Community manager volunteer roles in barking and dagenham, greater london

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

Ready to help shape the future of students’ lives?
Middlesex Students’ Union (MDXSU) is looking for three new Trustees, including a new Chair of the Board, to join our vibrant and values-driven organisation.

At MDXSU, we empower Middlesex University students to shape their lives, build their futures, and create change—together. Through student communities, campaigning, events, and independent advice, we help turn a good education into a transformative one. 

About the Role

We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about education, social justice, and the power of student-led change. As a Trustee, you’ll help shape MDXSU’s strategic direction, scrutinise finances, and ensure we’re fulfilling our charitable purpose.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds—particularly those with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Membership-led or student-led organisations
• Finance or legal oversight
• HR and organisational development
• Higher education policy
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Fundraising and income development
• Charity governance
• Community connections in North London

About You

We're seeking individuals who are:

• Proactive, collaborative and strategic thinkers
• Committed to MDXSU's values and mission
• Confident communicators who can support and challenge effectively
• Passionate about student voice and social change 

For the Chair role, we're looking for an experienced leader to guide the Board, support the CEO, and help drive the organisation to new heights. If interested, please indicate this in your application.

Time Commitment & Expenses

• Approx. 5 board meetings per year (in-person in London)
• Optional involvement in sub-committees (4 additional online meetings annually)
• Occasional away days or events
• All reasonable expenses covered, with travel and accommodation booked by MDXSU

How to Apply

To apply, send your CV and a one-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your experience matches our needs. Please apply by midday on Thursday 3rd July 2025 to be considered for our second round of interviews in July. Applications will remain open until all positions are filled.

Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you! 

STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees. 

We are in particular looking for applicants who: 

• Have lived experience 
• Have HR experience 
• Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
• Have charitable fundraising experience. 

 Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged. 

Role Description

To provide strategic oversight of:

• STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law; 
• STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
• Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives; 
• The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
• Monitoring and reporting of financial information; 
• STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
• Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.

Also to:

• Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
• Attend and prepare for board meetings
• Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
• Approve accounts
• Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
• Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
• A commitment to STAR’s values
• An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments. 
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
• Integrity and good independent judgement
• Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
• Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
• Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.

Desirable 

Five years experience in one or more of:

• Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
• Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
• Charitable fundraising;
• Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
• Organisational development, growth or change;
• Human resources;
• Financial management/accountancy;
• IT;
• Negotiations;
• Marketing and public relations;
• Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
• Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
• Campaigning;
• Social Media/ Communications 

About Student Action for Refugees

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive. 

Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by: 

• empowering young people to be changemakers; 
• providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects; 
• challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK; 
• Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation 

We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.

Here are just some of our highlights from last year:

• 37  STAR university student society groups, across 28  towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders. 
• 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
• 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers  through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events. 
• 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
• 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of  existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of  university staff. 
• 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
• 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.

If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.

Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025

Interviews: Rolling

"Be the Change, Fill the Bucket!"

Fundraising events helper

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances in Mid-Kent
• Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds through events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Knowledge of your local community

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Children of Voices is a hugely respected charitable organisation helping to improve the lives of young people and their families through genuine care, love, and support.  

We are currently seeking a volunteer Personal Assistant/Office Manager. This role is ideal for an individual with experience as a P.A./Manager looking to work within the charity sector. 

Responsibilities typically include: 

• Acting as a first point of contact for enquiries: (email/calendar management and phone calls, managing diaries 

• Typing, compiling, and preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence. 

• Miscellaneous tasks to support the CEO which will vary according to projects and tasks but could include fundraising, event planning, social media, community outreach, press & PR. 

• Managing databases and filing systems. 

• Implementing and maintaining procedures/policies & administrative systems 

• Forming a relationship with our clients as they are part of the community. 

Essential skills for this role are: 

• Organisation skills: The ability to prioritise tasks, manage time, and keep track of deadlines is crucial.  

• Communication skills: should be able to communicate effectively in writing. 

• Attention to detail: the ability to pick up on small details can prevent costly mistakes from occurring. 

• Problem-solving skills: the ability to identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.  

