Community volunteer roles in east ham, greater london

Social Friday

Social Friday reinvents the end of the workweek by transforming unproductive Friday hours into a global tradition of purpose, teamwork, and impact—connecting businesses, nonprofits, and communities through hands-on engagement.

Fridays are the least productive time of the week. Work slows down, focus fades, and hours are lost. The numbers are staggering:

• Unproductive Friday hours cost the U.S. economy $1.9 trillion annually.
• 1 in 4 people worldwide feel lonely, struggling to reach their full potential.
• The U.S. Surgeon General calls loneliness an epidemic, costing employers $154 billion yearly.
• Remote and hybrid work has widened the gap, leaving employees more disconnected than ever.
• Societal tensions are rising, creating an urgent need for initiatives that bring people together.

Governments debate the four-day workweek—but what if, instead of subtracting a day from work, we added purpose to Fridays?

We face a choice: -Accept the status quo and keep losing trillions. +Or flip the script, turning Fridays into a force for good.

Social Friday isn’t just a project—it’s a movement. A global tradition in the making that transforms the least productive hours of the week into moments of connection, impact, and purpose, where doing good becomes a habit.

Beyond one-time events, Social Friday is designed to scale into a lasting global movement, embedding social impact into work culture and everyday life.

How It Works A scalable platform connects businesses, NGOs, and volunteers, transforming Fridays into a global force for change through engagement, collaboration, and gamification.

By integrating leaderboards, challenges, badges, and rewards, Social Friday keeps participation exciting and fosters a culture where social impact becomes part of the routine.

What Society Gains

• Stronger communities through meaningful connections and social cohesion.
• Better mental health as regular social engagement combats loneliness and stress.
• Economic benefits by addressing disengagement and reducing the financial impact of lost productivity.
• A culture of contribution that makes doing good an expected and enjoyable part of life.
• Encouragement of important conversations that spark awareness and long-term change.

What Nonprofits Gain

• Consistent and reliable volunteers who return regularly instead of one-time participation.
• Increased awareness and visibility as events spotlight causes and attract new supporters.
• Corporate partnerships that lead to long-term collaborations and structured support.
• A boost in fundraising efforts with more engaged donors and sponsorship opportunities.
• Social Friday has the power to become for nonprofits what Black Friday is for the retail industry, a recurring, high-impact tradition that drives engagement, resources, and long-term sustainability.

What Companies Gain

• Higher employee engagement that improves teamwork, motivation, and morale.
• Stronger workplace culture that fosters connection and shared purpose among employees.
• Improved employer branding, attracting top talent who value purpose-driven organizations.
• Enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through a structured and scalable approach.
• Innovation and problem-solving by exposing employees to new perspectives and social challenges.
• A deeper sense of gratitude among employees. In a world focused on what’s missing, Social Friday offers a reality check that shifts perspectives. Through hands-on engagement, employees develop greater appreciation, empathy, and resilience, strengthening workplace culture.

Innovative Expansion

• Reality TV Show where college teams compete to grow Social Friday, making social engagement visible and aspirational.
• Fashion with Purpose through apparel designed to spark conversations and reinforce a culture of connection.
• Education Programs that use research-backed initiatives to enhance students' social skills and promote civic engagement.
• The Social Friday Hymn, a unifying anthem that strengthens the identity of the movement and deepens its emotional impact.

This isn’t just about reducing disengagement. It is about transforming the way society, nonprofits, and businesses connect, creating a future where social impact is a shared responsibility, embedded into everyday life. Social Friday has the power to turn the least productive time of the week into the most meaningful, a global tradition, the Olympics of Giving Back.

Graphic Designer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

VISUAL STORYTELLER WITH A PASSION FOR PURPOSE? IT’S TIME TO DESIGN IMPACT.

If you see design as a way to move people and video as a tool to inspire change, then this might be the role you've been waiting for.

At Social Friday, we’re not just creating content—we’re shaping a movement. A mindset. A new way of seeing time, connection, and community. We turn ordinary Friday afternoons into powerful moments of purpose through storytelling, events, and global collaboration.

