Education support volunteer roles

​We hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each term, so apply ASAP to be in time to join our next induction.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment.  We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.

Your duties will include:

• Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
• Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
• Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
• Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
• Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
• Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
• Supervising the children during break times;
• Supporting the children during class trips;
• Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
• Providing feedback and comments to the Rainbow Club Headteacher when required.

Educators and facilitators wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for educator and facilitator volunteers to participate in our community-led working group, who are collaborating with schools, universities and youth groups that help the design of the park. 

Examples of projects are: 

• collaborating on nature walk activities for schools
• supporting university students interviewing teachers
• creating lesson plans to co-design the park. 

Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:

• Buxton School, Leytonstone
• Kingsmead School, Enfield 
• UCL 
• Royal College of Art
• University of Westminster 
• Project Zero
• Voyage Youth 
• Loyola University Chicago 
• Vanderbilt University Nashville. 

We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.

The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

You should be an experienced teacher, educational consultant, forest school leader, training and development specialist, learning designer, facilitator or any other kind of role creating learning projects, programmes and experiences. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. 

Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. 

IvybridgeLink the charity for the BridgeLink Community Centre is looking for trustees with a passion for social justice, a concern for under represented groups and the willingness to support our staff in developing activities and services for our diverse local community.  Useful previous experience would be: fundraising, governance and compliance, community work, education, human resources, IT, buildings management, food and catering.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR CHARITY TRUSTEES

Overall Purpose

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity Ivybridgelink, supporting its values and developing the organisation's aime and objectives.

Main Responsibilities

• To ensure that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector continually striving for best practice in governance.
• To uphold the aims and objectives of the charity IvybridgeLink:
  • To promote learning and educational achievement
  • To encourage pathways into employment
  • To support healthy lifestyles and emotional wellbeing
  •  To offer opportunities for recreation / leisure activities
  • To build a positive sense of community
• To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.
• To follow non-discriminatory and non-judgemental practice, and adhere to the confidentiality policies and procedures.
• To ensure the charity complies with regulatory requirements, as laid out in the governing document. 

 Main Duties

• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
• Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to meet the needs of local residents. 
• Overseeing sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisation’s objectives, and investment activities meet accepted standards.
• Overseeing recruitment processes following safer recruitment procedures.
• Monitoring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources.
• To follow the IvybridgeLink confidentiality policy and maintain absolute confidentiality regarding all information shared or received.
• An understanding and commitment to equalities issues in relations to working in the community.
•  Support the centre’s management team to deliver projects and run events

Accountable to:

As the board are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity,they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders, including: service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House. Close attention must be given to the governing document to ascertain the type of organisational structure and the range of interested parties.

About Access Academia

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

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

What is a Volunteership?

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

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

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

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

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

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

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

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

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

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

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Event Planning & Execution:

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

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

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

  • Manage guest lists, invitations, and event communications.

• Annual Research Programme Coordination:

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

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

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

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

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

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

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

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

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

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

• Post-Event & Programme Reporting:

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

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

What You’ll Gain:

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

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

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

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

• Certificate of participation of the volunteership.

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

Join a dynamic board supporting primary schools in diverse, deprived areas. Use your strategic finance skills to shape the trust’s future, ensure sustainability, and help every child thrive through smart, impactful use of resources.

What will you be doing?

We are seeking a Lead Finance Trustee to join our committed and dynamic board of trustees, working to support primary schools in some of the most socially diverse and economically deprived areas. This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced and strategically-minded finance professional to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.

As Lead Finance Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the trust’s financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability and effective resource allocation. You will use your knowledge of strategic financial management to help oversee budgets, support informed decision-making, and provide robust challenge and assurance to the executive team.

Your expertise will help ensure that public funds are used wisely and transparently, so that every pound spent has a direct, positive impact on pupils. Working closely with other trustees and leaders, you’ll help ensure the trust’s priorities align with its mission to support children in overcoming barriers, reaching their full potential, and thriving at school.

This is an opportunity to apply your skills and values where they truly matter—supporting equity in education and contributing to brighter futures for the next generation.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a finance professional with the vision, integrity and commitment to contribute meaningfully to the strategic leadership of our trust. As Lead Finance Trustee, you will provide expert guidance and challenge on the trust’s financial sustainability and ensure that public funding is used effectively to support the best possible outcomes for children.

You should bring:

• Proven experience in strategic financial leadership, ideally at board or senior management level, within a public, private or charitable sector organisation
• A strong understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, risk management, and long-term financial planning
• The ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate it clearly to non-financial colleagues
• A track record of constructive challenge and oversight, with sound judgement and a strategic mindset

While experience in education is not essential, an understanding of public sector funding, academy trust structures, or governance in a regulated environment would be advantageous.

