Community fundraising volunteer volunteer roles in chigwell, essex
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RSPCA London South East Branch
Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Volunteer to take the Chair at the London South East Branch and help direct all our activities which are aimed at improving animals’ lives.
Overview of the Branch Chair opportunity
This is a fantastic opportunity to improve animal welfare by playing an instrumental part in the production, monitoring and review of our Branches development plan. You will be able to influence how we raise our funds and how these are allocated in our local area.
As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.
About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.
The RSPCA London South East Branch
The London South East Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.
The London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Chair
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Take the chair at branch committee meetings and direct the activities.
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Act jointly with all co-trustees and work closely with the branch secretary and treasurer.
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To act as co-signatory, if required, on branch cheques and ensure that proper financial procedures are always followed, in line with charity legislation.
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Ensure that all committee members are familiar with branch rules, national Society policy and their responsibilities as a charity trustee.
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Be instrumental in the production, monitoring and review of a branch strategy.
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Actively coordinate the activities of the branch, including the delegation of tasks.
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Ensure that a branch representative is appointed to the regional board and that the representative gives the committee a full report on the business conducted after each meeting.
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To ensure that all the essential roles within the committee are filled by suitable, appropriate trustees or volunteers.
Core Branch Trustee responsibilities
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Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
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Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
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Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
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In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
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Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
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Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
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Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
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In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
What we are looking for in a volunteer:
Ideally you would have specific skills such as finance, legal, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation. These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long-term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.
We are also looking for people who are creative, innovative, who have experience of or are part of the groups and communities we want to attract, who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the Board and help put those ideas into action.
You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.
No previous trustee experience? That’s OK! We welcome applications from anyone interested in developing their skills by becoming a trustee and will provide relevant training.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Chair
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We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
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Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
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The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
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The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
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A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Practical considerations
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Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
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Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
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You will need to have your own vehicle or access to a vehicle, and your own computer or one that can be used securely.
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Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
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Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
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References will also be required.
How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee
For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you view the Government Charity Trustee Guidance.
There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Luminary provides training, employment and community to some of the most disadvantaged women in London. We work alongside women who have experienced gender-based violence and live with ‘multiple disadvantage’ - a term that recognises that many women experience multiple forms of social and economic disadvantage which interlink, intersect and
drive a cycle of deprivation. Our primary focus is helping these women achieve employment and reach independence - breaking the cycle of poverty, violence and disadvantage, once and for all.
OVERVIEW
The Charities Act 1993 defines charity trustees as those responsible under the charity's governing document for controlling the administration and management of the charity. For Luminary Limited, the trustees oversee and support the operations of the charity, our Employability Support Programme, 1-to-1 holistic support, Mentor Scheme & next steps Progression Support Programme.
We work in collaboration with, but independently of, the Board of Directors of the business, Luminary Bakery Limited, who oversee the governance of the bakery, café business and commercial operations.
**Please note: Due to the role responsibilities, it is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the post holder is female, permitted under Schedule 9, part 1 of the Equality Act 2010**
How we achieve our Mission
We use baking as a tool to guide women towards employability and independence. Over our two-year programme, women learn to bake, gain a catering qualification and develop transferable skills such as budgeting, interview techniques, working as a team, and resilience. Women gain valuable work experience through our sister organisation, Luminary
Bakery, as well as being paired with a volunteer mentor who helps her develop her career next steps. However, our programme goes far beyond job skills. We offer access to highly-trained counsellors and each woman is supported by a dedicated Progression Support Worker to help her navigate the broader challenges she will face including housing and debt.
THE ROLE OF LUMINARY LIMITED’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
At its simplest, the role of the Trustee Board is to receive assets from donors, safeguard them and apply them to the charitable purposes of Luminary Limited. The Trustee Board must always act in the best interests of Luminary Limited, exercising the same standard of duty of care that a prudent person would apply if looking after the affairs of someone for
whom they have responsibility. The Trustee Board must act as a group and not as individuals.
DUTIES OF A TRUSTEE BOARD MEMBER
The duties of a Trustee Board member are to:
Ensure that Luminary Limited complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
Ensure that Luminary Limited pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
Ensure Luminary Limited pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
Ensure Luminary Limited applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.
Contribute actively to the Trustee Board by giving firm strategic direction to Luminary Limited, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
Safeguard the good name and values of Luminary Limited.
Ensure the financial stability of Luminary Limited by opening up its network.
Stay up to date with matters of charity law and issues affecting Luminary.
In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Trustee Board reach sound decisions, and to support Luminary Limited staff when necessary. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the Trustee has insight, experience or expertise.
DIVERSITY IN LUMINARY LIMITED’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
We are committed to building a diverse team and seek to be representative of those we are supporting, so we would especially like to hear from applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including the global majority. We also recognise the importance of lived experience in all roles within our organisation, and therefore welcome applications from
those with lived experience of disadvantage or gender-based violence.
Diversity brings together the rich mix of qualities that make a healthy and effective board, and therefore allows us to work to the best of our ability for Luminary Limited. Luminary Ltd and Luminary Bakery were originally established and founded as part of the Christian church community and were inspired by their faith to create opportunities for women who experienced disadvantage. Luminary supports applicants of all or no faiths and continues to be respectful of all faiths and beliefs, offering an inclusive space for everyone.
MINIMUM TIME COMMITMENT OF BEING A LUMINARY TRUSTEE
Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings which are held four times a year on weekday evenings, with some shorter meetings in between as necessary. The meetings last approximately two hours and are usually in Camden, London (physical attendance is preferred, but flexibility can be given in certain circumstances). Trustees are also expected to
attend the yearly Graduation Ceremony and 1-2 other social events, including Luminary staff gatherings.
