Administrative support volunteer volunteer roles in london, greater london
Luminary provides training, employment and community to some of the most disadvantaged women in London. We work alongside women who have experienced gender-based violence and live with ‘multiple disadvantage’ - a term that recognises that many women experience multiple forms of social and economic disadvantage which interlink, intersect and
drive a cycle of deprivation. Our primary focus is helping these women achieve employment and reach independence - breaking the cycle of poverty, violence and disadvantage, once and for all.
OVERVIEW
The Charities Act 1993 defines charity trustees as those responsible under the charity's governing document for controlling the administration and management of the charity. For Luminary Limited, the trustees oversee and support the operations of the charity, our Employability Support Programme, 1-to-1 holistic support, Mentor Scheme & next steps Progression Support Programme.
We work in collaboration with, but independently of, the Board of Directors of the business, Luminary Bakery Limited, who oversee the governance of the bakery, café business and commercial operations.
**Please note: Due to the role responsibilities, it is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the post holder is female, permitted under Schedule 9, part 1 of the Equality Act 2010**
How we achieve our Mission
We use baking as a tool to guide women towards employability and independence. Over our two-year programme, women learn to bake, gain a catering qualification and develop transferable skills such as budgeting, interview techniques, working as a team, and resilience. Women gain valuable work experience through our sister organisation, Luminary
Bakery, as well as being paired with a volunteer mentor who helps her develop her career next steps. However, our programme goes far beyond job skills. We offer access to highly-trained counsellors and each woman is supported by a dedicated Progression Support Worker to help her navigate the broader challenges she will face including housing and debt.
THE ROLE OF LUMINARY LIMITED’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
At its simplest, the role of the Trustee Board is to receive assets from donors, safeguard them and apply them to the charitable purposes of Luminary Limited. The Trustee Board must always act in the best interests of Luminary Limited, exercising the same standard of duty of care that a prudent person would apply if looking after the affairs of someone for
whom they have responsibility. The Trustee Board must act as a group and not as individuals.
DUTIES OF A TRUSTEE BOARD MEMBER
The duties of a Trustee Board member are to:
Ensure that Luminary Limited complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
Ensure that Luminary Limited pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
Ensure Luminary Limited pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
Ensure Luminary Limited applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.
Contribute actively to the Trustee Board by giving firm strategic direction to Luminary Limited, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
Safeguard the good name and values of Luminary Limited.
Ensure the financial stability of Luminary Limited by opening up its network.
Stay up to date with matters of charity law and issues affecting Luminary.
In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Trustee Board reach sound decisions, and to support Luminary Limited staff when necessary. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the Trustee has insight, experience or expertise.
DIVERSITY IN LUMINARY LIMITED’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
We are committed to building a diverse team and seek to be representative of those we are supporting, so we would especially like to hear from applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including the global majority. We also recognise the importance of lived experience in all roles within our organisation, and therefore welcome applications from
those with lived experience of disadvantage or gender-based violence.
Diversity brings together the rich mix of qualities that make a healthy and effective board, and therefore allows us to work to the best of our ability for Luminary Limited. Luminary Ltd and Luminary Bakery were originally established and founded as part of the Christian church community and were inspired by their faith to create opportunities for women who experienced disadvantage. Luminary supports applicants of all or no faiths and continues to be respectful of all faiths and beliefs, offering an inclusive space for everyone.
MINIMUM TIME COMMITMENT OF BEING A LUMINARY TRUSTEE
Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings which are held four times a year on weekday evenings, with some shorter meetings in between as necessary. The meetings last approximately two hours and are usually in Camden, London (physical attendance is preferred, but flexibility can be given in certain circumstances). Trustees are also expected to
attend the yearly Graduation Ceremony and 1-2 other social events, including Luminary staff gatherings.
In addition, each Trustee must:
Be committed to the mission of Luminary Limited.
Be able to commit for a minimum of three years on the Board.
Be willing to meet the minimum time requirement.
Have integrity and independent judgement.
Be able to think creatively and speak their mind.
Have an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
Be able to work effectively as a member of a team and take decisions for the good of Luminary Limited.
Trustees:
May be asked to join a board sub-committee, which would meet in between board
meetings.
Are expected to attend some training sessions.
Review policies and other documentation relating to charity governance.
