Independent living volunteer roles in richmond upon thames, greater london

Immediate Theatre is a Hackney based community arts organisation with almost 30 years’ experience of providing quality arts opportunities in East London.  We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Estimated time commitment 25 hours a year.

We are particularly keen to engage people with at least one of the following attributes:

• Young people under 25 interested in developing leadership skills.
• Lived experience of the issues facing our participants e.g.:
  • 90% of our youth theatre participants are from diverse ethnic backgrounds and a high proportion experience economic disadvantage, we know of 115 regular participants who access Free School Meals.
  • 32% of registered participants have special educational needs or a disability
  • Many participants on our Pathways to Employment programme have mental health challenges
  • We work with over 60’s including those experiencing long term illness
• Knowledge about education, we are keen to engage someone with knowledge of Secondary Education and/or academic connections with a relevant University
• Experience of managing a similar size organisation or team
• Experience of marketing.
• Experience in the community arts sector

A full breakdown of the trustee role can be found on Immediate Theatre's website.

The board of trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Farm, it’s financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document and legal and regulatory guidelines.
All trustees should be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity. For example, all trustees should be able to read the financial accounts.

THE ROLE

Main Responsibilities

· To ensure that the charity, and its representatives, function within all legal and regulatory requirements applicable, and in line with the organisation’s governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance.

· To maintain the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity.

· To take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a material risk to the charity, or where the trustees may be in breach of their duties.

· To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.

· To avoid any personal conflict of interest.

· To manage and use the resources of the charity so as to optimise its potential.

· To ensure that robust systems are in place for internal financial control and the protection of the charity’s funds and assets.

· To undergo a thorough induction upon appointment and ongoing training to remain alert to, and aware of, their duties and responsibilities, and of the environment in which they operate.

· To achieve the purpose of the charity and to pursue the charitable objects, and provide public benefit.

Main Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements, and acts within the confines of its governing document and in furtherance to the charitable objects.
• 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 grow and maintain its public benefit and recognising the situation when it may be more appropriate to wind the charity up where there is no longer a need for the charity to provide the services it does or because the charitable objects are no longer relevant to contemporary social situations.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system for the recruitment, appointment and monitoring of the work and activities of the General Manager and, where applicable, other members of the senior management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques (including any electronic transactions) and any applications for funds.
• To maintain absolute confidentiality about all aspects of the trustees’ business, bearing in mind the over-riding legal obligations placed upon trustees.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Good independent judgment
• Strong communication
• Friendly and approachable
• Knowledge of and interest in animals and community farms is desirable.  
• Candidates who are local are desirable, but it is essential that you are able to travel to the farm for meetings, events and the odd day of volunteering.

ABOUT DEEN CITY FARM
Deen City Farm and Riding School is an urban farm with an educational focus in the heart of the London Borough of Merton. With over 60,000 visitors a year, our five-acre site includes a farmyard, gardens, riding school, shop, café and small playground. As well as welcoming visitors who want to meet the animals and enjoy the setting, we also work with local schools and community groups to fulfil our charitable aim of improving the lives of everyone in the community. Volunteering is at the heart of the project and we also provide a work experience programme.
Deen City Farm is a limited company as well as a registered charity.

We are seeking to add to the expertise of our experienced, professional Board of Trustees all of whom are volunteers.  All our Trustees require excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, strategic vision and good independent judgement. Although not limited to, we would particularly value the experience and skills in the following areas : 

• Company Secretary/Legal Experience 
• Fundraising in the following areas – Grant, Corporate and Public 
• Marketing 

Lived or shared experience of mental health – desirable. 

Inclusion is one of our values and we are looking for diversity in the makeup of our Board. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities. The Board of Trustees meets every six weeks (in-person), in the evening at 7 p.m. for approximately 2 hours in the Borough of Sutton. 

As background information, Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1998. Its aim is to support individuals experiencing serious mental health issues in the London Borough of Sutton. We aim to keep such individuals well and active helping them to have a voice in the provision of mental health care in the Borough.  Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to individuals’ anxiety and distress.  The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.We provide nonclinical support through our Intentional Peer Support programme together with a Day Service and a Crisis Cafe at our centre in Belmont. We receive funding mainly from the NHS and the London Borough of Sutton although we are part of the Voluntary Sector. 

