Fundraising group member volunteer roles in manchester
Salary: N/A This is an unpaid volunteer role
Location: UK-based. Meetings are held in London, Manchester, Bradford, and Birmingham
About Refugee Action
Refugee Action exists to work with refugees and people seeking asylum who’ve survived some of the world’s worst regimes. We are a national charity with more than 40 years’ experience of empowering people who’ve survived some of the world’s worst regimes to secure the protection and support that they need to live with dignity and respect and build a new life in the UK. We do this by providing expert advice and casework, building the capacity of partner organisations and campaigning on the policies that affect them.
Our new 2030 Strategy
Here is the link to our 2030 Strategy; you can read more here.
Everyone involved in developing our new strategy was clear that if we want to create the future that refugees and many people in the UK want, we must demolish the hostile environment. It’s an environment that manifests itself in the racist rhetoric of our leaders and the systems they create; systems that are dehumanising and complex, which segregate people and sap their spirit.
Our current leaders may be stooping to new lows with their words and policies, but they are simply repeating the behaviour of previous Governments. The hostility has been ramping up for years. And that hostility is rooted in a racialised logic that underpins the entire asylum and immigration system.
As a trustee of Refugee Action
We are currently looking to recruit 2 new trustees to join the Board of Refugee Action. Both roles are for people with lived experience of displacement.
You will be responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and steering the long-term stability of the charity. You will need to persuade, influence and communicate effectively with the rest of the board.
Please don’t be discouraged if this isn’t something you’ve done before, or if you don’t meet all elements of the role specification; we will provide mentoring and training to support new Trustees to understand their role. Please do consider applying if you have the courage and enthusiasm to encourage, challenge and support us to be the best we can be.
All our trustees are committed to being actively anti-racist and removing the barriers to power for people with lived experience. You will need to be committed to and demonstrate an understanding of shifting power to people with lived experience, anti-racist practice and decolonisation.
Overall duties of Trustees
Statutory duties
- To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
- To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document for public benefit
- To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: the organisation must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.
- To contribute actively to the board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
- To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
- To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
- To ensure the financial stability of the organisation
- To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
Other duties
In addition to the statutory responsibilities outlined above, other duties may include:
- Lead and provide guidance to the board in a given area of expertise
- Meet with donors and any other stakeholders to represent Refugee Action and its beneficiaries
- Keep up to date with Refugee Action’s services to clients, Influencing and Fundraising work
- Attend 5 meetings a year– 4 board meetings and 1 away day.
- Read and scrutinise board papers before a meeting so as to be able to contribute fully in the meeting
- Occasional participation in a working group
- Occasional participation in staff interview, disciplinary or grievance panels
Skills, knowledge, and experience need for this role
- Commitment to Refugee Action’s vision, purpose and values and to act in a manner consistent with these, including being committed to shifting power to people with lived experience, anti-racist practice.
- Sound independent judgement with the confidence and insight to make positive contributions to board discussions.
- An interest in and some understanding of charity governance, the role and expectations of trustees.
- An ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a member of a team.
- Ability and willingness to positively represent the organisation.
- A willingness to learn and to enable us to learn from you.
- Experience of strategic thinking and of setting monitoring and reviewing plans
- Ability to read and understand financial information, review organisational policies and practices and identify key areas of risk (Training also offered in these areas if needed)
- Understanding of the role of Trustee and the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities this involves. (Training also offered in these areas if needed)
To apply for the Trustee role
To apply for the Trustee role, you will need to submit a maximum of no more than 4 A4 pages explaining how you meet the Experience, Skills and Knowledge section outlined in page 3 – 4 of the Role Description.
Experience may be paid or voluntary, full or part-time, in the UK or overseas. Don’t be discouraged if this isn’t something you’ve done before, or if you don’t meet all elements of the role specification; we will provide mentoring and training to support new Trustees to understand their role.
Closing date: 23:59 28 September 2025
Interviews: 15 October 2025
Refugee Action only operates in the UK, so all roles are UK-based.
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Thank you!
Welcome and thank you for your interest in becoming the Chair of the board at The Hardman Trust
- Are you keen to help people leaving prison and support them to work towards their goals?
- Do you believe that with the right support people can rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and break free from the cycle of reoffending?
- Do you share our conviction that no one should be defined solely by their past, and that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive?
If so, you could be one of the people we are looking for to help The Hardman Trust move into the next
exciting chapter of our work.
Who are we?
