Volunteer trustee volunteer roles in hackney central, greater london

Would you like to be a part of the elimination of viral hepatitis?

Operating since 2001, The Hepatitis C Trust (HCT) is the only national UK hepatitis C charity. It is a peer-led and peer run organisation; most of its board, staff and volunteers have been affected by hepatitis C. Alongside the delivery of a national peer support programme we lobby and educate policy makers and raise awareness to ensure hepatitis C stays on their agenda and we reach elimination. 

We are routed in lived experience…Our Peer delivery model is at the core of everything we do.

Our mission is to see the elimination of hepatitis C as a serious public health issue by 2030. 

As a Trustee at The Hepatitis C Trust with a focus on the Treasurer role, you will play a vital part in ensuring the financial stability and integrity of The Hepatitis C Trust.

The role of the treasurer 

·Oversee the charity’s financial management and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.

·Work closely with the CEO and Board to develop a long-term financial strategy.

·Ensure compliance with charity finance regulations and best practices.

·Contribute to financial reports to the Board, making complex information accessible and actionable.

Are you a finance whizz looking for a rewarding trustee role? We have an amazing opportunity to be a Treasurer for our board, where you’ll have oversight of all financial aspects of the charity and advise the board accordingly. You’ll also be a proactive board member who shares our vision and values, and works with us to shape the charity’s direction. We look forward to hearing from you!

This role can be undertaken remotely for the most part, with quarterly in-person board meetings in London. 

Please apply via the brief application form on our website.

The main tasks you'll be required to undertake:

• Oversight budgeting, forecasting and reporting both internally to the Board of Trustees as well as reporting of the annual accounts
   
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly invested and economically spent
   
• Review of internal financial control environment ensuring continuous improvement and timely follow up of any actions
   
• Contributing to the strategic plan and advising on financial implications, and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity
   
• Being a dedicated and proactive trustee of the charity, making meaningful contributions to meetings and discussions, and leading ad hoc pieces of work as required

About Pain

Concern Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work. 

All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life changing results

Role purpose

The treasurer acts as a trustee of the charity, with additional responsibilities for overseeing the charities funds. Day to day bookkeeping is carried out in the office by the charity’s accounts clerks, using a Sage accounting package. Please note that for safeguarding purposes, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a PVG check. The cost of which will be covered by Pain Concern. This role reports into the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Charity’s Chair.

What you would be doing

• To monitor the financial administration of the charity and report to the board of trustees at regular (monthly) intervals.

• Overseeing the preparation of the accounts and annual financial statements.
• Leading the board in its duty to ensure that the financial accounts are kept in line with regulatory requirements and reports are filed with OSCR and Companies House.

• Leading in the development and implementation of charity’s reserves policies. • Overseeing the financial controls and adherence to systems.

• Acting as a counter signatory on cheques and online payments. • Board‐level liaison with the external scrutiniser of the accounts.

• Complete Trustee Induction training

• Complete Safeguarding training for Trustees

• Respond in a timely manner to trustee business conducted by email and attend any ad-hoc meetings (appropriate notice given)

Is this role right for me?

We are looking for an individual who possesses some, or all of the experiences, skills and qualities listed below:

• Lived experience/interest in chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Qualifications in either accountancy, finance and/or business studies.

• Experience in an accountancy role

• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

• A working understanding of IT, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams Commitment and location

• Attend 1-2hr online evening meetings 4-6 times per year

• Volunteer from your own location

Benefits to you

• Opportunity to meet new people

• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team

• Satisfaction of supporting a valuable service in the community

How do I apply?

Please complete the application form on our website

HR Trustee

Role description

St Albans & District Foodbank is looking for a Trustee with Human Resources experience. We currently have seven active Trustees and are looking for enthusiastic and talented people to join our Board.

The Foodbank serves the local community providing emergency food for those facing crisis. In the last 12 months we provided over 14,000 food parcels. We distribute food via ten weekly distribution centres that are run around the district by our committed volunteers. We currently have 7 part-time staff and over 130 active volunteers.  We are more than a Foodbank as we offer wellbeing, signposting and advocacy services, both directly and in conjunction with other agencies.

Trustee meetings are held 6 times per year, typically on the third Tuesday of alternate months between 4.00 and 6.30pm.  Trustees are expected to undertake additional work for the charity between meetings, subject to their availability and skill set, for example representing the Charity at local events or with partnership organisations.

