Information and advice volunteers volunteer roles in esher, surrey
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!
FCCT are looking for volunteer mentors to play a supportive role by actively mentoring young offenders (aged 15-30 in HMP/YOI Feltham) and to offer support under the ‘7 pathways to Reducing Reoffending’:
FCCT offer support under the seven pathways to reducing reoffending, including signposting to relevant organisations:
- Accommodation
- Education, Training and Employment (ETE)
- Health
- Drug and Alcohol Misuse
- Finance, Benefits and Debts
- Children & Families
- Attitudes, Thinking and Behaviour
- Faith
Our aim is to help young people overcome hardships and make the positive transition back into wider society and to help to reduce reoffending rates.
Scope of Volunteer Main Role and Duties (not exhaustive):
Mentoring Arm:
- Work through a ‘Discharge List’ systematically, cross referencing with the Operations Manager, so as not to duplicate any work or contact with the young people.
- Hand out and (where needed) help complete ‘Questionnaires’ given to young people from the ‘Discharge List’, in order to ascertain what type of job or education sector the young person would be interested in going into. Forms to be given to the Operations Manager afterwards.
- Follow up with a one-to-one session – register the young person to the FCCT programme and completing relevant paperwork, which will include our ‘Client Profile Form’ and ‘Consent Form’.
- Update a shared ‘Client Spreadsheet’ which will be used to capture data information, as to the young people that FCCT are engaging with.
- If required, identify relevant community organisations for the young people to attend post release and contact said establishments, to understand their referral criteria and then make relevant referrals, where required.
- Collect testimonials from the young people in relation to the support FCCT have offered them.
- Mentoring of young people
- Make or facilitate family contacts for resettlement purposes, in relation to the young people.
We are looking for individuals who demonstrate the following attributes:
- Commitment: Shows commitment to the organisation, its values and its clients, understanding that the building of trust and consistency is key, in terms of the clientele FCCT work with.
- Communication: Communicates well both verbally and in writing. An ability to communicate effectively with young people would also be an added benefit.
- Resilience: Demonstrates patience and understanding in the face of challenges.
- Professionalism: Complies with all FCCT policies and procedures, particularly regarding Safeguarding, GDPR etc.
- Non-judgemental: Demonstrates empathy and openness and does not impose personal values or conscious or unconscious bias.
- Solution focused: Can help to identify issues and meets challenges with optimism and offers solutions, seeing them as an opportunity to learn.
Training and Support
We will provide all the necessary training. Training will be provided on an ongoing basis and volunteers will be given a full induction of the organisation and how the projects run.
Time Required
FCCT ask for a minimum of 8 hours a month. Due to the flexibility of the role, the hours can be distributed over different days between the core hours of 9am - 5pm, including Sundays. We are for a commitment of at least a year with the project, due to the flexibility of the role.
Benefits for Mentors Include
Volunteer Expenses will be paid
Training given, which includes modules such as an Introduction to Mentoring, The Criminal Justice System, Communication Skills etc
FCCT staff can provide references for other job/opportunities
Client front-facing work with people with complex needs
Liaison with statutory agencies within the prison
Liaison with community organisations
Liaison with other volunteers
Student Placements
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts 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!
Are you passionate about making a difference?
Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?
No Going Back, an innovative and forward-thinking charity, is looking for dedicated volunteers to support a series of pre-employment workshops for ex-offenders preparing to re-enter the workforce. This is a powerful opportunity to help individuals on their journey to rebuild their lives, gain confidence, and take meaningful steps toward sustainable employment. Join us and be part of a movement that changes lives - one second chance at a time.
About Us
We are a committed and compassionate charity focused on providing support and opportunities to individuals who have faced significant challenges in their lives. Our mission is to empower ex-offenders by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to secure meaningful employment and lead fulfilling lives.
As a Workshop Support Volunteer, you will:
- Assist in the preparation and delivery of pre-employment workshops.
- Provide one-on-one support to participants during sessions.
- Help facilitate group discussions and activities.
- Offer encouragement and guidance to participants as they develop their CVs, cover letters, and interview skills.
By volunteering with us, you will:
- Make a positive impact on the lives of ex-offenders.
- Gain valuable experience in teaching, mentoring, and community support.
- Meet new people and expand your professional network.
- Receive training and support from our experienced team.