Are invited to attend trainee graduations and other social events.
Can claim out-of-pocket expenses incurred in travelling to meetings.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Following an audit of the current skills & expertise on the board, Luminary are seeking five new Trustees with experience in the following areas:
Legal experience and current practice, primarily in employment and charity law, to be able to guide the Board and CEO on legal matters informally and liaise with Luminary’s lawyers on an ad-hoc basis to provide support as needed.
Experience in policy work and advocacy on violence against women and girls and/or related social justice issues.
Experience of charity governance, including growing and scaling up a charity.
Building and drawing on a fundraising network or fundraising experience to secure further investment support.
Safeguarding expertise and experience to be able to support the Board and staff in ensuring appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.
Personal Attributes
Able to work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and beneficiaries
Be passionate about Luminary’s purpose and vision for growth, and commitment to the organisation
Be an effective communicator
Be a strategic thinker
Able to act decisively and be responsive
Be willing to use connections to promote and advance the work of Luminary Limited
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Who are we looking for?
At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to expand its reach.
As a Volunteer Integrated Technology Project Lead with Living Reasons, you will oversee the project management of technology integration across all aspects of our operations, including both software and hardware. Working closely with the funding team, you will design and deliver project plans that attract funding and ensure resources are used effectively and in line with funding agreements. You will also lead on the procurement of hardware from third-party suppliers, including organisations that support non-profits with technology solutions.
In collaboration with Technology Coordinators, you will use user feedback to guide the development of software that is accessible, adaptable, and reliable for a diverse demographic of users. This role will also focus on driving innovation—creating solutions that not only strengthen Living Reasons but also have the potential to be developed and supplied to other businesses or end users through the organisation. By leading on strategy, coordination, and delivery, you will ensure that Living Reasons harnesses technology in innovative and sustainable ways that maximise impact.
What is the plan?
The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.
Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:
1) Outdated and damaging employment practices
2) Accessibility to services
3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities
4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need
5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society
6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged
7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels
8) Abuse of power in government bodies
9) Poor access to healthcare
10) Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations
11) Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life
12) Outdated company engagement with the public
13) Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed
Our Living Values -
Creativity
1) Imaginative Development (Individual)
2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)
3) Changing The Status Quo (External)
Prospectivity
1) What Can You Do (Individual)
2) What Can We Do (Internal)
3) What Can They Do (External)
Revolutionary
1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)
2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)
3) Challenge Traditions (External)
Attentivity
1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)
2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)
3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)
To create equality and equity in all areas of society, opening opportunities that are less damaging and focused on the person as a whole.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lay Trustee role - Healthcare Infection Society - deadline: 23 September 2025
Our current Lay trustee demits in December 2025, and we are seeking a successor who is not from a clinical background but shares our values and vision This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to help shape HIS’s future, ensuring strong governance and supporting our ambitions for growth.
As a Lay Trustee, you will:
- Work with the Council and Chief Executive to uphold HIS’s vision, mission and values. Council meets quarterly.
- Work with Chief Financial Officer and serve on the Finance Committee, which meets quarterly to review financial performance, remuneration, and strategic and operational risks.
- Contribute to delivering the 2025-30 strategy.
- Oversee compliance with financial, legal and regulatory requirements.
No prior trustee experience is necessary – a full induction will be provided.
Who we are looking for
We are especially keen to hear from candidates with
- Financial investment and management experience (ideally in healthcare)
- Candidates should have no clinical background.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who support our mission and can actively contribute to our work. HIS is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Attitude is Everything are looking for someone with charity finance experience at a senior level, and someone who shares Attitude is Everything’s Vision and Mission to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer.
To make sure that Attitude is Everything operates within the legal and financial guidelines set out in current legislation and its own financial procedures
To ensure that strong financial controls are in place and that the organisation operates within a sound financial framework
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Re-Vision is a small charity based in Queen’s Park, London, founded in 1988. We run professionally accredited part-time courses for adults to train as Counsellors and Psychotherapists and are looking for Trustees to join our Board.
Who we are
Re-Vision is a registered charity. It is a small, not for profit counselling and psychotherapy training organisation providing outstanding, in-depth training with a soulful perspective. We also offer a low cost community counselling service to enable access to mental health services for those who might otherwise not find this affordable.