The ASE is currently looking for a Trustee with a financial background to join our Trustee Body as Treasurer. This role will help to support the CEO, Director of Finance and Operations, Quality & Audit Committee and other Trustees in carrying out their financial responsibilities, in particular with respect to strategic financial planning.

Current focus remains on ensuring high impact, promoting membership growth and diversifying income streams.  As Trustee, you will help to shape and drive the strategy forward, ensure the association is financially stable, make key decisions on strategic and financial priorities, manage and mitigate risk, review and ensure policies and processes are fit for purpose and follow good standards of governance.  The Treasurer will work in consultation with and on advice from the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Operations. The role is one of strategic oversight rather than involvement in day to day financial tasks. 

The Trustee board is made up of experts from across the science education community - and includes teachers and retired teachers from primary, secondary and post 16 sectors as well as teacher educators, consultants and those working for voluntary organisations in the science education sector. 

The majority of the role will be fufilled in Trustee meetings - which meet up to four times per year (all scheduled to take place online)

Join LMSU as Chair of the Board.  

About LSMU 

Atkinson HR is pleased to be supporting London Metropolitan Students’ Union (LMSU) in recruiting for the position of Chair of the Board. LMSU is an independent, registered charity committed to enhancing the student experience at London Metropolitan University.

As LMSU embarks on their new exciting chapter to fulfil their vision, they are seeking an exceptional leader with a strategic vision to guide the Board and support its mission in creating a connected, high quality and transformative university experience for all students.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead the Board of Trustees in driving LMSU’s strategic direction. 

• Hold the CEO accountable for organisational goals and objectives. 

• Provide support and challenge to the CEO and elected officers to ensure strong governance structures. 

• Build strong relationships within the board and the wider LMSU community. 

• Ensure the Board works together with officers and staff to prioritise students' belonging, wellbeing, and success in everything we do. 

Candidate Profile 

• Ability to demonstrate leadership skills and governance experience at a strategic level. 

• Alignment with LMSU’s values and a commitment to making meaningful impact. 

• Commitment to collective leadership and nurturing strong relationships.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to drive change and oversee organisational development. 

LMSU’s Commitment to Diversifying their Board 

LMSU is committed to championing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all aspects of their work. To ensure an inclusive and representative Trustee Board, applications are particularly encouraged from individuals from Black and Asian backgrounds, women, non-binary candidates and candidates with disabilities.

LMSU strives to remove barriers to participation and is dedicated to ensuring that their recruitment and selection processes are inclusive and accessible.

LMSU welcome applications from outside of London, offering reasonable travel expenses for attendance to quarterly Board meetings. 

Apply now to be a part of LMSU’s promising future. 

How to apply 

Please click 'apply now' or contact Atkinson HR if you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal discussion. 

Key Dates 

• Closing Date: noon, Thursday 8th May 2025 

• Interviews: Monday 19th May 2025, in person. We will endeavour to accommodate any remote interview requests; however, our preference is to do interviews in person.

• Appointed Trustees Induction: Monday 26th May 2025 

• Board Meeting to Attend: Tuesday 10th June 2025 

Good Vibrations is a national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard to reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.

We have an outstanding track record, with the impact of our work evidenced through nine independent pieces of academic research, including by Cambridge University and the University of London.

We are a Registered UK Learning Provider and OCNL Qualification Centre and hold National High Secure Prison Effective Intervention Status.

We are looking for new people to join our Board of Trustees as two members are reaching the end of their tenure. This is a very rewarding voluntary position with an ambitious charity.

We are looking for people with experience of one (or more) of the following areas:

• Lived experience of challenging circumstances / complex needs
• The arts / music in particular
• Fundraising
• Law
• The Criminal Justice System
• Business development
• Financial management
• Strategy

In particular we are looking for a treasurer to help provide strategic financial oversight, ensuring the charity’s financial stability and compliance with regulatory requirements. As a trustee, the Treasurer will work closely with the Board, CEO, Head of Delivery, and any finance-related professional advisors to support decision-making and financial planning. 