The Trustee role is voluntary and unremunerated, though reasonable expenses can be reimbursed.

Being a Trustee

The challenge of being a Trustee requires, amongst other things:

• ability to understand management information; 

• the ability to share and embrace knowledge and specialisms and 

• an understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship;

• strong communication skills and an ability to contribute effectively at meetings and

• a strong commitment to the objectives of the Foodbank.

Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the organisation and for all decisions made by the Board.  They set the strategic direction for the organisation, ensuring alignment with the Foodbank’s values and are responsible for setting organisational policy, defining goals, agreeing the financial plan, evaluating performance and ensuring that strong relationships are maintained between the Trustees and the Management and Volunteer Team.

What we are looking for:

The Foodbank is looking for an experienced HR professional with a thorough understanding of good HR practice.

In addition to the general Trustee responsibilities described above, the HR Trustee will be the lead for HR issues on the Board and will support the Charity’s CEO on HR related issues. This includes recruitment and retention, setting and reviewing salaries, training and development, and implementing HR best practice policies and procedures.

We are looking for someone who wants to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst supporting the Foodbank to provide emergency food to those who find themselves in crisis.

 We are committed to building a diverse Board of Trustees and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience or professional or other knowledge of food poverty. 

Can you help give musical talent a chance?

Over the last 26 years our committed team of trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters have made Young Sounds UK one of the largest and most respected charities in music education. As we move into the next phase of our development, we’re looking for a committed chair with energy, passion and the time to continue to help drive us forward. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO to ensure the charity continues to achieve its ambitions and will lead the board in delivering its responsibility for the overall governance and strategic direction of Young Sounds UK.

We want to hear from people who are passionate about and willing to advocate strongly for giving those young people facing the most barriers the support they need to fulfil their potential. We also expect candidates to demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

If you think this may be you, please see our recruitment pack for more information and to apply.

If you’d like an informal chat with one of our current trustees, please email Young Sounds’ CEO.

We seek a Chairperson to head our Board at Evolve Counselling who will guide our strategic direction in the provision of lowest cost mental health counselling for individuals and businesses. 

Location: Cambridgeshire area of operations. Chair can be fully remote. 

Voluntary: Reasonable expenses paid 

Commitment: Initial term of 1 -3 years. Flexible hours per month 

Closing date: Tuesday 6 May at 9:00 

Overview 

For over 40 years Evolve Counselling has provided lowest-cost professional mental health counselling for adults in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Northamptonshire and beyond, through the skill and dedication of our team of 60+ BACP-registered counsellors.

The role 

We are looking for a new Chair who understands the growing demand for our services and the challenges of competing as a medium sized charitable business at this time. We shall look to our new Chair to build trust and engagement with our CEO, the Trustee Board, our volunteers, and supporters, as we capitalise on great recent work to stabilise and find new opportunities for significant growth. 

The new chairperson will ideally bring health and wellbeing experience and commercial skills, as well as a demonstrable empathy for charitable working and commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life. 

The role of the Chair is hugely rewarding and the scope under the leadership of the current CEO for Evolve to grow and innovate is significant. You will have significant senior leadership experience to drawn upon as you take ultimate responsibility for directing and inspiring the Trustees, making sure we are financially sustainable, and well run for our clients. Our ethos is to look upwards and outwards as we strive for a leading position in mental health services for all, and your commercial acumen, professional contacts, and powers of persuasion in business will be a huge support for our ambitions. 

Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, plus away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month. 

For further information or an informal discussion on the role, please contact Kevin Bottrell.

Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to our CEO Gordon Ackroyd.

About the role

British Scouting Overseas wishes to appoint  two trustees, to serve for an initial term of three years, starting in September 2025. Our trustee board provides collective leadership and oversight of the charity, and supports our volunteers who deliver our programme to young people around the world. 

The Trustee Board’s role is to support our volunteer line managers, through the Area Lead Volunteer and Area Chair, so that they can be as successful as possible in their role of supporting leadership teams to deliver our programme.

You may be of any nationality and live in any part of the world – the only condition is that you are willing and able to carry out the duties of a trustee and to bring a constructive and independent-minded approach to the role. We are keen to include younger adults in the team.

About British Scouting Overseas (BSO)

BSO is a part of the UK Scout Association with headquarters in Gilwell Park, London. BSO members have access to the same resources, support and programme as UK based Scout groups. BSO exists to support British families living overseas in the provision of a UK Scouting programme to expatriate British children and to several British Overseas Territories.

