Advocates volunteer roles in elmbridge, surrey

Trustees required – Evolve Counselling CIO (1181861) 

• Location: remote/Cambridgeshire area 

• Voluntary role: reasonable expenses paid 

• Time commitment: 0-5 hours per month (estimated), mostly outside office hours 

• Term: negotiable, e.g. interim/three years/extendable by re-election 

• Application closing date: 12 May 2025 

The Role: 

Dynamic Trustees needed, with charity and commercial skills, to support mental health CIO. With an ambitious development programme up and running, we need to expand our Trustee Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a crucial time of growing demand for our services. 

About Us: 

Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in mainly Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time. We deliver talking therapies to adults – online and in person. Our service delivers around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access counselling support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training, to organisations and businesses large and small. 

What We’re Looking For: 

Our Trustee Board is currently drawn from the counselling and therapies community, plus commercial and other charity backgrounds. Now, with crucial development of the CIO ahead, we are looking for new members to expand the Board to its maximum ten places and to gain skills and insight from an equal, diverse and inclusive group that takes in business skills, knowledge of charities, and experience of not-for-profit finances to make growth plans a reality. 

The Board will keep us on track with good governance through oversight of our work and will also help our keen new CEO to secure a sound financial base from which to grow our operations to meet the ever-increasing demand for our services. 

We welcome applications from individuals with backgrounds in any of the following areas: 

• Business strategy and planning 
• Commerce/industry 
• Governance 
• Working within the charity/CIO sector 
• Financial management 
• Legal expertise 
• Health and wellbeing services 
• Mental health counselling 
• Health service commissioning or delivery planning 
• Advocacy or advice services 
• Data protection/GDPR knowledge 
• Adherence to the Nolan Principles of Public Life 

Application process: Please email with your CV and letter of application, stating why you’d like to become a Trustee at Evolve Counselling and how your skills and experience align with our plans for growth. 

An exciting opportunity has arisen to volunteer as a Peer Mentor with WiSER Project!

About the role

WiSER Project is a partnership of specialist charities working to end male violence and abuse & it provides support to women experiencing Violence against Women and Girls (for example domestic abuse, sexual violence, sexual exploitation through prostitution, trafficking, and other forms of abuse) and multiple disadvantage (for example mental or physical health issues, substance misuse, insecure immigration status, offending history and other).

As a Peer Mentor you will have the unique opportunity to provide WiSER service users guidance, model safe and fulfilling life after abuse and offer a listening ear through one to one support sessions.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for those with lived past experience of any form of Violence against Women & Girls and / or multiple disadvantage. You will have a passion for supporting WiSER Project service users and are willing to use your life experiences to help others. We are welcoming Peer Mentors who have an interest in developing skills and gaining insight into working in advice, support, and advocacy services.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

In return, we offer in depth induction training and on-going supervision, where you will be fully supported in every aspect of the role. You will have the opportunity to develop your confidence and skills to support your future professional/career growth. 

You will recieve:

• 4 days of induction training to provide support within the role.
• Assistance when creating Personal development plan to support future professional/career growth following the peer mentor programme & financial assistance for attending external courses.
• Travel expenses will be paid for in full.
• Support and guidance through the role, in the form of monthly line management meetings and monthly support from a clinical supervisor.
• Opportunities to develop confidence and transferrable skills which can be used to enhance your CV for future job prospects.
• Opportunities to improve knowledge of support services across the Greater London area.
• Opportunities to meet new people and build a network of people with similar life experiences.

We also offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

Please note that our volunteer opportunities are open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1), and that these volunteer roles are exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974 and subject to enhanced DBS checks where applicable.

Become a Trustee at Sunrise Multicultural Project

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?

We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the future of Sunrise Multicultural Project.

As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, ensuring we stay true to our mission, and supporting the development of initiatives that promote inclusivity and integration. We are seeking individuals with a range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences – whether in community work, finance, governance, fundraising, or marketing – who share our commitment to empowering minority groups and fostering a more connected, diverse community. 

If you are eager to contribute your time, expertise, and passion, we would love to hear from you!

Vital Xposure, a disabled-led touring theatre company with national reach, is seeking individuals with a range of skills and interests to help support the company’s growth and ambitions.

Based in London, we create accessible, nationally touring productions and position ourselves at the forefront of research and innovation in disabled performance.

