Family support volunteer volunteer roles in orpington, greater london
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!
Dear Prospective Trustee
Thank you for your interest in Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML). This pack sets out more information about the charity, the board, the role of a trustee, and how to apply.
We are excited about the future and are looking for energetic, talented and committed individuals to help support the charity as trustees to continue its incredible work for the people of Merton and Lambeth.
What we do
CAML is one of the busiest advice charities in London. We support individuals and families who live, work or study primarily in the London Boroughs of Merton and Lambeth and also elsewhere (dependent on service). We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting individuals and our communities.
We were one of the first Citizens Advice services to open our doors over 85 years ago. We have had an extremely busy few years, with individuals and families increasingly seeking our support with the cost of living crisis. Our support and services are as important today as they were when our work began.
We are part of the national Citizens Advice network of over 240 local charities that deliver advice across the country.
In FY 23/24, we supported over 25,000 individuals. Our information, support and advice services are provided via telephone, online, video conferencing and face-to-face. We provide face-to-face support from two CAML offices and multiple outreach venues in local communities. Our aim is to empower people to better help themselves, but we are always here with further support if needed.
CAML in 2025
CAML is at an important point in its history. Demand for our services continues to accelerate as high levels of hardship become an established reality for many people living in our boroughs. The two boroughs we serve contain pockets of wealth and affluence, but also feature areas of significant poverty and deprivation where our services are most depended upon.
At the same time, similar to many charities, we face funding challenges – not least given the majority of our funds come from our local authorities. Our current turnover is over £1.2m a year. Like others, CAML faces funding challenges often related to changes in central government policies and local government financial challenges, with a need to look at new ways of diversifying income streams.
The organisation has a strong foundation from which to deliver in this difficult environment – particularly with a team that is committed to our clients and expert in giving quality advice. We also have positive working relationships with our funders, councils and partners, and a strong local reputation.
Our leadership
The operational leadership and management of CAML is carried out by our CEO, Simon Shimmens, with three senior managers and a team of around 40 staff and 20 volunteers. Short biographies of our existing trustees are available on our website.
The role of the Board
Each trustee has a responsibility to contribute to discharging the Board’s responsibilities. We do this by:
● Regularly preparing for, attending and participating in meetings
● Understanding the business of CAML
● Contributing to setting policy and strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance
● Monitoring our services, ensuring compliance with our governing documents and policies and monitoring maintenance of Citizens Advice standards
● Monitoring the charity’s financial position and ensuring it operates within its means and delivers on its objectives with clear lines of accountability for day-to-day financial management
● Supporting the charity’s development through participation in agreed projects
● Actively seeking to further CAML’s strategic objectives and acting in its best interest at all times
Above all we are looking for people with strategic vision and independent judgement who together can support the charity and its executive team. As trustees we are visible to our staff and volunteers, engaging and recognising the excellent work they do. Each trustee is expected to spend time with service delivery staff and volunteers, ideally at least once a year.
You will be a genuine team player, able to support colleagues, input constructively and positively to discussions and to support and uphold collective decisions.
As a trustee you will support the charity’s values and objectives and will act as a positive and genuine advocate promoting the work of the charity within your personal networks and to the wider world.
The commitment we need
Each trustee attends quarterly Board meetings and is a member of one of the delegated authority sub-committees – Finance and People – which also meet once a quarter.
While the precise nature will differ month-to-month, this is likely to average at eight to ten hours a month. This allows for board and committee meetings, reading papers in advance of these, ad-hoc actions and discussions, and visiting CAML’s services.
Board meetings are currently held in person in our Mitcham Office, with sub-committee meetings held remotely. Across the Board, we attend key events such as Volunteers’ Week and charity events/activities.
Particular skills/experiences we’re seeking
We are looking to recruit two new trustees to join our strong and dynamic Board.
We would particularly welcome applications from those with skills and experiences to help complement the current Board. Our priority recruitment areas are:
●HR: We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of governance in policies and practice related to employee relations, recruitment, retention, reward and recognition as well as staff and trustee training and development. We are seeking a trustee with senior HR experience to support the strategic oversight of our People approach.
●Accountancy: Financial oversight is an integral part of a well-functioning trustee Board. We are looking to further bolster this expertise within the Board to provide support for our Treasurer if required.