We aim to ensure that all our members have the opportunity to feel and experience high quality UK Scouting whilst providing support and advice to adult members no matter where they are in the world. BSO undertakes Scouting activities in a safe and secure environment with flexibility to adapt to both local customs and guidelines set out within The Scout Association's policies and rules.

BSO operates 57 Scout Groups, 22 Explorer Units and 3 Scout Networks, with an impressive 2,997 young people supported by 936 adult volunteer leaders across 30 countries around the world.

Whilst most adult volunteer members are delivering programme activities with our young people, many volunteers are also based in the UK offering support, training, mentoring, governance and resources in a variety of different roles from trustee to marketing and event support to skills assessors.

BSO is fully inclusive and open to all who share our fundamental values. BSO exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

The BSO Trustee Board

The Trustee Board’s role is to support our volunteer line managers, through the Area Lead Volunteer and Area Chair, so that they can do their role of supporting leadership teams to provide a great programme for young people.

The Trustee Board  is responsible for supporting Scouting in BSO in the following areas:

• Following the rules of the organisation
• Insuring people, property and equipment
• Managing the money
• Fundraising, recruitment and any other support needed, so that Scouting can operate
• Providing Scouting safely
• Connecting Scouting with the local community and supporting it to grow
• Involving young people in decision making
• Meeting the requirements for the BSO Scout Council of the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR) 
• Making decisions about opening, closing and merging of sections and units at the BSO Scout Council level
• Appointment of new volunteers at the BSO Scout Council level

What experience do I need to be a BSO trustee?

You may be of any nationality and live in any part of the world – the only condition is that you are willing and able to carry out the duties of a trustee.

The main requirement is a commitment to Scout values and willingness to do the best you can to help the Board carry out their role. It’s a bonus if you can bring some personal skills or experience in a particular area, such as any of the following:

• Administration and meeting management
• Data protection - policy and practice
• Development planning in a voluntary group
• Finance and budgeting - oversight
• Governance
• Media and public affairs
• Risk management - policy and practice
• Safety - policy and practice

The role of trustee is a volunteer one, but reasonable authorised expenses may be claimed.

Trustees serve for three years terms, up to a maximum of nine years, after which they must stand down.

Trustees may only be appointed if they are not disqualified under UK law from being a trustee of a registered charity. Successful candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming that they are not disqualified.

There is some mandatory online training for our trustees.

The Board meets four times a year, plus the annual general meeting. There are additional ad hoc meetings from time to time. Meetings are held online via Microsoft Teams. 

The Housing and Welfare team is a fast-paced team which works to make sure that all of our clients have safe and comfortable accommodation and are able to access any benefits to which they are entitled. People seeking asylum are restricted in the benefits they can access, if any, and their legal status determines whether or not they can engage in employment and what statutory accommodation is available for them, so the Housing and Welfare team is vital in helping HBF’s clients to navigate this system. People recently granted refugee status and those who have experienced exploitation are also at high risk of destitution, homelessness and unsuitable accommodation.

As a very busy team, our casework volunteers are invaluable, supporting the staff team on anything from liaising with statutory bodies and voluntary agencies, to drafting grant applications for individual welfare needs. To be able to meet the enormous demand for welfare and housing support, we ideally need to have volunteer support throughout the week.

Main tasks and activities

· Assisting clients to access asylum support, community care, housing, mainstream benefits, charitable support (etc.), within the remit of prevention of homelessness and destitution;

· Maintaining contact with clients within the remit of prevention of homelessness and destitution;

· Liaising with statutory bodies (Asylum Support, DWP, local authorities), solicitors and voluntary agencies to ensure client needs are met;

· Referring clients internally and externally as appropriate for specialist help with issues that fall outside the remit of the housing and welfare casework service, including health/therapeutic services, referrals to immigration/housing/community care solicitors;

· Maintaining accurate and timely client records and follow-up work;

· Other administrative duties as required, including database management and filing.

Skills and experience needed

· Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation;

· A demonstrable empathy for our vulnerable clients, including people seeking asylum, refugees and survivors of torture and trafficking;

· Some knowledge of the challenges facing vulnerable clients including people seeking asylum, refugees and survivors of torture, trafficking;

· Some experience in a casework and/or advice role;

· Some knowledge of the rights and entitlements of people seeking asylum and refugees;

· Some knowledge of mainstream benefits, housing, social care;

· Ability to keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to welfare, housing and immigration;

· Punctual, reliable and self-motivated;

· Able to commit regularly (ideally same day each week)

· Awareness of confidentiality/data protection;

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

· Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage own time and workload, and to prioritise a range of competing demands;

· Excellent IT skills including the use of databases, email, word processing;

· Flexibility and willingness to undertake other duties as required.