This is a voluntary governance role for which your travel expenses would be covered. Trustees are asked to commit to attending 4 meetings (in the evenings) and 1 strategic development day a year. They are also asked for help by sharing their skills on developmental projects. We are particularly interested in people who have experienced the issues participants of our courses have experienced.

To see who is already on our Board, visit Our Board of Trustees on our website's about us section.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to expand our existing Trustee Board, to bring their experience and fresh, innovative and realistic ideas to the charity.

To apply click below and please include a CV and cover letter.

We are looking for two new trustees who can bring expertise from the philanthropic and talent management spheres, respectively.

The Organisation:
Founded in 1868, the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is the oldest charity dedicated to the Commonwealth. The RCS is a network of organisations and individuals across more than 70 countries in the Commonwealth and beyond who promote the value and the values of the Commonwealth. His Majesty The King is the Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, and Her Majesty The Queen is the Vice-Patron. The King succeeded The late Queen Elizabeth II, who had been Patron since 1952 when she was also Head of the Commonwealth. Queen Camilla had previously been our inaugural Vice-Patron since 2018. The Honorary Vice-President is the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.  The Royal Commonwealth Society is governed by an experienced Council comprising the Executive Chair and Trustees.

The offices are in Guildhall, London, with team members based in Canada, Malta, Nigeria, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. In addition to branches, the Royal Commonwealth Society has an active network of over 450 Associate Fellows. Formerly Queen’s Young Leaders and other outstanding young people from all 56 Commonwealth countries, the Associate Fellows are reappointed annually based on their contributions to their respective Working Groups.

The Role:
To get the most out of being on the RCS’s Council, we are looking for those
who have a passion for our aims and can commit to the time and effort
required. Our trustees need strategic vision, independent judgement, and an
ability to work effectively and actively as part of a small but dedicated charitable
organisation.
To fulfil the duties of this role, we are looking for someone who has
considerable experience in philanthropy or talent and human resource
management. A background in the Commonwealth is not required. We are
especially keen to hear from people from a wide range of backgrounds.

• Active and committed Member of the Council to give input into the Society’s strategy and direction
• Management of finances of the Society
• Contribute to fundraising efforts
• Responsible for the governance of the Society
• Serve as a representative of a significant charitable institution

Person Specification:

• Background or experience in philanthropy or talent/people management
• Board/trustee experience would be desirable but not required
• High-level professional experience
• Interest in the voluntary sector and its contribution to society
• Interest in global affairs and an international outlook
• Commitment to good governance
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collegiate approach

Our client is a social enterprise located on London’s iconic Southbank. Established in 1984, their 13-acre site is at the heart of a thriving neighbourhood with co-operative homes, parks and gardens, shops and design studios, galleries, restaurants, a family and children’s centre, sports pitches, and a range of community programmes and activities.

The organisation is overseen by three independent entities working together. These entities are governed by voluntary boards, made up of members from the local community and experts from a range of sectors. All three entities are served by a single staff team. The organisation is one where diverse groups of people come together to live, work and play. 

This is an exciting time to join our client as a Non-Executive Board Member. Following a recent skills audit and upcoming board rotation, they are now recruiting at least five new board members. Their boards play the role of critical friend – advising on governance, strategy and connectivity, while ensuring they stay true to their values, mission and community purpose.

They are looking to appoint:

Board Members who live locally, within their Area of Benefit. These board members will bring lived experience of the neighbourhood and a commitment to its future. No formal board or professional experience is necessary, but they would particularly welcome local applicants with knowledge of finance, HR or housing and property.

Co-opted Board Members who do not need to live locally but will bring specific professional expertise in one of the following areas:

• Finance – Qualified accountant with experience of financial strategy and oversight
• HR –  Strategic leadership, ideally with experience chairing or contributing to HR and remuneration committees
• Housing – Specialist knowledge of social housing, property management, or asset development

Our client is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and wants its boards to reflect the communities we serve. They particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are currently underrepresented on our boards. They also welcome applicants with experience of community development and neighbourhood initiatives.

For further information about this exciting opportunity, and to find out how to apply, please view the dedicated microsite by clicking 'Apply via Website'.

The Board and Leadership team at Charity People is thrilled to be partnering with Amnesty International UK on their 2025 Board Recruitment.