●Pensions: CAML has a legacy Defined Benefit pension scheme (closed to new entrants) and a Defined Contribution scheme. We are looking for an individual with actuarial or pension trustee skills to advise the Board with regard to our pension schemes, and whether we should be looking to make any changes.
●Legal: We are looking to further expand our legal expertise on the Board. We particularly welcome interest from individuals with experience in charity law however all applicants with legal experience are welcomed.
In addition to these skills, we would welcome applications from candidates with previous trustee experience and/or applicants who may be open to taking on the role of Vice-Chair (further information can be provided on this if requested).
The benefits of being a trustee with CAML
Although the role of a trustee is unpaid (reasonable out of pocket expenses are reimbursed), there are many reasons to join us, including:
● Being a trustee is one of the most powerful ways in which you can contribute to your local community and to a cause you care about.
● Corporations of all sizes take voluntary and community enriching activities seriously with trusteeship considered an effective method of professional development and community engagement.
● Being a trustee is a fantastic way of developing your strategic experience and oversight, giving you the opportunity to develop your critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills.
● Being a trustee can open up your professional network.
How to apply
Follow the link to our website and complete the relevant documents at the bottom of the advert.
We are recruiting on a rolling basis and are considering applications as and when we receive them. This recruitment remains live until 30th June 2025.
All applications are considered by a trustee panel, with shortlisted candidates then invited to an interview, to take place within a month of receiving their application.
We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
WE PROVIDE FREE, INDEPENDENT, CONFIDENTIAL AND IMPARTIAL ADVICE AND INFORMATION SUPPORT
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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 AdAmi Project is on the hunt for a dedicated volunteer Safeguarding Trustee to join our friendly Board! You’ll help ensure young mothers in Sierra Leone are protected and supported as they rebuild their lives. We’re looking for someone with safeguarding knowledge, a collaborative spirit, and a strong commitment to accountability and care. Your guidance will help keep our work safe, ethical, and grounded in dignity.
WHO WE ARE
The AdAmi Project works together with young mothers in Bo district, southern Sierra Leone, to build happy, healthy and independent lives. We facilitate opportunities, foster hope, reunify families, build community and amplify the voices of young mothers so that they can be the drivers of their own lives.
ROLE OVERVIEW
As the Safeguarding representative on the Board of Trustees, your primary responsibility is to ensure that safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of the AdAmi Project’s work. You will provide support, oversight, and guidance to help protect the young mothers we serve.
Summary of additional responsibilities:
1. Leadership & Oversight
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Serve as the Trustee’s lead for safeguarding and provide an update at quarterly Board of Trustee meetings.
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Provide oversight on safeguarding practices with our local partners and respond to any concerns appropriately.
2. Policy & Practice
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Support the implementation and regular review of safeguarding policies and practices for AdAmi UK and our local partners.
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Ensure policies comply with UK Charity Commission guidance and are appropriately contextualised to Sierra Leone.
3. Training & Awareness
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Ensure all staff, volunteers and Trustees at AdAmi UK and our local partners receive appropriate safeguarding training on a regular basis.
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Promote a safeguarding culture and continuously share best practices.
4. Monitoring & Reporting
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Regularly review safeguarding reports and incident logs.
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Advise on managing safeguarding concerns or disclosures.
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Support risk assessments related to safeguarding.
Required commitment:
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Attend quarterly Board of Trustee meetings held virtually for up to two hours.
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Liaise with local partners to review quarterly safeguarding reports and provide feedback on safeguarding best practices, as well as ensure teams receive refresher training at least once annually.
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Ad hoc preparation and/or review of key safeguarding documents and policies.
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Represent the Board of Trustees at AdAmi Project fundraising and awareness raising events, as and when is required (a few times a year, maximum).
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
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Experience in safeguarding, ideally within the international development sector
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Understanding of safeguarding policy, risk management, and best practice
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Ability to advise on sensitive issues with care, cultural awareness, and professionalism
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Willingness to liaise with partners in Sierra Leone and engage with safeguarding reports
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Commitment to AdAmi’s mission of supporting young mothers to rebuild their lives
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Strong communication and collaboration skills, especially in a remote team setting
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Thoughtful, reflective, and able to handle complex issues with discretion
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Reliable, responsive, and collaborative in board discussions
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Warm, encouraging, and positive — even when tackling serious topics
TO APPLY
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We aim to keep the process straightforward. To apply, please send a short email outlining your relevant experience, why you're interested in this role, and what you hope to contribute as a Trustee. You’re welcome to include a CV or a link to your LinkedIn profile too.