What you will get out of the role:

· A better understanding of UK processes and systems which concern people seeking asylum and refugees (including asylum support, homelessness, welfare benefits, local authority support etc.) and what support is available;

· Increased confidence in working on a one-to-one basis with clients;

· Stronger administrative skills;

· Ability to process large amounts of data and prioritise or categorise it;

· An ability to multi-task between competing priorities;

· Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary team in a Human Rights charity.

Equal Opportunities

The Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid is an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer. We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates as we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in at every level within the organisation.  We particularly welcome applications from those with migrant and refugee backgrounds and those with lived experience of the UK’s immigration systems.

To apply, please attach you CV and cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will, unfortunately, not be considered.

Due to capacity constraints, we will only respond to applicants who are being invited to interview. 

Please note, a three-month probation period is in place across all HBF voluntary roles.

Successful candidates will be offered the position subject to a DBS check.

Communications Board Member

YAF’s Communications Team underpin all of the organisation's outputs by managing our communication channels and brand identity. They are instrumental in providing a voice for our Board, our members and our industry peers. 

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work as part of a creative and proactive team, with the autonomy to devise innovative content plans and company-wide messaging. It’s a great opportunity to develop a combined fundraising, marketing and digital skill-set, offering tangible and versatile professional experience. 

What you’ll gain:

• Fantastic opportunity to develop new skills and experience outside of your work and boost your CV

• Chance to work with a friendly team and like-minded people that are passionate about transforming the landscape of voluntary professional development in arts fundraising

• Develop your network with leaders in arts fundraising and in the cultural sector

• Attend all YAF’s events and networking opportunities

Join Our Founding Board of Trustees at SUNSHINE

Are you a visionary leader ready to steer transformative change? As we launch SUNSHINE—a soon-to-be registered charity committed to combating loneliness and forging genuine human connections—we invite experienced, passionate individuals to become our inaugural Board of Trustees. Your strategic guidance will be essential in shaping our future and ensuring we launch with the highest standards of governance and impact.

About SUNSHINE

At SUNSHINE, we believe that every person deserves to feel connected and valued. Our grassroots initiative is designed to spark joy, foster community, and provide innovative solutions for social isolation. As we prepare for official registration and set our mission in motion, your leadership will play a critical role in defining our direction and legacy.

Your Role as a Trustee

As a founding member of our Board of Trustees, you'll be at the helm of SUNSHINE's strategic evolution. Your insights and expertise will ensure we build a robust framework for success, guiding us through the essential stages of registration, compliance, and sustainable growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Define SUNSHINE’s vision, mission, and long-term strategy as we transition from start-up to impactful charity.

• Governance & Accountability: Establish and uphold the highest standards of ethical practice, legal compliance, and financial oversight.

• Risk & Opportunity Management: Identify potential challenges and opportunities, ensuring the charity's resilience and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

• Resource Development: Oversee funding strategies and resource management, laying the financial groundwork that supports our mission and future growth.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and nurture relationships with key partners, sponsors, and the community to drive collective impact.

• Charity Set-Up: Guide and lead on the formal processes including registration with the Charity Commission, HMRC account set‐up, and the development of robust operational policies.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking dedicated trustees with:

• Proven Leadership: Demonstrated expertise in governance, strategic planning, or financial stewardship within charitable or non-profit settings.

• Vision and Passion: A genuine commitment to community well-being and a passion for creating systems that empower and connect individuals.

• Innovative Thinking: The ability to adapt to the dynamic nature of a start-up charity, balancing bold ideas with meticulous attention to detail.

• Collaborative Spirit: A willingness to work closely with a diverse team and an openness to new perspectives that drive collective success.

• Commitment to Excellence: An eagerness to shape policies, uphold accountability, and be instrumental in building a sustainable and far-reaching organisation.

Why Join SUNSHINE’s Board of Trustees?

Becoming a trustee with SUNSHINE is more than a role—it’s a chance to craft a legacy. By lending your expertise at this pivotal stage, you will:

• Shape the Future: Directly influence the strategic direction and governance of a charity dedicated to changing lives.