Now we’re looking for a creative soul who can bring our mission to life through visuals that resonate, inspire, and connect. If you’re a detail-obsessed, impact-driven designer and video editor with a strong creative eye, we’d love to meet you.

ABOUT THE MISSION Social Friday is the Olympics of Giving Back. Our mission is to transform the least productive hours of the workweek into opportunities for connection, awareness, and action. We work with nonprofits, companies, and individuals around the world to make doing good a habit—and a lifestyle.

Your role will be central to how the world sees and feels that mission. Whether it's a bold social media post, a heart-hitting event recap, or a campaign that turns heads and starts conversations—you’ll be the one making sure every pixel has purpose.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Design engaging visual content for digital platforms, campaigns, presentations, and events Edit short-form videos for social media, pitch decks, and post-event storytelling Collaborate with the marketing, content, and events teams to translate ideas into compelling visual stories Help shape and maintain a cohesive visual identity across all channels Take initiative in proposing new formats, design trends, and video concepts that elevate our mission Ensure that every piece of content reflects Social Friday’s bold, warm, and purpose-driven voice QUALIFICATIONS

Proven experience as a graphic designer and video editor with a strong portfolio Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially Illustrator, Photoshop, + Premiere Pro, After Effects) or equivalent tools A strong sense of typography, layout, color, and motion design Ability to adapt and create within brand guidelines while bringing fresh ideas to the table Passionate about social impact, visual storytelling, and meaningful communication Self-starter with excellent time management and attention to detail Bonus if you’ve worked in social impact, NGOs, or purpose-led brands JOIN THE MOVEMENT This isn’t just about creating content. It’s about designing a better way to spend our time, see the world, and connect with each other.

This is the Olympics of Giving Back. And you’ll be the visual voice of the movement.

Are you ready to turn ideas into visuals that move people?

Weekly Time Commitment

7-9 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

1-2 weeks

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.

Unify Giving is an innovative charitable technology platform that connects donors directly with verified individuals in need. Our mobile app enables anyone to donate directly to beneficiariesm ensuring 100% of donations reach recipients while preserving their dignity and choice. We partner with established charities who verify legitimate need.

Following our successful Newport pilot, we're expanding across the UK to help more individuals experiencing hidden homelessness and other forms of vulnerability.

Role Overview

As a Charity Liaison Officer volunteer, you'll be at the heart of our mission to bridge the gap between donors and those in need. This purpose-driven role focuses on establishing and nurturing partnerships with charitable organisations across the UK, enabling more vulnerable individuals to receive direct support through our platform.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while gaining valuable experience in the charity tech sector. You'll represent Unify Giving to potential charity partners, help onboard new beneficiaries, and ensure our existing partners are up-to-date with platform developments that can enhance their work.

Key Responsibilities

• Relationship Building: Develop and maintain strong relationships with charity partners who can verify and support potential beneficiaries.
• Partnership Outreach: Identify and approach suitable charitable organisations working with homeless individuals and other vulnerable populations.
• Onboarding Support: Guide charity partners through the process of bringing verified beneficiaries onto the Unify Giving platform.
• Training & Education: Provide training to charity staff on how to use the Unify Giving platform effectively.
• Impact Communication: Gather and share success stories (while maintaining privacy) to demonstrate the effectiveness of our direct giving model.
• Platform Ambassador: Keep charity partners informed about new features and improvements to the Unify Giving platform.
• Feedback Collection: Gather insights from charity partners to help us continuously improve our service.

What We're Looking For

• Passion for addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable individuals
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to explain technology in accessible, non-technical terms
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
• Experience in the charity sector, social work, or community engagement (desirable but not essential)
• Understanding of homelessness issues and challenges in the UK (desirable)
• Reliable access to transportation for partner visits when needed
• Comfortable using digital platforms and mobile applications

Time Commitment

We're looking for volunteers who can commit to approximately 5-10 hours per week, with flexibility around your schedule. This can include:

• Virtual meetings with potential and existing charity partners
• Occasional in-person visits to charities in your region (dependent on distance/ travel expenses covered)
• Regular check-ins with the Unify Giving team

