Community volunteer roles in belvedere, greater london

The Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants currently has volunteering opportunities from late April/early May available for our online English lessons.

Aimed at a wide range of clients whose English spans the spectrum of absolute beginners to higher levels, we offer daily online classes where practising spoken English in small groups with volunteers is a core part of our schedule.

Future opportunities may be available to those wishing to run their own class, depending on experience. 

Please get in touch if you have teaching experience OR equivalent qualifications (e.g. CELTA/TEFL/ESOL) and would like to be a volunteer teacher in our online classes headed up by our English Language Coordinator. 

Please refer to the Job Description for more details on the role.

You will be subject to a DBS check for this role.

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Events & Programmes Coordinator
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in event planning, programme coordination, and nonprofit work.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.

• Prior experience in event planning or project coordination is a plus, but not required.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.

• A passion for contributing to social impact and supporting charitable initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Event Planning & Execution:

  • Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of monthly charity events. This is a minimum of 1 online event per month.

  • Work closely with team members to ensure events are organized efficiently, within budget, and aligned with the charity’s mission.

  • Help with logistics, setup, and support during events.

  • Manage guest lists, invitations, and event communications.

• Annual Research Programme Coordination:

  • Support the coordination of the charity’s annual research programme. This is currently an annual programme, the Social Justice Research Fellowship, running in 2025 from June 2nd - August 8th.

  • Assist in organizing logistics, outreach, and scheduling for research participants.

  • Ensure that resources and materials are available for programme participants.

  • Track the progress of the programme and report on key milestones.

  • Contribute to planing and logistical initiatives surrounding expanding the provisions of research programmes, including brainstorming and coordination for potential new programmes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure smooth event and programme execution.

  • Participate in regular team meetings, contributing ideas and insights.

  • Provide feedback and suggestions for improving the efficiency of events and programmes.

  • Participate in Outreach & Marketing meetings and follow direction provided from Senior Staff.

• Post-Event & Programme Reporting:

  • Help in post-event evaluations, collecting feedback from participants, and reporting on outcomes.

  • Assist in maintaining and updating event and programme documentation for future reference.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in event management and programme coordination.

• Networking opportunities with peers, university departments and professors, and other charitiable groups.

• Opportunities to develop key skills in project management, communication, and teamwork.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• Certificate of participation of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

Job description

Duration: Short-term project (with potential for ongoing involvement)

About the Role

Children With Voices is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical volunteer to help update our Impact Report (Deck) from 2021. This report highlights the charity’s achievements, including the number of people we have fed, the services we have provided, and our overall community impact.

We have multiple internal documents holding updated information, and we need a dedicated volunteer to extract key data, organise it, and integrate it into the updated version of the report. This role is crucial in highlighting the charity’s progress to funders, partners, and the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

•Review & audit the 2021 Impact Report – Identify outdated sections and areas requiring updates.

•Data Collection & Analysis – Extract key metrics from internal documents, including food distribution numbers, volunteering efforts, and service impact.

•Update & Refine Content – Ensure the report is accurate, well-structured, and engaging.

•Create Visual Data Representations – Develop simple charts or infographics to illustrate key findings (if applicable).

•Ensure Consistency in Branding & Messaging – Maintain a professional and cohesive tone aligned with Children With Voices’ mission.

•Collaborate with Team Members – Work with staff to verify data and gather additional insights.

•Finalise & Format the Updated Report – Prepare the document for internal review and external presentation.

Skills & Experience Required

•Strong Research & Data Analysis Skills – Ability to extract, interpret, and organise numerical and qualitative data.

•Excellent Writing & Editing Skills – Strong attention to detail and ability to present information clearly.

•Project Management & Organisation – Ability to manage multiple documents and keep track of key updates.

•Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) & Google Docs – Experience with Canva or other design tools is a plus.

•Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Ability to identify gaps in information and seek solutions.

•Graphic Design & Infographics (Preferred but not required) – Familiarity with data visualisation to enhance report presentation.

