Charity manager volunteer roles in barkingside, greater london

Become Our 1st HR/Volunteering Lead!

Help us build a strong, inclusive team! We're looking for an HR or Volunteer Management professional to support us, by leading on the recruitment, onboarding and wellbeing of our volunteers at Urban Youth. 

Introducing Urban Youth: Igniting Potential in Inner London

In the vibrant, fast-paced heart of London, there is a generation of young people brimming with potential, yet facing unique challenges. They are the future, but for many, the path is obscured by deprivation, isolation, and a world increasingly dominated by screens.

That's why we created Urban Youth.

We are a brand new, dynamic youth work charity dedicated to cutting through the noise and reaching the young people who need us most in Inner London's deprived areas. Our mission is simple yet profound: to move beyond passive engagement and create active opportunities that inspire, connect, and empower.

Our Vision: Moving Beyond the Screen

Urban Youth is not waiting for young people to come to us; we are meeting them where they are. We are tearing down barriers to engagement by deploying innovative, flexible youth work:

• The Youth Bus: A mobile hub transforming spaces into instant centres of positive activity.

• Pop-Up Hubs: Breathing new life into unused community spaces or integrating within existing centres.

• School & College Partnerships: Working directly within educational settings and collaborating with other youth organisations to ensure seamless support.

Our Impact: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community

We believe that every young person deserves a space to discover their authentic self. Our core focus is on diversionary positive activities—experiences designed to get young people out of their homes, away from their screens, and fully engaged with their peers and the world around them.

• Social and Life Skills: We teach practical skills, from teamwork to conflict resolution.

• Confidence Building: We champion self-belief, encouraging young people to take positive risks and celebrate their achievements.

• Discovery and Connection: We provide a vital sense of belonging, fostering meaningful relationships in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

At Urban Youth, our staff are more than just youth workers; they are positive adult role models—here to nurture, guide, and support. We are lighting the fuse on potential, empowering today’s youth to become tomorrow’s confident, capable, and connected leaders.

Join us as we work to transform challenges into triumphs, one young person at a time.

Skills We Need:

• HR
• Volunteer Management
• People Management
• HR Management
• Training/Learning and Development
• Much More!

Commitement:

4 Hours Per Week (Very Flexible)

Location:

Hybrid (London based charity)

Apply now and help us lead with purpose.

Become our URBAN YOUTH HR/Volunteering Lead!

We're planning to launch in 2026 and need you to help us get set up and ready to launch to young people across London.

TEAM

URBAN YOUTH

Your City. Your Vibe. Your Team Building.

Help us to grow brand-new online charity platform A Good Thing! Come on board to help us manage relationships with the businesses that have joined us: use your communications skills to drive more businesses to engage with the platform and to make donations of things they no longer need.

A Good Thing is a not-for-profit set up with one mission: to send less to landfill, and more to a good cause. We're rolling out fast across the UK, momentum is building, and we're growing a network of passionate local volunteer champions right across the country to drive our growth.

You’ll be using both your communications skills and your project management expertise to help us grow the number of businesses engaging with the platform and giving things away.

Come with us on our journey towards reducing waste and boosting wonderful local charities at the same time.

We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.

We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling.We’d love to hear from students with an interest in mental health, psychology, content development, and gaming. 

Join Intermission Youth as a bold and strategic Fundraising Trustee to grow sustainable income and champion ethical philanthropic leadership.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 19th January 2026.

Time commitment: 1 – 2 days per month.

Who we are

Intermission Youth is a vibrant East London theatre and arts charity that transforms the lives of young people by helping them make positive choices and reach their full potential through drama, theatre and film.

Working with diverse young people aged 11–30, we combine bold artistic programming with practical training and community projects to build confidence, skills and pathways into creative and civic life. Founded to place young voices at the heart of high-quality performance, we are a small, fast-paced and ambitious team, proud of our national profile and recognised impact.