- Be part of a supportive and friendly community of volunteers.
Join us in supporting ex-offenders as they reintegrate into the workforce. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, but we do have a few requirements:
- A genuine desire to help ex-offenders integrate back into society.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude.
- Availability to commit to a regular schedule of workshops and mentoring sessions.
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!
Volunteer Befriender: Home-Start Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham
Do you have experience with young children and have two hours to spare a week?
Are you a compassionate and reliable person who wants to make a real difference in the lives of families?
Home-Start WKCHF is looking for volunteers to support parents and children who are facing challenges such as isolation, mental health struggles, or financial difficulties.
About the Role
As a Home-Start volunteer, you will provide emotional and practical support to families with young children in their own homes. Your role may involve:
- Offering friendship, a listening ear and encouragement
- Helping parents build confidence in their parenting skills
- Providing practical support such as accompanying families to appointments, family hubs or groups
- Signposting to additional services and community resources
What We’re Looking For
- A friendly and non-judgmental attitude
- Experience parenting or caring for children
- Good listening and communication skills
- Commitment to volunteering for two hour per week for a minimum of six months
- Willingness to attend free preparation course and undergo a DBS / reference checks
What We Offer
- Free Volunteer Preparation Training Course
- Regular 1-to-1 supervision and ongoing support
- Additional training opportunities to enhance your skills and experience
- Reimbursement of travel and out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteer Social Events
- A chance to develop new skills and meet like-minded people
- The opportunity to make a lasting impact on families’ lives
Join Us!


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!
At MS Society all our activities and services are shaped by our MS community – people affected by MS, volunteers, staff and other experts.
We involve our community in every level of shaping our work – from consultation and engagement, to decision-making and insight groups. That’s how we make sure we meet the needs of our whole community and that what we do works for everyone.
We are looking for Co-production Champions so they can raise awareness about principles of involvement and co-production within the MS community, so that members of our Community can help us to ensure that co-production is at the core of all our activtites.
In this role you will:
represent our MS community
engage with and influence decision makers
inspire people to get involved by delivering presentations at events
and make sure our community’s voice is heard.
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!
As a Local Walk Campaigner for MenWalkTalk, you will play a vital role in supporting a local walk leader, helping to increase the impact of MenWalkTalk in your community. This involves promoting the walk, building relationships with local social prescribers, and growing the community network. In some instances, you may also step in as a backup walk leader when needed to ensure continuity (Subject to meeting necessary criteria). This role is ideal for someone passionate about men’s mental health, community building, and teamwork.
Key Responsibilities:
• Assist the local walk leader by managing non-walk-related tasks.
• Function as a backup walk leader to ensure walks continue seamlessly if the leader is unavailable (Subject to meeting necessary criteria).
• Promote local walks through sharing our social media posts, and distribution of marketing materials (flyers/posters etc.), in local businesses and community boards, to reach a wider audience.
• Share photos and success stories (subject to participants permission) for our Marketing Officer (MO) to create engaging content to highlight the benefits of walking and talking for overall wellbeing and encourage participation.
• Encourage participants to promote the walk in their networks.
• Build relationships with local social prescribers, businesses, and community organisations to support and expand the walk's network.
• Function as a liaison between interested organisations, the walk leader, and MWT office team, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration.
• Identify opportunities to increase walk attendance.
• Collaborate with Fundraising Officer (FO) to identify grants and funding opportunities.
• Assist in planning and executing events or initiatives to increase awareness about MenWalkTalk’s mission.
Our volunteers must have:
• Passion for Mental Health: A commitment to improving men’s mental health and supporting your local community.
• People Skills: Ability to engage and build relationships with individuals and organisations.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills for promoting the walk and consulting with stakeholders.
• Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, including marketing, networking, and planning.
• Flexibility: Willingness to adapt and step in as a backup walk leader when needed.
• Social media: Familiarity with promoting events or initiatives through social media platforms.
Important thoughts on our volunteer roles
MenWalkTalk has been set up to offer opportunities for men with mental health issues to come together and feel no pressure or stigma about discussing their issues with other men.
Supporting men with mental health issues is at its core, and it may help you in your volunteering if you too have lived experience of a mental health problem, either personally or from a close relative or friend. It will also help if you have an open, non-judgemental attitude, and that you are able to adopt a positive, patient and supportive approach towards supporting people with mental health problems.
