developing an annual Impact Report.
• Ensure the charity is delivering meaningful results across programme impact, financial sustainability, and fundraising.

Opportunity to join The Restart Project’s board of trustees

As we embark on implementing our newly formed strategy, we are looking for a finance trustee who can support us by connecting our ambitious goals with financial realities.

Our vision is by 2035, we’ve helped to end the throwaway production and consumption of electrical products. With systemic support, repair and reuse is easier, cheaper and more rewarding for all.

In 2025 we are winning the argument and are now entering a new phase of doing the ‘hard yards’ of getting our ideas implemented. This requires an evolution of our funding model. At the same time, working with companies – who are both part of the problem and part of the solution – poses special challenges for us to get right.

So we are now seeking a committed individual who shares our excitement and can help us realise the opportunities by serving as our finance trustee.

Who are we looking for?

The role would suit an individual looking to support the growth of a small charity, moving us beyond our 10 employees and further strengthening our finance and strategic approaches.

Having trustees with a mix of backgrounds, approaches and perspectives leads to better decision-making. We believe that a governance and accountability structure enriched by multiple voices and intersectional expertise, leads to more thoughtful, informed, just and liberatory strategies, decisions, and practices.

The finance trustee will take the lead at board level on:

• Advise on developing our business model and diversify earned and granted funding sources

• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity

• Working with staff to develop a three year business plan, our annual budgets and preparing for the yearly reporting to the Charity Commission

• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities 

Responsibilities as a board member

As well as the finance trustee specific responsibilities above, board members collectively:

• Contribute in giving strategic direction to the charity, setting overall strategy and policy, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• Ensure the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuing its objectives

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity

• Safeguard the good name and values of the charity

• Declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee

• Are responsible for the actions of the charity 

• Participate in other tasks as arise from time to time when possible, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising etc.

• Attend quarterly meetings and read papers in preparation for the meeting

• Keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work

• Be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis 

Person specification 

We are seeking a finance trustee who has the following:

• Experience in business growth and financial management, ideally with a recognised accountancy or management qualification

• Understanding of charity finance

• A commitment to Restart’s vision, mission and values

• Willingness to devote the time and effort needed to fulfil the role

• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to contributing to a positive working culture

Further information is available about both the treasurer and trustee role in the job specifications available on our website.

The New Normal are seeking a Chair of our Board of Trustees! The primary responsibilities are providing leadership, strategic direction and governance oversight for the charity. They ensure that the board functions effectively, that the organization remains true to its mission, and that it meets its legal and ethical obligations. 

We are looking for a driven and diligent person to support TNN in it's mission to provide free-to-access peer support for a diverse range of grief experiences, communities and identities. 

Applicants should have the capacity to provide around 4-6 hours per month on a flexible basis, with some months quieter/busier than others.

We are seeking someone who has strong leadership, facilitation and decision-making skills, excellent communication and public-speaking, understanding of financial management, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, and a passion for the Charity's mission and long-term success. You should have experience serving on a Board of Trustees (preferably as Chair), in ​governance, strategic planning, and the non-profit sector.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and pathways. This is a voluntary role and responsibilities are listed in below Job Description.

[Due to the nature of the role and the work we do, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a DBS check and meet the statutory conditions for serving as a Trustee (attached). Persons will be shortlisted and appointed based solely on character, skills, qualifications and experience.]

Invitation to apply for the position of Society Chair

A. Description of the Society

The Society is the third oldest local conservation charity in England, founded in 1897 by many of the public figures who  campaigned to procure the passing of the 1871 Hampstead Heath Act, which saved Hampstead Heath as a public open space in perpetuity, and who went on to found the National Trust.

The Society is an unincorporated association, constituted by its contractual constitution, and is a registered charity. Its charitable objects are as follows:

3. (a)  to preserve those parts of Hampstead Heath which are subject to section 16 of The Hampstead Heath Act 1871* in their wild and natural state, and also to preserve the natural and characteristic features of the later additions to the Heath, so far as is consistent with their enjoyment by the public;

(b) to promote and maintain the amenities and characteristics of the environs of the Heath, and of the buildings and streets of Hampstead; and

(c) to promote public interest in the study of natural history, conservation, and the history of the areas referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule 3.

*[Section 16 provides: The [Metropolitan] Board [of Works] shall at all times preserve, as far as may be, the natural aspect and state of the Heath, and to that end shall protect the turf, gorse, heather, timber and other trees, shrubs, and brush-wood thereon.]

The Society’s geographical remit is limited to Hampstead Heath, the fringes of the Heath, and the old borough of Hampstead (now legally subsumed into the London Borough of Camden).