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. The organisation has a warm and friendly atmosphere and will be extremely rewarding for the candidate. 

EVERY WONDERED HOW YOUR SKILLS COULD TRANSFORM YOUNG LIVES THROUGH SPORTS? 
BECOME A TRUSTEE A DFY SPORTS - Level the playing field for young people through sport

Are you passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation? Want to use your skills to support a grassroots charity doing powerful work with young people in London? DFY Sports is looking for new trustees to help us grow, reach further, and have even greater impact.

Who we are

DFY Sports helps young people aged 4–15 from underserved communities flourish through sport. Based in Brent and active across surrounding boroughs, we deliver PE sessions, after-school clubs, holiday camps, football training, and run an ambassador programme connected to our founding sports agency, ISC.

We’ve grown fast—and we’re just getting started. As we scale over the next 1–3 years, we’re looking for passionate trustees to help shape that journey.

Why join us?

• Be part of a hands-on, diverse and ambitious team making a real difference in London
• Use your skills for social good and gain board-level experience
• Support a charity grounded in community, inclusion and action

Trustees meet quarterly (with pre-reads shared a week in advance). You’ll bring your experience and perspective to guide DFY’s future and support our mission at a strategic level.

Diversity matters to us

We’re especially keen to hear from people whose backgrounds reflect the communities we serve—including people of colour, women, those with disabilities, and individuals with lived experience of socio-economic disadvantage.

That said, this isn’t an exclusive requirement. We welcome all applicants who believe in our mission and want to contribute meaningfully. Our goal is to build a board that’s balanced, representative, and full of fresh ideas.

We’re currently looking for trustees in the following areas:

✅ Safeguarding

• Ensure safeguarding policies are robust, compliant and actively implemented
• Support our DSL to report risks, share learning and update the board
• Help shape a safeguarding-first culture across all activities

✅ Marketing & Communications

• Help define and strengthen DFY’s brand and public voice
• Grow our online presence and support outreach to media and partners
• Guide the team on strategic communications and storytelling

✅ Network & Fundraising

• Open doors to donors, sponsors and collaborators through your network
• Support events and campaigns that raise both funds and awareness
• Offer fresh ideas for sustainable income generation

✅ Finance

• Provide oversight of budgets, reporting, and financial controls
• Support long-term financial planning and risk management
• Ensure funds are well managed and spent with integrity

✅ Community

• Champion the needs and voices of the local community in Brent and NW London
• Build connections with local schools, grassroots groups and families
• Help us stay rooted, responsive and inclusive in everything we do

⚽ Your core responsibilities as a trustee will include:

• Attending quarterly board meetings
• Reading board materials in advance and actively participating
• Contributing to DFY’s strategic direction and key decisions
• Supporting your specific area of responsibility, as outlined above

You don’t need to have trustee experience, just care, commitment, and the willingness to bring your skills to a team working to create lasting change for young people through sport. Training and support can be provided.

Interested?

Apply now or pass this along to someone who’d be a great fit. We're excited to hear from people who want to make a difference and bring something fresh to the table.

Join Us as Treasurer at Mind in Enfield and Barnet

Help shape the financial future of a growing mental health charity

Are you a finance professional with a passion for social impact? Do you want to use your skills to support a thriving, values-led organisation making a real difference in people’s lives?

Mind in Enfield and Barnet (MiEB) is seeking a new Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic financial oversight as we continue to grow and innovate in mental health support.

About Us

MiEB is a dynamic local mental health charity, proudly affiliated with the national Mind federation but operating independently. Since our merger in 2021, we’ve expanded significantly – supporting over 5,000 people annually and growing our income to £2.19 million in 2023/24.

We are Led by Lived Experience, with over 75% of our staff having personal experience of mental health challenges. Our services span therapy, wellbeing, advocacy, and crisis support, and we are committed to equity, empowerment, and real change.