We would like you understand that whatever role you are able to volunteer for, when representing MenWalkTalk volunteers should always behave in a professional, confidential and non-discriminatory manner at all times, and promote equal opportunities for all.
What a MenWalkTalk Walk volunteer should not do
MenWalkTalk is about getting more people walking, benefiting from the physical, social and mental wellbeing benefits that come from walking and talking.
Within their volunteer roles, MenWalkTalk Campaigners and Walk Leaders should not offer to provide individual or emergency support for people experiencing mental health problems or in crisis. There are lots of people and organisations who can help, and MenWalkTalk Campaigners and Walk Leaders will be provided with information and guidance on signposting anyone to access the necessary support.
Similarly, unless they are qualified to do so MenWalkTalk Campaigners and Group Leaders won’t provide therapeutic or coaching advice. Again, you will be provided with information on directing anyone to the appropriate support.
More About MenWalkTalk:
Mission
To provide support to any adult male, whether they may have experienced, or are experiencing, a mental health issue or not. To listen to them, support them, walk with them and signpost them to specialist support where appropriate.We want to raise the awareness of mental health issues that men currently face, promoting a better understanding of this area.
Vision
“For men to feel able to speak out, feel heard, understood and supported. To promote a positive change in people’s lives through mutual support and advice”
Values
Welcoming; We understand it can be difficult; we are here for you. Approachable; We are available without judgement. Partnership: We understand there is strength in numbers and will support you to further support. Positive; We will try to find the positive in every situation.
To provide support to any adult male, whether they may have experienced, or are experiencing, a mental health issue or not.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
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 client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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 ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Service
Our ESOL provision is part of the Centre’s Employment and Learning Service, which also includes digital inclusion and employment support.
We have qualified volunteer ESOL teachers providing 1:1 support to clients who want to improve their English. We also have a couple of volunteers running small conversation classes at the Centre, within our Family Services.
We now want to expand our ESOL offer to include learning opportunities offsite in a group setting to adults and young people in temporary accommodation, mainly asylum-seeking families.
What will you be doing?
- Conversational English with a small group
- Find out from your students what areas they want to cover and what skills they want to develop
- Encourage a positive atmosphere where students feel they can make mistakes
- The aim of the groups is to help our clients to become more independent and to pursue their social and professional goals.
- Be aware of the variety of levels within the class, providing support for weaker students and challenge for stronger ones
- Give students encouragement and constructive feedback
- To liaise with the manager of Family Services and communicate any issues that arise with the class
How does this role make a difference?
This support provided by volunteers to our clients really helps them progress with their English. Often clients do not have opportunities to learn English or interact with an English speaking person, so this opportunity is invaluable to them. Improving our clients English also enables individuals to access our other services such as welfare rights and Immigration advice services, digital inclusion, which will in turn, improve their employment prospects and assist in integration in their local community.
Who will you be helping?
Our clients are refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who are unable to afford or access English classes at colleges. We have many clients at the Centre who need support with their English.
What are we looking for?
- Experience in teaching English as a second language to adults in a group setting and to mixed abilities and a range of languages.
- A recognised ESOL/EFL teaching qualification such as CELTA.
- Good communication and organisational skills.
- An awareness of some of the issues that affect refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
- A commitment to upholding the Centre’s values of valuing each person, welcoming, encouraging potential, working together, reflecting and improving.
Time Commitment:
The class will run on Wednesdays from June 2025, from 10.30am – 12/12.30pm. We ask for a commitment to run this 90 – 120-minute class for at least two terms ideally.
How will you be supported?
- You will be supported by our Volunteer Coordinator, the Manager of Family Services and the wider team
- You will receive a Centre induction.
- You will have access to e-learning modules on a range of topics.
- You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out of pocket’ expenses such as travel.
- You will be invited to social and other events
Recruitment Procedure
Register on our online volunteering database. We will contact you and, if suitable, arrange an informal interview.
The Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
This is an opportunity to lead the protection of the vital footpaths and rights of way network across the countryside of East Sussex and ensure walking in the natural environment is accessible to all.
You will coordinate a team of Local Footpath Wardens and will be responsible for assessing proposals affecting paths and for developing Ramblers' response to and comments on those proposals, liaising with Ramblers' central office and other stakeholders as necessary.