•Ability to Work Independently & Collaboratively – Self-motivated but comfortable seeking guidance when needed.

•Experience with Impact Reporting (Preferred but not needed) – Any previous experience with grant reports, annual reports, or case studies is a bonus.

What We Offer

•Mentorship and support from the Children With Voices team.

•Opportunity to develop skills in research, data analysis, and report writing.

•A chance to contribute to a meaningful cause and help secure future funding for vital community programs.

•Volunteer reference upon successful completion of the role.

How to Apply

Interested volunteers can apply by submitting resume or CV witha short cover letter outlining their relevant skills and experience.

Duration: Short-term project (with potential for ongoing involvement)

About the Role

Children With Voices is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical volunteer to help update our Impact Report (Deck) from 2021. This report highlights the charity’s achievements, including the number of people we have fed, the services we have provided, and our overall community impact.

We have multiple internal documents holding updated information, and we need a dedicated volunteer to extract key data, organise it, and integrate it into the updated version of the report. This role is crucial in highlighting the charity’s progress to funders, partners, and the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

•Review & audit the 2021 Impact Report – Identify outdated sections and areas requiring updates.

•Data Collection & Analysis – Extract key metrics from internal documents, including food distribution numbers, volunteering efforts, and service impact.

•Update & Refine Content – Ensure the report is accurate, well-structured, and engaging.

•Create Visual Data Representations – Develop simple charts or infographics to illustrate key findings (if applicable).

•Ensure Consistency in Branding & Messaging – Maintain a professional and cohesive tone aligned with Children With Voices’ mission.

•Collaborate with Team Members – Work with staff to verify data and gather additional insights.

•Finalise & Format the Updated Report – Prepare the document for internal review and external presentation.

Skills & Experience Required

•Strong Research & Data Analysis Skills – Ability to extract, interpret, and organise numerical and qualitative data.

•Excellent Writing & Editing Skills – Strong attention to detail and ability to present information clearly.

•Project Management & Organisation – Ability to manage multiple documents and keep track of key updates.

•Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) & Google Docs – Experience with Canva or other design tools is a plus.

•Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Ability to identify gaps in information and seek solutions.

•Graphic Design & Infographics (Preferred but not required) – Familiarity with data visualisation to enhance report presentation.

•Ability to Work Independently & Collaboratively – Self-motivated but comfortable seeking guidance when needed.

•Experience with Impact Reporting (Preferred but not needed) – Any previous experience with grant reports, annual reports, or case studies is a bonus.

What We Offer

•Mentorship and support from the Children With Voices team.

•Opportunity to develop skills in research, data analysis, and report writing.

•A chance to contribute to a meaningful cause and help secure future funding for vital community programs.

•Volunteer reference upon successful completion of the role.

How to Apply

Interested volunteers can apply by submitting resume or CV witha short cover letter outlining their relevant skills and experience. 

EDI Volunteer Role  - EDI Activity Group Member 

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, volunteers, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Join us today so that together we can stop MS.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team. As a volunteer you will play a crucial part in helping us deliver our EDI work. By attending four monthly meetings you will provide advice, feedback, guidance and personal opinion on our work. You will act as a bridge between our EDI activity group and our EDI reference group.

The EDI reference group is a group of people affected by MS who helped develop our EDI strategy and now help support our work towards its delivery. The EDI activity group is a staff group who have responsibility and accountability for the delivery of our EDI strategy.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of our work. We work with volunteers, professionals and people with lived experience of MS to guide and direct our approach to EDI.

This role is a home-based role, which will require attending four online monthly meetings, and up to an hour of pre-reading before each one. One of these meetings will be between 12-5pm.