We balance artistic rigour with a deep commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and social change, developing alumni routes into leadership while creating a welcoming cultural home for our communities.

As we grow — including plans for a new venue and expanded partnerships — we remain rooted in collaboration, care and creative excellence, using theatre as a practical tool for opportunity, belonging and long-term positive change.

About the role

The Trustee will provide strategic fundraising expertise, governance and hands-on leadership to shape and deliver a sustainable fundraising strategy that underpins the charity’s artistic and community work.

Working closely with the Chair, Board and Fundraising Development Manager, you will champion an ethical, diversified approach to income generation and support the creation of a formal Fundraising and Development Committee.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the design, implementation and monitoring of the fundraising strategy.
• Advising on opportunities across philanthropy, corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, major donors, membership and events.
• Opening networks and making introductions to potential supporters, funders and partners.
• Ensuring fundraising risk is managed and activity meets the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Practice.
• Acting as a critical friend to the fundraising team through mentoring, challenge and practical guidance.
• Championing donor stewardship across the Board and supporting visibility at cultivation events.

You will play a vital role in growing diverse income streams, increasing donor engagement and strengthening the charity’s long-term financial resilience.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 19th January 2026.

Ready to make a difference to the lives of young people in Croydon?

For over 180 years, Reedham Children’s Trust has provided support to the most vulnerable children and young people in Croydon. We believe every child deserves a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life, and we know that when the right support is offered, family problems and disadvantage need not continue through generations.

Reedham Children’s Trust funds local projects and innovative programmes to tackle the barriers and challenges that too many children and young people in Croydon face daily - which is why we are exploring a merger with Croydon Voluntary Action to create a dynamic new entity that will ensure Reedham’s legacy can continue through new strands and activity.

Our Trustees already play an important role in helping our charity fulfil its ambitions and aspirations by supporting the strategy, providing robust governance and being ambassadors for our work. But as we enter the delivery phase of redefining the charity’s future, we are particularly keen to strengthen our board with fresh Trustees who are aspirational and strategic leaders, from a range of professional and personal backgrounds.

What are we looking for in a new Trustee?

1) We want our Trustees to reflect and understand the communities we serve. Lived experience of the challenges our beneficiaries face is welcomed, as are Trustees who live/work in and around Croydon.

2) We value enthusiasm and commitment as much as experience and professional knowledge. This includes - but is not limited to - individuals early in their careers. If you are a confident communicator with a strong understanding of the importance of strategy, and are ready to commit your time and energy, we will give you the tools to be an excellent Trustee.

3) We are interested in candidates  who are open to learning as well as to contributing from their place of expertise. In particular, candidates with experience of change management, fundraising, marketing/branding and the delivery of projects and services in a local community like Croydon would help during this exciting chapter.

What being a Reedham Trustee can offer you:

• Professional development in governance, safeguarding, finance, advocacy and fundraising.
• The opportunity to support young people in Croydon and improve their life chances.
• Friendly and supportive meetings and engagement with staff and other Trustees as well as visits to projects and partner locations.

Commitment Requirements

• Attend four regular Board meetings a year in and around Croydon (including reading/preparing for meetings) as well as quarterly online briefings.
• Regular engagement with the charity’s work through visits to projects and active participation in meetings and events.
• Engage with information by remote and through digital channels.
• Act as a critical friend in meetings and whenever a new project or activity begins.
• Be an advocate for the charity in your daily life.

For an informal chat with the CEO or Chair of Trustees, please get in touch via email. 

PLEASE NOTE: PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

This is a non-remunerated position and all Trustees are asked to give approximately 12 days per annum for meetings, preparation and events.

This role in the current Board structure will run until 31 March 2026, with scope to become a Trustee in the new entity.

Become Our 1st Volunteer Coordinator!

Love working with people? Help us recruit, train and support our amazing volunteers.

