Area volunteer volunteer roles in Bexleyheath, greater london

We are Looking for 1 – 2 Exceptional Volunteers! Use your expertise to help shape the future of care for children and families who need us most. Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is recruiting Non-Executive Members for our Income Generation Committee – inspiring leaders who can bring sharp insight, sector know-how and big-picture thinking to drive our fundraising, marketing and communications strategies forward. If you are experienced in the charity sector, passionate about fundraising and ready to make a strategic impact that genuinely changes lives, we would love to hear from you.

Duties and Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic insight, constructive challenge and guidance across income and marketing priorities.
• Share sector knowledge to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the income portfolio.
• Support the development of ambitious, innovative and sustainable fundraising approaches.
• Champion best practice in fundraising and marketing.
• Work collaboratively with Trustees, senior leaders and fellow committee members.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experienced in the non-profit sector, with substantial insight into the realities, challenges and opportunities of income generation today.
• Specialised in at least one (ideally more) of the following areas: Digital fundraising: digital acquisition, online giving, digital optimisation. Supporter journeys and engagement: insight-led supporter experience design. High-value fundraising and major campaigns: strategic planning, mobilisation, creative development, impact storytelling
• Forward-thinking: able to consider the bigger picture and ask the right questions to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborative and values-led, contributing constructively while upholding the organisation’s mission and values.
• Committed to volunteering, motivated to use their expertise to make a meaningful difference.

Become a helping hand that makes a house feel like home again. 

Joining this role means stepping into a vital position of practical support for families who are caring for a child whose life will be short. Many families across Wales face this unimaginable situation while juggling the demands of everyday life - Often without the support network they desperately need. 

As a Practical Support at Home Volunteer, you’ll make a meaningful difference by helping families manage the household tasks that can feel overwhelming during such emotional and exhausting times. 

Your time and care will help bring calm, dignity and relief to families going through the toughest moments of their lives. 

What You Need to Know 

• Age: 18+ 

• Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area) 

• Commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks 

• Checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting. 

What You’ll be Doing 

• Light household cleaning (dusting, wiping surfaces, hoovering) 

• Tidying, decluttering and organising 

• Laundry support (washing, drying, folding) 

• Basic garden maintenance (if interested/experienced) 

• Running small errands locally 

• Supporting with simple household tasks that reduce the family’s mental load. 

We Are Looking For Volunteers Who: 

• Are kind, empathetic and respectful of families’ privacy 

• Are reliable, flexible and able to commit on a regular basis 

• Follow our policies, procedures & health and safety guidelines 

• Can report any concerns promptly 

• Are friendly, polite and able to maintain appropriate boundaries 

• Can adapt to different situations in the home environment 

• Enjoy making a positive difference to families’ lives. 

• Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting, 

always maintaining confidentiality. 

At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.  

We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role. 

Training You Will Receive 

You will receive a full introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, including an in‑person induction, core training and additional e‑learning. You’ll be supported by a friendly, experienced team who are available to help with any questions through regular check‑ins. 

Role‑specific and organisation‑wide training will also be provided as needed. 

All volunteers are required to keep their mandatory training up to date to 

continue in their role. 

The benefits of becoming a Practical Support at Home Volunteer 

• Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy 

• Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year 

• Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others 

• Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role. 

This role is purely voluntary, and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract. 

Providing care and support is something we are only able to do because of the kindness and commitment of our wonderful staff, supporters and volunteers. 

Pepala

We redirect surplus UK school supplies to under-resourced Malawian schools, reducing waste and restoring dignity.

Fundraising Manager

Pepala is growing, and so is our impact. This year, we’re looking for a committed volunteer who can help us build new partnerships and secure additional sponsors to expand our work delivering surplus educational resources to children in Malawi. If you’re passionate about equity, UK sustainability, and joyful community impact, this role is a chance to shape something powerful.

�� What You’ll Help Us Achieve

Fundraising Strategy & Development

• Work with the Pepala team to understand our core programs, current budget, and areas where additional support can unlock greater impact.
• Help shape a clear fundraising plan that identifies the most promising income streams—corporate sponsorships, grants, individual giving, and digital campaigns.

Grant Research & Proposal Support

• Proactively research grant opportunities from foundations, trusts, and philanthropic organisations aligned with education, sustainability, and global equity.
• Draft compelling letters of inquiry, concept notes, and grant proposals using data, stories, and impact evidence from our work in Malawi.
• Support the maintenance of a grants calendar to track deadlines, submissions, and reporting needs.

