Community volunteer roles in thirsk, north yorkshire
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking a skilled and passionate Volunteer Trust & Grant Bid Writer to help secure funding that will enable us to continue and grow our life-transforming work in Christian mental health. Working with the Director of Development, the role will involve identifying funding opportunities, preparing compelling grant applications, and helping us build strong relationships with trusts and foundations aligned with our mission.
Mercy UK is a Christian mental health and wellbeing charity, committed to equipping people to live free and stay free through a range of trauma-informed, faith-based support services. From our flagship Freedom Journey programme to practical resources like Keys to Freedom, we support individuals navigating emotional and spiritual challenges and empower churches and Christian organisations to provide meaningful, transformational support.
Key Responsibilities
● Research suitable grant-making trusts and foundations, with a particular focus on those funding mental health, faith-based initiatives, and/or community wellbeing.
● Work closely with the Director of Development to maintain a pipeline of prospective funders.
● Draft high-quality, tailored funding applications that reflect the heart, outcomes, and impact of Mercy UK’s work.
● Collate and interpret project data, outcomes, and financial information to support applications.
● Support the development of template responses and maintain accurate records of submissions and outcomes.
● Assist in preparing follow-up reports or updates required by funders.
What We’re Looking For
● Strong written communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive and inspiring content.
● Attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
● Experience of fundraising through trusts and foundations, or equivalent transferable experience in writing bids or proposals.
● An ability to articulate and represent Christian values and ethos respectfully and effectively in written applications.
● Passion for mental health and wellbeing, and alignment with Mercy UK’s mission and values.
What You’ll Gain
● The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a growing, impactful charity.
● Experience in trust and grant fundraising, with support and guidance from our development team.
● A chance to use your skills to directly support the emotional, spiritual, and mental wellbeing of individuals across the UK and beyond.
● References and testimonials for future opportunities.
● Access to Mercy UK’s Employee Assistance Programme with Health Assured
The role carries an Occupational Requirement on the grounds of religion and belief in keeping with current guidance. The postholder must be able to demonstrate a Christian belief and value system, in line with Mercy UK’s statement of faith, ethical framework and core competency statement.
We are seeking a passionate and committed Trustee to join our Board and help guide our strategic growth. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an organisation that places local people at the heart of creating positive change. We are particularly interested in recruiting candidates that have skills in finance and legal compliance.
As a Trustee, you will:
Strategic Leadership
o Help shape our strategic direction and ensure we fulfil our charitable objectives
o Monitor progress against our "Empowering Futures" 2024-2026 strategy
o Contribute to developing future strategic plans
Governance
o Ensure the charity operates within its governing document and legal framework
o Safeguard the charity's reputation, values, and integrity
o Approve policies, annual budgets, and financial statements
o Ensure proper financial controls and risk management systems are in place
• Financial Oversight
o Review financial performance and ensure financial stability
o Ensure charitable funds and assets are used appropriately
o Support the development of diversified income streams
• Advocacy
o Act as an ambassador for The Mason Foundation
o Use your networks to support our mission and expand our reach
o Promote our work and impact to potential partners and supporters
Safeguarding
o Ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals
o Foster a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
What You'll Bring
• Strategic vision and good judgment
• Commitment to our mission of reducing inequalities
• Willingness to devote time and effort
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Understanding of charity governance (desirable)
What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey
What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey
Our mission is to remove barriers, provide opportunities to build lasting friendships, celebrate inclusivity, and reduce inequalities.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Help children as Trustee of an innovative, enterprising Tees Valley Charity that is increasingly supporting children in care through fostering and a planned residential provision. Join an agency that transforms children's lives.
What will you be doing?
You will join us at an exciting time as we pursue growth of fostering and residential services, as well as growth of our early help offer.
You will work across the Charity and the subsidiary fostering company (which we will amalgamate back into the parent Charity).
You will have a particular focus on helping the fostering agency drive growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver excellent care for children and support for foster parents. You will provide support and challenge to the management team.