It is governed by a ‘general committee’ of some 15 trustees which is supported by (i) three subcommittees (each of approximately a dozen members) responsible for the distinct areas of Hampstead Town, Hampstead Heath, and local planning applications, and (ii) a Plaque Selection Panel which is responsible for the erection of plaques on buildings in Hampstead Town commemorating famous residents.

The Chair, along with principal Society officers, is elected annually at the annual general meeting.

The Society has approximately 2,000 members and is in sound financial and reputational shape. Further details of the Society may be found on the Society's website. 

B. General role of the Chair

The general role of the Society Chair includes the duties outlined in the English Charity Commission document entitled “The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do”, namely:

· help plan and run general committee meetings and in members’ meetings

· take the lead on ensuring that meetings are properly run and recorded

· take the lead on ensuring that trustees comply with their duties and the charity is well governed

· act as a spokesperson for the charity

· act as a link between trustees and committee members.

Reference should also be made to “A Chair’s Compass - A guide for chairs of charities and non-profit organisations”. 

Given the local remit of the Society, it is desirable that the prospective Society Chair should be resident in Hampstead (including West Hampstead), Belsized, Highgate or Hampstead Garden Suburb. The prospective Society Chair will be invited to join the general committee and ‘shadow’ the current Chair for the appropriate period before taking over.

C. Core and specific tasks of the Society Chair

Convene, set the agenda for, and chair bi-monthly meetings of the general committee, and approve the draft minutes of those meetings

Convene and set the agenda for the Society’s annual general meeting in June of each year, deliver a verbal annual report at that meeting, and approve the draft minutes of that meeting

Write the annual trustees’ report for inclusion in the annual return to the Charity Commission

Settle and approve the Society's annual financial statements as prepared by the Treasurer and the Society's auditors/examiners

Write a column of approximately 2,000 words for the Society's newsletter published in January, May and October

From time to time, as an observer, attend meetings of the Society's three subcommittees (Town, Heath and Planning) and the Society’s Plaque Selection Panel

Support the Society’s vice-chairs in their chairing of the Society’s three subcommittees (see above)

Oversee recruitment to the general committee and, as required, the Society's three subcommittees

As required, be the public or official face of the Society in dealings with the media, and the City of London Corporation (the freehold owner of Hampstead Heath and the sole trustee of the Hampstead Heath registered charity), Camden Council (including Hampstead Ward local councillors) and other local or governmental bodies

As required, lead (even if only in  a titular or nominal sense) campaigns run by the Society

Attend and, as required, host Society events, including the New Members Party, the Xmas Party and Society lectures (usually two to three a year)

Maintain relations with other non-governmental bodies with which the Society has regular dealings in matters of common interest, including the Vale of Health Society, the Highgate Society, the Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents Association, the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum,  Heath Hands, the Kenwood Estate, Keats House, Camden History Society, the London Forum and Civic Voice

Identify, and suggest to its editor, items for inclusion in the Society's newsletter

Are you keen to move the arts forward? Are you passionate about the role the arts can play in building a better society? Do you think that diverse voices deserve to be heard through poetry? Do you want to be an empowering advocate for poetry’s transformative power? Forward Arts Foundation – the charity behind National Poetry Day and the Forward Prizes for Poetry – is looking for a new Chair and Trustees to join its board. We’re a small, ambitious team working nationally and online to celebrate poetry, support new voices, and widen accessibility. With a reach of over 2.4 million people each year, we’re looking for board members who can help us grow and govern well. We're particularly keen to hear from prospective Chairs and Trustees with experience in education, digital, fundraising and philanthropy, or governance and leadership. We’d also welcome the chance to support people under the age of 30 take their first step into trusteeship. Our meetings are flexible, online-friendly, and inclusive by design. Poetry is for everyone – and we want our board to reflect that.
 

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, genetic neuromuscular condition causing progressive muscle wasting (atrophy) and weakness leading to loss of movement.

Our current chair has been in the position for 6 years and after serving their maximum term, we are seeking a new Chair to lead the charity and help us deliver our four year strategic plan ‘Building a future together’.

The chair provides a pivotal role in ensuring the charity has a well governed organisation, strong staff team and board with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, with one shared goal of working towards the organisational mission underpinned by our values and principles.

The chair will support the CEO and ensure that the board functions as a unit and works closely with the senior leadership team to achieve agreed objectives. From time to time the chair will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the CEO. An effective chairperson is a key player in ensuring effective governance for the charity. 

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Board of Trustees.  

Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.

The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of a day a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition, there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work. 

If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you. 

Please see the job pack attached for full details and apply via the portal by 31st July 2025.

Help shape the future of Merton’s vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Merton Connected is seeking two to three new trustees to join our experienced board at an exciting time of growth. We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, strategic thinking, and a commitment to inclusive community development; whether this is your first governance role or you’ve supported other organisations before.

You’ll help shape our strategy, strengthen good governance, and champion the voices of local organisations and residents. You’ll be part of a collaborative board that works closely with our leadership team to support a thriving voluntary, community and faith sector in Merton.