You will also bring the following personal qualities:

• A commitment to educational equality and improving life chances for children in disadvantaged communities
• Independence of thought, professional curiosity, and a willingness to challenge assumptions in the best interests of pupils
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse and values-driven board
• Integrity, discretion, and a deep sense of accountability for public resources

This voluntary role is ideal for someone who wants to apply their financial expertise to a cause that matters. You’ll play a key part in helping us deliver sustainable, high-impact education for children who need it most.

What difference will you make?

As Lead Finance Trustee, your influence will reach far beyond balance sheets.

You will ensure that financial decisions directly translate into better outcomes for children, particularly those facing disadvantage. By applying your expertise, you’ll help the trust allocate resources effectively—supporting high-quality teaching, inclusive learning environments, and targeted interventions where they’re needed most.

Your strategic oversight will:

• Strengthen the trust’s financial resilience, enabling it to adapt and grow sustainably
• Guarantee that public funds are used transparently and in the best interests of children
• Help shape long-term goals that reflect the needs of diverse, underserved communities
• Provide assurance to stakeholders, parents, and regulators that the trust’s finances are robust and ethically managed

Ultimately, your role will empower the trust to deliver on its mission: to raise aspirations and improve life chances for every child.

Before you apply

A simple CV or application plus an informal interview to assess suitability

The University of Northampton is seeking a new member of its Audit and Risk Committee.

Committee members add valued additional expertise and perspective to support the work of a Board committee, without becoming members of the Board. This can be a great way to get experience and connect with the University with less of a time commitment. Joining a committee does not preclude applying for Board membership in future.   

The Audit and Risk Committee is responsible to the Board of Governors for supporting the Board’s role in risk management, control and governance and for the advising on the probity of the University’s financial statements and the economic, efficient and effective operation of the University.

As a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, you will be at the forefront of the development of the University, overseeing its strategy, direction and long-term future.  You will build professional networks, collaborate with governors and staff, and build your own professional experience, profile and impact. This may include building new skills which will boost your professional expertise.  You will bring skills or experience in at least one of the areas in the Committee’s remit. These are financial management, reporting and planning, accountancy, internal or external audit, risk management, health and safety and legal compliance.

You will work as part of a strong and supportive team of your fellow governors, committee members, and members of staff. In return your skills, experience and broader perspective help the University to ensure that it continues to fulfil its mission. You will be part of an organisation which has social impact as its purpose. The University is an economic engine and a force for social change for the county, the region, and the UK. Our latest Economic Impact Report showed that for every £1 spent running the University, £4 is returned to the economy – a 300% return on investment.

There is more information about the University, the role and how to apply in the attached document. This is also available by contacting Miriam Lakin. 

The University of Northampton is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to providing an inclusive environment for staff, students, governors and our stakeholders. We believe strongly that having Board members from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds ensures the diversity of thought and rigour of debate which characterises a high-performing Board.  Applications from women, those with global ethnic majority backgrounds, with declared disabilities, and from LBGT+ candidates are warmly received.   In recruiting to the committee, we seek a broad and diverse range of previous professional and personal skills and experiences. Appointments take account of the personal and professional skills and experience of applicants in the context of the overall composition of the committee.   

The role is voluntary and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

If you have any questions about the role or making an application, you are welcome to contact Miriam Lakin, Associate Director of Governance, Compliance and Risk. 

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter explaining your suitability for the role with reference to the role description and person specification.  Please send your documents by 5pm on 30 May 2025. Interviews will take place on 13 June 2025. 

Our busy Homework Club is part of our delivery of child and family support services, in order that low income and vulnerable families have improved access to services, employment opportunities and life chances.

In response to requests from parents and young people, the Centre provides after-school Homework and Study clubs during term time. Children from three local primary schools, and a few from Year 7 attend the club.  Many come from families where English is a second language.

Volunteers sit on a table with 1 or 2 children and provide help with their homework, maths and English work mostly, and some reading.  Volunteers commit to one session a week on Friday (3.30 – 5.30pm). 

Our Mission

Each Person Matters: The Cardinal Hume Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.

What are we looking for?

• Ideally you have some experience in teaching, either professionally, voluntary or at home with your own children. 
• You are friendly, patient and can have rapport with children easily.
• Able to help with maths and English at primary school level. 

What is the time commitment?

• Ideally at least one academic term
• Fridays, 3.30 – 5.30pm at The Cardinal Hume Centre and we are trialing an outreach sessions at a local Library & Hotel on otger weekdays

How will you be supported?

• You will be supported by the Family Services staff team. 
• You will have access to wide range of e-learning topics.  Child safeguarding and fire safety awareness is mandatory for all new volunteers.
• You will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Role Title: External Trustee or Student Trustee 

Reporting to: Student Support and Representation Director 

Place of Work: The University of York Students Union / Online 

Position Type: Volunteer - 9 days per academic year (expenses paid)

Closing date: Friday 6th June 2025 at 12.00pm (midday)

Interviews to be held on the week commencing Monday 23rd June 2025.

We will be holding drop-in sessions for those interested in the role on the 23rd May at 1pm. 

Here at The University of York Students Union, we have some exciting volunteering opportunities to join the Union as a External Trustee or Student Trustee. 

About the role

Shape the Future for York Students: Become a Trustee!

Could you make a real difference at a top UK university? Bring your skills and passion to the University of York Students' Union Trustee Board. We are looking for both external (lay) and student trustees and need individuals who can bring fresh perspectives, challenge our thinking, and inspire growth as we adapt to the ever-evolving needs of a diverse student community.

No prior trustee experience? Don't let that stop you – your experience and unique insights are what we value!

External Trustees

Whether you studied at York, somewhere else in the country, somewhere else in the world or took a different route entirely, we want to hear from you. You don't need Students' Union experience; we have a talented staff team. Bring your whole self, and contribute to a richer, more diverse Board. We are particularly keen to hear from those with expertise in: Finance and accounting, Commercial development, Sustainability and ESG, Charity, Media or Company Law.

Student Trustees

Are you a current University of York student with a passion for representation? As a Student Trustee, your knowledge of the student experience will be key in ensuring student voices are central to our strategy and that we deliver the best possible experience for all University of York students. We welcome applications from all registered students, regardless of year, study mode, or background. Whilst we ask that student trustees are available for a minimum of one academic year, student trustees can serve up to 2 consecutive terms of up to 2 years but must be a registered student throughout.

This is more than just a volunteer role; it's an opportunity to develop your leadership skills, contribute meaningfully to our community, and be part of a vibrant and impactful organisation. If you're ready to make a real difference, we encourage you to apply!

Notes

As our Trustees govern the organisation, and are registered as company directors with Companies House, there are a number of verification steps that we will need to comply with. If you are successful, you will be asked to verify your identity (guidance available here) and will also be required to complete a declaration that you are not disqualified from holding a trustee position (guidance available here). Please ensure that you are comfortable with completing these steps before you apply. The Charity Commission provides more information about the role of a Trustee.

These are unpaid volunteer opportunities; however, reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid. The broad time commitment is for attendance (virtually or in person) at approximately 8 meetings/events per year.

If you have any further questions about the position, or if you have a requirement for adjustments that would make the application or interview process more accessible, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Key Dates & Application Process

To apply please submit an online application by midday on 6 June 2025.

All applications will be considered, and a shortlist of candidates will be invited for interview and to meet current Trustees. We recognise the potential time pressures involved in attending an interview and we aim to be as flexible as possible. It is envisaged that interviews (available either online or in person) will take place on 23 or 24 June 2025.

Should the above dates not fit with your current commitments, please don’t let that put you off applying. Let us know and we will do our best to provide an alternative.
 

Further Information

We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. Whatever your background, religion, identity, relationship status if you're good at what you do and want to provide the best experience possible for, with and by our students then jump in with your whole self.

The University of York Students Union is committed to equality of opportunity - we are an organisation who works very hard to ensure we appoint based on merit. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and/or from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are proud to offer an interview to applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised position.

If you are invited to interview with us we will share our interview questions in advance so you can prepare your responses. We’re more interested in hearing about your experiences and ideas than in testing your memory, and so we want you to feel as prepared as possible.

If you have any further questions about the position, or if you have a requirement for adjustments that would make the application or interview process more accessible, please do not hesitate to contact us.

About Children With Voices

Children With Voices (CWV) is a grassroots non-profit organisation dedicated to improving

the lives of children and families through community-driven programs. We run holiday clubs,

healthy lifestyle education, and intervention projects for children aged 5–11 to combat

childhood obesity, antisocial behaviour, and gang involvement.

Our goal is early intervention – giving children the tools to lead healthier, safer, and more

empowered lives.

The Role – Board Member (Volunteer)

We are seeking passionate, community-minded individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As

a board member, you will provide oversight, guidance, and strategic support to help CWV

grow its reach and impact. You don’t need previous board experience – just the drive to make

a difference and bring your unique skills, networks, or community insight to the table.

Key Responsibilities

•Attend and contribute to quarterly board meetings and occasional strategy sessions.

•Support the development of CWV’s strategic vision and community impact.

•Use your professional expertise or lived experience to inform board decisions (e.g.

education, youth work, business, legal, HR, marketing, fundraising, etc.).

•Leverage your personal or professional network to promote CWV’s work and connect us

with funding, partnerships, or opportunities.

•Ensure CWV operates in line with its charitable aims, legal obligations, and good

governance practices.

•Act as an ambassador for CWV at events, with funders, and across your networks.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome board members from a wide range of backgrounds. You may have experience

in:

•Community development or youth services

•Education, social work, or mental health

•Fundraising, business development, or marketing

•Finance, governance, HR, or legal

•Lived experience of the issues CWV addresses

•Or a strong passion for helping children and communities thrive

Commitment

•Time required: 6–10 hours per month (flexible)

•Location: Remote and/or London-based meetings (hybrid)

•Term: Minimum one-year commitment (renewable)

•Training and induction provided

What You’ll Gain

•A chance to help shape the future of a growing, impactful charity

•Experience in governance and leadership within the non-profit sector

•Meaningful connections with like-minded individuals

•Personal fulfilment from empowering children and families

How to Apply

Interested? Please email your CV or a short expression of interest to:

Subject: Board Member Application

Bring your voice to Children With Voices – and help us build healthier, safer, and stronger

communities.

The Nasio Trust

The Nasio Trust is a non-profit organisation that is empowering communities to break the cycle of poverty through the provision of education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods.

The Nasio Trust works in western Kenya - an impoverished yet fertile zone in the country. Located close to Lake Victoria on the Trans African Highway, the area has been ravaged by HIV, whose rates continue to be high. Endemic poverty due to small land holdings, unpredictable agricultural yields and lack of industry has exacerbated other social issues such as teenage pregnancy and child safeguarding.

The Nasio Trust has a holistic and self sustaining model of operation that provides the child with an environment in which they can flourish and grow. Our Early Childhood Education Centres have an intake from age 4 and up. The families of supported children have access to free healthcare through our medical centre and they are empowered to become economically independent through training in enterprises such as soap making and poultry.

Fundraising Strategist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Create a 5-year fundraising strategy for a UK and Kenya based charity that can appropriately tackle prevailing issues in the global development landscape such as funding cuts.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-4 weeks

VOLUNTARY (UNPAID)

We operate two small, World War 2 Heritage Centres; one in Dunkeswell and one Near Upottery (Smeatharpe) in Devon.

Ideally we are looking for local, friendly and approachable people with some spare time, to work as one of a pair, particularly on a Sunday and maybe other days as holiday relief or in case of sickness. Our usual opening times are: Thursday to Sunday, 1100 to 1600. The start of our season is Good Friday and it ends on the last Sunday in October.

An interest in history would be an advantage to you (especially WW2) but you would be surrounded by the history of that Heritage Centre in text and pictures so it is immediately accessible and easy to point visitors towards.  You would work with an experienced person and would have training and briefings first.

If you find this appealing please do contact us and we can get Brian to have an informal chat with you about the role.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO PROCESS APPLICATIONS FROM OUTSIDE THE UK AS WE DO NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES OR FACILITIES TO DO SO.

We are a successful and professionally run charitable preschool at the heart of Walthamstow with a strong ethos and excellent reputation. We’re here to make sure everyone has access to high quality and affordable early years education and childcare.

The treasurer's role is to oversee the financial health of the organisation and ensure that it's managed in a way that protects its financial integrity. This is one of several trustee positions that we are currently advertising for.

What we are looking for:
• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• A clear communicator with the ability to bring financial information alive to non-finance specialists.
• An individual willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting and setting budget

Duties include:

• Working with the Manager and bookkeeper on the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring, at a board level, that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with the Manager and bookkeeper
• Being knowledgeable of the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process
• Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.
• Working with the Manager and chair to oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting financial risk.
• Supporting the Manager/ Independent Examiner to ensure that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies e.g. the Charity Commission
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Manager and chair to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

Trustees - We are also looking for trustees to join as board members

To apply

Please send the completed application form outlining why you’re interested in our organisation and what you would bring to the Board along with a CV to our Manager, Lilijana Markaj

Deadline: Tuesday 29th April 2025

Ofsted Registration: 153685

Registered Charity No: 1123684

Company Number: 6420566

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About the CARAS ESOL Team:

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face adult ESOL classes in Tooting. Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session every Wednesday during these times: 

• Mondays ESOL 9:30 to 13:30

• Tuesday 9:30 to 11:30

• Tuesday One-to-one employability and language learning support 15:00 to 17:00 

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older; 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• An interest in education and English language teaching; 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• The ability to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months; 

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• *Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; 

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role. 

 *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

• CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
• The reading group is in Tooting and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education.
• Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
• The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
• The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
• Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
• Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates. 

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.