Community volunteer roles in east ham, greater london

Join Our Founding Board of Trustees at SUNSHINE

Are you a visionary leader ready to steer transformative change? As we launch SUNSHINE—a soon-to-be registered charity committed to combating loneliness and forging genuine human connections—we invite experienced, passionate individuals to become our inaugural Board of Trustees. Your strategic guidance will be essential in shaping our future and ensuring we launch with the highest standards of governance and impact.

About SUNSHINE

At SUNSHINE, we believe that every person deserves to feel connected and valued. Our grassroots initiative is designed to spark joy, foster community, and provide innovative solutions for social isolation. As we prepare for official registration and set our mission in motion, your leadership will play a critical role in defining our direction and legacy.

Your Role as a Trustee

As a founding member of our Board of Trustees, you'll be at the helm of SUNSHINE's strategic evolution. Your insights and expertise will ensure we build a robust framework for success, guiding us through the essential stages of registration, compliance, and sustainable growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Define SUNSHINE’s vision, mission, and long-term strategy as we transition from start-up to impactful charity.

• Governance & Accountability: Establish and uphold the highest standards of ethical practice, legal compliance, and financial oversight.

• Risk & Opportunity Management: Identify potential challenges and opportunities, ensuring the charity's resilience and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

• Resource Development: Oversee funding strategies and resource management, laying the financial groundwork that supports our mission and future growth.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and nurture relationships with key partners, sponsors, and the community to drive collective impact.

• Charity Set-Up: Guide and lead on the formal processes including registration with the Charity Commission, HMRC account set‐up, and the development of robust operational policies.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking dedicated trustees with:

• Proven Leadership: Demonstrated expertise in governance, strategic planning, or financial stewardship within charitable or non-profit settings.

• Vision and Passion: A genuine commitment to community well-being and a passion for creating systems that empower and connect individuals.

• Innovative Thinking: The ability to adapt to the dynamic nature of a start-up charity, balancing bold ideas with meticulous attention to detail.

• Collaborative Spirit: A willingness to work closely with a diverse team and an openness to new perspectives that drive collective success.

• Commitment to Excellence: An eagerness to shape policies, uphold accountability, and be instrumental in building a sustainable and far-reaching organisation.

Why Join SUNSHINE’s Board of Trustees?

Becoming a trustee with SUNSHINE is more than a role—it’s a chance to craft a legacy. By lending your expertise at this pivotal stage, you will:

• Shape the Future: Directly influence the strategic direction and governance of a charity dedicated to changing lives.

• Build a Legacy: Contribute to a foundational framework that ensures our long-term success and impact on community well-being.

• Drive Innovation: Help steer a dynamic start-up environment where every decision you make contributes to groundbreaking community solutions.

• Experience Deep Fulfillment: Enjoy the profound satisfaction of making a lasting difference while collaborating with like-minded leaders committed to social change.

Step Into Leadership with SUNSHINE

If you’re ready to bring your wealth of experience and passion for impactful change to an organisation poised to transform communities, we invite you to join our inaugural Board of Trustees. Help us lay the cornerstone for a future where every individual shines with the light of connection and empowerment.

Welcome to SUNSHINE—where visionary leadership creates brighter tomorrows.

Join Us as Co-Chair at Mind in Enfield and Barnet

Be a driving force for mental health transformation in North London

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for mental health and social impact? Do you want to help shape the future of a dynamic, values-led charity making a real difference in people’s lives?

Mind in Enfield and Barnet (MiEB) is seeking a visionary Co-Chair to join our Board of Trustees and help guide our next chapter of growth and innovation.

About Us

MiEB is a leading local mental health charity, proudly affiliated with the national Mind federation but operating independently. Since our merger in 2021, we’ve grown significantly – supporting over 5,000 people annually through therapy, wellbeing, advocacy, and crisis services. We are Led by Lived Experience, with over 75% of our staff having personal experience of mental health challenges.

