2 Area secretary volunteer volunteer roles in Belfast
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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!
Action for Refugees in Lewisham is looking for a trustee to act as secretary, supporting the board's governance role helping AFRIL deliver for refugees and vulnerable migrants in south-east London. Time commitment is flexible, and not onerous, and formal company secretary functions are supported by a member of staff.
AFRIL was founded in 2006 to support asylum seekers, vulnerable migrants and refugees in south-east London to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. Our support is holistic: both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes that tackle the underlying problems that lead to crisis, supporting people to integrate, contribute and thrive. We work in the community across south-east London, including in local asylum hotels.
We are a small charity, with mostly part-time staff, but we make a significant difference. Our client group is predominantly people in, or with experience of, the asylum system. We also support newly granted refugees, and migrants with no recourse to public funds who have complex and unmet protection needs.
AFRIL's board of trustees is collectively responsible for supporting and challenging the charity to oversee its good governance and proper financial control in line with its charitable aims and strategic plan, charity law, and all other relevant legislation. The time required of trustees is not onerous, and is flexible - although it is, of course, possible to take on more responsibility and expand your time commitment.
As a board member, you will be expected to be available for board meetings approximately every two months, which are generally an hour and a half long and take place in a weekday evening. These mostly take place online, with occasional hybrid meetings or meetings in-person.
As secretary to the board, you will be responsible for the timetabling of meetings, the agenda, and for taking and sharing a minute of board meetings – just main points and actions – to support the board in carrying out our remit. You may also assist with other areas of support to the governance for the charity, such as ensuring that we maintain regular review of the organisation’s policies, and providing some assistance from time to time to the member of staff leading on liaison with the Charity Commission and Companies House.
You will also need to be able to commit some ad hoc time to consider papers ahead of meetings, and occasionally to take part in email discussion on issues as they arise. You would also be expected to attend the charity’s AGM, which tends to take place on a Saturday afternoon in January/February.
We value diversity in our trustee team, as we do in the staff team. We particularly welcome applications from anyone who can bring lived experience of the immigration and asylum system, and are always keen to see applications from people with experience with fundraising, or with HR. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.
To apply, please submit a short (no more than one side of A4) letter explaining why you would like to join AFRIL’s board, and what skills and experience you would bring to the role, along with your CV.
We support asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community.


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!
🧭 BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)
Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.
🌍 Core Expectations
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Fundraising Commitment:
Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful). -
Time Commitment:
Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning. -
Ambassadorship:
Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions. -
Governance & Accountability:
Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations. -
Strategic Leadership:
Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility. -
Passion for the Mission:
Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.
🧠 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)
We are looking for leaders who are:
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Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.
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Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.
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Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.
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Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.
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Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.
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Communication
Position: Board of Director - Secretary (Unpaid Volunteer Role)
Reports to: Board Chairperson
Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)
Primary Purpose
Manage regulatory administration, statutory record-keeping, and board operations for both Guardian Light Foundation and Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate board meetings, compile agendas, prepare board packs, and record accurate minutes.
- Maintain statutory registers (Trustees, Directors, Conflicts of Interest) and manage official correspondence.
- Prepare and file annual governance updates with the Charity Commission and Companies House alongside the Treasurer.
- Ensure compliance with the charity’s CIO Constitution and standing orders.
Candidate Specification:
- Background in company secretarial duties, legal administration, corporate governance, or executive administration.
- Exceptional organization, writing skills, and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with UK statutory compliance for charities or limited companies.
Benefits
🏛️ Founding Leadership Opportunity - Board members can help shape GLF from the ground up, rather than joining an established organisation where most decisions have already been made.
🌍 Make a Direct Social Impact - Board members aren't simply attending meetings—they are helping create a future where vulnerable children, teenagers and single-parent families can access: Safe housing, Education and employment opportunities and more
🚀 Build Senior Leadership Experience - For someone who wants to progress professionally, GLF can provide exposure to:Strategic leadership, Governance and more
🎓 Training & Professional Development - Where resources allow, offer Board Members access to relevant training
🤝 Exclusive Networking Opportunities - Give Board Members opportunities to represent GLF at: Business networking events, Charity conferences and more
🎤 Public Speaking & Media Opportunities - Where appropriate, Board Members can represent GLF through: Radio interviews, TV/media opportunities and more
⭐ Recognition on the GLF Website - "Our Leadership Team"
💼 Access to Professional Projects - Board Members can potentially lead major projects
🧠 Advisory Board Pathway - Volunteer → Specialist/Expert → Advisory Board → Board of Directors → Senior Leadership
💻 Professional Technology & Resources - Give Board Members access to appropriate organisational systems, such as:Organisational email, Connecteams, Webex access and more
💰 Reasonable Expenses - Where financially possible and properly authorised, GLF can reimburse legitimate expenses incurred while carrying out organisational duties, according to an expenses policy.
Compensation:
This is an unpaid volunteer position.
At Guardian Light Foundation, we restore hope for homeless children, teens and single parents scarred by abuse, harassment and homelessness.