Introducing Urban Youth: Igniting Potential in Inner London

In the vibrant, fast-paced heart of London, there is a generation of young people brimming with potential, yet facing unique challenges. They are the future, but for many, the path is obscured by deprivation, isolation, and a world increasingly dominated by screens.

That's why we created Urban Youth.

We are a brand new, dynamic youth work charity dedicated to cutting through the noise and reaching the young people who need us most in Inner London's deprived areas. Our mission is simple yet profound: to move beyond passive engagement and create active opportunities that inspire, connect, and empower.

Our Vision: Moving Beyond the Screen

Urban Youth is not waiting for young people to come to us; we are meeting them where they are. We are tearing down barriers to engagement by deploying innovative, flexible youth work:

• The Youth Bus: A mobile hub transforming spaces into instant centres of positive activity.

• Pop-Up Hubs: Breathing new life into unused community spaces or integrating within existing centres.

• School & College Partnerships: Working directly within educational settings and collaborating with other youth organisations to ensure seamless support.

Our Impact: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community

We believe that every young person deserves a space to discover their authentic self. Our core focus is on diversionary positive activities—experiences designed to get young people out of their homes, away from their screens, and fully engaged with their peers and the world around them.

• Social and Life Skills: We teach practical skills, from teamwork to conflict resolution.

• Confidence Building: We champion self-belief, encouraging young people to take positive risks and celebrate their achievements.

• Discovery and Connection: We provide a vital sense of belonging, fostering meaningful relationships in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

At Urban Youth, our staff are more than just youth workers; they are positive adult role models—here to nurture, guide, and support. We are lighting the fuse on potential, empowering today’s youth to become tomorrow’s confident, capable, and connected leaders.

Join us as we work to transform challenges into triumphs, one young person at a time.

Skills We Need:

• Volunteer Management
• People Management
• HR Management
• Training/Learning and Development
• Strong Organising Skills
• Much More!

Commitement:

4 Hours Per Week (Very Flexible)

Location:

Hybrid (London based charity)

Apply now and help us lead with purpose.

Become our URBAN YOUTH Volunteer Coordinator!

We're planning to launch in 2026 and need you to help us get set up and ready to launch to young people across London.

TEAM

URBAN YOUTH

Your City. Your Vibe. Your Team Building.

Purpose of the Role

This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team delivering a range of services across Hounslow. Mind The Carer! is a new service designed to support and enhance Mental Health and Wellbeing, social connections and provide a Community Network for Adults Carers, (18 years and over), across the borough of Hounslow. By providing this direct support, we aim to reduce isolation, self-neglect and loneliness and as a result, facilitate access to local services and connect them with others who understand their day-to-day experiences. The Service will offer a platform and space for the Service Users to build Social Networks, through regular activities, provide psychoeducation, information and social prescribing pathways to other services, with Service Users shaping the project's direction and available support.

Main Responsibilities

To work closely with the team and Adult Services, Service Manager, attend weekly group sessions, (lasting up to three hours), offering opportunities for socialising and mental health support. Support with the Carers Activities Calendar, a monthly activity, for both Carers and their Cared For, as planned and support the service in general. There may also be further opportunities to train as a volunteer for other Services, in the future.

Tasks

All relevant training will be provided

· Attend weekly group sessions, (lasting up to three hours), with the team

· Attend weekly Carers Activities

· Attend monthly Carers and Cared For Activities

· Support/work with the Team to build the Carers Activities Calendar

· Provide information on the Mind The Carer! Service

• Support at outreach and community events

· Register potential Clients, wanting to access Mind The Carer! Service

· Support with follow up surveys for those who have accessed the Service and obtained their feedback to improve our services

· A willingness to undertake training courses

· Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours

General Responsibilities

All relevant training will be provided

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role

• Embrace diversity and share in our commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination

• Share our commitment to safeguarding adults and children at risk of harm

• Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users

• Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policy

Type of person we are looking for:

We welcome applications from those completing studies in Psychology, Counselling/Psychotherapy and/or any Allied Health Profession with a focus on supporting those with mental health needs.