This is an exciting time for the company as we continue to diversify our programme: producing and touring new work, supporting the professional development of artists, and expanding our reach. Alongside these core activities, we work closely with disabled artists and venue partners to deliver our cutting-edge VX Labs programme. VX Labs creates space to experiment with new ideas, celebrate intersectionality from a disability perspective, and interrogate the theatre-making process.

If you are passionate about disabled-led work and are interested in supporting our strategic vision and future development, we would love to hear from you.

Visit our website to find out more about Vital Xposure and to download the Information Pack.

Applications open on 23 April 2025.

Deadline for expressions of interest: Thursday 15 May 2025 at 12.00 midday

Apply your skills and expertise as Chair of the Board of AfriKids UK to make an incredible difference. This is an exciting opportunity to help lead a locally-led, high-impact organisation through a period of signficant change, to scale life-changing work for families, in Ghana and beyond.

AfriKids is an award-winning, locally-led charity dedicated to ensuring the rights of children in northern Ghana. Our mission is to help unlock the power of communities to ensure child rights, with a focus on helping people secure the means, motive and opportunity for every child to complete a quality basic education, as the most sustainable route out of poverty. 
We work hand-in-hand with local communities to design and deliver programmes that create lasting change for children, so they can thrive now and as the leaders of tomorrow. 

With nearly 25 years of experience behind us, we are now seeking an experienced and committed individual to Chair our Board and help lead us through a period of transformational change, to impact more children than ever. As Chair of AfriKids UK, you will provide strategic leadership by ensuring the Board’s effective governance and lending your knowledge, skills and experience to support the Chief Executive in achieving organisational excellence and a step change in organisational capacity to deliver against its mission and objectives. 

Our current Chair, Jason Haines, is stepping down having served maximum tenure.

Dear Prospective Trustee

Thank you for your interest in Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML). This pack sets out more information about the charity, the board, the role of a trustee, and how to apply.

We are excited about the future and are looking for energetic, talented and committed individuals to help support the charity as trustees to continue its incredible work for the people of Merton and Lambeth.

What we do

CAML is one of the busiest advice charities in London.  We support individuals and families who live, work or study primarily in the London Boroughs of Merton and Lambeth and also elsewhere (dependent on service).  We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting individuals and our communities.

We were one of the first Citizens Advice services to open our doors over 85 years ago. We have had an extremely busy few years, with individuals and families increasingly seeking our support with the cost of living crisis.  Our support and services are as important today as they were when our work began.

We are part of the national Citizens Advice network of over 240 local charities that deliver advice across the country.

In FY 23/24, we supported over 25,000 individuals.  Our information, support and advice services are provided via telephone, online, video conferencing and face-to-face.  We provide face-to-face support from two CAML offices and multiple outreach venues in local communities.  Our aim is to empower people to better help themselves, but we are always here with further support if needed. 

CAML in 2025

CAML is at an important point in its history. Demand for our services continues to accelerate as high levels of hardship become an established reality for many people living in our boroughs.  The two boroughs we serve contain pockets of wealth and affluence, but also feature areas of significant poverty and deprivation where our services are most depended upon.

At the same time, similar to many charities, we face funding challenges – not least given the majority of our funds come from our local authorities. Our current turnover is over £1.2m a year. Like others, CAML faces funding challenges often related to changes in central government policies and local government financial challenges, with a need to look at new ways of diversifying income streams.

The organisation has a strong foundation from which to deliver in this difficult environment – particularly with a team that is committed to our clients and expert in giving quality advice. We also have positive working relationships with our funders, councils and partners, and a strong local reputation.

Our leadership

The operational leadership and management of CAML is carried out by our CEO, Simon Shimmens, with three senior managers and a team of around 40 staff and 20 volunteers. Short biographies of our existing trustees are available on our website.

The role of the Board

Each trustee has a responsibility to contribute to discharging the Board’s responsibilities. We do this by:

● Regularly preparing for, attending and participating in meetings

● Understanding the business of CAML

● Contributing to setting policy and strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance

● Monitoring our services, ensuring compliance with our governing documents and policies and monitoring maintenance of Citizens Advice standards

● Monitoring the charity’s financial position and ensuring it operates within its means and delivers on its objectives with clear lines of accountability for day-to-day financial management

● Supporting the charity’s development through participation in agreed projects

● Actively seeking to further CAML’s strategic objectives and acting in its best interest at all times

Above all we are looking for people with strategic vision and independent judgement who together can support the charity and its executive team. As trustees we are visible to our staff and volunteers, engaging and recognising the excellent work they do. Each trustee is expected to spend time with service delivery staff and volunteers, ideally at least once a year. 