What the role involves 

• Attending four monthly, online meetings
• Reading documents and preparing any feedback in advance
• Providing constructive and honest feedback on our ways of working, processes and future initiatives
• Representing the MS community with lived experience
• Taking comprehensive meeting notes, to share information between the EDI reference and activity groups
• Regular 1:1 catch ups with our EDI programme manager 

 What you need for this role

•  Confidence to speak and input into meetings 
• Experience of attending and reporting in meetings
• Passion for the MS Society and for EDI in our work
• Good IT skills
• Awareness of EDI in a broader context – provide challenge outside of lived experience 

 What you may gain from this role 

• Understanding of how we work
• Working in a professional environment
• Board room experience 
• References 
• Training 
• Improve understanding of EDI in corporate environment 

 In order to volunteer in this role, you will need to undertake:

Must do training  Role specific training  Data protection eLearningInduction with your volunteer Manager Cyber Security training 
EDI training 

Sources of support:

We will ensure that whist volunteering with us you will have access to all the support you need to feel comfortable, confident with what you are doing, and able to achieve the most impact though your time with us.

 Your staff contact is here to support you, answer any questions you might have about what you’ll be doing, your learning and where you can get more information.

 The Supporter Care Team is your point of contact for queries to other MS Society departments. They can signpost you to the right person:

Additional information about our volunteering programme:

  When you volunteer with us, you join our powerful community of people

living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers.

 Our shared commitments help keep our volunteering programme enjoyable, meaningful and safe for everyone.   

Safeguarding Lead Trustee
Location: London (Hybrid)
Remuneration: This is an unremunerated role. However, expenses such as childcare, care for other dependants, and travel will be covered to support attendance at board meetings.

Our client is a registered Charity Incorporated Organisation that aims to support and invest in young people (predominantly 18-25 years old) through their adolescent years which can be difficult because of both personal circumstances and the injustices in society. They fund work nationally, as well as having a specific focus on several counties in the South East of England. The grants they make total c. £3 million per year.

The Trust has evolved a lot over the years and is very much values driven around their mission “to bring lasting change to the lives of young people; investing in them as powerful forces for change and acting upon their right to be heard in pursuit of a fair and just society.” They really want to be a foundation that listens well and gives young people power to change and improve society whilst staying responsible, trusting and progressive. They do this primarily by providing grants to organisations working with young people, influencing youth policy alongside them and investing directly in young changemakers.

The Trust is looking for a new Safeguarding Lead Trustee to join their inclusive, inspiring and professional Board. You will be the champion for safeguarding throughout the organisation and Board and will bring excellent experience around safeguarding young people, with support from the Safeguarding Committee. Our client encourages applications from younger candidates for those who feel they have similar and relevant experience even though this may be your first time board/trustee role.

Most importantly, this individual will be motivated to live the Trust’s values and share their vision of a world where all young people have hope, access to the support they need, a stake in society and influence over their futures. Our client are committed to centering the voices of those they seek to serve. Their board and staff team have relevant lived and learnt experiences to help us fulfil their mission. They listen to the communities they seek to serve both directly and broadly to have as accurate of an understanding as possible about the issues that those they’re here to serve are facing.

For further details about this exciting opportunity, please refer to the full appointment brief attached below. To apply, please click ‘Redirect to Recruiter’.

Deadline for applications: 18th May
Interviews with client: w/c 26th May or 2nd June

Please note: volunteers must be local to Hackney. We cannot assist people to travel to the UK.

Purpose of the Role

We support a young man with learning disabilities and mobility issues who would love to be matched with a volunteer who can take him swimming once a week! By taking him to the pool, you will not only be facilitating an enjoyable experience, but you will also help him to get the low-impact exercise that is so important for mitigating the physical symptoms of his condition.

You will be accompanied at all times by a support worker, except whilst you are in the water. 