Individual Giving & Crowdfunding

• Contribute ideas and support for online fundraising campaigns that centre dignity, joy, and community.
• Help us grow a base of individual supporters—especially monthly donors—through creative engagement strategies.
• Draft fundraising messages for newsletters and social media in collaboration with our Communications volunteers.

Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships

• Research and build a pipeline of potential corporate partners, philanthropic networks, and aligned organisations.
• Assist in developing sponsorship packages and partnership proposals that clearly communicate Pepala’s mission, values, and impact.
• Support outreach efforts to secure new sponsors for 2026–27, especially those who can contribute resources, funding, or in‑kind support.

Donor Care & Stewardship

• Help create heartfelt, dignified materials to thank donors and show the real-world impact of their contributions—impact updates, thank‑you notes, and short reports.
• Support efforts to nurture long-term, values-aligned relationships with funders and partners.

�� What You Bring

• Curiosity, initiative, and a passion for educational equity.
• Strong writing or research skills (or a willingness to learn).
• A collaborative spirit—Pepala is built on collective achievement.
• An interest in fundraising, partnerships, or social impact work.

✨ Why This Role Matters

Every new sponsor or partner you help bring in directly translates into more children accessing books, school supplies, and opportunities they’ve long been denied. Your contribution will shape Pepala’s next chapter and help us scale our impact with dignity and joy.

As a homewares volunteer, you'll be behind-the-scenes. Your keen eye for detail, knowledge and passion for particular donations will ensure we can maximise the potential income.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as following instructions, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Are you a qualified Yoga Instructor who would enjoy facilitating weekly sessions to help individuals with their general well-being. This is an opportunity for you to share techniques with others.

Practicing yoga has been shown to increase mindfulness not just in class session, but in other areas of a person's life.

What you will be doing

• Design session plans enabling all group members to increase fitness, suppleness and help them relax
• Teach the group yoga postures and breathing techniques which allow a range of mixed ages and abilities to participate
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group activities where possible and encourage the group to help design future sessions
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Skilled and qualified Yoga Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Thames Reach is a leading London-based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets. As well as street outreach work, our services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment. We work across London and the South East.

Thames Reach is a strong organisation that is growing in response to need. Our services are rooted in our understanding of the issues surrounding street homelessness, and we use this understanding to influence decision making at a local, regional, and national level. We have an excellent reputation for effective service delivery, working with people who may have very high levels of need, and using our experience of delivering services to develop and improve our approach. The majority of our services are delivered to local and regional authorities on a contract basis and we understand that our continued effectiveness requires us to sustain and develop our financial viability; and to retain and grow our excellent employees and volunteers.

We have just over 400 employees and around 150volunteers, and our organisational turnover is around £28 million per annum.

We have an effective and long-standing non-executive Board with a wealth of relevant experience in both the public and commercial sectors. They provide valuable support to the Executive team, as well as attending around five Board meetings every year, sitting on one of the three Board sub-committees (Finance, Audit and Fundraising; Services; Governance and People) that meet around four times a year. Board members are also asked to participate in an annual away day, usually in the autumn, with separate preparatory visits to our services.

We are now looking for up to three new members. As well as interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness as a board member and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for the organisation, we are hoping to recruit members with specific skills in the following areas:

People/ Human Resources

Candidates with current understanding of the recruitment, management, retention and development of staff (and volunteers) in an organisation of Thames Reach’s size.

Lived experience

Candidates with lived experience of street homelessness and/or service use (for example substance misuse or mental health services), and an understanding of how this lived experience can improve and develop services.

Finance/accounting

Candidates with knowledge of financial management in medium large complex organisations, particularly those with knowledge of Charity Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) requirements.

Communications

Candidates with current knowledge of approaches to internal and external organisational communication, with understanding of both conventional and new media. 

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We particularly welcome applicants who may have experience of homelessness and/or of using services that support people with complex support needs.

Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster

As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team!  You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service.  You can obtain a reference for future employers.

How does this role make a difference?

You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public. Typically, the Charity Shop raises in the region of £50,000 per year.

What will you be doing?

Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:

· Customer service on the till

· Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team

· Greeting and helping customers

· Replenishing the stock on the shop floor

· Sorting donations

· Helping present top items in window display and around the shop

· Promoting the work of the Centre to the public

Want to increase your skills in retail?

If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you.  There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers.  Let us know if this interests you.  We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support.  Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.

What are we looking for?

No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:

· Over 16+

· Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3

· The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere

· Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers

· A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect

· Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room.  Manual handling training will be given.

What is the time commitment?

The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.  A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but we are flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.

How will you be supported?

· You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.

· You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.

· For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.

The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows: 

• Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm 

• Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm. 

Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays. 

Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.

The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.

The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.

Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our FAB cafés around Bristol. In this volunteer role, you’ll be part of creating vibrant, welcoming community spaces that build relationships and connect people with activities in their local community.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are looking for FAB Cafe Host Volunteers for the following cafes

• Avonmouth - Mondays, 2:30-4:30
• Southville - Tuesdays 10:00-12:00
• Withywood - Tuesdays 11:00-1:00
• St Werburghs LGBT+ - Thursdays, 10:00-12:00
• Fishponds - Fridays 2:00-4:00

The role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the FAB café
• Facilitating conversation and activities in the group
• Promoting your local FAB café and the FAB membership card scheme
• Keeping sign-up sheets for attendees at cafes
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• Welcoming and friendly disposition, with the ability to include people.
• Reliability.
• Ability to communicate well with a diverse range of people.
• Ability to respond to people’s varied access needs (such as hearing loss) to make sure each individual can participate well.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a busy community setting.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.

VOLUNTEER POSITION – Grants Assistant

Hope and Vision Communities is a small charity based in Reading providing supported, move-on accommodation for people who have successfully completed residential rehabilitation.  We have a Christian ethos, where everyone can be loved and accepted with a sense of belonging, with the hope and opportunity of a new life. We are growing to expand who we can help to other geographical areas, as well as working on opening a women’s service.    

Growing our services means that we also need to grow our fundraising income, and to help reach this, we are looking for a skilled volunteer who could help us increase our grant submissions. The role will support the Trusts and Grants Fundraiser in managing a regular flow of grant applications to Trusts and Foundations.

Key Responsibilities

 •  Research and apply for grants and funding opportunities already identified in our CRM system - this could be potentially 3 applications a week where you prepare a customised case for support to be sent out to a funder

Key Skills and Qualifications

 •  Experience in using Microsoft Sharepoint for remote working

 •Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to inspire and engage diverse audiences.

 •  Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.

Rainbow Migration, the longest-running UK charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is seeking a trustee who is or has been a refugee due to persecution as an LGBTQI+ person. This is part of an ongoing commitment to increase leadership in the organisation by people with lived experience of the issues we work on.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about our vision that LGBTQI+ people can settle in the UK and lead fulfilling lives, and our mission to support LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system and influence policy and practice.

At Rainbow Migration, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We particularly encourage applications from people who have sought asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. 

More information on Rainbow Migration is in appendix 1 of the application pack.

If you would like to find out more before applying, you can attend a webinar on Friday 17 April 2026 from 1 to 2pm. This is an opportunity to meet Rainbow Migration’s Executive Director and a trustee and ask us any questions. It is not part of the application or selection process. Please register using the form linked in the application pack and a Zoom link will be sent to you. If you cannot attend, you can still fill out the form and request a recording afterwards.

If you would prefer to have a one-to-one conversation, or have any questions about the role, the webinar or how to apply, please contact us using the email address in the application pack.

The role of trustees

Trustees are volunteers who bring their skills and experience to shape our strategic direction. They have legal responsibility for the charity, ensure good governance, and make sure our finances and resources are used well to implement our mission. Trustees also play a role as ambassadors for the organisation and our work.

Trustees do not get involved in operational decision-making. For example, decisions on which social media platforms we use or what group activities we run for service users are taken by staff.

Because trustees are volunteers, they do not receive payment for their time. Rainbow Migration can pay your costs when incurred solely for fulfilling trustee duties (e.g. travel, phone top-ups if needed exclusively for trustee work).

You can find out more information about what being a trustee involves at the links available in the application pack.

Time commitment

We are looking for people who can commit to being a trustee for at least three years. Trustees can then be re-elected for another three years. The maximum term limit for our trustees is nine years (in line with Charity Commission guidance).

Trustees meet on a weekday evening, from 6 to 9 pm, five times per year. There may be additional meetings in 2026 as part of our work on anti-oppression and to develop our next organisational strategy.

Meetings are usually held on Zoom except in December when we meet in-person in London, with an informal dinner first. For in-person meetings, travel costs (and meals and accommodation if relevant) can be covered.

You will need to spend two to four hours reading 8 to 30 papers before each meeting. Papers are provided a few days in advance of meetings. The “Board Buddy” (see below under Support for Trustees) can help with understanding them. You can also ask to meet with the Executive Director or Chair to explain them.

You can see examples of topics of discussion at board meetings in appendix 2 of the application pack.

You will also need to give some time between meetings. This includes, for example:

• Spending 10 to 30 minutes reviewing and correcting the minutes (written record) of the last board meeting
• Spending 30 to 60 minutes reviewing and giving feedback on documents, such as a new or updated draft organisational policy (e.g. data protection, safeguarding, health and safety)
• Reading and responding to emails within one or two days.