• Build a Legacy: Contribute to a foundational framework that ensures our long-term success and impact on community well-being.

• Drive Innovation: Help steer a dynamic start-up environment where every decision you make contributes to groundbreaking community solutions.

• Experience Deep Fulfillment: Enjoy the profound satisfaction of making a lasting difference while collaborating with like-minded leaders committed to social change.

Step Into Leadership with SUNSHINE

If you’re ready to bring your wealth of experience and passion for impactful change to an organisation poised to transform communities, we invite you to join our inaugural Board of Trustees. Help us lay the cornerstone for a future where every individual shines with the light of connection and empowerment.

Welcome to SUNSHINE—where visionary leadership creates brighter tomorrows.

About Children With Voices

Children With Voices (CWV) is a grassroots non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through community-driven programs. We run holiday clubs, healthy lifestyle education, and intervention projects for children aged 5–11 to combat childhood obesity, antisocial behaviour, and gang involvement.

Our goal is early intervention – giving children the tools to lead healthier, safer, and more empowered lives.

The Role – Board Member (Volunteer)

We are seeking passionate, community-minded individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a board member, you will provide oversight, guidance, and strategic support to help CWV grow its reach and impact. You don’t need previous board experience – just the drive to make a difference and bring your unique skills, networks, or community insight to the table.

Key Responsibilities

•Attend and contribute to quarterly board meetings and occasional strategy sessions.

•Support the development of CWV’s strategic vision and community impact.

•Use your professional expertise or lived experience to inform board decisions (e.g. education, youth work, business, legal, HR, marketing, fundraising, etc.).

•Leverage your personal or professional network to promote CWV’s work and connect us with funding, partnerships, or opportunities.

•Ensure CWV operates in line with its charitable aims, legal obligations, and good governance practices.

•Act as an ambassador for CWV at events, with funders, and across your networks.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome board members from a wide range of backgrounds. You may have experience in:

•Community development or youth services

•Education, social work, or mental health

•Fundraising, business development, or marketing

•Finance, governance, HR, or legal

•Lived experience of the issues CWV addresses

•Or a strong passion for helping children and communities thrive

Commitment

•Time required: 6–10 hours per month (flexible)

•Location: Remote and/or London-based meetings (hybrid)

•Term: Minimum one-year commitment (renewable)

•Training and induction provided

What You’ll Gain

•A chance to help shape the future of a growing, impactful charity

•Experience in governance and leadership within the non-profit sector

•Meaningful connections with like-minded individuals

•Personal fulfilment from empowering children and families

How to Apply

Interested? Please email your CV or a short expression of interest to:

Subject: Board Member Application

Bring your voice to Children With Voices – and help us build healthier, safer, and stronger communities.

Refugee Action Trustees x 2
Salary: N/A This is an unpaid volunteer role
Location: UK-based. Meetings are held in London, Manchester, Bradford, and Birmingham

About Refugee Action
Refugee Action exists to work with refugees and people seeking asylum who’ve survived some of the world’s worst regimes. We are a national charity with more than 40 years’ experience of empowering people who’ve survived some of the world’s worst regimes to secure the protection and support that they need to live with dignity and respect and build a new life in the UK. We do this by providing expert advice and casework, building the capacity of partner organisations and campaigning on the policies that affect them.

Our new 2030 Strategy
Here is the link to our 2030 Strategy; you can read more here.

Everyone involved in developing our new strategy was clear that if we want to create the future that refugees and many people in the UK want, we must demolish the hostile environment. It’s an environment that manifests itself in the racist rhetoric of our leaders and the systems they create; systems that are dehumanising and complex, which segregate people and sap their spirit. Our current leaders may be stooping to new lows with their words and policies, but they are simply repeating the behaviour of previous Governments. The hostility has been ramping up for years. And that hostility is rooted in a racialised logic that underpins the entire asylum and immigration system.

As a trustee of Refugee Action

We are currently looking to recruit 2 new trustees to join the Board of Refugee Action. Both roles are for people with lived experience of displacement.

You will be responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and steering the long-term stability of the charity. You will need to persuade, influence and communicate effectively with the rest of the board.

We are interested in recruiting Trustees who have insights into how grassroots, lived experience-led charities and organisations in the migration sector / movement operate and the issues they face; and also people who have insights into providing community-building and community development activities with refugees and people seeking asylum.