You will represent Ramblers' Sussex Area on rights of way issues with the local authority and at meetings and public events.
To undertake the role you will need to keep up to date with legal and policy information about paths and planning issues nationally as well as in your local area.
The skills required for the role are to be confident but diplomatic; able to understand complex rights of way and legal issues; be friendly and personable with the ability to influence; and good at presenting arguments in writing and in person.
The role will offer you the opportunity to use your existing networking skills; to develop new skills and knowledge in relation to rights of way issues; and to work with a small group of fellow volunteers to influence local policy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Marmalade Connections is a time-limited, one-to-one project covering most of the South West. Based on the enabling/empowering social prescribing model, trained volunteers make weekly calls to project members for up to 15 weeks, focusing on their specific needs and interests. The project supports those in our community who are the most socially isolated, and who experience chronic loneliness (feeling lonely all or most of the time).
Marmalade Connections is not a 'befriending call project'. These conversations lead to volunteers signposting the project members to local social activities and community support, to improve their social connections long term.
As a Marmalade Companion Volunteer, you will support one or occasionally two of our project members (the people we support) for a period of up to 16 weeks. The role involves phoning a matched member once a week for a friendly call lasting about 30 minutes plus researching potential social connection and activity opportunities. You will receive training on how to build up a trusted telephone relationship with your project member(s) to enable you to support and signpost them to relevant services and activities. The aim of this project is to help reduce social isolation and loneliness and to support your project member(s) to discover lasting connections in their community.
We exist to help create a society where we recognise that loneliness exists and support each other to make new connections
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
MUSLIM VOLUNTEER MENTOR
Can you offer your support to a young person via mentoring?
FCCT are looking for volunteers to play a supportive role by actively mentoring young offenders (aged 15-30 in HMP/YOI Feltham) and to offer support under the ‘7 pathways to Reducing Reoffending’:
FCCT offer support under the seven pathways to reducing reoffending including signposting to relevant organisations:
- Accommodation
- Education, Training and Employment (ETE)
- Health
- Drug and Alcohol Misuse
- Finance, Benefits and Debts
- Children & Families
- Attitudes, Thinking and Behaviour.
Our aim is to help young people overcome hardships and make the positive transition back into wider society and to help to reduce reoffending rates.
Scope of Volunteer Main Role and Duties (not exhaustive):
Mentoring Arm:
- Work through a ‘Discharge List’ systematically, cross referencing with the Operations Manager, so as not to duplicate any work or contact with the young people (primarily of Muslim faith).
- Hand out and (where needed) help complete ‘Survey Questionnaires’ given to young people from the ‘Discharge List’, in order to ascertain what type of job or education sector the young person would be interested in going into. Forms to be given to the Operations Manager afterwards.
- Follow up with a one-to-one session – register the young person to the FCCT programme and completing relevant paperwork, which will include our ‘Client Profile Form’ and ‘Consent Form’.
- Update a shared ‘Client Spreadsheet’ which will be used to capture data information, as to the young people that FCCT are engaging with.
- Identify relevant Mosques etc for the young people to attend post release and contact said religious establishments, to understand their referral criteria and then make relevant referrals, where required.
- Collect testimonials from the young people in relation to the support FCCT have offered them.
- Mentoring of young people
- Make or facilitate family contacts for resettlement purposes, in relation to the young people.
We are looking for individuals who demonstrate the following attributes:
- Commitment: Shows commitment to the organisation, its values and its clients, understanding that the building of trust and consistency is key, in terms of the clientele FCCT work with.
- Communication: Communicates well both verbally and in writing. An ability to communicate effectively with young people would also be an added benefit.
- Resilience: Demonstrates patience and understanding in the face of challenges.
- Professionalism: Complies with all FCCT policies and procedures, particularly regarding Safeguarding, GDPR etc.
- Non-judgemental: Demonstrates empathy and openness and does not impose personal values or conscious or unconscious bias.
- Solution focused: Can help to identify issues and meets challenges with optimism and offers solutions, seeing them as an opportunity to learn.
Training and Support
We will provide all the necessary training. Training will be provided on an ongoing basis and volunteers will be given a full induction of the organisation and how the projects run. Volunteer expenses will be paid.