You will be a genuine team player, able to support colleagues, input constructively and positively to discussions and to support and uphold collective decisions. 

As a trustee you will support the charity’s values and objectives and will act as a positive and genuine advocate promoting the work of the charity within your personal networks and to the wider world. 

The commitment we need

Each trustee attends quarterly Board meetings and is a member of one of the delegated authority sub-committees – Finance and People – which also meet once a quarter.

While the precise nature will differ month-to-month, this is likely to average at eight to ten hours a month. This allows for board and committee meetings, reading papers in advance of these, ad-hoc actions and discussions, and visiting CAML’s services.

Board meetings are currently held in person in our Mitcham Office, with sub-committee meetings held remotely. Across the Board, we attend key events such as Volunteers’ Week and charity events/activities.

Particular skills/experiences we’re seeking

We are looking to recruit two new trustees to join our strong and dynamic Board.

We would particularly welcome applications from those with skills and experiences to help complement the current Board. Our priority recruitment areas are:

●HR: We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of governance in policies and practice related to employee relations, recruitment, retention, reward and recognition as well as staff and trustee training and development. We are seeking a trustee with senior HR experience to support the strategic oversight of our People approach.

●Accountancy: Financial oversight is an integral part of a well-functioning trustee Board. We are looking to further bolster this expertise within the Board to provide support for our Treasurer if required.

●Pensions: CAML has a legacy Defined Benefit pension scheme (closed to new entrants) and a Defined Contribution scheme. We are looking for an individual with actuarial or pension trustee skills to advise the Board with regard to our pension schemes, and whether we should be looking to make any changes.

●Legal: We are looking to further expand our legal expertise on the Board. We particularly welcome interest from individuals with experience in charity law however all applicants with legal experience are welcomed.

In addition to these skills, we would welcome applications from candidates with previous trustee experience and/or applicants who may be open to taking on the role of Vice-Chair (further information can be provided on this if requested).

The benefits of being a trustee with CAML

Although the role of a trustee is unpaid (reasonable out of pocket expenses are reimbursed), there are many reasons to join us, including:

● Being a trustee is one of the most powerful ways in which you can contribute to your local community and to a cause you care about.

● Corporations of all sizes take voluntary and community enriching activities seriously with trusteeship considered an effective method of professional development and community engagement.

● Being a trustee is a fantastic way of developing your strategic experience and oversight, giving you the opportunity to develop your critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills.

● Being a trustee can open up your professional network.

How to apply

Follow the link to our website and complete the relevant documents at the bottom of the advert.

We are recruiting on a rolling basis and are considering applications as and when we receive them. This recruitment remains live until 30th June 2025.

All applications are considered by a trustee panel, with shortlisted candidates then invited to an interview, to take place within a month of receiving their application. 

We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.

Seeking the next visionary to lead Pegasus Opera Company as Chair of Trustees

What will you be doing?

Are you ready to lead with purpose and passion? Pegasus is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chair of the Board to help shape the future of our vibrant charity. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by championing our mission, empowering our people, and guiding us toward an ambitious new era.

As Chair, you’ll provide inspiring, inclusive leadership to our Board of Trustees—ensuring we remain bold, accountable, and united in delivering real change. You'll collaborate closely with a committed Executive Team, including our Artistic Director, Executive Director, and Talent Director, to set the strategic direction and drive innovation at every level.

What are we looking for?

The ideal Chair will have senior strategic leadership experience, a successful track record, and a solid understanding of charity governance. They’ll be confident in chairing meetings, managing stakeholders, and acting as an ambassador. A strong passion for opera and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the charity’s mission are essential. Candidates should bring gravitas, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to foster collaboration and be willing to commit time to attend events and meetings outside of normal working hours.

What difference will you make?

The Chair will play a pivotal role in shaping Pegasus’s future, providing the strategic leadership, governance oversight, and inspiration needed to drive the charity into its next chapter. By fostering a high-performing Board, strengthening accountability, and supporting the Senior Management Team, the Chair will ensure that Pegasus remains artistically bold, financially resilient, and true to its mission of championing diversity in opera.