Amnesty International UK:

Amnesty International UK operates in the UK as two distinct legal entities: Amnesty International UK Section Charitable Trust (‘the Charitable Trust’), and Amnesty International United Kingdom Section (‘the UK Section’). Each entity is governed by its own Board with the two working together and co-operating but remaining independent. Each Board operates and makes decisions based on the long-term interests of their respective entity and within the constraints imposed by applicable UK law, their separate constitutions and the overall rules of the global Amnesty International movement.

The Charitable Trust:

Amnesty International UK Section Charitable Trust is a registered charity and a limited company. It fulfils its objectives by raising money and providing charitable grants. It is one of the largest financial contributors to Amnesty International’s work around the world and also funds the UK Section to deliver human rights work in the UK.

The purpose of the Trust:

• To serve as a Trustee of Amnesty International UK Charitable Trust ensuring that the Trust successfully pursues its vision and objectives while acting within its constraints and responsibilities.
• The Trust Board holds fiduciary responsibility for the organisation and safeguards its good name and values. Members of the Trust Board are legally defined as Company Directors and are also accountable as Trustees under charity law.

About You:

Professional experience is of less importance than lived experience or grassroots experience. However, should any applicants have competence in the following areas, we would be pleased to hear from them:

• Human Rights Legal Expertise e.g. practicing Immigration Solicitor
• Grants Administration (either as a grant maker or recipient)
• Strategic Leadership/Governance

How to Apply:

We will host a Q&A webinar with AIUK at 6pm on Monday 28th April 2025, where they will share further insights and answer any additional questions you may have. In the first instance send your CV and we will forward you the recruitment pack as well as the link to register to attend this webinar.

Timeline:

Closing date: 5pm 23rd May 2025

First Interviews: w/c 30th June

Final Interviews: w/c 7th July

If you want to make a difference to people living with a mental health condition then we’d love to hear from you!

About us

At The Mental Health Community we use our lived experience to build understanding and support for what it’s like to live and work alongside managing a mental health condition. 

We know that it can be difficult to get, or keep a job if your energy levels, how you’re feeling and your ability to go to a place of work every day are affected by a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. But we also know that having a sense of purpose and belonging can really help with the symptoms and impact that mental health conditions can have on you.

Our work is focused on helping people with a mental health condition who are in work or looking for work. We do this by supporting businesses to improve how they look after people, because we know that by creating inclusive and safe spaces at work we make it possible for people with mental ill health to stay in the workplace which helps keep them well and benefits the businesses too.

By joining our board you will be: 

• Making a lasting impact by helping us make more workplaces safe and inclusive for people with a mental health condition
• Shaping the future of our charity as we expand our services and reach more people who need our support
• Using your skills and experience for good by helping guide the strategic direction of our charity.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for at least 4 new trustees to join our team. Whatever your skillset, we’d love to hear from you and there are some areas where we need particular help:

· Treasurer: oversee our financial health, provide guidance on building long term financial plans to help us grow and ensure appropriate financial management.

· Marketing and Communications: strategic oversight of our marketing and communications, raising awareness of our work and reaching new audiences through digital strategies and media engagement.

· Fundraising: develop our fundraising strategy and income streams, including grant applications, corporate sponsorship and campaigns.

· Governance: guide us in operating transparently and effectively whilst maintaining high standards of governance in compliance with our governing document and charity law.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental ill health, young people aged 18-30, people of all socio-economic backgrounds, genders and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

About the role

As a board of trustees we meet remotely every 6 weeks, there may be some activity in between meetings so the estimated total time commitment is 4 hours every 6 weeks.

In addition to using your specific skills to develop how we work, all trustees share responsibility for:

· Developing our activities to help us achieve our purpose and positive impact,

· Making sure we are compliant with our governing document and the requirements of the Charity Commission, and

· Being an active member of the board to help us make good decisions

What you can expect from us

We are committed to supporting our Trustees: you can expect an induction to the organisation and trustee role plus any additional conversations and support you need to help you feel confident in your role.

Our meetings are relaxed and informal; there are no expectations of ‘business clothes’, technical jargon or having all the answers.

We welcome and support your preferences for the way we work together, how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to participate actively in our discussions.

One more thing

We know that great trustees come from many backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and that’s great - we really value people who bring different perspectives and add new voices to our team.