However, your attitude, motivation and commitment are just as important as your training/qualifications and/or any previous experience. We will review all applications individually and assess them on their unique merits, so do not be discouraged from applying, even if you do not meet all the criteria listed below.  

We encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health problems, as well as those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Essential

• An interest in identifying and working with hidden and identified Carers
• Supporting those with mental health needs to access Carers services

• An appreciation of the complex factors that can precipitate, maintain and exacerbate mental health problems 

• Good oral and written communication skills, (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered and empathetic manner 

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures

• A team player who is willing to chip in and work reflexively, responding to the challenges that arise from working in a dynamic environment

• IT skills: able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software and Microsoft Office applications 

Desirable

• Carers experience, including with friends and family

• Experience of supporting people with mental health needs, in a voluntary, paid and/or personal capacity, (i.e. friends and family) 

• Previous involvement with local community groups / networks / feedback groups

• Awareness of the cultural barriers that may exist to seeking mental health support

Time commitment and expenses:

· 10 - 12 hours per week

· 2 - 3 days per week: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays

• • Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application

· We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction

· We will provide volunteers with an induction, training and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role

HFEH Mind value equal opportunities; and are proud to foster a workforce of volunteers and employees that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

The Hummingbird Project – Recruitment of two trustees to join the Board of Trustees

The Hummingbird Project is looking for two trustees with lived experience of displacement to join the Board of Trustees.

About the Hummingbird Project

The Hummingbird Project supports young people from a refugee background, many of whom arrived in the UK as unaccompanied children. We also actively campaign for the rights and protection of young refugees at a local and national level. We are based in Brighton and we work across East and West Sussex.

Trustee recruitment

As part of our work, we acknowledge the importance of building a Board of Trustees that has lived experience of the issues that our young people face in the UK. We are looking for two new trustees to join us who have lived experience of the asylum process and of being a refugee.

The Board of Trustees guides the organisation, making sure its mission, vision and core principles are applied. The Board is responsible for the organisation’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation and financial management.

This is an exciting opportunity to help lead the Hummingbird Project in the next phase of its development, and to use your skills and experience to make a lasting difference to the lives of the young people from a refugee background. 

Commitment to the role

The Board of Trustees meets five times a year in a hybrid format, and we request a commitment to these meetings. We value trustees who invest in the charity’s mission between those meetings, whenever possible, for example by joining and contributing to subcommittee work, supporting ad hoc working groups and supporting the team to face emerging challenges.

We provide training on trustee roles and responsibilities at the start. Please note that the role is voluntary, but we can cover travel expenses.

Become Our 1st Youth Programme Lead!

Do you have experience working with young people? We're launching a new youth work charity and we need a passionate leader to guide it.

Introducing Urban Youth: Igniting Potential in Inner London

In the vibrant, fast-paced heart of London, there is a generation of young people brimming with potential, yet facing unique challenges. They are the future, but for many, the path is obscured by deprivation, isolation, and a world increasingly dominated by screens.

That's why we created Urban Youth.

We are a brand new, dynamic youth work charity dedicated to cutting through the noise and reaching the young people who need us most in Inner London's deprived areas. Our mission is simple yet profound: to move beyond passive engagement and create active opportunities that inspire, connect, and empower.

Our Vision: Moving Beyond the Screen

Urban Youth is not waiting for young people to come to us; we are meeting them where they are. We are tearing down barriers to engagement by deploying innovative, flexible youth work:

• The Youth Bus: A mobile hub transforming spaces into instant centres of positive activity.

• Pop-Up Hubs: Breathing new life into unused community spaces or integrating within existing centres.

• School & College Partnerships: Working directly within educational settings and collaborating with other youth organisations to ensure seamless support.