They will be a unifying force—guiding trustees, energising stakeholders, and amplifying Pegasus’s voice across the sector. With their influence, the organisation will build deeper partnerships, enhance its public profile, and grow its impact for artists and communities alike.

Ultimately, the Chair will be the catalyst for Pegasus to thrive artistically, operationally, and socially—ensuring it continues to lead with purpose and ambition on a national stage.

Before you apply

To be considered for this role, please send your CV along with an expression of interest in the form of a cover note or letter 

Who are Open Briefing 

People and communities around the world have the solutions to social injustice, authoritarianism, and the climate crisis. But repressive governments, corrupt corporations, and armed groups use violence and oppression to try and silence them.

By building resistance and resilience among those challenging unaccountable power, Open Briefing supports a shared vision for a world where communities and ecosystems can thrive.

Our dual approach allows us to work at every level of civil society, from the grassroots to the global. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we join forces with grassroots activists, community groups, and social movements at risk. Working together, we strengthen their physical security, digital resilience, and collective wellbeing.

As a social impact consultancy, we provide professional support and advisory services to global nonprofits and foundations seeking to bolster their risk management, data protection, and staff care.

"To describe Open Briefing as a caring partner would be an understatement. They have consistently been at the forefront, providing invaluable support whenever we have faced security threats. Open Briefing has stood by us, offering bespoke services that have enabled us to carry out our mandate with confidence and timeliness. Their support has given us the peace of mind necessary to operate fearlessly and effectively." 

Phyllis Omido, executive director of the Center for Justice Governance & Environmental Action, Kenya and Winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize 

Protecting people at risk 

The need for our work has never been greater. At least 300 human rights defenders and 91 journalists were killed in 2024. Many others were arrested, kidnapped, or forced into hiding. 

Last year, we worked with those around the world fighting for human rights and social justice, protecting the environment and defending their communities, exposing corruption and reporting the truth, and advocating for women’s rights and reproductive justice. We supported organisations and activists at risk in 100 countries across every inhabited continent, underscoring the global scale of the challenges we face.  

The number of requests for our support increased by 20% on the previous year to 575 in 2024. This represents 11 new cases every week. In response, our international team provided over 6,000 hours of direct support, a 32% increase on 2023. Roughly a third of the cases that we worked on were with individual defenders or informal collectives and 33% of all cases involved those defending their land and rivers or demanding climate action. We also trained 1,014 defenders in 112 workshops.

“I came out of my work with Open Briefing stronger. I know that because of the work I do, the security risks I face won’t go away, but I’m not as fearful. I used to doubt and question myself, but now I know what to do. I know how to manage the risks we face.” 

Director, women-led human rights organisation, West Africa 

Our efforts delivered measurable impact. We reduced perceived risk by 15% and achieved a remarkable 25% improvement in individuals' stated capacity to manage those risks - significantly enhancing the safety and resilience of those we served. An inspiring 84% approval rating from clients and grassroots partners underscores the meaningful difference we made, reaffirming the effectiveness and importance of our work in this complex and challenging field. 

I fled into exile after being arrested and torture by police and people close to me were murdered. Open Briefing helped me when no other organisation could. I had lost hope, but their support saved my life.” Investigative journalist, Rwanda

The wider impact of our work was captured in an external impact evaluation commissioned by a donor last year, which concluded that: “The different issues around which the activists had sought support from Open Briefing were profound, serious, and challenging. The scale of the risks is such that it would not be possible for them to operate without this kind of support. The nature of the support that Open Briefing has provided is therefore highly important, and has allowed activism to continue in contexts where it might not otherwise be able to.” 

Becoming fundable and findable 

With demand for our support up by 66% in the past two years, we need to ensure that we have the funding and resources to direct our support wherever we are needed most. 

We are proud to have built long standing partnerships with a small community of foundations who have been crucial to our success so far. But we can’t meet the current surge in demand for our support without growing this community. We need more people to know about the threats facing grassroots activists, human rights defenders, and indigenous communities around the world. We need more people to understand why physical security, digital resilience, and collective wellbeing is vital in helping them continue their work. We need more people to know about Open Briefing. 