Responsibilities

• Meet your befriending match and their support staff at the service and travel to the pool by bus
• Swim with them in the shallow end of the community swimming pool
• Providing companionship and friendship

Skills, Attitudes and Experience

• You are a competent swimmer
• Experience communicating with people who are non-verbal or have different communication needs is an asset
• You are friendly and have strong interpersonal skills
• You are passionate about making a difference in the lives of older people, people with learning disabilities, and/or people with autism spectrum disorder 
• You are patient, empathetic, and open-minded 
• You are organised and can work independently 
• You take initiative and manage your workload 
• You are reliable and punctual 
• You are a strong communicator

Benefits 

• Make a difference to the health and wellbeing of somebody in your community
• Meet different kinds of people and make new friends
• Improve your own health and wellbeing by swimming weekly
• Receive support from the Volunteer Team and an assigned supervisor 
• Become part of a community of staff and volunteers who are passionate about making a difference
• Receive references for future opportunities and build your CV 
• Receive reimbursement for reasonable out of pocket expenses 
• Additional training to help you grow in your role 
• Covered by Outward’s insurance policy 

Location

• Hackney (E8)

Time Commitment

• We would like somebody to start as soon as possible
• We encourage you to commit to a minimum of four months as a befriender, however an ongoing commitment is ideal
• Available on a weekday between 4pm and 7pm 

 Training Provided

• Volunteer Induction Training Session (approximately 2 hours) 
• Online CareSkills Training: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Safeguarding of Adults; Health and Safety; Fire Safety
• Service Inductions, including reading the Support Plan and Risk Assessment of the person you will be supporting

Application Process 

• Send an email for a link to apply online. Support is available if you need assistance to complete the application form.  
• If you are selected for a volunteer role, you will be required to undergo a DBS check, submit two references, and complete the abovementioned mandatory training before you can start your role. 

If there is any way that we can make the application process or the volunteer role more accessible for you, please do not hesitate to let us know. We will be happy to make any accommodations we can for you. 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Service Introduction 

The Programmes & Services department keeps our organisation running. Our team work directly with volunteers by offering them support.  

Our Programmes & Services department is divided into four roles. Each of these roles reports to our Programmes & Services Manager. Our four roles are: 

• People Coordinator 

• Volunteer Engagement Coordinator 

• Referrals Coordinator 

• Training Coordinator 

Key tasks and responsibilities 

Recruitment & Selection 

• Assist in the preparation of comprehensive job descriptions, person specifications, and engaging job adverts to attract the best talent. 

• Manage the full recruitment process using our Applicant Tracking System (ATS), from candidate sourcing to selection. 

• Actively monitor and maintain various recruitment channels to ensure a continuous pipeline of candidates. 

• Screen resumes and applications, shortlist candidates, and conduct initial interviews. 

• Coordinate and schedule interviews and training sessions, liaising with applicants and interview panels to facilitate a smooth process. 

• Conduct reference checks and background verifications where required. 

Onboarding & Offboarding 

• Lead the onboarding process for new volunteers, ensuring they feel welcomed and fully supported as they integrate into the team. 

• Develop and implement continuous improvements to the onboarding process to enhance the overall volunteer experience. 

• Organise necessary documentation and compliance requirements to ensure all records are up-to-date. 

• Facilitate offboarding procedures when necessary, ensuring a respectful and professional exit process. 

My Life My Say exists to empower underrepresented youth to engage in politics, influence policy, and drive change through innovative, youth-led and non-partisan solutions, inspiring the next generation of leaders in democracy.​

We are currently hiring for a new Chairperson to replace the outgoing Chair who has served for the last 6 years. It is an ideal opportunity to steer the transition of the charity at a time when their Founding CEO has become Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, and we have appointed an interim leadership structure with two promising Co-CEOs.​

The new Chair will come in to support the charity on a new journey. There is funding in place but there is an opportunity to create a new 5-year plan that will:

​

1. Leverage the success of National Voter Registration Day targeting young voters to start the process of engagement

2. Continue to deliver the annual Next Generation Conference inspiring so many burgeoning political minds

3. Expand the impact of the Democracy Café model to stimulate the voice of young people

4. Continue the expansion of the Squad programme that ensures a bright and ever-increasing future for the role of young people in democracy

The Role

​The role of the Chair will be to ensure the professional running of the Board of Trustees, meeting quarterly to enable the governance of the charity. The role also includes mentoring of the management team to enable them to meet their potential and to allow the charity to thrive under their leadership.