The Role

As Co-Chair, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and governance alongside your fellow Co-Chair
• Champion our mission, values, and new 2025-2028 strategy
• Facilitate inclusive, effective board meetings and decision-making
• Support and appraise the CEO
• Represent MiEB externally and help build partnerships
• Ensure we remain accountable, equitable, and impactful

You’ll work closely with a refreshed, skilled board and a passionate executive team to ensure MiEB continues to deliver services that change lives and lead systems change across Enfield and Barnet.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with:

• Senior-level leadership and governance experience
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and strategic thinking
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and lived experience
• A connection to Enfield, Barnet, or the wider North London community

Previous chairing experience is 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. Which of your professional skills and/or experience do you feel are most relevant to leading the Mind in Enfield and Barnet board of trustees and why.
2. Can you describe a time when you have chaired a challenging board level meeting or group discussion? What approach did you take? How effective was it?

Arts at Home brings conversations about art to people as a tool to tackle loneliness and isolation. Volunteers choose artworks in advance of each session to present to the residents, and though a small amount of preparation is required, prior knowledge of art history is not. Instead, the sessions are participatory and informal, with a focus on communication and connection. Often an artwork will spark conversation about something else entirely, with residents and volunteers reminiscing about past experiences, sharing stories and finding common ground! 

Volunteer Befriender

Octavia works with people affected by unemployment, ill health, social isolation or low income to connect them with opportunities for positive personal change. Our vision is to build stronger, happier and healthier communities in central and west London to help create an enriched life where we live. Please help us to do this by volunteering to befriend a member of the local community, who is isolated and vulnerable, in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea.

Reasons to volunteer

Would you like to assist an isolated person in your local area? Would you like to provide them with the emotional support, social skills and confidence that will help them to feel happier in their everyday life?

 You will know that you have helped someone to move on in their life and take part in society
 Full induction, ongoing training and support. This includes training on: communication, empathy, health and safety, confidentiality and safeguarding
 Opportunity to enhance your CV and to learn new skills
 We are able to provide references to employers and/or further education establishments
 Travel costs and out of pocket expenses reimbursed on the provision of receipts*

What would I be doing?

 Meeting once a week with the person you have been matched with, in their own home or an agreed public place, at a mutually agreed time
 Encourage communication on a shared interest or topic
 Arrange activities and listen to your Befriendee with empathy and encouragement
 On occasion you may be asked by your befriendee to accompany/escort them outside on a one to one basis or do some shopping in circumstances where they are unable to

What skills are we looking for?

 Good communication skills
 Understanding of empathy and the needs of people with isolation issues
 Understanding of confidentiality
 Able to use own initiative and work unsupervised, reliable and trustworthy
 We ask that you volunteer for 1 hour per week, for a minimum of 6 months

Sounds great! How do I sign up?

When you aplply, we ask for 2 references but these do not need to be from employers. For instance, they can be character references from college tutors or support workers who know you well. We also carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks on all volunteers, but this would only happen if we both agree that Befriending is the right fit for you.

We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please contact us should you prefer to apply over the phone or via hard copy, for accessibility reasons. If you require any adjustments due to a disability (including: physical, psychological or neurological disease or disorders) in order to get the most out of your time volunteering with us, please do let us know so that we can ideally facilitate this.

Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? No Going Back, an innovative and forward-thinking charity, is looking for dedicated volunteers to support a series of pre-employment workshops for ex-offenders preparing to re-enter the workforce. This is a powerful opportunity to help individuals on their journey to rebuild their lives, gain confidence, and take meaningful steps toward sustainable employment.

Join us and be part of a movement that changes lives - one second chance at a time.

About Us We are a committed and compassionate charity focused on providing support and opportunities to individuals who have faced significant challenges in their lives. Our mission is to empower ex-offenders by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to secure meaningful employment and lead fulfilling lives.

As a Sector Mentor, you will:

- Share your professional experience and insights with participants.

- Provide guidance on various job roles and career paths within your industry.

- Help participants understand the skills and qualifications needed for different positions.

- Offer advice on navigating the job market and accessing employment opportunities.

By volunteering with us, you will:

- Make a positive impact on the lives of ex-offenders.

- Gain valuable experience in teaching, mentoring, and community support.

- Meet new people and expand your professional network.

- Receive training and support from our experienced team.

- Be part of a supportive and friendly community of volunteers.

Join us in supporting ex-offenders as they reintegrate into the workforce. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, but we do have a few requirements:

- A genuine desire to help ex-offenders integrate back into society.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

- Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude.