You’ll contribute 2 to 6 hours a month. The Charity board meets every 8 weeks (shifting to quarterly after September) and the fostering board meets every 8 weeks.
You’ll join a Charity that’s brought £millions of investment into Tees Valley and that helps over 1000 local people a year. We’ve been runners up at the national Charity Governance Awards and ‘community’ winners at the Hartlepool Business Awards.
We are looking for experienced professionals who share our values and want to help.
What are we looking for?
At this time we are specifically looking for Trustees with some of these areas of skills or experience:
Business development
Safeguarding management
Fostering or children's residential care or childrens social work management
Financial management
What difference will you make?
We want to help children and family members heal from trauma, primarily through helping them develop a network of nurturing, loving and appropriately challenging relationships with people in their close and wider communities. Any small surplus we make from helping children in care will be diverted into work to help families stay together and thrive. You will join a team that strives to make this difference. You will help ensure the Charity keeps a strong focus on children and young peoples needs whilst being sustainability and ensuring the agency manages the risks associated with growth and investment in new services.
Before you apply
After expressing an interest through the site, we'd welcome an initial conversation with our CEO and/or Chair. After that, we usually take applications to the Board for consideration. This is usually quite a quick process.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The role in a nutshell:
Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!
What will you be doing?
Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.
How would you be supported in this role?
When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.
Additional information:
We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The role in a nutshell:
Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!
What will you be doing?
Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.
How would you be supported in this role?
When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.
Additional information:
We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The role in a nutshell:
Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!
What will you be doing?
Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.
How would you be supported in this role?
When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.
Additional information:
We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The role in a nutshell:
Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!
What will you be doing?
Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.
How would you be supported in this role?
When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.
Additional information:
We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit an Activities Volunteer for the Hambleton and Richmondshire Group. As our local group Activities Volunteer you’ll help us to set up activities in the area. Whether you’re serving refreshments, talking to people, registering attendees or collecting payments, you’ll be making sure everyone feel welcome.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills. Most importantly you’ll be supporting your local group to run activities that bring friendship and fun to your local MS Community.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need up to two hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully
2. Please apply online
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
While gaining invaluable experience in recruitment, human resources and NFP Social enterprise, practice your passion within real-life scenarios.
We are looking for Recruitment Managers to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in sourcing, engaging and will help us build a diverse and dedicated team to support our brand messages and visions.
If you are enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated about building a dynamic team and are excited to contribute your recruitment skills to a meaningful cause, join us as a Recruitment Manager Volunteer. Together, we can create a positive and lasting impact in our community.
Please note the role is a voluntary position and could be entirely remote. Any incurred reasonable expenses will be paid.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with HR and leadership team to understand needs, roles and requirements.
- Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies and campaigns.
- Utilise online platforms, social media, and community networks to advertise opportunities.
- Assist with review applications and inquiries, and assess candidate suitability.
- Conduct interviews with potential candidates to determine their skills, motivations, and alignment with our values and visions.
- Maintain a database of potential and current candidates and keeping track of their skills, interests, and availability.
- Work closely with leadership team and other team members to ensure a seamless transition from recruitment to engagement.
- Regularly report on recruitment metrics and effectiveness to the leadership team.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve recruitment process.
Requirements:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively market and promote opportunities.
- Experience in recruitment, human resources, or volunteer management is a plus.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
- Proficiency in using online platforms, social media, and communication tools.
- Dedicated and willing to learn.
- Committed to our values and mission
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can become a vital part of our team.
ABOUT TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.
Tackle and reduce youth unemployment by providing with the necessary tools to develop skills, aptitudes, knowledge and self-confidence.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Over past decades, enormous advances have been made in our understanding of MS. Research has got us to a critical point, and we can see a future where nobody needs to worry about their MS getting worse. Our Stop MS Appeal needs to raise £100 million to find treatments for everyone with MS.
Our Stop MS Champions help us reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal by encouraging raising funds and awareness by delivering presentations, attending events and identifying new audiences to speak to. They inspire people to engage with and influence fundraisers and groups, enthuse people and make sure our community’s voice is heard.
As our Lead Stop MS Champion, you’ll motivate your team of Stop MS Champions to help reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal.