There is an ambassadorial dimension too, seeking to represent the charity when meeting donors, funders, notable politicians, and influencers to underline the quality, integrity, and potential of the charity.

The final responsibility is to lead the assembled trustees to act as a force multiplier to affect the mission of the charity.

Expectations

Candidates for the Chair role will have:

​

• Prior board or senior leadership experience, ideally with a strong awareness of key issues in the democracy space.

• Bring strong governance expertise, strategic planning skills, and experience in influencing and fundraising.

• A commitment to amplifying the voice of young people is essential, along with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style that aligns with the values of the organisation. 

• Existing networks in political, philanthropic, or corporate sectors would be a welcome asset in helping to champion the mission and expand the reach of My Life My Say.

​

This role is not remunerated but is an ideal position for someone who is looking to support an organisation with huge potential and a very palpable impact on the communities it serves. The role has the potential for significant exposure and network, so will enhance the career potential of the successful candidate. The outgoing Chair will be available for a smooth transition and will continue to support the Chair with anything they need.

Additional Information

Through this recruitment process we are looking to attract and retain a wide breadth of skills and experience relevant to the work of MLMS. We welcome all applications from those individuals who believe they have the skills and experience outlined above.

​​​​

Term of Office

The term of appointment is for three years with the possibility of renewal for a further one terms of three years. Trustees work on a pro bono basis.

​

Further Information

MLMS confirms its commitment to equal opportunities in all its activities. It is intended that no applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of political belief, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or social class. Selection and promotion criteria are kept under review to ensure that individuals are treated on the basis of the job requirements and on their relevant personal merits, and are not disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

We’re looking for trustees

We’re looking to recruit dynamic, committed and motivated people with professional skills and experience who are as passionate as we are about empowering individuals to work through and beyond their experience of sexual abuse.

Specific qualifications are not necessarily required and we welcome applicants with lived experience. A genuine interest in learning about our charity and our services within the local community is essential.

These trustees will help to form a new board dedicated to supporting the charity and contributing to the effective and quality governance of Trust House. You will play an active role in developing the strategic direction of the charity and provide guidance to ensure the charity continues to support anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area.

We are seeking people with an interest in improving access to justice and opportunity for refugee and migrant individuals and communities to join our committed Trustee Board here at South London Refugee Association.

What will you be doing?

Our organisation

South London Refugee Association was established in 1991 and is a well respected and trusted local resource. We are a front line community organisation providing advice and support to people who find themselves in extreme difficulty because of past trauma or because of restrictions related to their current immigration status.  As a relatively small charity with a wide reach, we support those who hold an aspiration of a normalised safe life here in the UK yet who face numerous obstacles in realising their dreams of settlement and safety.

We ‘re able to evidence excellent outcomes and value for money to the numerous Trusts, Foundations and public agencies which fund or commission our services.

Our Board

We have a committed Board of Trustees who bring a range of experience and expertise to the organisation. 

The role

Strategic Direction and oversight

• To ensure that SLRA fulfils its objects and set out in its governing documents and complies with regulations issued by the Charity Commission, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To contribute actively to giving strategic direction to SLRA.

Decision making

• To ensure that funding received is used for purposes agreed with funding bodies.
• To review and approve the annual audited accounts.
• To manage the organisation’s assets responsibly.
• To contribute to management decisions as and when they are required by the Chair and CEO.

Responsibilities

• To ensure that SLRA is managed efficiently by appointing and supporting the CEO and monitoring performance.
• To keep informed about the work of SLRA and the issues that affect our work.
• To raise the profile of SLRA and foster our excellent reputation.

Trustee Person Specification

Trustees need to be:

• People of integrity with good judgement and an ability to think strategically.
• Able to work constructively as part of a small team.
• Open minded with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Able to access the internet and to receive and send emails.