Please don’t be discouraged if this isn’t something you’ve done before, or if you don’t meet all elements of the role specification; we will provide mentoring and training to support new Trustees to understand their role. Please do consider applying if you have the courage and enthusiasm to encourage, challenge and support us to be the best we can be.

All our trustees are committed to being actively anti-racist and removing the barriers to power for people with lived experience. You will need to be committed to and demonstrate an understanding of shifting power to people with lived experience, anti-racist practice and decolonisation.

Overall duties of Trustees

Statutory duties
• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document for public benefit
• To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: the organisation must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.
• To contribute actively to the board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds

Other duties

In addition to the statutory responsibilities outlined above, other duties may include:

• Lead and provide guidance to the board in a given area of expertise
• Meet with donors and any other stakeholders to represent Refugee Action and its beneficiaries
• Keep up to date with Refugee Action’s services to clients, Influencing and Fundraising work
• Attend 5 meetings a year– 4 board meetings and 1 away day.
• Read and scrutinise board papers before a meeting so as to be able to contribute fully in the meeting
• Occasional participation in a working group
• Occasional participation in staff interview, disciplinary or grievance panels

Skills, knowledge and experience need for this role

• Commitment to Refugee Action’s vision, purpose and values and to act in a manner consistent with these, including being committed to shifting power to people with lived experience, anti-racist practice.
• Sound independent judgement with the confidence and insight to make positive contributions to board discussions.
• An interest in and some understanding of charity governance, the role and expectations of trustees.
• An ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability and willingness to positively represent the organisation.
• A willingness to learn and to enable us to learn from you.
• Experience and insights into leading or managing a lived experience-led charity or organisation in the migration sector / movement
• Experience of providing community-building and community development support and activities with refugees and people seeking asylum
• Experience of strategic thinking and of setting monitoring and reviewing plans
• Ability to read and understand financial information, review organisational policies and practices and identify key areas of risk (Training also offered in these areas if needed)
• Understanding of the role of Trustee and the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities this involves. (Training also offered in these areas if needed)

To apply for the Trustee role

To apply for the Trustee role, you will need to submit a maximum of no more than 4 A4 pages explaining how you meet the Experience, Skills and Knowledge section outlined in page 3 – 4 of the Role Description.

Experience may be paid or voluntary, full or part-time, in the UK or overseas. Don’t be discouraged if this isn’t something you’ve done before, or if you don’t meet all elements of the role specification; we will provide mentoring and training to support new Trustees to understand their role.

Closing date: 23:59 on Sunday 27 April 2025
Interviews: 15 & 16 May 2025 (on Zoom)

Refugee Action only operates in the UK, so all roles are UK-based.

South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) is an independent registered charity providing specialised legal advice and assistance covering Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond-upon-Thames and Sutton in South West London.

Our vision is a future where people who cannot afford a lawyer:

• Have equal access to assert and enforce their rights;
• Are empowered to benefit from everything a healthy society has to offer;
• Are treated equally with dignity and respect.

You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to grow and prosper. If you have a passion for access to justice and believe that you can improve the impact the SWLLC can make, then we look forward to hearing from you. 

What will you be doing?

Our previous chair stood down after an extended term of 6 years. They helped oversee the law centre during the pandemic and its aftermath during which we have seen the law centre continue to flourish in a very challenging environment. We are looking for a new chair who believes in what we do and is prepared to lead and act as an ambassador for the charitable trust so that we can continue to do this work. We currently have a strong trustee board of varying skills and tenures and the day to day management of the law centre is delegated to a small team. This team is small for what the law centre is trying to achieve. We need you to bring your expertise, energy and networks to the law centre. The role isn't glamorous, it's unpaid, and it's sometimes unacknowledged, but it is rewarding. You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to support over 6,000 people a year, who would not otherwise have access to legal advice. We are very proud of the impact that we have had over the last 50 years, and continue to have. SWLLC continues to operate in a challenging environment, the work of the law centre is regulated and audited by a number of external bodies, our finances continued to be challenged by static legal aid, grants and donations, despite this we have continued to flourish, but the need for our services is greater than we can provide. The main areas that our trustees board can support alongside the role of governance of the law centre are:

• Finance
• Fundraising
• Human Resources
• Communications and Marketing
• IT and facilities
• Community Engagement and Community Activism

Time commitment:

6 Board meetings per year. Take place through a mixture of in person and online meetings in the evenings (usually midweek between 6pm – 7:30pm). The Chair will also need to have regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and Senior Management Team outside of these regular board meetings. Such meetings will typically be brief, online and arranged at a mutually convenient time. The Chair will also need to represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders. Our head office is based in Croydon with other offices in Clapham Junction and Morden. We expect the role to take around 1 -2 days per month.