By using your ability to motivate and support, you will oversee and lead a team of 5-10 Stop MS Champion volunteers, encouraging them to engage the people they know to raise funds and awareness, and provide reliable information and guidance.
You’ll also network to engage with and influence fundraisers and community groups, enthusing people by delivering presentations at events and finding new audiences to speak to. In this role, as well as developing your leadership, networking, influencing, communication, organisation and presentation skills, you’ll have a chance to be part of something amazing – you could help us stop MS.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the Hambleton and Richmondshire Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully
2. Please apply online
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Could you help shape Mind in Kingston’s future and support more people with mental health needs?
We’re a passionate, independent local charity working across the Royal Borough of Kingston, affiliated with national Mind. Our vision? A world where everyone experiencing a mental health problem receives the support and respect they deserve — and we won’t stop until that happens.
We’re now looking for new Trustees to help lead us forward. We’re looking for people who can:
- Think strategically and creatively
- Lead the organisation towards fully achieving its commitment and ambition
- Scrutinise the impact we’re having
- Communicate clearly and sensitively in large group discussions
- Use independent judgement to make decisions on behalf of the organisation
- Be committed to our mission, vision and values.
Role Highlights:
- Time Commitment: 4–8 hours per month (meetings held online)
- Voluntary role with expenses paid
- Trustees receive: Induction, training, expenses, and skill-building opportunities.
We are Mind in Kingston. We fight for mental health. For Respect. For Support. For you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Role: Admin, Social Media & Fundraising Support
Organisation: Whispaws Animal Sanctuary
Location: Flexible - Local (South East London / North Kent) or Remote
About Us
Whispaws Animal Sanctuary is a UK-based charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned dogs and cats in Serbia. We provide veterinary care, rehabilitation, and adoption opportunities, and run sterilisation campaigns to reduce the street dog population. Our work also includes a street feeding campaign, ensuring that abandoned animals living outdoors receive regular food and care.
We are a small but passionate team, committed to improving animal welfare through hands-on rescue work, community outreach, and fundraising.
The Role
We are looking for reliable, proactive volunteers to join our team and support us with general administration, social media, and fundraising. You may choose to help in one area or across several, depending on your skills, interests, and availability. The work can be done remotely, although if you are based near Sevenoaks, Blackheath, or Chislehurst, there are opportunities to join our in-person fundraising events.
Key Areas of Involvement
General Administration
-
Use Google Drive to organise and manage charity documents (training provided if needed)
-
Input and manage data accurately
-
Filing expenses using Google Drive
-
Help with Sponsorship Programme management for dogs in our care
Fundraising
-
Approach local businesses for sponsorships, donations, and event prizes
-
Join the team in planning and advertising in-person fundraising events
-
Support online fundraising campaigns through social media
-
Suggest and help develop creative fundraising ideas
Social Media
-
Share adoption posts across multiple platforms
-
Take charge of posting existing prepared content to our channels
-
Manage and update dog adoption profiles on Facebook
Who We’re Looking For
-
Dedicated to animal welfare and making a real difference
-
Honest and clear about what tasks they can take on, and follow through reliably
-
Organised and able to complete agreed tasks in a timely manner
-
Comfortable using (or quick to learn) Google Drive and basic admin tools
-
Self-motivated, with good communication skills
-
A bonus if based locally and able to attend events in person
What You’ll Gain
-
The opportunity to directly improve the lives of animals in need
-
Experience in charity administration, fundraising, and social media
-
Being part of a friendly, supportive, and passionate team
-
Flexible working hours to fit around your schedule
Time Commitment
Flexible: Whether you can help with a single task or ongoing responsibilities, we just ask that you commit to what you can realistically offer each month and see it through to completion.
How to Apply
Please apply via CharityJob with a short introduction about yourself, your skills, and how much time you can commit each month. Let us know which areas you’re most interested in helping with.
Volunteer-run UK charity improving animal welfare in Serbia through rescue, street outreach & sterilisation, giving safety, healing & homes
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Who are we?