Our Impact: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community

We believe that every young person deserves a space to discover their authentic self. Our core focus is on diversionary positive activities—experiences designed to get young people out of their homes, away from their screens, and fully engaged with their peers and the world around them.

• Social and Life Skills: We teach practical skills, from teamwork to conflict resolution.

• Confidence Building: We champion self-belief, encouraging young people to take positive risks and celebrate their achievements.

• Discovery and Connection: We provide a vital sense of belonging, fostering meaningful relationships in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

At Urban Youth, our staff are more than just youth workers; they are positive adult role models—here to nurture, guide, and support. We are lighting the fuse on potential, empowering today’s youth to become tomorrow’s confident, capable, and connected leaders.

Join us as we work to transform challenges into triumphs, one young person at a time.

Skills We Need:

• Activity Planning
• Volunteer Management
• People Management
• Safeguarding
• Training/Learning and Development
• Much More!

Commitement:

4 Hours Per Week (Very Flexible)

Location:

Hybrid (London based charity)

Apply now and help us lead with purpose.

Become our URBAN YOUTH Youth Programme Lead!

We're planning to launch in 2026 and need you to help us get set up and ready to launch to young people across London.

TEAM

URBAN YOUTH

Your City. Your Vibe. Your Youth Work.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is a dynamic local charity established in 2006. We support asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants, to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to tackle the underlying problems that lead people to be in crisis.

We are a team of 15 majority part-time paid staff (9 FTE) and over 100 volunteers. AFRIL works with residents in Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bexley and Bromley. In the last 12 months AFRIL has supported over 750 individuals. 

AFRIL’s Casework and Advocacy Team provides complex casework and legal interventions in the areas of housing and homelessness, Asylum Support, Benefits, No Recourse to Public Funds and Community Care. AFRIL also offers community activities to the residents of a local Asylum Support Hotel. Activities are arranged in situ at the hotel, as well through trips and outings.

Your duties will include:
Community Activities Volunteer
● Arrive promptly to support AFRIL staff to set up the Community Activitysession which, depending on the day, could include:
    ○ Arts & craft activities
    ○ ESOL / english conversation practice
    ○ It is also possible you will support a group on an outing to amuseum, to AFRIL’s Allotment of Refuge or to another location.
● As a volunteer, your role during these activities will involve supporting the staff to deliver the relevant activities, and will specifically include:
    ○ Engage all participants in a warm and friendly manner, making all feel welcome and involved
    ○ Support new participants to complete the registration forms, and log attendances on the register
    ○ Putting out resources, materials, games and actively support participation in such activities
    ○ Arranging and distributing food and drink to members
    ○ Helping the group to navigate safely if out on trips

Outreach Volunteer
● Arrive promptly at 12.15pm to support AFRIL staff to set up the Outreach Advice session.
    ○ Welcome clients to the drop in, provide an overview of how AFRIL can support, record basic information to pass onto AFRIL caseworkers
    ○ Oversee a queue system of those seeking advice from Caseworkers
    ○ Provide clients with refreshments, build rapport and field basic questions about the outreach session whilst clients are waiting

Duties for both roles also include:
● Undertake comprehensive training (including safeguarding training) to support you in carrying out your volunteer role.
● Uphold AFRIL’s values when working alongside staff, volunteers and clients, and follow AFRIL’s policies and procedures at all times.
● Be vigilant of any safeguarding concerns and report these swiftly to AFRIL staff.

AFRIL’s Community Activities & Outreach Volunteer will have the opportunity to volunteer at AFRIL’s Community Activity sessions (weekly) and Outreach Advice sessions (fortnightly). The volunteers will provide friendly and professional support to participants, collect basic information and support AFRIL staff where appropriate. 

Our volunteers are crucial in supporting AFRIL staff to obtain the best outcomes for our clients, and this role will provide you with valuable insight into the immigration system and its many challenges.