- Availability to commit to a regular schedule of workshops and mentoring sessions.

We have a collection of books in our unique library, much of it donated by members of the community.

We are looking for a responsible person with the knowledge, skills and experience to repair/restore some old/damaged books, including reattach pages (Hard and soft cover books)

The work can be done in our premises or from home.

Background

First Step is a Charity based in the London Borough of Havering, working with families of children with special needs and/or disabilities. For more than 35 years, we have supported in excess of 1,500 families and their children.

Families are referred or self-refer to us at a moment of crisis or uncertainty, normally pre-diagnosis, where they have concerns about their child.  We provide a range of family-centric services tailored to each family’s and child’s needs.

During our history we’ve had highs and lows, including overcoming a challenging time following the withdrawal of funding from the Local Authority in 2017 as part of their own austerity cuts.  Despite this, we’ve managed to sustain the charity through increased fundraising.

Our current Board has more than 80 years of experience, and over the next couple of years we’re looking to add some new and dynamic Trustees to strengthen the team and bring refreshed critical and creative thinking to our Charity.

The Chair of Trustees Role

Our Chair is looking to stand down after 10 fulfilling years, and we are looking for a new Chair to work with our Board and CEO to further strengthen our organisation long into the future.  

The new Chair should be ambitious for our Charity and have the vision and energy to help it extend its reach and impact, along with being an experienced leader who has empathy for our families, and lives our values.

They will need to have the ability to lead from the front in a collaborative style that builds consensus amongst the board, so we can meet the challenges ahead.

First Step are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities.

RollaDome All Skate is looking for a passionate and detail-oriented Events Logistics Officer (Volunteer) to assist in sourcing venues for our skating clubs, classes, and events. This volunteer position is a fantastic opportunity for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in event logistics, venue management, and the expansion of community-driven programs. You will play a key role in ensuring the successful organization of events that contribute to RollaDome’s mission to bring skating to local communities. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Venue Sourcing: Research and identify venues across the UK that can be used for RollaDome’s skating clubs, classes, and events. Ensure that venues are accessible, affordable, and meet the needs of our participants. 

• Permanent Home Search: Assist in sourcing and evaluating potential permanent locations for RollaDome, ensuring they align with the long-term goals of the organization. 

• Vendor and Venue Relations: Build and maintain relationships with venue managers, landlords, and relevant stakeholders. Negotiate favourable terms for venue rentals and partnerships. 

• Venue Suitability Assessment: Evaluate potential venues for their suitability in terms of size, location, cost, accessibility, and other factors critical to the success of RollaDome’s programs. 

• Logistical Planning: Coordinate the logistical needs for clubs and classes, including setting up and maintaining schedules, organizing transportation, and ensuring that all equipment and materials are available at each venue. 

• Compliance and Safety: Ensure that all venues meet health and safety regulations and are compliant with the necessary legal and operational requirements. 

• Venue Database Management: Create and manage a database of potential venues and contacts for current and future use. 

• Collaboration: Work closely with the program managers, event planners, and other team members to ensure that venues meet program needs and contribute to the success of events. 

• Budget Management: Assist in managing the venue budget, ensuring that all bookings are cost-effective and within the organization’s financial capacity. 

• Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports on venue searches, negotiations, and bookings to the management team. 

Skills & Qualifications 

• Strong research and organizational skills, with an ability to find and assess potential venues across the UK. 

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills to secure favourable venue contracts. 

• Strong attention to detail in managing logistics, ensuring smooth coordination for events and programs. 

• Ability to work independently and take initiative in solving logistical challenges. 

• Knowledge of health and safety requirements for venues and events is a plus. 

• Ability to manage budgets and find cost-effective solutions for venue needs. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) and familiarity with database management tools. 

• Passion for community engagement and a desire to contribute to the growth of RollaDome’s programs. 

Commitment 

• Minimum 15 hours per week, with flexible hours. 

Benefits 

• Gain valuable experience in brand management and marketing within a charity. 

• Develop strategic and creative skills while working with a passionate team. 

• Make a meaningful contribution to a community-focused organisation. 

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Trustees manage the affairs of our local RSPCA Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area. 

We are the Surrey East Branch of the RSPCA, and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. 

Main activities: 

• To be familiar with and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA. 