“Open Briefing's expertise has been revolutionary for our organization. They have helped us develop the tools we need to better safeguard our team and respond to safety and security risks. All of this was done in a way designed for our organisation and considering our own limitations. Doing this kind of security work should be inherent to any organisation like ours that works in vulnerable communities and sensitive areas; however, it's not always within reach.” Dylan Terrell, Founder and Executive Director, Caminos de Agua, Mexico 

In May 2026, Open Briefing will come to the end of our current strategy cycle and will be looking ahead to where we need to scale our work and strengthen our impact. We need to make sure that we have the funding and resources to protect even more people, effect systemic change, and ensure the eyes of the world are on the perpetrators of attacks and reprisals. 

This means we need to be findable and fundable. To date, Open Briefing has largely operated behind the scenes, building a solid reputation as a trusted ally and critical friend to grassroots activists, movements, and foundations across the globe. 

Going forward, we must build our profile and widen our support base. We need to pursue innovative and creative approaches to communicating who we are and the human stories behind our work. We need to reach new audiences in order to engage and influence a wider network of donors, allies, and philanthropists across the globe. And crucially, we need to translate this work into new donations and unrestricted funding.

Key to this will be the formation of our first Development Board. We are looking to achieve a step change in our fundraising, help us build our audience, develop exciting communications and support us in ways we haven’t even thought of yet! 

Could this be you? 

• Are you passionate about bringing your skills, expertise, and networks to a dynamic global non-profit? 
• Are you excited about collaborating with us to help protect people and communities on the frontlines of the fight against social injustice, authoritarianism, and the climate crisis? 
• Do you have bold ideas for how Open Briefing could be more findable and fundable? Can you help us translate your ideas and our ambitions into creative, impactful strategies that could lead to new funding and resources for our security and wellbeing work? 
• Are you disinterested in ‘talking-shop Boards? Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills, creativity, voice and connections in a way that will directly power our fundraising and communications work - making introductions to your network, brainstorming around key challenges, and executing dynamic profile-raising events and campaigns?  

We are looking for 3 - 5 people to join a dynamic, passionate and action-orientated Development Board. Previous experience as a Trustee or on a non-profit Board is not required.  We are particularly interested in people with experience from the following industries: 

• Communications, design, and media
• Technology
• Venture capital
• Strategy consultancy
• Fundraising, philanthropy, events, and giving circles.

We are asking potential members to commit to an initial one-year term and to be available to meet online on a monthly basis, with engagement between as necessary. 

If this sounds like you, please tell us what makes you excited about the role and upload your CV. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.

We would love to talk! 

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.

Cedarwood Festival is seeking a new Treasurer to join the growing board team for 2025 and beyond. The new member will play a key role in the growth of the organisation and join an experienced team, passionate about the expansion of the gospel and unity in the north of England. 
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Role Purpose: 

Responsible for the overall financial health and compliance of the organisation. Producing financial reports, developing strategies to support the charity objectives.  Guiding and advising Trustees in making sound business decisions in the long and short-term. 

Role Duties: 

• Monitor the financial operations with event director, such as payroll ifapplicable, invoicing, and other transactions.

• Monitoring and managing cashflow, forecasting, income and expenditure. 

• Oversee outside services for tax preparation, auditing, banking, investments, andother financial needs as necessary 

• Track the company’s financial status and performance to identify areas forpotential improvement 

• Seek out methods for minimising financial risk to the company

• Produce financial reports for Trustees 

• Provide insightful information and expectations to Trustees to aid in long-term andshort-term decision making 

• Review financial data and prepare monthly and annual reports as appropriate

• Present financial reports to Trustees and stakeholders as relevant and appropriate.

• Stay up to date with technological advances and accounting software to be usedfor financial purposes 

• Establish and maintain financial policies and procedures for the company

• Understand and adhere to financial regulations and legislation. 

Desired Skills & Qualifications: 

Experience in organisational accounting and finance. Over 5 years’ experience in a  similar professional or voluntary finance role; general management and/or leadership  skills and experience; understanding of data privacy standards; good communication  skills, both written and verbal; good understanding of business principles and practices;good attention to detail; organisational skills; good computer skills; integrity, honesty.

Communication & Location: Most communications will take place via zoom and occasionally in person in the north east of England. Desired location would be north east of England to meet with team easily if needed but not essential.