We need new dynamic trustee at add value to our Charity Community Transport Waltham Forest is a vital local charity dedicated to combating transport poverty and social isolation, we are a mobile community, fostering connection and enabling independence. 

What will you be doing?

For many in Waltham Forest, a simple bus ride isn't simple at all. For our service users—older adults, people with disabilities, and those isolated by lack of mobility—our community transport is a lifeline. It’s a journey to a doctor's appointment, a trip to the shops for fresh food, and a vital connection to community and family. It is the difference between isolation and inclusion.

As a trustee, you will be the strategic force that secures and strengthens this lifeline. Your guidance will directly impact our ability to grow and serve. You will help us navigate the complex landscape of health and social care integration, ensuring our services are not just a transport option, but a recognised and funded part of the local care ecosystem. Your strategic insight will shape our long-term plans, helping us identify new opportunities, manage risks, and ensure our financial sustainability for years to come.

Most importantly, you will bring the crucial lens of "lived experience." Whether from a personal or professional background, your understanding of the real-world challenges faced by those who rely on health and social care services will ensure our decisions are grounded, empathetic, and truly meet the needs of our community. You will be the voice that reminds the board why we do what we do, ensuring every strategic move we make translates into a safer, more reliable, and more dignified journey for our passengers. By joining us, you won't just sit in meetings; you will help steer the vehicle that drives our community forward.

What are we looking for?

We are particularly seeking applicants with professional OR lived experience in one or more of the following areas:

Strategic Planning: Proven experience in developing and implementing long-term strategies, whether in a commercial, public, or voluntary sector context. You are a big-picture thinker who can help navigate complexity.

Health Sector: A background in the NHS, public health, or health commissioning, with an understanding of community-based care models, patient pathways, and funding streams.

Social Care: Experience in adult social care, either as a professional, service user, or carer, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable adults and the social care landscape in Waltham Forest.

Essential

· A commitment to the mission and values of Community Transport Waltham Forest.

· The ability to think strategically and exercise independent judgement.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

· A understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

· Lived experience of, or a deep empathy for, the mobility and access challenges faced by our service users.

What You Will Gain:

This is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills to make a tangible difference in your local community. You will gain valuable board-level experience, develop new skills, and work alongside a passionate team of trustees and staff dedicated to a common cause.

Before You Apply

We will be evaluating all applicants against:

Motivation

Understanding of role of trustee

Relevant Skills and Expertise

Applications will be processed through completed forms and CV's submitted  Discussion meetings with Chair and Treasurer to be arranged to provide background to the Charity All applicants will be invited to attend a management committee meeting to meet other members and discuss their role in supporting the work of the Charity

Clearly state your reasons for applying and show genuine enthusiasm for Community Transport Waltham Forest  mission. 

Demonstrate transferable skills from your professional or personal life to show what you can contribute, even if you don't have direct trustee experience. 

Demonstrate an understanding of a trustee's legal duties and the principle of public benefit.

Show that you are a good cultural fit and are willing to be an active participant in discussions.

Express a willingness to learn and be open to new information

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. 

Volunteer Chief Operating Officer – Share Your Heart of Gold with SUNSHINE

Loneliness is one of the fastest-growing epidemics of our time. Across London, thousands of people feel isolated, disconnected, and unseen. At SUNSHINE, we believe no one should feel alone. Our mission is to bring sunshine into people’s lives through grassroots, community-led programmes that spark joy, foster friendships, and transform lives.

We are now seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) with a Heart of Gold to help lead our new start-up charity, ensuring our vision is delivered with clarity, dignity, and impact.

Why This Role Matters

SUNSHINE is at the beginning of a powerful journey. As COO, you will be the engine that keeps our charity running smoothly, turning vision into action, ideas into programmes, and plans into community impact. Your leadership will ensure that every detail of our operations radiates joy, professionalism, and resilience.