The role
We are juggling a number of important strategic imperatives. We have highlighted the need to improve resilience, to look ahead at future plans for our physical environment, to continue to provide an inclusive and rewarding experience for our students, trainers and staff, to maintain and build on the unique soulfulness and richness of our training, and to build our bursary fund to help to increase accessibility to our training.
We are keen to find trustees willing to help us with these challenges. We are particularly keen to involve people with financial or marketing skills, and people who have been involved in facilitating or helping small organisations faced with the challenge of retaining core values during periods of change. This is an exciting period of change for Re-Vision and could be a good time for those with experience in strategic planning or change management to get involved, even if only for a fixed term.
We are currently looking to recruit Trustees with experience in:
- Finance and financial strategies – able to contribute to scrutiny of financial information, understand accounts and budgets.
- Diversity and inclusion policy and implementation
- Marketing and website expertise
- Facilities and property management
- Strategic planning or change management experience would be desirable
You might have previous non-exec or trustee experience, or you might be looking for your first Board/Trustee role, possibly as you think about moving on to paid non-exec roles in the future. Whatever your situation, you will be keen to make an important contribution by supporting a really worthwhile organisation. You will care about understanding our culture and values and enjoy the challenge of helping this organisation continue to thrive.
CleanupUK is a small charity with big aspirations. We use the activity of litter-picking to support people living in disadvantaged areas to form litter-picking groups – not only to keep their neighbourhood clean but also to bring the community together.
Now in its 18th year, CleanupUK is embarking on a growth phase. As a result, we would like to attract people to CleanupUK’s board as trustees who have varied and diverse backgrounds and experience. You will likely feel passionate about the issue of litter and also about its impact on communities.
We are currently looking to recruit three new trustees who are prepared to devote their time and energy to helping CleanupUK grow into the next stage. The three skill sets we are looking for are :
· Financial (Deputy Treasurer)
· Fundraising
· Communications/marketing/social media
Please see the role descriptions and application details on CleanupUK’s website by clicking the Recruiter button at the top of the page.
These are volunteer roles and are UK based.
The closing date for applications is : Monday 29th September 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Closing Date:
We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and applications will be reviewed as they are received.
The Role:
We are currently seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board as Treasurer. It’s a voluntary role that requires a committed individual with financial expertise to take a collaborative approach, supporting our Trustees, our Head of Finance and Governance, and our management team to oversee the financial affairs of our charity and ensure that they are legal, constitutional, and within accepted accounting practice.
Our Organisation:
Greener and Cleaner delivers locally but thinks, and influences, nationally. Our vision is greener, healthier, better connected communities across the UK. We seek to achieve this through normalising 360-degree sustainable living, bringing the community together to make changes that can deliver a big impact. We have a non-judgemental peer-to-peer approach, so that all elements of the community feel empowered to take action in how they live, work, and play and in how they use their voice to push for change.
Treasurer Role:
The primary role is to ensure alongside other Trustees that they accept ultimate responsibility for the affairs of G&C and ensure that it is solvent, well run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for which it has been set up. As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls, and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.
- Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements, as produced by the finance team or others where appropriate, to the Board of Trustees
- Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
- Liaising with any paid staff about financial matters, as appropriate.
- Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.
- Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems.
- Drawing any major financial concerns to the attention of the trustee and the management team.
- Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves in line with its reserves policy, and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
- Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.
- Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy and that investments and assets are maximised.
- Leading on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.
- Overseeing the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating, and reporting corporate risk.
- Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies – for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
- Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
- Supporting other Trustees in understanding the charity’s financial position and decision making.
- Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the charity and its ethical fundraising policy.
- Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.
The Person We’re Looking For:
- A finance professional with a firm understanding of charity finance and some experience of fundraising and pension schemes.
- Knowledge of charity fundraising, bid writing, and/or other income generation and/or securing funding through creation or leveraging of partnerships and networks (at a national or local level).
- A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity and the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
- Clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
- Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with auditors.
In addition, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all Trustees.