• To be familiar with our branch rules and follow them at all times. 

• To work with your fellow trustees and branch officers to jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of our branch and the RSPCA. 

• To ensure the branch meets all the minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS). Where they are not met, work with national RSPCA staff to meet the standard as soon as practicable. 

• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch support specialist (BSS), to write, adopt, monitor and review a branch development plan setting out the short and long-term aims of our branch. 

• To actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting, and regional conference. 

• To be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives. 

• To attend the trustee training course. 

• To actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers. 

• To welcome new trustees and volunteers to the branch. 

About the RSPCA

We’re proud to be the oldest welfare charity in existence

• We were the first to introduce a law to protect animals and we work hard to ensure that all animals can live a life free from pain and suffering. 

• Through our campaigns we raise standards of care and awareness of issues for the animals who have no voice. We push for laws to be changed, improving the welfare of animals on farms, in research labs, in the wild, in paddocks or in our homes. 

• Through investigations and prosecutions, we stand up to those who deliberately harm animals to send out a clear message - we will not tolerate animal abuse. 

• Our highly trained officers tackle neglect and cruelty at every level and are working hard to stamp out large-scale serious, organised and commercial animal cruelty. 

• We believe every animal has the right to be counted as an individual. Animals can rely on us to rescue them when they need us most. To rehabilitate them wherever possible, provide them with the very best veterinary care and to find them new homes, either through rehoming or release.

What are we looking for? 

• Most people aged 18 or over are eligible to become a trustee. You will need to become a member of the RSPCA. Good interpersonal skills are important. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense and the ability to be objective is vital. 

• Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, and awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential. 

• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and that they accept the post. 

• In addition to our standard declaration of willingness, trustees also need to complete a declaration from the Charity Commission and read their guidance for individuals on who can’t be a trustee or senior manager of a charity. 

What can we offer you? 

• It’s a great way to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. 

• You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals. 

• New RSPCA trustees are provided with a document “Trustees handbook” and asked to attend a training course which provides information and guidance about a trustee’s role and responsibilities. 

• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch. 

• Volunteer at the heart of the local community. 

Join our ever expanding team of therapists to deliver face to face counselling to anyone over the age of 18 years, in South West London.

You will become part of an organisation that is passionate about providing support for the local community, along with therapists from a diverse range of backgrounds.

We offer

• Free fortnightly supervision
• Appraisals and feedback for institutions
• Support from counselling and admin team
• Free training and CPD

We ask for therapists to:

• Have completed at least 100 hours of face to face, supervised clinical experience completed. Relevant work / life experience will be considered.
• Be qualified to Level 5 diploma level or be enrolled on the 2nd year of a BACP or UKCP accredited course.
• Be able to commit to three clients a week, for a minimum of 2 years.
• Attend personal therapy throughout their placement while a trainee.
• Attend fortnightly Richmond AID supervision.
• Hold membership of their relevant awarding body

Who are we?

Switchboard LGBTQIA+ exists to provide members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as their friends, family and those supporting them, with a listening service that they can contact via phone, instant message and email between the hours of 10am to 10pm every day.

We are happy to talk to service users about any topic they wish. Topics we often talk to service users about include: sexual health, safer sex, relationships, coming-out, gender identity, transitioning, mental health, experiences of hate crimes, support for meeting other LGBTQIA+ people and making friends, and much more.

However, we want to also be upfront and transparent about the fact that not all of our conversations are positive or constructive. Our volunteers can also be exposed to abuse from the public, manipulative callers, sexual fantasies and safeguarding concerns.

Training for POC volunteers

At Switchboard we are working to ensure that our volunteer membership reflects everyone within the LGBTQIA+ community. We want service users to be able to speak with volunteers who can empathise with their experiences and volunteers to connect with folks from a wide range of different backgrounds, cultures and identities.

To help enable us to do this even more, we have created brand new dedicated training groups for different identities within the LGBTQIA+ community. 

This group training group is specifically set up for people of colour. By joining this group, you'll undertake our Core Acceptance Training programme which equips you with the skills needed to support those contacting us via phone and instant message. Our hope is that this safe space enables you to freely ask questions, put our listening toolkit into practice and discuss approaches to different scenarios in an engaging, enjoyable way.