Time Required
FCCT ask for a minimum of 8 hours a month. Due to the flexibility of the role, the hours can be distributed over different days between the core hours of 9am - 5pm, including Sundays.
Benefits for Mentors Include
Volunteer Expenses will be paid
Training given, which includes modules such as an Introduction to Mentoring, The Criminal Justice System, Communication Skills etc
FCCT staff can provide references for other job/opportunities
Client front-facing work with people with complex needs
Liaison with statutory agencies within the prison
Liaison with community organisations
Liaison with other volunteers
Student Placements
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Closing date for applications: 31st May 2025
Location: New Cross, London
Salary: Voluntary, Unpaid
Interviews: June 9th - 10th 2025
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About Us:
Goldsmiths Students’ Union is a charity representing over 10,000 students studying at Goldsmiths, University of London, on issues that matter to them. We are student-led, with hundreds of volunteers, dozens of part-time elected officers, and four Sabbatical Officers - students who have been elected by their peers to take a year out of their studies to lead us from the front.
We are a democratic organisation, with a Student Assembly and established trustee board. The Trustee Board delegates responsibility for the day to day management of the organisation to the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive serves the Trustee Board and is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic plan for the management of all staff and resources. The Students’ Union staff team is made up of over 120 permanent and casual employees who work full-time and part-time.
Our Culture:
At the heart of our culture lies a genuine dedication to nurturing the personal and professional growth of our staff. In this year's engagement survey 93% of our staff wholeheartedly agreed that they would recommend Goldsmiths Student Union as a fantastic place to work. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where each team member thrives.
The Role:
As a trustee, you will work closely with the Student Union Officers, staff team and students, to deliver on our strategic aims, ensuring that we are making continuing progress to be recognised for the innovation and quality of the services and support that we provide.
We are seeking at least one trustee with experience in the charity or education sector. The Trustee Board meets formally six times annually, with meetings generally held midweek in the early evening and lasting a few hours.
Download the full job pack below:
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Applications Process
If everything above sounds good to you, we would love to receive your application. Please use our application form to apply as we do not accept CV's and Cover Letters.
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Students at Goldsmiths University come from a variety of backgrounds. We are therefore committed to ensuring our workforce is reflective of our members. We encourage applications from people with different circumstances and from all walks of life as well as those from traditionally underrepresented groups.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
At MS Society all our activities and services are shaped by our MS community – people affected by MS, volunteers, staff and other experts.
We involve our community in every level of shaping our work – from consultation and engagement, to decision-making and insight groups. That’s how we make sure we meet the needs of our whole community and that what we do works for everyone.
We are looking for Co-production Champions so they can raise awareness about principles of involvement and co-production within the MS community, so that members of our Community can help us to ensure that co-production is at the core of all our activtites.
In this role you will:
represent our MS community
engage with and influence decision makers
inspire people to get involved by delivering presentations at events
and make sure our community’s voice is heard.
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!
At MS Society all our activities and services are shaped by our MS community – people affected by MS, volunteers, staff and other experts.
We involve our community in every level of shaping our work – from consultation and engagement, to decision-making and insight groups. That’s how we make sure we meet the needs of our whole community and that what we do works for everyone.
We are looking for Co-production Champions so they can raise awareness about principles of involvement and co-production within the MS community, so that members of our Community can help us to ensure that co-production is at the core of all our activtites.
In this role you will:
represent our MS community
engage with and influence decision makers
inspire people to get involved by delivering presentations at events
and make sure our community’s voice is heard.
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.
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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!
We are currently recruiting volunteers to be part of our Governance team. The Data Protection Consultant will be responsible for overseeing the clinic's use of data and legal obligations under GDPR, maintaining high standards throughout. They will respond to the Governance and Compliance Manager.
We are a forward-thinking advice and support charity for the Trans Community. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Data Protection Consultant to consult on our data protection procedures to ensure we are compliant with all regulations relating to data privacy. The Data Protection Consultant will play a pivotal role in guiding our clinic through the data protection processes.
This senior consultancy position will involve overseeing the clinic’s data protection policies and procedures, ensuring best practices are followed, and fostering a culture of compliance. You will work closely with senior leadership to develop strategies for growth while safeguarding the clinic’s data protection.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a growing legal clinic through a pivotal stage of development. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the clinic, ensuring it meets the highest professional standards while contributing to a meaningful cause.