Ideally applicants will also have a knowledge of the local area gained through work or residence, however this is not essential if the trustee has other valuable and relevant experience.

What are we looking for?

Trustees need to be:

• People of integrity with good judgement and an ability to think strategically.
• Able to work constructively as part of a small team.
• Open minded with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Able to access the internet and to receive and send emails.

Ideally applicants will also have a knowledge of the local area gained through work or residence, however this is not essential if the trustee has other valuable and relevant experience.

We are particularly interested in applicants who have specific knowledge and experience of Human Resources or of Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable adults, however, we are happy to consider applications from potential trustees with other skills and experience.

What difference will you make?

As an SLRA trustee you will help to shape our strategic direction and to ensure that we continue into the future as a vital and trusted local resource.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance. Our Trustee Information Pack provides detail of our recruitment process.

We’ve been shaping social change since 1884.

In our 141st year, we are looking for new Trustees to us achieve our vision of a  fairer future for East London and beyond.

Vacancy: Finance Trustee x 2

About Toynbee Hall

Toynbee Hall works alongside people facing poverty and injustice to build a fairer future.

Based in the East End of London since 1884, we provide vital support to individuals through our advice and support services and work in partnership with local communities to tackle unfairness through research and advocacy. We are a place where people come together to work out solutions to the challenges facing us all and to shape systemic change.

As a charity we are governed by our Trustees - a group of volunteers who have responsibility for setting our strategy and ensuring we meet our charitable objectives.

However, with the pandemic's aftermath and the ongoing cost of living crisis, we face unprecedented challenges. The most vulnerable communities are hit hardest, and our role has never been more critical. We are constantly reviewing our own allocation of finite resources to ensure we are clearly and effectively focusing on where we can make the greatest impact. 

We are looking for Trustees with finance experience to join our Board; helping to shape our future plans and strategy.

Over the past five years, Toynbee Hall has undergone a significant renewal, revitalising our historical buildings, creating spaces that not only provide advice and community connections but also generate revenue to support the delivery of our services and research. Like many organisations we face challenges and some difficult decisions over this period but we are energised about the changes we want to see and how we can contribute. We are also keen to collaborate and grow our projects and thus have wider impact.

We have an engaged, diverse and skilled Trustee Board who are working alongside our senior team as we implement our new strategic plan and organisational priorities.

You can find out more about our existing Trustees on our website.

What we are looking for and what we can offer

It is important to us that we attract Trustees from a range of backgrounds. You don’t need to have previous experience of being a trustee, so please don’t let that put you off!

We will offer an induction program and support to take up the position.

We aim to have a trustee board that reflects the local community, so we especially encourage to apply if you live in Tower Hamlets or who have a personal connection with Toynbee Hall, Tower Hamlets or the East End. Our Board is currently diverse in age, gender and ethnicity and we are committed to maintaining that diversity. We particularly want to hear from potential Trustees who are Black or Asian.

The essential responsibilities of a Toynbee Hall Trustee is to ensure that the organisation pursues its charitable objectives and ensure we remain a going concern.

Trustees must be people with independent judgement, with an ability to think strategically and creatively about the challenges and opportunities ahead.

For this role you will have a financial qualification with at least 3 years’ experience in finance / accountancy. Ideally experience in financial decision making. An understanding of charity funding would be an advantage.

Above all you need to have real enthusiasm for our work and for supporting and guiding our Chief Executive and Toynbee Hall’s passionate and committed staff and volunteers so that they remain focused on tackling inequality and poverty in East London and beyond. And in return we are commitment to helping you gain experience in the non-profit sector strategy and decision making.

 The time commitment to be a Trustee

We ask our Board members to attend four evening Board meetings a year, an annual away-day and to be a member of one Committee. Our Committees meet up to three times a year. At the moment our committee meetings tend to be over video, where Board meetings aim to be in person. In person meetings take place at Toynbee Hall’s home in Commercial Street, E1. Board and Committee meetings are held in the evening.

Each Board member serves for a three-year term. This will then be reviewed by the Board with a maximum nine-year term.