Who are we looking for?

To ensure we can provide a high quality service to those who contact us, we are looking for volunteers who:

• Simply put, like communicating and chatting with other people (you’re most likely a people-person who feels energised by this type of communication)

• Feel comfortable taking calls and speaking over the phone to people you do not already know

• Are familiar with different instant messaging platforms (such as WhatsApp and other chat tools) and the types of communication they might receive

• Are able to read between the lines to decipher messages

• Are good listeners who let others lead conversations and instead create the space they need

• Are able to ask broad, open questions to keep conversations flowing

• Understand the importance of using the right tone when communicating in writing, and are able to flex their writing style to suit different people

• Have a strong attention to detail, with a particular focus on spelling and grammar

• Are able to evaluate sources of information and identify those that can be trusted, from those that cannot

• Know when to challenge and when to step back

• Have essential digital literacy skills (such as using email tools such as gmail and outlook, search the web for information and copy and paste website URLs)

• Understand and support our mission

• Have an awareness of the challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community

• Are empathetic in nature

• Agree to uphold our values of being non-directive and non-judgemental

Location: Remote with occasional in-person meetings 

Commitment: Approximately 8-10 hours/month

About Children With Voices (CWV):

Children With Voices is a community-driven charity committed to supporting young people, families, and communities through initiatives focused on mental health, well-being, food sustainability, and youth empowerment. We aim to create safe, inclusive spaces that promote resilience, opportunity, and growth.

Role Overview:

The Board Secretary plays a crucial role in ensuring strong governance, effective communication, and operational efficiency across CWV’s board activities. This volunteer position supports compliance, board administration, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning—contributing directly to CWV’s mission and long-term impact.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Board Governance & Compliance

•Maintain accurate and confidential records of board meetings, decisions, and policies.

•Ensure compliance with charity governance frameworks and legal regulations.

•Support the board in implementing best practices in governance and administration.

2. Meeting Coordination & Strategic Support

•Organise and facilitate board meetings: prepare agendas, document minutes, and track action points.

•Maintain up-to-date records of board members, policies, and governance materials.

•Assist in aligning board discussions with CWV’s strategic objectives.

3. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

•Act as a liaison between board members, stakeholders, and external partners.

•Represent CWV at public engagements, networking events, and charity forums.

•Maintain a professional tone in all correspondence and ensure timely communication.

4. Mental Health & Well-Being Advocacy

•Support the integration of mental health awareness into board planning and discussions.

5. Financial Administration & Fundraising Support

•Assist in tracking financial documentation, grant applications, and reporting requirements.

•Support funding strategies by ensuring appropriate record-keeping and compliance.

•Work closely with fundraising leads to maintain transparency and donor trust.

Key Skills & Experience:

•Experience in board administration, governance, or executive-level support.

•Strong knowledge of UK charity regulations and non-profit governance best practices.

•Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience in minute-taking and report writing.

•Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint).

•Experience in stakeholder engagement, public speaking, or advocacy work.

•Understanding or experience in mental health, psychotherapy, or community wellness is highly desirable.

•Familiarity with financial processes in a non-profit or charitable context is a plus.

What You’ll Gain:

•Opportunity to play a key role in shaping a growing community organisation.

•Experience in charity governance and strategic planning.

•A chance to contribute to mental health and youth development initiatives.

•Connections with a passionate, diverse, and purpose-driven board team.

Next Steps:

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a short expression of interest outlining relevant experience and motivation for the role.

Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures and the charity has been providing mentoring services to people in prison since 1998. We provide support to men between the ages of 18 - 35 in custody who have 6 months left of their prison sentence, and then 'through the gate' into their community for up to 12 months.

In London, services are delivered at HMP Brixton and HMPYOI Isis. We are looking for volunteer mentors who can spare half a day per week to support young men to change their life by acting as an inspirational role model and helping with goal setting. Mentoring sessions usually last 1 hour per week; allowing enough time for travel and liaising with Trailblazers staff will take about half a day.