We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals with insight or experience in:

• Marketing and communications

• Digital and AI operations

• Income generation and fundraising

• Impact and performance measurement

We also welcome diverse lived experience, fresh perspectives, and strong local connection to Merton.

What you’ll gain:

• A chance to influence local priorities and make a meaningful difference to people’s lives

• Insight into the workings of a well-connected, values-driven infrastructure charity

• Opportunities to share your knowledge and develop your strategic and leadership skills

• A welcoming, inclusive board committed to learning and collective impact

Time commitment: 4–6 meetings per year (including strategy days), with occasional subgroups or events
Support offered: Full induction provided, with out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed

We’re taking a flexible, phased approach to recruitment to make it easier for people to apply over the summer, while encouraging early applications where possible.

• Apply by 17:00 on Friday 11th of July to be considered as part of our first round of shortlisting
• Interviews for this first phase are likely to take place in mid to late July
• Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis until places are filled.

Breadwinners Finance Trustee & Vice Chair Role - Aug 2025

Job title: Finance and Vice Chair Trustee  - London & Brighton

Reporting to: Board of Trustees and Managing Director

Remuneration: £0 (Pro-Bono, Volunteering role)

Duration: 3 years, with a potential further 3 terms extension as per the board of Trustees Decision.

Location: Remote mainly, London coworking Office Space in Brixton, Brighton coworking space  in future expanding reach.

Commitment and Work Style: 3 years, approx 8 hrs per Quarter, 5 meetings per year. Both F2F and online meetings.

Start: Aug 2025 / Apply ASAP as we interview and recruit as applications come, no more applications will be taken after 15th July 2025

We are looking for the next Finance and Vice Chair Trustee to join our board and help lead the strategy, developing the core team to continue growing our support for young refugees across the UK.

About Breadwinners

Breadwinners is set up to tackle unemployment and poor well-being by providing young refugees and people seeking asylum with their first work experience in the UK, training and personal mentors so that they can start and progress in their careers. We achieve this goal through three consecutive programmes, using our award-winning bread stalls in markets across London and Brighton and wholesale for socially-minded cafes and restaurants

1. Risers programme: A two-month early intervention programme designed to provide structured work experience, training, and mentorship to newly arrived young people seeking asylum through our 18 stalls.

2. Breadwinners programme: The follow-up programme for refugees with the right to work, which involves working as a market stall manager for six months and earning the UK living wage.

3. Proofers programme: A progression programme that entails working remotely as part-time online sales representatives for six months, managing our wholesale delivery model.

Our programmes, delivered across London and Brighton, and over the last 7 years we have made a significant impact in supporting over 744+ programme participants, with an impressive 93% reporting notable improvements in their overall well-being, 76% of our Breadwinners programme progress into work, further education or volunteering, and all this while minimising our Carbon Footprint by 20.5% through the sale of organic goods. This year, we are planning to double our impact with young refugees, with recently secured funding, new markets, and focusing on our wholesale model.

You will be working directly with the Managing Director, Core team and Board of Trustees and volunteers to improve Finance Processes, set up and review Budgets, and lead board meetings structure and discussions, delivering the best strategy for the Breadwinners community. You will have the chance to see the impact your work has, meet and support amazing young people who deserve better opportunities, and work together on the strategy of Breadwinners. Please apply as soon as possible, by submitting your cover letter and CV accroding instructions. Please use “BW - Finance Trustee and Vice Chair” as the email subject. We will arrange interviews for great applications as they come in. No more applications will be taken after the 15th of July 2025.

We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage applications from those with lived experience of migration, and from diverse applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital/civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy/maternity leave status.

We welcome informal chats about the role - please contact Martin Cosarinsky Campos.

Ideal candidates attributes

• Passionate about supporting refugees and young people seeking asylum.

• Knowledge and experience of finance best  practices for Charities and Social Enterprises.

• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management.(Xero, Quickbooks)

• Strong financial analysis.

• Ability to communicate clearly, setting agendas, and driving strategic conversations.

• Self starter with commitment, motivation and drive to upskill as needed to support the charity.

• Capacity to plan and drive the board meetings agenda liaising with the Managing Director and Chair, managing the appropriate regulatory documentation.  .

Your role 

Alongside the general responsibilities of a Trustee, you will: 

• Liaise with the Managing Director to obtain an overview of the ongoing financial affairs of the organisation to ensure its financial viability and that all processes are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.

• Support the Managing Director in the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year.

• Support the Director to ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place.

• Support the Director to monitor and report on the financial health of the organisation at board meetings, making fellow committee members aware of their financial obligations and taking a lead in interpreting financial data to them

• Oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits together with auditors.