What are we looking for?

Principal responsibilities:

Strategic leadership

• Act as representative of the whole board and not its defacto head
• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries

Governance

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity in partnership with the CEO

Efficiency and effectiveness

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership

Relationship with the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team

• Establish and build a strong, effective, supporting and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives 

Personal Qualities:

• Personal gravitas to lead a significant organisation demonstrating a strong and visible passion and commitment to the law centre, its strategic objectives and cause  
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the law centre
• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

Experience:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders
• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events Knowledge and skills
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the legal sector and current issues affecting it
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
• Good understanding of charity governance and finance issues Terms The charity’s Chair (and board members) will serve a four-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

What difference will you make?

The impact the Chair will have is to ensure the continuation of the law centres' successful mission 

Law Centres are community-led, not-for-profit organisations that help local people to understand and enforce their legal rights. Their services are free, and they attempt to target the people who most need them – people who are at risk of discrimination and ill-treatment and those who are least able to protect themselves, for example because they lack the money to hire someone with legal expertise to help them.  We are currently celebrating our 50th year. SWLLC s is one of the larger Law Centre in Great Britain covering six London boroughs – Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth. Our catchment area covers 1.7 million people. We now operate from 3 branch offices. We help over 6,000 people each year with a face to face service covering 3 broad services. 

• Expert casework and representation in the social welfare law covering community care, debt, employment, housing, immigration/asylum, public law, welfare rights and cost of living support 
• Emergency representation as part of the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme 
• Pro Bono Clinics 

Amongst the results we achieve that make us proud of what we do are:

• the prevention of homelessness 
• the prevention and reduction of poverty 
• the protection of family life by reuniting people living in the UK with those living abroad
• the prevention of torture and death beyond our borders by the provision of advice and representation to people fleeing persecution 
• the prevention of ill-health by successfully challenging unfit living conditions 
• the prevention of mental ill-health by assisting people to deal with their personal debts

Before you apply

If you would like an initial discussion before putting in your application please message through the Reach Volunteering Platform and Senior Management Team will be on contact to further discuss the role and the opportunity. A panel of trustees and senior management team will review your application. If we consider that your skills and experience are a good fit with the Law Centre, you will be invited for an informal discussion with the panel about our work and the trustee role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions.

Safeguarding Lead Trustee
Location: London (Hybrid)
Remuneration: This is an unremunerated role. However, expenses such as childcare, care for other dependants, and travel will be covered to support attendance at board meetings.

Our client is a registered Charity Incorporated Organisation that aims to support and invest in young people (predominantly 18-25 years old) through their adolescent years which can be difficult because of both personal circumstances and the injustices in society. They fund work nationally, as well as having a specific focus on several counties in the South East of England. The grants they make total c. £3 million per year.

The Trust has evolved a lot over the years and is very much values driven around their mission “to bring lasting change to the lives of young people; investing in them as powerful forces for change and acting upon their right to be heard in pursuit of a fair and just society.” They really want to be a foundation that listens well and gives young people power to change and improve society whilst staying responsible, trusting and progressive. They do this primarily by providing grants to organisations working with young people, influencing youth policy alongside them and investing directly in young changemakers.

The Trust is looking for a new Safeguarding Lead Trustee to join their inclusive, inspiring and professional Board. You will be the champion for safeguarding throughout the organisation and Board and will bring excellent experience around safeguarding young people, with support from the Safeguarding Committee. Our client encourages applications from younger candidates for those who feel they have similar and relevant experience even though this may be your first time board/trustee role.

Most importantly, this individual will be motivated to live the Trust’s values and share their vision of a world where all young people have hope, access to the support they need, a stake in society and influence over their futures. Our client are committed to centering the voices of those they seek to serve. Their board and staff team have relevant lived and learnt experiences to help us fulfil their mission. They listen to the communities they seek to serve both directly and broadly to have as accurate of an understanding as possible about the issues that those they’re here to serve are facing.

For further details about this exciting opportunity, please refer to the full appointment brief attached below. To apply, please click ‘Redirect to Recruiter’.

Deadline for applications: 18th May
Interviews with client: w/c 26th May or 2nd June