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Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal conversation with a member of our team. Formal references will be required before confirming any appointment.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Candidates have the option of including a LinkedIn profile link rather than a formal CV
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
Charity Trustee
You and Me Counselling are currently recruiting volunteer trustees to complement the committee members already in their role.
This is a home working role and will be for immediate start.
Our charity
You and Me Counselling is a charitable organisation established in 2011. We are a counselling and psychotherapy service based in Hornchurch, Essex that works with children, young people, adults, and their families in the boroughs of Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest. Our counsellors and therapists work both within schools and from our counselling rooms located in Hornchurch and Ilford.
You and Me Counselling are an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). This means we are fully governed by the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
Job Description
As a trustee you will need to:
- Acknowledge emails at least once a day.
- Give a minimum of one hour per week to the role.
- Attend quarterly trustee meetings online.
- Ensure that You and Me Counselling pursues its stated objectives
- Ensure there is regular review of changes that might affect the organisation (political, financial, demographic, etc.)
- Ensure that the charity complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Monitor finance to ensure that the charity applies its resources exclusively for its charitable objectives.
- Uphold the good name and values of You and Me Counselling.
- Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
- Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
- Supervise, support and appraise the chief executive officer.
- Hold the chief executive officer to account for the management and administration of the charity.
- Ensure that the organisation acts in accordance with employment law and exercises a duty of care to its employees.
- Identify major risks to the organisation and put systems in place to mitigate or minimise the risks.
- Ensure that the organisation has a governance structure that is appropriate to a charity of its size/complexity, stage of development, and its charitable objectives
- Regularly review your own training needs and create an expectation of continuous professional development throughout the organisation.
- Ensure that trustees have an agreed code of conduct and comply with it, and that there are mechanisms for the removal of trustees who do not abide by the principles stated therein.
Person Specifications
All trustees should demonstrate the following skills and values:
- A commitment to the organisation.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
- Good, independent judgement.
- An ability to think creatively.
- A willingness to speak their mind.
- An understanding and acceptance of their legal duties and responsibilities as a trustee
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- Ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data.
Specific Skills
The ideal candidate would have one of more of the following:
- Experience in charity law and governance
- Experience in charity fundraising
- Knowledge of counselling or psychotherapy (as a therapist or client)
- Experience in accounting or financial management
- Experience in business development
- Experience in social media or marketing
- A parent of a young person who has experience of mental health issues
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
What does a Trustee look like?
Look in the mirror!
Right now, less than 3% of charity Trustees are under 30, 8% are people of colour and 36% are women. We are looking for people from across the UK and are keen to recruit trustees from all nations in the UK.
We value the many skills and experiences that you can bring to the Marine Conservation Society. We are committed to a Board culture that enables everyone to be their authentic selves and to enjoy the Trustee experience.
It’s a critical time for our ocean. There is not a moment to waste. Our goal is to recover the health of our ocean so it can help with healing our climate; to make seas protected in law to be protected in practice; and to stop the tide of plastic that’s getting into our waters. By joining as a Trustee, you will help navigate us through the risks and opportunities that we meet.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are essential to achieving ocean recovery so everyone can expect to be treated with consideration and respect in an atmosphere without prejudice, discrimination, harassment or violence.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for people to join our Board with expertise in one or more of the following areas – click on the links for a fuller description:
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Governance/Legal – expected to be a legal professional with experience in charity, company or regulatory law.
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Marine Conservation – knowledge of the marine environment, with policy and/or practical experience of conservation. A network of contacts across the marine sector, particularly with business or government, would be an advantage.
What you can bring to our Board can be just as interesting as where you’ve been working. Ideally, you will have the relevant skills and experience set out in the profile but you should not feel prevented from applying if you do not have experience across all criteria. You do not need to have previous charity trustee experience, but you will need to be comfortable participating at a senior level with complex discussions and the need to be comfortable making pragmatic but key decisions.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We tackle the ocean emergency by working with communities, businesses and governments.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.