What You'll Gain

• Make a direct impact on addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable individuals
• Develop professional skills in partnership building, communication, and the charity tech sector
• Gain insight into innovative solutions to social problems
• Be part of a passionate, mission-driven team
• Receive training and support from Unify Giving
• Opportunity to build your professional network across the charity sector
• Letter of recommendation upon successful completion of a 3-month volunteer period

Locations

We're particularly seeking volunteers in the following areas:

• London
• Newport
• Manchester
• Bristol
• Brighton & Hove
• Edinburgh
• Cardiff
• Other major UK cities (please specify your location when applying)

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from those with lived experience of homelessness or other forms of social exclusion.

Unify Giving connects those who want to help with those who need support, ensuring direct impact while preserving dignity and choice.

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SendToGive

We inspire creativity and social change.

We address two challenges:

1. Individual feelings of helplessness and anxiety amidst big, global problems such as poverty and climate change combined with a growing disconnection between individuals, cultures and communities across the world.
2. The lack of access to essential resources for marginalized groups of people. One example is that today, about 3.6 million Filipinos live without access to electricity or light. They get by with kerosine lamps which are not only hazardous to human health but dangerous to the environment. And now, with the global oil crisis in effect, families can literally burn up to 40% of their monthly income for just 2 hours/night of a dim flame.

It is our mission to enable people to apply their creativity for the benefit of society. We want to bring together artists from every discipline, age, and aspiration and enable them to collaborate on a platform that not only gives them visibility but a meaningful purpose behind their work. Ultimately, we want to mobilise communities to solve real-world problems in a fun and creative way. We do this on a per-project basis and mix the elements of creativity, culture, and social impact into everything we do. We have worked with DJs, dancers, graphic artists, directors, as well as early creatives who have helped us with event decoration, social media promotion, support with grant writing. Our collaborators have come from across the world. Among the impacts we have made, it ranges from projects that make an impact for disadvantaged families in the Philippines, to supporting low-income LGBTQ communities with their rental costs.

Dear Volunteers,

We are a young, creative social impact organisation based in Berlin that has already positively impacted the lives of over 500 people. We believe that every person has the power to shape the world around them, and work on unlocking that power through creativity and collaboration. We welcome you to join us!

Video Editor

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

• Help us use social media as a platform for good by creating content that inspires, motivates, and brings positivity

• Leverage our extensive library of inspiring and high-quality videos and photos, ranging from our creative events in Berlin to the social impact work with indigenous people in the Philippines

• Co-create storylines that reach our target audience: people interested in social impact, aspiring and current social entrepreneurs

• Help us clarify the messaging of our social impact brand through storytelling (rather than explaining). Create a voice and visual narratives that people can relate to, and bring fun and inspiration back into social media.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

We are looking for a Trustee to join the Board at Ivy Learning Trust, with specific expertise in HR.

This is an exciting time for us as we launch our three-year People Strategy to attract, recruit and retain the best people. Our Trustees will be instrumental in monitoring the performance of this strategy.

You don’t need previous governance experience and full training will be provided. This is a voluntary role, with reasonable travel expenses paid.

About Ivy 

Ivy Learning Trust is a family of 17 primary schools in Enfield and Hertfordshire. We are a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing a great education for children in a warm, welcoming environment, inspiring them to develop a lifelong love of learning.

Fundraising Events Organiser Volunteer

Would you like to be part of a dedicated and friendly team of volunteers and make a real difference to the lives of cats and kittens in our care?  Do you enjoy planning and organising for events?  Maybe you have a particular skill that you would like to put to use?
 
Then this could be the role for you! 
 
Our Fundraising Events Team are at the heart of what we do, raising essential funds for the cats. 

Our Fundraising Events Organisers share ideas, tasks and inspiration, planning and delivering local events, with the support of the Fundraising events helpers, such as Open Days (usually 2 per year) at the centre and our annual Christmas Bazaar. 

Time Expectation:  This role can be varied and time commitment can be flexible. 

Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.

We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.