What You’ll Do

• Operational leadership: Oversee the day-to-day running of SUNSHINE, ensuring programmes and services are delivered effectively.

• Build systems: Develop processes, policies, and structures that support growth and sustainability.

• Support volunteers: Empower and coordinate our grassroots team to deliver uplifting, community-led initiatives.

• Financial oversight: Work with trustees and the CEO to manage budgets and resources responsibly.

• Strategic delivery: Translate SUNSHINE’s vision into practical, impactful action across London.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people with a Heart of Gold who believe in community, joy, and togetherness. Ideally, you will bring:

• Operational experience in charities, community organisations, or start-ups.

• Organisational skills to manage programmes, people, and resources with precision.

• Leadership qualities to inspire volunteers and partners with warmth and clarity.

• Commitment to impact and a passion for tackling loneliness.

• Resilience and adaptability to help SUNSHINE grow and thrive.

Join Us

At SUNSHINE, the COO is more than an operational leader—they are the guardian of our systems, the steward of our programmes, and the architect of our delivery. Together, we can turn the tide on loneliness and create a London where everyone feels part of something bigger, brighter, and more joyful.

Step forward. Shine bright. Share your Heart of Gold. Because when you give your leadership, you’re not just managing operations—you’re bringing sunshine into countless lives.

SUNSHINE

Loneliness Charity in London

Role description

All Abortion Talk trustees are responsible for ensuring that we:

● have effectively evaluated the success of our three-year strategy.
● develop and implement a new, 2027 - 2030 strategy for Abortion Talk, to help us achieve
our vision of a world free of abortion stigma.
● comply with our governing document (i.e. our charitable objects), charity law, company
law and any other relevant legislation or regulation.
● apply our resources only in pursuing our charitable objects and for the benefit of the
public.
● protect the pro-choice, feminist and inclusive values of our charity.
● effectively govern the charity, which includes making sure we have the proper policies
and procedures in place.
● ensure financial stability.

The role of the chair also includes:

● leading the board to develop our new, 2027 - 2030 strategy.
● providing leadership to the organisation and the board and ensuring that everyone
remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide
greater public benefit
● chairing board meetings.
● ensuring that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
● making sure the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated
opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of
opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks.
● ensuring trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the
charity.
● appraising the performance of the trustees and the board on an annual basis.
● regularly reviewing and acting to ensure the board has a balance of skills, knowledge
and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively.
● representing the organisation at functions and meetings as an external representative of
the board. Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate.
● supporting the development of board members, individually and collectively.
● bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making.
● working with our lead freelancer, providing them with advice and support as needed.
● role model a commitment to Abortion Talk’s values, and advocate for this across the
organisation.

The above list is indicative, not exhaustive, and the Chair may be required to engage in
additional activities from time to time.

Time commitment: Four two-hour virtual meetings per year, plus one in-person strategy day
(held on a Saturday in London). Additional time to prepare for the meetings and provide ad hoc
advice to Abortion Talk’s lead contractor and volunteers as required, estimated to be around 20
hours per month.

Person specification

Essential
● Professional leadership experience.
● A full commitment to all of our values (set out above).
● A willingness and ability to dedicate the time and effort required to direct how Abortion
Talk is run and managed.
● Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak your mind in acting as a
critical friend to Abortion Talk’s leadership (including other trustees)
● An ability to think creatively.
● An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of
trusteeship
● An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
● A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,
objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Desirable
● Professional leadership experience at small charities/helpline providers.
● Previous experience as a charity trustee.

Interviews
There are like to be two interview stages:

Stage one: A call with our current chair, lead contractor and an Abortion Talk volunteer or board
member. This is likely to take place between 5pm and 8pm on either Wednesday 14th or
Wednesday 21st January 2026.

Stage two: If successful at stage one, you will be invited back to a call with our current chair
and two other trustees. This is likely to take place between 5pm and 8pm on Wednesday 4th
and Thursday 5th February 2026