Your support will help a young man to reconnect with his own community, friends and loved ones, go into education, training and employment, and to give a person a sense of hope for the future. As a charity we are reliant on volunteers; with your help we can continue to support people in prison to make and change to their lives, their family and wider society. We welcome all skill sets within Trailblazers as we work with a diverse group of men, all we ask if you have a genuine passion for social change and that you can commit to at least 1 young man for up to 12 months, so they have a consistent person in their life - something that some of our mentees have never had. The national average re-offending rate for a person leaving prison is up to 55%, the rate for those who have a Trailblazers mentor is lowered to 9%. 

We are actively looking for people to join our mentoring community with lived experience of the criminal justice system, underrepresented groups from BAME community, creative arts, business skills, wellbeing - whatever your skills and background we are open to hear from you to support our diverse group of men.Out of pocket expenses are covered as well as training to equip you for your role. More information and the application form can be found on the website. 

Role activities:

• To provide a positive role model for people in prison and in their own community, to be empathic and to have a desire and commitment to support people to fulfil their potential.

• To attend and participate fully in the initial and ongoing mentor training.

• To attend group support/supervision meetings and review performance within mentoring relationships.

• To complete mentoring session notes relevant to the mentoring service for monitoring purposes.

• To take part in introductory meetings with mentees and set ground rules and boundaries.

• To report safeguarding concerns immediately.

• To follow relevant policies and procedures. 

• To perform your role in line with the aims of the organisation.

• To meet with and actively develop a supportive relationship with mentees.

• Be prepared to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions. 

• To make the necessary practical arrangements to meet the mentee on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

• Assist the mentee to celebrate their achievements.

• Support the mentee to meet identified goals.

• Develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor.

• Be committed to the project for a minimum of 12 months.

• Regular communication with Trailblazers staff in support of your mentee. 

Skills/behaviours/knowledge required:

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and challenges faced by mentees (Desirable) full training will be given. 

• Awareness of own professional boundaries and the ability to report any concerns within the mentoring relationship that could be pertinent to risk to the mentee, or to others. 

• To be an advocate for a mentee and to actively seek opportunities for mentees for resettlement back into their own community in conjunction with Trailblazers staff. 

• To be non-judgmental, focus on the person rather than the offense. 

• Professional but relatable with strong communication skills. 

• Awareness of adversity and how to overcome barriers to build a supportive network around the mentee. 

• Basic IT skills. 

• Be able to take advice and guidance from Trailblazers staff. 

Criteria: 

• Over 21. 

• We encourage applications from those with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System but you must be off licence for a minimum of 12 months, and not in crisis yourself. 

• You cannot apply to a project if you have been a resident in the same prison yourself. 

• A good level of fitness to able to move around a prison at fast past that does include stairs 

• Due to security checks at the prison you must be a British citizen.     

• Not committed an offense where you are barred from working with vulnerable adults or children. 

• Live within a 30-mile radius from the prison at which you would like to volunteer.

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

Join us in leading positive change!

Quilombo UK is looking for an experienced Research Assistant, who would love to join a growing organisation.

The Research Assistant role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to: 

• Gain experience in the Third Sector. 

• Develop their skills and management experience; or just simply 'give something back to their community'.

The role provides you with flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary, specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Since its creation, Quilombo UK has collected a great amount of information, evidence and items through projects, fundraisers, events etc.

• We are looking for a team member to find published materials related to Quilombo UK key objectives and interests, especially cultural and racial diversity, and stereotypes in UK communities. The materials include all types of evidence, articles, journals, newspaper columns, local and global news stories. 

• The researcher will help to collect information that can be used as an evidence base to help inform future activities, and also in exhibitions, workshops, and community events. 

• We are looking for a self-starter who can source, collect, and share relevant materials independently. You will also be working closely with our Professional Development Programme participants in relevant areas such as Marketing and PR.

• Provide written reports as and when required. To undertake additional duties as required for the role.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential:

• You will need to have good written skills and be able to explain concepts and projects concisely and accurately. 

• You will be self-starting and willing to research the various projects that we have carried out and catalogue all the evidence collected.

• You will need to have good communication and team-working skills as you will be working closely with Marketing & PR and other members.

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

• Be computer literate - a good understanding of Microsoft Word is essential and Excel skills are beneficial although support from other members will be provided if necessary.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments 

• Be a strong team player.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

• Proficiency in Microsoft and Excel

• Can work without much supervision.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.