Please note:  Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Full training and support will be given for all roles.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Position Overview:
The Customer Service Representative (CSR) plays a dual role in driving programme enrollment and delivering exceptional service to prospective participants. Focused on sales and outreach, this position generates leads, conducts cold calls, and converts inquiries into enrollments for the employability and skills development programme. With a strong emphasis on meeting sales targets, the CSR will articulate the programme’s value proposition, address concerns, and guide prospects through the enrollment process while maintaining a participant-centric approach.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sales & Lead Generation:

   • Proactively identify and engage potential participants through cold calling, email campaigns, social media outreach, and community partnerships.

   • Achieve monthly enrollment targets by converting leads into committed participants, tracking conversion rates and pipeline progress.

2. Participant Onboarding:

   • Serve as the first point of contact for inquiries, providing detailed information about programme benefits, eligibility criteria, and enrollment steps.

   • Guide prospects through the application process, ensuring a seamless transition from inquiry to enrollment.

3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

   • Maintain accurate records of leads, interactions, and conversions in the CRM system.

   • Follow up with prospects to address concerns, nurture interest, and close enrollments.

4. Reporting & Feedback:

   • Provide weekly updates to the Programme Lead on sales performance, challenges, and market insights.

   • Share participant feedback to improve programme positioning and outreach strategies.

1. Compliance & Ethics:

   • Adhere to organisational policies and ethical standards in all sales activities, ensuring transparency and respect for participant needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field preferred.

• Experience:

  • 2+ years in sales, telemarketing, or customer service roles with a proven track record of meeting/exceeding targets.

  • Experience conducting cold calls, managing leads, and closing conversions.

• Skills:

  • Strong persuasive communication and active listening skills.

  • Proficiency in CRM systems and Google products (Forms, Docs, Sheets, Slides).

  • Ability to articulate complex programme details in a clear, motivating manner.

  • Resilience in handling objections and rejection.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

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.

Our partner supports young people, who have experienced childhood trauma such as abuse, exclusion or violence in their communities, and have experience in health, youth justice and care services.

They are seeking a new Treasurer to take a lead on providing oversight of all financial aspects of the organisations on behalf of the Board of Trustees, as well as to share responsibility for the charity’s strategic direction, ensuring sound governance and staying true to its charitable objectives.

You will advise your fellow Trustees on financial issues, have oversight of internal financial controls and managing financial risks, and make sure that accurate and insightful financial information is provided both internally and externally, as required.

The board meets quarterly, on weekday evenings, in London and the total estimated time commitment required for the role is approximately 3-5 hours per week.

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For more Trustee & Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing support to over 800 older people in Southwark who are feeling lonely or isolated. Our vision is for friendly local communities where older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia can thrive in their later years.

All our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

Befriending is at the very heart of Link Age Southwark's services. Lots of the older people we work with are feeling lonely and in need of a little extra social company. Our fantastic volunteer befrienders visit an older person once a week, sharing a cup of tea and a chat together.

Demand for our befriending service continues to grow and we are looking for new people to join our existing team of volunteers so that we can support as many older people as possible. 

This role requires:

• volunteering for approximately 1 hour a week to visit an older person
• a commitment to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months
• a cheerful and friendly personality
• good communication/listening skills
• attendance at a volunteer induction and other relevant training opportunities
• completion of a full Disclosure Barring Service and character reference check
• a commitment to working within the policies of Link Age Southwark, in particular health & safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and equality and diversity

Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.

We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.

Please note that all our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

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).

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

As a growing organisation we are seeking to strengthen our Board through the appointment of 3 new trustees with a passion for supporting young people in to pathways towards meaningful and sustained employment and rewarding careers.

We are particularly looking for trustees who can demonstrate skills or experience in one or more of the following areas to enhance our Governance.

• Local Government experience
• Experience within the education sector
• Experience of policy, lobbying and campaigning

We are also seeking Young Trustees (under 25 years old) to represent youth voice on our Board. Ideally this will be someone with relevant lived experience and/or someone who has participated in Spark! programmes.

We welcome candidates with links to our priority areas of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow, and from ethnic minority and black backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve.

Applications from first-time trustees are welcomed and we will provide training and support on the role.

For more information please read the full recruitment pack.