The Role: Treasurer

As Treasurer, you will play a vital role in ensuring MiEB’s financial health, sustainability, and transparency. You will:

• Guide and advise the Board on financial strategy, budgeting, and risk management
• Chair the Finance & HR Sub-Committee, ensuring robust oversight of financial and operational matters
• Support the Head of Finance and CEO, offering expert insight and challenge on financial planning and reporting
• Ensure compliance with charity and company law, and that financial statements meet statutory and funder requirements
• Champion good governance, transparency, and accountability across the organisation

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone with:

• A professional finance qualification or equivalent senior-level financial management experience
• A strong understanding of charity finance and governance
• Experience managing complex budgets and financial reporting
• The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
• Experience of chairing meetings and working collaboratively with senior teams

Previous experience as a Treasurer is welcome but not essential – we’ll support you with induction, training, and mentoring.

We especially encourage applications from underrepresented or minoritised groups, in line with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Key Details

• Closing Date: Monday 30th June 2025, 5:00 p.m.
• To apply, please send a CV/Profile and a supporting statement answering the questions below (in text or video format) by 5pm on Monday 30th June 2025.

1.Explain how your experience, skills and personal qualities make you a suitable candidate for this role. Refer to the role description and person specification

2.Please describe a time when you have ensured transparency and accountability in financial management, both internally within the organisation and externally with stakeholders?

RollaDome All Skate is looking for a proactive and motivated Volunteer Admin Assistant to support our charity’s administrative operations. This volunteer position offers valuable experience in administration, volunteer coordination, and event management. You’ll assist with bookings, data management, and communication tasks. 

Expenses will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket costs related to your role. 

Key Responsibilities 

• General Admin: Handle inquiries, emails, and record-keeping. 

• Booking Management: Manage membership and attendance records. 

• Data Entry: Maintain up-to-date data for reports. 

• Volunteer Coordination: Assist in recruiting and scheduling volunteers. 

• Event Support: Help organize and assist during community events. 

• Inventory: Track stock and deliveries for events. 

Skills & Qualifications 

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. 

• Good communication skills (written and verbal). 

• Ability to multitask and stay organized. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office. 

• Experience in admin or volunteer coordination is a plus. 

Commitment 

• Minimum 15 hours per week, with flexible hours. 

Benefits 

• Gain valuable experience in a nonprofit setting. 

• Develop skills in administration, volunteer coordination, and event management. 

• Expenses reimbursed for role-related costs. 

• Contribute to programs that have a positive impact on the community. 

Ready to help shape the future of students’ lives?
Middlesex Students’ Union (MDXSU) is looking for three new Trustees, including a new Chair of the Board, to join our vibrant and values-driven organisation.

At MDXSU, we empower Middlesex University students to shape their lives, build their futures, and create change—together. Through student communities, campaigning, events, and independent advice, we help turn a good education into a transformative one. 

About the Role

We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about education, social justice, and the power of student-led change. As a Trustee, you’ll help shape MDXSU’s strategic direction, scrutinise finances, and ensure we’re fulfilling our charitable purpose.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds—particularly those with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Membership-led or student-led organisations
• Finance or legal oversight
• HR and organisational development
• Higher education policy
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Fundraising and income development
• Charity governance
• Community connections in North London

About You

We're seeking individuals who are:

• Proactive, collaborative and strategic thinkers
• Committed to MDXSU's values and mission
• Confident communicators who can support and challenge effectively
• Passionate about student voice and social change 

For the Chair role, we're looking for an experienced leader to guide the Board, support the CEO, and help drive the organisation to new heights. If interested, please indicate this in your application.

Time Commitment & Expenses

• Approx. 5 board meetings per year (in-person in London)
• Optional involvement in sub-committees (4 additional online meetings annually)
• Occasional away days or events
• All reasonable expenses covered, with travel and accommodation booked by MDXSU

How to Apply

To apply, send your CV and a one-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your experience matches our needs. Please apply by midday on Thursday 3rd July 2025 to be considered for our second round of interviews in July. Applications will remain open until all positions are filled.

Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you! 

STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for our new Co-Chair of Trustees. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees. 

 The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation and be able to commit to at least 2 years in the role.

We are in particular looking for applicants who: 

• Have lived experience 
• Have HR experience 
• Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
• Have charitable fundraising experience. 

 Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged. 

Role Description

To provide strategic oversight of:

• STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law; 
• STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
• Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives; 
• The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
• Monitoring and reporting of financial information; 
• STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
• Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.

Also to:

• Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
• Attend and prepare for board meetings
• Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
• Approve accounts
• Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
• Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.

Specific responsibilities of the Co- Chair

• Ensure the proper management of board meetings, including setting agendas in consultation with the Director, chairing meetings, facilitating discussions and decision;
• Oversee the administration and coordination of any sub-committees; 
• Monitor implementation of board and sub-committee decisions;
• Take "Chair’s action" between meetings, where an immediate decision is required;
• Serve as line-manager to the Director, and conduct regular planned supervision and appraisal;
• Represent Board as required to the public or external parties such as funders and government; and
• Keep other officers fully informed so that they can deputise if necessary
• Working alongside and in collaboration with the other STAR trustee co-chair, sharing responsibilities and ensuring excellent communicative shared working.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
• A commitment to STAR’s values
• An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments. 
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
• Integrity and good independent judgement
• Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
• Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
• Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.

Desirable 

Five years experience in one or more of:

• Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
• Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
• Charitable fundraising;
• Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
• Organisational development, growth or change;
• Human resources;
• Financial management/accountancy;
• IT;
• Negotiations;
• Marketing and public relations;
• Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
• Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
• Campaigning;
• Social Media/ Communications 

About Student Action for Refugees

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive. 

Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by: 

• empowering young people to be changemakers; 
• providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects; 
• challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK; 
• Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation 

We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.

Here are just some of our highlights from last year:

• 37  STAR university student society groups, across 28  towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders. 
• 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
• 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers  through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events. 
• 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
• 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of  existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of  university staff. 
• 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
• 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.

If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.

Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025

Interviews: Rolling

HLP is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), supporting a fairer society through our work.

We want our board to reflect the diversity of our helpline communities and sector and to expose bias, provide richer discussions with well-rounded perspectives that will help trustees in their decision-making, which in turn will increase the charity’s legitimacy and impact.

Helplines Partnership is keen to support the above initiatives in increasing the diversity of its board and therefore we are particularly interested in receiving trustee applications from all communities.

We would particularly like to hear from people who:

• Are looking to be part of the leadership of an established and highly respected charity
• Have, or are seeking to develop, experience in a non-executive role
• Are willing and able to devote the necessary time (see time commitment below)
• Care about mental wellbeing and helplines and feel motivated by our vision, mission and values

Time Commitment:

The successful candidate will be required to attend three two-hour teleconference Board meetings per year and one face to face meeting (historically held in London).  Also the Annual Conference which you will be required to attend in person during November. 

This is an unpaid voluntary position; however, reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

What are we looking for?

•  Some experiences of the charity / helpline sector are desirable but not essential.
• As an organisation, we work remotely, using IT solutions such as Teams, Zoom and SharePoint so location is not so relevant. Being comfortable with the use of these technologies would be helpful.

What difference will you make?

 As a small charity, your contribution will be significant and effective. As part of HLP’s Board, you will be helping directly to ensure the effectiveness of the organisation.

Quotes from Trustees who are coming to the end of their tenure:

“Being a trustee at HLP has been a great experience – challenging and positive in equal measure. From a personal point of view, it helped me develop strategic leadership skills and gave me a chance to contribute to areas such as policy development and financial management. Working with and listening to my fellow Trustees was also a great development and networking opportunity. It was also a way of helping HLP grow its impact and do even more for its members and helplines around the country.”

 Becoming a helplines trustee has brought me far more than I imagined. I have gained new friends, learnt new skills and experienced excellent networking across many new areas, I can highly recommend it.

 It has been a privilege to serve as a Trustee with HLP over the last three years and more recently as Co-Chair along with Elizabeth Rimmer. Looking through a professional lens it has been invaluable learning and development for me and allowed us to develop deeper links across the nations in relation to knowledge sharing and networking for our helpline memberships. 

 On a personal level I have very much enjoyed working with the HLP board and staff team who are all genuinely passionate about what they do and the helplines and people they represent.