Job Type: Part-time – Volunteer.

Reporting to: TRUSTEES

Essential qualities: You will be a committed Christian and share the vision and values of Cedarwood Festival that can be found on the website.

Application Summary:
Are you passionate about social impact, skilled in fundraising, and excited to help empower girls and women in Africa? SheCanDo is looking for a dynamic and strategic individual to lead our Fundraising & Partnerships Team. If you have experience in building donor relationships, writing proposals, and crafting strategies to attract funds and partners — we’d love to have you on board!

Role Description:
As the Fundraising & Partnerships Lead, you will:

• Develop and execute SheCanDo’s fundraising and partnership strategy.

• Research and apply for grants, sponsorships, and funding opportunities.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and partners.

• Write compelling fundraising proposals and sponsorship pitches.

• Lead and coordinate fundraising campaigns and donor engagement.

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Assistant, Founder, and program teams.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Prior experience in fundraising, donor relations, grant writing, or partnerships.

• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills.

• Strong networking and relationship-building ability.

• Leadership mindset and team coordination skills.

Weekly Commitment:
6–8 hours per week (flexible schedule, remote role)

ICOM UK is seeking a Finance Lead trustee to help us deliver our new strategy to support UK museums working internationally and connect members to the global museum community. 

The trustee role will maintain strategic oversight of ICOM UK’s financial position and of the conduct of its financial affairs such that they provide well-grounded advice to the Board of Trustees.

The trustee role requires experience and skills in financial governance, 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.

ICOM UK is the UK's only museum alliance with a dedicated international focus. As a professional organisation, we connect members based in the United Kingdom and the UK's overseas territories to the global museum community. Through participation in collaborative projects and with a lively events programme, ICOM UK actively contributes towards the international heritage agenda. Our bursary scheme is designed to help our members participate in international museum activity.

For more information about the role and how to apply, please read our Trustee Recruitment Pack.

https://uk.icom.museum/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Trustee-Application-Pack-for-ICOM-UK-Board-2025-2-1.pdf

You don’t need to be a healthcare expert or have all the answers.

You just need to be a good listener, show up with kindness, and be willing to offer your time.

Marie Curie is looking for caring, everyday people to join our Community Companion team. You’ll be part of something truly meaningful - offering support to people in their final stages of life, and to the loved ones around them.

What’s a Community Companion?

Being there for someone when it matters most. This might be visiting someone in their home, offering a chat and a cup of tea, swapping stories and talking about what's happening locally, or just being a calm presence.

You will never be asked to do anything you’re uncomfortable with and you will receive training and support from the Marie Curie team to support you in your Companion role. You’ll also meet a team of like-minded volunteers who are all in it for the same reason: to help others and feel connected to something bigger.

What Will You Actually Do?

• Provide emotional comfort and conversation - just being present matters.
• Share helpful information or point people to local services or resources available.
• Support family members or carers, before and after bereavement.
• Help people express their wishes for care, in their own words.
• Be a calm, steady presence in what can feel like a chaotic time.

No Medical Background Needed - Just These Qualities:

• You’re friendly, patient, and a good listener
• You’re open-minded and non-judgmental
• You’re emotionally mature and can handle sensitive topics
• You’re reliable and can commit 3 hours each week
• You’re comfortable using email and completing a short report each visit

What You’ll Get in Return:

• A sense of real purpose and the chance to make a lasting difference
• A welcoming volunteer team and a strong support network
• Ongoing training, development, and guidance
• Recognition and appreciation for the time you give
• Out-of-pocket expenses covered

Whether you’re looking to give back, build experience, or just connect with others in a more meaningful way - this is an opportunity to do something truly rewarding. 

Ready to Find Out More?

Fill out our application form and we will invite you for an informal chat (online, over the phone or in-person), and walk you through the next steps together. Alternatively, if you’d like to find out more first, please contact us.

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Outreach Coordinator
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in community engagement and networking.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to craft compelling emails and messages tailored to different audiences.

• Organizational skills to track outreach efforts and meet targets.

• Comfortable using email outreach tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Google Sheets, etc.) or willingness to learn.

• Experience with or interest in nonprofit work is a plus.

• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple outreach tasks.

• Passion for contributing to social impact and building connections that support charitable initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Email Outreach:

  • Meet a monthly email outreach quota, targeting potential partners and other key stakeholders.