The Hardman Trust was established in 1994, with the aim of helping people leaving prison after long
sentences. Our founder, Guy Armstrong, was a prison Chaplain. He saw the challenges facing this
group: homelessness, a lack of workplace skills, stigma, isolation, low confidence, and poverty. A fund
was set up to provide financial assistance to purchase tools and equipment, offering a helping hand
into employment. We now know from experience that this practical approach works. The people the
Hardman Trust has supported over three decades have used this financial support to gain
qualifications, start their own businesses, find employment and a new direction in life. We are now
extending our reach so more people can benefit from our support and sharing our evidence and
insights to help shape a more effective, humane criminal justice system. Achieving this means securing
the right funding, building strong partnerships, and ensuring our resources are used with maximum
efficiency and impact.
We are looking for several new Trustees to join the Hardman Trust Board. If you want to support our
mission, and you feel that you have the commitment and the life or professional experience for the
role, we would love to hear from you. In return, you will have the chance to make a meaningful
difference to those serving long sentences; and you will be part of a passionate and committed team
of staff, trustees and volunteers. We offer support to all new Trustees and if you haven’t been one
before, don’t worry - we will make sure you have access to any training and development you feel you
need.
It is a privilege to be part of the Hardman Trust’s work. It is an incredible organisation making real
change in the criminal justice sector. It is an exciting time to join the charity – we have recently
appointed a new CEO, Annette So and we are looking forward to developing our direction for the
future and fulfilling our vision where everyone can achieve their potential within and beyond prison.
The Trustee role
The Trustees work collectively as a Board. They have ultimate responsibility for governing the
Hardman Trust charity, directing its management, and ensuring it is well-run and operates according to
its purposes. They are legally responsible for the charity's finances, reputation, and compliance with
the law. Each Trustee brings their own lived experience and/or professional skills to support the charity
achieve its aims. Most Trustees also learn new skills during their time on the Board.
We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know
that diverse groups of people make better decisions. We are keen to hear from people who can bring
perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us
progress our vision.
Trustees are not usually involved in the day-to-day running of the charity. However, they work closely
with the Hardman Trust’s dedicated staff team, who are supported by a wider group of volunteers. The
Trustee role as in the majority of charities, is unpaid although legitimate expenses – travel costs for
example – can be claimed.
The Trustees’ key responsibilities
- Provide leadership to the Board in setting the charity’s strategy and priorities
- Oversee a collaborative and effective Board that brings diverse perspectives
- Support the Chief Executive, offering guidance and challenge
- Champion the charity’s mission and values, acting as an Ambassador and building relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, donors and the wider criminal justice sector
- Ensure effective governance and decision making, including chairing quarterly board meetings
- Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission and relevant legislation.
- A full job specification is included below for further information.
What we are looking for
Experience of leadership, ideally at Board or senior executive level. You don’t have to have been a Chair before, but you do have to have experience of being a Trustee.
- Strong governance knowledge and an understanding of the responsibility of charity trustees
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and able to build relationships effectively
- Strategic thinking with the ability to support and challenge constructively, and an inclusive leadership style
- Someone who will act as an advocate for the charity and be willing to champion the Hardman
- Trust through personal networks, social media and other channels.
- The ability to be responsive and flexible – we are a small charity which sometimes requires the
- Chair to be available at short notice or out of hours to offer support or advice
- Commitment to equality, diversion and inclusion and to improving outcomes for people serving long prison sentences
- Experience of the criminal justice sector, prisons or related fields is desirable
Please review the document The Hardman Trust Chair Pack for more information about this position and details on how to apply.
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!
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:
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Deliver training and awareness workshops in schools, youth groups, and community settings.
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Assist in designing engaging resources such as toolkits, handouts, and presentations.
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Support our online education campaigns by creating posts, videos, or articles that raise awareness.
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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:
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A passion for protecting children and young people
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Confidence in speaking to groups or willingness to learn
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Creativity in designing educational materials or content
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Good communication and teamwork skills
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Good digital skills (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Canva)
What You’ll Gain
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Free training on safeguarding, sexual exploitation awareness, and workshop delivery
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Experience in education, advocacy, and youth engagement
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The chance to make a tangible difference in your community
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Opportunities to develop public speaking, content creation, and teamwork skills
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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.
Registered Charity
Raising awareness and prevention on sexual exploitation & sex trafficking. Amplifying our voice until freedom is experienced for all women and girls.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.