We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We work with children, young people, families and other professionals associated and affected by illness and disability. We have several different services including inclusive characters, sensory workshops, resources, events, advocacy and more.
What are we looking for?
Do you enjoy art? Graphic design? Are you an amazing illustrator? Then we might just have a project for you. One of our aims is to have every type of disability in every culture, religion and ethnicity depicted through our characters. And yes, we know that’s going to mean a lot of hard work and a lot of characters! But NO we are not asking you to complete this entire project!
We’ve created 11 characters so far that depict a variety of conditions. We want to look at potentially re-developing these characters and starting work on some new ones!
What do we expect?
- Be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.
-
Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably be on the update system)
-
Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it
with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if
appropriate).
-
A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.
What can you expect?
• A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. You don’t have to regularly commit your time.
-
A kind, caring, nurturing company who cares about people, staff and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work.
- A very positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations will be made that you require. If there is anything you wish to discuss in private please email us and we will arrange a confidential chat.
Benefits to Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles CIC
- Gaining valuable experience and improving your confidence
-
Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest.
-
Make a difference to community
-
Develop your current skill set and gain new skills.
-
Displays your level of commitment to future employers.
- Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future employment.
For further information or to apply email us and we will be happy to chat.
Please let us know if you require any adaptions.
To increase inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Women's Aid Luton is seeking a visionary and dedicated Chair of the Board to lead and support the transformation and growth of our small yet impactful charity.
Women’s Aid Luton supports over 800 of society's most vulnerable women and children each year, helping them escape horrific abuse and violence. We provide a safe haven across our five refuges in Luton, operate a helpline, and offer bespoke assistance for families. Our services include access to legal advice, mental health support, employment assistance, and resettlement aid.
One of our refuges is dedicated to women from South Asian communities, with staff who speak Punjabi, Bengali, and Urdu. We also have a refuge for single women with complex support needs, such as mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependencies, often stemming from the trauma of domestic violence and abuse.
In addition to our direct support services, we focus on prevention and intervention by working with schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse. We are committed to disrupting exploitative and abusive relationships to prevent loss of life and reduce the long-term economic and social costs to society. Our services contribute to creating a safer, more compassionate community, supporting women and children from diverse socio-economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, including those with complex needs.
With the current challenges facing our sector, we are focused on creating financial sustainability and resilience within the organisation, focusing on a robust funding strategy and a dynamic response to risk.
Our current Chair will come to the end of their term next year, and therefore we’re seeking a new Chair to support the charity in delivering our vital work.
The Chair of Trustees is a pivotal role within our organisation. Your leadership and dedication will be instrumental in ensuring we not only maintain but also expand our vital support and services for those in need. By guiding our strategic vision and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence, you will directly impact the lives of countless vulnerable women and children, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future. Your commitment will drive our mission forward, creating lasting change and a safer, more supportive community for all.
What are we looking for?
EXPERIENCE
- An understanding and passion for the violence against women and girls sector
- Significant experience as a non-executive
- An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
- Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level
- An ability to network with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Sensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issues.
- Significant experience and success in leading groups of people in either a professional or voluntary capacity to achieve results.
- Experience of chairing meetings.
- Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people.
- Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with a view to maximising impact and benefit.
- Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but also comfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices.
- Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision and engage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally.
- Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities.
- Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection.
- Capacity to support both Board and Executive development.
- An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the Charity
ATTRIBUTES
- Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
- A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
- A strong personal commitment to Women’s aid Luton’s vision and mission replace with: Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
- Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
- Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
The initial appointment is for a three-year term but can be extended for one further term for a maximum of six years.
“Joining Women’s Aid in Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.” – current Board Trustee at Women’s Aid in Luton.
Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female volunteers only for this post in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1). Applicants will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
We actively encourage applications from women from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested to hear from women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and women who have personal experience of domestic abuse.
If you have some time, energy and interest in the domestic abuse sector and believe you can make a difference to Women’s Aid Luton, we would love to hear from you.
We aim to reduce the devastating impact of gender-based abuse/exploitation on all women and children, through safeguarding, empowerment and education.