But you might not feel you ‘check all the boxes’ as you read this advert or the role description, especially if you’ve been marginalised or excluded. We get it, and we’ve felt like that too. But we hope you’ll apply anyway because we’d love to hear from you and will take care to help you feel welcome and included.

For more information on the role please see the role description.

Buckinghamshire Disability Service (BuDS) is a leading disability charity operating across England.. The role of Co-Treasurer will be pivotal for the charity as it moves forward from a county to a national charity.

What will you be doing?

BuDS is an independent pan-disability organisation which is not tied to Government, NHS or council contracts. Our visionary aim is to abolish disability by building a world which is Fair4All, free of the barriers which disable people. We are led by disabled people and committed to the social model of disability.

We have decided to recruit Co-Treasurers because we recognise that the role will be easier to manage if divided between two individuals.The Co-Treasurers will be Trustees of BuDS and will need to embody our values and ethos. BuDS values diversity and inclusion and encourages everyone who meets the needs of the role to apply, regardless of their background or circumstances.

What Does the Role Entail? 

The role of Co-Treasurer is expected to involve a time commitment of around 2-3 hours per week, a combined total of 4-6 hours between the two post-holders. BuDS works remotely and flexibly using Microsoft Teams, so much of the work can be done at your own pace at times which suit you best. Meetings are kept to a minimum as all the Trustees are busy people. 

Working closely with the Co-Chairs and Co-Secretaries, and split between the two Co Treasurers, the five key responsibilities will be: 

1. The charity’s financial health and managing financial risks or hazards
2. Supporting grant or contract applications and funding proposals 
3. Supervising financial admin and ensuring best practice and compliance
4. Supporting the move to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
5. Curating the Annual Accounts

What are we looking for?

These are the skills and experience we think are needed for this role, divided between the two Co-Treasurers. We are keen to develop people’s knowledge and skills through training and mentoring. 

Essential: 

• Strategic budgeting and forecasting 
• Microsoft Office 365 applications for remote working 
• A flexible, positive, problem-solving and organised approach to tasks 
• Commitment to the social model of disability 
• Lives in England 

Desirable: 

• Accountancy qualifications
• Charity finances and reporting and the SORP 
• Knowledge about Charitable Incorporated Organisations
• Lived experience as a disabled person or someone with a close personal connection

What difference will you make?

Our Trustees’ lived and professional experience of disability will help keep us on the right path as we grow. Trustees also have a key role in ensuring that our Values permeate the organisation at all levels, including within the Board itself.

Change and growth is a challenging time, and the continuing strategic and oversight role of Trustees will be critical to BuDS’ continuing success, with the officers (Co-Chairs, Co-Secretaries & Co-Treasurers) playing a pivotal role. The decisions to which you’ll be asked to contribute will be important

Youth representative invited to join charity Board of Trustees!

Do you have lived experience as a refugee or asylum seeker?

Are you aged 17 – 25 years?

New Citizens’ Gateway is seeking a youth representative to join their Board of Trustees, and you could be an amazing part of helping this charity grow. This will be a fantastic opportunity to gain new skills, including learning how charities run and building leadership and networking abilities. No experience required and trustee training will be offered.

New Citizens’ Gateway is a charity in Barnet, London that empowers refugees and asylum seekers to foster a sense of belonging, integrate into the UK and rebuild their lives, through advice and guidance, campaigning, ESOL classes, community classes and groups, counselling, wellbeing services, youth activities and mentoring. 

Board meetings are held four times a year in addition to attending occasional networking, fundraising and ceremonial events and meetings. All reasonable expenses will be covered by the charity. We anticipate a 1-2 hour monthly time commitment. 

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment.

To apply, please send a short written paragraph explaining a little about yourself and/or why you would like to be part of the Board.

Closing date: 12th May 2025

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by the EOD on Monday 19th in preparation for submission to NCG on Tuesday 20th May.

Luminus Non-Executive Director opportunity

Are you looking for a chance to make a real difference to the lives of local people in Surrey, particularly those at risk of health inequalities?

As the NHS and local authority services face a period of significant change, it's vital that people and the quality of care remain front and centre, and their voices and experiences are heard.

This is a voluntary, unremunerated role, although we do cover all reasonable expenses and applicable care costs.