Our Board members are also active ambassadors for Toynbee Hall. This means attending and supporting events and taking opportunities to promote and develop the work of Toynbee Hall through networks and contacts.

Next steps and what to expect

We will be accepting applications until midday on 9th June 2025. Interviews will be held with two of our trustees (online) and a second stage with the Chief Operating Officer (in person).

This is an exciting opportunity to get involved as a Learning Trustee in an engaging, decision making role in a charity that inspires and empowers young disabled adults to live fulfilling, independent lives – promoting personal development through the arts.

About the Orpheus Centre

The Orpheus Centre is a charity and college which supports young disabled adults aged 18-25 to learn essential life skills, gain formal qualifications and prepare for future employment.

There are currently 66 students with 21 living on site in Godstone, Surrey. Students come from across the UK and all have a love of the arts.

Started by lyricist and musician Sir Richard Stilgoe, the organisation offers learning, care and development opportunities at the college and in the wider community, working with professional artists, businesses and other charities.

The overall aim is to equip the students with the skills they need to live as independently as possible and to pursue their chosen careers.

Our core values are to be Joyful, Bold, Inclusive, Resilient and Determined. These values are the foundations for all our work and are what the organisation stands for.

Why should you apply?

Orpheus is a vibrant Independent Specialist college for young disabled adults who have a passion for the arts and a desire to live independently. Orpheus believes that disabled people should have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers.

The Board of Trustees are looking for a new Trustee who is passionate about our vision to empower and equip young disabled people with the skills and confidence they need in order to live independent and fulfilling lives in the community.

Time commitment

The time commitment is between 10 and 15 days per annum, including four Board meetings including the AGM (mainly in person), four committee meetings (mainly virtual), one or two awaydays and ad-hoc attendance.

What will you be doing?

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Orpheus, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document and with legal and regulatory guidelines.

The role of the Learning and Care Committee Co-Chair includes but also goes beyond the role of other Trustees. So in addition to your duties as a Trustee, you will take a leadership role in ensuring that the Board fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the Orpheus Centre in relation to Learning and Care. You will also work closely with the Chief Executive, Principal and Head of Care to support them in achieving the aims of the Orpheus Centre in the areas of Learning and Care, and will act as the channel of communication between the committee and the Board.

You will lead the committee, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for good governance, and will work in partnership with the Principal and Head of Care, helping them to achieve the department’s aims.

Your responsibilities will include:

• providing effective scrutiny, challenge and questioning related to curriculum and learner progress;
• supporting the learning management team with quality activities, including annual trustee learning walks and quarterly deep dive activity;
• ensuring that you undertake a thorough induction programme;
• leading the Learning and Care Committee, including chairing committee meetings effectively;
• monitoring progress in implementing decisions taken at committee meetings and keeping in close touch with the work of the Learning and Care Departments in general – while always respecting the boundary between the respective roles of executives and non-executives; 
• acting as a spokesperson for Orpheus when requested and as appropriate;
• providing a written and oral update of the last committee meeting at each Board meeting;
• assessing and monitoring risks relevant to the Learning and Care functions of the Orpheus Centre;

and

• monitoring and scrutinising performance data within the Learning and Care Departments.

How to apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following:

• A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements.
• A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification. Please note that the covering letter is an important part of your application.
• Contact details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you; referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer

We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be considered for interview.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are:

• Challenging attitudes towards disability
• Increasing understanding of disability
• Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
• Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration

This is a fantastic role to get involved locally and be at the forefront of solutions to help save nature in your community. It is an opportunity to try new things and use your skills to make a valuable contribution to the work of your RSPB Local Group. We are a friendly and supportive team, so you will get the chance to build new relationships and meet new faces.

You will be leading the group in developing a range of activities designed to encourage wide participation from the group membership and to attract new group members, as well as heading the committee comprising individuals which assist with the running of the group and the activities which we run. You will have the support of Area/Country offices, and HQ.