In addition, each Trustee must:
Be committed to the mission of Luminary Limited.
Be able to commit for a minimum of three years on the Board.
Be willing to meet the minimum time requirement.
Have integrity and independent judgement.
Be able to think creatively and speak their mind.
Have an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
Be able to work effectively as a member of a team and take decisions for the good of Luminary Limited.
Trustees:
May be asked to join a board sub-committee, which would meet in between board
meetings.
Are expected to attend some training sessions.
Review policies and other documentation relating to charity governance.
Are invited to attend trainee graduations and other social events.
Can claim out-of-pocket expenses incurred in travelling to meetings.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Following an audit of the current skills & expertise on the board, Luminary are seeking five new Trustees with experience in the following areas:
Legal experience and current practice, primarily in employment and charity law, to be able to guide the Board and CEO on legal matters informally and liaise with Luminary’s lawyers on an ad-hoc basis to provide support as needed.
Experience in policy work and advocacy on violence against women and girls and/or related social justice issues.
Experience of charity governance, including growing and scaling up a charity.
Building and drawing on a fundraising network or fundraising experience to secure further investment support.
Safeguarding expertise and experience to be able to support the Board and staff in ensuring appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.
Personal Attributes
Able to work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and beneficiaries
Be passionate about Luminary’s purpose and vision for growth, and commitment to the organisation
Be an effective communicator
Be a strategic thinker
Able to act decisively and be responsive
Be willing to use connections to promote and advance the work of Luminary Limited
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join the board of the national charity dedicated to supporting disabled children, young people and their families.
Trustee
Employer – Kids
Location – London (Meetings in Person)
Salary - Voluntary (Reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Hours - Approx. 1 day per month
Trustees also take part in at least one committee—such as the Finance and Audit Committee, Services and Safeguarding Committee, or People, Culture and Governance Committee—which typically meet online up to four times a year
Who we are:
Kids is on a mission to create a world where all kinds of kids have all kinds of opportunities.
Founded in 1970, we have grown into a national organisation supporting over 22,000 children, young people and families each year across England.
We are on an ambitious journey to reach at least 120,000 disabled children, young people and their families each year by 2027. Our vision is bold yet achievable: a society where disabled children, young people and their families enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
Now in the fourth year of an ambitious five-year strategy, we’re pursuing four bold goals:
- Support – Delivering impactful, sustainable services
- Innovate – Designing new models to transform lives
- Speak Up – Empowering young people to be agents of change
- Sustain – Building the financial and structural strength to grow
The Role
As our next Trustee, you’ll play a vital leadership role in bringing our vision to life. Working closely with our Chair, CEO, and Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic oversight, guide our governance, and help scale our impact.
Time Commitment
This role is about more than simply being available—it’s about being genuinely engaged. We're hoping to find someone who feels inspired to make this a meaningful part of their journey. It may be your primary board or leadership role, given the depth of involvement, but it also offers the opportunity to contribute in a truly rewarding way.
Who You Are
We’re looking for four passionate individuals who bring compassion, curiosity, and credibility. People who value respectful dialogue, champion inclusion, and lead with integrity.
You’ll bring your unique perspective to enhance our culture—not just fit into it. You’ll contribute to a dynamic board that balances strategic scrutiny, inclusive leadership, and good governance with genuine care and collaboration.
You don’t need to have all the answers, but you should bring:
- Experience in governance or senior leadership
- A passion for disability rights, equity, and inclusion
- A commitment to empowering diverse voices
- A collaborative spirit and systems-thinking mindset
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of disability, those from underrepresented communities, and individuals who reflect the diversity of the families and children we serve.
Our Culture
At Kids, we celebrate what makes each of us unique. Our culture is rooted in care, collaboration, creativity, and professionalism. We actively listen and strive to ensure everyone we work with feels heard, respected, and included.
We are committed to breaking down systemic barriers, including racism, ableism, sexism, and other forms of injustice. This is an ongoing journey, and we’re dedicated to learning and growing together.
We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need information in an alternative format or adjustments at any stage, please contact us —we’d love to hear how we can support you.
In Closing
You’ll be joining a brilliant team of Trustees, a passionate leadership team, and an organisation ready for change. Together, we’ll help build a world where disabled children and young people are celebrated for who they are and supported to reach their full potential.
This isn’t just a role. It’s a chance to reimagine what’s possible.
Join us. Lead with us. Grow with us.
For more information about this role, please visit our careers page
Application & Recruitment Process
- Closing date: 30th September 2025
- Online Interview and Face-to-Face meeting: October 2025
- If you’re inspired to join our Board, please complete our online application and upload an up-to-date CV, with a 2-page limit on an A4 document. Shortlisted candidates will have the chance to showcase their strengths and discuss important topics alongside our leadership team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The International Council of Museums in the United Kingdom (ICOM UK) is seeking a new trustee with strong financial acumen and a passion for the museums and heritage sector and working internationally to be the Finance Lead on our Board. This is a strategic finance role to support the Strategic Director and advise the Board of Trustees in respect of the conduct of the charity’s financial affairs.
The role requires experience and skills in financial planning and management, preferably in a charity and/or company, along with the ability to understand and communicate the impact of decisions on the organisation’s finances.
We welcome applications from professionals with the skills, knowledge and lived experience that will strengthen and diversify our Board.
For further details on the roles and ICOM UK, you can view our Finance Lead Trustee Recruitment Pack.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.