Luminus is a Surrey-based Community Interest Company (CIC) which exists to make sure those voices are heard. We are now seeking new Non-Executive Directors to help guide the next stage of our growth. This is a great time to join a well-led and well-governed organisation, bringing your existing skills, or building your experience on a Board, as we offer a warm welcome, friendly atmosphere, mentorship and training - as well as the chance to make a real difference. In particular (but not exclusively), we welcome applicants who have experience of one or more of the following:

• growing a business;
• a network of contacts across Surrey and beyond who are potentially relevant to the wider business interests of Luminus; and/ or
• a particular interest/ experience in fulfilling the Board’s oversight of finances and/ or its governance in general.

Luminus welcomes applicants with a diverse range of perspectives and experience, and welcomes people seeking their first Non-Executive Director (NED) role. A willingness to learn about our organisation and the responsibilities of our NEDs, and an ability to commit to the time involved, are essential.

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from ethnic minoritised communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with lived experience of social or health inequalities. If you are passionate about our mission but unsure whether this role is for you, we would love to hear from you - we welcome fresh perspectives.

Time commitment: Quarterly Board meetings plus workshops and potentially sub-committees – around 1 to 2 days per month.

Please find out more about the role in our NED recruitment document on our website.

We are also offering 2 further opportunities to find out more:

• We will be running an online information session via Teams on Wednesday 7 May at 1.30pm where you will be able to hear from our current Board co-chairs and CEO, and ask questions. If you are interested in attending please contact us for joining instructions before 7 May 2025.
• If you’d like an informal telephone chat with one of our co-chairs, please contact us and we can arrange this for you at a time that suits.

How to apply

Please submit your completed application form and CV by 5pm on 16 May 2025. Application forms are available on the Luminus website or message us and we will send to you.

If you have questions about the application process or would like support in applying please contact us.

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 26 May 2025 at our offices in Burpham, Guildford.

Role: Activities Volunteer

Commitment: Currently, sessions are run both during the week (mostly in the afternoon) and at weekends (usually on a Saturday). Activity volunteering is a flexible commitment, and you will be able to sign up for the session you like and when you have time. It really is up to you and your availability. 

Location: Life Without Limits Centre - 10 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6EN 

Availability: RSBC Events · Events Calendar - https://lu.ma/rsbc

Age:  18+ 

Our Mission Statement: 

RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. 

By giving young people the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential.

Our success depends on our values 

Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: 

TRUST: Respect and accountability 

ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning 

AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results 

MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems 

What will I be doing?

Our amazing Activity Volunteers play a key role in supporting blind children and young people to take part in a variety of activities. These range from sports, creative (singing, performing, art), audiobook club and day trips. Our activities are designed for blind young people to meet new friends, gain confidence, learn new skills/sports, and become more independent. The skills you have developed in your career and personal life will be invaluable to our young people. 

Key Tasks and Main Duties 

Face-to-face activities 

• 1:1 sighted guiding from and to public transport locations 

• practical support onsite 

• supporting the sessions 

• facilitate social interaction between the participants 

Who are you?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow RSBC’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for RSBC. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of sight problems. 

What’s in it for me?

RSBC offers the opportunity to gain insight and experience into helping others with sight issues. As part of your volunteering, you will have access to Sighted Guide training, a training session designed to help you understand the issues and complexities of sight problems and give you the ability to help others navigate the world.

RSBC also provides paid expenses for your volunteering experience, you can claim up to £10 per day.

RSBC can also provide references and impact reports from your volunteering if required. 

You will be fully supported in your role by our team of expert and compassionate service delivery team.

Develop or utilise your skills – As a volunteer, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to develop new skills or use those you already have, which can help to build your CV, boost your employability and give you a sense of satisfaction. 

What's in it for the Community? 

Make a difference to people’s lives

Help in your community

Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them.

Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people. 

Safeguarding:

Due to the nature of the role, before you can begin volunteering with RSBC there are some required safeguarding checks which will need to be completed.

All RSBC volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by RSBC) and must provide two references.

All volunteers will also be booked onto safeguarding training.

RSBC risk assesses all its services and activities.

Next Steps: 

If this sounds like you, please fill out an expression of interest, and one of our volunteer team members will get back to you!