• Support and Guidance: The vice chair provides support and guidance to the chair, helping them to effectively manage the board and the charity's operations. They may also act as a "sounding board" for the chair and other trustees, offering alternative perspectives and insights. 

• Subcommittee Leadership: The vice chair may lead or be involved in subcommittees of the board, such as a finance committee or a fundraising committee. 

• Strategic Direction: The vice chair helps ensure that the charity operates within its charitable objectives and has a clear strategic direction. 

• Effective Governance: They contribute to the overall governance of the charity by ensuring that meetings are effective and that trustees fulfill their duties. 

Requirements

• Available to dedicate at least 8 hrs per quarter to Breadwinner's work. 

• Available to attend Trustee board meetings on weekday afternoons 5 times a year.

• Available to support Quarterly Team Wellbeing sessions.

• Committed to a 3-year term on the Board. 

The International Council of Museums in the United Kingdom (ICOM UK) is seeking a new trustee with strong financial acumen and a passion for the museums and heritage sector and working internationally to be the Finance Lead on our Board. This is a strategic finance role to support the Strategic Director and advise the Board of Trustees in respect of the conduct of the charity’s financial affairs.  

The role requires experience and skills in financial planning and management, preferably in a charity and/or company, along with the ability to understand and communicate the impact of decisions on the organisation’s finances. 

We welcome applications from professionals with the skills, knowledge and lived experience that will strengthen and diversify our Board. 

 For further details on the roles and ICOM UK, you can view our Finance Lead Trustee Recruitment  Pack. 

Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you! 

STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees. 

We are in particular looking for applicants who: 

• Have lived experience 
• Have HR experience 
• Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
• Have charitable fundraising experience. 

 Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged. 

Role Description

To provide strategic oversight of:

• STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law; 
• STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
• Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives; 
• The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
• Monitoring and reporting of financial information; 
• STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
• Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.

Also to:

• Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
• Attend and prepare for board meetings
• Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
• Approve accounts
• Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
• Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
• A commitment to STAR’s values
• An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments. 
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
• Integrity and good independent judgement
• Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
• Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
• Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.

Desirable 

Five years experience in one or more of:

• Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
• Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
• Charitable fundraising;
• Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
• Organisational development, growth or change;
• Human resources;
• Financial management/accountancy;
• IT;
• Negotiations;
• Marketing and public relations;
• Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
• Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
• Campaigning;
• Social Media/ Communications 

About Student Action for Refugees

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive. 

Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by: 

• empowering young people to be changemakers; 
• providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects; 
• challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK; 
• Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation 

We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.

Here are just some of our highlights from last year:

• 37  STAR university student society groups, across 28  towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders. 
• 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
• 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers  through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events. 
• 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
• 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of  existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of  university staff. 
• 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
• 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.

If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.

Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025

Interviews: Rolling

Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you! 

STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for our new Co-Chair of Trustees. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees. 

 The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation and be able to commit to at least 2 years in the role.

We are in particular looking for applicants who: 

• Have lived experience 
• Have HR experience 
• Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
• Have charitable fundraising experience. 

 Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged. 

Role Description

To provide strategic oversight of:

• STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law; 
• STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
• Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives; 
• The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
• Monitoring and reporting of financial information; 
• STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
• Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.

Also to:

• Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
• Attend and prepare for board meetings
• Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
• Approve accounts
• Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
• Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.

Specific responsibilities of the Co- Chair

• Ensure the proper management of board meetings, including setting agendas in consultation with the Director, chairing meetings, facilitating discussions and decision;
• Oversee the administration and coordination of any sub-committees; 
• Monitor implementation of board and sub-committee decisions;
• Take "Chair’s action" between meetings, where an immediate decision is required;
• Serve as line-manager to the Director, and conduct regular planned supervision and appraisal;
• Represent Board as required to the public or external parties such as funders and government; and
• Keep other officers fully informed so that they can deputise if necessary
• Working alongside and in collaboration with the other STAR trustee co-chair, sharing responsibilities and ensuring excellent communicative shared working.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
• A commitment to STAR’s values
• An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments. 
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
• Integrity and good independent judgement
• Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
• Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
• Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.

Desirable 

Five years experience in one or more of:

• Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
• Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
• Charitable fundraising;
• Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
• Organisational development, growth or change;
• Human resources;
• Financial management/accountancy;
• IT;
• Negotiations;
• Marketing and public relations;
• Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
• Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
• Campaigning;
• Social Media/ Communications 

About Student Action for Refugees

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive. 

Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by: 

• empowering young people to be changemakers; 
• providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects; 
• challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK; 
• Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation 

We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.

Here are just some of our highlights from last year:

• 37  STAR university student society groups, across 28  towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders. 
• 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
• 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers  through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events. 
• 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
• 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of  existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of  university staff. 
• 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
• 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.

If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.

Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025

Interviews: Rolling

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack.