External trustee volunteer roles

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?

ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life. 

ECU’s board members are responsible for ensuring that ECU is well-run and delivers on our ambition to accelerate the transition to a fair, sustainable and resilient economy. They are responsible for fulfilling the legal duties of a Company Director, as set out by Companies House. Although ECU is not a charity, it is focused on delivering a public purpose, so most aspects of the role are similar to that of a charity trustee role.

We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance. 

This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.

Summary

Role: Helpline Support Volunteer

Reporting to: Operations Director / Helpline Manager

Benefits: on the job training; ongoing professional development opportunities, and access to mental health and wellbeing support.

Hours: 3.5 hours per week (minimum)

Role Type: Voluntary (reasonable expenses will be paid)

Location: First Floor, 1192 Stratford Road, Birmingham, B28 8AB (office based)

Application deadline: 9am on Friday 19 September 2025

Interviews: Monday 29 September and Tuesday 30 September

Training: for 3 weeks across October (09:30-14:00 on 6th,7th,8th,13th,14th,15th,20th,21st and 22nd - please note these dates may be subject to change)

Start Date: 06 October 2025

About Us

Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK) is an award-winning national charity based in Birmingham and has been running since 2003. MWNUK are working to advance equality and social justice for Muslim women and girls. MWNUK achieves its aims through research, campaigning, training, engaging with its membership, evidence-based advocacy, and by operating a culturally sensitive helpline and counselling service.

Training

Due to the variety of enquiries we receive and their sensitive nature, the first month of your role will involve specialised training.You will be required to attend 3 mornings per week for 3 weeks.

Purpose of the Role

We are looking for individuals to volunteer on our Muslim Women’s Network (MWN) Helpline Service which primarily provides support to victims of domestic abuse, violence against women and girls (VAWG) and related issues. We are also recruiting volunteers for a new helpline service focused on recording incidents of anti-Muslim hatred.

As a Helpline Support Volunteer, you will be answering calls, emails, texts, webchat and on Amal Safety mobile app from service-users and supporting them on the wide variety of issues that are raised on the Helpline.  The helpline supports women on more than 45 different issues with most of the calls relate to VAWG as well as mental health and wellbeing.

All responses must be in line with the ethos of MWNUK which upholds protection from discrimination, harassment and victimization in line with the Equality Act 2010. The nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

You will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of the client cases on MWN’s bespoke online databases, ensuring data complies with GDPR requirements.

Given the nature of the role, experience supporting individuals - particularly Muslim women - is essential. This may be through paid employment, volunteering, or informal support of friends and family.

You may also have the opportunity to contribute to maintaining website resources, promoting the service, supporting other MWNUK projects and activities related to Helpline issues.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided to help you feel confident and equipped in your role.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a highly motivated and organised individual who is passionate about women’s rights and keen to make a difference. An interest in Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector and tackling anti-Muslim hatred / Islamophobia is important.

We particularly encourage applications from women who may have taken a careers break or have caring responsibilities as full training will be provided and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.

Main responsibilities

• Providing high-level support to users of the MWN Helpline and/or a new anti-Muslim hatred / Islamophobia incident recording service, responding to telephone and electronic enquiries.
• Manage helpline cases, including accurate data entry into MWN’s bespoke database.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to data protection policies at all times.
• Attend training sessions as directed.
• Stay informed about developments and legislation on key issues such as forced marriage, violence against women, hate crime, Islamophobia, and related topics.
• Carry out administrative duties and provide support to the Helpline Manager, Operations Director, and Trustees as required.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who:

•  Has a strong interest in the charity sector, particularly in empowering racialised communities and Muslim women.
•  Can work in a non-judgmental, culturally and faith-sensitive manner.
•  Demonstrates accurate listening and note-taking skills.
• Has an approachable and friendly manner, with strong communication skills.
• Possesses excellent IT skills, including data entry and email correspondence.
• Speaks a second language (e.g., Urdu, Arabic, Punjabi, Mirpuri, Pashtu, Bengali, Gujarati).
• Has experience supporting Muslim women and girls—through paid work, volunteering, or informal support.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism when engaging with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Has knowledge of key issues affecting Muslim women and girls, including domestic violence, sexual violence, forced marriage, honour-based violence, hate crime, Islamophobia, and mental health.
• Works effectively as part of a team.
• Can work independently in a highly organised manner.
• Is driven and committed to providing the best possible service and ensuring the success of the Helpline.
• Understands and upholds confidentiality, data protection, and professional boundaries.
• Has knowledge of the community sector and its role in supporting vulnerable groups.

 Equal opportunities awareness

• Demonstrates awareness of diversity issues and maintains a positive, non-discriminatory, and non-judgmental approach.
•  Committed to working collaboratively and flexibly with all members of the MWNUK team.

Essential

• DBS basic clearance

Application process

Stage 1: How to apply

Please send your cover letter (and CV if you are including this) by 9am Friday 19 September 2025. Your cover letter should be no longer than one side of A4 and must include the following:

• Your name and contact details (address, email, phone number)
•  Languages spoken
•  Why you are interested in this role
• How you meet the criteria outlined in the job description and person specification
• Transferable skills relevant to the role—feel free to draw on experiences from home life, education, work, or volunteering
•  Confirmation that: you can commit to the hours outlined and you can attend all training days
• Any existing affiliations with MWNUK (e.g. relationships with current staff, volunteers, or board members)
• Details of one referee who is not related to you

We welcome CVs in addition to the cover letter, but they are not mandatory.

Stage 2: Interview process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview on Monday 29 September or Tuesday 30 September 2025.

Further information

•  Unfortunately, we are unable to provide feedback at Stage 1 of the application process.
• A Basic DBS clearance is required for this role.
• If successful, references will be requested. To help speed up the process, please include referee details in your cover letter and/or CV.
• In accordance with The Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1), this post is open to women only.
• Please note that, in line with MWNUK’s legal obligations as a charitable company, all job applications (successful or otherwise) will be retained for a minimum of six months. Applications will be securely deleted once retention is no longer necessary.
• For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Role Description

We are seeking dedicated innovative thinkers, event superstar planners, and fundraising heroes to join our Events & Fundraising Team at Emerge Worldwide. Our goal is to develop impactful events that generate essential support to protect children and young people from sexual exploitation.

The role will:

• Design and deliver memorable events
• Engage local communities and sponsors
• Promote our mission broadly
• Raise life-changing transformative funds

Your expertise and ideas can help us make an impactful difference to lives.

Join us and contribute to the protection of vulnerable children, young people and women.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking volunteers with experience in Events - designing, researching, planning, delivery, and Community Engagement. We are also seeking volunteers who have fundraising experience including working around sponsorship. 

We are looking for volunteers who have:

● Experience in planning successful events and activities.

● Experience of fundraising in the charity sector is desirable but not essential.

● Reliable, organised with good timekeeping.

● Able to work independently and proactively as well as in a team.

● Clear and confident in communication.

● Excellent working knowledge and comprehension of written English.

What you will gain:

By volunteering with us, you’ll experience the profound impact of helping communities, be part of a movement changing lives across the UK, gain experience in advocacy, and work with a team passionate about protecting children, young people and women against exploitation and trafficking.

Impact of Role

1. Fuelling the Mission

• Every event organised and every pound raised goes directly towards programmes that protect and empower vulnerable children and women.
• Volunteers help generate the funds that allow Emerge Worldwide to deliver training in schools, create resources, and support awareness campaigns.

2. Expanding Reach & Awareness

• Events are not just about money — they also raise the charity’s visibility and influence.
• By helping to plan and run events, volunteers spread the message of exploitation prevention to a wider audience, attracting new supporters and partners.

3. Building Community & Partnerships

• Volunteers help bring people together through fundraising dinners, charity runs, community fairs, and awareness campaigns.
• These events build a sense of shared purpose and create lasting relationships with donors, schools, businesses, and local communities.

4. Creating Memorable Experiences

• With creativity and enthusiasm, volunteers help design fun, inspiring, and impactful events that engage people’s hearts.
• These experiences encourage people to give generously and stay connected to the cause long-term.

5. Sustaining the Charity’s Growth

• By contributing to fundraising targets, volunteers ensure Emerge Worldwide can expand its projects, train more schools, produce more resources, and campaign for systemic change.
• This means their behind-the-scenes efforts translate into life-changing impact for survivors and prevention for those at risk.

We are a welcoming team, dedicated to creating a positive and engaging volunteer experience where you’ll feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring your ideas to life.

Please note that we will request references, and a DBS check will be required due to the nature of our work.

Our Education Team is central to our mission — and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to help us deliver workshops, create educational resources, and raise awareness both online and in person.

About Emerge Worldwide

Emerge Worldwide exists to protect children, young people, and women from sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. Through education, training, and advocacy, we equip communities, schools, and professionals with the knowledge and tools to prevent exploitation and safeguard the most vulnerable.

The Role

As an Education Team Volunteer, you will:

• Deliver training and awareness workshops in schools, youth groups, and community settings.

• Assist in designing engaging resources such as toolkits, handouts, and presentations.

• Support our online education campaigns by creating posts, videos, or articles that raise awareness.

• Help evaluate feedback from workshops and contribute ideas for improving delivery.

Skills & Experience We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be a teacher or safeguarding expert . We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• A passion for protecting children and young people

• Confidence in speaking to groups or willingness to learn

• Creativity in designing educational materials or content

• Good communication and teamwork skills

• Good digital skills (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Canva)

What You’ll Gain

• Free training on safeguarding, sexual exploitation awareness, and workshop delivery

• Experience in education, advocacy, and youth engagement

• The chance to make a tangible difference in your community

• Opportunities to develop public speaking, content creation, and teamwork skills

• Ongoing support and mentorship from the Emerge Worldwide team

Time Commitment

We are flexible — whether you can give a few hours a month or more, we’ll work with your availability. Most workshops run during school hours, with some evening or online opportunities. Other work can be completed in times convenient for you.

Impact of role:

1. Raising Awareness & Knowledge

• By delivering training sessions and workshops, volunteers will give young people, parents, and professionals the tools to spot the signs of grooming and exploitation early.
• Every workshop increases community understanding.

2. Empowering Communities

• By educating schools, youth groups, and the wider public, volunteers help communities learn how to protect and support vulnerable children and young people.
• They equip people with practical steps for prevention, safeguarding, and reporting.

3. Creating Resources with Lasting Value

• Volunteers help design toolkits, handouts, and digital content that schools, families, and agencies can use long after a session ends.

4. Preventing Exploitation Before It Happens

• Through education and awareness, volunteers help reduce the risk of exploitation in communities by teaching early warning signs, online safety, and where to get help.
• This proactive approach can save lives and protect children from harm.

5. Strengthening the Charity’s Voice & Reach

• By educating online (social media, blogs, campaigns), volunteers help amplify Emerge Worldwide’s message to a much wider audience, influencing policy, practice, and public opinion.

6. Personal & Community Transformation

• Volunteers become role models and advocates, showing children and young people that their lives matter and they have support.