The board has two subcommittees: one on HR and one on finance. You may be asked to join one of these a few months after you become a trustee. If you do, there will be up to four more meetings a year and there will be papers to read for each of these meetings.

Support for trustees

We provide numerous resources for trustees. Below are some examples but they are not exhaustive and we are open to suggestions. Support can be accessed throughout the time someone is a trustee.

Training:

• We can pay for trustees to access training on good governance, the duties of a trustee, and charity finance.
• We give access to webinars and online training e.g. on safeguarding and cyber-security.
• We provide internal training (by staff) on areas such as safeguarding and data protection.

One-to-one support:

• New trustees have induction meetings with Rainbow Migration staff.
• An existing trustee can act as a “Board Buddy” for new trustees, which includes formal and informal meetings and support around board meetings and papers.
• We can help you to find a mentor e.g. The Experts by Experience Employment Initiative can provide mentoring for people with lived experience of migration.
• We can discuss accommodations that are needed for disabled people and other ways to ensure trustees feel fully included and able to participate

Equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-oppression

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and we know this is ongoing work. We are also reviewing what we do and how we do it through an anti-oppression and anti-racism lens, as well as investing in being more informed and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum. We want our organisation — including our trustee board — to be increasingly shaped and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum. That is why this trustee position is specifically for someone who has been granted refugee status in the UK as an LGBTQI+ person.

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, identities and experiences – including from people who are trans (including non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, gender non-conforming and agender) and intersex. We recognise that people have different journeys, strengths and access needs, and we are committed to removing barriers wherever we can. If you share our vision, mission and values, we encourage you to apply and let us know how we can support you through the process.

To support candidates during the interview process, we send some of the questions in advance to give applicants more thinking time. You are welcome to bring notes with you and also take notes in interviews to help process information. Please let us know if we can make other adjustments to support you through the application and selection process.

Once appointed, trustees can continue to access a range of support options throughout their time on the board.

Person specification

Essential

For this role, we are looking for someone who has been awarded refugee status in the UK on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. At this time, we are not accepting applications from people who still in the process of applying for asylum, or who have leave to remain in the UK on other grounds (e.g. work, human rights, marriage) as these experiences are already represented on our board.

We welcome applications from people who have used our services as well as those who have never interacted with us before.

In addition to having been granted asylum in the UK as an LGBTQI+ person, the following are necessary:

• Commitment to Rainbow Migration’s mission, vision and values
• Ability to work constructively with other trustees and staff
• Good English (so you can understand spoken conversations in meetings and contribute)
• Ability to read and understand long documents (e.g. trustees must be familiar with our policies, such as our safeguarding policy, and the key points in our publications such as Still Falling Short)
• Courage and enthusiasm to learn, encourage, challenge, influence and support other people and the organisation
• Confidence to ask questions (this helps everyone learn and improve) or request training or support
• Ability to analyse and scrutinise information provided by staff and trustees (the Board Buddy and other trustees can assist you in this)
• Ability to use independent judgement and share your thoughts with trustees and the Executive Director
• Willingness to share your opinion and give guidance to the board in areas where you have knowledge or experience
• Commitment to speak well about the organisation to others (e.g. funders, other charities)
• Regular access to a secure, private email account and a quiet, private space for joining online meetings and telephone calls
• Be living in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)
• Aged 16 or over
• Not be previously disqualified as a trustee or company director, have an undischarged bankruptcy or have unspent criminal convictions for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud).

Desirable

It would be beneficial if you have work or volunteer experience in an area relevant to Rainbow Migration’s work (e.g. service delivery, communications, campaigning, lobbying, fundraising, HR, IT) but this is not a requirement.

As part of the Government led Gommunities for Afghans programme, we are looking to recruit individuals or groups (UK BASED ONLY) to make up a team of 6 volunteers to support an Afghan family - you could be friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations are welcome.

We are currently focussed on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible.  With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family. 

You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!

The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee famiklies into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.

How community sponsorship work

1. Form a Sponsor Group Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
2. Training & Ongoing Support Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
3. Identify Suitable Housing With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
4. Welcome & Support the Family Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
5. Be the Local Point of Contact You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
6. Commit for Three Years Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.

Why Your Support Matters

Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.

Your support helps families: 

• Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
• Access education, healthcare, and employment
• Learn English and integrate into the community
• Become confident and independent

And your community benefits:

• Stronger local connections
• Celebrated diversity
• Practical meaningful humanitarian action