Responsibilities of All Trustees:
- Demonstrating a commitment to G&C’s objectives
- Contributing to setting the strategic goals and monitoring performance by active participation in Board discussions and decision-making
- Actively assisting the charity to build their connections and partnerships for the purposes of most effectively delivering their goals and fundraising
- Ensuring that G&C complies with its governing documents, the law, and all other relevant documentation
- Helping to identify risks and ensuring appropriate controls are in place
- Helping the Board to make sound decisions by making available their own personal knowledge and experience
- Assisting the Chair to appoint and appraise the performance of the Senior Leadership Team members
- Sharing relevant skills and expertise with the Senior Leadership Team members
- Making all reasonable efforts to attend Board meetings, away days, development meetings, publicity events, and other such public functions as requested by the Chair
- Ensuring the charity’s focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion remains at the heart of its strategy and delivery
Trustee Person Specification:
In addition to the Treasurer role specific above, our Trustees will ideally also demonstrate the following:
- A commitment to the objectives and activities of G&C
- A willingness to devote time and effort to G&C beyond attending board meetings
- Have strategic vision, an ability to think creatively, and an appropriate level of financial literacy
- Understanding of and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of their position
- Have good independent judgement
- Be willing to effectively act as part of a team
- Adhere to the Nolan Principles of public office: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership
- A willingness to allow the Employee/s to make reasonable decisions and to act within the limits prescribed by the Board
To Apply:
To see the full job advertisement with details on how to apply, and to learn more about the role and our organisation, please see the attached supporting documents.
Mind in Havering, Barking & Dagenham is looking to recruit a number of people to join its Board of Trustees and provide positive leadership and direction. As a Trustee, you will be part of a team responsible for the strategic and financial management of the charity, ensuring that our core purpose is carried out and help promote our positive vision:
“We will not give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect.”
About Mind in Havering, Barking & Dagenham
Established over 50 years ago, we are a local mental health charity based in Havering. We provide services to people living in Havering and Barking & Dagenham who are experiencing mental health problems. We also campaign for better services, deliver training and raise awareness of mental health. We are affiliated to national Mind, but we are an independent charity and raise our own funds.
What we are looking for
We welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds. We want to broaden the diversity of our Board to create a group that truly represents the communities that we serve across both Boroughs. We are particularly interested in applications from individuals who have skills and expertise in one of the following areas:
- Hands on support for our events
- Digital marketing
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Health Inequalities and NHS
- Barking & Dagenham Borough
- GDPR
- Safeguarding
- Clinical/public sector commissioning
- Legal
The competencies we are seeking include
- Interest in or lived experience of mental health problems.
- Leadership skills, strategic thinking and strong networking abilities.
- The ability to analyse complex information, to think creatively and to generate solutions.
- An ability to work effectively and constructively as a member of a team.
- Time management skills to handle multiple priorities.
- Previous Board and/or Trustee experience is desirable but is not essential.
- You must be willing to participate in Board meetings every two months and join one of our four, active sub-committees.
How to apply for the role
Please take a moment to explore our website, where you can submit your application and hear directly from one of our current Trustees as they share their experience in the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Cripplegate Foundation is looking for new Governors (trustees) to join our board. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a trusted, independent and innovative grant- making organisation that has been supporting Islington for over 500 years.
Working alongside our partners at Islington Giving, we invest over £2 million a year in local charities and community groups. Together we amplify local voices, improve access to opportunities and support lasting change.
Who we’re looking for
- Do you want to make a real difference in Islington?
- Are you passionate about tackling local poverty and inequality?
- Can you help amplify the voices of those we work with, through your personal or professional experience?
- Could you bring additional diversity to our board so that we better reflect the communities in which we work?
- Do you have some frontline charity experience, senior leadership or otherwise?
- Are you able to commit the time required to make the most of joining us?
We are genuinely encouraging a wide range of people to come forward and cannot emphasise enough how your background, life experience, approach and values are more important than any knowledge or experience of grant making, or of being a trustee elsewhere.
Full induction, mentoring and ongoing support will be provided. This is a voluntary/unpaid role, with expenses covered.
The closing date for applications is 16th October at 5:00 p.m.
For more details and how to apply, please visit our website and download the full Candidate Pack.
Our vision is of a society where everyone can live a rewarding and fulfilled life, free from poverty and inequality.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
As a member of the GACD Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for GACD as it seeks to fulfil its charitable objects. You will ensure GACD operates in accordance with its governing document and meets its legal and regulatory requirements. The role is voluntary, and trustees do not receive any renumeration for their contribution to the governance of GACD.