  • Craft personalized and engaging outreach emails to build and maintain relationships with various groups.

  • Follow up with contacts to nurture relationships and drive engagement with the charity's initiatives.

• Community Engagement:

  • Assist in developing and implementing outreach strategies to expand the charity’s network and reach.

  • Help coordinate outreach efforts for specific campaigns, events, or initiatives.

  • Track responses and report on outreach success rates, identifying areas for improvement.

• Research & Networking:

  • Conduct research to identify new potential partners, supporters, or collaborators for the charity.

  • Assist with compiling contact lists and gathering relevant information for outreach purposes.

• Campaign Support:

  • Support the development of email campaigns, including drafting email copy and ensuring timely distribution.

  • Help maintain and update the charity's contact database, ensuring accuracy and compliance with privacy standards.

• Post-Event & Programme Reporting:

  • Help in post-event evaluations, collecting feedback from participants, and reporting on outcomes.

  • Assist in maintaining and updating event and programme documentation for future reference.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure Access Academia's message is shared correctly and consistently.

  • Contribute and attend all meetings for the Outreach & Marketing team and directions from the Director of Outreach & Marketing.

  • Meet all given deadlines on time and consistently.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in outreach, community engagement, and relationship management.

• Opportunities to develop communication skills, including email marketing and networking strategies.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• Certification of participation at the end of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

Are you a spreadsheet whizz? Do you have a good understanding of financial procedures and accounting practices? If so, please apply to be our next trustee. It’s an exciting time to join us. We registered as a charity in 2023 and are now really focussing on building our fundraising profile and developing our next 3-year strategy.

Overall:

Be committed to the organisation and its work, to act with integrity and selflessness, and to be open, honest and accountable at all times. To understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship. Be willing to devote the necessary time and efforts to duties as a trustee and as a member of the organisation.

Duties & Tasks:

• To ensure that the organisation complies with and functions within the legal and financial requirements of its constitution, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and any other relevant legislation and regulations.
• To ensure that the organisation pursues objects as defined by its constitution and within aims, policies and procedures agreed by the Board of Trustees.
• With the other trustees to formulate and review the strategic aims and direction of the organisation.
• To promote the organisation and act always in its best interests. To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation and always strive to achieve best practice and the highest standards.

Formulating strategic aims

• Consider the organisation as a whole and its members, in the context of both national and local policies, priorities and political influences.
• Reflect the organisation’s vision and principles, strategy and policies at all times and particularly when developing the strategic and annual plan.
• Contribute specific strategic skills, interests and/or contacts
• Contribute to plans to positively promote the organisation to individuals, organisations and a wider audience e.g. potential members. 
• Support the organisation in all its activities in conjunction with the Chief Executive.

Ensuring policies and practices are in keeping with aims and objectives.

• Ensure that the organisation applies its resources in furtherance of its objects and manages its funds properly.
• Follow the organisations policies and procedures at all times, particularly when exercising the functions of the Board of Trustees.
• Contribute actively to and regularly attend meetings of the Board.

Ensuring best practice and highest standards.

• Be an active member of the Board of Trustees in exercising its responsibilities and functions.
• Support and maintain good relations with all staff; members, volunteers and other Board of Trustees.
• Take part in training sessions provided for the benefit of the Board Trustees.
• Fulfil such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Board of Trustees.
• Use your best judgment, knowledge, skills and experience to help the organisation and Board of Trustees to make sound decisions and be effective.
• To maintain a strategic view of the organisation and role as a trustee to support the Chief Executive in delivering the business plan and strategy.
• Should the trustee also take on an additional volunteer role for the organisation, to be clear on how the two roles are separate.
• To direct enquiries regarding advice, support or advocacy required into the staff team who can ensure that the person is directed to or referred into the appropriate service. 
• To not raise complaints on behalf of the Coalition without the express agreement of both the Co-Chair’s and the Chief Executive. 

In addition to the trustee requirements, the treasurer usually takes the lead at board level on:

• making sure the charity keeps proper accounts
• reviewing the charity’s financial performance
• drawing up or reviewing policies for finance and investment
• ensuring that the charity has robust and effective financial controls in place
• liaising with finance staff and with the charity’s independent examiner or auditor
• reporting on financial matters to the members