The appointment will commence in December 2025/January 2026 for a three-year term, in the first instance.
Why the role is important to us
Our trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of GACD, its financial health, integrity of its activities, and for setting and overseeing the delivery of the organisation’s aims and objectives. The Charity Commission’s Guidance ‘The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do’ identifies the main duties of a trustee as to:
- Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
- Comply with the charity’s governing document and meets its legal and regulatory requirements
- Act in the charity’s best interests
- Manage the charity’s resources responsibly
- Act with reasonable care and skill
- Ensure the charity is accountable
- Reduce the risk of liability.
What you will bring to the Board
The current Board members would particularly wish to seek a new trustee that offers experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Prior governance experience, ideally in a charity context (essential)
- Leadership or senior management experience within the charity sector and familiarity with UK charity regulation, legislation and operations (essential)
- Applied health/medical research, or health research funding.
- Communication strategies to enhance profile and impact.
- Links to relevant networks and potential stakeholder organisations in chronic diseases.
What you will do
As a GACD trustee, you will:
- Ensure that GACD has a clear strategy and that the goals are in line with GACD’s charitable objects.
- Ensure GACD functions within all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and in line with its governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance.
- Promote and develop GACD in order for it to grow and maintain its global public benefit (or to recognise the situation when it may be more appropriate to wind the charity up where there is no longer a need to provide the services it does or because the charitable objects are no longer relevant to contemporary social situations).
- Ensure the effective and efficient administration of GACD and its resources in pursuit of its objects, striving for best practice in governance.
- Ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and mitigated effectively.
- Take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a material risk to GACD, or where the trustees may be in breach of their duties.
- Provide strategic oversight, support and challenge to the Chief Executive.
- Ensure the GACD has the proper arrangements in place for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive.
- Safeguard the good name and values of GACD.
About you
You possess:
- A willingness to commit to GACD and to devote the necessary time and effort (approximately four days annually, including scrutinising papers and meeting preparation time). Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings.
- Leadership and senior management experience with an ability to carry the confidence of colleagues.
- An ability to be strategic and forward-looking in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.
- Sound, independent judgment and a willingness to speak your mind, contributing to discussions.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and adhering to recognised principles of public life that include selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness and honesty and leadership.
- Good communication, interpersonal, team working and decision-making skills and the ability to respect confidentiality to work effectively as a member of the Board.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Disqualification
Trustees must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee. You must not:
- Have an unspent conviction for an offence involving deception or dishonesty (such as fraud).
- Be bankrupt or have entered into a formal arrangement (e.g. an Individual Voluntary Arrangement).
- Have been removed as a charity trustee because of wrongdoing.
- Have an unspent conviction for:
- Specified terrorism offences
- A specified money laundering offence
- The offence of contravening a Charity Commission Order or Direction
- Offences of misconduct in public office, perjury, or perverting the course of justice
- For aiding, attempting or abetting the above offences.
- Be on the sex offenders register.
- Have an unspent sanction for contempt of Court.
- Have disobeyed a Commission Order.
- Be a designated person (under specific anti-terrorist legislation).
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Key dates
Closing date
26 September 2025
Interview (virtual)
w/c 13 October 2025
Invited to observe Board meeting
2 December 2025
Position starts
Approx. 1 January 2026 (or earlier)
Board meeting dates 2026
TBC
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.
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 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 28 September 2025
Interviews: 15 October 2025
Refugee Action only operates in the UK, so all roles are UK-based.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Join Our Mission as Treasurer – Help Rescue Vulnerable Children in Nepal!
Are you an accountant looking to use your financial expertise for a powerful cause? We are seeking a passionate Treasurer to join our dedicated board and help transform the lives of vulnerable children in Nepal.
Who We're Looking For:
✅ Finance professionals - whether formally qualified (AAT, CIMA, ACCA, ACA), part-qualified, or experienced through practice
✅ Strong analytical skills and ability to translate financial insights into clear, strategic action
✅ Passion for making a real-world impact through good governance and financial stewardship
✨ Be part of a dynamic, supportive team committed to child protection.
✨ Shape financial strategy for an inspiring international charity
✨ Gain valuable trustee experience with flexible commitments (6 meetings/year + remote tasks).
✨ Potential to visit our life-changing projects in Nepal!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.